Of Campfires and Evening Mists

I would make the argument that this band has some of the best and thorough atmospheric qualities, some songs have the ability to bring you to the setting the songs lyrics take place in like a coven in the misty ancient woods of England. Some songs have a more haunting atmosphere that can be similarque to some of Carach Angrens music even though I would argue Old Corpse Road has more depth to their atmosphere. The album is not as dark as say Hecate Enthroned or Cradle of Filth, but they have awesome black metal riffs and menacing vocals to match. The songs on this records were all long but were well written and had captivating intros with unique guitar riffs, drum patterns, and keyboard sections to go with each. The backing vocals were pretty convincing and the multiple vocals styles on this album all blend together well, vocal styles such as shrill sounding shrieks that can get real high, some decent death growls that could use some slight work, to the haunting whispers present in some songs.

The keyboards have some nice and enchanting qualities that contribute the the albums atmosphere, not to mention the other instruments featured on this album such as the piano, chimes, and etc.. I am not sure if those were actual recordings of the other instruments but either way they go well with the composition. The drummer seems to be able to keep up with album well with some nice blast, tom rolls, and cymbal crash techniques that contribute to the albums grandiose feel. The lyrics, even though I only have access to the written lyrics of "Herne of Windsor" seemed cleverly written and poetic, with it's topics seeming to consist of folk legends, haunting tales, and witchery. This album is creatively written and composed with it's members that must work well with one another, I can strongly recommend this album to any fan of symphonic black or symphonic metal in general. I would also argue that this is one of the leading bands in this genre.

Favorite track: "Pendle (Daughters of the Black Moon)"