Officially referred to as “demo 2006”, the self titled debut by Maine’s blackened folkdeath band Shadar Logoth does not really deserve the demo tag. Sure the sound is weak and the band produced it themselves, but I can think of many ‘real’ releases with worse sound and far less developed song writing and less accomplished musicianship. By the way, the band is named for a ghost town. Since this is the first material available from the band I’ll start with some self confessed influences, namely Emperor, Borknagar and Arcturus. They list some others but those are the key three, all come through clearly. Very early on the Borknagar worship is apparent, though I think current Borknagar vocalist Vintersorg a closer match than Garm. Dan Eaton does a fine job with the clean folk style and the first thing that came to mind (in terms of vocal style) when I played this disk was early Vintersorg (pre-Borknagar) but not as aggressive. Dan needs to switch to his black style for aggressive where Vintersorg can do aggressive clean singing. Dan’s harsh voice is average to sub-par, but not unlistenable, the attitude is there but the delivery needs some work. There is a third voice used, a deep harsh one, is that Ardroth? A personal favorite, and a valid comparison, is Himinbjorg, and Shadar Logoth, knowingly or otherwise, pull off an excellent assimilation of early and mid-period Himinbjorg, musically as well as vocally. Check out such songs as “Thiazi’s Øyne” “Fading Whispers” and “Haunted Shores”. There is more to Shadar Logoth. These guys were obviously brought up on the classics and I really don’t like to made endless comparisons to well known bands, so I’ll stop there.

These four songs demonstrate a level of predictability that most would find a comfort. What I refer to is a tight structure with verse/chorus and repeated riffs, definitely not linear compositions, and not chaotic. This is accessible black metal, which to me is not a problem, wandering amicably on a journey has its place as well as crashing full tilt through the dark woods. Luckily they do a bit of that as well. The drumming is excellent, though difficult to hear. Ardroth is quite accomplished and a careful listener will be rewarded. Blastbeats are just a small part of his repertoire. The guitar employs clear leads, heavy distortion and solid crunch, depending on the mood of the moment. Some well placed Sabbath doom is appreciated, though thrash riffs dominate. The main feel is still black metal. I would like to hear the bass guitar more, when it is audible it adds to the music considerably. This style is not one that should have that super thin bass-less production. This is a worthy disc and most fans of real metal will find something to like. “In The Throneroom Of Our Enemy” is my favorite, followed by “Prima Nocte” The first can be found at shadar-logoth.com, the second on the disc only. The other two songs are available at myspace.com/shadarlogoth, though contact the band and get a real copy after you have enjoyed the mp3 files.

[Visit the band's website]

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