COC Magazine #52

Grade: 8/10

Having been contacted by this Swedish band through our demo submission e-mail address, I really didn't expect such a professional-looking and sounding MCD as this. _Quadrology of Sorrow_ just hits the spot with its mixture of a melodic Swedish death metal basis, bits of symphonic black and more than a strong hint of doom as well -- highly appetising for me. Indeed, a very well crafted MCD this is, both in terms of musicianship and production. Good guitar work, keyboards well blended into the music, competent drumming and powerful, anguished vocals -- Compos Mentis sound like anything but a demo-stage band to me. They sometimes remind me somewhat of early A Canorous Quintet, then In Flames, then they apply a heavier dose of keyboards, and then slow it all down to an anguished dirge -- _Quadrology of Sorrow_ is dynamic, well balanced and varied throughout without sounding inconsistent. Apparently a label deal is already in sight for the band, and indeed I'd be very surprised if they didn't get one soon. Very promising independent debut.