Let’s start this review with a small riddle! Please find the connection within the following band constellation – VINTERLAND, MÖRK GRYNING and VARGAVINTER – the only possible answer is Swedish Black Metal from Germany. But far more people will connect UNDER THAT SPELL with guitar player Dionysos former band HELRUNAR even if my small riddle hits the bull eye if it comes to the musical direction of “Apotheosis”. The German band has recorded an album which is building a bridge between the old days of our beloved cult but without ignoring some minor ‘modern’ influences. A lot of record labels are very often using big names to sell their new releases but “Apotheosis” deserves to be connected to the first league of Black Metal bands. The album is breathing the true old spirit especially when the band is connecting their crystal clear Black Metal with some acoustic guitars the first SATYRICON release is like a vague shadow on the wall. But on the other hand you can find songs like ‘Black’ on this release with a more or less extreme modern touch – with a short and memorizable chorus that it could also be found on the latest SATYRICON releases (yes the commercial ones!).What makes “Apotheosis” so outstanding – hopefully nobody kills me for these words – is the fantastic guitar work on this release. If all German Black Metal bands could operate on such a high level my live would be so much easier. A killer release which deserves to be called the first highlight of evil 2010! For further info and tour dates check out: www.underthatspell.com, www.myspace.com/underthatspellblackmetal, www.war-anthem.de