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Entombed "Serpent Saints - The Ten Amendments" Candlelight How can it be that Entombed, who've been around decades and released tons of stuff, sounds like a bunch of hungry teenagers that oozes of aggressive opposition? There are two guys out and two guys in. New blood. But still .? The energy displayed here is so refreshing and admirable. Starting off with the title track. Pure Death'n Roll. Motörhead possessed. Then track no. 2, a song that is one of the best from Entombed ever, "Masters of Death". This is so aggressive and evil, at the same time catchy as hell. Really nice Satanic lyrics. And, on top of it all, Necrophagia's Killjoy comes in puking words the way only he can. This track's worth the money alone. But wait, there's more. "When in Sodom" will prove in time to be a classic evil Entombed track, not to mention "The Dead, the Dying and the Dying to be Dead", old school Death Metal fury, L-G's growling better than ever, and how about "Warfare Plague Famine Death"? Fist in the air, Gore'n Roll. I could go on, but I will sum it up by saying that this is Entombedīs best since . I don't know. Great songs, honest, experienced, raw and wriggly. Take it from the pioneers: "Live and die as sodomites". You bet. (l) |  |
Hellfueled "Memories in Black" Black Lodge Well, what can be said about this? Swedish modern Heavy Metal with relatively high-pitched vocals. Recorded in Fredman, Gothenburg, so nothing wrong there. A bit of the same vibe as Spiritual Beggars. Nice groove here and there. Throughout the album there's one thing that have gnawed on the back of my neck, and that's the lead vocals. Too melodic and too much of it. (l) Katatonia "The Nature of Betrayal" Peaceville When a band like Katatonia makes a live album, it makes you think, what's the point? The performance is completely identical with the studio recordings, so if you have previous albums you don't have to have this. It's possible that this release is meant to be a "best of" kinda thing, I don't know. In addition, you'll get the visual side of this concert, recorded at a festival in Germany, on a DVD. And yet again, what's the point? They do little or nothing to make a show. Basically, standing still in their T-shirts, playing their instruments. These are skilled musicians, no doubt, but they don't master the art of thrilling the audience. Katatonia is a good band, but I don't see the meaning of this release. (l) Manes "How the World Came to an End" Candlelight Manes are something else. They don't sound like anyone but themselves. Singular, independent, playful, unafraid. I've kept two watchful eyes on these guys since 2003 and the release, "Vilosophe". An album that showed a band that had changed drastically. From atmospheric, yet pretty necro Black Metal with "Under Ein Blodraud Måne", to alternative Rock with clean vocals spiced with different electronics and stuff. A change, similar to what Ulver did with their "William Blake"-album. In the meantime Manes served an EP called: "(View) Extended Play", which showed their will to experiment even more. So when this album came, I was a bit surprised when I discovered that it was quite calm and mellow. Many of the tracks are deep down with this high-pitched lead vocals. The album as a whole is pretty relaxed, and the atmosphere is more safe than threatening. Disappointing I must say. Personally I would have preferred more of that distorted craziness that has come in glimpses on the previous ones. Put that aside, there's some cool things here, by all means. Like the French rap and film-like passages with narratives. So, to sum up, Manes are a band that are, and always will be, associated with music out of the ordinary. Even though, this time around they're half asleep. I will, at least, keep one watchful eye on them. (l) |
Mortuus "De Contemplanda Morte" Ajna The composition here is fantastic. Pleasant music that is so much more than words can describe. Extremely good album, that moves forward in such a delicate way, it almost feels like another dimension. I find myself totally captured by this 40 minute journey into a musical world that feels complete and fulfilled. The way this band use the guitars as layers of sound upon a drifting, almost trancelike motion is pure magical. I have listened to this one over and over again, and it just improves, evolves and surprise me each time. A fantastic album! Sedating, controlled and spiritual. There is a lot more here than just the music. What, is up to each individual listener of course. The vocals are extremely great, everything here is beyond words excellent! Theyīve hit something completely right, and I have to say the way this one is composed and put together is a feast for the ears and mind. Black Metal, sure. Sophisticated, yes. Intriguing, certainly. Play it again, without a doubt! (m) |  |
Ravencult "Temples of Torment" Dark Essence Records These Greeks have decided to record their album here in Oslo. Why, I don't know, but the assumption is that these guys are a tad inspired by the Norwegian Black Metal cult, and strongly crave that sound them selves. I don't think I jump to conclusions when I say that they have listened to Darkthrone a lot. Ravencult walk the same mouldy path through the forest as they. Not beside, definitely not in front, but two or three steps back. "Temples of Torment" has got a strong and honest feeling. Some parts have a great groove and are high class Black Metal. But they strive after the really good hooks, and of course their own sound and identity. (l) Root "Casilda" Shindy Productions Root have certainly had a style of their own. That trademark sound that from the first second strike you as Root, and no one else. I havenīt managed to follow this band lately, but some of their older releases are really good. Being really curious to see what Root had come up with on this mini-CD, I have to admit I was both disappointed and speechless the first time I played these five tracks. The two first ones as cover songs of Hendrix and The Beatles. Cool I though! Interesting to hear the trademark Root version of these songs, and what the band could come up with. But it soon unveiled itself as rather unnecessary cover songs, which most cover songs are anyway. The absence of anything Rootish in their versions of "Little Wing" and "Strawberry Fields Forever" came as a surprise. Worthless cover songs! Two versions of "Casildaīs Song", brought me a "little" closer to what I consider Root to be, but still not impressive in any way. The closest Root comes to being Root is the last song, "Human", which hardly can be described as a highlight. Yet still the best track, with Big Boss using his voice as only he can, as well as having some rather good clean vocal parts, very much bringing the mind toward David Bowie. I look upon this as an experiment, and hope to see Root back in business again soon! (m) |
Sarpanitum "Despoilment of Origin" Galactic Records A really powerful album from this British gang of guttural and brutal Death Metal maniacs. Technical, semi-complex tunes with a lot of variation. The vocals are excellent for this type of music. Very dark, guttural and strong. Musically it floats ahead like thereīs no tomorrow, and the diversity between downright abyssic brutality and more calm darkness is nice. The hyper fast parts are massive, and with excellent disharmonic Death Metal riffing, these guys convince me they really have a deep-felt ambition with their music. Sarpanitum is knocking on the doors of excellent brutality, and if youīre in for some killer Death Metal, this release is another one for your collection! (w) |  |
