Extol - Undeceived (2000)
The masters of all metal are back with their second full-length cd and another masterpiece it is! "Undeceived" is more brutal and "death metal" oriented than their debut "Burial" was. With crushing riffs and blurring skill Extol takes metal music over the top and beyond. Extol is still incorporating elements of black metal into their ever evolving sound but I also hear elements of American death metal coming in to play at times such as the Embodyment-like riff towards the begining of the track "Time Stands Still". Utilizing instruments such as the violins and cello the music weaves a tapestry of sound unequaled by any band I have ever heard. The vocals, which sound better and more consistent than on "Burial", are harsh and hypnotic staying mostly in a unique mid-range death style. The guitars are melodic, fast and intense bringing in new influences and capitalizing on the old. The sound overall is very similar to what we heard on "Burial" with frantic movements, odd time signatures and on the spot changes. Ole Borud's clear and majestic vocals make several appearances here also, reminding me almost of Dream Theater or Teramaze on the intro to "A Structure of Souls". There are even a few "groove" style riffs scattered sparsely throughout this recording. All in all this could be summarized as something like Opeth meets At The Gates meets Living Sacrifice with a hint of Believer and Dream Theater, all topped off with the unique, unmistakeable and very original sound that is Extol! Extol has given new meaning to the old term "thinking man's metal". This is a very intelligent and well executed performance! -- Review by Norm