We've heard all the criticisms and put-downs for the melodic black metal scene: entry-level metal, Hot Topic metal… hell, even SARCOFAGO wrote a song dedicated to calling the scene out. Well, this here Finnish quintet collectively known as ALGHAZANTH are here to change some minds with a high-quality effort that's rich in raspy harmonies and, thankfully, low on cheese.

Right off the bat, the untrained ear could draw a few comparisons to CRADLE OF FILTH with their D-tuning, blast beats and heavy keyboards. For the more discerning fan, however, this is where the similarities end. The band's secret weapon is the tracheal abuse of Goat Tormentor, who's better known as Mikko Kotamäki, frontman of prominent doomdeath act SWALLOW THE SUN. And since Kotamäki was actually doing black metal before he was a doomster, the transition will be seamless for folks already familiar with his other band. Now obviously these guys don't have the budget of a DIMMU or a CRADLE, so the whole of the symphonic element is synthesized. Surprising, though, it's pretty damn convincing. Check out the string section of "Moving Mountains" and the Gregorian moaning near the end of "Rain of Stars" to hear just how far keyboard technology has come. And apart from the scant acoustic and/or synth breakdown and the thickly layered low-and-slow "Future Made Flesh," neither the speed nor the heaviness relents on this sucker. But the best part: no female opera singers ANYWHERE!

Even the haters and "tr00 kvlt" snobs should have their appetites satiated by ALGHAZANTH, because from the sound of it they're gonna be a big name in black metal for a long time to come. Bottom line: Anyone who buys "Wreath of Thevetat" can expect a five-on-one ass kicking (with steel toes of course) from beginning to end.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.alghazanth.com

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