I wasn’t able to find much information on this band, so we will have to let the music do the talking here. Their new album has eight songs, and “Legends and Tales of Old” is first. For me, it sounds like what could be a supplemental soundtrack for the HBO show Game of Thrones. The music has a gentle sway to it, and there are ominous tones occupying the background. It is hasty, and well crafted. Seguing into the title track, the song is lead by meaty bass notes, a firm riff, angry vocals, and more ominous tones. I get the feeling that there is much more to come…the backing symphonic elements are wonderful, and I get a taste of WINTERSUN here. “Devoured by Time and Long Forgotten” has playful orchestral tones, but that main riff is dark and bossy. The pace is hasty, almost as if you are running from something but it keeps gaining ground.

“Unyielding Citadel” is the first single released from the album. It’s deep…no, even cavernous, and you feel like you are reaching into a portal in the earth below that doesn’t have a bottom. The entire song carries a ton of gravity with it. “Lunar Ascension” eases in slowly, and with each note, more tension builds. The orchestral elements are wonderful, and they really add a lot of flavor to the song. There is also some marching elements, as if an army of the undead is assembling and headed to war. “Molpir” features haunting vocals in the beginning, and it feels like the mist of the early morning is starting to part…what lies beyond? The riff that follows is steady, hasty at times, and very firm, and the music is both intricate and accessible at the same time.

“Woodland Labyrinths” is longest, and it explores a lot of territory and different sounds. Beginning with a dark aggression, it mellows a bit here and there, and thick bass notes move it forward through the passing of storm clouds. The short “Fading Embers” closes the album, and it seems to encapsulate many of the various sounds on the album, and wraps up the tale….fading embers will soon go out. Overall, this was a fantastic album. It was so well crafted, with every detail in tow, and it flowed from start to finish like a river winding its way through a mountain path. It was firm and aggressive enough for all Black Metal fans to enjoy, but also had enough other elements to spice up the nine-course meal to your taste.