Friday, July 18, 2014

Achren/The White Death/Ceol Dorcgas Productions/2014 EP Review


  Achren  are  a  band  from  Scotland  that  plays  a  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  which  they  call  blood  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  ep  "The  White  Death"  which  was  released  by  Ceol  Dorcagas  Productions.

  A  very  melodic  and  old  school  melodic  black/death  metal  sound  starts  off  the  ep  along  with  some  blast  beats,  powerful  bass  lines  and  a  good  amount  of  thrash  elements  before  adding  in  some  black  metal  screams  and  death  metal  growls  and  the  music  also  alternates  between  mid  paced  and  fast  parts.

  There  are  a  great  amount  of  melodic  and  guitar  solos  throughout  the  ep  and  the  fast  parts  have  a  Swedish  black/death  metal  feeling  to  them  and  on  the  second  track  they  start  out  with  some  slower  riffing  before  going  into  a  more  mid  paced  direction  and  they  add  in  a  great  amount  of  melody  as  well  as  an  epic  feeling  to  the  last  track.

  Achren  creates  a  very  catchy  and  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death  and  thrash  metal  with  their  musical  which  is  very  heavily  influence  by  the  old  school  Swedish  style,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  death,  war  and  torture  along  with  one  the  songs  covering  Finnish  Mythology.

  In  my  opinion  Achren  are  a  very  great  sounding  melodic  mixture  of  black,  death,  and  thrash  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACK  "Suomen  Susi(The  Finnish  Wolf".  8  out  of  10.  

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Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Bjarm Interview


1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?
Hello, we are “Bjarm” from Severodvinsk, the north of Russia. The band was founded in 2009 by Egor Vorobiev, Oleg Ivanov and Alexey Miroshin. Andrew White and Anastasia Angie joined us later.

2.Recently you have released your first full length album, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the new recording and also how does it differ from the demo you had released in 2010?
It’s hard to say, most likely the new album is a mix of several genres. The sound is now more diverse, the emphasis is on keyboards. Guitars are purposely taken away into the background, they mainly add volume. The demo was a bit simplier and more even.

3.This is the first release that has been released by the band since 2010, can you tell us a little bit more about what was going on during that time period?
We had several concerts for supporting our demo album. Also we were making the new material. After that we were recording Imminence and shooting video clip. Moreover we had photo shoot that time. The recording needed more time than we expected mostly due to the lack of experience. But as we believe, we succeeded in making Imminence.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?
As for the lyrics, the new album continues the tradition of demo-forerunner and evolves the theme of the fatalism’s grave philosophy. It’s told here about the price of life and will, immortality and omniscience. The basis consists of ancient Scandinavian myths which were rethought religiously.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Bjarm'?
When we were thinking about the band's name, there were a lot of versions. Were looking for a short and memorable name. It turned out to be not so easy. After long-time discussions we have chosen “Bjarm”. "Bjarmia" was the name of our region at the Viking Age. "Bjarm" is a native of this territory.

6.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Probably the first one was the best. We were preparing for it very thoroughly. That was the first live show for most of us. We were worried a lot but everything was great. In fact we try to make every live show better than the previous one.

7.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?
Yes, we planned European tour this summer, but unfortunately we could not go there due to technical reasons. We are going to have several live shows in Russia this autumn. But we are not sure about them yet. Follow the band's news.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of symphonic black metal and death metal?
Reaction of the foreign listeners is very positive. But in Russia this genre is not very popular, that’s why we found more good opinions abroad. Of course there are some shortcomings in our album, we will take it into consideration in our following releases.

9.Are any of the band members involved with any other musical projects these days?
Andrey Vait sings and plays guitar in one more project. The rest of band members have no other musical projects.

