I find the history of Black Metal perhaps the most interesting musical uprising out of any genre. This is a movement that delves into all areas of depravity and destruction. It could even perhaps be described as scary, and yet most people have no idea that it exists. I find that bizarre especially given the extremist actions of certain members of the Norwegian community. Now that is all in the past and Corpsepaint is but a thing of commonplace amid the Metal scene and something which is even parodied on a regular basis. I often sit and wonder what the likes of Dead and Euronymous would make of the scene today.

Norway may be infamous for its Black Metal but Finland equally has a strong scene, one that thrives even today. Amid said thriving sits Faustian Pact, the band formed in 2007 and have put out a few demos, the last of which being in 2010. Thus ten years later and with a signing to Werewolf Records comes the band’s debut full length Outojen Tornien Varjoissa. It promises dark and medieval themes, finally projecting their sound to a wider audience. Although this can often turn sour and become tried and tested, let us see what’s in store.

One thing is for sure in the opening track Saastainen Valo Lintutornissa and that is tradition. The band stick to old school ideals in the instrumentation and vocals, harking back to the 90’s with an added Dark Ambient/ Dungeon Synth air about the record reminiscent of Summoning. Things stay pretty much the same throughout the record, the synths really come to life however in Kuulas Musta Aika. I really enjoy this addition and as an avid Dungeon Synth fan I can only praise any Black Metal band that adds synths into the mix.

There is one downside however, the album is very atonal. It seldom wavers from the same riffs, vocals or drums. Even the synths are not particularly exotic, indeed this is a release that perhaps leans a little too much upon the traditional side. Svarttjern’s latest effort or even 1349’s The Infernal Pathway are surely far better examples of traditional Black Metal brought anew. Valottomien Askelten Takana does at least amp up the Symphonic Black Metal edge to something that is a little different to the norm. Clean female vocals are brought in to give this track a little bit of a boost and keep it from straying into drab waters. The synths are certainly elevated towards the albums closure and indeed it becomes rather enjoyable, however it is still very standard and generic in delivery.

There is a word to describe Outojen Tornien Varjoissa and that word is, acceptable. It’s passable Black Metal with a medieval tinge. Would I be inclined to listen to it again in the future? Sure. Yet will I be raving about Faustian Pact? No. There isn’t anything that is actually bad about this album but it’s the sort of release that begs the question, when there is so much other Symphonic Black Metal or even Dungeon Synth styled Black Metal, why would you need this record? Alas I wouldn’t wish to speak badly of the music, and if, like me you enjoy Dungeon Synth and Black Metal then give this a go, it might just work for you.

(7/10 George Caley)

https://www.facebook.com/truefaustianpact

https://werewolfrecords.bandcamp.com/album/outojen-tornien-varjoissa