siLLy puPPy Many bands have demos that suck and only mature once they release albums. With Nokturnal Mortem I actually like the two demos better than most of the albums. This one is my favorite of any release by the band so far.

Although they are basically building on the style invented by Dimmu Borgir on FOR ALL TID, I think they managed to take this sound and perfect it. What works for me with this album is that by using simple Slovak folk melodies on the keyboards, they build through variations to a satisfying black metal fury. Unlike the songs that are on the follow-up and first official full album, GOAT HORNS, these songs seem like the right length never outstaying their welcome. The mix works for me as well as it is different than most black metal. It is eerie and actually fits quite well with the concept and artwork. Even the strange guitarless synth-and-drum interlude “The Grief Of Oriana” seems to fit in.

If you are put off by many of the later NM releases, which for me are very hit and miss, then give this demo (at almost an hour long it could be considered a proper album release) a try. You might find that you do enjoy an NM release from beginning to end. Originally I was gonna give this 4.5 stars but after listening to it again a couple more times, I think this is a perfect album.

metalmillennium The demo from the Ukrainian black metal group shows us where all the aspects that made "Goat Horns" a top notch album came from. Being the first recording of the band, it would soon launch them into the black metal scene with a signing to The End Records and a follow up with their best album to date, "Goat Horns".

There isn't a lot of difference between this demo and "Goat Horns," besides the production on this demo is a little less tweaked. (which is understandable, since it is a demo) But the production is surprisingly good for a demo and you can hear what every instrument is doing clearly, so that makes myself a happy listener. This is one of the only demos I have heard that doesn't sound like it was recorded underwater and I am forever greatful for that. This album also has the original version of "Perun's Celestial Silver" which is much better than the new version that is on "NeChrist", probably because the keyboards and symphonic pieces aren't drowned out by a wall of guitars and treble.

At the beginning of their prime in the black metal genre, this demo should be checked out if you were a fan of "Goat Horns" (who wasn't?) or if you were a fan of any of their albums.