Vaakevandring - Demo 98-99 (1999)
Now that Christian "black" metal is becoming easier to find (and more popular) it is no surprise that the quality of the music is also improving. Vaakevandring from Norway brings us three tracks of
true black splendor with this 17 minute ep. The first song on here is very atmospheric and contains more elements of "doom" rather than black, sounding very much like the band Arcturus. Tracks two and three are both
very true to the black genre with the high raspy vocals of bands like Horde and the double kick drum attack. Ominous melodies are formed by the guitar as it winds its way through the song and the everpresent keyboard retains the
great atmosphere of all that is good and beautiful about black metal. This cd is a nice blend of the shrill (ala Kekal and Horde) and the atmospheric (ala Antestor and Cradle Of Filth). About three minutes into the second song you
really get a majestic feel as the keys build slowly to peak and then wane again to a somber and sad feeling. During track 3 (which showcases a beautiful acoustc guitar interlude) I almost thought I was listening to Antestor, so for
those who miss that sound (or want more of it) this will be a gem. This is how black metal should be done folks. I can not wait for a full-length!! (note: 2 of the 3 tracks are
sung in Norwegian) -- Review by Norm