Thyestean Feast's latest demo, 'The Fall of Astraea' (2000) spawned a record deal with German label Trisol Music (with its division Armageddon Records, actually). The demo itself was tight (about 11 minutes) and something good for dark metal hordes and I'm not surprised about the deal.

Ten songs make this debut album. Thyestean Feast sound somewhat distinctive compared to all these dark metal outfits, but some connections can be heard with such acts as Thy Serpent (before 'Death' (2000) mini-CD) and some Greek bands (probably this unearthly atmosphere). Still, I find this record a bit unvaried, but violin, cello and nicely used synths (very much at background) bring fresh breezes to the music. Over six-minute long 'Chimera Curse' began to bore me a bit, not badly though. There's three songs, that are under 3½ minutes long (all of the demo's three songs, and in even better form), which make them easier of course, but the title track must be the most varying song. Guitars deserve a special mention: one guitar is usually playing more upper register stuff and rhythm guitar joins it frequently for great harmony work.

Thyestean Feast's music is dark and black metal is explorer, but even some death metal influences can be hear. Lyrically the album handles with biblical matters, but take a quess how?! Maybe I was wrong in my conclusion, that 'White Widow' is song about drugs on the demo review... Vocals are rough and coughy (not as rough as on the demo) and M. Häkkinen's pronouncing of letter "r" is a nice touch. Sound is full and instruments are well balanced in the mix. Generally, the performance is good.

A good debut, sometimes very good, but let's see if Thyestean Feast can bring more variety in their dark music. Surely a solid foundation is laid for future with this record. All in all, after a great previous demo, this record really entertains me. All the hordes who enjoy darker side of life, try 'Cycles of Worldburn', even though it needs some spins to reveal its more secret material. So bring it home and go into it more deeply.

Rating: 7- (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/11/2002 20:10