From Bandcamp, Tanin’iver – the blind dragon steed of Lilith in ancient mythology, the beast that brought about the union of Lilith and Samael, which spawned pestilence and brought it into the world. Tanin’iver – the black/death metal embodiment of one man’s creative spirit, forged in the cold flames of tragedy, loss and personal struggle; an outpouring of blazing hatred and rage at a world blighted by sickness.”

The album has nine songs. “Another World’s Hell” is first. It’s definitely a combination between the bleak rage of Black Metal and the guttural punishment of Death Metal, and there is even some Speed Metal thrown into the song. “Disrepair” has a similar sound, although the frightening elements are heightened, mostly from that meaty riff. “Better the Devil” is really the first song that presents a little variation, but that low riff still sounds like it comes from a cave deep beneath the ground. “Freedom is Never Free” is the infamous saying that many Americans say. The sound is steadier, and more straightforward, with a grinding riff that will slowly peel layers off your skin.

 “Soul Thief” has another steady riff that builds off the palate of open notes, from the rhythm guitar. Vocals spew forth like barbs of hate, as the background fills with dark clouds of smoke. “The Seer” is shorter, but no less punishing, as the sheet amount of cymbal crashes thump your skull, while “Drowning on Dry Land” is another song that relies on the strength and power of open notes to push the sound. I typically will complain about this, but it seems to work well on the album. “So Was Red” closes the album, and it’s yet another song that relies on open notes, and at this point, I have had enough of them.

 The album was decent, but the band tends to rely too much on past formulas and open notes to carry their sound. I have found that this is often the mark of inexperience, in terms of not wanting to experiment at all. What we have then is just a mediocre effort that could be much better if the band would push themselves out of their comfort zone.