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I kept getting told I should hear this one, and I have to admit I like this better than "Third Storm Of Cythraul". Renewed listening has showed me more quality in that release than I had previously seen, but it still doesn't hold a candle to "Tara". "Sun of Tiphareth" isn't as good as "Tara" either, but it is cool in its own, weird way.

This was where Absu got away from the bland Darkthrone-worship of early efforts and started experimenting with thrashier elements and a more epic songwriting style. And I mean epic - as the 11-minute opener will attest. It's hard to pin down a real resemblance here. Absu have a definite Black influence in the vocals and the riff-style, but there is also the ever-present Slayer flavor to the guitarwork, and a definite lean towards more melodic sounds in places almost reminiscent of gothy bands like Moonspell. Absu mix in heavy attacks with slower, more doomy passages and melodic interludes, then they throw in some female vocals or a spoken-word part. "The Coming Of War" is the strongest tune here, with a full-speed attack and killer riffs.

I like the epic, experimental stylings on this disc, but even I have to admit they don't always work out. The first two tracks are the most adventurous, and they both go on a little too long, lose focus, and become dull. Both tunes would have benefitted from being cut by about a third. The rest of the album is less indulgent, and only the title cut repeats the sin of wearing out its welcome. I wish Proscriptor would get it in gear and record another Absu album, as "Tara" was just a hair short of masterpiece, and this band has too much going for it to just fade away. "Sun" isn't flawless, but it does have some killer shit on it.