There’s nothing I enjoy more that to explore uncharted territories when it comes to metal, whether it be genres or new bands. Hesperia, hailing proudly from Italy (Hesperia being the ancient name of Italy), is an atmospheric black metal band with pagan inspirations. The band was formed in 1997 by “Hesperus,” who previously played in the black metal band Sulphuria who is now separated. It’s no surprise to me to see yet another atmospheric black metal act be taken in control by one mind. Spiritvs Italicvs is an unusual experience overall at times, but the music is driven by an artist with great passion and pride for not only music, but incorporates more into the meaning of the music with literature, mythology, and history.

It’s very common for bands like this to fly under the radar among the metal masses. The music found here isn't an easy one to become attached to immediately. The album opens with nasty slow riffs. The vocals emerge shortly afterwards and are done in a strong yet disturbing tone. Quality wise, this is a grainy sounding album in terms of the guitars, but sounding any other way would hurt the album. Many songs contain a massive amount of material and ideas, as some songs will be extremely lengthy, but attention never once will detach you from this mysterious music. Spiritvs Patris is the first real taste of the album, flowing from new idea to new idea, while sounding strange at times, but delivering a solid and atmosphere driven by a great sense of Italian pride.

Italica contains thunderously electric riffs and is one of the more enjoyable atmospheric ventures I have had the privilege to delve into this year. More vocal work is heard here, and melodies are that more of a pagan nature, but there is so much variation and creative ideas found within the music here it is almost impossible refrain from keeping on listening as every second rolls by and pulls the listener in. Unusual most of it sounds, but the obscurity of it all is fascinating and evokes a strong sense of power. Clean guitars, such as in later tracks, Spiritvs Italicvs (an epic two part song), really speaks strongly about the sense of soul this music has within.

Spiritvs Italicvs is an album which needs plenty of time to absorb. There are many lengthy tracks to become lost into here, some being superior to others, but the variety and atmosphere many of them emit are absolutely wonderful. The album strikes many different moods, but the amount of Italian pride and dedication to the music, as well as an emphasis on history and folklore, there may be something for just about everyone here who is a fan of atmospheric and pagan black metal.