After somewhat lacklustre 'Subliminal Antenora' (also released in 2001, though recorded over a year before this one), Alghazanth put out another album quite fast. One might think, that this is too fast pace to record albums, but 'Osiris-Typhon Unmasked' is a pleasant surprise in all. The band sounds more mature, songs feel like composed and not glued together, and the music happens to be good.

This is Alghazanth's most mature and complete album to date. Music-wise there are many things mixed in it: Black metal with symphonic elements, and even some death metal influences thrown in to make it a beast. Alghazanth's basis is black metal, semi-symphonic style. All the strings are synthesized, and while the synths are one of the album's weaker aspects, they are still much better and not as annoying as on many albums of this genre, including this one's predecessor. With the usual synth-scapes ()carpets and piano, mostly), this time around it's rather eerie and atmospheric and not sugary at all. There's also some extremely basic electro stuff to be heard (e.g. on 'Antithesis').

This time around every song flows much more fluidy and strongly than on the previous album, and this is an easier yet more rewarding album in general. I couldn't call Alghazanth original, but their mixture of Dimmu Borgir-esque modernism, cold evil of Dissection and dark soulscapes of Thy Serpent is an interesting mixture in my ears, as this kind of material usually goes into bin very easily, due to high supply. This might fall into some of the common traps of the genre, but every time it climb out of them and gets into better things. During these 46 minutes, the pace varies from blasting to slower "doomier" approach. Still, it is mostly fast, with some more serene parts here and there.

Every song is different enough from each other, which is an achievement in itself, but not taking too big steps to every possible direction. The lead guitars are great and memorable, as is the music in general. The songs mostly last for 4-5 minutes, and two clock around 7 minutes. Only those few empty tracks in the end puzzle me... Wait, each lasts 6 seconds... Not so tough a riddle, that! The cover of Megadeth's hit 'Symphony of Destruction' is a cool choice, since it is nowhere near Alghazanth's own music. It could be better, but it works, about just.

The production is a bit flawed. It is not very heavy and lacks of punch (trebly, that its), but this way the atmospherics are more clear to tell the truth. Which are the main attraction here, really. Generally this sounds modern, but also not very organic. Anyone into symphonic black metal knows the way how these albums sound like. The performances are not faultless, but still much better than on previous releases. Positive development in this sense. Lyrics-wise Alghazanth attack religions, especially Christianity, and values of a modern society. They are quite intelligent, not just bullshit shouting about Satan eating lambs of god. Nebiros's vocals are good and quite varied: He mainly shrieks, but with passion. Some growls and cleaner outlet are also on the menu. The booklet is horrible computer "art", but does include all the lyrics.

I do not like the majority of modern black metal, but Alghazanth have managed to create an album that shows that when this kind of metal is good, it is good. Positively good modern black metal album, this, if you didn't get it already, and it even manages to top some big names of the scene.

Rating: 8- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/29/2003 17:49