Tharaphita - Iidsetel sÏŒnkjatel radadel

\r\n"Taara, avita!" ("Help us, Taara!") Thus sounded the ancient warchant in the 13th century and thus may it sound once again in the year 2007! Tharaphita’s newest (4-th) release sees the band returning to its roots — back to the rough pagan reality, to the Estonian mothertongue. "Iidsetel sünkjatel radadel" ("On Paths Ancient and Dark") leaves no doubt about the identity of the forefather of original Estonian pagan/black metal; the music, reflecting aggression and battle-readiness, while also conveying sincere angst and agony, is a testament to the slumbering fight for freedom, yet a sure sign that a day shall come when ten thousand Estonians once again raise their swords towards the heavens. One in body and soul, let us rise against the name of christ!\r\n

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\r\nThese are the words that Estonian Tharaphita describe their release "Iidsetel SÏŒnkjatel Radadel" with, which of course is last year’s and the band already is writing songs for their next album with demo versions of three songs already existing in their MyspacePage. So, this review comes with a small delay, but either way I am sure that likely many of you very little or even absolutely nothing about this band.
\r\nTharaphita exist since 1995 and "Iidsetel SÏŒnkjatel Radadel" is their fourth full length release and the second in Nailboard Records. As you have already understood the band plays pagan black metal with revelations of splendor and tales of bravery and heroic fights, blending nicely black metal elements, pagan influences and epic soundscapes in the veins of Bathory, Thyrfing and Moonsorrow. Their previews effort, 2005’s "Primeval Force", had a more sovereign thrash metal style while his successor appears to have acquired a more direct pagan black metal approach even though the powerful double bass adds an occasional 80’s thrash vibe to the album while the band once again in the lyrics return to its native language. "Iidsetel SÏŒnkjatel Radadel" is full of epic guitar riffs and structures, furious black metal outbursts and beautiful melodies over a hymnical battle march with some random acoustic short interludes here and there. The vocals are harsh with a black/thrash flair growling and spiting the lyrics with a war-like proudness. The rhythm is mostly up-tempo with the drums pounding like war machines crashing over all that the hostile guitars had left behind. Of course there are also and some more calm moments ("Surmatalv") where the epicness rules over aggression but always with the same threatening manner. \r\n

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\r\nOverall, this album is a fine demonstration of proud pagan black metal that will satisfy most of the fans of this genre. Engaging, epic and ready-to fight will excite to the bone all those willing to raise their swords against the skies. \r\n

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\r\nVaso Prassa \r\n

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\r\nTharaphita - Iidsetel Sünkjatel Radadel \r\n

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