Alastis' second album is dark, but not at all as "black metal" as their debut, The Just Law. To give one an idea of how it sounds, think of the first album mixed with Wildhoney-era Tiamat. Or, if you have never heard early Alastis, think of Samael's Blood Ritual mixed with Wildhoney-era Tiamat. And if you've never heard any of these bands, shoot yourself. No, really, the music is gothicy and even bouncy at times, but overall the riffs and drumming are definitely within the realm of dark death metal if not quite making it into black metal territory and not all that speedy. Alastis has always been kind of mellow sounding, but this isn't dirge-y like their debut. Regardless, I like it, but I think you might have to be in a "slow music" kind of mood to appreciate it. Production is much clearer than their debut, showing the progression into their polished sound of today.

© 2000 j. mcintyre