A boot-shaped peninsula protruding into the Mediterranean Sea, Italy has a rich history of art that has impacted the entire world. Of course, there was an Italian Renaissance period between the 14th and 16th centuries, but moving into more modern times, you cannot overlook the impact of Italy on cinema during the Neorealism movement in the 1940s and 1950s.
Then there were Italy’s contributions to the Horror genre, beginning in the early 1960s, exploding in the 1970s while continuing in the 1980s with Filmmakers such as Mario Bava, Dario Argento, Luci Fulci, and Lamberto Bava. During this period, Italy produced some of the most unique Horror films around, with titles such as 1960’s Black Sunday, 1977’s Suspiria, and 1981’s The House by the Cemetery, to name a few.
Just a brief compartmentalized history lesson in Italian art, the aesthetics of the region’s Horror film legacy coupled with Heavy Metal come together in a band calling themselves Deathless Legacy. Looking at this act more closely, Deathless Legacy initially formed nearly two decades ago as Deathless before adopting the name Deathless Legacy in 2013. They are one of many Heavy Metal bands out of Italy, including the more well-known ones such as Lacuna Coil, Graveworm, and Fleshgod Apocalypse. However, for those who are more in tune with the Italian scene, there are also others like Theatres des Vampires, Opera IX, or Macbeth. All very different acts, but the one thing each has in common with Deathless Legacy is their attention to cinematic qualities in their music.
Deathless Legacy, in particular, seems to derive direct influence from the aforementioned Italian Horror film culture. Growing with their sound with each passing release, their debut album arrived in 2013 under the title Rise from the Grave. Then, by album number three in 2017, Dance with Devils, they really seemed to develop a unique sound. From here, they put out the darkly enchanting Rituals of Black Magic in 2018, a bold breakthrough in 2022 with Mater Larvarum.
Defined by the haunting keyboards of Alex Van Eden (also of Vision Divine), there are also the distinctive guitars of Stg. Bones, drums of Frater Orion, and bass of Deadwood Nick. Becoming tighter and more refined over time, perhaps the boldest attribute of Deathless Legacy is the powerful singing of Steva Deathless. Steve, while floating in the stratosphere of a traditional Heavy Metal vocalist, also veers in different directions, emoting the storytelling of each song with a seduction that can not be ignored.
With all of this in mind, Deathless Legacy is ready to take another step forward with its latest album, Damnatio Aeterna. Out on March 7, 2025, it is their sixth overall studio album and fifth with Scarlet Records. It also features eleven songs that play out over nearly an hour, with plenty of Gothic atmosphere to go around.
Having a very theatrical feeling, there are elements of Gothic, Symphonic, and Doom Metal amidst the album that play together in quite an effective manner. Chalked full of forbidden tones, Damnatio Aeterna also follows its own storyline as opposed to borrowing from other influences. This is a factor interesting within itself, and it feels like Deathless Legacy storyboarded out a feature film plot but only to transform it into sound as opposed to a visual medium. Taking you deep inside, the story presented is filled with satire that challenges the concept of organization religion and its effects on society.
Considering this, Steva (with compliments of additional Vocalist The Red Witch) paints vivid imagery with crafty vocal inflection. This is perhaps most pronounced with tracks like “Miserere,” the darkly sultry “Get On Your Knees,” and “Communion.” There is also “Indulgentia Plenaria” (which would fit perfectly for any Luci Fulci or Dario Argento film), as well as the simply mesmerizing “Oblivion,” which adds in some Black Metal vibes for good measure. However, amidst everything, there is the absolutely stunning and vastly different “Sanctified,” which utilizes a more Progressive Rock sensation to create an effectively intense song.
Overall, if you are new to Deathless Legacy, this album is a great way to explore what they are all about. If you enjoy Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin or what fellow countrymates like Theatres Des Vampires have done in the past, you will certainly dig Deathless Legacy as well. Think of them as a theater act with well-crafted Metal guitar riffs, fantastic piano playing, and a top-notch leading lady. That is why Cryptic Rock recommends Damnatio Aterna, giving it 4 out of 5 stars.
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