Review by Krys on March 17, 2007.

"Circadian Rhythm" comes 3 years after Thurisaz impressive debut "Scent Of A Dream" and while it might seem like a long time I'll take quality over quantity any day. Band's growth is visible in every aspect of this album, from complexity of compositions through production to artwork and layout everything is taken to the next level. For those unfamiliar with their sound the closest description would be atmospheric black/death with doom and gothic elements thrown in for a good measure. Actually if it wasn't for harsh vocals musically they have more in common with melodic doom than aggressive black or death bands. On tracks like 'Falling', 'Fading Dreams' or 'Past Perfect' clean vocals and song structures remind me more of Opeth and My Dying Bride rather than more aggressive counterparts of this genre. Even when Thurisaz turns it up a notch those faster songs are never too intense yet always accessible, moody and melodic. With "Circadian Rhythm" our Belgian quintet establishes themselves as a force to be reckoned with and don't be surprised if their new album (3 years from now) gets straight 10s all the way from top to bottom on our scale.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Originality: 8
Production: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review by Adam on August 21, 2002.

Who would have seen this coming? I remember hearing some demos of these guys a year or two ago and being pretty unimpressed. I would not have guessed that in just a few short years that they would create such an amazing death metal record as this! The music manages to be both undeniably brutal and incredibly melodic at the same time. This is truly melodic death metal if I have ever heard it before.

“God Was Created” is a breathe of fresh air in an otherwise dusty and boring metal sub genre. Here the listener is given almost a whole hour of quality extreme metal. Each song is epic and very enjoyable to listen to. It is one of those albums where it is better to sit down and listen to it the whole way through. The lyrics are vivid and brutally violent. Much of the vocal delivery compliments such lyrical content. In this case there is a bit in common with bands like Cannibal Corpse, but that is where such comparisons end. The music is very technical and brutal at times yet extremely melodic as well. This gives the record a more dynamic feel and the song lengths give the album an epic feel.

The music is what really sets these guys apart from many of their brutal death metal counterparts. The guitarists are very skilled in what they do. They go from technical death to melodic leads seamlessly. The drummer’s playing is exceptional as well. The more guttural styled screaming may be an acquired for some taste; however, there is enough diversification between vocal styles that one will soon forget they even had a problem with them in the first place. This record is a must for fans of extreme metal. Even those who are not into the brutal death style will still be able to find something they like in “God Was Created”. It is one of those death metal releases that sidesteps sub genres and just offers good music. This record can appeal to any Dark Tranquillity fan as much as it can to any fan of Nile or Cannibal Corpse. I truly believe this to be without a doubt the best extreme metal release this year!

Bottom Line: Fans of extreme metal and brutal death need this! Fans of melodic death metal should buy this as well!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 9
Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 9 out of 10