The USA-based Cruce Signatus, a project of David Frazer of Pillaging Villagers, has unleashed the second track, "Lus Gladii", from its impending self-titled debut album, set for release on 7 June via Metal Insider.

David Frazer comments: "'Lus Gladii' is the second track from the upcoming debut album of 'heavy synthwave' artist Cruce Signatus. The debut album provides the soundtrack to the first part of an epic, feature-length animated anthology which will span four total releases. This animated anthology, the first chapter of which, 'Gehenna et Tartareum', was released in March 2024, chronicles the tale of an impoverished knight of the First Crusade as he journeys to the Holy Land and wrestles with his grievous sins and the prospect of his damnation. In this second chapter, 'Lus Gladii' (which translates as 'The Law of the Sword'), the upcoming animation will follow our protagonist as he returns from the spring campaign to extract rents from his fief. His iron fist weighs heavily upon his vassals, as his violent decadent and sinful lifestyle weighs upon his soul. The track features Cruce Signatus characteristic blend of synthwave and metal, exemplified by a combination of heavy, crunchy, industrial-influenced riffing and ethereal, continually building synths, culminating in a merging of the two styles. The track represents the distinctive sound that gives Cruce Signatus a unique voice in the world of heavy music". Link