I must admit being a big follower of the Grim Black metal scene; I was bound to be captivated by this band and album. Thanks to my pal Vikram Bhatt,I managed to get my hands on this rather rare band. Incase you didn’t know Judas Iscariot is a one man band from the U.S fronted by Akhenaten, which has been given Cult status in today’s Black metal underground. And rightly so….. Though drawing a lot of influences from Burzum and DarkThrone (2 of my favorite bands),Judas Iscariot has created an unique style and concept that stands out from the rest of the American black metal bands like Absu, Black Funeral,Thornspawn etc The Atheist and Neitzschean stance is what is so different from the rest of usual Satanic and Vampire themes utilized by many of the so called ‘Trendy Black metal" bands of today. No doubt there are a few references of the Devil who is more a Spirit of Rebellion than being an Evil individual as many bands portray. Chatting with the man himself, I managed to find out that Distant in the Solitary wasn’t one of his favorite albums (he preferred Heaven in Flames and the new Mcd ‘Dethroned,Conqured…… ‘ to this.) Never the less I stand firm in my belief that this album is one of his best releases A word of caution before you read this review. I am not really good at judging how technical and how musically profound a band is!!! I like what I like and blindly recommend it to others. Whether you like it or not its up to you. But Remember, I still stick to my views!!! So Metal Freaks and Creatures alike May I present to you Distant in the Solitary Night The Wind Stands Silent Expecting this album to start of with a slow number, I was really surprised to hear Akhenaten delivering blast beats from Hell and fast guitar riffs in true Black Metal tradition. The vocals are more growling narratives than raucous screeching followed by many of the bands of today. Words are clear and can be comprehended quite easily and this fast paced song gives you many instances to bang your head with fury Where The Winter Beats Incessant Aah! Here’s one of those few really well done slow, grim, raw songs tempered with some really doomy moments. The tempo is very varied and alternates from faster passages to slow doomy parts to gaining rising sweeps where all the hell raising blast-beats come in! The Black Clouds Roll Under The Parapet Of The Sky Damn! All these songs have really beautiful titles, but don’t be misled for a single second that Judas Iscariot is going to give you anything else other than Cold Grim Evil Black metal!!!!!! This one reminds me of the older Burzum where songs slow down to give way to some really fast parts later. The Clear Moon And The Glory Of Darkness This one is a favorite of mine! Apart from being purely instrumental with a few angst ridden screams towards the end, this song has a dark mystical feel attached to it! Although being repetitive this song is really enjoyable if you are into Burzum’s much later albums. To The Black Towers of Victory Yet another favorite of mine ,this is one the best songs on the album. Pounding Blastbeats and searing guitars lend a typical grim atmosphere which can be compared to the Greats like Darkthrone and Burzum FAST!!!FAST!!!! FAST!!!!FAST!!! With a message befitting the Mighty In The Bliss Of The Eternal Valleys Of Hate As the Title suggest ,you can expect some Cold Black hate from it! Whirlwind Drums accompanied by Speed Guitars seem to be Judas Iscariots Signature!! What more can I say! Portions Of Eternity Too Great For the Eye of Man. With a title like that, you can expect some thing here! An Awesome ambient song with a really eerie and hypnotic atmosphere created by a mere bass guitar accompanied by some spacey sound sounds from the keyboards. From what I summarize Akhenaten is giving a sermon here???????? Well That sums its all ! A great album by a great band! Another word of Caution here: Pseudo Mettalers ,Fans of Gay Music and Commercial Rock Beware! You may not like this band , In fact you may even hate it! But Remember what Ankhenaten says" My Music was never to be heard by the likes of You" Until next…..