Album Review: Ophe – Litteras Ad Tristia Maestrum Solitude (My Kingdom Music)

Litteras Ad Tristia Maestrum Solitude is the new album from black metal band, Ophe. Due to be released on February 16th 2018 via My Kingdom Music.

Five tracks long but coming in at about 35 minutes, the one man-project Ophe is all about a raw mix of old school black metal sounds mixed with a few modern ideas. Ideas that incorporate Avauntgarde & dark atmosphere.

The obliterating style of drumming & guitars are at the forefront of Somnum Sempiternium with the bitter & cold vocals sitting comfortably in the background. Behind all of this are a bevy of unusual effects, symphonic elements & fuzzy feedback. It makes for a hefty listen, albeit a somewhat disjointed one.

Any hope of making sense of Litteras Ad Tristia Maestrum Solitude is put to rest with the whispered vocals & haunted horror style effects of Decem Vicibus. An interesting interlude, let down by the length (it goes on for nearly five minutes).

It’s followed by XVIIII, opening with what sounds like static & the creaks of something rusty. Without breaking stride, Ophe turn up the heaviness. Bringing in a more rhythmically enjoyable style of blackened metal. One with its fair share of riffs & solos.

The longest track on the album, Missive Amphibologique D’Une Adynamie A La Solitude continues the oddessy of oddness that Ophe are taking us on. A absolute medley of crushing metal & confusing effects. It stops & starts constantly resulting in an unfortunately jarring experience. A pity as when it’s trucking along, it’s bloody great.

A puzzling listen finishes up with Cadent. A finale that at least pulls things back from the brink…just. A slow, melodic finale that dials up the haunting & oppressive side of Ophe. The softly sung vocals are a highlight that, to be honest is quite short on them.

Ophe – Litteras Ad Tristia Maestrum Solitude Full Track Listing:

1. Somnum Sempiternim
2. Decem Vicibus
3. XVIIII
4. Missive Amphibologique D’Une Adynamie A La Solitude
5. Cadent

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You can order the album from My Kingdom Music’s store here & via Apple Music below. Find out more about Ophe on Facebook.