The founding of the Ukrainian black metal band VERMIS MYSTERIIS from the city of Berdyansk dates back to 2000. In that time, the group managed to produce one full-length album, released in 2005 on Bloodhead Production. The album consists of two parts: the first six tracks are taken from "Ceremony of Times," material recorded in 2003-2004. The remaining four songs come from "Rex Noctis," recorded in 2005. Currently the band features two members who go by the names Maskim Xu (vocals) and Yrt Glormkhaoth (guitar, bass, keyboards, programming), along with session guitarist Xesth Merzoboloth.
The first part of the album presents mediocrely recorded, raw, monotonous, and grim black metal. What could otherwise be a fairly decent picture is immediately killed by utterly dismal, absolutely lifeless screaming run through some kind of effects pedal. This is clearly one of the band's weak points. The good dirty guitar sound is periodically ruined by derivative and muddled riffs, even by black metal standards.
The "wooden" drum machine also leaves less than pleasant impressions, made worse by clumsy programming. The keyboards, however, are commendable -- used wisely and appropriately, atmospherically hovering over the main theme of each composition.
The lyrics are dark, abstract musings characteristic of the genre as a whole and don't present anything particularly special.
Among the songs on the first part of the album, the excellent "Marching in Shadows" definitely stands out -- fast, vicious, with good riffs and rich bass, at moments evoking certain associations with Nargaroth. Also noteworthy is the dark, atmospheric "Ceremony of Times," executed in a mid-tempo key, whose main motif bears a suspiciously strong resemblance to Burzum's "En Ring Til Aa Herske."
The second part of the album opens with an ominous organ intro, followed by the slow, measured "Rex Noctis... Ego Sum Tenebris." Improvements in the vocals are immediately noticeable -- they've become more convincing. The music slows down considerably, the sound loses density and acquires a more atmospheric shade with a slight touch of depressiveness. The composition gradually fades under the sounds of clanging weapons and the cries of dying warriors. "God Is Cast Down" starts with mystical ambient sounds, gradually flowing into detached, monotonous slow black metal that lulls the listener into a trance-like state. The disc ends with an outro resembling the echo of wind heard from deep within a well.
The difference between the material on the first and second parts is undoubtedly for the better, as the disc doesn't grow tiresome by the end. Overall, a fairly decent release, unfortunately not without its shortcomings. I wouldn't presume to recommend it to anyone outside genre enthusiasts.
The band has already been confirmed for the second installment of the "Ukrainian Black Metal Compilation."