REVIEWS
July-September 2004
KHOLD (NOR)- "Morke Gravers Kammer" CD'04
(10 tracks, 38. 37 min)
(CANDLELIGHT)
We can say that ex-TULUS quite had some luck since in three years only managed to release under this very new name exactly three albums. Right after two albums at Moonfog, the new material is released under a British label, Candlelight; perhaps this was possible especially since EMPEROR has parted away. I think this time as well, we talk about a genuine Norwegian Black Metal wile Grim or Raw notes alternates in a common manner even if professionally conceived; there are as well extremely aggressive vocals, super-fast guitars and mad battery. I find stupid to insist on the sound's stylistic features especially since there always have been Nordic bands to clone DARK THRONE or EMPEROR. Probably a remark of this type: "True Norse Black Metal" might just perfectly complete KHOLD sonorous atmosphere! If we are to gaze at the full side of the glass we might agree that KHOLD is a fine sample of accurate Black Metal... but how many are today to be fond on classic Black Metal, which used to kick asses... ten years ago?!
MORGENSTERN (GER)- "Fuego" CD'04
(11 tracks, 41. 37 min)
(NAPALM)
Once again I find myself "troubled" in understanding this kind of Medieval Folk Rock! Although already at the fourth album, the six Germans hardly manage to outline, in a positive manner, a musical line I sensed at the very beginning of the album. Following CORVUS CORAX or IN EXTREMO sound, the band explores various musical lines, from Folk to Gothic, Rock and even Metal with modest male and female vocals, German lyrics, impressive flute and clarinet, simple guitar riffs, a shy bass and a peaceful battery. "Carneval" seems to be a distinct track, apart from the rest of the album, pointing out even more diverse sonorities and somehow better grouped together. If I have to compare it with previous MORGENSTERN materials, I'd say that dynamics and rhythmic elements are to be differently noticed.
www.morgenstern-band.de
FISSION (SWE)- "Crater" CD'04
(11 tracks, 42. 46 min)
(NAPALM)
Andreas Hedlund has decided, besides VINTERSORG and OTYG, to experience Metal under a different name, therefore he contacted Benny Hagglund (a session drummer for the up-mentioned projects) and founded FISSION. I find difficult to say I actually listened to Thrash Metal or Epic.... or Heavy Metal! It is rather Metal and nothing more or less. Why am I so confused though? Probably since there are so many strong VINTERSORG touches put together into a more Metallic approach, more cursive (even if not completely!), with a more alert and dynamic rhythm. I suppose there is a personal touch in the sound thanks to the vocal mixture. They actually come together with a bright rhythmic positive Metal amalgam combining an underground sound with various trends of the entire Metal/Rock spectrum. Anyway, I find this experience a little bit too modest to be noticed.
HECATE ENTHRONED ( UK )- "Redimus" CD'04
(12 tracks, 45. 55 min)
(BLACKEND)
Even if founded 11 years ago, the five musicians have released only three albums so far and a few EPs. The line up has been always altered so that I doubt there still are some of the founders. Following a classical Death Black Metal line, the British musicians had not experienced the same success CRADLE OF FILTH did, even if the execution is comparable. The melodic part seems to be rather too pale but there is a great dominant atmosphere created by the keyboards, mastering the sound and competing with demonic vocals. There is nothing new, nothing special, nothing original despite of that pitiful attempt for the instrumental passages to point out a genuine sound. I should only say that the title-track actually has a different orientation... more avant-garde... somehow out of any common pattern, but nothing else. In other words, keep in mind: it is a British first rate Black Metal both in execution and mixing, with Epic, Death or Atmospheric elements brightly conceived but in lack of personality.
FINNTROLL (FIN)- "Nattfodd" CD'04
(10 tracks, 36. 30 min)
(SPIKEFARM)
I finally come to listen to an excellent album! Well, here I am holding the new album of these inspired Finnish musicians right in my hands! After coping with all the line up troubles (the vocal player lost his voice and Somnium-the fonder of the band- passed away!), the musicians raised up to express a new FINNTROLL chapter. It is as Epic and Bombastic as the previous one, full of Folk elements, with plenty of Heavy fast and atmospheric successions, all built up on a mighty melodious and rhythmicViking Black Metal. It is more dynamic and superficial as well than MOONSORROW. I'd say it is more melodious than ENSIFERUM, with dominant keyboard and magnificent vocals, featuring tracks almost like hymns. The new album also expresses an elegant imagery. All in all I could say we actually witness a masterpiece of the gender. Yet there are some negative points I would like to enumerate: ridiculous short tracks (and so is the album!) and musical linearity.
