I think the thing that categorizes Darker than Black releases is that they are all 'OK'. Far from spectacular, but also above the average. The same goes for Germany's Barad Dûr. They present a very decent style of raw black metal which tries to "haunt". I like the vocals, I like the attempt at ripping off later Graveland, but as a whole the album isn't quite as brilliant as it tries to be.

Fans of "1000 Swords", without a doubt, the four-person band is still semi-proficient, don't get me wrong. They just don't come up with an album as memorable as it could be. Songs like "Land ohne Götter", for example, destroy - since it sounds like early Graveland, especially in the vocal department. Other songs, like "Kämpfer der Vergangenheit" and the demo tracks (which are the best part IMO) are a close copy of later Graveland. If you like later Graveland or Burzum - then you'll like this. It's just not as brilliant as either.

Packaging is well done, although the photo of the clan burning on the back may piss some off, while the "Free Varg Vikernes" ad will make others smile.

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