This came out in 1998, so I can't honestly say whether it superceded the "Songs From the Forest" MC, or if it in fact came before. I would tend to claim the former, as the musical progressions can be seen in myraid examples. Interestingly enough, even though the two cassettes were released not a year apart, already the label has been switched from Pagan Folk to Old Legends.

As I alluded to prior, in various ways this MC outdoes the rather dour compositions of the "Songs..." MC; firstly, the sound has been noteably improved, now incorporating a better distortion on the previously flat and lifeless guitar; secondly, the songs themselves have been remarkeably progressed, now osscilating between several tempos, time changes, rythm changes, and most of all, fluctuations in the music itself (IE sound). Whereas "Songs..." provided a mere pleasant atmosphere with which one could indulge, "Cedamus" builds from a violent foundation of pulsating electronic drums, inhuman/synthetic/cosmic vocals, and a better, yet still undoubtedly underdevelpoed guitar sound. I suppose the synthetic origin of the music is what the band (Jacek) was striving for; even in Kataxu I have always heard an inmistakeable cosmic/astral desire, punctuated particularly in the myriad synthesizer compositions which are scattered throughout their releases. For example, listen to the beginning of the track "War," on their split with Thunderbolt, and tell me this does not propel you into another dimension! Furthermore, listen to the song before that, the instrumental keyboard track, and try and tell me the same! Even in the somewhat more structurally traditional BM songs I hear this celestial influence creeping into the fold. Were getting sidetracked here...

Backpeddling a bit, we see on this recording an improved sound, and consequently, a powerfully evocative ambience throughout. Once again, the electronic overtones which provide the structure for the album further this atmosphere by adding the inhuman origin. And again, the vocals are nothing less than the best, and once again, I ponder how in the hell this man can do them! First that hate/yearning, then the throat losenges!!

There are lots of tracks on here, and each one is specifically unique in and of itself. Cedamus, like the related Kataxu is a band which incorporates a striking linearity into their musical compositions; the listener is never brought to a concluding phrase, continuing chorus, or even a noteable rythm section to which the instruments inevitably return. Instead, the music continues on and on, building on seperate harmonies and expanding them to their full capacity. Although technically demanding, these compositions are great for the listener because they provide a musical genesis of sorts; a renewal of interest in and through every unique listen. Furthermore this clearly implies a technical mastery of both musical structure and execution.

Lastly I need add that Cedamus borders dangerously on the fringe of techno; imagine electronic tampered with to the point of a subtle yet inmistakeable dance beat. I would hate to call it dance music, but alas, some sections are certainly so. Interestingly enough however, they are not half bad. The utterly hateful screams that fly high over the beats are just enough so that the music still retains the dark and labyrinthian ambience, and furthermore, saves these particular sections from ruining an otherwise impressive album (as did De Infernali).

Expect haunting/cosmic atmospheres and a hint of BM played over violent electronics and synthesizers (Dead World) and you have got a start.

© 2002 orodruin