Hailing from Finland, WHITE BARONESS was recently formed, and this is their debut album. "Lonely Cold Grave" is first, and it's fast, heavy, and aggressive out of the gate, with raging, tortured vocal screams. The production is fairly raw, about what you might expect, and it gives the song a filthy, black edge. "Melindra's Blood" is a fast-moving and contentious song where you can literally see the blood spewing from her body. It's like a ritual sacrifice, and some of the phasing issues contribute to a bit of an amateur sound. That's not a bad thing at all, because it gives the listener that raw feeling. "Spiritual Assassin" is another blistering song that sounds like the band poured accelerant on an already raging fire, and the intensity burns holes in the listener one at a time with each passing note.

"Six Banners of Satan" sounds like the band kicks the engine into high gear, steps on the gas pedal, and doesn't let go. It finally settles into a deep, dark groove, but then returns to the blistering sound soon thereafter. "War Chariots of White Baroness" has both the band name and album title in the same song, and it's a bit less chaotic. You can more clearly hear the band's vision for the album, and it speaks of destruction, disease, and death. "Lich's Spear" is the second song that doesn't come out the gate on fire, and I appreciate the band's attention to these details. It allows the songs to be heard easier, although it is still pretty intense.

"Guillotine" is the final track, and what a fitting ending, as it sound like the music you might hear as you are taken prisoner and lead to the town square where they are preparing to hang you or cut your head off. Overall, this wasn't a bad album by any stretch, it just didn't offer anything new to the genre. Purists might like this album because it stays within the traditions of the genre, but I like to hear bands taking more chances and experimenting more with their music.