Another Scandinavian black metal release, 'Krig' (translates to war), is the debut full length album from this Swedish band.

'Krig' lasts for almost an hour and includes eight songs. Recorded at Sunlight studio by Tomas Skogsberg, the sound quality is good. All instruments are audible and bass and drums give a heavy base for the music. Then the vocalist begins to shriek with his dull voice, which actually, every now and then is quite similar to Dani Filth's voice and a crow. Damn, how bloody unoriginal... But the music also is quite unoriginal, I'm afraid. A lot of tempo changes, synths, wind and even some female vocals. Only female vocals are actually quite well used. Ishtar try to be monumental, but boring riffs and familiar synths (at least piano reminds me of Dimmu Borgir and those choir synths... uhh) ruin it. The songs are way too long, with too few better parts in them.

Lyrics are half English and half Swedish (no lyrics available with this promo). The songtitles such as 'The Abyss', 'Vinterfrost', 'Damnation' and 'Mörkrets Furste' (prince of darkness or something like that) should give picture about should describe the lyrical point. But 'The Shadow Warrior'?! Sounds like a bloody martial arts -thing to me!!!

Even if 'Krig' is skillfully played and produced, it doesn't prevent it falling into the abyss of mediocrity. I can't listen to it for a long period. The cover "art" must be mentioned: It is crappiest I've seen. Background is made with PhotoShop filter called "clouds"... Oh well.

Rating: 3- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
01/01/2000 15:37