Review
Heresi
Psalm II: Infusco Ignis

Hydra Head (2006) Tyler

Heresi – Psalm II: Infusco Ignis cover artwork
Heresi – Psalm II: Infusco Ignis — Hydra Head, 2006

In my experience, there is no such thing as a bad one-man black metal project. Every single one I have heard has impressed me in some way or another, and Heresi is no exception to this rule. Although Heresi shares the misanthropic attitudes of other black metal soloists like Xasthur and Leviathan, the sound is significantly more technical and thrashy. Created by multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Skamfer, formerly of Swedish black metal band Ondskapt, Psalm II: Infusco Ignis comes across as focused and well conceived. In fact, there are few full black metal bands that can put together as good an album as this one is.

To be honest, sound-wise, this album is relatively upbeat coming from someone who is quoted as saying, "It is always the right time to do lots of drugs and die." With the exception of one track, it's pretty fast, replete with unrelenting blast beats and vicious, yet catchy, riffs. And the production is perfect for the delivery, trebly but not too trebly. Another nice touch is the lyrics being all in Swedish. Something about the way Skamfer grunts "bevingad och försedd med horn" at the end of the song of that name sends shivers up my spine - in a good way, of course.

Psalm II: Infusco Ignis is true black metal at its very best: fast, raw, but catchy enough to warrant repeat listening. If I hadn't been told otherwise, I would never have guessed this was the work of just one guy. So, Skamfer, wherever you are, you kick ass. He doesn't drill the same riff into your head for eight minutes straight like some of his contemporaries; things never get monotonous and overall, the album flows perfectly from riff to riff. As awesome as Xasthur is, it's not something one can listen to on a regular basis without seriously considering suicide. Heresi, on the other hand, is just a little more listenable. Plus, it's way easier to headbang to.

I'm not sure if Psalm II: Infusco Ignis was meant to be an EP or full-length, but it doesn't really matter because it feels just about right, clocking in around 30 minutes. It has an epic feel to it, with four out of five tracks being five to six minutes long. Yet it doesn't stretch things out longer than necessary, leaving you satisfied but hoping for future material. There needs to be more black metal albums like this one.

8.9 / 10Tyler • January 3, 2007

Heresi – Psalm II: Infusco Ignis cover artwork
Heresi – Psalm II: Infusco Ignis — Hydra Head, 2006

Related news

Hydra Head Signs Lustmord / Heresi

Posted in Labels on July 14, 2006

Recently-posted album reviews

Middle-Aged Queers

Theatre of Shame
Engineer Records, Sell The Heart Records (2025)

Theatre Of Shame is the third LP from Bay Area band Middle-Aged Queers, a band whose moniker definitely gives away the plot. The band celebrates community with party punk songs like "Glizzies Banging" and "Pajama Party," but it also has pointed political commentary about the dangers of a bigoted society. In equal parts, Theatre Of Shame is about celebration and … Read more

Sleep Pod Two

Rehearse Your Future
Mindpower Records (2025)

You can always tell when a band contains seasoned musicians. They give off a different aura through their music and it sounds complete. It just meshes better. The songwriting is well done, the vocal melodies are catchy, and the transitions from verses, choruses, and bridges are complex but accessible. That is the case with this band. Let me introduce you … Read more

The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die

Dreams of Being Dust
Epitaph (2025)

I’m instantly drawn to bands that have intriguing or long names. Without even listening to the first note of the band, I know it’s going to be pushing the boundaries of normalcy in music. Which is why it should be no surprise that TWIABP, in certain spots through this album, remind me of the band ...And You Will Know Us … Read more