Old Man's Child- The Pagan Prosperity (1997)
Origin
Hails from Norway, formed in 1993
Members
Galder- Guitars, Bass, Vocals, Synth
Reno Kiilerich- Session Drummer
Style
Symphonic Black Metal
Highlights
I cant even begin to tell you how much i love this record. I knew it right when i saw the album cover. Much better packaging than the debut with far better artwork. But we all know that cover art doesnt always tell the tale of an album dont we? But in this case it does say a lot as this album is exceptional. Both with song writing, execution, production, and arrangements. Every instrument is heard with nothing overdoing the other. The keyboard piece towards the middle and end of the first track "The Millennium King" is not only atomspheric but beautiful in its own right. But all this is enveloped by the aggressive guitars and blast beat drums surrounding it. One of the best openers i can ever remember hearing. Every song flows into the other and nothing becomes overdone or too long. There is just a perfect mixture and perfection on these compositions thoughout the album.
And for those who have followed this band throughout their history this album is actually a far cry from both the debut and the albums that followed later. This is truly a masterpiece in its own right and Galder should get far more respect and admiration than he does in this genre. As much as i like Dimmu Borgir nothing they can do as a team can compare to what Galder does on his own. He is a craftsman true metal genius. The wonderful thing about this album is how it can incorporate a little of thrash, symphony, and raw black carnage into entire album. Some of my favorite tracks on here are "The Millennium King", "My Demonic Figures", "Return of the Night Creatures", and "What Malice Embraced". What sets this album apart so much is how Galder branched out from the typical stigma of typical black metal. The fact that he can combine the melodies and harmonizing sounds that he has is outstanding. Let us not forget this is when Galder decided to take over vocal duties as well and it has paid dividends.
Problems
Nothing i can really think of. If i had to nitpick i guess i would say the production but i actually quite enjoy how it was produced on this record. Its not as overwhelming like it is on the latter releases which gives it its uniqueness.
Final Thought
If i had to define this album for OMC i would say this is their crowning achievement. It set the tone and standard for the future releases of this band and really was never matched. I enjoy some of the later albums but none of them can touch my soul or cerebrum quite like "Pagan". For those who know me, i dont generally write reviews just for the hell of it. I pick albums that i really like or that i find very interesting and this situation is no different. I do not or will not steer you wrong my friends. If there is one OMC album that you feel you have waste money on this is the one.