Review by Maciek on December 18, 2012.

Quite good position in the genre of Symphonic Black Metal recently appeared from Belgium this year. I would compare it to early Dimmu Borgir albums, I've read some comparisons to Keep of Kalessin, I would add some early Emperor's efforts and some Cradle Of Filth's too.

The album is the second full length in bands catalogue and as for second album I was anticipating it nearly as much as Dimmu Borgir's "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant" and the band's composing and workshop abilities are somewhere between this album and "Spiritual Black Dimensions" with some moments resembling Carpe Tenebrum's "Mirrored Hate Painting" and even few chords and tempos reminding Behemoth's slower tracks ('Fhtagn') with an atmosphere from Moonspell.

The drummer does a great job, putting blast-beats where they belong and when needed it is powerful but slow. My favourite track is probably 'Upon The Idol Of Crona' - proper Black Metal entrance with symphonic passages reminding sometimes early Therion (possibly because most of them are played on keyboards) and Portuguese Moonspell mentioned before. And along with fast-paced drums you can hear some really nice solos and melodic vocals. Really good epic track. Another good track is 'Sati' where you can hear more live instruments (trombone, euphonium, cornet, cello and violin, appearing in other tracks as well), starting in My Dying Bride-ish style but as the track goes on more and more interesting elements are being added (sitar for example) and obvioulsy there is some fair amount of Black Metal blast-beats. Quite interesting album, with big part of lyrics including elements of Cthulhu Mythos with lyrics written in English, German and Belgian. And signature cover made by Michał Karcz.

Basically the whole package has made very good impression on me and ever since I've heard the track promoting the album (Haunter Of The Dark') I knew it would be one of the strongest positions in Symphonic Black Metal in 2012. And I'm not disappointed.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.4 out of 10