I’m sure that the artwork looks better in real life (I was sent a download link by the label), but it is really faint so take it from me this is what it looks like, honest – do not adjust your set. This is an album that has been a long time coming, and was originally going to be released in 2010 with programmed drums. However, the band waited until they could get someone on board to do the task properly and session drummer Tonmi Lillman was employed to get the job done properly. It is the debut album from the Finns and is a concept, “an epic tale that paints a view with a smell of a rotten flesh about great battles within northern scenery where servants arise against their leaders. This creates a bloodbath that throws the world to the edge of Ragnarök.”
Musically this is black metal with some symphonic elements, with a huge nod towards Dimmu Borgir – don’t be put off by the Carach Angren style “The March”, that is just to lull you into a false sense of security. But, like much of this album, it really isn’t anything new and I just knew that “The Unholy Warcry” that followed would be quite different, and it was. Quick guitars and bass, an octopus for a drummer and hoarse vocals doesn’t really bring anything new to the table, although the switch to acoustic guitar was a nice touch and the sparing use of keyboards also reminds one of Children of Bodom.
This is a solid album with good production, and while this isn’t something that I would stress as being indispensable it is a fine example of the genre so if BM is your thing then you ought to have a look.
