Black Metal band from Italy Mascharat released their new album Ars Aurea Mortis on the 31st of January, in a collaboration with Remparts Productions. I'm sad I only managed to listen to it today, because it is so good. Oh so good!
Ars Aurea Mortis is one of the best albums I've heard so far. Not only in 2026 but overall.
So, what to expect of Ars Aurea Mortis?
This is a proper Black Metal album, there is ambience yes, there is atmosphere, but it is raw, heavy, without embellishments. Mascharat don't need those, their music is awesome and just as it is. Superb.
I got the goosebumps quite a few times, because the music is so obscure, inspiring, deep, it's marvellous. I'm very very pleased indeed.
Ars Aurea Mortis is a concept album, focused on traditions such as the Venetian carnival, but also exploring the subject of the transformation of matter, according to the principles of alchemy and Western esotericism. Which is a very interesting theme, and it should be brought up more often, so I'm glad they did it. It has 8 tracks, representing a dialogue with a Mask, and refering to the phases of the alchemical opus. It is the second album of the band.
The music has influences of Nordic Black Metal, also of late 90s Black Metal, but not as copy. It is more as a continuation of the legacy. I love it. It is more traditional than not, but with a high level of knowledge, experience, technicality and passion. In the end of each song there is a atmospheric sound, where you can almost listen to nature and the elements. It's just beautiful and very well thought and designed.
Speaking of design, can't leave the artwork out of this review. From the cover (which you can see below) to the inside art, presenting the Alchemy seals, plus information about each of the phases of the process, both in Italian and English. Very philosophical, but it works as a charm. It is very appealing to the eye, I must say. Especially if you are interested in Alchemy, but even if you're not.
I also would like to say I am very impressed with the production as well. Not only the music is intense, full, furious, glorious, as the production is beyond perfect. It is possible to listen and distinguish absolutely every instrument. The voice is something else, very raw, cavernous, no clichés. Just Black Metal.
I could stay here talking of Mascharat's Ars Aurea Mortis all night long, because it is a tremendous album. I hope you guys will enjoy it as much as I do. I am planning on listening to it many more times in the future and to recommend it profusely.
