Thurisaz occupies a special place in the Belgian metal scène. Averse to every trend they have proven with two excellent albums in recent years, that it is possible to come up with high quality stuff, even in our small country. Their innovative blend of death, black and doom metal not only convinced many fans in our country, but also European and even American recognition has been fallen to their share. Thus the expectations for the successor of ‘Circadian Rhythm’ (2007) were high. They have been working for a long time at these nine marvellous compositions for this third studio album. This happened in the familiar CCR studio with producer Kris.

You notice that they worked with heart and soul on this brand new opus. Production, the diverse vocal lines, atmospheric interludes, the heaviness of monumental riffs and exciting solos… it all sounds better and more mature than ever. If we spoke of a certain degree of melancholy with the previous albums, now we can simply mention a proper increase of doom influences. But free of this long-winded inertia some people will prevent of have a liking for the doom genre, since ‘The Cimmerian Years’ includes a proper amount of spirited accelerations and rigorous parts for sure. The crown of it all one can hear in vocal guest appearances of Paul Kuhr (Novembers Doom) and Thomas A.G. Jensen (Saturnus), a result of friendships after several tours.

The flow of the album is perfect. After the atmospheric intro they cut loose in ‘My Precious Unknown’, while the up-tempo ‘Second Mirror’ turns out even catchy and fetching. Death growls of Peter and screams of Mattias are sublimated by soaring keyboards and clean vocals of Kobe. These remind me more than once of Pink Floyd. The contemplative introspection is in fine contrast with the real heavy backbone of most of the songs. Of course we are on tiptoe of expectations about the songs with international guests. In ‘No Regrets’ it results in a vocal Valhalla with captivating vocals of Paul Kuhr on top. His rolling grunts fit perfectly in the song, without losing the proper Thurisaz identity. Another stunner is ‘Fare Thee Well’. Doom influences with any My Dying Bride flavour are used to evolve – via a spoken fragment – towards a grandiose apotheosis. In the more lengthy compositions ‘The Carnival Of Miscreation’ and ‘Unhealed’ (with fragmentary esoteric female vocals of Els Blieck) many things happen, while it never gets non-accessible. That’s a true achievement! Both mammoth compositions are divided by the touching beautiful ‘Inner Voices’, illustrating the sensitive, melancholic side of Thurisaz. The last track really gives me goose-bumps. This is the composition when Thomas of Saturnus enters the scene. ‘A Glance Of Misperception’ can be considered as an ode to the Danish band and consequently there is a huge similarity. The sound and style of Saturnus and Thurisaz merges into one magnificent amalgamate of dark gloominess. Brilliant!!! When the last note fades away, you are left in awe. This album is too good for words, so I can give only one advice: BUY it.