Velonnic Sin - Ophidious (2007)

It's been just a little over three years since this albums original 2007 release, and while its been my hope that eventually listeners would catch on and discover Velonnic Sin it seems this black metal gem has gone almost completely unnoticed, and probably will remain so.

VS originally came into creation in New York back in 2003 as Velinnos’ solo project with Kaluer and Infirmity adding session drums and synths. In 2003 the debut demo, ‘Daemonized Dreams’ was released and a year later paired up with Sin Origin’s demo, ‘Beyond the Cemetery Gates’ as a low priced split release. In 2005 the debut eight track, thirty nine minute album, ‘Ritual’ was released by blackmetal.com records. Shortly thereafter Sin Origin drummer Nemesis Infernum was added to the VS ranks making the band a two piece affair with Velinnos on guitar, bass, vocals and lyrics, while Nemesis Infernum played all drums/percussion and backing vocals. At the end up 2007 the duo produced their sophomore release, ‘Ophidious’ a forty six minute, eight track release that dealt with the presence of serpents in various cultures and religions.

Ophidious carries on in a similar path as the bands debut, ‘Ritual,’ however this time around all facets of the bands music appear improved. The music is considerably more melodic with plenty of interesting guitar riffs as well as even a few solos here and there. Besides these appealing qualities I also simply find the music to be catchier and full of energy from start to finish. Nemesis Infernum's drum work is beyond exceptional and if you’ve had the opportunity to hear Sin Origin ever than it should be more than obvious that he is one of the finest black metal drummers out there today. I’ve always been a bit of an appreciator of fast drum rolls and Nemesis offers up plenty of them during this recording as well as the high-speed double bass pedal work you'd expect in black metal. Of course his playing isn't all about speed as there are plenty of slower moments during this recording too.

I’m really overwhelmed by the whole flow of this album as well. Soon as the ominous intro, ‘A Dream In Leucism’ comes to a close and the commanding, ‘Vengeance And The Gray’ enters I think you’ll see how colossal this album is. The band even gives the listener a bit of time to catch their breath with the song, ‘Impurity,’ which is a bit slower, but they come back just as dynamically brutal as before with the stunning, ‘Constricting The Dead.’ I also find myself really impressed by, ‘Lernæan Fiend’ and ‘Shedding The Firmament,’ but the whole bloody album is just tremendous.

I think most will label Velonnic Sin as fast melodic black metal band, but what’s interesting is that there are plenty of spots in this album where the music becomes calmer and more menacing sounding. The intro to Shedding The Firmament is certainly proof of this. Therefore basically what I’m trying to say is this isn’t the standard brutal monotony of Marduk or Dark Funeral here.

I must also mention the detailed and impressive lyrics and Velinnos’ vocals have always blown me away as well. His vocal attack has always sounded very original to me, and I think the only voice you could compare it to might be the singer from Kult of Azazel. There are also some spoken vocals on this album as well Nemesis Infernum adds some lower growled vocals and of course not to forget the Gregorian style chants throughout the album.

If there’s anything more that needs to be said than it is this: Get this album! As I said before this is quite possibly the best black metal album I heard in 2007 and is simply a must for those that enjoy speedy melodic black metal with excellent lyrics, great production values, and an overall perfect performance from the two members.

Unfortunately it looks like nowadays VS may very well be finished, but they definitely made a lasting impression in the black metal genre with this colossal release known as, 'Ophidious.'

Thee, we hail!