I don't know shit about this band but something tells me that this ain't gonna be a really pleasant review. Most times I come across a weird name and a label I don't know the band usually sucks and I take several bottles of pills to calm down (just kidding). Anyway, enough with the talk. Let's listen to the CD and see what the fuck this ILLNATH is.

Danish black metallers ILLNATH were formed in 2000 and have already managed to release one demo CD, one EP and two full-length albums (including this one). This album was released last year but it just came in for a review. From what I know, they are preparing for a new album. Maybe they are already recording it, who knows...

Regarding the album now, I have to admit that it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be. In fact, I could pleasantly spend approximately 43 minutes to listen to it. ILLNATH's music is a melodic style of Black Metal with some theatrical touches. Their music resembles to some CRADLE OF FILTH stuff, as well as to GRAVEWORM. I also noticed some Heavy Metal influences, that the band uses in some parts to avoid being monotonous. It may sound a bit strange, but they really blend their influences well and create a pretty interesting mixture. Basically, some of you may already know this band because of its ex member Rasmus Jakobsen, who has also played for Danish metallers MERCENARY. Anyway, the tracks features some melodic lines, which are really nice and fit their Black Metal like a glove. The vocals are both hi pitched screaming (the classic Black Metal ones), as well as deep brutal. I don't know if someone performs the backing vocals or it is the singer who sings in two different styles. The production is also unexpectedly good and it is exactly what this kind of music needs. To tell you the truth, I thought that their sound would suck.

If you are into melodic Black Metal, I think that this album will do just fine for you. Do not expect this band to present any innovations to the Metal scene, but I think that Second Skin Of Harlequin will be a more than decent add to your collection.