While not registering high on the list of "Orginal Black Metal Bands from Sweden", Lord Belial can stake their claim to being a tight, solid evil little band. You're not going to hear anything revolutionary or downright unique in their music; in fact, it follows along the same lines as perhaps Dissection or other straight guitar, non-atmospheric bands. However, that said, it is pretty darned enjoyable, especially through headphones late at night. Fredrik Nordström's production is vibrant and gives the chaos some semblance of structure, greatly enhancing the overall feel. Lord Belial also uses occasional cellos and female vocals in a way that doesn't overshadow the insanity but enhance it, as they do in "Lamia" or the title track. You also get some strong thrash influence on the album closer "Realm of a Thousand Burning Souls (Part I)". Again, not the album that will redefine a genre, but rather compliment the black metal collection you already have.

Review by John Chedsey

Review date: 08/1998

Back to top