Cezary “Cezar” Augustynowicz, known for his work with the underrated Polish band Christ Agony, returns with his one-man project, Faustus. Act I is a compelling debut full-length album that fuses elements of Black Metal, Death Metal, and Gothic influences into a haunting and atmospheric experience. While echoes of Christ Agony’s sound are present, Faustus carves its own identity by incorporating grand, dark symphonies alongside crushing riffs and relentless double bass drumming. Fans of Master’s Hammer and ’90s-era Rotting Christ will find much to appreciate in the balance of aggression and melody throughout the record.
Musical Direction and Style
Rather than replicating Christ Agony’s sound, Act I explores a broader sonic palette. The blackened riffing remains sharp and immersive, but the addition of gothic undertones creates an eerie, almost cinematic atmosphere. Tracks like Adoracja Magów and Piąta Pieczęć showcase sprawling compositions that blend ferocious drumming with ominous symphonic arrangements. The production is raw yet polished enough to allow each element to breathe, giving the album a spectral yet punishing presence.
Track Listing
- Klątwa Wyzwolenia
- Przywołanie Wiedźm
- Epifania Mocy
- Adoracja Magów
- Piąta Pieczęć
- Alchemiczne Ognie
Personnel
- Cezary “Cezar” Augustynowicz – All Instruments, Vocals, Mixing, Production
- Piotr “Lord Kaos” Jeziorski – Graphic Concept
- Alicja Szwaracka – Photography
- Ferosap – Lyrics
Faustus Unleashes a Gothic Black Metal Spectacle with Act I
Faustus’ Act I is a bold debut that fuses blackened aggression with gothic grandeur. Cezary Augustynowicz crafts a haunting, immersive experience filled with punishing riffs, relentless drumming, and eerie symphonic undertones. Fans of Master’s Hammer and early Rotting Christ should listen.
Morbid Mario
Morbid Mario’s metal journey began at age 12 in 1982 with AC/DC as his gateway band. He quickly graduated to heavier acts like Ozzy, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Motörhead, and Saxon. Soon, he was a metal tyrant, buying albums based solely on their cover art and diving into bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Dark Angel. Now, with over 40 years of metal under his belt, Morbid Mario continues to attend shows, travel to festivals, and support bands that meet his uncompromising, elitist standards.
