Right off the bat I'm going to tell you this is some pretty cool and original music. If you really listen to it you will see a musician (singular being as this is a one man project by Thomas Eversole) who has really thought about writing original music. A combination of beautiful piano pieces throughout the album, intricate guitar work, and good arrangement seems to be the makings of an excellent album.
To quote Mr. Eversole "This is for diehard fans only." To that he is speaking die hard black metal fans. This is a revisiting of the old school style of black metal. The vocals are not as screechy as today's and does indeed incorporate a good bit of death styled vocals as you journey through this CD. So what's the deal? Why the low rating? Why is it for die hards only? Well simply put the production is bad. The guitars are so muddy at times it's very difficult to hear the playing. I've been talking to some people about this album and a lot of them simply don't mind the lower production, indeed they are used to it as the old black metal albums all had a very low production feel. Still if you're not prepared for it this may come as quite a shock.
I personally don't care for the vocals on this CD. The black metal vocals sound very strained most of the time, I don't think they actually are, just that maybe his voice is not accommodating to the style. His death vocals are better but still not polished enough to come off properly.
The lyrics on this album are certainly worthy of mention. Nothing was held back here from the actual prayer at the end of "Scepter of Blood" to the brutal details of "Chastisement of the Putrid." Savage Holy Lyrics, that's the term that seems to fit best.
For a first effort this CD, Scepter of Blood is a good glimpse at the direction GRIM is heading. With a bit more of a budget, some cleaner sounds, and a more practised voice the next offering will most likely be a classic to come.
6/10
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #82Reviewed by David M. PoggeSomewhere under the shadow of a very low budget recording is some decent death metal. The vocals kind of remind me of Princess Leah in the scene where she is dressed up as a bounty hunter trying to rescue Han, with occasional belches. Contrasting the all out thrash feel of the album is the dark, ambient piano intro that sends shivers through my spine. Give this band a new mix and we just might…Similar sounding releases
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