This one along with Dungeons last release is candidate for metal release of the year! As someone thats been following this band since the first demo tape in 98, its good to see a band that can improve without betraying their roots, most notably the track "Arborescence", with new improved keyboard backing and guitar sweeps at the end of the track, and the instrumental track "Aquisition of the Stars". This is a very well recorded and played effort with immense attention to detail paid to the cover art work and presentation. The lyrical topics are extremely cryptic and require some thought to digest but that's cool, it gives the listener something deeper to think about. So far this is the definitive collection of Astriaals' work with some of the tracks coming off their previous releases and some new ones, the old classics, re-recorded have been given new life with better playing and recording techniques while the new ones show a much faster style than the older tracks like "Glories..." . Overall, an extremely brutal recording that maintains an almost hypnotic melodic edge that makes it suprisingly easy to listen to. If you're into metal this is BUY OR DIE!
ASTRIAAL - REVELATION DECEPTION
I’ve liked these guys for a while and it’s always been good when a band delivers the goods. This EP contains a bit of the old and new material and one that was on their demo tape from ’98 (I think). Very melodic but always brutal black metal is the mood here, and with a very clear production this is one of the most listenable black metal releases I have heard in ages. Many of the songs contain a folky feel, and as funny as this sounds it works very well – its only subtle but makes for some very coherent song writing. This release I think will only cement their place at the forefront of the Australian Black Metal scene and should further establish them around the world. Very well done boys!
Check out the Astriaal website here HERE