In this sense, Moonlight Sorcery showcases galloping riffs and superb musicianship that combines bombastic synth arrangements, blazing tremolos, and addictive melodies. The album’s opener “To Withhold the Day” is instantly catchy, filled with fantastical synth and shredding guitars recalling the hallmarks of neoclassical metal. The vicious rasps of vocalist Ruttomieli bring the shivers down the spine, the music here is frigid cold and heavily atmospheric and perfectly suits the wintry aesthetics. In its forty-four minutes of duration, the guitars utilize tons of memorable moments, however, Moonlight Sorcery concentrates on atmosphere and power metal riffs to enhance the pacing of the songs.

After the storming intro of the album, we get some top-notch riffing from the guitarists Loitsumestari Taikakallo and Haaska on the following song “In Coldest Embrace” which delivers catchy rhythms and highly evocative melodies. Despite the technical versatility of the band and the virtuosity of the acrobatic lead guitars, the trio maintains astonishing skills. The songs are chock-full of powerful riffs that seemingly feel organic and enhanced with a multitude of synth layers on “The Secret of Streaming Blood” which contains plenty of swift melodies and catchy lead guitars.

Although the guitars are the most important instrument in the album, the harsh raspy vocals are just perfect for providing an effective feel for the music while the pounding drums are energetic and full of galloping beats. The remarkable display of the keyboard swirling like a shimmering aurora borealis, Moonlight Sorcery tends to fluctuate between the elements of late 90s black metal and power metal. There are also many influences that recall bands like Children of Bodom and Ensiferum, with their blazing riffs and the humming bass guitar and organic drumming accelerating the tempo in a majestic gait. The double bass sections, and blast beats adding some thrilling moments to this track.

“Yönsilmä” is perhaps the band’s most creative song, albeit the dramatic guitar intro provides a unique sense of melodies to the raspy vocals its epic lead guitars and bombastic synth arrangements create a majestic theme. Combining aggression and mesmerizing Scandinavian melodies, the guitar work on the album is spectacular and innovative. The majority of the songs are played at mid-paced, but there is something quite appealing to the rhythm guitars. Another highlight of the album is “Vihan verhon takaa” which kicks off with an aggressive riff before the galloping drums explode in an avalanche of blast beats. “Horned Lord of The Thorned Castle” has that nostalgic symphonic vibe, and ultimately delivers a glorious symphonic performance.

“The Moonlit Dance of the Twisted Jester’s Blood-soaked Rituals” has a great deal of diversity in focusing on the melodic style of bands like Children of Bodom and Wintersun. “Fire Burns the Horizon” brings the abrasive frostbitten sound of Scandinavian black metal, taking you on an epic journey through the land of thousand lakes and beyond. The blazing tremolos on this track sound so majestic with blast beats and soaring rhythm hitting the climax, the layered synth shrouded in a swirling crescendo, and the freezing aura that wafts from the cold melodies. Another example of the band’s quality of performance is the track “Into The Silvery Shadows of Night” showcasing the grim and epic ferocity that descends into a majestic somberness of the lead guitars.

Although sounding technical the guitars are laden with swift dramatic solos that fit well with the band’s sonic aesthetics and with plenty of moments that give you Goosebumps, the clean vocals provide a backdrop of cold icy landscapes. The rhythm guitars are pretentious and layered with a beautiful cascading synth, and drums exploding with energetic beats. The album’s cover displaying an image of a fairy tale castle immediately sets the mood for the music, therefore “Horned Land of The Thorned Castle” has all the wonderful atmosphere of a fantasy.

The epic closure “Suden tie (Wolven Hour Part II)” emphasizes heavily the acrobatic lead guitars, shimmering synth arrangements, blustery rhythms and organic drumming, and multilayered melodies, and the result is infectiously complex and bombastic in every sense. The fact that the songwriting stands out indicates how passionate is the band about their sonic pursuit, everything that surrounds the music emanates the band’s craftsmanship. Moonlight Sorcery’s first studio album captures the grim feeling of black metal, everything from its heavy guitar riffs, and the strong melodies that are unleashed by virtuoso solos to the soaring tremolos make this album one of a kind.

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