is the third studio album by the Italian symphonic black metal band Opera IX , released on May 5, 2000, through Avantgarde Music . Historical Significance
The standard album consists of six conceptual acts plus a popular bonus track: The First Seal Act II: Beyond the Black Diamond Gates Act III: Carnal Delight in the Vortex of Evil Act IV: Congressus Cum Daemone Act V: The Magic Temple Act VI: The Sixth Seal Bonus Track: "Bela Lugosi's Dead" (Bauhaus cover) Thematic Elements
Reviewers from Encyclopaedia Metallum highlight Ossian's thrash-inspired guitar riffs and the masterful keyboard work as highlights that keep the long, 10-minute tracks dynamic. Tracklist
The album's Latin subtitle translates to . Lyrically and visually, it explores themes of: Occult rituals and ancient legends. Paganism and Celtic nature worship. Dark eroticism and supernatural power. Opera IX - Reviews - Encyclopaedia Metallum