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An Eternal Dark Horizon is replete with the typical grim and primitive trappings of the "true" black metal scene right down to the corpse paint and ridiculous poses in the bleak wintry landscape. In fact I was sure that I could tell precisely what this album would sound like before I even pressed play by simply looking at the cover art. Much of my initial prediction was accurate when I began listening, right down to the shrill predominantly high pitched vocals, the muddy and entirely subpar production quality, and the incessant blasting drums. However, that which I did not predict was the inclusion of the ambient and surprisingly melodic acoustic guitar passages as well as the epically long songs (the shortest on the album being 9:53). This was not only surprising but tremendously refreshing as after the first 7 minutes of "Funeral Moonlight" I was ready to throw in the towel and get ready for yet another bland Black metal outing. Yet as soon as the dark acoustic guitar passage began I immediately regained interest and found the rest of the album surprisingly enjoyable. In fact this is one of the few raw black metal releases I have heard with semi-audible bass lines in the songs and distinct catchy melody despite the lack of keyboards (no keyboards being the modus operandi of many "true" black metal artists). Sure An Eternal Dark Horizon has its problems such as the shoddy production and the predictable nature of most of Throne of Katarsis’ sound, but it is clear they are trying to fit inside this particular niche and if that is their aim then they have done a good job in achieving their goal. As far as song length is concerned I do not find 9 - 12 minute songs bothersome in the least but if you have a short attention span this may not be the album for you. This is certainly not the best CD I have ever listened to but it's a definite step in the right direction. I will undoubtedly look forward to future releases from Throne of Katarsis. Recommended for fans of black metal that have an open mind and patience.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Funeral Moonlight |
| 2. Under Guds Hud |
| 3. Symbols of Winter |
| 4. Nattaander |
| 5. An Eternal Dark Horizon |
: 55:25
| Buy other Throne Of Katarsis albums |