Sathanas "Flesh for the Devil" Pagan Records This is quite an active band when it comes to releasing stuff, and this time itīs a mini-cd containing 6 tracks. Weīre brought back to the 80īs with this one. Real old-school, underground metal with thrash and death touches. Perhaps a little dash of heavy metal too. Musically I donīt think they offer something special, really. Straight forward, and I do believe it would have been looked upon as pretty average if it was released in the 80īs. Now itīs somewhat refreshing, and in my ears itīs pretty okay. But I would have liked something special as it tends to be a bit flat and, well, plain. (s) Sepia Dreamer "The sublime" Galactic Records Itīs not often a band rely solely on their instruments and leave the vocals out, but Sepia Dreamer leave no room for vocals. This instrumental album is varied and atmospheric, but in many ways it feels unfulfilled. Itīs not because thereīs no singing on it, itīs more along the line of not feeling completely finished yet. I find myself bored quite often, and it lack some energy I think. The riffs are kinda sleepy and not something extraordinary, the music is nice but not outstanding. The sound is clear and fairly powerful, the music moves forward nicely, but I feel some original ideas concerning the compositional side of this album would have done a trick or two for the outcome. Not good, not bad, but boring. Could be okay for silent background music, I suppose. (s) Sigh "Hangman's Hymn - Musikalische Exequien" Osmose Productions Hail Sigh Hail! The Japanese cult of obscure cinematic extreme Metal, are back. Once again they deliver something far out of the ordinary. To compare this album to their previous ones, this is by far the most compact and rich in content. It's filled to the rim with layers on layers with music in many forms. With a major part that is super fast and technical. It's almost hysterical in its sense. One thing that is very comforting is that Mirai now uses his raspy Black Metal voice again, which was completely gone last time around. Mirai should also have credit for his extraordinary way of using keyboards. The sound he has dug up from the grave here is quite fascinating. Resemblance to old film music is evident, but thoughts also goes to the "Slagry"-album of Master's Hammer, with its orchestration and use of choir. Pure cult. "Hangman's Hymn" is a much better album than "Gallows Gallery", so they're improving. But, I'm sitting with the impression that this time they had a bunch of ideas and put everything down, wrapped it up and let it go. It misses the madness and obscurity of "Hail Horror Hail" and "Dread Dreams". With this much going on in this fast and very intense piece, the album firmly needs calmer parts to breathe. And that is something Sigh has been experts on doing previously. This album is very good, very entertaining, but prepare to feel exhausted and run over. (l) Solfernus "Hysteria in Coma" Shindy Productions According to the press release, this album is presented as "apocalyptic Black Metal", which is completely wrong! Itīs not apocalyptic, and I wouldn't even describe it as Black Metal! Itīs metal with Black Metal tendencies, as well as some horrible Heavy Metal solos and parts that isnīt doing this band a favour. The album as a whole doesnīt have an identity. The songs are second rate stuff that leaves no mark on the mind. "Hysteria in Coma" is unfortunately a standard album that, despite of its diversity, doesnīt impress in any way. (s) |
Stalaggh ":Projekt Misanthropia:" Autopsy Kitchen Records I believe 99 percent of all metal heads donīt like this. Itīs a fucking weird state of mind meets a nightmare you never want to experience again. Sick shit for sure. But so real! Those unreliable voices, that presence of uncontrolled human voices chanting its way towards necessary medication. This is not something you put on in a romantic setting, well, unless you are sick. These 35 minutes feels like a voyage through a paranoid mind that is on the verge of a mental breakdown, and itīs so real I am wondering if itīs the CD Iīm playing, or if itīs my mind! (w) |  |
Taarma "Remnants of a tormenting black shadow" Suffering Jesus Productions Some improvised music with Black Metal vocals accompanying it, totally uninteresting if you ask me. Thereīs nothing bizarre, creepy or remotely frightening about this. The last song, which is a Xasthur cover, is the most acceptable track here, the rest is worthless. Worthless as it does not manage to lift itself from the attempt, worthless because it lacks the nerve and presence of something disturbing, something mentally wrong. Background music, oh, maybe. Nothing more. (s) Throneum/Revelation of Doom "Total Regression!" Pagan Records 2 songs of their own, the rest are cover tracks. Iīm not really that interested in cover songs, but I think this one is cool. Throneum does Unleashed and Morgoth, which is unusual and nice, and the same with Revelation of Doomīs versions of Pandemonium and Blasphemy songs, among others. Both bands deliver a good dose of Metal with a solid base in the Death genre. And as the title of this split CD indicates, we are in for some old school tunes of traditional morbidity. Both bands perform the cover tunes with a little dose of their own identity, which makes it listen able. Throneumīs cover version of "Tormentor" (Destruction) is good, and overall Iīm pleasantly surprised. (s) Uprise "Uprise" Shindy Productions 15 minutes of grind core is what this Czech band spit out as their debut mini-CD release. It was originally recorded as a promo CD from the band themselves, but it has been picked up for a official release. Pretty much straight forward grind core, fast, intense and brutal. The band got together with the ambition to base their music on the tunes of Napalm Death and Terrorizer, and even though it is really hard to surpass what these two bands have done in the past, Uprise clearly leave marks that are reminiscent of Napalm Death, in particular. Not original stuff, going straight along the line of this genre, but still done in a convincing manner. (s) Vorkuta "Into the chasms of lunacy" Paragon Records The only thing that is Black Metal about this Hungarian band are the vocal parts. Yet itīs presented as a Black Metal band. Musically itīs almost progressive with hints of melancholy, even though there are several attempts at sounding Black Metal. Without exaggerating this is completely worthless! The band seems incapable of creating something of significant musical value, the Black Metal vocals accompanying the more or less uninteresting music is a rather unfavourable contrast. And with lyrics that arenīt even close to the genre they try to be a part of, it simply underline the utter lack of musical value. (u) - |
Ador Dorath "Symbols" Shindy Productions The second album from Ador Dorath is an interesting and strong album of symphonic metal, with paths going in several different directions. Touches of symphonic Black Metal is evident, as well as traces of melancholy, and they manage to stand out in a genre that isnīt known for its originality. The female vocals stick out as the strongest side of this CD, adding a lot of flavour and melody to the music. The male vocals work out nicely, varying between clear and "blacker" vocals, and together with a good dose of melodies that fit the music perfectly, "Symbols" is a must have release for lovers of symphonic metal. The album leans towards the darker landscapes of metal, with diversity and power in the music. (w) |
Angantyr "Sejr" Det Germanske Folket This is a re-release that first came out in 2004. Angantyr is drowning in their own uncreative, melodic new style of Black Metal, that feels awfully safe and without any kind of personality. The riffs are cozy over-melodic, and a band that sound like so many others is a waste of time if you ask me! (m) |
