Grief of Emerald - "Nightspawn" (CD)
"Nightspawn" track listing:
1.The Beginning (3:18)
2.Winds Of Vengeance (3:40)
3.Warsworn (4:13)
4.Famine (5:00)
5.Revival (5:32)
6.Nightspawn (4:43)
7.Day Of Doom (6:49)
8.Trinitian Damnation (4:07)
9.The Second Dynasty (5:37)
Reviewed by AvernaX on July 28, 2009
Abandoning the usual tired clichés of gothic imagery so common in most black metal bands, Grief Of Emerald appear from Sweden, bringing with them a refreshing shortage of reference to anything satanic, making way for poetic, elaborate libretto (with exception to a few short lines in "Revival,") and distributing a sumptuous mix of Gothic sorrow and cold-blooded death metal. Grief Of Emerald may be prejudged as having a worn-out repetitive style, but twist it with their inimitable sound to create an intense album brimming with iniquity.
With additional symphonic instrumentals and an anti-religious theme, "Nightspawn" is an unholy riot of slaughtering guitars and a sturdy set of vocals from Johnny Lehto, as opposed to the raspy drag of most other black metal frontmen. Their melancholy lyrics are similar to that of Soulreaper, whereas the dynamic instrumentals often match the splendour of Emperor.
The unnerving ambiance of the album is bleak and unpalatable, yet strangely satisfying once heard in all its evil grandeur. Teeming with sheer wickedness and vibrancy, "Nightspawn" bleeds hatred from every black, malevolent vein.
Highs: Great riffs that give even the gloomiest of tracks an upbeat twist.
Lows: There's nothing exceptionally bad about "Nightspawn," but instrumentals could have more depth.
Bottom line: A successful debut album that stands out from other Swedish metal bands.
Get more info including news, reviews, interviews, links, etc. on our Grief of Emerald band page.
