Sanctifica - Spirit of Purity (2000)
From Sweden comes one of the most talented Christian black metal bands I have ever heard. Sanctifica! This 5 piece band plays black metal very reminiscent to the likes of Emperor from the style they had in the album "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk". Although Sanctifica aren't as fast, they are a little darker sounding which give them a certain sound of their own. Upon hearing this cd, "Spirit of Purity", one begins to really become involved in what is going on. The keyboards are mixed here very well and compliment the guitars, yet do their own thing while adding alot of melody to the grim sounding guitars that blaze through the speakers. The vocals are perfectly pitched and add that total black metallish flavor to the sound. The drums keep a fairly staedy beat between the double bass and blast beats while the bass is really giving it a harsh atmosphere in the background. Although I am not much of a keyboard fan in black metal, this is an amazing cd and the musicianship on this far exceeds what one can expect from a black metal band! If you are into black metal, this is a must have! -- Review by Shannon