DARKESTRAH was formed in 1999 by Asbath in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and has been known to be labeled "Epic Shamanic Black Metal." This is the band's sixth full-length album. Their 2007 release "Epos" seemed to have the most favorable reviews collectively, though Black Metal bands are notorious for their craft being underground and outside the realm of critical acclaim, so to speak. Let's take a look into the album tracks. "One with the Grey Spirit" opens with acoustic guitars and a folky atmosphere. After the intro, the track shows some Post-Black influences, releasing the true atmosphere of "Turan." The Instrumentation is actually quite decent here, as well as the vocals. It's fierce, melodic, and an ideal track to start off the record.

"Erlik-Khan" comprises of beautiful clean guitars, female vocals, and gorgeously melodic synth work at first. What follows is some hard hitting Black Metal, with powerful shrieks and great instrumentation. In a point the Black Metal part fades away, and there comes somber orchestral bits of instrumentation. "Conversations of the Seer" starts off with Folk inspired riffage and then it turns into something huge.  The track is melodic but doesn't lack power or intensity. "Gleaming Madness" is another beautiful yet haunting track, enough to leave the listener feeling broken. There are heart wrenching guitars to go with the emotional shrieks and versatile drumming. It's all there.

"Bird of Prey" and "The Hidden Light" are reminiscent of the sound heard in INSOMNIUM's "Winter's Gate," with wintry chills and strong drum-beats that give birth to a tranquil dreamy scene. Both tracks are majestic, serene, beautiful and very well written. While all of the tracks are morbidly gorgeous, numbers like the opener and the Primordial-like "Conversions of the Seer" lack the warmth of the others. Overall, and excellent release from DARKESTRAH.