Contra Omnes by Afraid of Destiny
Contra Omnes is the disillusioned, hysterical and warlike mantra that pervades the vision of the uncouth and hypocritical theatre that surrounds us. It is meant to be a vein of nihilism that spurts disdain towards the illusory and asphyxiating constructs of a decadent society. We are used to the worst, but there is never enough. We are against, we are not there, do not count on us. NO, simply and categorically, the motto, the summa, the concept.
«Come ratti, fuggite.»
Written and produced by Afraid of Destiny between 2019 and 2021.
Recorded between January and April 2022.
Drums recorded at Virtual Studio (Treviso, Italy). Vocals recorded at Pyramid Studios (Treviso, Italy). Mixed and mastered at Mordor Sounds Studio (Nuremberg, Germany).
“Requiem in Do Diesis Minore" has been written in memory of Angel Cobos Martínez. May his memory stay alive.
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«When I saw the cover art of "Contra Omnes", I thought that no music would compare to its power, but fortunately I was wrong. This work sounds in several ways. Sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly, sometimes easily, sometimes unwieldily, yet it is able to create different emotions at every moment. It definitely has the spark for greatness!»
Kronos Mortus - 9.5/10
«Afraid of Destiny are unrecognizable on the latest album "Contra Omnes". The listener is treated to a captivating feast for the ears that is not only ideal for the ears of Atmospheric Black Metal fans.»
Ammo Supports the Underground - 9/10
«Whether Afraid of Destiny’s sound identity remains anchored in a striking and contrasted Atmospheric Black Metal, the band continues to evolve to offer with "Contra Omnes" softer, even unexpected tonalities at times.»
Acta Infernalis - 90/100
«Beyond Black Metal, which is no longer predominant... much beyond DSBM, which remains present in the atmosphere, ultimately revealing itself as marginal and certainly not predominant, adding a mix of Rock, Metal and Ambient belonging to different directions. But this is the beauty of music, this is the true strength of art and of a record like "Contra Omnes".»
Metalhead.it - 8.5/10
«The majority is a splendid journey that we’ll be taking quite a few times, as additional nuances do pop up on repeated listens. A monumental release is in Afraid of Destiny’s future, and we’ll be there for it. Until then, let Contra Omnes soak in and envelope us in darkness.»
Dead Rhetoric.com - 8/10
«A praise also goes to the production (the best obtained by the band from Treviso so far) which makes "Contra Omnes" a product definitely worth trying for lovers of atmospheric black metal and above all for those who appreciate bands like the Piedmontese Enisum or the whole scene carried out by labels like Amor Fati, Art Of Propaganda and Northern Silence.»
Metalitalia - 7.5/10
«Well done Afraid of Destiny in trying to go beyond the stylistic features of the classic Depressive, "Contra Omnes" may not make you cry out for a miracle but it shouldn't go unnoticed especially by those who love to dive into the murky waters of the most desperate and engaging Atmospheric Black Metal.»
Grind on the Road - 7.5/10
«No matter how decadent we may make our lives or how far the rot of materialism that consumes us seeps ever deeper, “Contra Omnes” stands as a bleak reminder for those who refuse the truths of reality. Many try their best to bring such grandeur to this particular corner of black metal, but it is here that Afraid of Destiny far exceeds many of its contemporaries aren’t able to deliver.»
Head-Banger Reviews - No score
«Worth a spin or ten if morose black metal with an artistic hand is one’s cup of tea. We’ve taken this album more than a few times, and it ages like fine wine.»
No Clean Singing - No score
Tracklist
| 1. | Abyss | 3:57 |
| 2. | Anti | 7:54 |
| 3. | Ramblin' | 9:28 |
| 4. | Breath | 6:04 |
| 5. | Hear Me | 6:07 |
| 6. | Lullaby | 4:03 |
| 7. | Requiem in Do Diesis Minore | 15:29 |
Credits
Adimere - Rhythm guitar, keyboards, orchestrations
D.D.T. - Lead guitar, keyboards
F.B. - Drums
J.S. - Bass
R.M. - Vocals, lyrics
Andrea De Marchi - Drums (Engineering, Recording)
Fabio "Black" Gatto - Vocals (Production, Engineering, Recording)
Hannes Grossmann - Mixing, Mastering
Sample in “Hear Me" taken from the 2015 movie “Anesthesia" directed by Tim Blake Nelson.
Sample in “Requiem in Do Diesis Minore" taken from the 1999 movie “Bicentennial Man" directed by Chris Columbus.
Excerpt from the lyrics in “Ramblin’" taken from the 1983 movie “Rumble Fish" directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Artwork: Cole, Thomas. The Course of Empire: Destruction. 1836, oil on canvas, The Met Museum, New York (NY)
