Xasthur's MySpace page reads "Dont even bother trying to add me...Xasthur is a suicidal black metal one-man-band from the United States."

This should tell you what you are getting into with this re-issue of Xasthur's first full length CD from 2001. This disc was the first CD where Xasthur became Malefic's solo project. The original release of "A Gate Through Bloodstained Mirrors" was a CD-R that was limited to 150 copies; this release is from the 2003 remix that was original issued on Total Holocaust Records. This new reissue includes a 40 minute bonus disc of a 1997 Rehearsal.

This is a fascinating document of the evolution of both Xasthur and the US Black Metal scene. While Malefic's voice plays a major part of recent releases and his work with Sunn O))), this disc is almost entirely instrumental. Its claustrophobic atmosphere is both compelling and depressing. The production is low-fi which adds to the intensity of the music. Malefic also gives a nod to Norwegian black metal predecessors Burzum by including a cover of "Black Spell of Destruction".

For any fan of black metal, this disc is essential. For anyone who already has this disc, the 6-song bonus disc justifies picking this up a second time.

This reissue came out in January on the Hydrahead label.