This release is a compilation of all previous outputs by German Black Metal band TREST. It features the debut “Ordalium” from 2019 and the follow-up EP “Chambre Ardente” from last year. Since both were published on tape respectively digital only, I think it is a reasonable move to put both together on a proper CD and vinyl release. The first five tracks are from the album “Ordalium”, clicking at 26 minutes. Musically it is journey back to the early nineties, I always think of albums like “Under A Funeral Moon” and “Transilvanian Hunger” by DARKTHRONE. Of course this is just my sentiment, other people may have other bands in mind. But for me it is the same cold and desperate atmosphere, evoked by high-speed drumming, clanking tremolo riffing and raspy vocals. Although TREST are intermingling some slower parts, arousing an epic, at some moments even hymnal vibe. The two songs from “Chambre Ardiente” are consequently following this path, especially the guitars should be mentioned here, they sound much more melodic than on the previous one. At some moments I felt reminded of BORKNAGAR, of course without clean vocals. Thematically everything by TREST, of which not even the number of members is known, revolves around the era of burning witches. “Ordalium” is a concept album, every single song is about the fate of a woman who was burned as a witch and the title is the Latin word for trial by ordeal. Which was an ancient judicial practice by which the guilt or innocence of the accused was determined by subjecting them to a painful, or at least an unpleasant, usually dangerous experience. A very glossed definition that Wikipedia delivers. And the “Chambre Ardiente” was in ancient France an extraordinary court that imposed very harsh sentences, mostly death by fire. That should be enough information for now, I am glad that Sol Records (vinyl done by Amor Fati Productions) have taken care and so this distinguished Black Metal album, which is good both technically and in terms of song-writing, will find its way to the listeners. Band and label contact can be found here https://trest-parish.bandcamp.com or here www.facebook.com/www.solrecords.de