Review by Shadowdoom9 (Andi) for Illidiance - Insane Mytheries to Demise (2005)

If you had just discovered Illidiance via their Damage Theory album or their later material and didn't know they started off as a symphonic black metal band, well, to quote that owl alien Kh'ymm from Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you." The evolution from symphonic black metal to cyber metal is similar to The Kovenant. You can consider Illidiance's debut their own Nexus Polaris. Insane Mytheries to Demise was recorded two years prior as a demo when the band was named S.C.A.R.D., but after that, bassist X-tillArise left the band and took the rights to that name with him. The album is actually a solid start, though having a couple missteps...

The guitars are typical for a band performing a Dark Funeral-esque melodic black metal style, ranging from crushing riffs to flaming tremolos to epic melodies. Frontman Tommy Syrex (back then known as Diamantum) performs harsh screams that can outshine even Dani Filth, though they have some uneven effects. His cleans bring the vocal range closer to Ensiferum than Soilwork.

The intro "Dimmysterium" gets everything set up in mystical atmosphere and neoclassical shredding, starting off pretty great. Then "Rebellion" blasts forward with the symphonic black metal Samael last had in part of their EP Rebellion later restored in Above. "Nocturnal Strains" has the guitar melodies of early Eternal Tears of Sorrow.

"Armageddon Conquest" is a earlier track that had its origins in one of S.C.A.R.D. demos (which I would consider the band's own In Times Before the Light). The song itself has the blend of extreme and symphonic that Xerath would later have. After all that fast fire, we head to the slow "Melancholy of a Dying World". Melancholic melodies from the synths crawl, only speeding up during the final minute sounding similar to old-school Underoath. "Into Everlasting Night" throws in some atmosphere from early In the Woods, sounding much different from the band's later Soilwork-infused material.

"...And Twilight Falls" is a shorter highlight. The guitar leads and pianos once again build up its strength. I really love the last full track "Burning Wings", especially those synths that shine the most in the end. I can enjoy the symphonic darkness without it going too pompous. "Above the Old Kingdom" ends the album the way it began with beautiful leads, albeit fading into ominous synths.

An early yet timeless classic for Illidiance, Insane Mytheries to Demise is worth enjoying for any symphonic black metal fan before the band's move to cyber/industrial metal later. Keyboards aren't overboard. The riffing is lovely. The vocals are an odd flaw, but if you can get past that, you have a strong unique demo-turned-album in your hands....

Favorites: "Rebellion", "Melancholy of a Dying World", "...And Twilight Falls", "Burning Wings"