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A. Saaranen, Cerberus fanzine [Finland]: „Ei Kahetse Midagi”, the debut demo of this Estonian outfit was something that was lodged in my cassette deck for a good amount of time. „Legion Estland” is one part of the band’s seven inch vinyl serie and continues the triumphal crest of national romantic metal that was brilliantly set off rolling with that, I dare say classic, demo.
Aversionline.com [USA]: I have to confess wondering about this Estonian band's message, as they're all dressed in militaristic garb, and some of the symbolism in the illegible band logo is questionable based on the bio's mentions of Estonian National Pride and Iron Youth, though the songs' lyrics are said to deal exclusively with Balto-Scandinavian mythology, so whether or not the flirtations with such visuals are simply aesthetic is beyond me. That being said, this is fairly good for what it is, which is basically straightforward black metal with smatterings of keyboards for added atmosphere. Included on this promo are the tracks from three 7" releases (some of which may not have been released on vinyl just yet): "Legion Estland" (2002), "Raiugem Ruunideks" (2003), and "Meeste Muusika" (2004). Like many Estonian bands that I've heard, I find this material to be fairly straightforward and true to the genre's roots, but creative in its own right, enough to offer a few unexpected twists and turns. Take for instance the dark ambient noise of the brief "Terasvanne", which acts as an intro to the excellent "Furor Aesticus", which combines plodding Darkthrone styled chord progressions with melodic layers and quirkier patterns/note choices ala Norwegian "modern purists" like Khold. In "Demons Night" some traditional metal influences creep into the mix, which continues in some later songs to a lesser degree. One of the most powerful moments on the disc is the gradual transition from distorted guitars to acoustic guitars (coupled with excellent drum fills) at the tail end of "Raiugem Ruunideks"; and newer compositions like "Soomepoiss" continue such superb uses of acoustic guitars with slightly more creative distorted chords and even some strange singing vocals at times. By and large the tempos have that driving sort of consistency that I enjoy in traditional styled black metal, only occasionally venturing into speedier territory, and overall the screaming vocals are pretty standard, at times dropping back to spoken lines or layering against sneering textures. The recording quality of course changes with each session, where the older work is oddly a bit clearer (though the guitar tone needs more natural warmth due to its unnatural bite). They always nail a good bass presence, and most of the time the keyboards are very faint and not disruptive (only when certain patches are a bit less textural and almost "folky" are they out of sorts). The drumming sounds solid, and there are no real problems across the board. It's definitely better than average for black metal. The sound on the later records is thicker, with the second 7" having the most effective mix (the newest session is a bit muddy and the drums are a little thinner). The CD-R comes in a professionally printed black and white sleeve with decent artwork and some odd band photos, as well as a brief bio about the band. No lyrics are included (and none of the titles are in English). Fans of straight up black metal who appreciate moderate tempos should definitely be able to appreciate this. I really enjoy the constant subtle melodic influences and the energy of the drumming a lot, so this band could wind up being quite an intriguing beast. I sincerely hope their flirtation with the aforementioned fascistic symbolism is strictly aesthetic, I'm not necessarily confident that that's the case, but this is a very strong sampling of material nonetheless. I would suggest the band get rid of the "singing" as it's quite weak and serves no purpose, and the keyboards could use slight refining as well, but core is splendid as far as writing and performances go - "true" in its rawness but powerful in style and delivery. Not bad. I'm definitely interested. [7 / 10]
Carl, Lords Of Metal website [Netherlands]: The first impression I got after receiving 'Promo 2004' by Loits was not a positive one. Their logo consists of three elements. The central element is the Algiz , a rune sign that stands for defence and protection. Prominently placed over this sign is a rather dubious cross. It looks a lot like the sign of the African Resistance Movement. On the site where I gathered this information (Lonsdale) I again meet with the Algiz . This time it is associated with a right-extremist movement called Voorpost (Outpost), which originates from Holland and Belgium. By the way, the site of Lonsdale is really very fascinating. The last element is a kind of gothic tribal sign that is more or less mirrored beside the Algiz . I do not know the meaning of this.
Carlos Flores , Kuravilu webzine [Chile]: Another attack from the Baltic region of Estland is what brings Loits , a band that I just knew from the Ledo Takas catalogue. I was very curious to listen to this band due to some weird labels given to thier music like "romantic-nationalistic-BM"... something that I definitively have to take a look at.
