This was one of the earlier projects that was produced by Fenriz, and to the best of my knowledge, it was a sole deal with only him making the contributions ( i.e all instrumentation, lyrics, and vocals ). The instruments are handled fabulously, just as in the later Isengard albums, and so that aspect of the album is very enjoyable. As for the rest... I suppose that one would have to find interest in this particular style of death metal. Really what it sounds like is just the old demo and Soulside Journey era Darkthrone material, so the musical context of the demo is not at all different in any way. Very leniant towards the trash icons Possessed, Slayer and Celtic Frost, Isengard is primarily an eighties thrash band with faster song structures and more aggresive vocals ( higher screams and lower growls ). One could easily draw a comparison to Aura Noir, if it were not for the lower vocal structures. Although I am of the opinion that this style has been consistantly raped and raped again by over- dedicated, or over- obsessive fans, Isengard still maintains at least a bland level of ingenuity, if only because of the respect one must have for Fenriz and his unarguably uncanny musical abilties.

The lyrics delve primarily in the corresponding ideaology of this era as well, consisting of a dour assortment of gore, death, and sacrifical topics to illuminate the material. The only part about the lyrics that work is the fact that he really knows how to scream them out, and give them some actuall contextual feel, rather than simply pussing them out like so many of the bands at that time.

All together not the best demo, but still somewhat interesting for anyone looking to hear some old, hard to find, Darkthrone/ Fenriz material.

© 2002 orodruin