Customer Reviews

Carpathian Wolves + 4

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Hailing from the Slavic land of Poland, Graveland (consisting of main songwriter Rob Darken and drummer Capricornus) has been one of the most talked about bands of the infamous National Socialist Black Metal (NSBM) scene. Despite this categorization, Graveland are a unique and powerful band in the Black Metal world.

This particular version of Carpathian Wolves is a limited edition digipak of 666 copies. The four bonus tracks are rehearsals of songs featured on Carpathian Wolves recorded in 1993. They do not include either keyboards or vocals, giving them a very raw and primitive feeling.

The album itself is often considered Graveland's best work. Starting off with a haunting intro of wind, howling and barking wolves, ethnic-style drumming and strings, you are immediately taken to the Carpathians. After the intro you are taken into the majestic melodies of the opening song Barbarism Returns. With Graveland, keyboards are used but not to the extent that Dimmu Borgir or Limbonic Art use them. The keyboards are very subtle and atmospheric, giving the music a perfect atmosphere that is both majestic and mysterious.

In The Northern Carpathians starts with a similar intro of the album, only this time are the pressence of wolves more distinctive with howling and barking. Also in the mix it a babies cry and what sounds like bats to me. Anyway, the song than rolls into a classic, grim Black Metal tune. Keeping this similar atmosphere, the album rides on into deeper and darker Carpathian landscapes.

Often considered the best Graveland song, At The Pagan Samhain Night is easily the highlight of the album. Starting off with a grim guitar riff, the song quickly travels into a very majestic and beautiful soundscape. Keyboards are used in this song perfectly; making the song more majestic than ever. Perhaps one of the best Black Metal songs to exist, this song is worth the price alone.

Overall, I would say this is one of the best Black Metal albums around. If you are expecting raging speed such as early Darkthrone, I suggest you look elsewhere. I find this album to be very relaxing and calming (as well as other Graveland albums). If you are looking for something unique and powerful, run with the Carpathian Wolves and become embraced in all of their beauty and majesty.