Pacing the Cyclic Nether

Here we have "Pacing the Cyclic Nether", the first offering of Velnias, hailing from the midwest.

The band's sound can be described best as very melodic, epic, and at times, folky. The guitars create a great, natural atmosphere, whether it be when delivering epic, well-written riffs, or when strumming out humbling, folky acoustic parts. The drums are interesting the entire way through, and add somewhat of another dimension of the music, instead of being too prominent or too much in the background. Oftentimes the drumming is jazzy, sometimes avant-garde, but always contributing to each riff in its own unique way. The vocals are somewhat toned down, but raspy and passionate; they sound incredibly personal as they are not processed or distorted by any effects. There is bass in this album, but is very toned down, as the band had not acquired their bassist until after this EP was released.

All four tracks on this EP deliver very strong, melodic, and haunting music, and are more of an experience than simply songs. Every song is well-written, and each instills a desire to the listener; a desire to go into the prominent forest, and disown the eyesores created by mankind.

Overall, the quality of the production is not too processed, and not too under-processed... just right for what the band is trying to do. One might say that they seem as if they tried for that "live" sound on their recordings. Given that, there are certain parts where the drums could have been toned down volume-wise, but it does not detract from the experience.

Overall, this EP delivers very honest pagan black metal, and is effective, to say the least.