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Always get good stuff from Adipocere, and I can't tell if that's because the label just rules or the French scene is so awesome. But every time I turn over a rock, I discover another great French band. Belenos (named for the Celtic fire god), have been around for a while, and this is their fourth full-length album of Pagan/Black/Folk Metal, and it's a highly impressive work.

Not surprising that there is a heavy similarity to fellow countrymen Himinbjorg in this music. Belenos play catchy, riffy, epic Black Metal heavily flavored with Folk music and not addicted to speed. The riffs are really excellent here, very memorable and visceral. I was told that this was not as good as their older albums, which I had not heard, so I checked them out before rating this, and, well, I still think this is their best work. Previous albums were more direct, without the instrumental interludes that alternate with proper songs on this album. Some people might find the interludes wasted, and sometimes when bands do this sort of thing, I would tend to agree. But the interludes here really fit, and I find they enhance and fulfill the mood and feel of the album, increasing its epic qualities. Listening to this full disc is a real journey, not just an album you throw in for background noise.

So while this may not be on a par with a masterpiece like Himinbjorg's "Europa", it is still a first-rate album by a fine band. I can already tell this one will end up on my top list for 2006, as I haven't been able to pry it out of my player for weeks now. Recommended.