Review by Adam M on February 1, 2012.

This is an interesting Instrumental album that has plenty of smooth rhythms and textures to be found. There is a rather relaxed vibe to the proceedings, even though there is a reasonable amount of technical proficiency on display. This feeling that the music emits recalls recent material by Cynic, but there are probably actually even more creative ideas on here than there were on "Traced In Air".

I’m usually not a fan of instrumental albums, because vocals are integral element for most bands, but this band manages to find an intriguing niche that makes their music stand out instead of drying up and becoming boring. The emphasis with the album is placed upon some interesting guitar picking over a strong bass line and this similar style runs throughout the length of the album. The band is able to convey a number of moods and styles with their fairly straightforward approach and the sounds can be likened to the changes in nature with their vitality. The constant shifting nature of each track makes for an always compelling listen at each turn.

The album has a melodic flavour as well that leads to a well-rounded experience overall. The variety of rhythms and textures found on this album makes it one that should appeal to anyone looking for an intelligent listen. Even though it might sound like the lost Cynic instrumental album, it’s actually much more than that.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 8.5
Originality: 7.5
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review by JD on August 7, 2011.

Confused... as I sit here to write a review for The Sunwashed Avenues, that is where I am at. This is a band that defies all logic... and that is not in a good way. I have just finished the album for the 5th time and I am as confused as a Amish man who has found himself at a Gwar concert.

Stapling together so many influences can cause a lack of focus and this band has indisputably no focus. Songs runs the gambit from a sort of Death Metal attack... to old school Punk that just plods along aimlessly, these guys bring every influence to bear and yet never does very much with it. I have to admit that I really get stoked when a band can do a whole variety of different styles, but not when it seems so muddled together. The Sunwashed Avenues seem not to be on the same page.

The musicianship is very impressive, as is the production and packaging, but that never hides the fact that this band is all over the place, to the point that they probably have no clue to what they are doing. Artistic and vision aside, all great art needs something that binds it all together into one - and there is nothing that is making this band into what the potential of the talent they have.

Some might find something in the album they like, but confusion and the fact that there is no true direction to see - even that might be short lived. As much talent that The Sunwashed Avenues have, doubt if it could save the album. My advice is to skip the album, and hope that when the next album is released, they all play as one.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 5 (confusion is not original)
Overall: 6.5

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Review by Felix on November 28, 2023.

The Will:
Driven by their affinity for sonic vandalism, Azaghal have returned once again. The restless Finnish institution meets Ars Veneficium, a bunch of newcomers from Belgium, in order to create an output for the underground. Both groups are united under the banner of extreme music and the will to write another chapter of acoustic destruction is omnipresent. Azaghal stay loyal to the ironclad principles of black metal and devote themselves completely to total blackness. Ars Veneficium do not intend to be left behind on the road to perdition. No doubt, in terms of passion and motivation, both bands are not in the mood for shoddy compromises.

The Power:
I don't think that anybody seriously doubts the massive force of Azaghal. During their long-lasting existence, they did not always deliver top quality. Yet it is also a fact that they never showed a sign of battle-weariness. "Uhri Yölle" flows like a torrid stream of lava. The mainly mid-paced tune thrives on its natural hostility and the mighty production which ennobles the contribution of Azaghal. The band accelerates the speed during "Varjojen Seremonia", but this track is also not exclusively focused on high velocity. Both tunes demonstrate impressively that Azaghal have never heard the term "fickleness". They celebrate their sinister art and that is the best they can do. The dark creatures of Ars Veneficium are endeavoured, but they do no reach the same level of remorseless aggressiveness. The band offers songs with constantly flowing lines that avoid an extra dose of melodies. Nonetheless, one can see the band's ambition to present powerful yet carefully thought through tracks. Unfortunately, both songs leave a very similar scent.

The Goat:
The first song of the Belgian warriors is called "Worship the Goat" and this seems to be the accepted maxim for the entire 12". Especially the misanthropes of Azaghal combine rawness, robustness and cruelty in a mature manner. This "satanic" mixture is crowned by the inhumane voice which underlines the hellish aura. Ars Veneficium are amazed about this degree of bestiality and only notorious liars would say that they are behaving like absolute beginners. Yet they have to acknowledge that the impenetrable darkness and the negativity of their Finnish opponents remain out of reach, at least for the moment. Anyway, "The Goat" will malignantly smile when listening to the results of this cooperation. No doubt, this vinyl is on his slightly carbonized shopping list, in particular because of Azaghal's songs. 80% for Azaghal, 70% for Ars Veneficium, this is his verdict. I do not think that I am a coward, but I dare not to disagree.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10