illusionist

A relentless and punishing album, with just enough melody and breathing room in between the onslaughts to prevent fatigue. Often intelligent lyrics that portray pitfalls of modern life as all-consuming monsters really give it an extra dimension too. Cryptopsy will never be the same band as they were in the 90s with Lord Word, but they're still near the top of the heap of brutality of modern Death Metal. It also helps that the album starts and finished very strong, with the opener and ... read more

One of the most versatile bands the Doom Metal scene has produced yet. From the arresting piano ballad "Immolation" to the creative inclusion of horns on "The Dress" to the incredible fastball and change-up that concludes the album ("Reveal", "Thicker Blood"), this is an album that builds an atmosphere from the beginning and only gets stronger and more intense as it goes.

Valhalore clearly resolved to raise the bar for themselves on their second release. Despite a long eight-year wait, I'm glad they took the extra time to develop these songs and the extra effort to bring in an inspired ear like Sam Vallen from Caligula's Horse as producer. As can be seen in the behind-the-scenes documentary on YouTube, his ear for motifs, spacing, and transitions really helps the band's natural knack for melodies shine. It all pays off. Together, they created a ... read more

The only truly essential songs here are "The Hordes of Nebulah" and "Quintessence". Both show some inspiration in cultivating more of a Doom Metal feel than any of the band's previous works. The former leans heavier with its simple but brutishly effective doom-stomp main riff; the latter leans more blackened and melancholic.

The other 4-5 tracks leave a lot to be desired and give the album an Island of Misfit Toys feel. "En vind av sorg" and "Hans siste ... read more