The Stranger

For SIG:AR:TYR's first release, Daemonskald chose to try and achieve a metal atmosphere out of acoustic guitars and ambiance. To say he achieved this would be an understatement. The beautiful instrumentals make me think of vikings sailing on their ships getting ready to behead their enemies. Speaking of vikings, SIG:AR:TYR has to be one of the only bands that focus mainly on vikings in Canada. The classical guitar on this is just amazing. Like I said, very viking inspired.

The EP starts off with At the Gates. The song starts off with wind samples and slow, haunting classical guitar. As the song progresses the acoustic guitar provides background to narration of a Pagan story. Daemonskald's voice is perfect for this as it is very clear, deep and fits the atmosphere of the music. The title song is next and it is the highlight of the album. The start-stop riff is amazing and when the guitar picks up it sounds like Malmsteen is jamming out on a classical guitar.

Against The Grail is more of the same, which in this case is not at all a bad thing. It features more heathen narration. Orion Awaits is another highlight of this album. It begins with classical guitar and ambiance creating a truly haunting atmosphere. Later in the song the guitar gives way to the ambiance. The ambient part is very calm and subtle. It almost draws you into a trance.

Tears For Baldur is very slow, melodic and sorrowful. The classical guitar on this is beautiful and makes me sad every time I hear it. Beyond The Dying Sun closes the album. It is mostly slow and melancholy. It provides a nice end to the album.

This is a truly great start for SIG:AR:TYR. This whole album is very enjoyable and it transports you to another era. The classical guitar playing is top notch and the ambient parts achieve a very haunting atmosphere. Fans of instrumental music should really check this out. I think fans of metal in general would like this also, as the atmosphere is very metal.

FeartheNome(I believe it was him...it could've been someone else) sent this to me once through the Internet and I've gotta say I was impressed. This demo is mesmerizing, ancient ambient music with certain Viking leanings. What really stands out about this demo are the choice spoken word portions, which will put a spell on you that will be hard to break out of.

Each song here is very nonchalant, melodic, ambient, and mostly instrumental, except for the spoken word portions and the grandeur of it all will really make you feel as if you are taking some Viking journey or what have you. There are no solos here, but that's fine because that isn't what this music is going for. It is simply meant to engulf you in rich, melancholy melody and take you away from your current realm of existence.

This is the kind of music you'd want to listen to just to relax or meditate to...it's very non-threatening and non-imposing without being complete elevator music.

What can I say?...pick this up as soon as possible. You won't regret it. I can't wait until the full-length album comes out. I read an interview with the band(artist) once in which he said a full-length was in the works. We shall see what will come in the future...