For their fifth full-length CD, the German black metal band Dark Fortress has a new vocalist. Gone is Azathoth, replaced by Morean, who had worked with the band in the past.
Eidolon is a concept album based on the Greek concept of an astral double of a living being, or a "mirror." The music combines harsh black metal with more symphonic and melodic elements. The guitar work on the CD is stellar, with somber black metal riffs complemented by some groovier, thrashier parts and some very clever solos.
Morean does a nice job with the vocals, showcasing a variety of pitches and emotions in his growls. There's also a guest appearance from Celtic Frost's Tom Gabriel Fischer. Eidolon isn't mainstream by any means, but as far as black metal goes it's pretty accessible, and very well done.
(released March 11, 2008 on Century Media Records)
