Cover art by Julius von Klever
Beautiful and complex, “Bellum I is an atmospheric metal album with a fusion of classical film, folk, and black metal influences, continuing in the tradition of the work started on the first album, Griseus, and evolving to new levels,” says Rosenqvist.
For eight years, a follow-up masterpiece was in the making. The opus grew so furiously, the decision was ultimately made to split the work into two parts, culminating with the release of the first album, Bellum I.
Bellum I showcases the band’s rare amalgam of authentic classical, European folk and black metal influences, alongside AQUILUS’ unique multi-instrumentation and compositional complexity.
Metal influences, ranging from early Metallica to the early works of Solefald, Opeth and Katatonia, combined with the classical romanticism of Rachmaninov and Chopin. Bellum I also continues AQUILUS’ signature blend of acoustic elements, with an assortment of acoustic guitars and pianos to violins, mandolas, fipple flutes, balalaika, gusli and bowed psaltery, recalling the aura and dexterity of emotive film composers Bernard Herrmann (Psycho, The Twilight Zone) and Thomas Newman (Shawshank Redemption, Six Feet Under) .
