I think this is how the true gothenburg metal sounds like, not the lightweight material, that is presented on later DT and IF albums. None of their later albums you have this kind of ambivalence of aggression and softness. Fast and slow melodic parts. Extreme parts and acoustics. Harsh, clean and female vocals. I mean, where did the aggression disappear after this album? Where are the feelings? NOWHERE to be found, that's where. "Crimson Winds", "A Bolt Of Blazing Gold", "Through Ebony Archways" and "Shadow Duet" that is how it's done. Especially "Shadow Duet" is the definition amazingness. Alas, the whole album cannot quite keep at the same level of quality as those aforementioned songs.

People should give this one a chance, for what it is, an unique album, different than any other DT album, more like early IF material. I know it's not as accessible as the later albums, nor similar, just take it as an entity, if that's what it takes. The re-release has both "Skydancer" and "Of Chaos and Eternal Night" EP, which makes it a superb combination of early MDM and a good introduction to DT.

Written by deadone on 08.10.2014 at 01:45

No comments for what is probably the first true melodic DM album?

How bizarre.

I would say A velvet Creation by Eucharist is the first one since Eucharist influenced DT immensely. DT even say so in interviews how much an influence eucharist was on their sound.

Anna-Kajsa Avehall work as 2 songs guest singer was awesome. Amazing calm music whit old school DM; riffs, here is only old school DM riffs, and meldy, best DT album ever, in all, band is not even close. Swedish MDM are awesome, even I like more Eucharist.
Mikke can sing clean vocals, as in 2 songs he proved, its amazing work from this band, simply brilliant.

This was a very good debut, but did have it's fair share of flaws, I would still say this is their most melodic album, the riffs are great, but the production quality is pretty poor, the drum sound was pretty bad, and the vocals could have been a lot better, I'm glad Stanne took over as lead vocalist after this release, he was destined for the role. "A Bolt of Blazing Gold", "Crimson Winds" and "Shadow Duet" are the stand out tracks for me.