Here’s a bold statement: Gruta’s Hymnus Ad Atram Mortem is not just another black metal album—it’s a chaotic, genre-bending rollercoaster that dares to challenge expectations. But here’s where it gets controversial: does their ambitious blend of styles elevate the album, or does it leave it feeling like a scattered experiment? Let’s dive in.
When Steel, the notorious arbiter of musical terror, offered me the choice between reviewing Gruta or being voluntold for something far less appealing, I reluctantly chose the former. And so, I found myself exploring Hymnus Ad Atram Mortem, the second release from Bogotá, Colombia’s Gruta. Labeling their sound as ‘Chaos Black,’ they describe it as a ‘twisted, gnarled amalgamation of black metal’s most vicious bits.’ Add to that their outspoken antifascist stance and an album opener featuring a sample of Sauron, the Dark Lord himself, and my curiosity was piqued. But does this album live up to its bold promises, or is Gruta just another band searching for its identity?
At its core, Gruta’s sound straddles the line between first and second-wave black metal. The album opens with a bright, almost playful vibe reminiscent of Slaegt, but quickly shifts into more traditional territory with ‘Niebla.’ Drummer Flama alternates between blistering blast beats and D-beat assaults, while guitarists Agnen and Garmr swing wildly between Bathory-inspired punk riffs and Immortal-esque tremolos (as heard in ‘Oda a la Ruina’ and ‘M.A.F.M.’). The result? A sound that feels like a distant cousin to Darkthrone. Vocalist Dagnir, meanwhile, channels Mayhem’s iconic ‘frog voice’ while showcasing an impressive range of rasps, howls, and shrieks. Whether rallying the crowd in ‘Ramas de Araña’ or delivering incantations in ‘Transfiguración,’ Dagnir’s performance is nothing short of commanding. Gruta doesn’t choose between black metal’s punky roots and its icy, atmospheric evolution—they use both as a launching pad for their unique sound.
And this is the part most people miss: ‘Chaos Black’ might suggest unhinged war metal or grindcore influences, but Gruta’s approach is far more nuanced. While their black metal core leans toward Darkthrone, they seamlessly weave in DSBM atmospherics (‘Stygos Tou Kosmos’), heavy metal grooves (‘Oda a la Ruina’), Slayer-inspired thrash (‘Al-Shuhada’), punk energy (‘Ramas de Araña’), and even emotive atmoblack structures (‘Vorágine Espectral’). The result isn’t a chaotic mess but a fun, engaging ride that shares more in common with Kvelertak than raw dissonance. Bassist Ataecina unexpectedly steals the show, with a vibrant, warm tone reminiscent of early Iron Maiden. Their nimble interplay with the guitars in tracks like ‘Oda a la Ruina’ adds a layer of depth that sets Gruta apart from their peers.
However, the album’s biggest challenge lies in maintaining momentum. Tracks like ‘Niebla’ and ‘Stygos Tou Kosmos’ suffer from pacing issues, with atmospheric interludes that feel more like placeholders than purposeful additions. Even ‘M.A.F.M.,’ a song that boldly screams ‘Death to Fascist Metal,’ loses steam halfway through. While Gruta’s ambition is commendable, these moments can make the album feel disjointed, leaving listeners tempted to skip ahead. Is this a flaw in composition, or a deliberate choice to challenge listeners? You decide.
Despite these hiccups, Hymnus Ad Atram Mortem is a refreshing take on black metal. Retro guitars, iconic vocals, and energetic drums pay homage to the greats while carving out Gruta’s own path. Far from the harrowing journey I expected, the album has a classic, nostalgic feel, wrapped in fun and experimentation. While their style occasionally borders on ‘kitchen sink’ territory, I’d love to see a bit more focus in future releases. But make no mistake—this is a solid sophomore effort from a passionate band, and I’m eager to see what they do next.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: WAV
Label: Liminal Dread Productions (http://liminaldreadproductions.com/)
Websites:
- Bandcamp: https://grutacaosblack.bandcamp.com/music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gruta.kaosblack/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gruta.kaosblack
Worldwide Release: November 7th, 2025
Thought-provoking question for you: Does Gruta’s genre-blending approach make Hymnus Ad Atram Mortem a masterpiece of innovation, or does it dilute their core sound? Let me know in the comments—I’m curious to hear your take!
