If you are completely unfamiliar with this troll-like demon from 
icy Northern Europe, then I would suggest taking a look at one of 
our previous reviews - Anden Som Gjorde Opprop or Keiser av en 
Dimension Utjent - before joining back with us here. If you are 
already acquainted with the former death metal bassist turned synth 
composer, then I think you might be surprised by his latest 
offering. 

While past albums have thrived on bravado and sweeping, majestic 
bombast, Crypt of the Wizard is toned down and also a bit anemic. 
While Anden sounded like the soundtrack to an unmade Conan the 
Barbarian movie, Crypt of the Wizard sounds as if it were inspired 
by The Dark Crystal. The quick paced synthesized oboe-like tones 
and high pitched flute sounds invoke images of frolicking gnomes 
and woodland creatures romping through enchanted forests. Even the 
cd’s insert art is a collection of cartoon drawings of fairies and 
elves. This is quite a change considering Mortiis’s reputation for 
dark and brooding music. 

While it appears Mortiis is going for a sense of mystic wonder with 
his newest release, it more often comes off as camp and cutesy. 
There are a few heavier moments, including a lumbering dirge with a 
slave-drum beat and rattling chain sound effects which have a 
similar mood as some of Mortiis’s better work while also being a 
departure from his usual sound. However, nothing on this cd reaches 
the powerfully dramatic heights of his previous two releases. By 
comparison, the latest collection of much shorter, more 
lightheartedfaire is not as compelling. While I appreciate Mortiis 
attempting to expand his musical and emotional range, I’m afraid 
that Crypt of the Wizard is a failure.