1914 – Viribus Unitis

Metalcatto

Many bands play war Metal, but very few truly understand it. 1914 certainly does, and Viribus Unitis proves once again that it’s more than just another band referencing history. The past two records could easily be considered modern classics, which made me approach this one with a mix of excitement and apprehension. How do you follow up something that already defined your sound so powerfully? And more importantly, how does a band that has built its identity around the horror and futility of war capture a tragedy of this scale without repeating itself? Those were the questions in my mind when I first pressed play.

Viribus Unitis escapes easy definition. At times it’s Black Metal, other times Death or Doom, and in other moments, it’s simply grief turned into music. The album doesn’t just narrate battlefields or historical figures—it explores the aftermath, the silence after the shelling, the emptiness that remains when the dust settles. That’s what makes 1914 stand apart from imitators. Its sound is merciless, dry, and suffocating, like dragging yourself up the Alps with a full pack under enemy fire. The layers of chaos, the unsettling samples, and the weight of each riff feel deliberately overwhelming. You’re not meant to enjoy it—you’re meant to endure it.

As always with 1914, there’s a lesson hidden beneath the blood and noise. The lyrics force you to confront the same cycles of violence that humanity keeps repeating, and perhaps the most tragic part of all is that we still haven’t learned enough. Musically, the album can be divided into three acts: the first full of blasting Black/Death fury, the second slower and more atmospheric with Doom undertones, and the third a devastating pair of mournful ballads featuring guest performances that amplify the sorrow. It’s a bold move that pays off, transforming what could have been another barrage of brutality into something more cinematic and emotionally shattering. The use of clean vocals, surprisingly, feels completely earned—they humanize the horror.

If you’ve been a fan of 1914 since Where Fear and Weapons Meet, you’ll find what you love here, plus enough experimentation to keep things fresh. The middle section may feel less focused than the rest, but it still contributes to the oppressive mood that defines the whole experience. The vintage audio tapes and radio samples might annoy some listeners, but that’s part of the band’s DNA by now—an auditory bridge between the real and the imagined. This isn’t meant to be a polished, easy record; it’s history turned into trauma you can hear.

We’ve had some serious contenders in war-themed Metal lately, but none can immerse you in a specific time and place quite like 1914. Viribus Unitis is another triumph of concept and execution, showing how even in the darkest moments of human suffering, art can transform pain into meaning. Alongside Kanonenfieber and Panzerfaust, 1914 now stands as one of the few bands that don’t just write about war—they make you feel it in your own flesh and bones. It’s not just a record; it’s an experience of endurance, despair, and grim beauty. So, good luck out there in the front—this one won’t leave you unscarred.

Label: Napalm Records

Release date: November 14, 2025

Website: https://x1914x.bandcamp.com/album/viribus-unitis

Country: Ukraine

Score: 4.2/5.0 (EPIC!!!)