This band reminds me of Stormblast-era Dimmu Borgir - unabrasive, strolling chord changes creating a fairly stale atmosphere, but decent enough to enjoy (if one is in a mellow mood) and to notice a tad bit of work having been put into the compositions. The speed of the songs kicks up at times, but the short, cycling riffs and meandering sections create an air of somnolent introspection. The keyboards are mixed a little too high, which makes it most annoying since there is little character to the tinkling. Overall, Ahriman gives one a decently produced demo for fans of, say, Throes of Dawn or mid-era Alastis or other dark metal outfits.

© 2000 j. mcintyre