I like most Black Metal fans or should I say longtime fans perked up at the news of an new offering from one of Sweden's elite Svartsyn. After a brief Violin intro( again I hate long drawn out album intros) Black Testament kicks in with the trademark Svartsyn sound, simple, repetitive. The roots of Black Metal are on display throughout opener REVELATION IN THE WATERS. There is a bit of a technical bit to the underlying hooks which is all brought to the forefront by a very solid production that showcases Ornias ability to craft atmospheric bleak landscapes. The vocals are articulate and at times almost slowed down to a spoken pace. At times it seems that double bass drumming is a bit much almost drowning out the guitars whereas the bass seems almost non existent at times. CARVING A TEMPLE and RISING BEAST are classic Svartsyn tracks, vicious and ruthless in their execution. Black Testament underlying technical aspect makes this album a bit of a challenging listen at first, to some it may be borderline inaccessible, but with further listens it will settle in and is a very enjoyable listen. While Black Testament may not be Svartsyn's finest hour it is at the very least a step forward from Wrath Upon The Earth and progression without stagnation is always a good thing.
8/10
Review By G. Dutko
8/10
Review By G. Dutko