In my continuing quest to get every Runemagick CD, I am happy to add this, their very first, to my collection. For a first recording, this is highly advanced, with all of the stylistic signatures of the band already in evidence. Runemagick play death metal unlike anyone else, but in a subtle way that's hard to put words to. Once you have heard them, no one else sounds like them, but if you haven't, it can be hard to describe their sound.

This is a bit more primitive than the subsequent "Enter the Realm of Death", but not much. The riffing and songwriting is as solid as ever, if a bit simpler. The songs here tend a bit shorter and more direct, and I think this is the only Runemagick CD that clocks at less than 50 minutes. There are a few faster passages here and there, but in general this is the same midpaced doomy kind of crunch I expect and enjoy from this band. All the songs are good, but I have to say "Curse of the Dark Rune" is an especially awesome track.

The cover art of the spiky warrior-guy on the pile of corpses is pretty cool, if cheesy. The interior layout is basic, but all the lyrics are included, and Runemagick always have pretty good lyrics. It says here that Fred Nordstrom played the keys on this CD, and I suspect he helped with the knob-twiddling too, as the sound is very good for a debut.

This is an enjoyable CD for any death fan. If you are addicted to speed Runemagick may not float your boat, but if you like your death crunchy and heavy with riffs galore you should definitely check out this band.