Bleak, dark atmosphere is created well, regardless of pace.IJsval almost sounds like a product of the 90s second wave scene that it’s so clearly enamoured with.Cold, icy melody seeps out of the music like a malignant entity, and combined with the abundant use of synths, makes for an engaging listen. I like the band’s use of dual vocals, with one set consisting of piercing screams, and the other adopting a more unhinged approach. The production is well-judged, balanced between clarity and rawness SANDRA.N.696
I don’t know why I never heard this album until now, but it’s already one of my favorites for black metal. Anyone who enjoyed Achatius by Funereal Presence this year should check this out. It’s not as ambitious as that album, but it’s just as riff driven and has similar qualities and influences. If I had known it existed in 2017 it would have been top 10. Metallurgical Fire
SCHATTENVALD's current storytelling epic melodic black metal style is unusually multi-faceted. Although often raging and put into an icy sound it does not appear evil but fascinating because of the spooky legends told and the long list of ideas and unusual sounds they use within the songs. That is true for the epic title-track. The rest is different, especially side B is far more underground and less elaborated. Also atmospheric somehow but not as thrilling as the new style. H.L.