In their early years, Pyogenesis mixed death metal and doom metal into a nice little package. A bit like old Paradise Lost, old Cathedral, old My Dying Bride and such bands mixed. When I got this, they had already released 'Twinaleblood' a year later. 'Twinaleblood' went towards rockier outlet and the band's newer albums are more upbeat rock.

'Through...' opens this with memorable riffs and groovy yet doomy metal. Next one sinks into the doom metal with growled male and sung female vocals. Not very original nowadays, eh? Well, maybe not too original eight years ago either, but still a beautiful slow and heavy song. 'Down' stays on the doom path featuring nice violins and depressed clean male vocals. 'Lost...' is a non-distorted song with bird song and clean singing/growled vocals. Lyrics ain't nothing earth-shattering, just depressed (loss, dying, love).

Guitars (bass, too) sound good, as does vocals. Drums don't sound good, but flat and manage to flatten the whole thing, especially ballsless snare. Drumming isn't very precise, either.

A nice little CD, this one, above average. Ends too soon. I like groovier 'Through the Flames' more than last three songs, but if doomier outlet is your thing, why don't try this if you can find it anymore. Cover's fucking ugly, by the way, but don't care about it.

Rating: 6+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
07/17/2002 00:45