I'm pretty fussy when it comes to extreme metal. Growling death metal vocals generally turn me off. There are exceptions, though and Moonspell is one of them. The dark power and evil majesty that makes up their sound compensates for a lot of the problem I have with those vocals. This CD is not for the faint of heart, but for those metal fans who enjoy the extreme stuff,or just have a sense of adventure, it's a darn good release. It has a tendency to get over the top at points (but doesn't most European epic metal?)and isn't the most revolutionary music you'll ever hear. The thing is, it's all delivered with such power and skill that it more than makes up for any shortcomings.

A lot of the album has a pattern of mellower music preceding the more brutal entries. I remember an interview with Alice Cooper where he said that technique was one he employed because it makes the harder stuff seem that much heavier. Well, Moonspell use the technique for great effect. This album is actually a reissue of an older disc and has some bonus tracks put to the end. I'd have to say that based on the strength of this (especially considering it represents a younger, less accomplished band), I'd really like to hear what they've been up to lately. Moonspell might not have me fully under their spell yet, but I definitely feel the pull of their considerable musical charms.