As one of the older generation of Black Metal bands, it is great to hear that Sweden’s Svartsyn are still sticking firmly to their traditional Black Metal roots and have, after a two year hiatus, composed yet another full length of no nonsense, Satan-worshipping grimness.
‘Timeless Reign’ seems like an apt title for a band that has been spreading the blackness for over 14 years now and I‘m pleased to report that it is without a doubt their strongest material to date. As you would expect, Svartsyn have not exactly broken any boundaries on this one affectively sticking to what they do best and writing simple, pitch black songs that bring back fond memories of listening to ‘Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism’ for the first time. A great sense of winter atmosphere is expertly induced on the eerie first track ‘Intro/Surth Lit The Earth’, while the desolate riffs and tight as death drumming on ‘Sanctus Satanas’ allow you to virtually feel the cold winds of the bleak north biting against your skin. On a slightly warmer note, the more melodic leanings of ‘My Sinner’ add an extra touch of variety to proceedings but are kept nice ‘n grim by the sunken rasps of vocalist/bassist/guitarist Ornias, who puts out a fine though very linear performance here.
Although let down slightly by the muffled production ‘Timeless Reign’ is nevertheless yet another stellar display of traditional Black Metal art at its finest, making the saying that if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it ring true from all sides.
