Serenades in Blood Minor

Serenades In Blood Minor is first and only release by Norwegian band Carpathian Full Moon. After years of listening, I can say that album was ahead of it's time, and sadly, wasn't appreciated as it should be.

Adding black metal elements can bring new, interesting way of perceiving doom metal. It can bring characteristic atmosphere of black metal, which is here shown by "nocturnal feeling" in the songs, and in moments it sounds like Forgotten Woods' album Sjel Av Natten. Album can be described like soundtrack for the night. Also, vocal is almost completely in black metal style, so does riffs. Yet,this is still doom metal release,it is mostly slow and with quite "down" sound.

One great thing about this album is guitar virtuosity of both guitarists. There are many surprisingly good solo parts, that obviously draw inspiration from progressive rock/metal bands. And yes, when the band was disbanded, ex-members started their new progressive rock bands. This clearly shows where were they heading to with their music direction.

Album consists of 10 songs, 3 of which are instumentals. Music is direct combination of black and doom influence. Vocals aren't in black style only in song Sarah Ellen, and that song is weird, intermezzo between first and second half of the album. Guitar riffing is mostly black metal style, sometimes a little downtuned. Solo parts are common,and in songs, notably Above The Pantheon, very melodic. Bass can be heard good,especially in some lighter parts. The drumming is not too technical and it isn't much bad because most of the album is slow and there is no need to great drum virtuosity. Lyrics are not published, but they are shown by song titles and in some songs vocals are partially understandable. Production is OK, clear, but sometimes feels too thin.

The standouts are obviously Above The Pantheon, which is very melodic and depressive, and great instrumental Luna Garden. Also, some heavier riffs in Ggal Hannah are very good to hear, they bring dose of surprising agressivness.

Only bad thing about this album are some "empty" parts of just playing riffs with no direction, but fortunately they don't last too long and aren't in every song, so this is small mistake.

I listened this album while writing review and I must say that I enjoyed it...I recommend it to anyone who likes depressive,yet melodic music.