www.finntroll.net
BORKNAGAR (NOR)- "Epic" CD'04
(12 tracks, 57. 53 min)
(CENTURY MEDIA/BEAUTY OF PAIN)
Oystein comes back in forth with the sixth chapter after three years of silence... and I must say that it was worth the waiting! The new material is even more avant-garde than "Empiricism" and very complex as well. The new tracks are posted on a weird structure of Black Metal but they are pretty diversified and I think there are to be heard new dimensions indeed. Lars A. Nedland's synth (SOLEFALD) is absolutely great and Asgeir Mickelson's drum (SPIRAL ARHITECT) follows an amazing rhythm. Vintersorg's vocal part is almost identical with "Empiricism" having regular turning points from screaming to actually singing perfectly harmonized with the rest of the instruments. Personally I would have preferred for the aggressive vocals to disappear since there are some rhythms' successions in which Epic Progressive features an exquisite charm and even more: the clean voice chanted brings in a unique atmosphere. Obviously, the synth fills the whole sound and leads the whole arsenal of instruments. There are both some aggressive tracks such as "Resonance" and some peaceful ones, even defensive I'd say and here the vocals tend to be rather Rock than Metal. If I think about, in better terms, I believe that the four musicians do their best to play exactly what is close to their heart and here from it is obvious that BORKNAGAR rather sounds like an experiment or, better, like a musicians' team: Oystein is the one who still insists on that Nordic aggressive Black Metal, Vintersorg oscillates between a violent and melodic tone of the voice, Lars proves that SOLEFALD's synth tends to reach various other dimensions, non-Metallic, featuring even 70's elements while Asgeir's battery simply confirms Lars' new trend even if keeping the other ones' in background. If BORKNAGAR lasted so far, well, it is Oystein's merit! Nevertheless, on this album it is obvious that Oystein granted each artist with freedom of expression as he liked so that the album might be judged as a diverse Metallic experiment, full of weird elements, in lack of cursiveness and any Metallic logics... it is a kind of amalgam of trends from all possible stylistic domains and it confuses and, if indulgently criticized, it might be accepted as a major transformation in style which is not yet finalized. Anyway, if the tracks' structure can be forever commented...I tell you one thing: the musicians' virtuosity and sound's clarity are undeniable.
www.borknagar.com
MAYHEM (NOR)- "Chimera" CD'04
(8 tracks, 44. 37 min)
(SEASON OF MIST)
Such a fuss for this new album! Everybody sustains it is a genuine sample of Black Metal without any compromises or modern touches, full of aggressiveness and virtuosity. All correct so far! But let's take a look under a different perspective: we entered the III rd Millennium and we talk about an etalon band greatly awarded on the market...I wonder is it all they can come up with?! Only common linear brutal Black Metal in lack of innovative elements or some created through their own egos? EMPEROR split perhaps due to a similar lack of great ideas...maybe felt had nothing more to express through Black Metal and wanted not to repeat itself, ENSLAVED entered other dimensions with a couple of albums while SATYRICON preferred to give up Black Metal in favor of Thrash...maybe thanks to a good offer received! Only the cult Band, DARK THRONE, still keeps this underground line in absence of any modern shades and some appreciate it...while others both indulgently and with respect regard Fenriz but have no courage to admit that since "Transylvanian Hunger" they haven't really listened to something new...solely the same album presented once and once again in more tracks...and more shapes over the years. Yet if we can understand DARK THRONE...we should be able to be that generous with MAYHEM too...right? Why so? Perhaps because of the previous album...this was a real challenge for the other musicians, pointing out that Black Metal can be successfully associated with other musical styles as well. So, they proved it was possible! I do respect their decision to turn back to simplistic Black Metal structured upon speed and aggressiveness yet...for now...MAYHEM is nothing but an ordinary band. Pity the history...
