Magnum Opus - IATT (Review)

Back in 2019, IATT dropped their album “Nomenclature” which instantly became my favorite; even to the point of having it in my Bandcamp collection! Fast forward to the present day, I was so glad to see IATT again in my promo list for their newest album. This Philly progressive extreme metal ensemble set a course true to their convictions and shine an unapologetic ghostly light through the fog into the beyond. The band is back with their newest album “Magnum Opus”, and I can’t wait to discuss about it!

The album intro “Servitude, Subjugate” opens with a melancholic tune on acoustic guitar before bleeding into the sheer heaviness with its caveman styled riffs and open dissonance chords like Hath and Opeth. The fast tremolo riffs of black metal along with the sheer highs and intense lows on vocals build up the atmosphere, prevalent throughout the album. Beginning with choppy riffs and marching drums, “Ouroboros” showcases a plethora of melodic and catchy tunes that grabs attention right away! The biggest takeaway though is the Saxophone solo by Jorgen-Munkeby (Shining, Emperor). With its brief clean section of guitar and bass solo, IATT shows it does know when to slow things down and build-up right after.

“Prima Materia” showcases great phrasings with dynamic shifts and comes off as a fun track to listen to. Along the halfway, the tracks guide on a transcendental voyage with its slow pacing and atmospheric passages. In addition, the saxophone and guitar solos provide a pleasing contrast, and are a bliss to the auditory lobes. “Elixir of Immortality” seems to have a doomy vibe and is based on dissonance notes and chords, evoking the blackened death feel similar to Hath. The mellow intro to “Exculpate, Exonerate” just acts as a perfect bait to the sheer heaviness of the song. 

“Demiurgos” is a very technical-laden track with moments of blistering guitar solos. Halfway, unexpected phrasings and jazzy-neoclassical elements take up the front seat, while the symphonic elements in the back always act as the necessary backbone. “Seven Wandering Stars” shows the black metal mayhem in its purest form, with each element being expressed to its highest form. Also, with Jakejake Superchi from Uada on the guest vocals, things can hardly go wrong. The song also shifts into the melodeath realm to provide some blackened melodic phrasings. With the final track “Chrysopoeia”, the band manages to blend in everything that makes the album special itself - it can be best described as Black Metal with sprinkles of melodeath, jazz, progressive and acoustic elements.

For an album titled “Magnum Opus”, the band justifies the name to its fullest potential. Having lyrics on Alchemy concepts is another point on why this record has turned out to be one of my favorites. (Another favorite record of mine, Equipoise - “Demiurgus” also has lyrics on Alchemy). The suffocating aura of the black metal, combined with the horror brought forth by the soundscape provides an ultimate listening experience. Having an undeniable old-school touch to the sound, the bright guitars and the powerful drums shines through every moment. For me, the slow moments along with the carefully crafted intro and the subtle sonic elements breathe life into the whole record. In short - “Magnum Opus”  is one hell of a journey to venture forth with, and IATT proves why they are the masters of the genre. 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Website: https://www.facebook.com/iamthetrireme

Label: Black Lion Records

Genre: Progressive Black Metal

Worldwide Release: May 27th, 2022.