Formed in Italy back in 2004, this is the debut of a Black Metal band that follows closely the steps of EMPEROR and uses the wicked melodies of DISSECTION a lot. Some references to a very early MARDUK and MAYHEM can also be traced here. Although I would say that the production gives them a nostalgic factor, at times I think it could be heavier and would make them sound a lot better. Something that sounds quite monotonous at times are the vocals. High pitched screams that are normal for the style, yet there is hardly any variation thus making the overall sound to be very similar in many places. The melodies are done in a quite good fashion, and there are some very interesting passages like in ‘Midnight Sky’, where also the Thrash and Heavy Metal influences can be traced in their sound. I also find the drum sound quite strange. It does not sound full and maybe that, alongside the vocals, is taking away something to make this more enjoyable. Fans of old school melodic Black / Death Metal in the vein of No Fashion bands will surely find something that recalls old glories. It still falls to go above what was done a few decades ago, yet there is potential here to create something better, and as so, it will be interesting to follow what the band can do. www.facebook.com/apocryphalblackmetal, www.earthquaketerrornoise.com