LEAVES'EYES (GER)- "Lovelorn" CD'04
(10 tracks, 41. 53 min)
(NAPALM)
Liv Kristine Espenaes Krull, known for her activity besides THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, comes back in forth with a new musical project, very digestible and commercial, full of a certain beauty and optimism. Many things have happened lately in her personal life such as marrying Alex (ATROCITY), giving birth to a boy and moving out in Germany for good. Such events have inspired Liv and she succeeded to release a Rock album, with roots in Kate Bush but still having some shades of what THEATRE OF TRAGEDY used to be (especially voice's inflexions!). Conceptually, the outcome is basically structured on three elements: nature, Romanticism and love. Having ATROCITY's members, including Alex' brutal vocals from time to time, LEAVES'EYES insists on the fragile melancholic dimension outlined by a superb female voice while the background mixture of Rock, Metal and Gothic simply discharge dynamism, rhythm and huge energy. The CD presents a multimedia presentation and a video clip, which proves their desire to be professional and up to date. If you're willing to admit each of you might have sometimes a positive sentimental romantic part, then you can try this album! Otherwise, the material has no magic! Maybe this mixture of Gothic Metal with Rock has met, during these last years, all kinds of shapes and dimensions so that without an excellent voice or a steady strong personality not correlated with the rest of the instruments...it might get hard to be noticed. Well, in this very case, Liv benefits of consistent marketing/promotional support!
www.leaveseyes.com; www.livkristine.de
LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE (GER)- "Ave End" CD'04
(11 tracks, 43. 26 min)
(NAPALM)
After three albums, rated more than average, the six Germans come up with other new compositions, more Rock than the previous ones... having enclosed in a pretty consistent proportion Metal, Gothic, Atmospheric and Dark elements. That low grave voice mixed with the guitar tunes remind of PARADISE LOST or the old SOM or FOTN. I must say it is a pleasant album to the ear...but it doesn't impress! T he commercial melodic side is now even more outlined and perhaps this is the reason it sounds rather common, in lack of innovative genuine sparkles. I feel like the power and personality of sound are missing! Otherwise...everything is ok! I think even live...Nikolas brothers& Co. will make an impression! It is a little succinct this review but I had to choose between this....and not writing at all. I chose the first! www.lacrimas.com
CARINOU (SWE)- "Bound" CD'04
(10 tracks, 43. 43 min)
(CODE666)
Well, it seems that the one behind Dark Ambient band, PUISSANCE, (and behind other Black Metal projects such as: OCTINOMOS or ALGAION) has decided to explore new territories...more rhythmic, more commercial. In consequence, we find here a Negative Metal Rock, extremely dark, from time to time a bit too noisy and full of Electro-Pop elements. The music is based on Programming and guitars; everything has a certain rhythm, dynamics and, somehow, makes reference to 80's Wave in a very atmospheric touch. Except the debut track, "Vivid", which features an extremely violent voice, the other tracks are dominated by a calm, peaceful voice with Pop shades...something in Pet Shop Boys type. I have no idea if this is meant to be serious or simply for fun yet the most important fact is that Frederik Soderlund has shown a new side...more comestible and melodious than that abstract Industrial Ambient or that violent Black Metal he used us with...during the years. Having collaborated with Maggie Elfving and Sofie Svenson has given birth to this very experimental project and it is very curious how people coming from different musical worlds could have conceived such sound! I'd like to underline that nevertheless this music type is definitely unique! In such terms, I'd say we cannot speak about an inspiration crisis or lack of originality...it is just that...something is missing...
