First up is Majestic Downfall, a one man Mexican project performing romanticized death/doom akin to the early '90s British scene, filled with the expected mournful and slow chord progressions. However, Majestic Downfall does not so much hint at than hold up a bright neon sign proclaiming their British influence. His work sounds too similar to My Dying Bride, and its wider release was premature.

Italians Ansia are a rawer and less accessible variation of death infused doom, edging ever closer to its funeral doom extremity, and every bit as sparse as Majestic Downfall was full. They are highly repetitive, but in a positive manner that induces a trance-like state in the listener rather than ennui. This is only true of individual songs, but listened to one after the other does result in distractions.

Both bands provide an acceptable listen, but neither is essential; if you buy this CD your money won't be wasted, but neither is it the best way to spend your hard-earned bucks. They may provide a surprise in future, but at this nascent stage of their respective careers, it is not that good.