What "Laguz" does better than anything is represent the Ancient Rites tribe in a comprehensive scope of the group's many traits and characteristics. The album is heavy on symphonic arrangements and folk influences circulating vigorously through the pumping heart of black metal. Carrying such a wide style of attack often clogs up an instrumental front, but Ancient Rites is able to find a compelling balance between all. The tremolo-picked riffs and blast beats, both ample in count throughout, serve to bolster the detailed orchestral movements stirring up above the battleground. This is an essential factor to consider given the sequences could have survived and created a substantial album had the symphonic arrangements been scrapped; they don't carry the weight of the music, but add atmosphere and emotion.

"Laguz" is an anomaly in this regard, especially during a time when bands like Wintersun and Septicflesh (or Septic Flesh, or whatever) shoehorn in as much symphonic stuff as possible for no appropriate reason. But "Laguz" also boasts incredible melodies and poignant solos penetrating the conflict of sensations already boiling up from what Ancient Rites creates here. There is a vital balance between the many faces of the band shining through and swapping out, though the transformations are done with subtlety and grace. The panorama is further enriched by Gunther Theys' incredible vocals, which are more narrative and spoken than the type of shrieks or growls often found in this niche.