Northern China freezes over - 迷魂殿 - 根河

Ecstasy Temple's second album Gen River reduces the neofolk influences and increases the metal passages. The gloomy black metal vocals are more present than before. Most songs have a mid-paced tempo and are overall faster than the tracks from the first output. The songs are also slightly shorter and more concise. Despite the same number of songs, this record is five minutes shorter than the debut.The guitar riffs are more present and often galloping, recalling traditional heavy metal and thrash metal influences.

Still, the project around multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Enchantenka has kept some of the elements that made the first strike so unique. The lyrics still deal with Chinese legends and tales. Smooth atmospheric passages carried by melodic guitar solos and precisely employed keyboard sounds can still be found in every song. ''It's the Same'' even recalls symphonic power metal elements in the instrumental bridge due to the dominant use of keyboards. The wonderful instrumental ''Crescent Bay'' impresses with soft keyboard sounds, enchanting piano melodies, the chirping and singing of birds, cleverly employed chimes and dreamy guitar melodies. This song sounds closest to the debut's strongest moments.

On one side, it's positive that Ecstasy Temple decided to develop its sound instead of repeating its first record. However, the first album sounded much more unique in its profound connection to Asian folklore than the second output that might be more vivid but less distinguishable in my book. In the end, it certainly is a matter of taste and more traditional black or blackened folk metal fans might find this second output more accessible but I preferred the more creative, melodic and unique first strike. Still, Ecstasy Temple is one of the most creative blackened folk metal bands I have discovered over the past few years and I will certainly keep an eye and ear on Enchantenka's project.

Final rating: 75%