Now here we have an interesting band from Finland.

This is ALGHAZANTH's debut album and for a debut album this is really good!

The band plays a mixture between melodic, brutal and extremely cold black metal.

The lyrics themselves aren't really dealing with the typical darknorthernwinters etc, but the music itself gives a very grim and cold atmosphere that surrounds the entire album.

ALGHAZANTH use some synths, but unlike some other bands, they do not overwhelm the music itself.

The sound is Tico-Tico quality, although somewhat flat at points...the balance between the instruments has not been entirely reached, but that's forgivable since this is a debut album and a good one!

My only complaint would be the vocalist who's monotonous voice starts to get a bit irritating towards the end of the album. However, the band has got a new vocalist nowadays so this aspect should be well covered.

Best songs on the album are: "My Somberness Surmounted" and "Ensnared in Moonshades".

A good debut album from these finns.

8.5/10

© 2000 naargrim