Where many black metal bands use keys, it's usually those silly black mass ritual organ interludes (as in Acheron's "Hail Victory"). The keys here, though, are used throughout to create & enhance the atmosphere of the songs. A couple times they carry the melody, leaving the guitars for rhythm. And at times the guitars remind me of Sentenced on Amok. The vocals include growling, mighty baritone, hauntingly spoken chanting, choirs, & female voices. The song "Lua D'Inverno" is an almost Irish sounding instrumental which flows into "Trebraruna", which is sung in Portuguese, with music backed by bagpipes (an organ?). The production is quite good. All instruments are clear & upfront with the bass resonating & a near perfect double bass drum sound. The 8 songs are longer than average (43.55 total time) & even though there is a story line to follow, mostly on the werewolf / vampire theme, the songs aren't overly drawn out & usually have a strong hook. Similar to King Diamond & not as complicated or undistinguishable as some black metal. Really, I'd prefer to call this a sort of gothic, operatic, melodic power metal. If this sounds interesting, you may love this.
Similar sounding releases
1998OpethMy Arms, Your Hearse
2005IlluminandiThe Beginning...
2001AmosGothic Soul
2002MorphiaFrozen Dust
1998AntestorThe Return of the Black Death
1998ExtolBurial
