Although this CD is not stunning, it's certainly above average. SVARTSYN is Swedish black/death metal with a definite DARK FUNERAL influence. Perhaps the fact that the drummer, Draugen, was once in DARK FUNERAL may have had an impact?! But the main difference between the 2 bands is that SVARTSYN is not horribly boring!! I also liked the vocals FAR better (then again, it doesn't take much to top Themgoroth's vocals!) and the production is quite raw. I can also compare this to MARDUK in parts. One more thing to point out is that "The True Legend" has perhaps THE evilest bass sound I've ever heard on a black metal CD!!!

© 2000 bathym