Sublimatio Mortis – Transubstantiatio

Artist: Sublimatio Mortis
Title: Transubstantiatio
Label: Cyclic Law
Release date: December 21st, 2024
Country: Canada
Format reviewed: High-quality digital recording
“Transubstantiatio”is the new album by Sublimatio Mortis, released via Cyclic Claw. The band features the Canadian duo Chris of Undirheimar and Mo Masaya de Kemet. The album’s title refers to the Christian ritual of transubstantiation, where bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ. This connection introduces spiritual and ritual themes to the work. The album cover complements this concept, depicting a portion of a gothic structure, possibly a church. Gothic architecture is often associated with themes of life, death, and the afterlife, emphasizing a sense of mystery and introspection. Along with the architecture, a striking contrast between light and darkness is evident in the visual design, mirroring the concepts reflected in the album’s tracklist. On the dark side of the album cover, the band’s logo is featured, representing the initials “S” and “M.” The logo, resembling a snake in golden yellow, symbolizes enlightenment and adds layers of meaning, including immortality and transformation.
The ritual begins with “Nox Entis”, an atmospheric opening that gradually builds, evoking a profound sense of mystery. As the track progresses, voices emerge, as if inviting listeners to partake in a ritualistic ceremony. These voices, however, occasionally turn horrifying and eerie, adding a haunting dimension to the experience. The dominant soundscapes are dark and weighty, perfectly aligning with the word “Nox,” which means night. Toward the end, the sound of bells resonates, heightening the foreboding atmosphere. This feels like a warning, adding even more layers of darkness to the track. The bells eventually fade away, as if symbolizing the beginning and end of an enigmatic event.
“Conjunctio Entis” continues in the same atmospheric vein, immersing the listener in a setting that feels like descending into a dungeon. Voices echo from all directions, as though resonating from the cold, stone walls. There is nothing but darkness, and with each step forward, you are drawn deeper into the chilling depths of this track. Eventually, a faint light appears, accompanied by whispers in the air. As you approach the light, the whispers gradually fade, adding a sense of fragile hope or fleeting transcendence. The timing of these whisper-like sounds is particularly striking—they arrive unexpectedly, yet perfectly, amplifying the immersive nature of the track. “Lux Entis” guides us through the light, as if reflecting the bright side of the album cover. The track begins directly with ritualistic voices echoing. As it unfolds, a variety of sounds emerge, adding depth and complexity to the soundscape. Toward the end of the track, the terrifying voices give way to harmonious ones, resembling a gospel chant. This transformation feels like a journey from fear to serenity, mirroring the symbolic transition from darkness to light. In “Immemores Originale Principium”, all the voices merge, creating an overwhelming atmosphere that evokes a profound sense of remembrance. It feels as though the track is urging us to recall something long forgotten, a primal truth or memory buried deep within. The final stage, “Elevatio Ab Absolutum”, begins with voices chanting in Latin, reminiscent of the Communion Rite. The atmosphere is again dark and mysterious, with layered soundscapes that evoke fear while drawing the listener deeper into the ritual. This track seems to reinforce the contrast between light and darkness, echoing the album’s overarching motifs of renewal and transcendence.
As a whole, this album feels like the culmination of a profound journey, encapsulating the spiritual and existential themes woven throughout. Every sound is meticulously crafted, revealing itself at the perfect moment. I highly recommend it to those who appreciate dark, atmospheric soundscapes and ritualistic experiences. 8/10 by Pegah
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