| Classic cult Greek black metal. Although somewhat slower and less savagely distorted than the northern contenders of it's time, this album successfully captures that elusive black metal "feel" that so many lesser acts pathetically fail to achieve. Doomy riffs and deceptively simple rhythms masterfully lock and counterbalance by turns, recalling the no-frills dynamics of the first Immortal album. The production is balanced but just obscure enough to maintain the aforementioned, crucial BM atmosphere. The dominant midpaced sections give the blasting resolutions/climaxes a real punch, with returns to a slower pace reinforcing an "epic journey" sort of feel, as if Varathron were ancient warriors travelling overland, with occasional battles and mysterious encounters along the way. Chorus-emulating keyboards are used sparingly, and never overpower the Sabbathy guitar or superb whisper-growl vokills. Essential black metal that reveals it's rich construction with repeated listenings. |