Svartalvheim
Wow! Has this band got it or what! Most of you have probably already
heard this album but it is a major breakthrough. Just relax and listen to
the awesome atmosphere and the great original sound. I believe that
Emperor, Immortal and the other Norwegian bands should watch out, someone
is after your throne, Big Time.
Rated 
Trolltaar
Much more primitive sound which is almost demo like (not hat bad though)
but still the same style as before. I think this album is better overall
then their debut although some songs on it where better then these. The
first track is a "classical" Ancient song . In the middle of it they use
normal choir like vocals (A bit like Enslave perhaps?) which sounds nice.
Otherwise the vocals are as they used to. Some of the solos reminds
heavily of old trash and heavy metal bands when Aphazel really lets the
guitar loose. The 2nd song is has a more primitive style, a bit like
Darkthrone but played with Ancient's cool sound. Then suddenly they use
violin!!! I didn't believe it at first, but it sounds quite cool really
and
fits so well with the guitars you might not even notice it until at the
end. Then the Euphonium (sounds almost like a trumpet) comes along!!!
Original and nice indeed! Then the third and last track is a acoustic
song with keyboards and guitar which sounds very beautiful before it
silences and a church organ takes over followed by a piano. Then this girl
sings duet with Grimm's whispering vocals. I've heard better female vocals
but these are great too. (It seems as all talented female vocalists are
involved in a black or doom metal band nowadays, but I like it.) In total
a
good album which grows at each listening. A bit short with only 20min
though.
Rated 
The Cainian Chronicle
It opens up with a majestetic keyboard intro that's nice and beautiful.
Then it blasts off with a intense ass kicking song in the vain of their
debut but with a superb production. It's not as raw any more but instead
it's so much better performed and produced. The new members of Ancient are
very good and delivers the music like it should be. The keyboard work is
marvelous and the vocals great with both normal and grim vocals together
with a talented female voice. The first part of the CD is a tale about
Cain from his perspective. The later part are normal songs but they are
just as great. I can't find anything to complain about with this album.
Everything is perfect. The cover is good, the production kicks ass and the
music is the best. It's also 66 min. long without getting boring one
single second. Another interesting thing is that this is Metal Blades
first B.M. release ever, and they have done a splendid work. I would call
this album one of the very best of 1996.
Rated
Sample
Lilith's
Embrace.ra
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Mad Grandiose Bloodfiends
I hadn’t expect a album from this band so soon, so I was surprised when it
was as good as it is. It’s a little different from the previous as it’s
more heavy metal then before. Lots of keyboards and great riffs, and
better material then on any of the other albums. It has great production
and a long playing time (67 min.) but it’s enough variation not to get
boring like the previous turned out to be if listened to a few times. Much
more slow parts with more feelings makes one wonder if metal Blade have
been involved in the development? Anyway, it’s really good stuff.
Rated
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