Where pitch dark mythical themes and occult leanings of the lyrics bring to mind the Heavy Metal running through Black Metal bands like DISSECTION, the song arrangements swing from gallop to thundering, head-banging mid-sections with such magnificence, you would think you were in the hands of a band with decades of heritage behind their backs. A “where have you been all my life moment” awaits Heavy Metal fans of all shades when Graven Sin hits the speakers, delivering a sound that cuts glass and steel. A refreshing tour–de-force through everything Heavy Metal is loved for, not shrinking from the dark but embracing it with gusto and fierce bravado. Veil of The Gods shows us that real metal lives forever, if crafted with true spirit and belief. Hear the cry of the seer of doom, by heeding Morrigan’s call now. The album has eleven songs.

“The Morrigan” is first. The sound is interesting. Although the vocals are clean, the music is rich, full, and thick, and it has an IRON MAIDEN quality to it, albeit with a dose of depression and Doom. “Bloodbones” has a simpler and slower riff, but it is still effective in drawing in the listener, and the background is full of ominous notes. “The end of the world” he croons over and over again. “She Who Rules Niflheim” has some nice twin guitar harmonies, and the tone of the guitars is perfect…not too distorted, but just enough. An even slower song, the Doom elements come through much stronger.

“Cult of Nergal” is a similar sound. I was initially a bit wary of 11 songs, and they tend to overstay their welcome, and I believe this is what is happening. Some of the lyrical content is also becoming a bit cliché. “Beyond Mesopotamia” has rich and meaty bass notes, but the band is beginning to run out of original ideas. The band does a good job of filling in the background so the music isn’t thin, but the riffs are trite. “Wand of Orcus” has a similar sound. The band isn’t without talent, but their overreliance of cheesy lyrics and the same easy listening riffs isn’t doing them any favors. Near the end of the album, it just becomes forgettable.

“As the Erinyes Emerge” closes the album, and the ominous tones are at least noteworthy. Overall, the band has some better than average musicianship, but as I mentioned above, the length of the album overstays its welcome. Eight songs would have been more ideal for an album with this sound, which to sum it up, is a mix of traditional Heavy Metal elements, with some notes of Doom and Power tossed in. Although the production is strong, unfortunately, it just falls flat in the end.