The sole member of this "band", Draconis, recorded and mixed this whole thing on a Fostex 4-track. The bass drops out at times, but overall everything is clear and pretty darn clean. Oh, you want to know what the tunes are like. Main rhythms are initially boring, but then Draconis introduces some atonal or folk melodies and interesting chord choices which makes this recording quite interesting. The vocals vary, sometimes reminding me of Beherit, sometimes The Black, and sometimes a lower register Ihsahn. The guitar tone reminds me, oddly enough, of Oxiplegatz. Slightly less clean than Alf's, but similar nonetheless. I can't easily compare Manatark's delightfully original riffing to another band, but Oxiplegatz comes to mind again mixed with a little early Behemoth. Drum machine (programmed well) and keys are utilized. Keys are only used for rhythmic expansion. I have no idea what the lyrics mean - they're written in French or something. Overall, a strong and interesting debut.

© 2000 j. mcintyre