Damn it! Much too late I came across the band SLECHTVALK, but better late than never… A Forlorn Throne hits my taste perfectly and I am hardly able to describe the music with disdainful words because of surges of adrenalin and goose pimp attacks. The power of words is limited in contrast to the powerful might of this masterpiece!

The synthesis of Black Metal, hymnal refrains, pathetic interplays and felicitous vocal arrangements deserves nothing else than the grade of world class. After the fulminant beginning called Tamers Of The Seas, the track Forsaken takes away my breath: very melodic guitar attacks, variable vocals and rapid, augmenting leads cumulate in the egregious chorus, which leaves me with a dose of happiness. And what’s the best? SLECHTVALK do not exaggerate and do not use clichés, they are traceable despite the unloading arrangements. Mentioned song lasts for nine minutes and the band takes its time to oscillate between melodic franticness and calm acoustic parts. I have to mention the outstanding vocal performance; it ranges from screeches over dark growls to heroic clear voices. No matter if the chords are shredded and combined with decent keyboards or the fast lead guitar gets unleashed – every idea during the track Desolate got its right place and fits the song’s structure at best.
Divided By Malice begins like a breather in borne speed with hymnal vocals. Interim, the speed is augmented, but reduced again to present an acoustic guitar together with heart-warming voices. A while later, screeches and mid-tempo take on the lead. Towards the end, SLECHTVALK present a dozen of hammer chords, so that the end is coming lot too soon.
The tune Allegiance shows up in stomping style, the keyboard also plays an important role. Groovy rhythms get combined with fast blast beats. This song is quite cumbersome and complex; it presents another side of SLECHTVALK and is rounded off by an epic instrumental passage. Towards The Dawn bundles all forces, ere Vengeance Of A Scorned King mixes aggressiveness with floating leads and alternating vocals. I like the changes in measure, because the song seems to pulsate and captures till the end.

Fine lead guitars, filigree solos, broad instrumental parts, balanced vocal lines and felicitous changes in measure or mood dominate this outstanding hour of thrilling music leaving nothing to be desired. In the end, the question is if I should talk of a heavenly or hellish enjoyment – in any case the music on this masterpiece sounds suspenseful, matured and sweeping!