Germany’s Twilight Vertrieb is having a solid few months with releases by the likes of Lost Dreams, Mastic Scum, Abrogation, In Slumber, Requiem and the re-issue of The Monolith Deathcult’s White Crematorium album. Nothing ground breaking, but a solid slew of local death metal releases. However, mixed in with all those is the debut full length album from Dagor Dagorath, a symphonic black metal band from Israel… and its actually very good.

You can add Dagor Dagorath to the list of quality, recently discovered symphonic black metal like Carach Angren, Lux Divina and Unholy Ritual: Dagor Dagorath do everything right on their full length debut. Sweeping majestic synths, blistering catchy riffs, a hint of Goth romance (female vocals here and there), and a sense of confidence and energy that culls from early Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth, and to these ears, older Mystic Circle and Arthemesia.

The production is spot on allowing all the elements to be equally heard as the guitars shred and slice, the drums are bombastic and of course the keyboards deliver the all important atmospheres and epic hues. The first track, the epic, eight minute (all the songs are around 6-8 minutes) “The Hell In Heaven” is a perfect opener and is actually one of the best songs in the genre I’ve heard lately, as it has everything the genre requires in triumphant spades. The band never quite reaches that level again, but the remaining six tracks are still very competent. “Heaven In Hell” is a controlled, regal track, while “The Maze of Madness” is a pure symphonic assault that mixes stern blasts and a few nifty time changes. “Vicious Circle” is a tad busy and has a strange almost programmed, percussive injection but the albums other fine track, “The Call” follows up with a nice moody mid paced march, some very well done melodies and excellently structured climax.

With Spiros Antoniou of Septic Flesh providing the cover art, you know you are getting a respectable product and despite the surprising origins, Dagor Dagorath look to have the all the makings of a top notch symphonic black metal act on par with their Western European counterparts.

[Visit the band's website]

---

Comments