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I became aware of Crystal Moors only last year, when I got promos from their previous label, Draug-Dur Promotions. They are back in top shape this year with their new label, Blood Fire Death Productions.

Crystal Moors' musical structure is built on strong guitar playing, pounding percussions and deep raspy vocals. As such, this gives their compositions some sort of a harsher/raw edge. On the other hand, and as we progress through the album, some refinement and more melodic aspects are often brought into the scene. Opener "Mons Vindivs" is a short and sweet instrumental composed on flute with fire samplings. Discrete keyboards, varied paces and clean epic vocals are then coming into play. "Brotherhood of the Three Banners", is one of the strongest pieces on this new release. Acoustic guitars, crunchy riffs and heavy guitar work meet the good points already mentioned. More flute, clean arpeggios and guitar sounds in the calmer parts can be heard on "Bellvm Cantabricvm", while the following track, "The Enchantment of Lvgnassad" adds musical interludes to the list of discoveries to be made. Track #8, "Ibervs Flvmen", is another of my favorite tunes. On this instrumental, a pleasant folksy atmosphere is settling by means of classical guitars, flute, percussions and mouth harp. A very nice and refreshing composition. The closing track, "Lvnarian", mixes heavy/Pagan hymns with lighter folk sounds, including cool bagpipes tonalities. I almost forgot to mention a certain progressive edge due to complex bass lines and the time signatures.

Antiqvam Exqvirite Matrem is a great Pagan/Folk release and Crystal Moors has definitely a different and interesting take on that particular style.