Just when you thought that Symphonic Black Metal was going down the drain, bands like Artep are stepping back from the dark night with some high quality Black Metal. Well yes, this genre of metal is very alive and Canada's own Artep is a serious act, working hard to compose some solid and melodic Black Metal arts. Black War is some sort of teaser for the upcoming band's debut, Thy Will Be Done on Earth as is Done in Hell . Founder/front lady Petra Sobokta is as at ease behind the mic with her wicked rasps, as she is handling the guitar parts. Petra is being backed by Jaron Good, also handling guitars and vocals, while a third member, Sean Rickerd (from Quebec!) is taking care of the bass duties. Session drummer, Spencer Prewett completed the line up. Not mentioned is the mysterious keyboard player, but I suspect one of the two guitar players. Keyboards are taking a pretty big place in creating this epic/dramatic/symphonic ambience. I can't say the keys are overwhelming as such, but with two guitar players on board, one could have hoped for a more prominent role given to the strings. Not a complaint as such, just a remark, because frankly, the three songs on this disc are very good, well written and well played too. My favorite composition is the opener, title track. Not only does it include many good points already mentioned, but for its moderate pace, crunchy guitar work and clean arpeggios. All the tracks demonstrate good songwriting skills, plus some nice Black Metal wickedness.
All hails to Canada's own Symphonic Black Metallers, Artep!
Track listing:
1 - Black War
2 - Antichrist
3 - Eye of the Serpent/Oko Hada
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
