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De Contemplanda Morte is the work of a Swedish duo by the name of Mortuus. I believe this is their first full length, but the guys also have a 7" EP that came out in 2005.

What I really like about this album is the fact that Mortuus opted for a mid slow and crushing musical structure to convey their Black Metal message. No blast beats included, but a few faster moments here and there. This music is not only crushing, it is also dark, melodic, haunting and intense, with a sense of mysticism. It is somewhat reminiscent, but more extreme, of heavier and vintage King Crimson a la 21st Century Schizoid Man. They use some electronics, keyboards and bells in strategic points, much to my liking. The vocals are of the raspy/discrete and haunted style; very efficient and appropriate to accompany this somber sound track, while chants and spoken words are also present in some instances. Muscular riffs meet distorted arpeggios, while tremolo picking complete the guitar work offered. This material is not raw by any means, but quite chilling and spooky. As far as I'm concerned, De Contemplanda Morte is one of the best Black Metal release of 2007, with cool numbers like "Penetrations of Darkness", "The Constant Descent of Seraphim", "The Illumination of Job" and "Supplication For the Demise of All: Withdrawal Into the Lifeless Sanctum".

De Contemplanda Morte is a superb opus of darkness for your cool sunny summer days !