OzzyRotten

 "This album... is nothing but the summary, the synthesis... of that enormous class that has led the band to be acclaimed worldwide."

 "A dream, more powerful than any artificial paradise, larger than any imagination... If this isn’t genius, then please tell me what it is."

Therion's 'Deggial' is praised as a synthesis of the band's golden era, merging symphonic metal with gothic and operatic elements. The album features intelligent, occult-inspired lyrics and original orchestral arrangements. Standout tracks showcase the band's versatility and musical depth, reaffirming their unique style despite some criticisms. This album represents a powerful and complex listening experience for dedicated fans. Dive into Therion's Deggial and experience a symphonic metal journey like no other—listen now and discover the art of mystic metal!

 For me, this album is splendid.

 The sense of a quite refined class that knows how to be sad in the right way, tragic in the right way and equally obscure.

The Burning Halo by Draconian combines refined Gothic and Doom metal elements to deliver deeply melancholic and emotive music. Incorporating remastered tracks and covers, it shows matured songwriting and sound progression. Though not as groundbreaking as their masterpiece Arcane Rain Feel, the album exudes a rare charm and sadness that resonates with listeners. The review praises the band’s skill in evoking tragic and obscure moods with graceful musical arrangements. Dive into Draconian's The Burning Halo and experience the haunting beauty of gothic doom metal today!

 This 'Farmakon' I am describing is nothing more than this: a subversion of divine balances and the nature of man and things.

 Hell is far more tangible and concrete than any idealization and happy desire.

This review explores Skepticism's album Farmakon as a profound and intense funeral doom experience. It highlights the album's dark atmosphere, slow and heavy instrumentation, and haunting vocals. The reviewer appreciates the avant-garde experiments but prefers the more canonical doom tracks. Farmakon is described as a challenging yet rewarding listen for a niche audience who appreciates deep, apocalyptic soundscapes over idealized themes. Dive into Skepticism’s Farmakon and experience the ultimate funeral doom journey—if you dare.

 Thyrfing decided to steer their uniqueness towards gloomier, at times apocalyptic shores.

 Originality, as demonstrated here, doesn’t only pass through the 'softening' of sounds, but also through their unexpected 'intensifying.'

Thyrfing's Farsotstider marks a significant shift towards a darker, heavier sound within the Viking metal genre. Moving away from their earlier melodic and epic style, the band embraces a grimmer, more aggressive approach. The album blends thrash, black, folk, and death metal elements with powerful vocals and rich instrumentation. Though it may bewilder some longtime fans, the effort results in a mature, well-structured work with originality and intensity. Explore Thyrfing's bold evolution—listen to Farsotstider and experience Viking metal’s darker side!

 Darkness beyond darkness, and nothing that can qualify the incredible piercing reflection that Tyranny seem to evoke note after note.

 Their only, seemingly, main influence in songwriting is the unfathomable abyss of the Providence writer.

Tyranny's 'Tides Of Awakening' is a 2005 Funeral Doom album noted for its ultra-slow tempos, bleak cosmic horror themes, and avant-garde experimentation. The Finnish duo creates an atmosphere of crushing despair and darkness with lengthy tracks devoid of melody but filled with sonic torment. The album's non-commercial and extreme sound challenges listeners with its unrelenting mood and deep misanthropy. Only those with patience and courage will appreciate its profound and disturbing depth. Dive into the abyss of Tyranny's 'Tides Of Awakening' and experience the ultimate Funeral Doom journey.

 Nowadays, listening to songs like 'To Holmgard and Beyond' is indeed a refined pleasure, reaching the point where one feels the urge to take the rusty chainmail and the chiseled sword to go fight.

 Turisas narrates a powerful Viking tale with symphonic and baroque parts that bring to mind bands like Therion, delivering robust and catchy metal anthems.

Turisas' album The Varangian Way is a powerful and well-crafted Viking metal concept album that blends symphonic, power, and extreme metal elements. The songs feature catchy and adrenaline-pumping choruses, rich storytelling based on historical Varangian warriors, and epic instrumental arrangements. Despite not being groundbreaking in style, the album is praised for its talent, accessibility, and imaginative atmosphere. It's recommended for fans of metal seeking a hearty dose of Viking-inspired musical adventure. Dive into Turisas' The Varangian Way and experience an epic Viking metal adventure today!

 The amalgamation of sounds ... project the listener into a sort of dark and indefinable Barnum Circus.

 The band today is no longer what we have learned to know over the years, but rather wants to be an example of artistic maturity and originality in its domain.

Ur Jordens Djup marks Finntroll's deliberate return to a heavier, darker sound reminiscent of their early work while retaining folk elements. The album showcases artistic maturity with robust guitars, visceral rhythms, and a colder atmosphere. New vocalist Vreth adds powerful screams, complementing the band's evolved style. Fans may find the shift challenging initially, but the album rewards repeated listens and highlights Finntroll's originality in the folk metal scene. Listen to Finntroll's Ur Jordens Djup and experience their bold, dark folk metal evolution today!

 Listening to their latest effort is always an exquisite pleasure that would be inhumane to deny to those who shudder at these things.

 With their magic, they can make the listener feel, if only they would kindly close their eyes, as if they were on the eve of a decisive and bloody battle.

Ensiferum's album Victory Songs skillfully blends melodic death, power, and folk metal. Despite some fans' divided opinions, the album offers sharp guitars, powerful harsh vocals, epic choirs, and traditional instruments like bagpipes. The themes evoke vivid images of legendary battles, making it an exhilarating listen. This release continues the band's formula with fresh atmospheric depth and melodic emphasis. Listen to Ensiferum's Victory Songs and experience epic metal battles brought to life through powerful melodies and fierce vocals!

 "Therion... excel marvelously in this kind of subject, and the result could only be, precisely, 'Gothic Kabbalah'."

 "They are very capable of transmuting lead into gold, because everything they touch becomes a fairy tale, a magnificent symphony priceless."

Therion's Gothic Kabbalah is a monumental double album blending heavy metal with symphonic and occult themes. Drawing on mystical traditions like Hermeticism and runic Kabbalah, it offers a richly layered listening experience. The album balances complex musical styles across two discs, showcasing the band's skill in transforming influences into unique compositions. Praised for its production quality and musical depth, Gothic Kabbalah stands as an impressive continuation of Therion's discography. Dive into Therion's Gothic Kabbalah and experience a majestic fusion of metal, mysticism, and symphonic grandeur!

 Anyone with even a limited view of the Viking genre should take the time to listen to this magnificent band.

 I candidly nominate this album as the best of the year... Not recommended. Absolutely a must-have.

Månegarm’s album Vargstenen stands as a pinnacle in Viking metal, combining ferocity and melody with deep connection to Nordic folklore. The album balances raw energy with epic atmosphere, producing intricate and varied tracks. Praised for originality and emotional depth, it is considered one of the best metal releases of its year. Highly recommended for fans of the genre. Listen to Månegarm’s Vargstenen now and experience one of the best Viking metal albums ever made!