Angelcorpse "Of Lucifer and Lightning" Osmose Productions It didnīt take long from I heard this band finally got back together, until I got their new album playing. And we are back just where they left off. Complex Death Metal with an ugly and rough wrapping. Again they have come up with an album full of weird riffing and intricate brutality. An album that keep on improving and impressing with each new spin. If youīve never heard Angelcorpse before, itīs more than 7 years since their previous album, think of an older pest infected version of Morbid Angel, and the beauty should reveal itself. (m) |
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Beastcraft "Dawn of the Serpent" Grom Records Beastcraft offer a close encounter with superior darkness. Bringing the mind back to the early days of Black Metal, especially "A Blaze in the Northern Sky", with a correct input of bizarre feeling and details taken out of the black book. Itīs composed with such delicate perfection that this is a true masterpiece of Black Metal. Tasteful down to each sound, great vocals, guitars, drums. Monotonous ackwardness that is awesome. The haunting opening "Satanist" that simply is followed by numerous great tunes. Bringing together the magic of early 90īs Black Metal with new blackness of today. Beastcraft will bring joy to those longing to hear black tunes of satanic magic, with a massive dose of highlights. (u) |
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Carnal Forge "Testify for my Victims" Candlelight Records Sixth album from the deaththrashers, following up their "Arenīt you dead yet" from 2004 in a good style. The band is brimming with power and energy, transforming that into the music. And the music is well composed and should appeal in particular to fans of At the Gates and those into diverse and light Death Metal. Being the music it is, I think Carnal Forge have done well combining extremity with melody in a traditional swedish way. (s) Closer "Darkness in Me" Pulverised Records I'm tempted to use the not so flattering label Nu-Metal on these guys. It can also be resembled with bands like In Flames and so forth. Either way it's not very original. This release is just a 3-track single, so it's not much to build an impression on, but I know for sure that if they release a full-length, I wouldn't raise an eyebrow. (l) Dantalion "When the Ravens fly over me" Det Germanske Folket Professional straight forward new style of Black Metal, balancing on the line of safety. In other words, nothing new. Itīs all safe well composed though without adding anything to a genre that is overloaded with albums that are professional and well produced. (s) |
Diagnose: Lebensgefahr "Transformalin" Autopsy Kitchen Records Bleak and dreamlike, twisting down into a dark pathway of wonderfully designed music. This is not music you can sit and dig, itīs more a state of mind, a feeling of something unexplainable. A dream you donīt want to be pulled out of, until you know how it will end. It is a very controlled album, more or less totally lacking hope and energy. A mental case might be a more correct description. A mental case that without doubt is intriguing, real and honest. (w) |  |
Ensepulchred "The night our rituals blackened the stars" Autopsy Kitchen Records Really one-dimensional stuff, Black Metal vocals on top of some distant monotonous synth/metal soundscape, that in my ears are dated and not worth much attention. And I donīt think this work really well, either. I donīt get the feeling they mean what they are doing, it doesnīt feel real. (w) the Funeral Pyre "The Nature of Betrayal" Prosthetic Records Ultramelodic music with hysterical hardcore screaming on top. I'll pass, thank you. It's just incredibly tiring to listen to this. It's like a buzz-saw on my nerves. (l) Giant Squid "Metridium Fields" The End Records Reminds me a bit about System of a Down at their best, especially the vocals. The album is versatile, ranging from silent sounds to up-tempo groovy doom. Itīs all put together in an original and interesting way, fusing doom with rock and down tuned, sometimes strange, instrumental music. The ending tune of this album goes on and on, in a nearly stalking repetitive mode. I better listen to this one again! (s) Gnostic "Hatewar 666" Infernus Rex Necro war metal, with apparent limitations. It varies from being quite good, to being downright amateurish. As a whole I donīt think this album is that interesting, but it has some tracks here that I think show Gnostic from a very good side. Especially track 5 and 6 are well worth the listen with their forward hammering destructive metal. On the other hand you have songs, especially the first ones here, that are uncharmingly untight and directly lack everything a Blasphemy fan appreciate. And I miss some wildness too, in order to raise from the average depths. And where are the chaosriffs that you really need to have in this style of music? I can count a handful of fucking unproductive riffs here immediately. Riffs you just didnīt think any band would like to present as their own. (w) Goatholocaust "Satan Jugend" Infernus Rex The only thing that isnīt great about this album, is the music. The band name, album title, album cover, booklet and the lyrics are good. The music is unfortunately of a very different nature. And once again the dull riffs ruin so much. I would go as far as claiming these riffs are something an average band would have thrown out as not good enough. Unfortunately this duo havenīt had better riffs to fill into their music, and the result is weak. Perhaps the worst example of this is track 3, "pale and impaled". Itīs a dull debut album of attempted metal that isnīt what you could assume. (w) |
Horned Almighty "The Devilīs music" Infernus Rex The second full-length album from Danish Black metal rockers is a definite highlight. Full of great riffs, cool rockīn roll touches mixed with Black Metal and an overall good composition give justice to the album title. "Discipline of the Almighty" (track 5) is great, moving forward with tasteful riffs lifting this song to primitive excellence. And thereīs many more excellent songs here. The vocals are dry but suits the music fine, and the music is creatively rotten and suits the vocals fine. They have somewhat of an own style, that they positively let loose in a good manner. The result is great! Great! (w) |  |
Inhume "Chaos Dissection Order" Osmose Productions Ultra brutal, ultra grinding and ultra sick Death Metal from this infected Dutch band. Their third album is packed with brutality to its neck, groovy bits īn pieces of razor-sharp rotten tunes of utter decay. They know what they are doing, and I donīt think they care about your decomposing skin as you turn rotten with this massive power brutal album. Cool riffs, some brutal groove and a lot of traditional brutal grinding madness. Itīs just fantastic! (w) |  |