Cernunnos, Elskrin website [Italy]: Il metal estremo nei Paesi Baltici ormai non ? pi? una novit?; in passato si sono fatti notare i lituani Anubi (tragicamente scomparsi) e tuttora impazzano i lettoni Skyforger, portabandiera della tradizione culturale baltica. Mancava ancora una testimonianza: quella proveniente dalla piccola repubblica dell'Estonia, il paese baltico che pi? di tutti ha subito la fusione con l'elemento russo nel secolo scorso. La sorpresa ? davvero piacevole perché gli estoni Loits rientrano a malapena nell'etichetta black metal, essendo un gruppo personale con un pizzico tutto originale, tutto estone verrebbe da dire. La foto che raffigura i membri della band in divisa militare non deve stupire dato che il concept e l'atmosfera di base del cd sono perfettamente a tema. Non si tratta per? del solito war black metal in stile Endstille, giusto per citare un'uscita recente, bens? ? l'atmosfera a far sembrare questo album figlio di un periodo cupo. L'aria ? pesante, desolata, i ritmi sono marziali e neanche le brevi incursioni di tastiere alleggeriscono la tensione, anzi la amplificano. Il primo riff semiacustico del cd ? emblematico: struggente e sconvolto allo stesso tempo; questo semplice inizio getta una tetra sensazione su tutto l'ascolto successivo, sembra quasi di assistere alla quotidianit? miserevole che si svolge a stretto contatto della distruzione della guerra. Questa ? la visuale differente usata dai Loits per raccontare in musica le proprie sensazione; se poi vi aggiungete lo stile musicale ancora grezzo tipico delle band dell'Europa orientale ed un modo tutto baltico di interpretare e vivere i fenomeni ecco allora che gli influssi black metal indiscutibili si tingono di altre tinte e danno vita ad una pellicola sonora in bianco e nero, emblema collettivo dei grandi conflitti mondiali del secolo scorso. Ci sono le canzoni pi? thrash oriented e dal gusto retr? come ‘Demons Night', ma questa raccolta dei lavori dei Loits mostra anche un gruppo capace di esprimere nella conclusiva ‘Tuleristsed' una sottile vena folkloristica abbinata al metal estremo. Una piccola novit?.
Cheryl, Metal Gospel website [Germany]: This is the first in a series of 7 inches from Estonia´s LOITS. These guys are, hands down, one of my favourite Estonian bands, and probably after hearing their latest full length, have been catapulted to the number one spot among favourites from that land. They play a brilliant mixture of Black Metal, Death Metal with a lot of Folkloric / Pagan influences. You can also hear a sort of Rock N Roll kind of vibe in the music sometimes. The music itself is actually simplistic but to me that´s what makes it so great. It is primitive and addicting with the ability to reach into your primal self. The growling vocals fit right in. Whenever I hear this or their other material I HAVE to headbang ! Three of the songs are originals by the band while the last one is a cover of THARAPHITA. I do not know this band at all but when I heard the song I could tell it was not a song by the band, although it is also a great song. I´ll have to get acquainted with THARAPHITA I think. A very good 7 inch, I highly recommend ! My favourite song is 'Furor Aesticus', especially because it has this awesome flute or keyboard sound running through it that totally blows my mind.
DBM, Back To The Grave webzine [Portugal]: Legion Estland begins with Vanade Leegionäride Laul, melodic, slow and raw Black Metal. The vocals, too, are very raw and raspy, and overall Vanade … and Furor Aesticus show a definite MASTER'S HAMMER influence, at times also revealing a hint of MAYHEM. The third track, Terasvanne, is a very odd piece. Crackling quietly and hollowly through the speakers is the sound of mournful WWII marching music and in the foreground the drone of countless bombers overhead. Very eerie. The final track is a cover of Demon's Night, by THARAPHITA . Demon's Night is faster, more straight-forward Black Metal and not up the high standard of the other tracks. [8 / 10]
Flo, Demonic Horde website [Norway]: LOITS is a Black Metal band from Estonia composed of 5 members that play what they call for "National-Romantic Extreme Metal", straightened with more militant contents and even avant garde influences in their later releases.
