Chapter III, not surprisingly, is the third full length by this German band. The title underscores the main issue with this band – Agathodaimon are just not very imaginative. They are accomplished musicians and the production is quite good, but there is something lacking. It is hard to really listen to the entire album. Invariably you find your concentration has lapsed and you are no longer intently listening.

I first encountered Agathodaimon in 1997, with their demo, and thought they were quite promising, an up-and-coming gothic black metal band. Over the years that followed I was aware that they released albums but I never actually picked them up. I am guessing their two previous albums were similar in style to Chapter III because the music has not changed much since ’97. Musically they are mid-paced to slow with many passages that incorporate blast beats, yet there is no intensity. The music feels neither aggressive nor angry, it seems maybe depressing or mournful, which is keeping with the gothic tendencies.

The black aspects such as blastbeats and “evil” vocals do not fit well because the atmosphere is wrong. There are some high points on this album, such as “The Ending of Our Yesterday”, and overall it is not a bad album, just nothing beyond the ordinary.

Agathodaimon is a band that has not reached its potential, but deserves credit for remaining true to their style.

[Visit the band's website]

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