Insania "Agony - Gift of life" Black Lodge Power Metal, traditional and melodic. Canīt hear a thing that would justify more words than this. (w) Insense "The Silent Epidemic" Black Balloon Records Third album from Insense, and I am sorry to have to say we are in for something between nu-Metal and Meshuggah. Professional and traditional, played with a secure touch, but anyway, they could have been any one of "these" bands. Itīs too much american style metal here, and in my opinion it would have been better with some more Meshuggah. Or perhaps no album at all? (w) Kult "Winds of War" Debemur Morti Productions I donīt understand Black Metal with ugly, screaming vocals and these melodic riffs that arenīt Black Metal at all. Just nice riffs, no feeling, perhaps only a little pitiful sadness. I despise this kind of friendly black metal with heavy metal riffs. Yes, there you have it! This is average humanity! (u) Laethora "March of the parasite" Osmose Productions Debut album in the style of light Death Metal. We find members from Dark Tranquility and The Provenance in this band, that in no way manage to impress. It starts off with a touch of Morbid Angel, and it kinda works without being original. After the opening track I donīt think this band have got anything to say. It feels passive, shallow and empty. Death Metal that cannot rise above average. (m) Malsain "The Disease" Dark Essence Records Buuuring. I am buuured! This turned out to be a really buuuring album. Well, that was honestly speaking. This is some sort of darkened metal with super buuuring riffs and not exactly brimming with musical ideas that will make your toes go bananas. Itīs average music even though this album has 10 tracks. And if itīs a disease, it will easily be cured with a good night's sleep. Maze of Torment "Hidden Cruelty" Black Lodge This used to be a pretty cool band, but what happened? Lost inspiration? Wanting to imitate Slayer in a pathetic way? This actually sucks! Must be the new members...The new Maze of Torment is playing empty music without any kind of personality or style. Just feels like a bleak copy of something close to Slayer. No way, go buy some of their older albums, a much better investment! (s) Mithras "Behind the shadows lie madness" Candlelight Records Originality blended in with traditional Death Metal, complex and quite demanding. The duo of Mithras are not afraid of trying to go their own ways, having the basis of quite brutal Death Metal with the addition of floating guitar solos and disharmony. And even though I personally am not a fan of all these guitar solos on top of the Death Metal, I understand what they are trying to achieve, and I think it works. It adds a flavour to the music, and is not easy to get into the first few listens. (w) Necromantheon "Weīre rotting" Støy Music Groovy, catchy, rotten old school Thrash. With excellent riffs! This is a EP, consisting of 7 songs with great energy. Iīve seen this band live two times, I assure you they are killer on stage. Tastefully composed Thrash, feeling extremely natural and honest with a real rotten touch. Lots of highlights here, "Unchained from the devout" and the title track are two marvellously composed songs with killer riffing and a drive to it that is awesome! (w) |
Negative Plane "Et In Saecula Saeculorum" Ajna Offensive This American duo is surely doing something out of the ordinary. This is their debut album, that unmistakably display a band with a distinct own identity and sound. The music is built up in a very unusual way, leaving no room for predictable solutions. Complex, a lot of weird riffing going on and vocals out of the ordinary. Itīs all left on display with a dark feeling hanging over the music as it stretches out, in no rush to reveal all of its mysteries. And it feels rather mysterious, introvert, perhaps waiting for you to play it enough times until it in return unfolds...(m) |  |
Obliteration "Perpetual Decay" Tyrant Syndicate Debut album from this young Norwegian act. Traditional old school Death Metal with a good drive and quite a few cool riffs. Itīs a strong debut album that I think will appeal in particular to fans of structured brutality, and for those who doesnīt demand originality in the music. It is competing with a number of killer Death Metal albums, and as an overall impression I feel this album in no way reaches the top, but keeping its head well above average. A lot is taking place in the music, and many of the riffs succeed in a number of really good tracks. (s) Oceans of Sadness "Mirror Palace" Scarlet Records Melodic, well-played and nicely put together. Good energy in most of the music, but I think it falls a bit towards the end. The riffs are sometimes mega-melodic, and now and then these humans from Belgium offer some really swedish soft deaththrash riffs too. I canīt stand this, only trying to be objective...(u) Octavia Sperati "Grace submerged" Candlelight Records Could I define this as beautiful Metal...Female vocalist that sing with a normal voice, music that is down tuned and powerful, perhaps a mixture of metal, quiet harmonic melancholy and Lacuna Coil. Theyīve done this nicely, no surprises really, kinda going straight forward. For this kind of music I suppose some better melodies would have been extra smashy. (s) Pantheon I "The Wanderer and His Shadow" Candlelight Records When I heard a Pantheon I demo a few years back, the impression I got was a monotonous Black Metal blast, just like 1349, that they're linked to. Some winters have past by and now this. The progression is evident. This is obscure and light avant-garde. Very entertaining with many different themes. In between the Black Metal, that clearly still is their main attraction, evolves progressive parts, calm parts, clean vocals (guest appearance by Lazare of Solefald), violin, cello, piano etc. All this is used the "right way", to substantiate the harsh feeling in the songs. The only thing is that some places it's too low in the mix, that you can only spot it with the headphones on. They shouldn't be that careful. It's like they're afraid of putting it forward, to risk the watchful eye of the sceptic necro listeners. I say that bands like 1349, the most imminent resemblance, truly needs to glance over to Pantheon I, to take learning on how to avoid stagnation and monotony. Well done. (l) Posmrtna Liturgija / Wolfīs Hunger "Pagan Thunders" Grom Records A split album from two bands from Serbia. And I would like to split these bands in one good and one uninteresting. Posmrtna Liturgija come across as uninventive and boring Black Metal with melodic riffs that doesnīt do much good to the music. Heard it all before, and the band havenīt got the ability or the energy to make much out of the rather average material they play. Wolfīs Hunger on the other side is a lot more energetic, playing a thrashing black form of metal, with quite a few cool riffs and good energy. The Slayer riff at the end of "Fuck the peace" is nonchalantly perfect. A band with confidence and creativity, resulting in a cool second half of this split. (u) |
Sauron "The Channeling Void" Carnal Records A step in the right direction, the first track convinces me this band mean what they are playing. It feels dark, real and thought through. Much darker than their faster tracks, even if they handle that well too. Weīre of course in the land of Black Metal. I have to compliment the first track here, for being varied, well composed and with a disturbing aura. Itīs a fast, infernal, Black Metal album, with good riffing and excellent vocals. If this band continues their development, further exploring the disturbing shadows of Black Metal, I will eagerly wait in anticipation for their next round of black hatred. (s) |  |
