Up until last week I had no idea who Balfor were. Now, thanks to a MySpace bulletin, I've become addicted to their most recent EP - "Pure Barbaric". The bulletin I read told me that a band called Balfor had released their EP as a free online download. I didn't really read much more than that - all I was bothered about was treating my ear drums to some free music. So, I clicked along to their website and downloaded the four tracks on the EP. After my first listen I realised that I needed to know more about the band - so it was then that I re-read the bulletin and had a look around the website. Balfor hail from Ukraine and play a very melodic version of Black Metal and Death Metal.

"Shadow Of My Raven Wings" not only has a fantastic title, but is also the opener to this EP. The riff and beat make it near impossible to keep still while you're listening to it and the melody really engages you. The guitar solo really makes your ears sit up and take notice and really proves that Balfor are a head and shoulders above other bands of this ilk.

"Light's Demise" picks up the pace and has the kind of riff that makes me imagine of the world after an apocalypse... Or at least after a huge battle... It has the air of victory yet finality about it.

As soon as "In A Thunder Of Ancient Glory" starts, it almost begs me to start wind-milling along with it.

"Pure Barbaric" is the most Death Metal-esque track out of the four and closes the EP in a way that shows Balfor mean business.

I must admit to being a little concerned before listening to this EP. I did wonder that since "Pure Barbaric" was being given away free - was it any good? Thankfully it was and I'm looking forward to hearing a full-length from the band.
9.2\10

Lou