The black metal one-man band Conjuring released their fourth album, Memento Mori, a few days ago. I first came across this Swiss project in 2024 through their album Odium, which then allowed me to explore the rest of their discography. The band delivers intense, atmospheric black metal, whose themes are often related to nature and the decadence of the modern world. The new album, Memento Mori, has been released in digital format as well as on a CD limited to 300 copies via the label Hypnotic Dirge Records.
Memento Mori is a 46-minute, 19-second album featuring six tracks. Through these lengthy tracks, the one-man band plunges us into an intense, relentless black metal sound, filled with dense, almost melancholic or dramatic atmospheres that emerge amidst the aggression, as on the track Rituale. Amidst this frenzy of instruments, moments of calamity add a new layer to the structure, as on Memento Mori from 3:31 onwards. Some tracks are more nuanced, such as Inferis and In Nihilum. The use of the piano, as on the track Anima, further enriches the structure and confirms this melancholic aspect.
The guitars are tight and keep up a fast pace. At times, they reveal a more epic side, as at the start of the track Inferis. Hidden melodies can also be heard on tracks such as Rituale and Aura. The drums make their presence felt right from the first track, Memento Mori, with rapid, precise beats. I think the drumming deserves special mention on tracks like Inferis and In Nihilum.
The vocals need no introduction. They are furious, high-pitched and distinctive on tracks such as Memento Mori from 4:24 onwards. But in my opinion, the best vocal performance is on tracks like Rituale and In Nihilum; on the latter, the vocals are venomous, sinister and tormented. As for the production, it is meticulous and precise. It is clearly an excellent production where every detail is given its due.
One of the highlights for me was the composition on the track Inferis. I really liked the transition from the moment of calamity to the infernal moment at 1:55. The track In Nihilum remains my favourite on the album, thanks to its structure and composition, which evolve and demonstrate remarkable creativity and aggression. I also really enjoyed the scream on Aura from 1:11 onwards, as well as the transition at 3:59 (I’ve added it to my annual Black Metal playlist on Spotify).
I think Memento Mori is an authentic and sincere black metal album in its approach, striking a balance between aggression, melancholy and a few subtle yet effective melodies, all set within an intense atmosphere. I don’t think the album reinvents the genre, but it’s an album that inspires respect. As with their previous albums, Conjuring offers a fresh listening experience that is sure to appeal to black metal worshippers.