10.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?
Good question! We want to create high quality music and convey it to the huge number of people. We suppose every musician wants to do the same thing.
Hope we can do it soon.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
At the first time Dimmu Borgir, Graveworm, Amon Amarth, Septic Flesh, etc. had a strong influence on us. But there are no preferences now. All band members listen to different musical genres.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?
Egor is occupied with video editing and graphics. Anastasia's hobbies are roller skating and foreign languages. Alexey likes cycling and travelling.

13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thanks to everyone who supports Bjarm, hope to see you at our concerts soon!

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Monday, July 14, 2014

Nothgard Interview


1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the old album?

First of all we’ve had some changes concerning the line up. We’re now playing with three guitars as Skaahl from Wolfchant joined the band in 2012. We were also playing a lot of shows in Europe and took our time to write and prepare for the new album which was some intense and hard work.

2. In September you will release a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction of the new recording and also how does it differ from from the previous full length and demo you had released in the past?

There is definitely a big difference between „Warhorns Of Midgard“ and „Age of Pandora“.Soundwise, „Age of Pandora“ sounds way fresher, clearer and more powerful, but not just because of the three guitars. We have tried out a lot of stuff during the songwriting process and only took the best ideas which are hearable on the new album. The songs are more technical, include lot’s of powerful orchestral/symphonic elements and feel faster. Also we went more in the direction of epic melodic death metal on the new record.

3.Your lyrics cover some Pagan topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your views on Paganism?

As we´ve changed our musical style into Epic Melodic Death Metal, the new lyrics don´t include much concerning paganism. But there are topics which a influenced by nature and spiritual issues.

4.The band was originally known as Nordavind, what was the decision behind the name change and also the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Nothgard'?

We’ve changed the band name into Nothgard as Nordavind was unfortunately already used several times by other bands. The name Nothgard refers to the word „nothgarde“, which also means striking out for a counter attack in sword combat.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

That’s a tough question. We’ve had some great shows in England where we’ve had fans singing along to every song, knowing all the lyrics and partying hard during the show. Shows in the Czech Republik are also always fun as the people are always having a big party. We also love playing festivals, where we get the chance to perform our songs to people that may have never heard about Nothgard before. The show we’ve had a few weeks ago at the „Runen der Nacht Festival“ has also been a blast!
In general it’s always a pleasure and a lot of fun for us, and that’s what we’re showing on stage during our shows. You can see that we enjoy being together on stage.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the new album?

Yes! We are going to have a tour in September in Spain, which will be called „Black Clouds Over Iberia“. We also have plans for another tour, but right now we can’t tell you any information's about that ;)

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been so far to the newer music by reviewers of extreme metal?

Until now we haven’t received much feedback from reviewers, because the promotion has just begun, but what we have got by now was really good. For example, we received a very positive album preview in the German metal magazine „Legacy“ and in general a lot of positive feedback from the few other people who have heard the new stuff.

8.What is going on with the other musical projects these days that some of the band members are involved with?

Dom R. Crey has just joined Equilibrium and is currently playing some big shows with them. He is also a member of Wolfchant. Same goes for Vik S. and Skaahl. Wolfchant is currently recording their new album which will definitely be another killer release.

9.Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We definitely want to develop our self's and become more technical in the future. But right now, we’re very happy with the current music style and want to stick to it.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on 'Nothgard'?

There are several bands, which have had an influence on the music style, especially because they affected the guitar, bass and drum style, which our members have now and which are hearable in the music or rather songwriting. To mention some of those bands, there’s for example Children of Bodom and Arch Enemy but also Hard Rock, Folk and classical stuff.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

It depends. Most of our spare time we use to develop our skills on our instruments. Otherwise we like hanging around with friends, partying, listening to music, visit concerts. Also all of our members are busy with studying and working.. Random stuff ;)

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

We want to thank EVERYONE out there who supports us and visits our shows. If you are interested in listening something new, fresh and powerful, you should definitely check out our new album „AGE OF PANDORA“, which will be released on the 12th of September 2014. We keep you updated on our social medias like facebook and also our official homepage. For those who can’t wait until September, we will release some snippets of the new stuff over the next weeks.

