However, it rapidly becomes clear that they are not indulging in the usual existentialist vampyric lyrical clichés, veering from Lovecraftian demons ("The Creeping Chaos") to Oriental inspired tomes ("Domo Arigato Gozai Mashita"), Nordic darkness ("Eihwas, Raised to the Sky") and of course, Satan ("Eternity in the Chalice"). Their approach is similarly varied but cohesive, avoiding the kitchen sink approach adopted by many who wish to do something -- anything -- "different", and is able to imbue tired and stale elements such as guest female vox with a renewed sense of vitality. Each song possesses its own unique identity, but without sacrificing intra and inter song consistency.

My personal favourite is the closer, which is also the best demonstration of the message I am attempting to convey. They start with a Graveland-esque sense of the epic, before segueing into a more sombre mood, but without losing that epic feel -- not even when providing a wankfest solo! In short, one of the better entrants to the genre I have heard this year.