Greetings, denizens of the abyss. Welcome back to Black Metal Archives. I’m Sean, and today, we’re diving into the cosmic horror-infused darkness of Xenomorph and their latest release, Delusions ov Morality. This band has carved out a unique space in the black metal underground by blending the eerie aesthetics of H.R. Giger’s biomechanical nightmares with the bleak, suffocating atmosphere of the genre. Let’s crack open this unholy tome and see what lurks within.
Right from the opening moments, Delusions ov Morality establishes an unsettling, immersive soundscape. The production here is raw but not unlistenable—there’s a deliberate rustiness to it, yet every instrument remains distinct enough to capture the intricate layers of the compositions. Guitars churn with hypnotic repetition, creating a spiraling effect that pulls you deeper into its madness. The bass rumbles like an undercurrent of unease, while the drums shift between frenzied blasts and more measured pacing, allowing the dread to fully set in. The vocals—somewhere between a blood-curdling shriek and a guttural rasp—are laced with a sense of despair and conviction, elevating the album’s oppressive aura.
Let’s look at some of the track highlights:
The EP opens with Einleitung. Ein Neuer Messias, a foreboding introduction featuring moody synths and archival recordings of H.R. Giger himself. This eerie prelude sets the stage for what follows: a descent into philosophical and existential horror.
The title track, Delusions ov Morality, immediately unleashes a storm of dissonant riffs and relentless drumming. Lyrically, it confronts societal decay and the hypocrisy of moral absolutism, with lines like “Blind they see? Embracing insanity!” capturing the essence of disillusionment. There’s an almost militant precision to the composition, each note striking like a calculated blow.
Non Arma, Nulla Militaris translates to No Weapons, No Military, and thematically, it delves into the chaos of war and survival. The instrumentation here is particularly aggressive, layering frantic tremolo-picked melodies over blast beats that feel like gunfire. The track’s sheer intensity makes it one of the standouts on the EP.
To the Void (Agnus Dei) offers a brief reprieve, serving as an instrumental interlude where atmospheric synths and dissonant clean guitars create a moment of introspection before plunging into the EP’s finale.
Closing out the release, Mère des Monstres—Mother of Monsters—delivers a final blow of despair-laden black metal. The fusion of English and French lyrics adds a layer of mystique, while the chilling melodies and shifting tempos create an almost cinematic conclusion to this sonic nightmare.
Xenomorph adheres to the traditional black metal setup—guitar, bass, drums, and vocals—but their execution is what sets them apart. The guitar work is especially noteworthy, balancing relentless tremolo passages with moments of eerie melody. The bass provides a murky, subterranean presence, reinforcing the album’s sense of dread. Drumming is tight and purposeful, shifting seamlessly between chaos and control. And the vocals? A masterclass in venomous delivery—harrowing, pained, and utterly commanding.
Delusions ov Morality cements Xenomorph as a force to be reckoned with in the black metal underground. While rooted in traditional elements, their thematic focus on cosmic horror and existential dread allows them to stand apart. The EP feels like a philosophical treatise set against the backdrop of war-torn, dystopian landscapes, making it as thought-provoking as it is sonically devastating.
Xenomorph delivers a harrowing, immersive experience with Delusions ov Morality. Its dense, oppressive atmosphere, combined with sharp lyricism and masterful composition, makes it a must-listen for fans of black metal that thrives on both brutality and introspection. If you haven’t given this EP a spin yet, now’s the time. You can check it out for yourself on their Bandcamp page! Once you give it a spin, let us know what you think in the comments!
Horns up, and until next time—remember, in space, no one can hear you scream.