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Friday, July 11, 2014

Nothgard/Age Of Pandora/Trollzorn Records/2014 CD Review


  Nothgard  are  a  band  from  Germany  that  plays  a  mixture  of  melodic  black,  death  and  folk  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2014  album  "Age  Of  Pandora"  which  was  released  by  Trollzorn  Records.

  Epic  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  nature  sound s which  gives  the  music  a  feeling  of  a  fantasy  movie  soundtrack  and  after  awhile  spoken  word  samples  can  be  heard  briefly  and  after  the  intro  the  music  goes  into  a  more  heavy  and  melodic  black/death  metal  direction  along  with  some  growls,  screams  and  blast  beats.

  Synths  are  still  mixed  in  with  the  heavier  side  of  the  bands  musical  sound  and  they  bring  the  folk  metal  elements  to  the  music,  clean  singing  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  they  have  a  pagan  metal  feeling  to  them  while  the  guitar  solos  and  leads  that  the band  use  are  a  lot  more  closer  to  traditional  and  power  metal.

  After  awhile  the  synths  bring  in  more  of  a  symphonic  side  to  the  bands  musical  style  which  they  also  mix  in  with  their  black  metal  influences  at  times  while  also  going  for  a  more  prog  style  of  synth  playing  on  some  of  the  later  songs  and  they  also b ring  in  a  brief  use  of  horror  movie  samples  on  one  of  the  tracks  and  throughout  the  recording  the  band  also  uses  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  last  track  sees  the  band  adding  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  gutiars.

  Nothgard  create  some  very  interesting  music  that  combines  black,  melodic  death,  pagan,  symphonic  and  folk  metal  with  a  touch  of  prog  and  the  song s are  very  catchy  and  display  a  lot  of  talented  and  skilled  guitar  solos,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  paganism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Nothgard  are  a  very  great  sounding  epic  mixture  of  black,  melodic  death,  pagan,  and  folk  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Of  Light  And  Shadow"  "Black  Witch  Venture"  "Wings  Of  Dawn"  and  "No  One  Holds  the  Crown".  8  out  of  10.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Bastion Interview


Answer: Dmitry (vocals, horns), Ivan (drums), Yuri (vocals, bass), Alexander (keyboards, accordion)

1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the band since the recording and release of the new album?

Dmitry: After the release of the album several concerts in Moscow were played to support it. We also recorded a new song "Sumetskaya" based on an old Russian folk tune for a fight, and made live video for this song. We are going to present them in the near future. At the moment, we took a long pause to determine the further development of the concept and vector group.

2.Recently you have released a new album can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction of the new recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?
Ivan: we approached more responsibly to the record of a new album with a sound concept of music and visual album design. The first album is good in his own, but due to lack of experience, many errors were made during the recording process we tried to avoid on the new album. Music is fundamentally different, which is understandable since there were important changes in the band: in fact, composers were changed. New members added the diversity of folk instruments.

Alexander: and technically the group does not stand still. We wanted to play harder and more varied, while retaining the folk component, which is eventually happened. Besides lyrics also undergone a change in the direction of greater linearity and stiffness corresponding to modern realities. Everybody went all out and that is happened - the best at the moment that our group can offer.

3.In the beginning the band played in a more power metal direction, what was the decision behind going into a more heavier and darker direction?

Yuri: It was a natural desire of participants, which just went from the inside. Times change - changing ourselves. Events around us getting tougher and we react to them through our songs. Besides striving to give people a boost to opposition negative factors around us, and more hard music contributes a much better motivation!
Alexander: Probably heavy hammer of the current sound is better able to reach the minds and destroy the gate of indifference inhabitant than the previous chaotic whistling in the air power metal sword.

4.While there where a few demos released in the early 2000's the band waited until 2011 to put out their first album, can you tell us a little bit more about the gap between releases?

