Genre: Black/Death Metal
 
Track list:

01 Long Dark Heath
02 Delusional Dreaming
03 Rain of Sorrow
04 Between Two Worlds
05 God Of Time
06 Black Sun
07 Ghosts In The Shells
08 Humans’ Devilry
09 Prison Inside Us

“Ghosts In The Shells” is the 2008 debut from Ukrainian one-man band Darktrance.  And by one-man band I mean sole member Deimos(otherwise known as Dmitry Gubsky) handles vocal, instruments and production.  That’s a big job for a debut and he comes out aces.  While this gets filed under the Black Metal moniker it’s not your Mayhem, Mutiilation, Beherit black metal.  This leans more towards Blut Aus Nord, Enslaved and Agalloch vein.
 Our aural lesson begins with “Long Dark Heath”, which starts us off with depressive black metal with symphonic touches.  “Delusional Dreaming” hits us with extreme guttural vocals, lots of time changes and double bass.  Doom atmospheres enhance the furiously fast moments.  “Rain Of Sorrow” starts out as a funeral dirge piece, which slides effortlessly into a dissonant harmony of guitars.  This ensues into a blast beat of otherworldly screeching vocals.  “Between Two Worlds” has a compelling ambient beginning.  An interesting track, it has an abstract, shadowy aura punctuated by moments of funeral doom.  “God Of Time” is superb death metal period. 

Technical guitar work, brutal drumming, distorted vocals and interesting time changes are all found within.  “Black Sun” may begin with a gentle guitar melody and whispered vocals, but from therein are many additions.  A keyboard harmony adds a classical effect, screeching vocals at the chorus rouse us from any boredom.  A surprising piano interlude interrupts the piece sublimely.  The title track “Ghosts In The Shells” has an opener that brings Lycia to mind.  It’s an appealing combination of gothic postmodern rock with doom metal.  Vocals on this track sound specifically malefic and grim.  “Humans’ Devilry” is all pounding drums and down tuned guitars.  This mutates into a black metal buzz saw of rhythm guitars.  Majestic and mysterious sounding, it features a striking guitar solo to boot.  “Prison Inside Us” rounds out the cd.  An epic and esoteric piece of music, keyboards are used to a dirge-like effect.  Funeral doom and death metal unite with a gloomy finale.

So what conclusions can we come to?  Is it any good?  Yes without a doubt.  From the production to songwriting, dedication and musical ability, it’s all there.  Anyone who is a fan of Enslaved or Agalloch will find this a rewarding listen.  But to add to that anyone who appreciates music done well, without the restrictions of labels, would enjoy this too. Take a chance and give it a listen.  What is found inside isn’t a carbon copy of a lot of black metal bands nowadays.  It’s black metal that touches on influences of doom and funeral metal, and a little death metal thrown in too.  Together it works and it’s a tough act to follow, but no doubt Deimos will be up for the challenge.