MARE COGNITUM – An Extraconscious Lucidity

The second album from the U.S. Atmospheric Black Metal band Mare Cognitum is actually more interesting and creative than their most recent output (Luminiferous Aether). Besides the slightly viking melodies akin to Agalloch on the opening "Collapse Into Essence" the compositions like "Pyre of Ascendance" reach Opethian proportions or Hypocrisic ones on "Egosphere". Material is very well composed, varied and engaging. Unfortunately, while it is more original than their fourth album, already the looming presence of the heavy association with Agalloch does not let me give it a higher score than I gave to their latest output even though I like this album more.

http://marecognitum.bandcamp.com

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