Review by Shezma for Ruins of Beverast, The - Unlock the Shrine (2004)

I want to rate this higher, but the long run time and the mediocre to bad songs don't outweigh the interesting bits. I want to say that I was disappointed to only find a low quality version on youtube to listen to this but after a bit it seemed like that it probably wasn't meant for HD quality sound, but what black metal is. I did listen to this on youtube and tried following the song titles and time stamps but that was a pain so i gave up.  There was some very innovative bits even with a bit of a lullaby in one of the songs and the tones of "God Sent No Sign", industrial bits of Procession of Pawns. The atmosphere is very well done and immersive, if not just a bit too long at times. The really good songs go on just a bit too long.  Then the shorter songs on this feel either a bit too short or just straight up unnecessary filler. Most atmospheric black metal albums don't sound like this and usually have a theme, whether it has a cold wintery vibe, space, or something else this does feel a bit disjointed but that doesn't change how well the songs are written.