Geert, Vampire webmagazine [Netherlands]: It isn't a secret anymore that the Estonian scene is a healthy one with some great bands around; like Must Missa for example. Loits is another great band from Estland, and these 4 men and a woman really surprised me with this promo which contains the songs from the ‘Legion Estland' 7” and 2 songs of the ‘Raiugem Ruunideks' 7” EP. You can expect filthy mid-tempo black metal; which sounds as a mixture between Darkthrone and new Satyricon, with a typically rock&roll groove and full of melody with some folk influences.
Georges, Pull The Chain webzine [Belgium]: Some of our most vigilant readers may remember that we reviewed some years ago (in one of our old paper format issues) an Estonian act named Tharaphita. Loits come from the same country (they apparently are quite proud of being Estonian) and cover the «Demon's Night» track originally recorded, years ago, by their landmates. I have nothing to do with the aggressive, military attitude of the boys and girl of Loits but on the musical ground, «Legion Estland» is a surprisingly enjoyable listening. Songs are quite well structured, with a lot of quality rhythm guitar parts (nothing original at all but it works). Vocals are kind of deep-screamed growls and nicely compliment the band's musical direction. The military interlude can be forgotten but I like the Tharaphita's cover. Even if some variation and more dynamics within songs may be a good thing, the three tracks of this seven inch (that shall be released through Ledo Takas) sound effective to my ears.
Georgi Georgiev, Pro-Rock magazine [Bulgaria]: In the promo, we received, except the four tracks from the EP, there are two more tracks from an EP "Raiugem Ruunideks" added. This Estonian band created its own genuine style and I won't keep a secret that I became fan of the group in the moment I heard them for the first time. Loits have mixed middle-tempo black metal with some epic pagan elements, the melody in the music is unostentatious and fascinating, and the result is just smashing. The lyrics are written in the musicians' mother tongue and this gives additional fascination to the compositions, but unfortunately I can't understand what kind of topics they treat. In “Legion Estland” there is also a cover – Tharaphita's song “Demon's Night” [7 / 10]
Giorgio Fogliata, Silent Scream webzine [Italy]: Black metal is a truly strange world. It's not easy to find styles where the differences are that strong, not only musically but also philosophically and expressively. In the most cases the bands, not only the metal ones, just write marginal lyrics, to have something to speak about. And so among the usual fantastic stories or the most cruel tortures the room for a deepening of any kind is very limited. It does not happen this way in black metal, where often we are in front of bands that have something to say, and maybe, in their field, often exaggerate a bit...Loits is an unknown project coming from the baltic lands and which pushes a politically well placed concept, which they express through an impersonal cold black metal, not only debtor of masters like Dark Throne but also of more folk and traditional visions like Enslaved's. The band of Fenriz remains a reference point for Loits but in this context the music's not the role of leading character, since it is outshined by the belief of the group, made of a deep respect for their own fathers and for their struggle supported in the faraway 1944. The music is truly involving, since Loits are not afraid, and succeed to build rather well rhythmed dynamic songs, thanks to a cold cutting production, where the predominating black metal merges with folk matrixes but also with a taste for a sort of rock 'n' roll riffing that gives the compositions the encessary energetic charge. Well, Loits is a particular band, author of an elitarian offer, but filled up with brightness and contents: a rare reality in a world, even the underground one, more and more often dominated by recycling plastic. [7,5 / 10]
Jamie, Dead Souls webzine [England]: Here we have two 7" EP's from LOITS (which was sent on one promo CD-R in case you were wondering why they are reviewed together). "Legion Estland" is the first EP in a series of three, and the opener "Vanade Leegionäride Laul" picks up where "Ei Kahetse Midagi" left off with mid tempo black metal riffs with an epic, national romantic feel. "Furor Aesticus" is the highlight for me, the heavy BURZUM influence is present and the riffs are very reminiscent of the classic track "Lost Wisdom", but with a supercharged rock'n'roll feel... It sounds strange but is the only way I can describe it! A cover of the old THARAPHITA classic "Demons Night" adds to the old-style black'n'roll feel... Nothing short of superlative!
