CoC : Allegiance - Vrede : Review

Allegiance - _Vrede_
(No Fashion Records, 1999)
by: Pedro Azevedo (8 out of 10)

Having been recorded at the Abyss Studio, _Vrede_ was more than likely to at least sound good. As it turns out, it sounds a lot like Enslaved's brilliant _Blodhemn_, which was recorded at that same studio -- not only is the musical style quite similar, the production itself strongly brings _Blodhemn_ to mind. How bad can that be? Well, on one hand, Allegiance won't certainly be getting any marks for originality. But on the other hand, there is some quality black metal with a certain (somewhat subdued) Viking scent here. While Allegiance never reach the brilliance of Enslaved's masterpiece, _Vrede_ ("wrath") is a very effective album in terms of brutality, speed, skill and musical interest -- not to mention the production, of course, which helps a lot. Ultimately, it all depends on the listener: simply put, assuming you enjoyed the latest Enslaved, you're very likely to also enjoy _Vrede_ (even if it is by no means as great as Enslaved's excellent album), unless the idea of owning two albums that sound quite similar is a major problem for you.

(article published 19/5/1999)

ALBUMS
7/6/1997	D Schinzel	6	Allegiance - Blodornsoffer
2/1/1997	D Schinzel	7	Allegiance - Hymn Till Hangagud