Despite their relative infancy as a unit, Italian’s Nero Di Marte have shown quite the degree of evolution. Beginning as an unspectacular death metal outfit by the name of Murder Therapy, these guys took a new direction in recent years; scrapping the name and trying their hand at a much more forward thinking outlet. The result was their self-titled effort from last year which showed hints of their prowess but was not the greatest statement of intent, being rather bland and forgettable. Just one year later sees the arrival of a follow up which may not be the finished article but clearly shows they are on the right track.

Nero Di Marte took their cues from progressive maestros such as Gojira and even the likes of Neurosis with its slow pace and post metal atmospherics, and this sonic template continues into Derivae (Prosthetic). Completely shying away from their former death metal days, Derivae is built upon a slow trudge building a sense of tension rather than blistering brutality. Throughout the album shifts with complex rhythms but does so with more restraint than they have previously been known for. Combined with Sean Worrell’s tortured vocals only adds to the unease.

A vast improvement on their release from last year, the only drawback is in the duration, where songs seem unnecessarily over drawn. With a little trimming of the fat Nero Di Marte could become something rather special, with a sound that is unique and the vision far beyond their years.

7.0/10

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CHRIS TIPPELL