I’ll admit it right at the beginning; I’m a huge fan of Sear Bliss’ ‘Phantoms’ and I’m still spinning that album on a regular basis. Black Metal that is both effective and atmospheric, and has something extra with the trumpet used in a perfect way. For me it is an unique album for sure!
Back in 1998 I was extremely disappointed with the successor ‘The Haunting’, as Sear Bliss has changed the sound; it became softer, a more clinical productions (just listen to the opening of the album) and straight-forward. Before you start throwing “that was a masterpiece!” at me, I know I’m one of the few who felt that way.
After ‘The Haunting’ Sear Bliss released ‘Grand Destiny, first via Nephilim Records from Hungary who also released cassette versions of Ahriman, Mystic Circle and Stormlord albums. But right after releasing ‘Grand Destiny’ bankruptcy brought an end to the label. Red Stream Inc. from USA stepped in and re-issued the album in 2002.
‘Grand Destiny’ is a logical continuation, as they made a mix of the first two albums. It is still atmospheric yet less sombre than ‘Phantoms’, and it has more of the straightforwardness like ‘The Haunting’. A more mature Sear Bliss and playing at their capabilities at that point compared with the debut when András Nagy was only 17 years of age back in 1996.
You can consider ‘Grand Destiny’ as a reasonable stepping stone towards the band’s next album: ‘Forsaken Symphony’ which was released at the end of 2002.
