Label: Independent
Release date: January 3rd, 2017
In the shadowy corridors of the underground metal scene, Ad Cinerem emerges as a force to be reckoned with. Their full-length debut “Shadows of Doubt” released independently in 2017, solidifies their position as purveyors of a unique blend of blackened doom metal. With little information available about the band beyond their Dresden origins in 2014, they let their music speak for itself – and it speaks volumes. From the very first notes, the album immerses the listener in a realm of melancholy, atmosphere, and relentless force, striking a delicate balance between raw aggression and sorrowful introspection.
Hailing from Germany and deeply rooted in traditional black metal, Ad Cinerem was founded by Val Atra Niteris (drums, guitar, bass) and Hekjal (lyrics, guitar, vocals). Their early works, including the 2015 demo “Once Mourned…Now Forgotten”, established their intent to explore the darker aspects of the human condition. “Shadows of Doubt” expands on this vision, delivering a harrowing yet mesmerizing sonic experience.
The album’s strength lies in its ability to weave expansive compositions, where doom-laden riffs intertwine seamlessly with black metal’s piercing tremolo melodies. The production is raw enough to maintain a sense of authenticity yet polished enough to allow each instrument to carve its own space. The guitar work is particularly notable, with mournful leads rising above crushing rhythm sections, painting bleak soundscapes of despair and longing.
Hekjal’s vocals are the emotional nucleus of the record. His tormented growls and anguished clean passages serve as conduits for the album’s themes of loss, existential struggle, and isolation. Unlike many in the genre, Ad Cinerem does not rely solely on brute force; rather, they build atmosphere through measured pacing, letting each note linger and resonate.
While doom metal is often characterized by its slow tempos, Ad Cinerem injects bursts of black metal fury, with rapid drumming and soaring tremolo sections providing moments of catharsis. This dynamic interplay between restraint and chaos ensures that the album remains engaging throughout its runtime.
Thematically, “Shadows of Doubt” explores the human psyche’s depths, questioning the paths of ruin we walk upon and the inevitability of self-doubt. This is not an album of easy answers; rather, it is an introspective journey through the turmoil of existence, conveyed through a musical palette both beautiful and harrowing.
In a scene where many bands struggle to find a unique voice, Ad Cinerem has crafted an album that stands apart. “Shadows of Doubt” is a testament to their ability to fuse the bleakness of doom metal with the sinister edge of black metal, creating a sound that is both haunting and deeply affecting. For those seeking an immersive and emotionally resonant metal experience, this album is an essential listen. Ad Cinerem is a band worth keeping an eye on and one that deserves far more recognition than they currently receive.
