What's up, Metal maniacs? I'm here once again to give you an insight on this Black Metal quintet, hailing from Denmark: SERPENT'S LAIR, signed via Hellthrasher Productions.

Ah, Black Metal...when I think of you, I expect solid, raw and rough material; this new take on the genre does just that. With only one demo behind them; I delve deep into "Circumambulating the Stillborn", only to get my head completely blown off by such crushing and true Black Metal craftsmanship. Well, not literally. But you get my meaning. SERPENT'S LAIR are a new take on Black Metal and if you've already listened to them, and are a true Black Metal fanatic...you'll have a fairly good understanding of what you'll be getting yourself into.

In true Black Metal fashion, every track on "Circumambulating the Stillborn" is fairly long; as I begin "Epistemology of Death" a sense of longing of Satanic-like, ritual infusion that gives you a chilling expedition to glance upon...UNTIL A CRUSHING, force or blistering Metal grooves into your eardrums. Brilliant riffs, screaming, intensifying vocals, featuring an extensive Black Metal atmosphere, brutal bass and drum exertions...some amazing thrashable riffs as well, I should note. Similarly found in the title track: "Circumambulating the Stillborn", which tones it down a little bit, but still equally impressive renditions here and there.

Somewhat a mystery band...I found it pretty much impossible to find out information on who's who and what's what...however, this is synonymous in the world of Black Metal, seemingly a growing tradition I find.

While things sound samey in these long, gruesome tracks; "Mortui Vivos Decent" showcases some upbeat melodies, keeping the inner blackened thrash, very much alive. "The Serpentine Gnosis" is probably one of my favourites as it transcends the blackened thrash up a notch and is just a generally good sounding track. A perfect example of why I enjoy Black Metal. "Circumambulating the Stillborn" is dissonant, kaleidoscopic formation of Black Metal with an atmosphere that cites the listener to a moody background physics of tormented fashion.

For a first outing...SERPENT'S LAIR simply outdone themselves; instrumentally, everything sounds fine and dandy, musically and technically fantastic...edged on with a creational, poisonous atmosphere that sets the mood for the rest of the album. "Circumambulating the Stillborn" is an album that Black Metal fans relish the chance to enjoy, it might not be for every Metalhead, but it should still be listened to at least once; if you're a rabid music fan looking for new material, support the music industry and just check it out at least once, and educate yourselves in the meantime while you're at it. If you crave an uncompromised Black Metal entity exploring bleak, by means of musical hallucinations...this is for you.

Favourite track: "The Serpentine Gnosis".<