Count Raven return to their doom throne after 13 whole years of deafening silence. What if there is just Dan Fondelius left, the band sounds more solid than ever coming to spread its funeral sermon to the metal universe.

The Swedes are a band that achieves the maximum extent of time reduction and in the year 2009 sounds like it comes from the depths of the 70's without, however, becoming retro and relic of the past. They have the ability to sound clear and modern so as to continue the legacy of doom. And when we say doom we mean slow tempos, crawling addictive riffs, hazy atmosphere and denunciatory lyrics with the addition of keyboards that give a more eerie atmosphere.

After the "Messiah Of Confusion" in 1996, Count Raven make an unexpected comeback enthusing friends of doom metal. But let's get things in order. The opening "The Poltergeist" introduces us dynamically to the magical world of the group. Average speed riff, familiar vocals (Fondelius, for those who know, sounds like a twin brother of Ozzy), beautiful cuts and welcome to the realm of real doom. The second track "Scream" is slower and along with the keyboards on the choruses, the delivery sounds nightmarish. The next tracks are even more remarkable as the anthem in the name "Nashira". An epic that will be written in indelible letters in the history of this kind of music. The next "The Entity" is just shocking with its refrains and the passionate vocals by Fondelius. Then comes the title track "Mammons War". The guitars stop. The stage belongs to keyboards. The astral journey begins with the voice of Fondelius as guide to unworldly paths. The next tracks are equally dynamic with "A Lifetime", "To Kill a Child" and "Seven Days" just standing out from the rest. The album is closed with "Increasing Deserts" and a second trip to space and time takes place under the musical guidance of Count Raven.

In the modern musical patchwork there are some groups which, as metal sound safeguards preserve traditions and values. One such group is Count Raven entering the "Mammons War" as a soul task.

A timeless, insurmountable, eternal album!