Schizo "Cicatriz Black" Scarlet Records Pretty interesting. An Italian band formed all the way back in 1984. Deliver here, over 20 years later, an album that is quite compatible with the extreme Metal scene today. Nice hard hitting, aggressive and fast. Not revolutionary in any way, but honest and straight forward. And in the end, an amusing cover of Ennio Morricone. "The Sicilian Clan", what else Welcome back. (l) Shining "V - Halmstad" Osmose Productions Here we have chapter five in the saga about the miserable Niklas, frontman of this band. Itīs a solid album, an album that in its diversity between melancholy and metal still has a rather misplaced hope in it. A semi tragic scenario of suicidal demands that are never achieved. Making albums like this vipes out the misery, but I think they can do better. Judging by some of their earlier material. Musically openminded people, ranging from heavy metal listeners to black metal fans would end up enjoying this album equally much. (s) Sulphur "Cursed Madness" Osmose Productions I think this is a prime example of a band that could have been really good, but are throwing it away. This has got massive potential with a powerful dark sound, some small good ideas here and there, but itīs mostly turned into completely standard solutions that drag this album down among the average ones. The end result is : "heard it all before"!. It doesnīt stick out, and blame that on the coward and normal musicians in this band. Musicians that are comfortable with creating average music, and not daring to take it a good step to the left or right, and really stand out. This is a shame! With the right musicians and the basis they have this album could have been awesome. Among all the average music you find bits that are well worth a listen. The opening track is more or less good, some of the intros they have, some small riffs. I wish they could build further on the original musical ideas they have... (s) Susperia "Cut from stone" Tabu Recordings Susperia is perhaps one of the most boring metal bands that have ever come out of Norway, and I think they successfully live up to that on this album. An album that is full of uninspiring touches of the crappiest Testament-style thrash ever, and just plain dull metal. Metal that feels so dry and sleepy. Move to America guys, Iīm sure you will make friends with Sacred Reich! (s) the Syre "Exist!" Osmose Productions Now this is something else. One song, lasting almost 33 minutes. The work is called "Exist!", and is a solid piece of Metal music. Some stuff here reminds me a lot of Voivod, but The Syre are more progressive and uses more extreme vocals. There's a lot happening throughout this half-an-hour. A lot of cool riffing and original twists. Yes, this was an unexpected surprise. Nice one. (l) Tulus "Biography Obscene" Indie Recordings Awright! Tulus is back! A nice surprise. Tulus have been lying underneath the ground for about seven years, and now they rise, like a twisted tree in a dead forest. More wicked than ever. In the meantime, Sarke and Blodstrup (Gard) have of course been busy with Khold. Four albums, no less. To be honest, the difference between these bands is minimal. Raw and primitive Norwegian Black Metal. Tulus are maybe a bit more bold and unpredictable. Like the David Bowie cover on "Cold Core Collection". Now this new album shows the guys experimental yearning at the most, this far. They've really gone a long way with additional instruments. Like piano, saxophone, strings, and horns. There are female vocals here and there and some acoustic guitars too. A lot of changes, changes that gives the impression of a band that have gone softer, and aimed for a more pompous and polished sound. It couldn't be farther from the truth. The extra stuff is done in a way that just reinforces their grim material. Like the title-track on this album. A very groovy song, and then the trombones come in and make it into a twisted film-like soundtrack. Brilliant. They've also turned the lyrics to English this time, for some reason. I can't help thinking how cool it would've sound with the traditional Norwegian language. Oh, well. A very welcoming comeback, indeed. (l) Unexpect "In a flesh aquarium" The End Records Theatrical, original and at times over the top. They manage to compose this mixture nicely, it goes from one end of calm musical experimentation to over the top theatrical performance, that make me gasp for air. And some metal in there as well, really fusing together so much, it kind of feels too much. (s) Vehementer Nos "Vehementer Nos" Osmose Productions Six years in the making, this debut album is diverse and dark, covering a wide spectrum of music. And Iīm sure the band have put down a lot of hard work, as the press sheet is saying, but along the way I feel they have forgotten that someone is actually paying to listen to this. Iīve given it several listens, and I donīt think it work, whatever they want to achieve. Itīs boring, more or less. And these extra instuments doesnīt fit in. Six years is a long time, itīs easy to get lost on the way, as this is an example of in my ears. (w) Vulpecula "In dusk apparition" Invictus Productions Quite a tricky album to review this one. Have listened to it over and over again, and in a way Iīm left with a empty feeling. A black hole. Weīre speaking of metal, a dark style of metal that feels very laidback. Not killer material, but composed in a way that makes it feel complete. Recorded back in 1998, itīs a continuation of their "Fons Immortalis" album. (w) - Act of Gods "Maat" Osmose Productions Uh, hectic Death Metal...makes me stressed out. Semi-interesting perhaps, as a whole I think itīs a pretty forgettable album. Superfast at times, then off to more mid-tempo the next swing. Iīm definitely there for the mid-tempo stuff, quite good, but when they speed up, the riffs are just too boring to catch my interest. And just to end it with a big nice laugh everyone: this is a concept album about quantum physics :) (w) Agalloch "Ashes against the Grain" The End Records Smoothly drifting off with sneaky melodies, floating with balance and fine composition. Must be the new favourite band to Opeth fans! A touch of melancholy in all of its diversity. The album as a whole is nicely balanced with those floating melodies, parts and tasteful building up, it goes down like a great meal. (u) Aisling "Aisling/Tráth Na Gaoth" Einheit Produktionen This is some sort of re-release of an album from 2002 and a mini-album originally released the year after. I think this Italian band is extremely boring, but they play their style of music in a good manner. The label describes this band as a Pagan Celtic folk extreme metal band. I couldnīt be more uninterested. (u) Alastor "Silva Nordica" Ashen Productions Debut album from this Austrian band that originated in 1995. Black Metal, that at times reminds me a little about Satyricon, the way the songs are built up. Well, not entirely able to impress with their tunes. The guitar sound has its unique path, though without making any headlines. (s) Allfader "At least we will die together" Osmose Productions Allfader travelled to Denmark to record this album, and judging by the massive and heavy sound the trip was well worth it. It is a very professional and well put together album that blends the extremities of Death Metal with a little dose of Heavy and maybe a touch of new Black Metal as well. The music has a great drive to it, but in my ears it becomes a little too professional. Despite having varied material on this album, it feels a bit flat and over polished. Still a powerful album way above average. (u) |
Amok "Necrospiritual Deathcore" Planet Satan Revolution This is one amazing debut album! Secure in its form, original, traditional and better for each spin. The album could easily be separated as two half's that fit together perfectly. First half is excellent Deathgore Metal, clearly original with a fine use of samples. And they have managed not only to create fine songs ram packed with cool details, itīs also a most refreshing feeling that these songs manage to drag along. And while you take a trip through the booklet filled with symbolic power, the second half runs through the speakers like thereīs no tomorrow. The three parts of "Goatflesh Removal" are nothing short of excellent down to each detail. And that feeling! There is no way out! (m) |
