By Paul Autry

Well, I'm not gonna "review" this album (so to speak). But, I will tell you about my experience with it. As I was going through the mail I got for the day, I came across this CD. In looking at it, I thought to myself, "Great, more black metal cheese." In disgust, I tossed the album into the pile of CD's that I really didn't wanna listen to. I mean, get real, here's a guy on the cover dressed up like some bat like elf who looks like the goblin in the old Tom Cruise movie "Legend." Two days later, when I had nothing better to do, I noticed the Mortiis CD sitting there on my desk. So, I thought to myself, what the hell, I'll give it a quick listen so I can finally get rid of it. I was sure that it would only take a few seconds to listen to before I came up with my three word review..."This Sucks, Next!"

Well, I have to hang my head in shame because I misjudged this album big time. Mortiis has created an album that's mostly instrumental, with various voices thrown in here and there, that is, well, in a word, a MASTERPIECE. This is not, I repeat, IS NOT a cheesy black metal release, it doesn't even come close. Honestly, I wouldn't even know what to call it. The music sounds, to me, like a combination of celtic folk, classical & even opera all rolled into one, with thunderous results. It's a very creative, very original release that will capure the attention of a wide range of people. I can see everyone from metal fans to death metal fans, even classical music fans, both young & old, getting into this release. Mortiis is a musical genius who has created an album that goes way beyond anything you have ever heard before. What "Titanic" did for modern movies, Mortiis does for modern music with "The Stargate." An absolute blockbuster that has to be heard to be appreciated.

Dark Dungeon Music
Boenveien 3691
Gransherad Norway

More from the Online Metal Journal