Ancient Rites third disc sees them with a new line-up and a more polished sound. It's a very professionally produced album that suits the music which has gotten way more technical with leanings toward classic metal (no real surprise there though as there was always that edge to Ancient Rites). The two new guitarist display some serious proficiency handling the more complex rhythms and solos fluidly. All the material is well thought out and all the heaviness that was present on previous discs hasn't diminished one bit. Really a fine all around effort that's kicked off with an amazing intro. Quite a moving piece of music that must be heard, serious European romanticism. The disc once again comes with notes on all the songs from Gunther which only adds to it's classiness. I know some penny ante punks that require vacuum cleaner production values will dismiss this disc because of how tight/professional it is but listen to it yourself and you be the judge. You'll find it hard to dispute that this is one fucking good disc of metal.

© 1998 malphas