Back in the first half of the 90's, many good Black Metal names arose on Germany, but unlike the other scenes of Europe, no great name stand during the golden years of the genre, so German Black Metal became a strong force, but in the underground circuit. But from time to time, a very good name arises in the German lands to scorch Earth: MAAHES, who comes storming with "Reincarnation", the band's first album.

The musical way of the band, as the words above state clearly, it's a form of classic Black Metal, filled with many influences from German Black/Thrash Metal from the 80's, but there are some melodic/atmospheric touches from early Norwegian names as ANCIENT on "The Cainian Chronicle" and "Mad Grandiose Bloodfiends" age (as can be heard on "Irreversible"). But be sure that these guys show personality pulsing on their songs, along a great aggressive energy tempered by morbid keyboards parts, and expressed by a chaotic set of guitar riffs, along with a thunderous rhythmic work from bass guitar and drums. The vocals use an aggressive set of shrieked tunes that are usual from classic Black Metal acts from the 90's. And be sure: their music is catchy and vicious!

Alboîn (nickname of Florian Dammasch) is the one who made the recording, mixing, and mastering of the album, creating a sonority that is brutal and aggressive with a clear insight of the 90's Black Metal. But it is clean and defined, in a way that everything can be understood. A great work indeed!

The songs of the album are really great, but for a first time on their work, the traditional Black Metal appeal of "Reincarnation" (excellent guitar riffs, in a way that can remind what SLAYER did on "Reign in Blood" times in some moments), the mix between a darkened set of melodies with the sharp aggressiveness of Black Metal heard on "Irreversible" (great work from keyboards and vocals, due the contrasts of tunes), the Black/Thrash Metal essence of "Perfection", the contrasts of rhythms created by bass guitar and drums presented on "Invincible", the catchy slow appeal of "Master of Black Arts" (another very good work from guitars and vocals), and the charming contrasts between aggressiveness and funereal melodies created by guitars and keyboards on "Final Chapter of Apocalypse" (something that DISSECTION did on "Storm of the Lights Bane" can be heard on the sinister melodies of this song) are the ones. But to throw away some song of "Reincarnation" is truly a waste.

MAAHES is really a promising name, and "Reincarnation" comes in a time when people seem to have lost the deeper meaning of what Black Metal is.