Search - Old Man's Child :: The Pagan Prosperity

The Defining Old Man's Child album

S. Mccarthy | Buffalo, NY USA | 01/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was lucky enough to pick this up in 1998 when I first really started getting into black metal and I have to say that "Pagan Prosperity" is definitly one of the best albums to do that with. Galdar's vocals shine here,as opposed to "Born of the Flickering" where they were thin and scratchy, here, especially with the overdub of high pitched and low pitched growls like in the end of "My Demonic Figures", you can really feel the power that can be Galdar's scream. The guitars are woven intricatley. Nothing is better than the solo tradeoff in "The Millenium King" between Galdar and Jardar. The production is probably one of the first cleaner sounds in the history of black metal. Its not too layered, too thin or too raw. The only thing I find flawed is the toning down of the double bass but I guess Tony sucked it up on drums. If only Tdjolav would have stayed around I think the album would have definitly had more. Another shining point here is the mix of the bass. In most other black metal albums around 1997, the bass was almost gone but here Jardar is clearly audible, adding to good production. All in all "Pagan Prosperity" is more of a landmark album than people give it credit for so if you are commiting the carnal sin of not owning this album I suggest you repent today and get it!"

Is this black metal though?

LORD BITTERFROST | East Norwich, NY USA | 10/19/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Pagan Prosperity" is one of my favorite albums and is by far the best of the Old Man's Child discography, but is it black metal? Their sound is predominantly melodic and is heavily key ladden. However, the members are threateningly armored and face painted. The lyrics & vocals as well, are directed towards dark & mystical themes of blood and death (blod og doden), all characteristics of black metal. Although, purists will not consider this band authentic black metal. I'll settle for extremely well played and proficient extreme metal as the most accurate description. This album is more of a gateway into the unholy realms of the black metal obliveon. A beginer record for those interested in hearing bands of higher musical value then what the current main stream music industry is attempting to deliver to us."

IMPRESSIVE!!!

D. Knouse | vancouver, washington United States | 09/23/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"4.5 stars. Over the course of all eight tracks the guitar melodies and outright grooving are nothing less than impressive. While this album is certainly not a masterpiece, it is an exceptional and well-rounded CD loaded with memorable music front-to-back. For newcomers to the finely tuned world that is Old Man's Child, I heartily recommend "In Defiance of Existence" as a first purchase. I am addicted to this band and I hope they stay around for many more great albums; not the least of which is "The Pagan Prosperity.""