First off, I have some things I would like to say about the way all of the classic bands are changing their styles and expanding the boundaries of black metal.. it is because they seek perfection, they don't want to be "just another" black metal band amongst the thousands who are doing exactly the same thing they are doing! They want to prove to their loyal fans and themselves that they are a step above everyone else, that they truely are the masters of the dark art we call black metal... So now onto the album.. out of all the new releases from all our (old?) favorite bands, this one keeps the darkness and coldness involved.. albiet not so much as old darkthrone, but that is cause its in a whole nother style.. while emperor has gone for sheer technicality, mayhem has gone for weirdness/chaoticness, gorgoroth for gayness (HAHA) satyricon still manages to change their style and keep the darkness involved.. still keeping that primal feeling we all love about black metal, yes, they've gone for it in a more modern approach, but I think thats a good thing.. don't get me wrong, I love old classic raw as fuck black metal (my favorite bands are all of this style), but I def. feel that black metal needed to expand upon itself cause there were just too many bands doing this, and most of them just sounding like rehashed shit in the progress.... so gone are the midieval themes, the flutes, the keys, etc... and in coming a new style unheard of in black metal.. heres my opinion of it..

Vox - I do not like the vocals on this cd, they seem very uninspired (as does all of Satyr's vocal works to me).. they are just a bland black rasp, no feeling to it at all.. not much else I can say about them Poor - 3/10

Guitars - I've heard many of people complain about the guitar work on this album.. I do not see why.. at times the guitar work is very similar to the style represented on their past works, just with tiny differences thrown in here and there.. but they throw in crazy speed sections here and there, and do really weird guitar rhythms as well they are decently technical, keep a dark feel to the music, and fit the music very well.. Nicely done 6/10

Bass - I didn't hear the bass guitar once on this album.. Stupid 0/10

Drums - Frost is a fucking mad man! His drum work is right up there with Trym and Hellhammer (who I believe are 2 of the best drummers ever to walk the earth). his drumming is speedy, precise and never misses a beat.. not enough can be said about the drum work done here.. Flawless 10/10

Overall - The songs on here are very strange.. structure is indifferent to everything I've ever heard.. They change pace every 10 seconds (not literally) and keep things interesting (besides Satyr's vox).. They keep a dark feeling througout, but I will admit, its no where near as dark as the classic works of many early bands.. but it is still there nonetheless.. the songs are held out a little too long, but they keep things interesting by switching up the pace and doing lots of insane blasting (Frost is amazing).. I do not feel as if they have perfected this style yet.. as there are a lot of holes, they need more bass guitar, they need more emphasis on the song structure (normally I do not care about this, but with the style presented here, it seems mandatory), and they need to cut down on the songs length.. but aside from these faults, this is a really innovative/original release, and should not be missed.. I await their next cd eagerly hoping they improve on the faults (and for Satyr to finally get some emotion in his vocals).. Very good 7/10

For all those who think this is an expanding on the style of Intermezzo (or any of the EPs that came out prior to this) it most definately is not, those cds completely blew!

© 2000 niosrever