'Insignia Risen...

I don’t really have to much to say about this release. Really, this is a demo that could pass out for a full-length (albeit not-high quality) release, but still provides nothing special. There are seven tracks to this release, all of them offering nothing particularly original.

Though the band is labeled as a blackened death metal release it more essential black metal. That is quite natural though, as this is a first demo release, and many blackened death metal acts have started with more of a blackened roots. There are a few deathy-riffs in here though, giving a death metal feel, but nothing to make this individual release a “blackened death metal” release.

As far as musician-manship goes, the band is mediocre at best. Definitely not bad per say, just nothing special. A few interesting and catchy riffs get played, but most of the music is rather stale and generic.

My biggest complaint is the poor quality. I have nothing against lo-fi productions. I even like them at times. But this is just bad. There are numerous parts where it sounds like a jumbled mess with bass levels being fucked around with.

My other complain is the tendency for the band to fall apart in the middle of the song. It will suddenly turn from a catchy riff to a bunch of garbled mess, with off timing drums, guitars poorly mix and matched, and vocals straying away from the song.

This isn’t a bad release per say, but it’s definitely not a good one. It’s a mediocre black metal release, with some death and thrash influences kicking around. It’s worth a listen if you’ve a fan of the band or if you have spare cash. Otherwise, try something better like Panzerchrist or Behemoth.