HELLVETO "In the Arms of Kurpian Phantom" CD -- Seven tracks of elite Epic Pagan Black Metal (from Poland) with real live drummer and keyboards! Monumentally majestic with utterly grim vocals, and overall a "faraway" atmosphere for profound melancholy escapism. A joint release between Black Plague Records and god is Myth Records.
* From the label:
In cooperation with Black Plague Records, we are pleased to unleash the latest effort from Polish pagan metal horde Hellveto. "In Arms of Kurpian Phantom" is 7 tracks of raw pagan styled black metal that is far more superior than most of what is being put forth in the underground today. Harsh guitars, fast drums and grating vocals combine with classical orchestrations and acoustic guitars for an unbelievable album for all Falkenbach, Nocternity and older Summoning fans to worship.
* A review from Blackwinged / LUNAR HYPNOSIS:
"Meet Hellveto. The solo project of a Polish resident known as only L.O.N., ‘In Arms of Kurpian Phantom’ is his latest release and this has got to be the best black metal release I’ve heard all year. Upon doing some research on the project I was surprised to find out that Hellveto has several demos, EPs, and one other full length album already out, and that the project has existed since 1995. In addition to that L.O.N. is also involved in no less than three other bands by the names of Blakagir, Sarkel, and Winds of Garden.
"The music of Hellveto could probably best be described as epic symphonic black metal or as L.O.N. likes to call it ‘True Pagan Black Metal,’ and frankly I couldn’t agree more with him. Imagine a mix of the second Summoning album ‘Minas Morgul’ with a little bit of Falkenbach and a more black metal sound, and you’ll have an idea as to what this project sounds like. Epic beautiful synth passages appear often in this release with the inclusion of some occasional acoustic guitars, spoken words, female vocals, plus the addition of the normal fast black metal sound and grim vocals. Things are not always played at an alarming speed though as sometimes things slow up a bit for some more melodic moments or some lone synth passages.
"Choosing favorites is no easy task, but I must admit I’m quite fond of ‘Colour of my Blood’ since it opens with some acoustic guitars before diving into a beautiful epic synth introduction reminding me some of those intros found on Bal Sagoth’s albums. ‘Pleochroism of Black’ is also notably since it to opens with a very nice synth passage, and ‘Born in Infanity’ reminds me of the opening song. Aside from the music the album also comes complete with some excellent artwork in the booklet.
"All things considered as I said at the beginning of this review this is easily the best black metal release you’re going to hear in 2004. Absolutely a must for any one interested in raw-ish speedy black metal with a heavy epic and orchestrated side to it. Limited to just a 1000 copies this release is likely to sell out fast, so stop... and order this fantastic release as soon as possible."
*Score: 10 of 10
By Blackwinged (Dec. 27, 2004)
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