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Animus Mortis "Thresholds of Insanity" Debemur Morti Productions Presented by the label as a demo-cd, this one contains material that the band released on their own a while back, but is now out as a mini-CD. Straight forward Black Metal, with a definite underground feel. The vocals are pretty grim, but I get a feeling the band just play their instruments, and not meaning what they are doing. Itīs too much straight forward and no great details or riffs that would set them apart from so many others. All in all very boring and normal. (s) Arckanum "Trulen" Carnal Records A re-release of their demo dating back to 1994, with a couple of bonus tracks on this CD release. And itīs obvious that back then this totally drowned in all the great Black Metal that was created. Still, this cannot be looked upon as something more than a release for the fans of this band, as I canīt find anything interesting about this music. (u) Askedal "The Dark Chapter" Ashen Productions Worthless. I have no idea what this is supposed to be. Perhaps it could have been an attempt at something odd and disturbing back in ī94 or something, but this is uninteresting taken Black Metalīs history the last 15 years into consideration. Some sort of improvised (?) stripped down Black Metal with floating synth and female vocals separated from the metal. And did I forget the grim vocals. The only thing that caught my attention was when I put this album into my Mac and iTunes opened saying this was the Australian single version of "Bootilicious" by Destinyīs Child. (w) |
Azarath "Diabolic Impious Evil" Pagan Records This is fucking brutal and intense Death Metal. Intricate. Straight forward. Fast as fuck. No doubt these guys really mean what they are playing, and that alone is greatly appreciated! Being in an outstanding Death Metal mood this is the jewel for the day! They hammer their way through the whole album, insanely managing to put their sickness into tunes of the finest music. Using the trademark disharmonic Death Metal riffs tastefully and with purpose, this album is a great positive surprise! Their own identity, their own brutality and a little touch of Immolation! Recommended! (s) |  |
Beyond the Ninth Wave "Beyond the Ninth Wave" Suffering Jesus Productions There is a strong feeling and resemblance to old Burzum, especially when it comes to the vocals. Desperate screams. Musically itīs pretty fast Black Metal with a present guitar that takes care of the action. Not like a super great album, but being a totally underground infested release I think it holds the torch both musically and when it comes to the feeling. (m) Black Flame "Conquering Purity" Worship Him Records If you, like me, think about Italian Black Metal as something usually shitty and with the wrong kind of feelings attached to it, you are definitely correct. And as Black Flame has its base in Italy, the expectations are nothing short of, well, nothing. But this was a favourable surprise, as they have taste and an ability to avoid the usual south European crap. I have enjoyed this album, type Black Metal with some feeling of Death Metal. Itīs not standing out like a Luciferian shadow, but still has its moments of greatness! (s) Black Witchery/Conqueror "Hellstorm of Evil Vengeance" Dark Horizon Records Split album from two bands that holds the torch of old chaotic Black Metal up high! Black Witchery spews forth monotonous, abysmal music in the vein of Blasphemy, and as well covering their "Demoniac". The chaos is controlled. Conqueror is more chaotic and not that monotonous. They got a wilder chaos in their fucked up metal. And as far as I can understand, this is a demo from Conqueror that has been put on CD. Not for everyone! (u) Conspiracy "Reincarnated" Pulverised Records Uh, mega melodic with a plastic Black/Death Metal sound. It just feels so unavoidably uninteresting. The riffs are quite Heavy Metal, vocals totally standard and as always the music is lacking identity. A mixture of Heavy Metal and Black Metal, with a touch of Swedish Infernal. Donīt bother, youīve heard all of this many times before... (m) Count De Nocte "Luctisonus Dolor" Mad Lion Records Itīs quite amazing how some bands just make you angry rather than anything else. This overdone melodic piece of third rate synth Black Metal band sounds like theyīve been left somewhere in 1998 with this unoriginal album. Back then it would have been counted off as just another unoriginal album with too much over melodic synth and nothing else really. Today it is a lot worse. And the funniest thing about this is really the label, which states the following in the press release following the album: " Weīre sure itīs the most important event on Black Metal scene ever! " Where is the sense of reality? I guess I would have taken this more seriously if it was a real parody band... (m) |
Craft "Fuck The Universe" Carnal Records This is an unbelievable album! Got under my skin from the second I put it on, and it has never stopped impressing me. Fantastic feeling, fantastic riffs, fantastic compositions, and such a tasty ability to know how to impress with almost a nonchalant precision! Addictive tunes of the finest Black Metal known to man. Listen to those drums, get hooked on the clever vocals, this is such a classy monster of delightful Black Metal. Thank you Craft! Thank you for creating something well within Black Metal, yet something that feels so fresh, so new and so unbeatable. The album is performed with an impressive controlled feeling, yet is unleashing magical brilliance! Thank you! (m) |  |
Dark Disciple "Kill Everything Worship Nothing" Mad Lion Records Pretty lowlife American Death Metal, of the sort you donīt really need. Forty levels under Cannibal Corpse, Deicide, Death and the best bands...so who really cares? The top of stupidity and redneck mongoloid triviality are the lyrics to the song "Pussy is the enemy" Ha ha, retards. Wonder why you havenīt heard about this band before, I guess itīs simply because theyīre beaten shitless by so many other bands that you shouldnīt really care. Lacks great riffs, good ideas and some intensity that is trustworthy. (s) Deathonator "The Endsville" Blacksmith Productions First release from this band dates back to their debut demo in 1992, and since then numerous releases have been made. It is not really something for the ear. Not quite sure how to describe this album, except for the word: uninspiring. Itīs quite clear this isnīt the hottest release in metal history. Still they have something going that could be good with a lot more focus on the songwriting and the riffing (as always). The first song gives me a bad vibe of something Megadeth-ish, and thereīs some traces of that band now and then. A touch of bad Death Metal, some more interesting Thrash parts, well, it goes in a lot of different directions without impressing. (s) |
Deathspell Omega "Kénôse" Norma Evangelium Diaboli Excellent band on an excellent label. Deathspell Omega is delivering a phenomenal album that is everything from straight forward to intricate in its form. Some unexplainable feeling is present, lifting the music to a fitting level. Delicate details that make sure the music is fulfilled, riffs that have a purpose, and for me an album that gets better and more familiar for each listen. Based in Black Metal, this is performed with control and dedication. Music, lyrics, the booklet, it all goes hand in hand. (m) |  |
Deathspell Omega "Si Monumentum Reqvires, Circumspice" Norma Evangelium Diaboli What an awesome (start to this) CD, itīs a trance enducing affair. So amazingly diabolic. Great to finally hear a band that really wants to achieve something with their music. Achieve something with a strong identity, something that stands out and is by far a great listen. A listen that drag along with a most special feel that is hard to explain. Sophisticated, direct, intricate and addictive music, so well put together. Lyrically itīs another example of superiority. You know you will like this, filthy human! (u) |
