Undoubtedly their finest work, this neglected gem of an mCD stands as testament to the fact that Swedish black metal has not conceded to stereotyping and type casting itself…Sorhin is indeed among the staunch defenders of the Svensk black metal faith!

Intelligent, truly morbid, incredibly vile and furious Swedish black metal is the quintessence of Sorhin’s art, a sound composed of Nattsfurth’s melancholic screams, technical, disorienting semi-melodic riffage and genuinely sinister lyrical content, all encrusted with an aura of class and conviction that is absent in much of today’s underground.

Conjuring a frigid atmosphere via the use of particularly inspired riffing from Eparygon, Sorhin effortlessly manipulates the very finest elements of Scandinavian black metal to their whim, incorporating the misanthropic droning, brooding atmosphere of Burzum, the semi-melodic, guitar lines of early Immortal and Satyricon and the technicality reminescent of earlier Swedish entities like Algaion, this 18 minute scorcher belongs in everyone’s collection.

It seems as though people are more partial to their full length, “I Det Glimrande…”, and that serves as a puzzle that has never failed to perplex me, considering the ebullient songwriting depth and honesty of this recording, a hearkening of sorts to the days of Nastrond, The Black, Algaion, Thornium and whatnot.

It appears that Nattsfurth is intent on pursuing a more traditional modern death/thrash direction with Sorhin, with their latest mCD exhibiting a fair deal of chunky, calculated riffage, so in actuality this is Sorhin’s only truly excellent black metal record, and as such their definitive record. As most of my reviews might reflect, I am not especially tolerant of most newer black metal, but Sorhin is such an act that transcends such petty hang-ups and proves to be a delightful exception to the rule. Buy this.

[ a fucking 10!]

© 2000 equimanthorn