And we're digressing again, aren't we? We've also used the word 'pretty' a lot but there is absolutely nothing pretty about this album. This is fierce, raw and primitive black metal, spawning from the deepest caverns of Italy. It comes to you by one of the countries black metal pioneers. After all, Tundra has been around since 2002 but this album is only their third full-length. In the eerie underground there's a lot more releases to be found in the form of splits, tracks for compilations and tapes, and you should try to track those down, for real.
Tundra claims to be influenced by the likes of Bathory, Venom, Celtic Frost and Darkthrone. However, over the years and possibly throughout several line-up changes (only founding member Pesten is still a member), the band found a way to stand firmly among the modern day scene where acts like Blut Aus Nord, Altar Of Plagues and Wolves In The Throne Room dwell.
That being said, there are members from bands like Horna, Blut Aus Nord, Enthroned in this line-up, combining decades of black metal tradition and experience. That would definitely explain the immense level of quality of songs like 'Breakdown' or the brilliant anthem 'Wrath'. In fact, the entire album is loaded with vintage, classic and traditional black metal, from Impaled Nazarene to Wiegedood and everything in between.
I'm quite positive that this work will stand the test of time and prove to have been an important album in this genre. If you are into black metal, no matter which subgenre of era (except maybe the highly symphonic version), you should get your hands on a copy of this thing. You will not be disappointed.
Serge