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Review: Crystalium - Diktat Omega
Crystalium
www.crystalium.tk
Diktat Omega

Label: Adipocere Records
Year released: 2003
Duration: 49:23
Tracks: 8
Genre: Black Metal

Rating:
4/5


Review online: April 21, 2004
Reviewed by: Sargon the Terrible
Readers' Rating
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Rated 2/5 (40%) (3 Votes)
Review

Crystalium are another Black Metal band from France, so it should be no big surprise that they are on Oaken Shield, that tiny but cool offshoot of Adipocere. I wasn't too sure about this one, as the titles and lyrics are all in French, so I cannot tell what the heck this album is about. I think these guys are Nazis, but I'm not sure. Anyway, this is much better than I expected.

Crystalium are essentially a symphonic Black Metal band not too far removed from the sound of Emperor or mid-period Dimmu. I like that there is no 'intro' track and they just launch right into the first real song, which is a pretty furious number that is a good sample of what this band can do. Crystalium do the epic/symphonic thing pretty damned well, and they have some very cool riffs and melodies, so even the longer cuts do not get dull. The tom sound on the drums is pretty crappy and thin, reminding me of that awful tone Krisiun used on "Ageless Venomous", if not quite as bad. It wouldn't be an issue if they didn't use it so much for the blastbeat parts. Vocals are a more midrange, deathy style than the cliché BM scream, which to me is a good thing. Overall Crystalium are tight and aggressive, with a real symphonic sweep to their music.

The package is lavish, with a thick booklet and excellent art design. I really wish the titles and lyrics were in English, but for you francophonics out there this will not be an issue obviously. These guys at least have dispensed with the clown paint.

I was surprised by how listenable and enjoyable this is, as it did not look like something I would like at all. But Crystalium are a potent metal force with a lot of fire and aggression, and "Diktat Omega", despite my language issues, is a very good album.

More about Crystalium...
Review: Doxa O'RevelatioN (reviewed by Pagan Shadow)
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