Apolostolica was quite a surprise back in 2021. The band emerged out of nowhere in full anonymous mode à la Ghost on the Power Metal train with Haeretica Ecclesia. The band’s debut came along as one full-throttled PM album of a band staffed by reputable and established musicians from a variety of bands. That’s what we were told, to be precise. Especially Ezekiel‘s croaks sounded suspiciously similar to some of the bigger players out there in the metal multiverse.
But be this as it may, the record made quite an impression over here. Albeit with a record that came across as some mixed bag of sorts. So, the question is, will Apostolica be able to fuel the fire they lit some more or will their sophomore piece join the faceless masses of the mushy PM mainstream? Hold on for the ride. There are heretics beyond the gates.
Well, Animae Haeretica takes off lustfully enough. From a heretical church thing to some soulful heresy, that’s where the band took their newest record. And they take no prisoners, the title track roars forward at a sturdy pace, galloping ahead as any reasonable Heavy Metal track should. No woozy intro with atmospherics, just have at it. But – of course – the leopard will not hide its spots and the gawds of Heavy Metal won’t smile for long at ye. Once the typical sing-along refrain hits, you’ll be back on Power Metal territory. Albeit that the RMR review folks are always wary of the title track at the pole position. That’s often a sign that the best track comes first, and anything else moves downhill from there.
And truly, this first track with Angels of Smyrna following in its wake are memorable Power Metal songs. Black Prophets impresses with some heavy stomp, mid-tempo chug, and a pretty elaborate structure on a record that usually goes for less. Fire – the one shiny beacon towards the end – impresses with picture-perfect Power Metal on a roll. But Rasputin – the most accessible track on Animae Haeratica already gets you a tune that would sit well on any Alestorm album once the politically correct bug finally bites them.
Yet, the attempt to spiff up bland songs with endless repetitions won’t really rocket a record to metal nirvana. Gloria and Heretics – for instance – will try to bludgeon you into submission with ceaseless encores of the track name. Others darkly shine with riffs that will forever return again and again. And that kills the energy of these songs despite the sometimes pretty snazzy solos that ring out at odd moments. Also, you will find guitar work that follows but won’t lead. And that lets the keys almost drown out all else, including the croaky but expert vocals.
In other words, tighter songwriting and stringent self-editing would have done wonders. And that’s an odd thing to say about a record that’s some 46 minutes long only.
So, you guessed it. Animae Haeretica lost some of its luster compared to Apostolica’s debut album. The band’s first offering truly showcased how a good Power Metal record ought to sound with some energy to spare. But the sophomore piece here failed to build on the former goodness and expand it into a truly astounding Power Metal piece.
And that leads yet again to a mixed bag of a record with a smattering of pretty good songs, a few duds, and some mainstream fare. And all that will sound great on stage with the masked band, thunderous metallic musings, light show, fireworks, fumes, and all. But on vinyl Animae Haeretica couldn’t quite keep the excitement going for this here crew. In short, we missed yer mighty roar, Apostolica. If you can build that back in, the RMR crew will be all ears for that next review. We’re ready.
Record Rating: 5/10 | Label: Scarlet Records | Web: Official Band Site
Release Date: 22 September 2023