Backworld Holy Fire- Folk-noire concept album whose storyline is somewhat reminscent to that of Venom's "At War With Satan" (though told with greater literary flare). Very much in the style of the most "organic" work of Sol Invictus or Death in June (indeed, the vocals are almost slavishly imitative of Tony Wakeford), but more lushly composed (almost symphonic at times). 9/10
Death in June Burial- Collection of studio tracks and live recordings from the band's early days, including an early version of "Death of the West," which remains to this day Tony Wakeford's finest work (and remains the most scathingly insightful indictment of modern society ever cut to wax). 8/10
Lord Wind Forgotten Songs- Familiar to metal fans as "Rob Darken's side project," hypnotically composed militant folk music reminscent of Thousand Swords liberated from the constraints of metal, epic in its encapsulation of the ancient heathen ethic of blood and honour. 10/10
Puissance Back in Control- Bombastic neoclassical orations that hint at what the last Burzum album could have been if injected with martial fervor and goals. A lust for annihilation made all the more sinister by its delivery through ecstatic marches and a restrained, conversational approach to lyrics. 10/10
Puissance Mother of Disease- Roughly in the vein of the previous album, but simply less well executed. At times strays into territory that can only be described as 'contrived,' and the ambience sometimes drifts away from "symphony" and towards "soundtrack." Nevertheless, powerful in its embrace of nihilism as gateway to spiritual realization. Killer artwork, too. 9/10
Death in June Burial- Collection of studio tracks and live recordings from the band's early days, including an early version of "Death of the West," which remains to this day Tony Wakeford's finest work (and remains the most scathingly insightful indictment of modern society ever cut to wax). 8/10
Lord Wind Forgotten Songs- Familiar to metal fans as "Rob Darken's side project," hypnotically composed militant folk music reminscent of Thousand Swords liberated from the constraints of metal, epic in its encapsulation of the ancient heathen ethic of blood and honour. 10/10
Puissance Back in Control- Bombastic neoclassical orations that hint at what the last Burzum album could have been if injected with martial fervor and goals. A lust for annihilation made all the more sinister by its delivery through ecstatic marches and a restrained, conversational approach to lyrics. 10/10
Puissance Mother of Disease- Roughly in the vein of the previous album, but simply less well executed. At times strays into territory that can only be described as 'contrived,' and the ambience sometimes drifts away from "symphony" and towards "soundtrack." Nevertheless, powerful in its embrace of nihilism as gateway to spiritual realization. Killer artwork, too. 9/10