Le Scribe, Metalland webzine [France]: Créé en 1994, LOITS est un groupe Estonien de Flak 'n Roll, une sorte de Heavy Black Folklorique, ou la part belle est faite aux sentiments patriotiques. Comme j'ai déja entendu "Vere Kutse Kohustab", leur premier véritable album, je connais le potentiel de LOITS, et je peux affirmer sans crainte que "Legion Estland" annoncait bien la couleur, deux ans avant. Les morceaux sont bien de la meme trempe, avec ces riffs métalliques a la SATYRICON par moment et ces claviers inspirés. Le groupe a l'air tres solide et surtout tres motivé, et cette premiere offrande laisse entrevoir un avenir radieux. Reste a savoir s'ils arriveront a s'exporter, mais cela dépendra de leur label, Ledo Takas Records, chez qui ce Minicd est disponible. Si vous voulez quelque chose d'original qui vous change du Black Atmosphérique, ne cherchez plus, c'est ici que ca se passe.
M, From The Cave webzine [Italy]: Very interesting 7'' from this unknown (for me) band, the estonian Loits, authors of a genre not so simply to define. Ledo Takas label call them "patriotic war-shipping black metal", and I can say that is right, and I will add the term folk to this long description. The roots of the band are to research in the storic period that see as principal date the 1944, and I have to say that you can really hear the war aeon of that time in their musica, so you will have a black metal with some folk reminescences full of typical anguish of the documentaries about second world war. The basis of the music is simple, but this simplicity is the force of Loits, a band able to capture the attention with a few chords. Looking to their site is confirmed that the band is "engaged" on the politic front, but I must say that in their case the music is the master, not as so many other band involved in politic. I'm very curious to listen a full lenght to have the confirm that this is a great band. PS. at the closure you'll find a cover of Tharaphita, cult pagan band from Estonia, decisely a good choise to be different from who record cover, and a great thing to support their own scene. [7 / 10]
Malefic Butcher, The Batcave webzine [Italy]: Interessantissimo 7'' per questa band a me fin'ora sconosciuta, gli estoni Loits, autori di uno stile difficilmente etichettabile. L'etichetta Ledo Takas li definisce "patriotic war-shipping black metal", e posso affermare che ci sta tutto, anzi aggiungerei anche il termine folk alla gi? ampia descrizione. Le radici della band sono da ricercare nel periodo stotico che vede come data centrale il 1944, e devo dire che l'alone guerresco di quell'epoca si sente tutto, ed ? capace di donare a una base black metal decisamente tranquilla, dai connotati decisamente folk, un senso di ansia e di angoscia tipica di certi documentari sulla seconda guerra mondiale. Ripeto, la musica di fondo ? molto semplice, ma forse proprio in questa semplicit? risiede la forza dei Loits, capaci di attirare l'attenzione di chi li ascolta con pochi accordi. Dando anche un'occhiata al sito si ha la conferma di come la band si senta abbastanza "impegnata" sul fronte politico, ma in questo caso devo dire che la musica, al contrario di tante pseudo-band impegnate, la fa da padrona, indipendentemente dal colore politico con cui questi Loits si dipingono. Sono ansioso di ascoltare un prodotto pi? corposo per avere una conferma. Ps: in chiusura c'? una cover dei Tharaphita, cult pagan band sempre dell'Estonia, decisamente un modo per differenziarsi dalle solite cover e per supportare la propria scena. [7 / 10]
Marcin "P666" Olczak, Panzerfaust zine [Poland]: Some of you might already know this band from Panzerfaust' dirty pages since I've interviewed LOITS for the second issue. Back then I was really impressed by the debut album titled “Ei Kahetse Midagi” which recently was released on CD format through SEVEN GATES here in Poland (check it out!!!). Now I've got yet another effort of this Estonian band... And fuck me, I like it really VERY much! None of you will find any revolutions like discovering new sounds or new genres here. Fuck off, I don't care since LOITS is able to play black-metal in their own way, finding the most fascinating elements in it and adding energy of 1000 of megavolts into it... So, they have their own superb identity! In my honest opinion LOITS became one of the most promising bands nowadays making such shitty, “swallowing its own tail” bands like JUDAS ISCARIOT just nothing! “Legion Estland” is the proof. Even if it's EP only, 15 minutes short, I find many impressions here. “Vanade LeegionäRide Laul” opens this effort – great song for the beginning, which starts with calm riff in the vein of old ULVER. After that there's very melodic, catchy riffing reminding me some SATYRICON or TULUS tunes. There are also some trumpets that sounds alike to great Hungarian SEAR BLISS... All in all, I think that this song is just great. Next one is really weird – it's “Terasvanne” with some soldiers singings, probably from the II world war times (what suits to the lyrics I think). Never mind, it's just a short break before “Furor Aesticus” – quite similar track to the opening one, little calmer perhaps... But still very raw and full of furious energy with which LOITS' songs are fulfilled. Again one could find some folk tunes, which reminds me some Ukrainian bands (like DUB BUK and NOKTURNAL MORTUM). For the end there's cover of Estonian THARAPHITA titled “Demon's Night”. I liked it, even if I haven't heard an original version.
