| CD REVIEW Black Messiah |
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Band: Black Messiah The German formation Black Messiah, formed in the first half of the nineties, did release three full lengths during their existence (after a few old school Black Metal demo tapes), the symphonic Black Metal-oriented Sceptre Of Black Knowledge (Last Episode, 1998), Oath Of A Warrior (Einheit, 2005), which was much more Folk / Viking-influenced, and Of Myths And Legends (the first on AFM, for review, see 29/01/2007), continuing the more Pagan-oriented path. The First War Of The World is a concept about the war between Odin and co. versus the people of Vanaheim, the Vanir, brought in both English and German. The story mainly comes in ‘a musical version’, but a few parts are spoken ones, like the introducing opener Prologue, done by professional storyteller Tom Zahner. Black Messiah’s Metal is varying in tempo and atmosphere, but the rather catchy combination of different styles might seem a risk. The music still contains Black Metal parts, like in the earlier years, sometimes grotesque and bombastic, sometimes fearless and battle-lusting. The Pagan-elements are strongly Folk-inspired. The band makes use of instruments as flute and violin, for example, and also the varying vocals (blackish grunts, epic harmonies, raw yells, spoken words etc) fit to the specific approach. The influence from Power Metal-alike elements is limited, yet the importance of it (meaning: also a Power Metal-audience will like these hymns) cannot be ignored. The faster songs are enormously energetic, and a few parts are overwhelmingly oppressing. As an album in its totality, The First War Of The World sounds more mature and more structured than the former one(s), and even though the lack of originality and the sometimes irritating predictability may annoy some, the result is rather positive. Recommended to fans of Ensiferum, Mithotyn, Tyr, Turisaz, Hadur or Finntroll. 78/100 Ivan Tibos. |