An individual connection to the universe is among the most significant aspects of our existence, and the inquisitive drive to uncover mysteries surrounding it is fully exercised on the latest meditation from ORDINUL NEGRU. The two preceding EPs, 2020’s Nebuisa and 2021’s “A Sojourner Wandering Through the Barren Openness,” provided glimpses into its developing substance over the past few years, and that energy has now manifested in the form of Dodekatemoria. The astrological symbolism behind this name is explored across six compositions of unbounded cosmic depth, which emanate dark and unsettling vibrations that further assert ORDINUL NEGRU as one of the highest names in the Romanian underground.
A mastery at conjuring ominous forms is apparent from the opening when malign arpeggiations unfold, and calculated doses of synth course through to fully realize a hostile but highly mesmeric cosmos. Its regions prove daunting while several passages are traversed, with their intricate percussive maneuvers exhibiting another complex dimension in the songcraft, and this extends to double bass or blast-beaten surges that mainly drive the intensity of certain points. Besides the noted disharmonies proliferating within this void, other brooding tones are spread as riff layers coalesce to the frenzy of those beats, including some pronounced areas with a cold oppressive blackness raised on “Dodekatemoria.” Breaks in its madness are also adeptly cast, and one in particular allows for a momentary focus on some technical manifestations in the fretwork, demonstrating further detail in structures that evolve toward a potent heavy and melodic synergy near the end. Notes carrying a dreary tone are matched by doomy chord strikes to drive a concentrated melancholy, and “Judas Goat” follows with grand celestial countermeasures that expand the atmospheric dynamism.
The ambient plane reaches greater levels of desolation on “The Decrepitude of Centuries,” with atmosphere taking precedence in string and static transmissions that capture its haunting outer regions, and their impact is then compounded when everything advances to the disturbed reverberating pulse of riff and synth crashes. The different compositional forces throughout are paralleled by lead vocal dynamics, including lower growled or whispered frequencies used to heighten some of the more noteworthy moments, and rasps also demonstrate this quality with an especially deranged turn as this track spirals into a mad hallucinogenic trip. Female vocalists are also featured at certain points, and their alluring melodies find harmony among the expansive sounds, which progress toward a zenith reached on “Palladian Rituals.” Its arrangements open for a passage with celestial elements that are entrancing and almost alien, and the effect plays like a brief enlightening glimpse past ordinary consciousness before a last harrowing descent joins this collective mightily with oblivion.
The band has stated this work is about “Our bond with the cosmic nature and what we experience as individuals when we are on this path searching for our truths,” and a journey in pursuit of those mysteries is documented in verses containing various ritualistic and symbolic elements. The zodiacal significance of its title becomes prominent on “Dodekatemoria,” where chaos forms an order among the paths of celestial bodies, and a link is seemingly observed between outer worlds and the mind when describing “Dimensions connected into a neuronal impulse of the universe.” Some points, including one “To bury this memory in the depths of unmapped caverns” on “Judas Goat,” allude to ritual acts possibly lying within the lines, and subtly presenting occult practices in this way enhances their inherent mystique.
Shifts between states of slavery and liberation are also contemplated, along with ancient scenes that evoke immersive atmospheres, like witnessing “The pyramids and its builders” on “Zahir,” and realizing “The nothingness of my condition” there shows how discoveries are attained over the course of this venture. They are fully realized during “Palladian Rituals,” with liberation also being resummoned at the culmination of this rite, and it is further empowered by natural settings and elements that connect to the distant past. Its ending ultimately looks ahead and achieves a transcendence that leaves “Our identity and aspirations” favorably preserved. Booklet notes reveal Aleister Crowley and Jorge Luis Borges as sources for lyrical inspiration, and besides those of “Zahir,” I’m not sure which ones they influenced or of the exact meaning behind some other passages, but that just illustrates how the mystery is maintained around material with an undeniable substance.
Since the release of “A Sojourner Wandering Through the Barren Openness,” I’ve been eager to know where ORDINUL NEGRU’s sound would land on their next full-length effort, and the progression on Dodekatemoria succeeds in following naturally after the past few works. It builds on songwriting qualities that have distinguished the band’s identity through titles like Faustian Nights, allowing for experimentation to advance while keeping a blackened intensity at the forefront, and the cosmic focus especially carries an appeal which complements its dark myriad. This combined with an intriguing concept that should be relatable to all at some level makes Dodekatemoria a dense and contemplative venture, with a universe of sonic hostility and wonder that stands as a sure highlight from the preceding year.
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