Hmm... After this bands pitiful debut, I didn't even remotely expect what poured from my speakers while listening to this album!!! VELES have taken a FAR more primitive approach on this CD, and the result makes me wonder if it's the same band!!! Much improved vocals, as there's just enraged shrieks here. The music on this CD is played in a very messy way, performance wise reminding me of the Black Legions' bands somewhat, as do some of the riffs. Some occasional near "ambient" parts also presented at times, one second the music will be purely fast/chaotic and then will instantly change to an acoustic/synth based piece. Production is horrendous, which gives it ever more of a "real" black metal feel. Their good demo "Triumph Of Pagan Beliefs" is an added bonus. I will give VELES most "improved" band (or should I say "band who got the sloppiest") of 1998. For those who like "tight played" or "polished clean" sounding BM, I cannot urge you enough to stay away from this CD!!! But for those (like myself) who like primitive/ugly BM, you will probably worship this...

© 2000 bathym