INSANE VESPER have released their second full-length album - it's an album that is infused with arcane energy. Their sound is austere, yet full of interesting dynamic changes.

Opener "Blood of the Moon" starts slowly, with a post-black metal feel. The song then progresses into a "classic" black metal sound, yet avoids sounding clichéd. The latter sentiment is something that recurs throughout the album - a typical black metal sound is there, but this French crew puts their own stamp on things.

Second track "Of the Serpent's Embrace" is a good example of another of the album's strengths - its rhythm section. Arggon provides some pulsing basslines, while K. gives an invigorating performance on the drums. New vocalist Vanitas has a relatively low-pitched growl, which suits the atmosphere of this song (and the album as a whole) well. While the changing of pace in the songs keep things interesting, the changes do feel a bit random at times. However, the songs are still notable for their aggression and energy, and K.'s technical skills. The band generally plays as if the end of the world is nigh, which isn't a bad thing - the energy of the band prevents things from becoming stale. The production also prevents Aggron's bass parts from getting lost, and the album has a relatively clear production for a classic-sounding black metal metal album. But enough of the roughness remains to avoid a sterile sound.

"Seed of Inanna" is an interesting track which gets the listener's attention with speed and complexity, then applies a malevolent force of deranged blast beats and snaking guitar solos. "Sink the Ark of Knowledge" has some great riffs that soar over the blast beats, and a plaintive guitar solo. I enjoyed the subtle counter melodies, and the coda, which consists of a serene acoustic guitar part.

"Layil" is a solid album with good musicianship, and is filled with energy and aggression. It would be interesting to see the band experiment more with the post-black metal sounds they've flirted with here and there on this album.