Ivan: As often happens - the young guys get together, with the idea to play a definite music, creativity abounds, but the case itself, which for some then becomes a matter of life, not yet filled with that sense and awareness that appear later with experience. Parties are formed around, people come and go and everything is fun. In such circumstances demo are being written, creating something which happens naturally, and the recording quality in mind - this is not working as recording full-length album. And then serious changes begin, time shows - what is the most important for someone. In our case, the whole complex of these problems is the reason of a temporary abyss. In fact, the tracks presented on "Dawn of Svarog" were written by different people of the first casts started recording the album some, already finished the others. In any case, the first release - it's important theme for us - we summed up the first step of forming a "Bastion" and paid tribute to the first participants who have at one time a huge contribution to the team.

5.The lyrics cover Slavic Paganism themes, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in this topic?

Yuri: Actually it is not only about paganism. For us paganism - is primarily one of the pages in the history of our nation, undeservedly forgotten and rejected by modernity.
Alexander: This topic is, unfortunately, almost no coverage in the official history, though an integral and a very large part of it. This is done on purpose, because the modern religious system which promotes slavery, humility and non-countering to all the negative that we have now is beneficial to the state. While Slavic paganism promotes freedom and harmony with the environment, which is lacking in modern humanity.
Ivan: All this talks and debates about the validity of certain beliefs already pretty bored. I personally absolutely non-religious person. Paganism for me is a way of learning about the world, do not allow limitations. As a creative person, I want to breathe and absorb everything that gives us around the world - with its light and dark sides. Everything is subject to a single space, and feel one with it - that is my spiritual path. Everything else - the profanity and fictions of people wanting to subdue the crowd. If we talk about the topic of paganism in the works "Bastion", it gives us a basis for a deeper dive into a folk soul, not yet tainted by foreign elements, true love for our fatherland and unbreakable bond with her.

6.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Bastion'?
Ivan: It's actually quite banal. Title was invented in the beginning and did not change. And then it was important to pick up a resounding suitable word for executable  music (power metal). Looked everywhere, thought, discuss different options were ... until at one point in a dictionary, it has caught the eye of "Bastion". We decided that it is well suited for it and stopped. Surprisingly, until now, given all the changes in our sound and style - it does not lose relevance. "Bastion" as used to stand, despite all external attacks, and will stand on its promise and carry listeners.

Yuri: "Bastion" is a serf fortification. That's you will not pass by our group so easily and not overcome hurriedly. In addition, as it is a defensive structure, as we stand on guard for our traditions and history.

7.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?
Dmitry: For me, the best concerts were in Minsk (Belarus) in 2011, the same year in St. Petersburg, together with Skyforger and the presentation of the new album in Moscow in February 2014. Our performance was described once the publication Casus Belli Zine as "Krasnoznamensk’s ruffians " (we are from a town called Krasnoznamensk). This definition accurately describes our behavior on stage: unbridled energy and conduct, which gets all the spectators and puts in a slam and mosh. We behave on stage completely uncharacteristic of typical pagan metallers. It is worth a look!

8.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?
Dmitry: No plans for performances, because, frankly, no one is calling us to play)). And especially not arranges tours. Promote our own music as we can.

9.The new album was released on Der Schwarze Tod, can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Ivan: Der Schwarz Tod - this label of Nebokray’s (Небокрай) vocalist, whose participants are also some people from "Bastion." Our first release, by the way, also came out with the help of this label. At this stage, we are completely satisfied with the cooperation with them, label does not stand still, builds momentum, increasing the number of released versions, well, then we all communicate closely, so we do everything together (for details on the release and distribution of Der Schwarz Tod you can learn here - https://www.facebook.com/DerSchwarzeTod).

