The latest from Morten Veland (vocals/guitars), the Norwegian founder of Tristania and Sirenia. As with those other entities, Mortemia is orchestrated Goth, with monotone choral voices interspersed with more demonic intonations (witness ‘The Pain Infernal And The Fall Eternal’). With a nod to the grandiose synth compositions flooding the scene, the multi-voice ‘Eye Of The Storm’ employs both blackened gremlin tones, as well as a (brief) spoken word section, toying with female backing throughout the disc, albeit always in unison with others. Walking a fine line between classical compositions, liturgical mass and metal, Mortemia possesses a regal vibe.’Wheel Of Fire’ is as close as it comes to standard metallic structures, but not with a bit of Therion’s latest endeavors. Got to love the guy’s ability with words, like ‘The Vile Bringer Of Self-Destructive Thoughts’, just wish he could construct melody lines as memorable.