RITES OF ZYGADENA 'ZINE
(USA)

VALINOR is one of these bands who exist for some years in the underground, never accomplished a lot and probably never will become anything big and well-known. But what I like about such bands is that they don't care and still do their stuff with perseverance. That means that they enjoy what they do. I know this material is very old but Ernest asked me to do that review so why not? Anyway I don't think the band changed a lot over past 5 years and probably this material illustrates what they present right now as well.
And what do we deal with is Melodic Metal with voice in vain of SAMAEL'S Vorphalac from  "Blood Ritual"/ "Ceremony…" period. Musically we get 9 compositions that I could put to the same drawer with late 90s THERION. Electronic drum-set doesn't sound good. Even opposite - sounds like crap. Also most of these tracks are very similar to each other. Sometimes you have this impression that you are listening to the same song over again. Some more variety is needed in the song-writing. But I'm complaining like old pussy and the truth is that this album is pretty enjoyable. Just depending on the mood and what you do. I personally rarely reach for such stuff as Orchestral or Symphonic Metal. But if you imagine yourself sitting comfortably in the soft armchair with cold beer in your hand and nice chick is doing you some blow-job; this is perfect album for that sunny hour!!!!!! JJust relax….. Take it easy…. Hey, come on! I know that it is not trendy stuff these days, I know that VALINOR guys don't wear bullet-belts and corpse paint but what I know as well is that you motherfuckers love to listen to softer and melodic albums like "Hidden Beauty" when you are alone at home and your friends-metal-heads don't see you, hehehe!!!! I do that all the time!!!! J Instrumental track #6, "Hidden Beauty - The Beginning" is sublime tear-jerker!!!
Front cover drawing brings to my mind drawing from FUNERAL'S "Tragedies" but it is less colorful.
Give them your support!!!!

74/100