Sortiariae Mulier is a band from Coppenhagen,Denmark.
Taking their name from a sixteenth century term for a certain kind of witch (Sortiariae Mulier- a woman who prophesies by lots, witch) is an immediate indication of the type of impression that this band conveys.
Coupled with this arcane terminology is the general aesthetic of the MySpace page.
Right in the upper left hand corner is a reproduction of a wood carving depicting what can only be hanging witches. Surrounding the hanging figures are various animals that appear to be familiars a figure in medieval costume sitting on a bench. The rest of the details on the page serve to reinforce the impression that the band gives off, which is one of black magic and doom.
In response to my usual round of questions, the band listed Pelican and Electric Wizard as influences. I can hear the influence of those bands distinctly. I also hear Black Sabbath, in terms of the riff style. Even the distortion has a Big Muff/Fuzzbox type of feel to it, and the band's whole vibe calls out to old school metal.
Sortiariae Mulier is a three piece, and know how to use the relative limitations of that configuration to create a massive, eneveloping sound. The absolutely seamless relationship between the guitar and bass is impressive. On every track of their player, the music is played with such focused rhythmic precision that the end result sounds like some sort of "basstar" or "guitass." I realize that what you just read is stupid, but it's the most succinct way I can describe the sound. Plus, "guitass" is funny in a juvenile way.
This band is something of a chameleon, managing to highlight different aspects of it's personality with each song, while still maintaining a cohesive aesthetic. The last song on the player, "Curled", almost reminds me of a heavier version of Alice In Chains. It has something to do with the shift in dynamics and phrasing that Paul, the guitarist/vocalist, uses, as well as the phrase structure in the riffing style.
My favorite song is "Rigor Dementia Mortis." There is so much attitude in the opening guitar part. Those muted, single picked notes phrophecy a storm. When I listen to it, I can picture myself bouncing around like a maniac at a show. My favorite part of the song is the constant oscillation between halftime and straight up four on the floor rock. The song itself is built out of simple elements, like the rest of the songs on the player. However, that simplicity is utilized for stunning effect, and that is the secret bit of magic that they possess.
Gyngor, the drummer, has a very subtle approach to his timekeeping. He has a deadon rhythmic feel, which allows him to be precise but completely relaxed. His beats are right in the pocket and attacked with precision, but his feel is so musical that it never sounds forced. He is also adept at playing expressively while giving Paul and Sonja (bass) plenty of space.
From their activity stream, I see that they have a couple of shows coming up in the near future. If you are a fan of doom rock with tons of bottom end, see this band. I guarantee it will be a blast.
Check 'em out at:
www.myspace.com/pauldamianc
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