Marco Ceruti, Heavy Metal Portal [Italy]: Militant. Incorrect. Aggressive. Forced by historical hatred.
Mirgilus, Mirgilus Siculorum webzine [Romania]: Az eszt Loits akkor hivta fel magara a figyelmet, amikor tavaly a Dissimulation helyett ugrottak be a Horna-val kozos Europa turnera. Ez a masodik kislemezuk, bar nem ertelmezik ujra a pogany metalt, de teny, hogy minoseget kepviselnek a mezonyben, de az Obtest, Skyforger vezeto poziciojat azert nem veszelyeztetik.
Nathan Birk, Terrorizer magazine [England]: Promo, in the old school sense, from these indiosyncratic Estonians for three 7"s either forthcoming or already released by the time you read this. Robustly recorded and rousingly executed, Loits occasionally not to post-"Leather" Carpathian Forest minus the alcohol poisoning while, at other times, reminding one of Borknagar if they could actually mount something genuinely evil. It's made all the more inscrutable with native folk elements and militaristic/nationalistic imagery more in line with Arditi and Death In June. Definitely grim, but just as tuneful: The future will be more bizarre, bets on. [8.5 / 10]
Nightspirit, Payo magazine [Czechia]: Zajimave – vetðinou kapely, ktere samy sebe oznaèuji za kontroverzni a ktere se ohaneji politickou nekorektnosti, stoji za starou baèkoru. To ale neplati pro estonskou bandu LOITS, ktera se hrde hlasi k dedictvi svych predku, ktere v radach nemeckych jednotek bojovali behem druhe svetove valky proti bolðevikum. Drive neþ nekteri rozumbradove zaènou ðermovat moralistickym ukazovaèkem, je treba pripomenout, þe v roce 1940, ihned po sovetske okupaci, zaèali komunisti s brutalni a nesmiritelnou vyhlazovaci akci namirenou proti estonskemu narodu. To jen tak na okraj a moþna pro lepði pochopeni motivu a uvaþovani estonskych muzikantu. My zde ale nejsme na historickem seminari, alebrþ kvuli hudbe, þe. A ta nezni vubec tuctove. Hudebne se jedna a strednetempy metal s blackovym krakorem a vypujèkami z nejruznejðich stylu – thrashe, hard rocku, blacku ovðem nebo moþna i nekterych lidovych motivu. Jiste, namitnete, nic objevneho a prevratneho, LOITS vðak to vðe predkladaji na celkem solidni remeslne vyði, tahem na branku a s par muzikantskymi napady, ktere je trochu vydeluji od nudne ðedi. Vzhledem k tomu, þe aktualni nahravku tvori sesypana demo-elpièka, na jakysi zasadni zaver je trochu brzy. Zatim je tedy dobre vedet, þe kdesi u Baltskeho more hraji jacisi LOITS a þe by z nich v budoucnu moþna mohlo neco byt. [6 / 10]
Paolo Vidmar, MetalItalia.com [Italy]: Little country of Estonia missed with one metal band inside the extreme international metal scene. The awakening of the Baltic countries is already started, but till now the bands came from Lithuania and Lettonia only. We didn't know nothing about Estonian scene even if Loits play since 1996. The band shows how extreme metal, oriented to black metal, is still alive in that country so far to Mediterranean area. There is something special in the music of Loits: they don't play folk music but if you listen to their music maybe you'll feel something of the spirit of that country, this music smells of traditions. This cd can catch your curiosity because it demonstrates that the release coming from that area can play in a particular and archaic way. Often productions of the East Europe don't have good sounds, but this isn't the case of Loits: it is clear and so strong to evidence the goos songriting of the band. This cd opens with a riff solemn and melancholic, it will surely catch your attnetion since the beginning. The concept of the band concern the Second War World, and the opening riff seems able to photo the instant after the end of a conflict, the world submerged by destruction and by a surreal silence. Songwriting of Loits is a mixture of thrash and black metal. "Demons Night" demonstrate the simple way of songwriting of Loits, but the song is raw and good anyway. The use of keyboards isn't so large and Loits never becomes a symphonic band. In the last song we find also a riffing folk metal very exciting. This cd is very interesting because it has an estonian soul and nobody has never listen to this kind of music coming from this little, big country. This isn't a masterpiece, but an original cd. [7 / 10]
Pedro Azevedo, Chronicles Of Chaos website [USA]: From the band's official website: "Loits is a wakening for Iron Youth, Loits is call to join the ranks of Legionaires, Loits is everything what judeo-christianian democracy is not. Loits is Estonian National Pride." In addition to this, the decorations on the band's logo leave little to the imagination about their political inclinations. Whether or not you give a damn about the above statements, be prepared for the fact that there is a clear militaristic, nationalistic feel pervading much of _Legion Estland_ (a look at the album title should indicate both aspects quite clearly).
