Having heard their full length on Last Episode records first, I was looking forward to hearing this, and I wasn't disappointed. Pagan Winter plays fast and brutal black metal, with a drummer that just goes and goes. Less thrashy than the full-length, more of a straightforward black metal feel - you know, with fast chord progressions, backing keys and a vocalist making sure his epiglottis won't work when he's 40. Riffs aren't terribly interesting, but the point of this band is speed and aggression, and the riffs are more than adequate for that. All members play well and precisely. Production is thin and harsh, but the drums come through clearly - which is a good thing. Check 'em out.

© 2000 j. mcintyre