The Bottom Line
Epic black metal from Belgium.
Pros
- Complex and compelling songs.
Cons
- None.
Description
- Released in North America June 13, 2006 on Season Of Mist.
- Produced by Oliver Phillips and Christian Moos.
- This is the band's fifth album.
Guide Review - Ancient Rites - Rvbicon
It's been five years since their last album, and the Belgian band Ancient Rites returns with an expanded membership and an epic new album. The band now has 7 members, including three guitarists.
The songs on this album are flawlessly constructed. The keyboards are used to provide a grand atmosphere and an orchestral base. The trio of guitars is then utilized to great effect with thick riffs and soaring solos.
Gunther Theys' vocals are also diverse. He is able to move from melodic singing to aggressive singing to screaming and sound good doing all of them. The lyrics on this album are also interesting. Ancient Rites bases most of the lyrics on historical events, and this time around they cover everything from the Roman Empire to World War I. This album is very diverse with excellent musicianship and very well written songs.
