“Freedom from activity is never achieved by abstaining from action. Nobody can become perfect by merely ceasing to act. In fact, nobody can ever rest from his activity even for a moment. All are helplessly forced to act...A man who renounces certain physical actions but still lets his mind dwell on the objects of his sensual desire, is deceiving himself. He can only be called a hypocrite. The truly admirable man controls his senses by the power of his will. All his actions will be disinterested. Activity is better than inertia. Act, but with self-control. If you are lazy, you cannot even sustain your own body.”
Striking and hypnotic, listening through Geister is a rugged and immense journey. The album is brimming with ceremonial darkness from the moment it starts. The intensity of each track is bookended with ritual, and this immersive factor keeps me utterly entranced by the story being told. Geister still feels frigid and dangerous, and I end up captivated every time I listen. Septembre
Mysterious, suspenseful, and bitter, Paysage d'Hiver leaves me disoriented in the mountains while snow batters my shoulders and the darkness of night brings an unendurable chill. The atmosphere is evocative of pure isolation in the face of the most pernicious and unrelenting forms of nature, yet there's beauty to be found within each track. I return to this album often. Septembre
The latest Battle Dagorath is not quite as genius as its predecessor Frozen Light. Yes, the production is better and the guitars get a lot more of well-deserved attention. However, while BSB does a hell of a job, Vinterriket is truly missed this time. Keys are simpler and the interludes..., well... Still, Abyss Horizons is an outstanding example of sublime Black Metal. It takes you on a cosmic journey to your inner self and back in just 75 min. Highly recommended and easily album of the year. Mohemian