Cult of Catharsis was formed in Bergen, Norway back in 1999. This group  consists of members from  Aeternus, Helheim, Taake and Malice in Wonderland, all very busy bands so I guess that's the reason why they quit the band. The musical style of Cult of Catharsis is Epic Heavy Viking Metal with the keyboards as the driving force within their music. After the first hearing of this album we know that all inspiration roots to a Swedish band and of course that band's Bathory (R.I.P.).
The first song is entitled In Times Of The Oath and is a real highlight. This song reminds us of Twilight Of The Gods riffs and atmosphere but I'll never say that Cult Of Catharsis stole these riffs because it's simply not a copy but just pure inspiration dwelled by "Twilight Of The Gods.The next 2 song's aren't bad , yet I'm not really convinced by the quality of the horde, but I have the feeling during these 2 tracks that it's not the top ability of the band. The fourth song is a Viking Metal inspired track with a long guitar solo. The fifth song is a masterpiece of the finest Epic (Viking) Metal you can imagine. It is really too bad that Cult of Catharsis quit otherwise they'd become one of the main bands in this genre. Cult of Catharsis does not exist anymore, but three of the members have now formed a new and completely different band compared to the horde. The name of this new group is Deathcom.
The other band of this split release is also a Norwegian horde called Opus Forgotten. I don't know if this band is still alive but after this split release all is clear to me. Their first song is Unleash The Fury and its only an intro. But this intro is the finest intro I've ever heard. Their Darkthrone-inspired style with fast riffs and very good combined violin is worth all your money. Old school drumming and it's the best way to keep mid or fast tempo off all those tracks. For me the best song of this album is Bloodfrozen Memories. Just listen to the first scream in the beginning of this song, it's colder than ice. Great! I like this band very much and of course this violin was a very good idea. Buy it!