Review by Alex on September 24, 2018.

Archgoat had begun to climb the ladder since their 2006 full-length release Whore of Bethlehem with each full length album following it taking on a much cleaner production than its predecessors. What was also noticeable since the bands inception is their ability to maintain the same 3 piece lineup with the addition of a sampler keyboardist. On The Luciferian Crown the drummer is replaced only for the second time in the 17 years of Archgoat’s existence. With this change new ideas are breathed into the ceremony.

The music on this latest offering still has the Archgoat signature stench; however, the band has incorporated some elements not commonly heard on their previous efforts. The approach is a bit more versatile due to these elements being added, such as the synthesized choir and electronic background samples. The choir had been introduced on previous records such as The Apocalyptic Triumphator but only in small portions, on The Luciferian Crown its presence is more noticeable and dominant than ever. As mentioned earlier, Archgoat’s production began to undergo changes that has made their sound far cleaner than on their demos and Ep's, this change is still the case on this latest record in which has a very clean and professional sound comparable to their 2016 album. Lord Angelslayer’s voice still has that evil growl many have come to use as a key identifier of Archgoat’s sound. Ritual Butcherer is still menacing on his guitars in his dispatching of riffing devilry and the new drummer, Goat Aggressor, shows that he is capable of playing the traditional Archgoat way. The keyboard sections played by Diabolus Sylvarum adds a sinister coating to the already fast and heinous attack. The common mid-tempoed elements are still prevalent on The Luciferian Crown as on other blasphemies but is used more frequently on this venture. 

The Luciferian Crown has a special flow, something that I haven’t heard by Archgoat on other records. Fast double bass kicking has made its way into the realm in the form of "Messiah of Pigs" and a very diverse playing style almost rock and punk fused is ushered in by Archgoat on "Darkness Has Returned". It’s good to see the band trying new things in small portions, this gives the ritual a feeling of unpredictability as it spins below the needle. "Star of Darkness and Abyss" is definitely the highlight track for me, it’s versatile in its pacing and has all of the Archgoat goodies you love about the band with the addition of the earlier mentioned fast double kicks. Its positioned at the right spot on the track-listing and feels like a re-introduction or a new chapter in the band’s existence. With so much occurring on The Luciferian Crown, it’s hard to compare this record to previous entries by Archgoat which is a good thing, as it shows constant evolution of the song writing techniques used by the band. However, this is still Archgoat, their identity remains perfectly intact whilst being complimented by newer refining ingredients. The Goat has returned with spiked shiny hooves and even more crooked horns. 

Horned impalements/Jewels within the crown:

• “Messiah of Pigs”
• “Darkness Has Returned”
• “Sorcery and Doom”
• “Star of Darkness and Abyss”
• “The Luciferian Crown (Venom of God)”

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review by Adam on March 3, 2002.

Enter My Silence are the most promising melodic death metal band out there right now. They have everything In Flames had going for them when they released The Jester Race. There is a constant indescribable aura surrounding each and every track on this release and they all stand out in their own special way.

Lets start off with the vocals. This is basically your only connection to death metal found on this disc. They are fused with blistering power and brutality reminiscent of earlier Dark Tranquility and In Flames releases, but of course have their own unique touch. The drums on this cd are very reserved and I found that to be quite nice. Sure there is a lot of double pedals and such, but not the usual amount where it tends to overcrowd the music.

The preeminent force on this disc is definitely the guitar work. Each song has a catchy lead guitar hook that will instantly get inside of your head. On top of this, the rhythm section is truly outstanding and an excellent support system for the harmonies. The production is pretty stripped down and raw, yet it presents each instrument in a clear and professional manner.

There is not much more that can be said about this cd other than the fact that if you like melodic death metal then there is no way that you cannot have this disc. This is probably one of the best melodic death records to have been released in quite a while and possibly one of the best metal albums of last year. It would be a shame to see it slip by without the attention it truly deserves!

Bottom Line: Melodic Death fans just have to have this! That’s it!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 7
Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Overall: 8

Rating: 8 out of 10