【Perplexed_Sjel】The Depressive Age: Part IIILycanthropy's Spell are one of those obscure black metal acts. Well, most black metal acts are obscure, but Lycanthropy's Spell are even more so. Playing a VERY primitive style unlike most modern day black metal bands. They sound incredibly similar to the second wave bands and how they made music of this origin, particularly Darkthrone. But I mean early Darkthrone material. The material that everyone considers to be their best works, that is what Lycanthropy's Spell seem to be aiming for and well, they've pulled it off. It's a crying shame Sarmak died of heart failure. This band could seriously have gone on to greater things than what they achieved. However, they have a small cult following, probably like every other black metal band of this nature. Loyal followers committed to the cause and i'd like to consider myself a loyal fan of this band. I own all of their full-lengths and do genuinely like them.As I said, Lycanthropy's Spell are committed to the early dreams from which black metal was conceived. They're 'true' to those interpretations and stick to them loyally. This is evident from the very second you hear their material. Lo-fi production which distinctly sounds like it was recorded in a basement apartment. It's hazy and sounds dirt ridden. This adds to the atmospheric nature and is perfectly suited to the music Lycanthropy's Spell wish to create. It's harsh and incredibly raw by modern standards. The instrumental side of things has to be on top of their game in order to be heard clearly enough over the rotten production. However, do not let this deter you. Though, bass in particular, may struggle to be heard over the hazy mess that is the production, it's well worth persevering for. The bass, as I said, has little or no room to breath. It's low, that's about as much as we can distinguish from this record. Low, melodious as possible and raw in sound. Well, it simply has to be to fit in to the mix.The most important element of any black metal release, is the guitars and the atmosphere they lay down. It has to strike a chord with the listener in order to be successful. Lycanthropy's Spell manage this very well. Depressive black metal meets old school black metal here. A nice and refreshing stance on the genre. Lycanthropy's Spell twist their perception of black metal and make it their own. You couldn't ask for more. Rasping vocals, of course. They're the kind that make you grimace with fear and terror, or they'll delight your senses with their black metal funeral anthem sounds. Nice acoustic parts are introduced with great effect. There is a slightly amateurish feel to everything, but it's a low budget record, what can you expect? Clear sound? Hell no! The percussion side is very limited, but it's good at what it does. Fast blasts of venomous wrath. Lycanthropy's Spell were one hell of a blasphemous outfit.