Hailing from the forests of Hungary, Ahiman strike with their second album after ten years of existence. Starting out as a one man band back in 1995 and after numerous line-up changes, Ahriman managed to release their sophomore record in 2001 titled "Naturgate" released by Nephilim Records attaining somewhat of a cult status in their home land. Their latest bilingually titled release "Ko"dki'n o"sve'ny/Mistpain path" was released in February 2005 through Terranis Productions.
What we have here with "Mistain path" is seven tracks of well played symphonic black metal with folk influences in the veins of Dimmu Borgir, Graveworm and perhaps Elysian Fields at their more symphonic moments. Album kicks in with a ritualistic intro comprising of folk instruments which the album makes extensive use of throughout the record adding to their special blend of symphonic black metal. After the ritualistic intro fades into a keyboard solo atlast the band blasts through with keyboard synths interweaving effectively with the Emperoresque riff-fueled musical mayem. After a few listens I noticed that although the album starts with a lot of promises it seems that its initial aggression gives way to repetition as it progresses. This is partly due to the continuous fast tempo with no "catch for breath " so to speak giving rise to a more monolithic result living a more "watered down" aftertaste after the record has finished.
Throughout the record one can notice several references to Dimmu Borgir's early material (Stormblast) and even to Satyricon era Nemesis Divina. To the plus side production and musicianship are far from mediocre indicating a professional standing from the band's part. I also have to mention the layout which overall was very well done and projects that sense of mysteriousness. Most lyrics are in English although all the track titles are both in English and Hungarian. All in all a good slab of symphonic black metal from the Huns but unfortunately not enough to salvage Hungary's state of obscurity in the extreme metal scene.
(originally written for Tartarean Desire - 28/6/2005)
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