As Metal spread in Eastern Europe after the end of Soviet Union in the end of the 80's, many good scenes arose and created the needed conditions for national bands appear. Croatia has many names, and one of them is from the beginners of ZIMOGROZ, and they come with "Old Mystic Lore".

Their music still needs some maturing, but their mix of Melodic Black Metal with some aspects of old era of Black Metal (especially from names as SATYRICON and DISSECTION) is a fine idea, because they use a very good set of melodies in the middle of oppressive ambiances, with very good vocals tunes and solid instrumental work. The technical level is good, the contrasts shown between harsh parts with introspective moments are fine, but they can do better than that, the ears don't lie. But for a first release, it's very good.

The sound quality of "Old Mystic Lore" is where can be detected things to improve even more in the future. It's not bad, everything sounds clean and defined, with the right balance between weight, aggressiveness and clarity. But the set of instrumental tunes is poorer than their music needs.

Musically, some little adjusts must be done in the future for the band express itself in a better way. By now, the deeper and melancholic feeling of "Beneath Mount Hasan" (very good guitar riffs, indeed), the catchy contrasts shown on "The Blackening" (where very good bass guitar arrangements can be heard) and on "...and Darkness Followed", the smashing and aggressive melodies of "Storms of Adria" (very good drumming and vocals), and the fine shifts of ambiances used on "We, the Winds of Winter" (between melodic and introspective parts with brutal moments, reminding me of something that ULVER did on "Bergtatt" age) are very good songs that reveal a lot of their musical potential.

ZIMOGROZ is that kind of band that's worthy of a careful listening, and their future seems to be great. For now, "Old Mystic Lore" is a very good release.