Sometimes record labels decide to take a dive in the past in search of obscure releases from band's that, for several reasons, did not reach bigger audiences and remained unknown. I believe that most of the metalheads support this kind of efforts because you never know when a hidden gem will be discovered and rescued from getting lost into oblivion.

Heaven And Hell Records is one of the labels that like to explore the Metal archives searching for something interesting. So, this release is the product of such a research that stumbled upon the name of OF THE FALLEN. Well, this band was formed back in the late 90s somewhere in Austin of Texas. OF THE FALLEN eventually released the self-titled debut album in 1998 that was also their last one. The story is brief and way too familiar; some inner problems forced the band to disband while in the studio working for the next album leaving Scythe as the sole member. So, something more than a decade Heaven And Hell Records reissues the two full length recording under the moniker of DEMONTUARY and with the title "Of The Fallen Years".

I don't know whether there was any re-mixing of the original material but I could bet some money that there wasn't. The entire album sounds pretty raw with under produced vocals and most of the time mid-buried guitars. Now, those elements are not unwelcomed especially if we are dealing with prime Black Metal. The keyboard work is kept minimal to the point that the label symphonic cannot find a place in the musical ID of the Texan band. Not even the keyboard driven "Spirits Of The Dark Waters" is able to hold that label and for that, I was very happy during the listening sessions. Indeed, the primal production and the harsh vocals feed the old school atmosphere that can be characterised as softer versions of the Norse legendary scene. Although, there are drum blast-beats and fast riffs the guitars hold a Heavy Metal character justifying the above "softer"characterization.

"Infinite Twilight" marks the beginning of the second OF THE FALLEN recording where the band sound more melodic and the songs have a better production. The keyboards have a reinforced role that brings the band closer to the symphonical Black Meta scene. Also the vocals sound better here and in moments I found myself thinking of SATYRICON and their latest era. "For Those Who Died..." sounds really great kicking in with nice dual guitar work and some almost IMMORTAL references especially in the singing timbre. After some additional CD spins I found myself liking the first part of this reissue where the energy pours out through the raw sound and the nice screaming vocals. "Thou Art The Flame" is one of the highlights with the fast tempo, the double drum pedaling and the ROTTING CHRIST guitar leads.

This is a release for all the Black Metal metalheads who are seeking something more than the mainstream album catalogue that gets packed with new albums from already famous or famous-to-be bands under the support of huge record labels.And I should be damned if I did not comment on the killer cover artwork!