Irae belongs to the Black Circle, together with Mons Veneris, Decrepitude, Vetala and Rainha Cólera.
I discovered the band through a split called Black Throne of Disease in 2006, I got it from War Productions and still keep it. This split opened up the lusitanian scene to me, as it also contained one of the most unknown but genius gems of that entire country: the band Penitência, previously known as Nightrealm, and Irae also released a split ("Destroying Your Existence") with them when they were still using the previous name.
Penitência only released 3 songs in that split and went inactive after. The compositions are of an extremely top caliber, they have the elegance of visionary orchestral compositions. Then there's Ars Diavoli, with a dark and anguished style, Irae with that minimalist style done right and Thy Black Blood, that conveys a feeling of victory after a war.
Investigating the people behind these bands I discovered tons more, like Lux Ferre, Malleus, Acceptus Noctifer, Flagellum Dei and InThyFlesh. That's when I realized the majesty of the portuguese scene, and at that time, no one talked about it, it seemed non-existent outside of their country, besides the old exports Sirius and Moonspell.
I hail lusitanian black metal with high regard and Irae has jumped in quality and status with this recent offering "Crimes Against Humanity". I ordered this directly from Vulturius and he even included a patch for free. He knows how to keep the followers of his work satisfied!
"My will shall be done!"