Here we have former grind, death, etc. band members coming together to form a black metal project.. I expected something very original, and I sure as hell did get it! but not in the way one would expect.. This is certainly one of the strangest albums (nothing beats arcturus in strangeness) I've ever come across... not that that is ever a bad thing lets break it down..

Vox - The vocals on this album are very good.. they are a sort of black rasp/scream/shriek.. not all three, just a combination of them.. it sounds very good... occasionally (very rarely) he does a high-pitched moan.. very strange sounding.. but, the vocals here are very well done, fit the music perfectly, and so on and so forth.. Very Good 8/10

Guitars - The guitarists on here are more than capable with the handling of their instruments.. They do occasionally use some generic riffs, and often get washed in the back of the mix (during keyboard riffing), but most of the time they are playing original tunes that are sure to please anyones ears (well.. extreme metal ears) They use many different paces, and occasionally (again, rarely) go into the grind/death category and it works very well.. the guitars are very strange at times too (as with everything on this cd) but in a way that has to be heard to be understood Very Good 8/10

Bass - The basswork here is rarely heard.. which is always a shame, but it doesn't detract from the value of this cd at all.. most of the time it just follows the guitars and drums providing a deeper tone (which many of you think is the purpose of bass, but it can be used for so much more).. Decent 5/10

Keys - The keys are very dominant in the mix.. they are pretty much the main instrument.. but they are used very differently than in the gay bands we all know and want to decapitate (dimmu borgir and co.), they aren't used to be "majestic" or "gothic" or "vampyric" or even to add atmosphere.. they are used to add a very sinister, strange and twisted dimension to the music.. and it works very well at that!! This is pretty much the best way I've heard keys used before (as a main instrument, that is)... Near Perfect 9/10

Drums - The drumming on this album is superb.. it flows along nicely, changes paces often, and never misses a beat.. this guy is obviously one of the ones from the grind band cause the drumming here can get very grind-ish (slowed down of course).. Very good 8/10

Overall - This is one of my favorite cds, not because it is "EVUHHL!", not because it is drenched with atmosphere, not because of the over-use of melodies (gay), but because its a refreshing look at black metal.. one that works very well.. a very innovative release, and one of the strangest CDs you will ever come across, guaranteed (as far as metal goes).. I am very anxious to get their newer one.. after which got them signed to Century Media (found this out yesterday).. lets hope CM doesn't do anything to fuck with their style... Very good 8/10

© 2000 niosrever