This haunting two-CD set compiles acoustic-based, melancholy tracks by a variety of black metal, folk-metal, and experimentally minded metal bands from the European scene. Some tracks, like
Empyrium
's
"The Days Before the Fall,"
recall
Blue Oeyster Cult
in the way they go from gently picked acoustic guitars to louder sections with prominent keyboard lines underpinning the hard rock riffs; others, like the rare
Ulver
song
"Synen,"
aren't metal at all, but soft, almost madrigal-like folk melodies, with mournful strings and choral vocals. There are lots of strings, and Scandinavian traditional drums, to be heard, and some tracks, like
Musk Ox
"Solstice"
and
October Fall
"Viima,"
blend nature sounds with the music. This is a perfect album to put on during a long winter night, but those looking to bang their heads will be sorely disappointed. ~ Phil Freeman