This disc was quite a surprise to me. Decieverion is a black metal band from Pennsylvania that is the brainchild of guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Necrodemius Hammerhorde. With some help from The Black Lourde of the Crucifixion (yes, from GBK), he has crafted this excellent little piece of black metal that manages to bridge the gap between 'modern' styles and the classic style as exemplified by Mercyful Fate. Five long-ish songs and a fairly good Celtic Frost cover clock in at just about 35 or so minutes, and it's a treat from start to finish. The long songs benefit from multiple dynamic section changes, and the riffs themselves draw the best of norse-style fast strumming, more conventional harmonic heavy/thrash metal riffs, and occasional effective use of clean guitar interludes. As always, The Black Lourde proves why he's one of the most talented drummers in the underground, managing to put the perfect drumbeat to each part, deftly handling the changes, and plenty of great fills/chops in between. Another nail in the coffin of those who mistakenly think the shores of Vinland have nothing to offer to the Black Metal world... Highly recommended.

© 2003 lord vic