Review by Michael on February 20, 2023.

It's time again to give some music lessons. Can anyone besides me remember the Norwegians from Kvist, who back in 1996 released an absolutely underrated classic of the 2nd wave of black metal called "For Kunsten Maa Vi Evig Vike"? Yeah, you guys back there? What's your name? Mysteria Mystica Aeterna? Soso, when I hear you like this, it doesn't surprise me. And this is also one of your favorite albums? That's not a big surprise either. But it's nice that there are some other people who like the album.

With this I have already said everything necessary about the second album The Temple Of Eosphoros by the two Germans. The guys play very atmospheric, keyboard-heavy black metal, which seems quite mysterious and unfolds a pleasantly calm mood, but subliminally always provides an uneasy feeling. Especially when the duo presents its keyboard passages, one feels reminded of the old Scandinavian role models and immediately wallows in nostalgic feelings. However, when the driving and often slightly harsh guitars start, then you are soon torn out of your comfort zone and you know again that this is not a walk with a few decrepit trolls, but rather pretty cool black metal. Especially the sawing guitar riffs, which are very cleverly combined with the keyboard, are what always remind me of Kvist. Also the often staccato-like drumming and the creaking vocals show certain parallels. But the title track especially pays homage to the first Gehenna EP "First Spell" - the acoustic guitar resurrects the spirit of "Shivering Voice Of The Ghost" - a great song and the tribute here as well! Besides the four traditionally influenced black metal songs, there is an atmospheric intro that quickly draws the listener into its maelstrom and a short interlude called 'Thelema', which is a quiet acoustic guitar part that briefly gives the listener time to breathe and linger. Otherwise, the four "real" songs on the very powerful and well-produced album are orthodox black metal through and through without any new innovations or influences. The songs are all on a similar high quality level and are of average length (between 6 and 10 minutes). However, The Temple Of Eosphoros has become a very entertaining and entertaining album and a clear recommendation for every black metal traditionalist who is somehow stuck in the 90s and still considers the already mentioned Kvist, old Gehenna, Emperor or Satyricon (yes, and because of me also the first two Dimmu Borgir) as his favorite bands. By the way, if you know that drummer Frater Odium Aeternum otherwise has his unholy fingers in the game with death metal bands like Abythic or Abschwörung, you might be even more surprised about the result.

And another small surprise (even I was pleased and that means a lot) - according to Metal-Archives the real Kvist are also active again. Maybe there will be something from Hønefoss again soon....

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Michael on February 20, 2023.

It's time again to give some music lessons. Can anyone besides me remember the Norwegians from Kvist, who back in 1996 released an absolutely underrated classic of the 2nd wave of black metal called "For Kunsten Maa Vi Evig Vike"? Yeah, you guys back there? What's your name? Mysteria Mystica Aeterna? Soso, when I hear you like this, it doesn't surprise me. And this is also one of your favorite albums? That's not a big surprise either. But it's nice that there are some other people who like the album.

With this I have already said everything necessary about the second album The Temple Of Eosphoros by the two Germans. The guys play very atmospheric, keyboard-heavy black metal, which seems quite mysterious and unfolds a pleasantly calm mood, but subliminally always provides an uneasy feeling. Especially when the duo presents its keyboard passages, one feels reminded of the old Scandinavian role models and immediately wallows in nostalgic feelings. However, when the driving and often slightly harsh guitars start, then you are soon torn out of your comfort zone and you know again that this is not a walk with a few decrepit trolls, but rather pretty cool black metal. Especially the sawing guitar riffs, which are very cleverly combined with the keyboard, are what always remind me of Kvist. Also the often staccato-like drumming and the creaking vocals show certain parallels. But the title track especially pays homage to the first Gehenna EP "First Spell" - the acoustic guitar resurrects the spirit of "Shivering Voice Of The Ghost" - a great song and the tribute here as well! Besides the four traditionally influenced black metal songs, there is an atmospheric intro that quickly draws the listener into its maelstrom and a short interlude called 'Thelema', which is a quiet acoustic guitar part that briefly gives the listener time to breathe and linger. Otherwise, the four "real" songs on the very powerful and well-produced album are orthodox black metal through and through without any new innovations or influences. The songs are all on a similar high quality level and are of average length (between 6 and 10 minutes). However, The Temple Of Eosphoros has become a very entertaining and entertaining album and a clear recommendation for every black metal traditionalist who is somehow stuck in the 90s and still considers the already mentioned Kvist, old Gehenna, Emperor or Satyricon (yes, and because of me also the first two Dimmu Borgir) as his favorite bands. By the way, if you know that drummer Frater Odium Aeternum otherwise has his unholy fingers in the game with death metal bands like Abythic or Abschwörung, you might be even more surprised about the result.

And another small surprise (even I was pleased and that means a lot) - according to Metal-Archives the real Kvist are also active again. Maybe there will be something from Hønefoss again soon....

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by JD on April 21, 2014.

The Danish band Roarback has made a landing for me to review. Reading the bios and other things before listening, I was curious. Saying they take their cues from 80’ thrash and early 90’s death… I had to sit up and take note.

Combining early Slayer with early Sepultura, Roarback is old school thrash/death metal at its best, which comes across still sounding very fresh. Despite most of the band being only in their ridiculously early 20’s, Roarback pummels you with metallic riffs that are catchy and yet heavy enough to satisfy even the most jaded of metalhead.

The opener of the album, "Peoples Hate", has this almost punk sort of attitude set in a backdrop of straight ahead thrash metal. Slashing riffs and angry lyrics seem to meld into a weapon of mass moshing that is hard to ignore. Other tracks like nasty "Face The Sun" or the brutality laden "Warmachine" - are powerful as well, sending a bold statement that old school still possesses the power to kick our asses twenty times over.

With the twin attack of guitarists Andreas Rohde and Andreas Dixø, the spat venom of Dennis Ullehus with the Bass/drum battery of Mikkel Stender and Kåre Holm-Sørensen respectively, this band is one of the best at making Old School relevant again. It needs to be heard to be enjoyed, preferably with a cold beer.

Buy! Listen…! MOSH!!! Metal minions – you have your orders.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by JD on April 21, 2014.

The Danish band Roarback has made a landing for me to review. Reading the bios and other things before listening, I was curious. Saying they take their cues from 80’ thrash and early 90’s death… I had to sit up and take note.

Combining early Slayer with early Sepultura, Roarback is old school thrash/death metal at its best, which comes across still sounding very fresh. Despite most of the band being only in their ridiculously early 20’s, Roarback pummels you with metallic riffs that are catchy and yet heavy enough to satisfy even the most jaded of metalhead.

The opener of the album, "Peoples Hate", has this almost punk sort of attitude set in a backdrop of straight ahead thrash metal. Slashing riffs and angry lyrics seem to meld into a weapon of mass moshing that is hard to ignore. Other tracks like nasty "Face The Sun" or the brutality laden "Warmachine" - are powerful as well, sending a bold statement that old school still possesses the power to kick our asses twenty times over.

With the twin attack of guitarists Andreas Rohde and Andreas Dixø, the spat venom of Dennis Ullehus with the Bass/drum battery of Mikkel Stender and Kåre Holm-Sørensen respectively, this band is one of the best at making Old School relevant again. It needs to be heard to be enjoyed, preferably with a cold beer.

Buy! Listen…! MOSH!!! Metal minions – you have your orders.

Rating: 9 out of 10