10.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your newer music by fans of underground, extreme, pagan and folk metal?
Dmitry: At the international level only positive feedback there are. And ordinary listeners and music critics have praised our effort and work.

http://www.metalhead.it/?p=27511 (7.5 \ 10 from Italy)
http://nocturnemagazine.net/recenzije/1704/- #. Uxn8cND. (8 \ 10 from Serbia)
5 \ 5 from Dark City magazine (leading magazine about heavy music in Russia)

11.Are any of the band members involved with any other musical projects these days?

Dmitry: Guitarist Konstantin involved in the group Lepta (Лепъта) and has recently been helping our friends from the group Krada (Krada). Ivan and Yuri are permanent band members Nebokraj, just as I wrote Flute for Nebokraj on a new mini-album. Personally, I'm studying ancient Russian traditional music and have a project under this "Kudeyar» (Кудеяр).

Ivan: Just trying to help our friends and colleagues on the stage - this notorious group Temnozor, Krada Moscow, there was collaboration with a group of Wolf Cross and other groups.

12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Yuri: First of all of course it is the traditional Russian folk music and our folklore in general. Then folk metal and black metal. Not without modern alternatives (hardcore, rapcore). I always like listening to The Exploited and Oi, RAC, melodic death, pagan metal.
Ivan: I've been listening to different music at different stages of my life, so that all affected little. Recently returned to the nu-metal and alternative - Limp Bizkit, Korn, Soulfly ... Before this was mostly hardcore. Quoted old Black Sabbath - the greatest band of all time! At one time the strongest influence was the Norwegian black metal - in the face of all known, the brightest of its representatives. If we talk about the lighter characters, the Iron Maiden - always on my top list! Guys from Manowar - just to display .. always appreciated the music drive and some wildness or atmospherics and some detachment. Here it all and entwined.
Alexander: Everything, classic rock, pumping heavy music, all that helps to push, tug, squat and run.
Dmitry: First, there was punk rock, then grew up on classic heavy metal, then symphonic black metal, nu-metal, alternative, hard core. Now I listen to any good music, be it pop, elektro, rap or metal. I generally like music as itself and no matter what style it is. Among the groups in my track sheet are always 3 Doors Down, Limp Bizkit, Chimaira, Nickelback, Drowning Pool, Hatebreed, Deftones, Dry Kill Logic, Creed, Devildriver, Deadlock, Lamb of God. Lately listening downtempo, melodic drum'n'bass, embient, and of course the Russian ethnographic folklore.

13.What are some of your non musical interests?

Ivan: Besides music, are actively engaged in sport - gym, martial arts, boxing, football. Participate in mass jogging and other sports promotions aimed at the proper development of young people. Interested in car and motorcycle industry. Course literature - both classical art and popular science, mostly historical. Just interested in the issues of doing business in the Russian complex realities. Besides all this, everyone has a basic work, half of a group have family with young children - so do not have to miss.
Alexander: HLS (healthy lifestyle): rocking, girls, bike, skiing. J
Yuri: I think the consensus is said rocking. With regard to myself, rocking, history of his native country, its peoples, politics. About family and parenting does not say that because even though it takes the lion's share of the time, it can not be called hobby. This is the fucking life!)
Dmitry: each participant involved in sports, as possible participate in public life. I love an active lifestyle, cars and motorcycles, guns, outdoor recreation, longer hikes, literature, in general, all that fills life with colors and what you feel truly alive.

14.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Ivan: Thank you for your interesting questions and interest in our creativity! Do not forget your roots, fully develop, get better every day and then do not have to complain about the negativity around - create your own reality!

Yuri: Keep yourself healthy, get exercise and learn the history of your country. All that you need to raise a healthy generation. Be patriots of your fatherland.

Alexander: Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth!

Dmitry: Thank you for showing interest in us and really interesting questions. Salute Portugal from Russia. Listen to our music and watch the news on the official pages:

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Oath Of Damnation/The Descent/2014 CD Review


  Oath  Of  Damnation  are  a  band  from  Australia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  brutal  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2014  album  "The  Descent".

