Chicago’s Necronomicon Ex Mortis continues their masterful blend of horror and metal with The Mother Of Death (November 29th), a shred-heavy and story-driven EP that captures everything fans love about the genre. Clocking in at just over 17 minutes, the band expertly delivers an exhilarating mix of blistering riffs, melodic death metal brutality, and cinematic horror themes that leave an indelible mark on the genre and on the listener.
The EP kicks off with “Trick or Treat,” a ferocious opener drenched in macabre imagery and fueled by rapid-fire guitar solos and unrelenting rhythms. This track sets the tone for the EP and showcases the band’s knack for combining technical precision with raw intensity.
Drawing inspiration from the Dishonored video game series, “Infestation” ramps up the energy. With its relentless speed and dark atmosphere, the track is a testament to the band’s ability to craft immersive soundscapes that complement their storytelling.
The title track, “The Mother Of Death,” stands as the EP’s centrepiece and weaves a chilling tale of cults and manipulation. Inspired by The Conjuring 3, the song balances cinematic elements with aggressive riffing. It creates an experience that feels both grandiose and unhinged.
“Itchy. Tasty.” shifts gears with a brief yet eerie tribute to Resident Evil. This track serves as a chilling interlude, leaning into atmospheric tension before the EP closes on a high note with “Salem’s Lot.” Drawing inspiration from Stephen King’s iconic novel, this song is an epic closer, marrying haunting melodies with searing guitar leads that echo the terror and drama of the source material.
Necronomicon Ex Mortis delivers a sonic assault that is as tightly executed as it is creatively ambitious. With The Mother Of Death, the band cements their reputation as purveyors of horror-infused metal, delivering a short but potent collection of tracks that demands repeat listens.
