Leviathan - Verräter [tUMULt - 2008]This superb and near faultless double disk set brings together the best moments from Us Black metal project Leviathan demos and self released work from between 1998 and 2002. Leviathan’s take on black metal though not too experimental or radical is never the less highly enjoyable, atmospheric and highly creative. The tracks on offer here go from fairly speedy, to mid-pace down to atmospheric/ epic- there’s a real dark atmospheric rock and post-rock vein running through out all much of the material here too. As well as more cinematic, creepy and ambient moments through it’s mainly keyboard free- with a few subtle creepy and eerier field recording elements. The thing that truly stands out most about this collection is the pure amount of memorable and atmospheric songs craft created over this four year period in all 22 track and 2 hours 20 of great music. Yet this never sounds wimpy or un-grim, this is always deep in true and atmospheric black metal waters- with the songs managing to twist and turn with creative flare and with surprising yet never too jarring elements and sonic surprise’s. Really if you enjoy atmospheric, memorable rock tinged yet still grim sounding black metal Verräter really is a no brainier. Enjoyable and consistent from head to tale- I’m finding it keeps making it’s way back again and again into my listening space. Roger Batty
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