Disclaimer: This demo is not meant for pseudo-Black Metal fans. This is not vampire bling crap, nor is it mindless br00tal death metal dreck. This is real Black Metal. Go listen to something else. The liner notes are there for a reason.
I remember back in the DALnet days on IRC, probably around 2001 or so, a rip of this demo surfaced out of nowhere and was quickly circulated among an elite few in #mp3-blackmetal. This “cultism” only made it better. This demo was like fresh snowfall on a pathway heavily traveled, and it is arguably one of the best black metal releases in the history of the ailing sub-genre. From beginning to end, the esoteric and enigmatic are revealed to you; twisting your mind, and whispering to your Shadow.
The band has a sick, evil sound while retaining a lot of melody and atmosphere. No raw brutality is forfeited though. Keyboards add a haunting mood, and are paired with searing, original riffs. The drumming is hammering and constant – provided by Malkira of Osculum Infame.
This is one great demo tape. The music is brilliantly composed, yet utterly hateful. Strangely enough, one point in "Utopian Millennium" reminds me of something Darkest Hour would write. And even though the beginning of "The Hunt of the Garwalls" is meant to be serious, I can’t help but laugh every time I hear that microphone effect.
I also remember that at the time it surfaced, many thought the band broke up not long after the release. Bekhira shocked some when they released their split with Desolation Triumphalis in 2004, which you should also check out if you're worthy of something untouched, unpolished and true.