A Christian black metal band is probably a waste of time for many fans and whilst I wrangled over their lyrical and religious stand point I have to admit that the music displayed here is fine quality melodic black metal. The question begs, is there any point as in the past bands of this ilk were often labelled as white metal by the more hardcore metal fraternity through the years. Be that as it may this is being reviewed on musical quality only, so I’ll leave the debating to you lot.

The opening heavy semi-blasted intro paves the way for ‘Prometheus Rebound’ which has the usual rasping vocal style set amongst a melodic black metal backdrop that is skilfully played and competently executed. There is a Swedish vibe on the guitar sound though the structuring is close to Dimmu Borgir but minus the pomposity. ‘This King Never Smiles’ is faster with a hint of death metal with some quality guitar runs that suggest the band listens to a bit of thrash as well, as the Dimmu trait returns on ‘Season Of The Starved Wolf’.

‘Twin Heads Of Vengeance’ breaks away slightly with a hefty double kick blast that has a machine gunning style momentarily. Again the death metal edge is audible as the density surges into Immolation territory. The band has a knack of creating good atmospheres in their songs with the chaotically driven ‘Heka Secundus’ rattling along nicely until the tangential drop in pace catches you unawares with its lulling double bass roll. It is hard to find fault with this album musically and if you’re a pure satanic black metaller then you have probably stopped reading this review by now anyway. However if you’re into the melodic side of black metal with passing nods to death then this is worth checking out on the web first.

http://www.myspace.com/ahilltodieuponband

Martin Harris

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