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

Advertisement

DCxPC 2025

Recently-posted album reviews

Detention

Dead Rock ‘N’ Rollers
Left For Dead Records (2024)

Life ain’t so easy in the detention home- Dead Boys. Emerging from the underbelly of Jersey, made up primarily of three brethren. Raised on rock and roll and sipping from the chalice of early punk rock stalwarts like Da Bruddahs from Queens, Hey Ho! and the Pistoleros of Sexual Nature screaming banshees from across from the large pond. Thus forging … Read more

Nightfreak

Nightfreak
Big Neck Records (2024)

Semi-feral punk outfit NightFreak are back with a self-titled LP filled with breakneck riffs and 70s metal bombast. The Chicago group haven’t slowed down since 2022’s Speed Trials but they have filled out. NightFreak the album is lousy with warm back beats and melodic guitars; although, hardcore vocals and tight drums still reign supreme. Album opener “Blackout” is dead serious … Read more

Death By Unga Bunga

Raw Muscle Power
Jansen Records (2025)

I’m pretty sure I became aware of Mike Krol when The Whiffs posted about playing some shows with him. Krol is a bit of an anomaly. Not only is he on Merge and collaborates with Mac Superchunk- a dream scenario imo- but he’s also been elusive of my fan boy attempts at cold dm’ing him about stuff even tho we … Read more