What's the purpose of standing somewhere in the middle? Are you trying to make a point? Or do you simply not know where to go? I won't choose one out of these two options but truth is that Siebenburgen stand in the middle and to be honest with you, no mater their hard work, this album caused only boredom for me.
The band was formed in 1994 by Marcus Ehlin and Anders Rosdahl. Months later Fredrik Brockert (Bass) joined and the band recorded their first self-titled Demo. Linus Ekstrfm also joined and a second Demo was recorded in 1996. This Demo offered them a deal with Napalm Records thus their first album released in 1997, Loreia, followed by Grimjaur in 1998. Both Demos and the two first full-length releases featured Lovisa Hallstedt's female vocals and violin prowess.
But in 1999 Kicki Hfijertz replaced Lovisa. That following February, Siebenburgen recorded their third full length Delictum album. In 2000, Marcus Ehlin decided to relinquish his guitar playing to focus solely on his vocals. As a result, Richard Bryngelsson joined the lineup. Shortly thereafter, the band began working on new material for their fourth release, Plagued Be Thy Angel. Ekstrfm and Hfjiertz left the band and were replaced by Fredrik Folkare and Turid Walderhaug. Turid was later replaced by Erika Roos in 2003. Niklas Sandin joined the band in late 2004 to replace Fredrik Brockert on bass.
So, after over a decade they still sound like a band not knowing where to go? Is it Black Metal? No. Is it Heavy Metal? No. Well, at least it's Metal alright. Come on people, who wants to hear classic Metal rhythms with evil Black Metal vocals? I don't, neither does my hamster. The gods of Heavy Metal look worried by the decisions their children seem to take from time to time. And this is one of those times. Next, please...