In true Ancient Rites fashion, the album comes off very positive, although the overall theme of the disc is epic. What further strengthens the music is the fact that the band is comprised of seven people! Out of those seven, three would be guitarists - can someone say Iron Maiden! Trust me, having three guitarists is not exactly the reason I mentioned the almighty Maiden. The song writing, arrangements and production would be the precise reason. Each of the songs have a great story line. "Thermopylae", "Galilean", and "Invictus" are prime examples of this feat. The difference between Maiden and AR is they add alot more orchestration compositions in the body of the song as well as an occasional growl. In my humble opinion, "Rubicon" is by far the best track off the album and this should come as no surprise, seeing as the lyrical content draws strength from the great Julius Caesar story, where he himself crossed the Rubicon river even though it was punishable by death under the Roman Law. It's very poetic and inspirational all at the same time and there are moments I feel if we as people could cross our own personal "Rubicon" that the world might be a better place.

Ancient Rites has came back with a great album in Rubicon and the most surprising thing is that it measures up by today's standards of Power/Black Metal. There are enough of both genres in the album to please all the fans. I've thoroughly enjoyed the disc and the stories that lie within. I'm positive alot of you will too!