Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Loits - Vere Kuste Kohustab - 2004 - Ledo Takas Records

Track Listing1. Soomepoiss 2. Eesti Auks 3. Aeg Ärgata 4. Võitluslipp 5. Tuleristsed 6. Vanade Leegionäride Laul 7. Eluruun 8. Nimeta Haud 9. Kodu 10. Furor Aesticus 11. Oskar Ruu 12. Raiugem Ruunideks

Loits are far from the typical black-metal outfit. The five-piece hail from Estonia and this fact is strongly reflected in their music. Although they don’t go as far as some folk/black bands like Manegarm or Asmegin, there is a definite ethnic overtone in most of their songs. While the riffs stay true to the typical black metal mold, each one has a certain uniqueness to it that can probably be attributed to a slight folk influence. In addition, synths played to sound like accordions and other instruments add to this atmosphere.

On Vere Kutse Kohustab, the main theme is Estonian nationalism before and after the Second World War. This idea is quite fitting, since the country was threatened by the Nazis and then absorbed by the Soviet Union for half a century. These themes, delivered via the harsh croaking of vocalist/guitarist Lembetu, would probably leave a deep impact on the listener if they spoke Estonian. Either way, though, Loits’ music is extremely powerful and inspired and should not be taken lightly.

Every track on this record is solid, although standouts include Soomepoiss and Tuleristsed. Fans of symphonic and Viking/folk black metal will probably exalt this record, as it crosses into both zones and does an excellent job blending in synth and guitar. Any fan of extreme metal, however, would do themselves a good service to pick this release up.

8/10

--Veritas 10.17.05