Review by Adam M on December 16, 2014.

Fen’s Carrion Skies is filled with powerful folk inspired metal that is of a high enough quality to compete with Primordial or Agalloch. Their brand of metal has an even greater black metal focus that might make the band more comparable to a band like Bathory at times. In terms of a more modern comparison, Fen can be likened to Woodensthrone or Winterfylleth.

These bands uphold the pure aesthetic that the black metal genre seems to maintain as something integral to its style. Thankfully, there is a dosage of melody in the band’s sound that prevents anything from ever becoming too raw. I think there are plenty of ebbs and flows to the music and most of the peaks happen when the music attempts to achieve some type of harmony. Again, the peaceful feeling that is sometimes invoked also counters a potential evilness. Still, will all the tension and mood changes, I believe there could be even further incorporation of dynamics on future albums. For every moving moment there also ones that drags down the album a bit. This is a testament to the power of the band, however, that I foresee even further growth and progress. In terms of highlights, Sentinels sticks out with plenty of memorable riffs and moods created.

The competition for this type of an album was fierce enough this year with competition from Primordial and Agalloch. Fen is able to keep up with forces like that through their own vision and style. Carrion Skies is a well-rounded and worthy album that has a strong folk influence, but has an undeniable lineage in the black metal genre. Fans of these styles should miss the album at their own peril.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Krys on February 8, 2001.

I was just peacefully sitting and thinking how can I make this world a better place to live (get rid of all those pesky boys-bands fans). For some better ideas I went through my CD collection. I don’t know why, but I picked Cryptopsy "And Then You’ll Beg". I couldn’t have made a better choice.

This new release from the Canadian extreme metal masters serves you nothing less then blasting speed, technical chaos, crazy grooves and chaotic solos. You will beg to stop this CD because your ears will bleed and you will be playing with your father’s gun to ease the pain. This is definitely the sickest release in years. All songs (if we can call pieces of rotten corpses slammed together a song) will confuse even those of you who for years trained your ears to all kinds of deformed sounds.

This realm of brutality based on insane pounding of one of the fastest drummers in the world, Flo Mounier, mixed with wrist-breaking riffs and brain-drilling solos can make demons think "What did we do wrong to deserve this?" To sum it up in one sentence: "And Then You’ll Beg" only strengthens Cryptopsy’s position as the current leaders of the extreme metal movement.

I don’t think I will ever fully understand this release but in my mind that’s one of the reasons that makes this piece so special. Every time I put this CD in my player I find something new and it makes me want to listen to it even more.

Note: Cryptopsy’s "And Then You’ll Beg" is for serious headbangers only. You have been warned!

Rating: 8 out of 10