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This is the debut EP for one-man Aussie band Ancient Guard, and if a look at the cover art didn't give it away, a few seconds of the opening track would tell you this is a band all about In The Nightside Eclipse. I mean, the stamp of early Emperor is all over this, from the cold atmosphere, the sweeping arrangements, the moody synths and sawing riffs—everything about this is a love song to stuff like "Into the Infinity of Thoughts" or "I Am the Black Wizards." Since Emperor have not recorded for more than 20 years and seem unlikely to start, I am perfectly fine with a new band who want to do homage to their good stuff, especially if they are doing it this well. Almost more than the sound, this EP evokes the mood and feel of those murky sounds of the '90s, and it's a tremendous amount of fun.