ENTWINE (FIN)- "DiEversity" CD'04
(11 tracks, 43. 03 min)
(SPIKEFARM)
After AMORPHIS and recently so popular HIM, the Finnish Rock scene excels in so-called Gothic Metal bands. In fact, it is about a very commercial sound, danceable, with rhythm and vocals almost aggressive...but still keeping the limits, with easy riffs but full of energy, all in all this music cannot but to please, especially to all boys and girls who desire and accept music as atmosphere and nothing more. I personally am not fond on such sonorities! Starting with Melodic Death Metal, ten years ago, and getting to Catchy Gothic Metal...this is a standard path for many bands that finally got lost in underground scene's anonymity. This is a kind of music which neither enchants...nor bothers and ENTWINE is situated somewhere there...in the middle! Perhaps, in a couple of years it will only be enumerated in a context maybe! To be more precise, after releasing four albums, the six musicians have proved their limitation: lack of inspiration! Apart from such...everything sounds ok...pretty professional, melodious, Metalic...probably their best album! www.entwine.org
INNER SHRINE (ITA)- "Samaya" CD'04
(10 tracks, 45. 59 min)
(DRAGONHEART)
I must be by far outstripped by reality! I must confess, these two Italians, with their third album, bring out a strange kind of music...belonging to a SF world! Why so?! Let's say this shape of Symphonic Gothic Metal is a twisted one, beyond and in spite of any logics, abruptly passing from fast Black sequences full of explosive riffs...to acoustic phases exploring Ambient/Ethereal and even Classical realms...having on background opera vocals. The whole sound seems to be veiled into a poetic aura, with plenty introspective passages, full with meditative shadows. Actually, I don't understand why Luca and Leonardo did not focus solely on the symphonic elevation or...on the Metallic one! As it is right now...this mix of stylistic touches does not inspire me at all...I see neither seriousness...nor sanctuary in such musical approach! I might be wrong! Anyway, keyboard and piano continuously fill in the atmosphere...discharging a feeling of boredom or of weirdness. There is a tribute, 100% dedicated to classical music, in "Elagiacus In Re Min" track...which is grave on one hand and sad...monotonous on the other hand. The video is pretty "colored" but in lack of straight message...only choreography! With all my respect for the musicians' effort I still must say I am disappointed. I find odd that many reviews pointed out this album in a great light...I think I hope to be the only one to be wrong...judging/rating the material like this!
MISANTHROPE (FRA)- "Misanthro-Terapie: 15 annes d'analyse" CD'04
(13 tracks, 57. 25 min)
(HOLY)
This very album is a tribute containing, besides 13 new compositions, a live version, 4 cover versions and over 4 hours of documentary/ reportage/ interviews with the band's members on DVD. It is rather a collection box for devoted fans and this is the reason I better insist on the CD, namely on the new material, which was recorded in the same studio as for the previous album, under Anssi Kippo's signature (CHILDREN OF BODOM, SYNERGY). I must say, a Dark Heavy touch is present again, vocals are as aggressive and angry as always and guitars' touches are greatly pointed out all along the album. The keyboard seems more diverse and I believe the best thing about this album is that the tracks are very complex, well structured and indeed assorted. In such terms we can listen to a variety of tunes from Hard' n' Heavy or Speed to Death, Power or Thrash Metal. It is for the time when I hear some Medieval echoes (some flute tunes!) well placed and thanks to which...Philippe's vocal inflexions simply enchants...either brutal or clear. It is beyond any doubt that The French are indeed genuine artists with their instruments and, despite the fact their music is not trendy, they manage to make it through the fashionable items! Outstanding!
GARWALL (FRA)- "Black Beast" CD'04
(8 tracks, 43. 01 min)
(HOLY)
Of this band I only know about releasing a MCD at Adipocere Records, last year. After a single audition of the album I realized there was nothing left in my mind...so, I tried again and...the same result! It is brutal Death/Black Metal, with very heavy guitars reminding me, from time to time, of IRON MAIDEN but...apart of such...there is nothing special! DISSECTION, MARDUK or old IMMORTAL, this would be the approach. Although the material is gifted with an excellent mixing and it (all 8 tracks!) is exemplarily performed, these debutants say nothing to my ears.
www.garwall.org
CHAOSTAR (GRE)- "The Scarlet Queen" CD'04
(12 tracks, 50. 35 min)
(HOLY)
Chris Antoniou is one of the most talented musicians in the Gothic scene. If we need to develop the Gothic realm, I should mention more about that Classic or Opera dimension not the Metal one. Having no connection with a project already closed (SEPTIC FLESH), CHAOSTAR brings in the third chapter of Neo Classical Gothic Opera, based on voices, choirs, sopranos, theatric effects, avant-garde esoteric atmosphere full of both melodiousness, romantic caress and grave demonic notes...making references to these lands' history. I'd say that the majestic sumptuous aura discharged by those 12 tracks accurately reflects the very musical approach CHAOSTAR has decided to insist on and...there is one more thing: the soprano's voice, Sapfo, is absolutely divine! So, dear fans of old ELEND or of the genial band DEVIL DOLL, hurry up to put your hands on this genuine Gothic sample! Yet, keep in mind this: it has nothing to do with Metal or Rock! It is just Classical...Symphonic! I guess, under a different perspective, it could be perceived as a great soundtrack!
