Review by Adam M on November 14, 2018.

Into Eternity brings melody and aggression to the forefront on their new album The Sirens.  The album is a difficult one to categorize because it brings several elements to the table.  There is definitely a progressive slant to the proceedings as the songs undergo winding structures.  Fringes of Psychosis shows off some cool guitar work, but within the framework of a melodic structure, which is really cool.  Similarly, other songs vary in structure and are hard to pinpoint.  What is clear is that the band is able to mix complex structures with more melodic ones to form a varied and interesting platter.

The complex sections aren’t really so much like Dream Theater as a one of a kind style created by the band.  Also, the melodic death sections aren’t the same as At the Gates even though they are melodic.  The result is a concoction created by the band that is unique and fresh and makes its impact felt strongly.  The musical performances are all worthy of attention.  Guitars are creative, yet melodic at different junctures.  Solos are intense and thoughtful.  The drumming is nimble and matches the songs nicely.  Vocally, Amanda Kiernan in particular made an impact on me and fit nicely into the progressive space the band occupies.  I was at times reminded of Fates Warning on this album although the music is very far from similar to them. 

The uniqueness of the band is balanced with the charisma to create something that is very special indeed.  I find the music a little underwhelming and the production could be punchier, but these are just small flaws.  Overall, this is a fun and diverse offering that has a little bit of something for any metal fan.  It thus gets a strong enough recommendation.  Whether the band is melodic death metal or progressive metal is up for you to decide.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by Carl on April 18, 2021.

They are called Bestial Warfare, so I can safely assume that this is not going to sound like Linkin Park. And indeed, no surprises here, this is bestial black metal, but it has to be said, the band delivers it with gusto.

While this isn’t as brutal and chaotic as some of their contemporaries, Bestial Warfare still deliver quite the punch to the gut. It has everything you expect from a release like this: the savage riffing, the raging percussive assault and of course the growled vocals that vomit forth the anti-christian bile all over the listener. What discerns the band from others in the genre is that the riffing is no blur, the band has clearly put a tad more thought in it than some of their colleagues. At times, the riffing even reminds me of the mid 90’s output of bands like Immortal or Marduk. Neither is the band afraid to let go of the accelerator now and then. This provides variation and thus avoids their sound becoming a suffocating vortex of white noise. Poured into a fitting production, hard and clear, yet never too clean or overproduced, this little work of art grabs the listener by the throat and does not let go for its short duration.

If you are into the style, Bestial Warfare will not disappoint you. They may be a little (and I really do mean a little here) more refined than others in the style, but they sure tick all the necessary boxes you want to see ticked as a fan of the genre. Recommended!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10