Pete Wood, Live 4 Metal webzine [England]: Well it has to be said that we don't exactly find ourselves flooded with CD's from Estonia. The last and probably only other example I can think of are Rondellus and they could not be further removed from Loits if they tried. Their ideology is firmly rooted back in the dark days of 1944 when their fathers lost control over the storm. For those of you just about to jump on your pulpit, let us get one thing straight. I am of the opinion that only the ignorant would lump Loits in with the NSBM scene. What you must remember is that there are casualties on all sides in war and there is nothing wrong with national pride and remembering the fallen. The back of the CD displays the words, “dulce et decorum est pro patria mori”. For those of you that took 21st Century history you will no doubt remember the Wilfred Owen poem that proclaimed these words, translating as, “it is sweet and proper to die for ones country”. Owen also makes no bones about declaring this as, “that old lie”. There are no winners in war, only the dead and they should be remembered regardless of what side they fell on.
PN, Martwy Zmierzh webzine [Poland]: I read somwhere about Loits that they are performing `national romantic extreme metal`- awful description. I just simply wanted to check whether these words are true or not, thinking that for sure some lady will do the vocals and I will be sick of keyboard parts. From the very begining I was surprised positively of course. Loits stands for black metal with some influences of the latest works from Satyricon (expecially guitars heared on 'Furor Aesticus' track). As for the vocals they are being screamed by a man and are resampled on some sort of high-pitched and shrieking evil voice, original one for sure. Good sound quality and a cover song of Tharaphita. It's interesting release in my opinion and the whole layout of it is made with special carefullness. Limited to 658 copies should rather not be so hard to find but for sure for not too long. [5 / 6]
Seb, Heavy Metal Universe website [France]: LOITS comes from Estonia and features W. Gates (MANATARK's guitar-player). Openly militarist and nationalist, the band declare to be Estonian National Pride. But let be objective and talk about music! This promo cd gathers the three vinyl EP "Legion Estland" (2002), "Raiugan Ruunideks" (2003) and "Meeste Muusika" (2004) in order to make us think about the full-length album to come this autumn. Mainly black metal, LOITS' music is greatly inspired despite it's rawness. The band even includes rock'n'roll tunes (Furor Aesticus) or Folk influences (Furor Aesticus, Tuleristsed, Metsavend, Soomepoiss, the "FINNTROLLesque" Raiugem Ruunideks...). The tracks goes from fast black metal to some mid-tempo or even calm atmospheric black metal. The singer uses mainly true black voice, but doesn't hesitate to lay some clear or talked vocals. I must say that this promo cd is fully pleasing to my ears, so I'm sure that black metal fans out there will really enjoy the cruel and raw music of the forthcoming album. LOITS belongs to those bands who keep black metal's incorrect, militant and agressive side alive, so like it or not, that's true black metal. [5 / 6]
Serpent, Imperiumi website [Finland]: Virolaisen Loitsin tämänvuotinen promolevy koostuu kolmesta eri studiosessiosta vuosilta 2002-2004. Vuodesta 1996 asti vaikuttaneen bändin nimi ei ole tullut järin tunnetuksi aiemmin, vaikka parin vuoden takainen Ei Kahetse Midagi tasaisen laadukkaalla materiaalillaan vakuuttikin. Promo 2004:n sisältönä olevat kolme nauhoitetta ovat saatetietojan mukaan 7"-julkaisuiden trilogia, joista tosin ilmeisesti vain ensimmäinen, Legion Estland , on julkaistu. Muut tekeleet kulkevat nimellä Raiugem Ruunideks ja Meeste muusika, jotka kumpikin pitävät sisällään kaksi biisiä.
