Norway is well known by its stronghold for the local Black Metal scene that has been binding for years the horns of groups like ANCIENT, IMMORTAL, BURZUM, 1349, MAYHEM, EMPEROR. Soon after KEEP OF KALESSIN was founded they released their first demo "Skygger Av Sorg" and later on were signed to the Italian label Avantgarde Music that released their two next albums. By the year 2000 the band took a break due to personal issues. In 2003 they got back together and a few years later they toured to promote their "Armada" album with the Norwegian Black Metal bands SATYRICON and ENSLAVED. In that time KEEP OF KALESSIN earned back their reputation while acquiring new fans that got in the KEEP OF KALESSIN family.

After this short history lesson I must add that this review isn't about their performing in their appearances on the 2010 Eurovision song contest where they reached third place with their song "Dragontower". This small review is about the reissue of the 2003's EP "Reclaim". The reissue version, besides the normally displayed five tracks, has two additional live tunes. The great remastering work on the EP was able to save the once dirty sound of the band from those times.

Soon after the intro part, there is that aggressive bomb that will explode right in your face as it featured high technical playing that included growlvocals that provided a little doom style to the devilish singing routine. I was astonished by the drummer as I didn't knew if it was really a drummer behind the kit or a drum machine, the guitars played some melodies from time to time while adding some tensions along with the drums role.

Here and there, I could make out of some of the lyrics but in most of the album it was hard to clear out the message. There is a feeling that the vocalist was trying to swallow me with that type of singing technique like on the song "Obliterator". Except of the evilly tunes, the EP has kept the same guide on pointing out fastest melodies and impressive playing. I hope that this time luck will smile to KEEP OF KALESSIN due to all of their changing line up throughout the past years.