Thy Serpent - Christcrusher (1998)

My first experience with Finland's, Thy Serpent, occurred about ten some years ago when I picked up a black metal compilation released by Metal Blade called, 'Blackend IV.' I remember enjoying their contributing song, 'Circle of Pain', but never checked them out beyond that song, however about six years ago that changed when I found, ‘Christcrusher’ brand new for a single $1 at a local record stores big, big Sunday sale dealy.

Anyway, all personally accounts aside, Thy Serpent was formed in Espoo, Finland in 1992 as Sami Tenetz solo project and remained a solo band through the first two demo tapes, but became a full band in '96 when their debut, 'Forest of Witchery' was released. 'Lords of Twilight' followed a year later and in '98 their third and last album, 'Christcrusher' was unleashed.

If your unfamiliar with TS's sound, they play mid-paced melodic black metal (or perhaps dark metal would be more suitable) with mostly slower guitar & drum work (only two songs with blastbeat drumming & frantic dissonant riffing here), plus some usage of backing synth, acoustic guitars, crafty solos and clear male singing. The music also has a sort of darker quality to it that somewhat brings to mind bands more rooted in gothic or doom metal. However, what really shines through on the album though is Sami’s guitar work, which is nothing short of being superb. His melodic riffs can be found all over this album and each song has some catchy hook to it that makes each one memorable. This can be best heard on songs like, ‘Chambers of the Starwatcher,’ ‘Circle of Pain,’ and ‘Calm Blinking.’

So, considering I paid a whole $1 for this album I can’t complain one bit, and I would think anyone that’s into the more melodic and less chaotic side of black metal should definitely check this album out as well. Obtaining this album also provoked me to pick up the previous two Thy Serpent efforts as well, and while I do enjoy them I still think this album is their true legacy.

The last sign of life for Thy Serpent came ten years ago when they released an EP titled, 'Death,' but all things have been silent since then, which would probably imply that the band is finished, but who knows. I'd imagine Sami has most likely been busy running Spikefarm Records, but he did re-appear last year as a musician again when he joined Beherit for their marvelous comeback record, 'Engram,' so, hopefully Thy Serpent's return is imminent too...