Great blend of symphonic/viking metal. A must have!
Andrew A. Deikun | Stow, OH United States | 02/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Format: Full-length cd, 11 songs 46:31 minutes
Style: Symphonic black metal
Rating: 94/100
Similar Artists: Finntroll, Thyrfing, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Bal-Sagoth
Background: Ancient Rites has been around as a band since 1988. They are one of the few black metal acts to come from Belgium. What I think is really cool about Ancient Rites is that they are one of the pioneers of the underground black metal scene, being the first foreign black metal band to tour clubs in Portugal and Italy. Their sound has changed from death metal with black metal influences to a more modern symphonic neoclassical black/thrash.
Packaging: The packaging with this cd is very slick. The booklet contains all lyrics as well as a commentary for each song written by Gunther Theys imprinted over some very cool artwork. The only negative thing I could say about the packaging is that some of the text is very difficult to read because of the way it is printed over the artwork but if you work at it, you can read it all. For those not familiar with Ancient Rites, they write primarily about medieval Europe.
Production: "Dim Carcosa" was recorded at Spacelab Studio in Tönisvorst, Germany. It was produced by Oliver Phillips& Christian "Moschus" Moos and was coproduced by Jan Yrlund & Ancient Rites. The production on this recording is top-notch. All instruments can be heard crystal clear and the mix is just about perfect. The production is very similar to their previous release "Fatherland" but is perfected a little bit more.
The Music: This music is grandiose and majestic while remaining very aggressive. Dim Carcosa has a very large, full sound and reeks of professionalism. I find it amazing that Ancient Rites is not more popular and still remains largely unknown outside of the European scene. The guitars are the most prominent instrument, but the keys are also very forward in the mix, a piano as well as an orchestra is also utilized. The guitars have a speed metal quality to them as well as a heavy neoclassical influence and remind me of a blend of Children of Bodom and Blind Guardian. The vocals are a mix of clean, Viking metal style singing and black metal screams. Ancient Rites seem to have become faster and more orchestral on this recording, which I feel is really a step in the right direction. What I enjoy most about this recording is the "fist-pumping" nature of most of the tracks. I imagine that more than a few of these songs would be real fun to experience live. Recommendation: This release comes with the highest recommendation. If you are looking for a very professionally done release that conveys a lot of emotion and just plain old jams, get this one. Those who like symphonic black metal should really enjoy this."
Good Music
C. Ham | Plano, Texas | 10/13/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First off, the reviewer above, who said that they were using a drum machine, was dead wrong, it is just the drummer hitting the snare with his stick!
Otherwise this is a awsome CD. If you are used to the crap that gets played on the radio in America, then you are in for a shock, because this CD blows away just about everything on American radio. The only execption would be Iced Earth.
The CD has alot of Symphonic/Doom feel to it, yet the subjet matter has alot to do with history. The gutiars are crazy, and all over the place
BUY THIS DAMN CD!!!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1