This is Ancient Rites first CD and it is good. It is probably their fastest and roughest material. In the beginning Gunther's vocals were deeper, almost deathly one could say (as opposed to the ever familiar black metal rasp). Deathly black metal sort of on one gear but it does prove to be quite enjoyable. There is an old school vibe that surfaces to the top which adds to the interest level (at least in my case). Best songs are 'Death Messiah' and 'Assyrian Empire'.

© 1999 malphas