DHG / Dødheimsgard "Supervillain Outcast" Moonfog Productions I've waited and waited. Nearly gave up all hope, then waited some more. And now finally it's here. I can't believe it's true. It feels so good to have this album. The last one, "666 International", put everything aside. The year was 1999. The world hadn't heard anything similar. An industrial inferno of aggression and pure madness. The album was a bit messy in all its craziness, but all in all a masterpiece in its time. "Supervillain Outcast" has a stronger focus. It's more worked through, I think. The album as a whole is more orderly. So they cleared away the rusty bits from before. Luckily this tidiness hasn't got in the way for the creativeness, nor the aggression. This album is filled with super-fast quality Black Metal, sophisticated Rock, dark Electronica, naked voice intervals, weird sounds and samples etc. etc. It will never cease to surprise you. Put it on immediately after its end, and you will discover new and impressive twists and turns. "Supervillain Outcast" is a display of "the thinking man's Metal", music for the future. Totally independent and underground, yet strangely appealing and catchy. In spite of the long waiting period, I've got more than I've bargained for. I can easily wait another seven years, when it's this good. Although I've heard from the guys themselves that there will not be this huge gap 'till the next one. One can only hope.(l) |  |
Dissimulation "Prakeikimas" Ledo Takas Records Dissumulation sounds like it could have been a Death Metal band, but it isnīt. Metal with Black and Thrash edges, all done nicely though not with that extra something that raises the fist. Still okay for a listen or two, but is that enough? (s) Empire Auriga "Auriga Dying" Dark Horizon Records Monotonous industrial soundscapes, a touch of burzumish guitar waves and calm Black Metal vocals sets the sign on this album. Itīs a dark and somber album that leave no room for optimism. Controlled and tuned downwards. (w) Engorge "Cold Black Ejaculation" Dark Horizon Records Uh, shitugly underground Death Metal! To start with the end, two live songs, one being "Satanic Blood" by almighty Von, necro sound for the extra perfection. Engorge do their thing with ease, bringing forth ugly feelings in their mindfucking sickness. Non-positive streams of lurking death, and it works for those of us who love Death Metal ugly and with lurking riffs. (m) Estradasphere "Palace of Mirrors" The End Records Here we have a weirdo album. Experimental, avantgarde, and listen: Romanian Gypsy Death Metal, Spaghetti Eastern and Bulgarian Surf, according to the press release from the label! What is spaghetti eastern? The band blends together a lot of musical genres, especially based on folk music, and make it out to be something Iīve never heard before. The music in itself isnīt that weird, itīs just the complex wrapping. From Folk music to laidback tunes that very well could have been chosen for a Tarantino movie. Unorthodox, for sure. Put together and performed brilliantly! (u) Extrovert "Having Woken Ocean" Blacksmith Productions Progressive stuff, perhaps in the vein of Dream Theater. The Russian answer to Dream Theater, hmm. A varied and well composed album, brimming with playing skills and diversity. They sing in their native tongue, so if understanding the lyrics is important for you, you need to understand Russian. Progressive Heavy Metal for well over an hour. (m) the Fall of Every Season "From Below" Aftermath Music Debut album. Doom. Slow, sad tunes well balanced between utter melancholy and brutality. Well done, beautifully varied and tastefully composed. A one-man band, but it doesnīt feel like it. All parts performed satisfyingly, so then it might be interesting to check this out if youīre in for some down tuned Doom. (w) |
Funeral Mist "Salvation" & "Devilry" Norma Evangelium Diaboli A fine notoriously fast attack of utter blasphemous Black Metal, and a feast for all of us who love it correct. Overall there is a feeling here that lift the music to a better level. At a distance this might sound like yet another fast Black Metal band, but it differs nicely in the attitude, the details and the touch of the devilish. I do however wish for a higher quality-level of the riffs, which tends to be a bit average. But there is plenty of killer shit here that for sure should create the situation for a good listen. Take the track "Circle of Eyes" as an example. Excellent feeling, excellent variation, put together in totalitarian joy. The "Devilry" CD has previously been released on Shadow Records, but with the "Havoc" demo from 1996 as extra material, this is another feast for the rich and sinful. (u) |  |
Haemoth "Kontamination" Debemur Morti Productions Yes, the feeling is present and I really believe this band mean what they are playing. Good Black Metal, nicely going from mid-tempo to fast stuff, and raising high above average. They have identity and succeed in delivering a straight forward Black Metal album with grim punch. Not original, but refreshingly correct. (s) Harvist "Lightning Storm in the Veins" Dark Horizon Records What a phenomenal amount of crappy and dull riffs! Itīs a definite waste of time this album, and especially the riffs here are laughable. The vocals are really boring and overall the lack of musical intelligence is clear. Not everyone can be a good musician...Labeled as Black Metal but it really isnīt. Unique, well...This is bad! (u) Harvist "Wolfskin Clad" & "A Gleam in the Night" Dark Horizon Records I unfortunately agree with the review above. Even I can do better riffs than what this band have come up with, improvising. And the wolf imitating howls are...haha...yeah! There is a humorous lack of musical ability here. Itīs just a fucking mystery how this is possible! Crap! (w) Hel "Orloeg" and "Falland Vörandi" Det Germanske Folket Two albums from German Hel, both in the same vein, so no worries about this band changing musicstyle for the sake of progression. Pagan Metal, I suppose, melodic plain and well played. Pretty cliché, but then again they have their own thing going. The music floats off sweet as sugar, then becomes more metal. Diversity all within the borders of metal with synth, some female vocals, a little piano, a wolf howling for a second or two. Pretty easy listening, but nothing more. (s) Hellveto "In the Glory of Heroes" Pulverised Records Polish Black Metal band born in 1995. Truthfully it sounds like it's from that time. Even though, this album is marked 2006. Symphonic long songs with many themes. Progressive in a way, with many calm parts. The metal-side of this album is going nowhere, just irritating and boring. The calm stuff has more substance, but lacks the eeriness that Black Metal should have. It's just too nice. Good Polish music, seek their Death Metal. (l) Hermh "Edenīs Fire" Pagan Records To use a phrase coming from Hermīs label, describing this album: bombastic Black Metal symphony with theatrical flourish. A good description if you ask me. It is professional to its fingertips, yet again a bit sterile. The sound is really powerful, a good punch in both the drums and guitars, as well as suitable vocals. But in my ears it is almost overproduced in the way it sounds a little plastic. Well, wouldn't be a surprise if fans of Dimmu Borgir would love this album, as this feels like a little more angry version of that band. (m) Hesperus Dimension "Mental Electricity" Promo version Hesperus Dimension from Poland has sent out 3 tracks from their upcoming debut album, which should be due this year. It reminds me quite a bit about Thorns when it comes to the riffs, and add some electronical and ambient sounds to it, alongside a touch of industrial tunes, you should have a little