Once again the Czech Republic gives us a black metal band that makes us forget a certain Northern European peninsula. Stiny Plamenu is the solo project of Lord Morbivod, who also plays guitar in Czech BM horde Trollech. The music is based on a running subterranean theme, continued from their first two independent demos/albums to this, their third full-length and first release on Barbarian Wrath. Like many of their fellow countrymen the musical stylings can be traced to other bands (particularly Norse BM bands such as Darkthrone and perhaps a touch of Immortal), but the approach is just so demented, twisted, and intense that it comes out much more original and inspired sounding. It's just faster stuff, the riffing is more twisted and fluid, the vocals more rabid. . . (For any who've heard who I'm about to mention, Stiny Plamenu is to Darkthrone as Maniac Butcher is to Immortal). HIGHLY recommended for all fans of the Czech BM scene, Barbarian Wrath hordes, and for anyone who is tired of Norway's best stuff being about a decade old.

© 2003 lord vic