Although BALTAVAR hailing from Vratza, Bulgaria were formed only in 2018, they have a long history as ARES starting in 1999 to 2004 and again being active from 2014 to 2018. The Thrash Metal outfit release their debut full-length album under the name BALTAVAR. "Dark Science" has a length of almost 50 minutes, and the album was released via Italian Death, Thrash, and Gothic Metal specialists WormHoleDeath.

The album starts off with the intro "The Library", in which someone is opening an old door and steps in (presumably into a library). The Thrash Metal attack begins with "Angel's Shadow" and this one starts with traditional Thrash Metal guitar riffing at mid-tempo and a crushing bass. The vocals are a mixture of harsh and clean ones around the medium end of the vocal range with some occasional inclusions of higher notes. "Angel's Shadow" has dark melodies and some powerful riffing, but it misses a bit dynamic and aggression. "The Devil's Altar" starts with thunderous riffing and crunching bass lines and then transitioning into verse part at frantic pace. The song is a back and forth of fast parts, with aggressive and tight riffing and those thunderous slow parts at an almost stomping rhythm. Main focal point are the bass lines, which drive the song forward. "Hunter Of Souls" starts with sharp riffing at mid-tempo. It is a direct song with simple, but catchy Thrash riffing, and again, the bass lines are very dominant during the track. The vocals are more versatile compared to most other tracks and provide a grim atmosphere. The lead guitar solo is not very technical or playful and does not contribute a lot to the track.

"Burn It All" starts with a short and grim pre-lude and then transitioning into a mid-tempo track with aggressive riffing. The song structure is straightforward and there are no changes in tempo and rhythm. Despite including an extended lead guitar solo, highlight of the track are the cool riffs. "Beautiful" is another mid-tempo track and again, the guitar riffing is sharp and drives the track forward. However, the vocals lack a bit aggression and dynamics. The lead guitar solo is a bit more comprehensive compared to other tracks. Throughout the track there are a few electronic effects included to enhance the sound. "Temptation" starts with a slow atmospheric guitar part introducing a guest vocalist with an angelic and operatic female voice. After the opening two minutes, the track transitions into a mid-tempo track with powerful riffing. The vocals become a duet, where the operatic female vocals are dominant. "Temptation" is a different track compared to the other songs on the album. It is atmospheric and grim, and it has, beside the Thrash Metal riffing now and then, a few symphonic Death Metal vibes. "Raven's Destiny" starts with strong bass lines and thunderous riffing, and both are the highlight of the track. The guitars alongside the bass provide the darkness and a spine-chilling atmosphere. The lead guitar solo is also very contributing to the track.

"My World" consists of two parts, an atmospheric guitar driven pre-lude and a mid-tempo track driven by tight and aggressive Thrash riffing. The track sounds a bit monotone at times especially with the drumming, but also the vocals where I missed the distinctiveness occasionally. Also, the melodic theme of the pre-lude could have been integrated into the track as it was basically a stand-alone track. "My World" has been officially released as lyric video, and the YouTube link is given below. "Shine Of Darkness" starts with a short bass guitar solo and then transitioning into the well-known mid-tempo patterns, where the guitar riffing drives the track forward. There are a few twists in pace and rhythm as there are a few down-tempo parts with powerful riffing at a head-banging rhythm. Also, the drumming is a bit more comprehensive compared to the other tracks on the album, a few double-bass kicks are included as well. A common feature of the album is the inclusion of a short pre-lude and "Who You Are" is no exception here. The track has also a few changes in rhythm and tempo variations between a measured pace and mid-tempo. Highlight is the lead guitar solo which contributes very well to the track. The album finishes with "Burn Boom Fire" which is an atmospheric outro.

BALTAVAR deliver an album with light and shadow. It is not the classical Thrash Metal album, it has its very own, at times theatrical, sound. The guitar riffing uses mostly traditional Thrash Metal riffing and that is the album highlight. Many of the songs sound monotone as most of the album is played at mid-tempo and there are only occasional twists build in. The lead guitar solos could have been more technical at times and the vocals lack a bit dynamics. The album is well produced. "Dark Science" has some interesting features and Thrash Metal fans might dig into that album. However, there is surely room for improvement, and it will be interesting to see, how the sound of BALTAVAR will develop in the future.