Review by Adam M on June 2, 2017.

Solstafir performs a very subtle form of music. They are into the more ambient side of the metal genre now and it shows on their newest release Berdreyminn. This is music that is to be digested slowly to gather in all the rhythms and nuances present. There is a great amount of mood music present and it takes the form of gentle riffs that enter into your brain. The use of keys and other instruments is also present. The entire set of the instruments makes for a very exciting set of music, even though it is very subtle.

The rhythms are quite a spectacle to behold and hold the listener in trance. This is music where you don’t care if it is laid back because it is thrilling enough regardless. The small atmospheric elements present really make for an entertaining listen. Is this better than their previous awesome album Otta? It’s hard to say, but it is more great material by a great band. The album was hard to follow up, but Solstafir was quite up to the task and have presented nice material here. In terms of atmospheric metal acts, they are among the best we have in the genre right now, up there with Anathema. They are able to craft the most memorable moments at the blink of an eye.

Although the album gets off to a really good start, it is quite consistent throughout and maintains a high degree of quality throughout. This is mood music for the mind that has a great effect upon the listener. It is very esoteric in nature and makes for an enthralling time. It must be said that fans of atmospheric music have another gem on their hands with Solstafir’s newest even if it doesn’t do anything particularly new compared to previous works.

Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Review by Adam M on June 2, 2017.

Solstafir performs a very subtle form of music. They are into the more ambient side of the metal genre now and it shows on their newest release Berdreyminn. This is music that is to be digested slowly to gather in all the rhythms and nuances present. There is a great amount of mood music present and it takes the form of gentle riffs that enter into your brain. The use of keys and other instruments is also present. The entire set of the instruments makes for a very exciting set of music, even though it is very subtle.

The rhythms are quite a spectacle to behold and hold the listener in trance. This is music where you don’t care if it is laid back because it is thrilling enough regardless. The small atmospheric elements present really make for an entertaining listen. Is this better than their previous awesome album Otta? It’s hard to say, but it is more great material by a great band. The album was hard to follow up, but Solstafir was quite up to the task and have presented nice material here. In terms of atmospheric metal acts, they are among the best we have in the genre right now, up there with Anathema. They are able to craft the most memorable moments at the blink of an eye.

Although the album gets off to a really good start, it is quite consistent throughout and maintains a high degree of quality throughout. This is mood music for the mind that has a great effect upon the listener. It is very esoteric in nature and makes for an enthralling time. It must be said that fans of atmospheric music have another gem on their hands with Solstafir’s newest even if it doesn’t do anything particularly new compared to previous works.

Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Review by JD on December 7, 2012.

Panychida is a Czech term, literally meaning a memorial service for both the Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches, and is also the name for a Pagan Metal band from the same country. Let us see what they have to offer up for us.

Powered by the pagan side of things, this Czechoslovakian five piece plays seriously well put together Blackened Pagan Metal. Mostly bypassing the whole Viking/Folk Metal, maybe except for using some interesting instruments with great effect for accenting the brutal heavy riffs and rhythms of classic metal instruments. It is heavy, nasty and power filled with wondrous lyrics that are so very haunting and yet seem intriguing at the same time.

Half original songs with a mixture of live and cover tracks, Panychida’s odd half EP/special album powers over your senses with very outstanding musicianship and savage force. I was struck by just how well the songs had been crafted, noticing that the band had taken the time to make every last one of them. I love the original track ‘Return From The Woodland Journey, and I have to say the cover of Running Wild’s 'Black Wings Of Death' - needless to say that the others were very good, but these stood out for me.

For Pagan Metal, Panychida is on of the bands that really showcases just how this genre is to be done, while putting their own inspired spin to it all. They have not fully hit their potential yet, but is on the right track to make their mark. With an album this good by a band that is so close to what they can fully give, their next album will smoke the competition right out of the running.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 8.5
Originality: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Review by JD on December 7, 2012.

Panychida is a Czech term, literally meaning a memorial service for both the Orthodox and Greek Catholic churches, and is also the name for a Pagan Metal band from the same country. Let us see what they have to offer up for us.

Powered by the pagan side of things, this Czechoslovakian five piece plays seriously well put together Blackened Pagan Metal. Mostly bypassing the whole Viking/Folk Metal, maybe except for using some interesting instruments with great effect for accenting the brutal heavy riffs and rhythms of classic metal instruments. It is heavy, nasty and power filled with wondrous lyrics that are so very haunting and yet seem intriguing at the same time.

Half original songs with a mixture of live and cover tracks, Panychida’s odd half EP/special album powers over your senses with very outstanding musicianship and savage force. I was struck by just how well the songs had been crafted, noticing that the band had taken the time to make every last one of them. I love the original track ‘Return From The Woodland Journey, and I have to say the cover of Running Wild’s 'Black Wings Of Death' - needless to say that the others were very good, but these stood out for me.

For Pagan Metal, Panychida is on of the bands that really showcases just how this genre is to be done, while putting their own inspired spin to it all. They have not fully hit their potential yet, but is on the right track to make their mark. With an album this good by a band that is so close to what they can fully give, their next album will smoke the competition right out of the running.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 8.5
Originality: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.8 out of 10