June 9, 2010

Reviewer: Kesh

If you want an idea of what truly epic black metal sounds like, you need to check out the debut album from Triumfall.  While I’m not going to directly say that these guys just might be the future of symphonic black metal, I would like to mention that they have the potential to be the next big thing, instilling the hope in me that there is still life in the genre.  The production is tight without being over done, the arrangements on the songs are approaching orchestral in many places, operatic in others and grandiose from beginning to end; never disappointing from the onset of track one, to the dwindling notes of the closing song.

While the massively gothic sounds of the first track “Atrium Mortis,” makes you feel like you are in the middle of a very darkly inspired horror movie, the rhythmic speed of “Allegiance to Thy Fall” gives you the sense that they know and mean what they are singing about. These two along with many other tracks on this album are solid (some of my stand-out favorites are “Rise of Pantheon,” and “Skies are the Chains,” as well as the introductory track “Atrium Mortis”); providing the band a very good foundation to build their budding career on.

I don’t know if it’s just me, or does it seem that the bands with the “it” factor for death and black metal are pouring out of Eastern Europe? Not that this is a bad thing - quite the contrary. I feel this is long overdue for this area of the world and for the bands that are making it from these countries. I feel it contributes to the raw ambiance of the scene and brings home what international distribution means to these bands.

My only concern is that any follow up albums might not live up to the standard they have set with their debut. And that the album might come off to some as pretty formulaic and Dimmu Borgir-ish, but I personally don’t just look at just those elements of an album. I also look for musicianship, how well the album is pieced together and how the album inspires me over all. If I get strong emotions from listening to the album, I feel much more attracted to or opposed to the album, while if I feel nothing from the work, I am generally inclined to just get it done and over with. If I like an album so much that all I want to do is listen to it, and have trouble writing a review - then, by my standards - it’s pretty much gold and worth any praise I might be able to give it between fits of headbanging or just plain zoning out and enjoying what I am listening to. And this is an issue I have had with many of my high rated albums in the past, Triumfall being no different from some of my favorites of the past like Nazxul, who I feel comfortable comparing Triumfall to.

If you are looking for a good, traditional sounding symphonic black metal album, this should be at the top of your list. It’s exceptionally produced and composed and it captures the true essence of the symphonic black metal sound.

Release Date: May 31, 2010
Label: Regain Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Atrium Mortis
2.  One With The Darkside Eternal
3.  Allegiance to Thy Fall
4.  Omega Overeasts The Presence
5.  Rise Of Pantheon
6.  Skies Are The Chains
7.  Within Their Midnight
8.  The Final Purification

Total playing time:  50:37

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Triumfall - Antithesis of All Flesh