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Seeing this new release from Old Corpse Road was a pleasant surprise, having reviewed and enjoyed their 2008 album, The Echoes of Tales Once Told. It was strange though to have them on a split with a punk black metal act.

Anyway, the British storytellers are back stronger than ever to promote their new songs. The quintet has composed three new stories that, once again, blend together folk, black, death metal and progressive music with an excellent result. Their paces keep varying and the mood changes accordingly. One will hear calmer acoustic passages, ambient/epic keyboards, growls, rasps, chant, crunchy guitar work and powerful percussions. All the compositions are excellent and my vote goes for opening track, "Hob Headless Rises".

The Mead of Alphodel is not really a punk band, but more like a prog. black metal act with a punky twist. This act also has a tendency to be into the storyteller category. The first couple of tracks, "Intro" and "On the Surface" shine with colorful variation, which demonstrate their songwriting skills. Here you can hear dark/dramatic keyboards, crunchy riffs, some acoustic guitars, varied vocals and a progressive touch. Then you have a couple of kickers like: "Same Mind" and "War Drum". The guys close things up with a Kinks cover named "You Really Got Me". Just imagine this tune with deep growls!

I did appreciate the folksier Old Corpse Road, although The Mead of Alphodel also has some cool moments to discover.