Greek metal, with all its peculiar originality can be a beautiful thing. A semi-success for Greek metal is Fiendish Nymph, who offer their own brand of dark metal with roots in gothic doom and old school death metal. Vocals go from whispery to a raspy howl to poofterish gothic vocals. Songs are constructed around a few simple chord changes that are doomy at times and slightly power metallish at others, with keys providing some backing input. Drums are handled well, and production is clean and clear. Again the songs are a bit simple (sometimes reminding me of a cross between early Acheron and The Black), leaving me with the feeling that the songs needed to be worked out just a little bit more. But truthfully, they are no less simple than some old school death and black metal that I enjoy (Acheron/The Black - "Thou art lord . . thou alone!!!!).

© 2000 j. mcintyre