Musically, all I can really say is, "A watered down version of Dimmu Borgir, still some decent metal riffs… just not all too exciting." I was bored out of my mind when I first got this promo. Months later now as I’ve seen metal get worse and worse, I see where this comes into play. This represents a change in "underground" standard on all levels which I kept refusing to clue in on previously. This is a fully professionally produced package - label priority, full color thick booklet, elaborate makeup, good production… (lyrics on one song written by Nocturno Culto, Samoth co-produced this, etc etc - I think the promo sheet had one or two things about the band itself as selling points). It belongs in national chain stores - it’s tame enough for a mass audience, but still retains "metal" roots. The underground is just not a home for this stuff. Although, since I haven’t seen Mactätus explode with popularity and instead Napalm Records’ focus shifted to stuff like The Sins Of Thy Beloved, I’m assuming Mactätus was actually still too "metal" to gain that mass appeal. It’s funny just how much context is playing into my perception of this album. I had a hard time getting through it at first, but after being insulted with The Sins Of Thy Beloved, Tristania and other crap, I notice how much downright metal this actually is, as opposed to comparing it with WAR, Krisiun or other newer favorites of mine. Recommended to people who like melodic, darkened, non-aggressive metal with atmospheric keyboards. For me this particular album does nothing.

Written By: Abbas