This is the *official* release of Graveland's "Thousand Swords" on none other than Darken's own label, and what an excellent (if not godly) album it is. This is by far one of my favorite CD's ever...the feelings and emotions that it invokes are second to none. As most of you know Graveland are the premier (far better than Behemoth) Polish black metal band, or to some of you out there "that fucking nazi band". But don't let this groups political state (if you are uncomfortable with it) get in the way of the fine tunes they create. "Thousand Swords" is by far Graveland's finest album yet, employing excellent Celtic sounding riffs, atmospheric keyboards (Darken is an excellent keyboard player), and just enough rawness to make this the finest albums to come out in a long time. The disc starts out with a well-done very Celtic sounding intro, some actual thought has gone into this, and then quickly blasts into the perfect "Blood of Christians on my Sword". "B.O.C.O.M.S" is one of my favorite songs of all time, it starts out with an amazing riff which builds on itself, and the drumming that flows over it is excellent. The rest of the album follow's in this way, occasionally Darken's vocals vary to a far more high pitched scream at times (yet still remain constant in the fine tradition), and (thankfully) Capricornus' drumming has most vehemently improved, thus adding a much needed touch to Graveland's already killer sound. Perhaps Baal of Behemoth should join Graveland and do some REAL drumming (aaaahhh fantasies). Anyways...packaging is nice, filled with scary pictures of Darken and Karcharoth, as well as an interesting essay of sorts by Darken. Filled with broken-English ideologies, this particular addition to the new packaging will most likely either offend or strike a chord with it's readers (this is the only new addition, besides the (somewhat) different cover). The finest release in Darken's year of the holy Aryan pagan War. *HIGHEST* recommendations!!!!!!!!!

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