  Dark  and  evil  avant  garde  sounds  start  off  the  album  before   going  into  a  very  fast  and  brutal  blackened  death  metal  direction  along  with  a  mixture  of  growls  and  screams  and  blast  beats  and  the  music  uses  a  good  mixture  of  slow,  mid  paced  and  fast  parts  as  well  as  adding  in  good  amount  of  melody  into  the  guitar  riffing.

  When  guitar  solos  and  leads  are  added  into  the  music  they  bring  in  a  great  amount  of  talent  and  skill  as  well  as  being  heavily  influenced  by  more  traditional styles  of  metal  which  also  brings  a  good  balance  between  the  bands  brutal  and  dark  sound  and  when  synths  are  added  into  certain  sections  of  the  recording  they  bring  a  very  dark,  atmospheric  and  symphonic  sound  to  the  bands  musical  style.

  Even  with  the  symphonic  sound s the  band  still  manages  to  retain  a  very  fast  and  brutal  edge  to  their  musical  sound  and  the  music  is  perfectly  balanced  between  black  and  death  metal  and  one  of  the  later  tracks  also  see  the  band  adding  in  rain  and  thunder  sounds  briefly  before  returning  back  to  a  more  dark  and  brutal  musical  direction.

  Oath  Of  Damnation  takes  a  very  brutal  style of  blackened  death  metal  and  combine s it  with  symphonic  and  melodic  black  metal  which  makes  the  music  sound  very  interesting,  the  production  sounds  very  powerful,  heavy  and  dark  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  occultism  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Oath  Of  Damnation  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  brutal  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Sergius  III"  "The  Severing  Of  blessed  Fingers"  and  "Shroud  Of  Spoleto".  8  out  of  10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZC3Y9B-2ipI

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Bjarm/Imminence/Fono Ltd/2014 CD Review


  Bjarm  are  a  band  from  Russia  that  plays  a  mixture  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review of  their  2014  album  "Imminence"  which  was  released  by  Fono  Ltd.

  Wind  and  bell  sounds  start  off  the  album  before  keyboards  are  added  in  and  they  bring  an  epic  and  symphonic  sound  to  the  recording  and  after  the  3  minute  long  intro  the  music  starts  to  go  into  a  heavier  direction  while  also  keeping  around  the  symphonic  elements  and  a  few  seconds  alter  spoken  words  are  added in briefly.

  Once  the  heavier  vocals  kick  in  they  bring  a  very  grim  blackened  death  metal  feeling  to  the  music  and  after  awhile  melodic  female  vocals  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  one  of  the  later  tracks  also  has  a  few  seconds  of  male  vocals  and  they  bring  in  elements  of  gothic  metal  to  the  bands  musical  sound  and  the  songs  stick  to  mostly  a  slow  or  mid  paced  direction  along  with  a  good  amount  of  melodic  guitar  riffing

    As  the  album  progresses  more  black  metal style  vocals  are  added  into  the  music  along  with  some  powerful  sounding  bass  guitars  and  as  time  goes  on  by  they  bring  in  an  instrumental  track  along  with  the  following  song  using  clean  and  acoustic  guitars  and  they  return  back  to  a  more  symphonic  black/death  metal  direction  on  the  last  3  songs  as  well  as  speeding  up  a  bit  for  a  few  seconds  and  adding  in  s  mall  amount  of  blast  beats  and  the  last  song  brings  back  some  of  the  clean  playing  while  still  sticking  mostly  to  a  heavier  direction.

  Bjarm  stick  to  mostly  a  symphonic  black  metal  direction  on  this  album  while  having  a  more  blackened  death  metal  approach  to  vocals  along  with  a  small  amount  of  gothic  elements  to  create  the  sound  that  you  hear  on  this  album,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  metaphysical  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Bjarm  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  symphonic  black  metal  and  death metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Approaching  Of  the  Close"  "The  Nine  Worlds"  "Oracle"  and  "Tree  On  The  Bones".  8  out  of  10.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EezjLT1uuFw