Baltak's debut disc is the continuation of the Gorgoroth (Aust.) project, which *if* my memory serves me correctly (and it usually doesn't...), was a one man project, namely Gorgoroth (Chainsaw Guitars & Voice Of Torment), who, for obvious reasons has decided to forego that band name.
The music itself is pure norwegian blackmetal, only it isn't. Confused? Okay, well Baltak are from Sydney, Australia, and seem to hail ancient Macedonian (Greek) gods, indeed, the entire album is dedicated to Alexander The Great. The Greek BM scene is also given a mention, so the ties might be stronger still.
Opening with "Svetot Umira (Makedoncite Se Borat)", the band kick into overdrive straight away, drawing strongly on bands like Immortal (especially) and a bit of Satyricon as well. The first few strains of this song easily match the intro on "Battles In The North" (Immortal), and it kinda makes you wonder if the drums were sped up at all, even though the drummer, Mechanic, (I think) one time drummer for Sadistik Exekution, does kick a lot of arse in the speed stakes.
The rest of the album alternates between mid paced, doomy/atmospheric blackmetal, and latter day MARDUK style choppiness, all the while, with Gorgoroth's soaring voals screaming out over the set. His voice, for the most part, sounds like its run through an echo chamber, and does tend to sound a tad one-dimensional after a while, but in defense, it does suit the music 100%.
All in all, a great debut. Suffice to say, if you like your blackmetal, Norwegian style, then seek it out, it shan't disappoint.
Contact:
BattleGod Productions
PO Box 532,
Kingsgrove, NSW 2208
AUSTRALIA
OR : visit the AusMetal site <http://www.ausmetal.com.au/>