AD VITAM AETERNAM (FRA)- "Abstract Senses" CD'04
(8 tracks, 46. 17 min)
(KARMAGEDDON MEDIA)
Gothic Dark Metal Clones never cease to come out...and here we hear of six young French throwing out a feeler taking as guide bands like: THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, TRISTANIA, AFTER FOREVER, TRAIL OF TEARS or WITHIN TEMPTATION. And I notice, that -already common- contrasting theme is still the basis for Gothic Metal musical concept: melodious, warm, generous female vocals versus terrible grunts plus Death male vocals! This band ringed no bell for me... touched me not...yet I wouldn't say it annoyed me either! I think it is OK...for a debut. Unfortunately, there is nothing in here to preserve a proper shape...an identity. Otherwise, there is plenty of atmosphere and melodiousness, and both romantic and dynamic rhythms, simple guitars and a monotonous battery... The whole music is based on vocals, especially on the female ones and, in the background, there is a keyboard intensely but with no imagination used. With a lot of devotement and heart, in lack of both strength and message, this album can be indulgently reviewed but I say we shouldn't get drunk with water: here is nothing special! Actually I really am surprised of the Dutch label's deal!
GLITTERTIND (NOR)- "Evige Asatro" CD'04
(13 tracks, 41. 16 min)
(KARMAGEDDON MEDIA)
This young musician's (19 years old) debut seems to be pretty fresh and inspirational! The Folk, Metal and Punk crossover discharges a mighty atmosphere with deep roots in old Scandinavian music while the lyrics bring on ancient themes belonging to Asatru's belief. In fact, the lyrics are in Norwegian, therefore solely Torbjorn and his people know for sure what they sing about! I've noticed lately there are more and more bands approaching SKYCLAD old style but in a more domestic manner so that, in the end, those who habitually listen to CRUACHAN, THE POGUES, STORM or even FINNTROLL (this is an indulgent comparison!) could try tasting this experience as well. It is a good recording with a clear accurate sound...I really don't see why one wouldn't like it?! Perhaps one could be disturbed from time to time by Punk echoes, but I suppose it matters not for the authentic Folk fans! For those who actually desire for Metal, GLITTERTIND will be a big disappointment because of the commercial aspect and especially because of the simplistic structure... There is nothing to impress in particularly not to mention that it is in lack of any underground strike. I think an important percentage of the rating is given by the album's cover, which is extremely attractive, especially since it is created by the same artist/designer who collaborates with FINNTROLL! www.glittertind.net
SEAR BLISS (HUN)- "Glory and Perdition" CD'04
(10 tracks, 38. 22 min)
(REDSTREAM)
The five Hungarians come back in forth even if their product is not far from what they released at the very beginning of the musical career. In fact, it sounds like if this is the house of aggressive Black Metal itself...vocals, guitars, drums...all confirms! In exchange, I find a keyboard more intelligently handled creating an elegant atmosphere...and there is a trombone as persevering as always! I definitely cannot say it is the best album they released so far but I am sure it is the best of the last 4-5 years. On the first track features Attila Csihar's voice, probably invited with a straight purpose : to better promote the material! Well I enjoyed listening to this album but ... after two consecutive auditions I got bored! This is a succinct/short review just in resemblance with the album's length/depth...
www.searbliss.hu
PROJECT: FAILING FLESH (USA)- "A Beautiful Sickness" CD'04
(10 tracks, 40. 35 min)
(KARMAGEDDON MEDIA)
Very dynamic, very rhythmic, even explosive from time to time, with modern effects, Electro trends, bombastic keyboards...all of it sounds pretty interesting! This is a very well recorded and mixed sound...exceptionally I'd say...and actually, for the last couple of years, I don't remember to have listened to such a first rate production! I wouldn't say it is Thrash but neither Death nor Power Metal! It is an extreme Metal music of high quality, which makes the adrenaline higher...and determines you to climb the tables...climb the trees...!!! The American style is really en vogue and those who listened to VOIVOD or E-FORCE have the chance to hear Eric Forrest here as well! The album includes a very brutal aggressive VENOM cover-version...pretty much in the tone with the rest of the album!
