For those unaware of their status, Sol Invictus are considered one of the originators of neofolk, alongside Death in June and Current 93. Founder Tony Wakeford apologises both for the sound quality and ability of his guitar playing in the CD booklet, and the basis for the apology is not entirely without merit: both Tony Wakeford and Sol Invictus have improved dramatically since their salad days; one need only hear the 2006 version of "Against the Modern World" to note the massive improvement in voice, production and overall tighter performance. But Wakeford is being unnecessarily modest, and to consider this in isolation is to ignore the impact that Sol Invictus had on the neofolk scene. Not to mention that they were one of the first bands to extol Pagan themes; today, anyone with a guitar and a rune proclaims to be a heathen, but this wasn't the case a mere 18 years ago.

The two albums sound distinctly different: _Against the Modern World_ is far more melodic of the two, while _In the Jaws of the Serpent_ has a stronger industrial flair. I personally prefer the former, but there are memorable moments on the latter, especially the powerful "Abattoirs of Love".

This is intended as the first in a series of Sol Invictus re-releases. Assuming this will be done in chronological order, the next will be _Lex Talionis_. I can't wait.