Band: Dagor Dagorath
Title: Yetzer Ha’Ra
Label: Twilight Zone
Distribution: Bertus
Release date: April 1st 2010
Review: CD

Dagor Dagorath are a band from Israel, formed in 2002, and now officially debuting with Yetzer Ha’Ra. As a matter of fact, the formation did release a demo-tape and two splits before (with Firth Of Damnation and Azagatel; in both cases the Dagor Dagorath-part is the re-issue of the 2005-demo Times Of Distress).
Yetzer Ha’Ra differs from that demo. The band evolved a lot, in a positive way, even though their approach completely lacks of originality. On the contrary…
But… this lack of being renewing is inferior to the high quality of the individual tracks, and the high quality of the whole album.
Yetzer Ha’Ra, having duration of fifty minutes (for seven titles), stands for a bombastic form of harsh yet symphonic Black Metal in the vein of, especially, Dimmu Borgir (era ’97-’04), as well as Old Man’s Child, (early) Emperor, and, certainly, Vesania. Every single track comes with grandeur and an explosive battle-lust, and the subtle link with Doom, Dark Gothic, Pagan and Death Metal open the dark gates a little more to invite every darkened soul. The oppressing, ominous and sinister atmosphere and the monumental and orchestral sound are other surpluses, forgiving the evident Dimmu-approach.
Also the tempo varies satisfyingly. Most guitar-driven parts are energetic and up-tempo, including several lightning-fast, even blasting accelerations, as well as slow-downed pieces that dwell into merely melancholic spheres.

88/100

Ivan Tibos.