Italy is finally beginning to shed its image as solely a haven for symphonic metal bands. Disarmonia Mundi came into being in 2000 and shortly afterward managed to independently release Nebularium. Several lineup changes ensue, with the big boost coming with the addition of Soilwork vocalist Bjorn "Speed" Strid to the ranks. Signing to Scarlet Records, they have since released a second album, Fragments Of D-Generation. Nebularium is a varied and inventive melodic death metal album, loosely in the Opeth camp at times, while at other times going for the more somber approach of a mid-period Katatonia and at still other times speeding up things, such as on the excellent "Mechanichell". Strid's involvement with the band will surely bring them some well-justified visibility -- these guys are recommended in the progressive/melodic death metal field.