Stephan Becker, Oblivion webzine [Germany]: Die aus Estland stammende Black Metal-Formation Loits stellt ein extrem zweischneidiges Schwert dar. Gehen wir nur mal von der musikalischen Leistung aus, so ist diese durchaus als sehr befriedigend zu bezeichnen. Vorausgesetzt ihr mögt thrashy aber experimentellen Old Style Black Metal. Die mir zur Rezension vorliegende CD "Promo 2004" enthält die insgesamt acht Songs der bisherigen drei 7" ("Legion Estland", Raiugem Ruunideks" sowie "Meeste Muusika") der Combo. Die Tracks sind allesamt recht roh (nicht mit räudig zu verwechseln) und größtenteils im Midtempo gehalten, wobei die auffälligsten Besonderheiten die estnischen Lyrics (geschrieben sieht´s irgendwie finnisch aus, oder?) sowie die recht große Experimentierfreude sind, was der Truppe um den Sänger und Gitarristen Lembetu einen relativ hohen Grad an Eigenständigkeit verleiht. Der Opener "Vanade Leegionäride Laul" z.B. ist ein behäbiger Old School Black Thrasher mit krächzendem Gesang und coolen Melodieeinsprengseln. Durch die sehr gut eingefangene typisch nordische Kälte klingt der Track majestätisch und erhaben. Muss wohl so etwas wie die Bandhymne sein. "Furor Aesticus" ist ein ebenfalls im Midtempo daher kommender roher Black Metal-Track, der stark an Celtic Frost erinnert. Absolut cool das Ende, in dem die Gitarren, angetrieben von den Drums, immer schneller werden, bis dann kurz vor Schluss eine Flöte dazu kommt und dem Ganzen eine schöne folkige Note verleiht.
Tombstone website [Greece]: A band from Estonia playing war metal with influences from both black and death metal and playing it good. The promo we got features two songs from their forthcoming album as well and we can say that the teaser sounds pretty promising. The most interesting thing is that they have a sound of their own, with thrashy guitars, semi brutal vocals and some pretty interesting keyboard passages that help the band when it comes to atmosphere. There's a haunting atmosphere and an ominous feeling that makes the album all the more interesting. One thing they should improve is the production, since it is not very clear and you might miss some pretty important details. I think it's an interesting release if you are looking for something slightly different into the extreme metal scene. For more info check out www.ledotakas.net. [7 / 10]
Vagelis Krommydas, Metal-Realm webzine [Greece]: I think these guys are from Poland. They exist since 1996 and this cd contains 3 7s that they have recorded. Their country has a tradition in Black Metal bands with Graveland or early Behemoth but Loits is definitely an underground band in the beginning of its course. They are not bad, have some folk elements most on the guitars and I think like old Bathory and Celtic Frosr and Venom. Their rock n roll black metal is decent but they should work mostly on the vocal lines which could be better. Their ideas are good. We expect something more from them in the future, maybe a contract and a full-length? Why not...
Velvokai, Metal Archives website [Canada]: The first song starts off with a lone guitar playing, and then the rest of the band kicks in with mid-paced melodic black metal. The song slowly turns into a blasting BM song. After the scream ‘LEGION… ESTLAND!' the song turns back into a melodic black song, with something read in a clear voice in Estonian.
Wiebke Rost, Powermetal.de website [Germany]: Mit dieser EP begeisterten LOITS die Metalfans in Estland: "Legion Estland" wurde dort 2003 zum besten Metal-Album gewählt.
Wolfram, Laermbelaestigung webzine [Germany]: Das Infoblatt gleicht einem tiefen Zug aus dem Jauchefass: "LOITS Is Estonian National Pride". Lyrisch huldigt man den estnischen Soldaten, die im 2. Weltkrieg heldenhaft gegen die Sowjets kämpften und beschwört zugleich die baltisch-skandinavische Mythologie.
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