The songs are raw yet melodic (for the bands standards) and carry a depressing, nihilistic atmosphere with them. Songs like “An Eternal Kingdom of Fire“ and „Gaze Upon Heaven In Flames” clearly benefit from the subtle melodies. In general, the music can be compared with older material of Darkthrone and Burzum without copying them. But it will certainly appeal to anyone who likes these. Akhenaten's vocals are grim and raspy, but comprehensible enough to understand what the songs are about. The production fits perfectly to the music, it's harsh but all the instruments can be heard well.
The keyboards are used very sparse and wisely, they never water down the sound, but can rather be seen as a tool for helping creating the atmosphere.
“Before A Circle Of Darkness” is a special song for me: the mainriff sounds so tortured and leaves a feel of emptiness behind, it's certainly the most depressing one on the album.
“Spill The Blood Of The Lamb” is a fast and relentless song, and another favourite for me. There exists a re-recorded version of it on the “Dethroned, Conquered And Forgotten”-EP which is even faster and more aggressive than the original one.
The last track is an instrumental piece, it's a worthy closer that gets along with guitars and keyboards only. Don't listen to this album when you're in a bad mood, it will drag you down and show you the most negative aspects of existence.
All music and lyrics written by Akhenaten
Red Stream released the final CD version of this album in 1999.
At War Records released an advance tape version (without keyboards) in 1998.
LP version issued in 1999 by End All Life Productions in 200 hand-numbered copies.
Licensed by Irond Records in 2002 and released on CD with the Dethroned, Conquered and Forgotten EP as bonus tracks.
Re-released on tape in 2008 by Frostscald Records, in cooperation with Red Stream.
