Renascent (a.) Springing or rising again into being; being born again, or reproduced

Renascent (b.) Christian black metal from Helsinki, Finland.

Renascent was officially formed in the beginning of the year 2003, when Eero and Mikaela got in contact with Jani. It turned out that they shared a similar idea about a new band and making new music. The decision to form Renascent was made, and within a week Voitto Rintala joined it. Jani and Eero started composing new songs with Mikaela composing her parts, and the first training session with the whole band was held during summer 2003. Though the second guitarist and the singer were still missing, the band decided to record their first MCD 'Demons' Quest' during autumn 2003, with Eero being the temporary singer. During summer 2004 Renascent got a singer, Barry Halldan from Sweden, and Pekka Taina as second guitar for gigs. In March 2005 Renascent recorded its first full-length album 'Through Darkness' in Skara, Sweden.

DEMON'S QUEST (2004) MAANALAINEN LEVYKAUPPA (EP)

I've found many new bands to enjoy thanks to The Christian Metal Realm. Renascent are one of them. They hail out of Finland, and they play what most people would consider to be black metal. But these guys are not of the hail Satan sort. No, these guys, and girl (!!), are of the opposite horde. And I'm proud to say that they sound just as good as many of their "evil" counterparts. Renascent are not the most brutal bunch, but rather they lean towards the more keyboard oriented, symphonic side of the genre. Imagine a more stripped down version of Dimmu Borgir, if you will. I do also detect a certain leaning towards the Gothenburg sound, with slight influences from bands like Arch Enemy, Soilwork and In Flames. All of the songs are very good. But "Circus Of Flesh" and "Son Of God" are my favorites. "Demon's Quest" is only a 4 track EP, and I for one can't wait to hear a full length album. And I cannot see why that should not happen anytime soon. The music provided here should be more than proof enough that these Fins are here to stay!

THROUGH DARKNESS (2005) METAL UNION

One of the more anticipated extreme metal releases for me for a long time, Renascent's debut full-length has finally arrived in my CD-player. And they give me just what I'd hoped more, which is more of the same! 'Through Darkness' is just the album I was expecting after the awesome EP/demo from 2004. Filled with quality symphonic black metal, seasoned with a melodic feel not many other bands in this genre can duplicate. Again I must use Dimmu Borgir as a band to liken them to. Barry Halldan's voice might not be as distinct as his "evil" metal brethrens, but it is still as effective, and pleasing, to these ears. Mikaela is also a fine keyboard player, and her approach is yet another factor that makes this band sound as good as they do. Just check out "Scenes Of A Tragedy" to comprehend just what this band is capable of. I also love how they manage to create a lot of variation within the music, without compromising with the flow of the album. 'Through Darkness' is also very well produced, and have this monumental sound this kind of music needs. If you want top quality extreme metal, with positive and uplifting lyrics, Renascent is definitely the band to check out.

Killer tracks: In Hell, Corrosion Of Emotions, Scenes Of A Tragedy, Through Darkness, Arise, The Last Journey, Warriors Of The Morning

Barry Halldan guest appearances:

Divinefire - 'Into A New Dimension'