This Swedish band is obviously just as big of an influence on Watain, as Dissection. With 32 years of experience under their bullet belts, they encompass more of the raw aggressive energy. There is a touch of death metal to what they do but it feels more black metal to me than not. Their bass player is the only member of this band who is new, as the rest of the band has been around long enough to be considered an original member. "Clavis Inferi" makes an attempt with the chorus, though is not as consistent as the opening track or "As Stars Collide' which works off a big epic gallop, along with purposeful vocals. The rasp of the vocals is articulate so the lyrics cut through the bombast. I can hear more common ground with Dissection on this song.
By "Stormcrow" they begin to pour on the thrashing speed and the similarities to Dissection become more apparent. The pace is maintained on "Shadows of the Brightest Night". The articulate vocals help to define the sections of the song. It is even somewhat hooky, as they are very songwriting-minded, rather than just hitting you with a heavy sound. The big chanted section of "Mirrors of a Thousand Lakes" keeps things flowing even amid the ever-increasing number of guitar solos. To the band's credit, the solos are generally tasteful. One of the album's most effective moments is in the riff to "Cast in Stone" which leads a powerful enough charge without rushing into a thrash tempo.
They maintain this more effective sonic balance in a manner that serves the song on "Nordanvind" . The title however is more of a blast-beaten speed fest. Not the strongest note to end on as they have a more uniform sound more often than not. I think giving this album an 8 is fair enough, their fans who are into this will like it, I certainly appreciate the effort put into the songwriting, and some of the melodic nuances put into the storm of their light's bane. Century Media is releasing this March 15th.
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