Review by Alex on November 25, 2019.

Says "by cavemen for cavemen" which is certainly not the result here; as even a music lover would have no problem listening to Hellehond's debut Verslonden. I can go beyond in saying Verslonden reflects quite a contrasting opposite that the band members may feel either disappointed or pleased with or perhaps both. Their debut Verslonden is decently produced, musically followable and is far from anything caveman-esque. Comparing this to anything cavernous that I have heard is trying to compare Limb Bizkit to Diocletian. Sorry to disappoint the guys in Hellehond but Verslonden is a fairly decent debut album that will appeal to even an average listener of the genre. Primarily second wave pagan black metal produced and played well.

What began as a nod to Burzum's "Dunkelheit" strayed towards its own path on 'Kardoes' bringing you to face the reflection of Hellehond. By the title track 'Verslonden', things begin to accelerate as the moderate tempo heightens to accommodate the louder vocal pitch. While this pace would be exceeded sporadically for instance on 'Rattenmantel', Hellehond make sure to amend their produce with fluctuating tempos and different tremolo picking patterns. This is the primary blueprint of Verslonden and Hellehond's method as it stands; certainly not an attempt to bring change to the genre, because what is offered here is safe, never ventures outside of the friendly zone to do anything offsetting, just walks the white line of the sober. Many bands have replicated this; therefore, it would be unfair to over-credit Verslonden for just following the pack. However, their way of going about things calls for some attention particularly how Hellehond manages the flow and climax of the songs with progression. Rather than sounding separate, the entries appear attached thus forming a mutuality between the songs, yes songs, they're structured well enough to earn that description too. Celtic Frost has its mark on some sections of 'KerKerlust' and some black thrash metal makes a late entry on Verslonden in closing.

Consequently, there's not much to extract from Verslonden instrumentally and even suggests that through its short stretch of 28 minutes. That's not to say the music is bad, as stated before its enjoyable; however, it’s been done one too many times and would go over better on someone who is rather new to the genre or just likes black metal attired in this fashion. But for someone that has heard records far more intense and riskier than Verslonden, it is understandable the listener/s would feel underwhelmed.

Rating: 6.8 out of 10

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