Dim Carcosa

by

Ancient Rites

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Format: Full-length cd, 11 songs 46:31 minutes

Style: Symphonic black metal

Rating: 94/100

Similar Artists: Finntroll, Thyrfing, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir, Bal-Sagoth

Background: Ancient Rites has been around as a band since 1988. They are one of the few black metal acts to come from Belgium. What I think is really cool about Ancient Rites is that they are one of the pioneers of the underground black metal scene, being the first foreign black metal band to tour clubs in Portugal and Italy. Their sound has changed from death metal with black metal influences to a more modern symphonic neoclassical black/thrash.

Packaging: The packaging with this cd is very slick. The booklet contains all lyrics as well as a commentary for each song written by Gunther Theys imprinted over some very cool artwork. The only negative thing I could say about the packaging is that some of the text is very difficult to read because of the way it is printed over the artwork but if you work at it, you can read it all. For those not familiar with Ancient Rites, they write primarily about medieval Europe.

Production: "Dim Carcosa" was recorded at Spacelab Studio in Tönisvorst, Germany. It was produced by Oliver Phillips& Christian "Moschus" Moos and was coproduced by Jan Yrlund & Ancient Rites. The production on this recording is top-notch. All instruments can be heard crystal clear and the mix is just about perfect. The production is very similar to their previous release "Fatherland" but is perfected a little bit more.

The Music: This music is grandiose and majestic while remaining very aggressive. Dim Carcosa has a very large, full sound and reeks of professionalism. I find it amazing that Ancient Rites is not more popular and still remains largely unknown outside of the European scene. The guitars are the most prominent instrument, but the keys are also very forward in the mix, a piano as well as an orchestra is also utilized. The guitars have a speed metal quality to them as well as a heavy neoclassical influence and remind me of a blend of Children of Bodom and Blind Guardian. The vocals are a mix of clean, Viking metal style singing and black metal screams. Ancient Rites seem to have become faster and more orchestral on this recording, which I feel is really a step in the right direction. What I enjoy most about this recording is the "fist-pumping" nature of most of the tracks. I imagine that more than a few of these songs would be real fun to experience live.

Recommendation: This release comes with the highest recommendation. If you are looking for a very professionally done release that conveys a lot of emotion and just plain old jams, get this one. Those who like symphonic black metal should really enjoy this.

I bought this CD after I heard a few of their songs on an internet radio broadcast. My computer speakers aren't the greatest, so I somehow missed the electronic drums that are used. Boy did that throw me for a loop when I slapped this CD on. WTF?!?! Electronic drums in Black/Viking metal?!?! Completely ruins this album. I really tried to like it too, 'cause it'd be a darn good CD (hence the 2 stars instead of completely demoting it to 1) if not for the stupid electronic drums. I just couldn't get past the fake tic-tic-tic sound. I don't know if the rest of their stuff is like that, but jesus guys, this doesn't work out, get a real drumset.