Released on CD in 1997 by the now closed Greek Metal Magazine named 'Metal Invader' (NR-001).
All music and lyrics by Necromantia except "Each Dawn I Die" by Joey DeMaio.
This edition features different cover artwork as seen above.
It also includes a rare bonus track "Spiritforms of the Psychomancer" that comes from the sessions of "Scarlet Evil, Witching Black" album and which was first featured on an old Greek Metal Hammer compilation named Hammer Holocaust Vol.1 in winter 1995 and then appeared also as bonus on the LP version of "Ancient Pride" and on the Metal Invader and Black Lotus Records re-releases.
This CD was originally sold along with Metal Invader magazine and on the back cover it states
Necromantia, oh what a unique and great band. Hailing from Greece, they stand mighty among the Hellenic scene. A very unique band, with the use of folk instruments and the classic including of an eight string bass. Considering they're a black metal band, back when I first heard them, I had just gotten into black metal, thus I was jarred at the inclusion of things like a flute and clean interludes such as in the title track. Over time, this release has grown very much so to me. In fact, it's probably my favorite release from the Hellenic black metal scene. With that out of the way, unto the instrumentation, starting with the guitars. The tone is very raw and crunchy. The riffs are also very good, so while it's nothing extravagant, no complaints on that front. The bass is actually very audible (about the same as the guitars) which I do enjoy. Bass has been very unappreciated in black metal, so it's great to actually hear it in all it's unholiness here. Yet again, no complaints.
Now the for the drums. I'm not sure if I've ever had this complaint before, but I think the drums are too quiet. It's a very nitpick-y thing, but I wish the drums were louder and maybe had more emphasis. But as it's not very loud, there are no overpowering parts of the drums, such as a ridiculously loud snare. The acoustic sections/interludes, while short, are great. Something about a break in the flow with an acoustic section is just masterful in my eyes, as the impact of the next startup is really felt. The keyboards used really help set the atmosphere, and I think they really add to the overall experience of the album.
The flute parts are also a unique addition. They give the songs a more epic feeling, as if you're listening to a story in a tavern with a flute player accompanying the story teller. I do, however, have a complaint with the flute: it almost sounds like a midi. While this may not be true, it is a something I noticed and is slightly irritable due to it. If you can look past that, they're great. Besides my small nitpicks, there's almost nothing to complain about overall with the instrumentation.
Finally, the vocals. They're a hate-filled rasp that comes together with the instrumentation. There's also some clean vocals on For the Light of my Darkness, contrasting with the already established vocal style.
Sample:
