Pagan Rite

Diamond Eyed Princess are quite a gem in the midst of a music scene filled with overtly generic bands. This band seems to have been crafted out of pure love of music and nature, with a goal to bring back the glorious days of old where forests extended beyond horizons. "Pagan Rite" allows an escape from the present and takes the listener back to a time when nature reigned supreme. This is perhaps one of the most atmospheric albums I've ever listened to and I am fortunate enough to have discovered such an astonishing work.
The album is completely rich with medieval music, manky tracks only using such ancient instruments. This is not the regular keyboard type of style most bands use. Diamond Eyed Princess is thoroughly trained in medieval music and uses it as the driving force of their music. The album begins with a breathtaking, full-on medieval track and then later adds the atmosphere of black metal into the style. The atmosphere is beyond any other band's potential that I know. The acoustic medieval guitars create a harmony with the flutes and other instruments to achieve an effect that is beyond any genre. The clean vocals are generally low and deep with a combination of an occassional choir of similar key singers. The fourth track is perhaps the best on the entire album as well as one of the greatest atmospheric pieces I've ever heard. It uses a simple rhythm on a stringed instrument and builds up emotion by sequencially adding amazing guitars and then bag-pipes before breaking into female-male vocal harmonies that are the pinnacle of excellence. An amazing piece. Must be listened to to fully comprehend.
The metal parts in the album are pretty incredible as well. It is generally fast-paced black metal combined with the medieval music. The vocals are the high, raspy type that are similar to old Emperor.
From start to finish, this album grips the listener on an enchanting journey through natural soundscapes. Anybody into such atmosphere will surely be enchanted by this album, especially those into medieval music. A more than worthy addition to anybody's collection. Essential for fans of traditional music and black metal.