Review by Denis on May 13, 2003.

The mastermind behind this very special opus is Johann Bran Cleerman. All words and music were written by him and he also arranged, performed everything that can be heard and enjoyed. Johann has realized what every musician / composer dream to do at least once in their life: a solo project that he or she can master with no restraint or set boundaries. A true creation in its purest sense.

Opening track 'Materia Prima' is an instrumental piece made of highly sophisticated symphonic landscapes in which the piano leads the way throughout scenery of neo-classical arrangements beating to the pulse of occasional traditional percussions. The mood is grandiose and epic. 'Visita Interiora Terrae' has a calm and dark introduction dressed with piano notes and keyboards sounds, becoming heavier and more mysterious when the drums and Johann' strange vocals join in. His voice is clean, somewhat theatrical and tortured. The last measures are calmer and a spooky passages, with spacey keys closing this composition. The third opus, 'Rectificadoque Invenies Occultum Lapidem' can be considered as 'la piece de resistance' with its 18:22 running time and is a true majestic symphonic epic with all the fancy elements involved: piano, bells, beautiful melodic lines, dark low tone spoken words, tortured screams, dramatic passages conveyed by chords, ensemble sounds becoming more intense and tragic as it progresses towards the end with the percussions rolling, the tortured vocals doing a duo with some demoniac low tonalities then some more screams, dramatic chords, becoming calm almost serene as if delivered from pain and suffering. Finally, 'Veram Medicinam' begins dark with spoken words on a dramatic symphonic decor echoed by bells, then a chord ensemble joins in the tragedy with loud percussions before a mysterious mood with demoniac spoken words takes place. The following moments will bring in some more piano and chords parts, disturbed and theatrical vocals, somber and beautiful symphonic arrangements and some grave and devilish voice near the end.

Bottom Line: Impressive neo-classical somber compositions.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Originality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Review by JD on October 19, 2011.

I am always searching for something that will surprise and blow me away in the metallic landscape of today and for the most part, I don’t find that sort of thing coming my way very often. Chicago’s I Decline came across may desk and instantly left a very lasting impression on this metalhead... sort of like a twelve gage shot through paper.

As hard as it believe, we have a bizarre collection of different styles that make up what I Decline is, and really sets them apart right off the bat. You have such varied influences as Skate- Punk, real Punk, Sludge Metal, shadings of Doom, Thrash and even Traditional Metal that went into creating this proto-Frankenstein version of Metal... and upping the amazing factor of this album by many times.

I love the almost sing along nature of the song 'Time To Shine', not to mention the cathartic lyrics and heaviness of 'The Administration' and that is the first two songs. As you enter the album, you find power, passion, heaviness and an all important tongue in cheek attitude that all adds up to having an album that both serious Metalheads and ravenous Punkers will find irresistible and unable to live without... and that just fuckin’ works.

I always loved crossover stuff, from D.R.I. and The Dictators on up but I Decline’s "Time To Shine" is one of those rarities that all factions in Metal/Punk will go completely gaga over. All of this, and the ‘X’ factor of complete talent too... looks like these crossover masters are the real deal. Sometimes it works out when an experiment goes right. Only one thing needs to be said to end this review of this slab of Franken-metal...” Its alive... ITS ALIVE!”

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 8

Rating: 8 out of 10