Northern Damnation's (ND from now on) 2nd demo is a lo-fi journey to deep dens of hell. Mortal man seeks for shelter from approaching thunder storm and finds a cave. He decides to spend a safe night in it, but as the night falls, horrors of the underworld become real. The mortal is filled with evil power... This can be taken as a horror story or a discovery of new philosophy. From an atheist point of view, I'll stick with the first choice.

Starting with atmosphere setting introduction piece 'Storm of Ancient', 'Into the Lair of Serpent' shows the cavernous side of ND: it's trebly, reverbing, unclean sonic torment. Musicwise, at times ND sound quite close to Abigor at their, well, trebliest, but I think it's Norway from where the inspiring artists must be picked. Compositions are longish, but they do have enough variety in vein of instrumental/sound fx passages, except for 'Converted to Dark' which has practically just one part. 'Lost (In a Black Hall between Real and Unreal)' is a 10-minute instrumental finishing. The atmosphere of otherworldly, that the band have managed to evoke, is gripping. Nastily effected vocals sound like they come through a cavern's walls.

'Necromancer' should be picked up by those who are looking for otherworldly atmosphere, not aural pleasure trip. Interesting accomplishment for a demo probably recorded at either band member's bedroom.

Reviewed by Lane
05/03/2005 12:51