www.projectfailingflesh.com
AGE OF SILENCE (NOR)- "Acceleration" CD'04
(10 tracks, 45. 14 min)
(THE END)
As you might know, WINDS is one of my favorite bands and the new project initiated by the keyboard player, Andy Winter, was announced more than 2 years ago! How could I describe better...in an accurate manner...a musical jewelry? I try and start by revealing the line up: a clear melodious voice- Lazare (BORKNAGAR, SOLEFALD), a legendary drum machine conducted by genial Hellhammer, an emphatic bass- Eikind (KHOLD), cursive guitars (a mixture of Metal with Classic)- Extant and Kobbergaard plus a demential piano/keyboard played by Andy. I actually distinguished some echoes of Lars Eric Si's vocals (WINDS). I find extremely difficult to pick up a Metal guiding mark so that I could lead you throughout this Celestial-Metal universe and this is why I chose for WINDS and in this case the Classic side is secondary while Metal is the dominant fundamental element of the entire atmosphere. Warm kind of Progressive vocals develop a magnificent aura even if pretty abstract and in lack of a tangible determination. It is obvious, so obvious, that as far as innovation is regarded, AGE OF SILENCE simply exceeds any expectations...and, in spite of the fact it does not originate that kind of energy I anticipated, I must confess, the album fascinated me, indeed! In other words, we meet here some frames of SOLEFALD, WINDS, ARCTURUS or even DREAM THEATER. It is also featured an impressive ballad, something in old METALLICA style, "90 Angels", which is completely detached from the rest and actually explores a new potential, a latent melancholic perspective. It would be a pity not to acquire this product! Both virtuosity and professionalism are irrefutable and I believe it is to be studied such unique Metal music approach!
DIVERCIA (FIN)- "Cycle Of Zero" CD'04
(9 tracks, 40. 21 min)
(KARMAGEDDON)
Some of you accused me I gave great credit to a band that had nothing interesting to show when I made an interview with these Finns. I tell you now I really believed in that debut, "Modus Operandi" and I had great expectations for the second album to confirm my belief. Well...this is a great disappointment! DIVERCIA preferred to mix melodic Metal with a kind of Metal HIM performs...so that there is nothing left to pick up! In other words, the new album is even more Heavy and aggressive than the previous both in instruments and vocals! There some parts in which a clear outstanding voice reminds me of that glorious LOST IN TWILIGHT, which pleasantly touched me years ago. It seems that, in hunger of more and more popularity, DIVERCIA has put aside its own identity, its own sound and decided to simply be a clone of bands like: SENTENCED, HIM, TO/DIE/FOR, NIGHTWISH in order to gain fans from both sides: Commercial and underground Melodic Metal. To me...DIVERCIA is now rather too disco for my Underground feeling and too noisy for a commercial audition in HIM or THE 69 EYES type! Not to say that the screamed vocals are by far too embarrassing! Apart from what I said I should add: the atmosphere is pretty specific to those of Finnish Metal Bands. Pleasant and tonic enough. The video included has "the merit" of outlining the superficiality of this new musical concept of the Finns.
www.divercia.com
TURISAS (FIN)- "Battle Metal" CD'04
(12 tracks, 57. 31 min)
(CENTURY MEDIA/BEAUTY OF PAIN)
So pompously announced and promoted the Finns' debut is not even close to what one might have expected...and has nothing new to put on Folk/Viking/Black Metal scene! With inspirational roots in HELHEIM, MOONSORROW or FINNTROLL, the band makes use of a commercial selling argument, which is pretty strong even if the music is bearably comparable to the bands up mentioned. To be more precise: the imagery is a fundamental element for TURISAS, in the booklet there are, in abundance, photos referring to the Nordics' glorious past...and, indeed, it is a professional stupendous layout! I can only assume that the German label decided to identify a headliner for this Metal style and...taking advantage of a new band, which features not past compromises but performs likeable music for the fans...created a new trademark. It is a classical sale strategy and thus bands like DIMMU BORGIR or CRADLE OF FILTH have become, in time, leaders/exponents of style Black Metal, which in reality was not popular at all. Probably, with a consistent promotional budget dedicated to advertising, the band might mark a proper debut and ... who knows...in a couple of years we could hear of a great Folk/Traditional/Death/Heavy/ Black Metal force: TURISAS band, while "Battle Metal" would become a genuine star of the style. This is an apology of how to get famous but I wouldn't be surprised for such to happen! Back to music: 12 tracks able to build a melodic rhythm, very entertaining actually, and full of heroic and majestic elements. I've listened to the album with a great pleasure...but I wouldn't know to point the moment I would do that again. It is rather too commercial and too "light"...too positive...too melodic/atmospheric...too linear and in lack of personality for my tastes! Viking Metal!
