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 JD on September 26, 2010.

I have a soft spot for bands that just do what they do clearly for the pure fun and enjoyment of it. Don’t get me wrong, I love bands that have a strong social consciousness or political leanings and even when they have some sort of agenda but I started in bands based upon the commandments of sex, drugs and Rock ’n’ Roll - exactly what metal was founded on. ‘Fun’ simply consolidated all of that into one term... my favourite three letter word (except for the ‘S’ word).

Brazilian three piece Prellude are a throwback to metal’s more simpler times. Straight ahead and uncomplicated, this band reminds me both in power and simpleness that metal use to be. Shades of Motorhead, NWOBHM stalwarts Raven and some early hints of the whole Punk/Metal crossover also comes through ( something like D.R.I and early C.O.C as well). Simple, yet effective.

The two drawbacks are that the entire lyrics are in Brazilian, and the production kills the power I know this trio has. The latter really is disturbing, as the whole album loses much of its punch, and comes across as almost nonprofessional. Having a proper producer and a good studio to work in would be the place where Prellude could vanquish the bad sound an obtain greatness. The language thing poses only a small problem... but is not the glaring problem.

Prellude is just fun, and that is it. They are not going to be the next thing in metal, they are enjoyable to hear and would be easily forgotten soon after. With the right recording and better direction, they might be seen in better light than just being a cheese filled trip into metal’s history. Right now, that is all it is - cheesy -(and not the good kind either).

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 4
Originality: 5
Overall: 5.5

Rating: 5.7 out of 10