Hortus Animae

Hortus Animae is an Italian symphonic black metal band that’s been haunting the underground since the late '90s with their theatrical blend of gothic drama, avant-garde experimentation, and raw extreme metal energy. Founded in 1997 by guitarist Stefano "Vlad" Valla, the group (whose name translates to "Garden of the Soul" in Latin) mixes operatic vocals, eerie keyboards, and lyrics dripping with macabre poetry, drawing inspiration from classic horror and dark romanticism. Over the years, they’ve evolved from raw black metal roots to incorporate death, doom, and even prog elements, earning a cult following for albums like *Waltzing Mephisto* (2003) and *Secular Music* (2013).

Known for their bombastic live shows, Hortus Animae has toured with acts like Cradle of Filth and kept their legacy alive with anniversary re-releases (*Waltzing Mephisto: 20th Anniversary*) and visceral live recordings (*The Bless of Eternal Bleeding*). Their international lineup (including members from Sweden and Italy) leans into theatricality, balancing brutality with a flair for the dramatic—think crimson-lit stages, corpse paint, and riffs that sound like a waltz with the devil. Recent drops like *You're Dead* and *Funeral Nation Mmxii* prove they’re still unafraid to push boundaries in the extreme metal scene.

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