If a band names itself after a NAGLFAR song, then the result will probably not be too far away from the source of inspiration. And indeed, the debut by BRIMSTONE GATE from North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, takes the listener back to mid / late ’90s, the glorious days of melodic Death / Black Metal. The aforementioned song that gives the name can be found on the second album “Diabolical” from 1998 of the Swedish NAGLFAR, which by the way, are still active and their latest album “Cerecloth” is been three years old by now. The exciting question now is, of course, whether BRIMSTONE GATE manage to be more than a clumsy cover version of NAGLFAR. For me, definitely yes. Even if the stylistic framework is very narrow, the quintet manages to sound independent. Independent in the sense that they adapt elements of the typical sound and combine them into new songs. At no time does the listener have the feeling that this is just a lukewarm rehash. On the contrary, the riffs are razor-sharp and melodic, the songwriting is gripping and the sound is so powerful that the loudspeakers catch fire. This special combination of melancholy, desperation and aggression also makes me think of the late DISSECTION, which isn’t the worst influence either. “Return From The Brimstone Portal” is definitely a must for melodic Death / Black Metal fans! For all additional BRIMSTONE GATE information please visit www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069061359027 or www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077047842772