Review by Adam M on February 7, 2018.

The music Panopticon bring to the table is infinitely interesting and varied.  There is a certain folk influence present that is very vibrant and shows a great deal of color. The music is black metal that has a very interesting aspect to it from the folk genre. The combination makes for a one of a kind experience that is hard to deny and very compelling in nature. There is still the lingering feeling that what is being performed here Is largely the same as the last album Roads to the North and this lessens the impact slightly.

The music is still adventurous and you must find the smallest nuances to appreciate it to the fullest. Though sometimes harsh in nature like a lot of black metal, the music is epic enough to defy those boundaries and become something altogether more appealing. The last couple of albums have been groundbreaking enough, but the human touch is always there as well. This leads to music that has a heart and soul and showcases itself to the maximum potential. There is a very emotional aspect to the disc that makes it sweeping and grand. This is still very similar to the last album and those that played that one nonstop might be a little disappointed by the lack of changes since then. What it lacks in originality it makes up for in pure atmospheric bliss, however, and this album might have even further refined what made Roads to the North so great.

The passionate approach to song-writing is certainly felt and makes for a heartfelt experience through and through. Though it’s a little too similar to the previous album at times, the atmosphere present makes up for this flaw and makes Autumn Eternal all the more interesting. This comes recommended to fans of the band and those that love a good atmosphere in their music.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by Carl on July 19, 2021.

One thing is for sure here, they come out swinging right off the bat. There's no dilly-dallying to be found right after you press "play", Carpathian Funeral just fly directly at your throat with their brand of old-style US death metal. Don't you just love that approach? I certainly do.

Their brand of death metal isn't the most original, but it ticks all the right boxes for me. It oozes aggression and feels and sounds familiar right from the start. Their style is pretty straight-forward in its execution: no unnecessary frills or technical wanking, just sturdy death metal in the old tradition of "Vile" era Cannibal Corpse crossed with early Deicide, with the occasional Slayer riff thrown in for good measure. In their mid-tempo sections, the guitar work takes on an older school death metal feel, bringing to mind the earliest works of Gorefest, Massacre and Morgoth. Vocalist Mark Conway had me thinking of George Fisher of Cannibal Corpse, with his throaty grunts and furious screams which complement the aggressive riffing perfectly. This is music for all those who miss the death metal sound of the mid to late 90's. No mess, no fuss, just death metal goodness.

The production leaves some to be desired unfortunately. Where the guitars and vocals sound absolutely menacing, the digital percussion sounds boxy and compressed and hinders the music from really blowing up. The total picture does not sound bad or so, it just sounds ... too nice. And too nice is not what you want from men who have their kids' mothers listed in the "fuck you" part of their thanks list. If the drums would've had more of an organic sound, this would have added more menace to their already volatile mix.

This is a sturdy death metal release that is rooted firmly in the latter half of the 90's. It is aggressive and well-executed, even if the production is kinda lacking in the total picture. Despite its minor flaws I can imagine the older death metal maniac having good use for this album. And before I forget: cool artwork as well, by the way.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Review by Carl on July 19, 2021.

One thing is for sure here, they come out swinging right off the bat. There's no dilly-dallying to be found right after you press "play", Carpathian Funeral just fly directly at your throat with their brand of old-style US death metal. Don't you just love that approach? I certainly do.

Their brand of death metal isn't the most original, but it ticks all the right boxes for me. It oozes aggression and feels and sounds familiar right from the start. Their style is pretty straight-forward in its execution: no unnecessary frills or technical wanking, just sturdy death metal in the old tradition of "Vile" era Cannibal Corpse crossed with early Deicide, with the occasional Slayer riff thrown in for good measure. In their mid-tempo sections, the guitar work takes on an older school death metal feel, bringing to mind the earliest works of Gorefest, Massacre and Morgoth. Vocalist Mark Conway had me thinking of George Fisher of Cannibal Corpse, with his throaty grunts and furious screams which complement the aggressive riffing perfectly. This is music for all those who miss the death metal sound of the mid to late 90's. No mess, no fuss, just death metal goodness.

The production leaves some to be desired unfortunately. Where the guitars and vocals sound absolutely menacing, the digital percussion sounds boxy and compressed and hinders the music from really blowing up. The total picture does not sound bad or so, it just sounds ... too nice. And too nice is not what you want from men who have their kids' mothers listed in the "fuck you" part of their thanks list. If the drums would've had more of an organic sound, this would have added more menace to their already volatile mix.

This is a sturdy death metal release that is rooted firmly in the latter half of the 90's. It is aggressive and well-executed, even if the production is kinda lacking in the total picture. Despite its minor flaws I can imagine the older death metal maniac having good use for this album. And before I forget: cool artwork as well, by the way.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10