ANCIENT - Svartalvheim LP (Grey Marble Vinyl)

Fans of black metal, do not pass this up. I mean it, I know that this band has developed a rather goofy reputation over the years, but Svartalvheim is an unsung high point in the genre. It's dark and sinister while at the same time majestic and beautiful, all helped by great acoustic guitar play, hard riffs, and a tone that you swear Satan himself helped tune. The songs benefit from menacing riffs and a demonic bass-heaviness that easily helps this album stand out among it's tinnier peers in the world of black metal. Give this one a spin, ideally in the dark.