picture. Really powerful sound, composed in a way that it all fits together and sounds nice. (s) Instinct (Albion) "Instinct (Albion)" Suffering Jesus Productions A CD release of this demo, limited to five hundred copies. Two songs, both lasting about half an hour each, of down tuned Black Metal. It feels honest and depressed, yet not entirely able to make an impact. Black Metal tunes somewhere in between standard and okay. (u) Loits "Vere Kutse Kohustab" Ledo Takas Records Their second album, and for me the first time Iīve heard this band. Itīs a really well played and enjoyable album, the band express themselves in a mature and secure way. Metal with touches of Black Metal and Rockīn Roll I would say, drifting away in a great manner. Perhaps it could have been shortened a little, but that is my only complaint about this. Push play once more! (w) Lucifugum "Instinct Prevelance" Dark Horizon Records Off to Ukraine, Black Metal with semi-symphonic synthparts now and then. Itīs plain and straight forward music, in no way able to create any headlines. Heard it all so many times before. Average and pretty boring, unfortunately! (u) the Lurking Corpses "Lust for Blood" Dark Horizon Records Quite ridiculous really! Eh, horror metal with a major lack of effort, I would say. Itīs not often I am as bored as I am now listening to music, that consist of something I would generously say is worthless and amateurish. Splash together some dull Rock with uninspiring Metal and I will never listen to this ever again! (s) |
Malveillance "Insignifiance" Suffering Jesus Productions Totally monotonous, totally great and disturbed. Starts off with industrial noise, then brilliant guitar riff and drums that more or less are repeated throughout the whole album, that ends the same way it started. The last four songs are previously unreleased songs, different from the album itself, but with the same feeling of repetition, disturbed monotonous Black Metal. (m) |  |
Melechesh "Emissaries" Osmose Productions Quite a positive surprise this, as I wasnīt really sure what to expect from this album. Real powerful sound that makes it all a pleasant listen, through intricate and well composed songs. I am quite amazed at how the band manages to make the absolute best out of the material they have, as I donīt really think they are killer riff makers. But excellent drumming combined with a skillful songs composition, well, I enjoy this album more and more for each spin. Itīs intricate yet easy to get into at the same time. (u) Merrimack "Of Entropy and Life Denial" Moribund Records This is definitely a solid album from this French Black Metal band. Their second full-length album of direct and in your face tunes, well produced and easily obtainable. And even though this is way above average, it doesnīt stretch out that little extra to make it really good. It becomes a bit flat, I miss those small details or that feeling of something bizarre. The professionalism here is obvious, the album is interesting, but I would like to be surprised. And the only surprise here is the hidden song at the end. (u) Miscreant "Occult Philosophy" Blacksmith Productions Riff based metal with rough vocals, tending towards straight Thrash. I believe this is their third album, and they have a style of their own. But the problem is I donīt understand the purpose of the music, I canīt see where they want to go. This album doesnīt give me anything, and the music is seriously boring. (w) Mykorrhiza "Northern Remembrance" Konqueror Records This band seems to be confused in their musical expression. Cut to the bone, this is a kind of New-Metal thing, with melodic clean vocals on top of heavy guitars in mid-pace drumming. Other parts of this album have traces of both Black and Death Metal. Either way, it's not especially intriguing. The sound is good, they play well, but again the songs are diffuse and goes in too many directions. (l) Myrkgrav "Trollskau, Skrømt og Kølabrenning" Det Germanske Folket The concept of this band was invented in the early nineties with Enslaved, Storm and so fourth. In the meantime we've had tons. We don't really need another one. Myrkgrav brings nothing new to the genre. In fact, this is quite boring. Folk-Metal has its charm, and some bands master the art, but not this one. (l) Natassievila "Iter Lethalis" Dark Horizon Records This band brings us pretty normal Black Metal, fusing in a little synth here and there. I kind of like this one, even though itīs far from a highlight. They play it nicely, have a little originality here and there, so that bring along an extra interest from my side. But while I wish they could stand out a little more, I have settled with this and hope they will return with more identity next time they release something. (s) Neetzach "True Servants of Satan" ANP Records This is Black Metal with some ugly and disturbed aura. It īs an album I enjoy a lot when Iīm in the mood for it, when Iīm not I wish I was in the mood for it. It ranges from really great, with good riffs and a feeling that fits the music excellent, to moments that I donīt really think are good enough. But as a whole the album is an interesting, original and intriguing affair. (m) Nomansland "Raven Flight" Einheit Produktionen Third album from these Russian Viking metallers. Even though I canīt stand this type of metal, in my ears this is one of the better releases in this genre. A good balance between melody and metal. (w) Nomansland "The Last Son of the Fjord" Einheit Produktionen Apart from the tasteless cover, this band takes care of their business in a more tasteful manner. Very melodic mid-tempo metal, referred to as Viking metal. This album was previously only released in Russia, but should be available for those who like this now. (w) Nominon "Remnants of a Diabolical History" Pulverised Records I like groovy and hellish Death 'n Roll. This is groovy and hellish Death 'n Roll. Nominon is a new acquaintance, and a quite welcoming one. This album has got enough rawness to satisfy the most demanding necro-head. At the same time it will appeal to toe-tapping Rockers. A cross between old and new Entombed and Grotesque, and we're getting there. Of course they're Sweedes. I was a bit surprised when I discovered that this album was just a compilation of unreleased material, because of the high standard of the songs. I can imagine how cool their "real" albums must be. They've released three or four before this. I will check them out. You will too. (l) Non Opus Dei "The Quintessence" Pagan Records A varied and well executed album, mostly in the Death Metal vein. But still, it doesnīt entirely belong to one genre, as the variation here bring it along on a different kind of listening experience. I kind of enjoy it for a moment, yet am unable to really dig it fully. In a way it feels like it want too much, stretching too widely. Death Metal with a lot more added. (s) North "Na Polach Bitew" Pagan Records This is straight forward fast Death/Black Metal that is in serious need of something to lift it up. It goes straight ahead without anything to hang on to, and to me this is incredibly uninteresting. (w) Nosferatos "Pandemonium" Blacksmith Productions I really donīt know anything about this band, but one thing is for sure: this is incredibly dull and boring Death Metal. No energy in the music, lack of good ideas and really all in all so easily forgotten. (w) Novembers Doom "The Novella Reservoir" The End Records Massive, confident, heavy and tasteful Doom Metal. Original within the borders of this genre, it is an album that floats forward confidently. In other words, not the extremely down tuned type of Doom, this is up-tempo played with taste and control. (u) Obtest "Is Kartos I Karta" Ledo Takas Records Power Metal splashed with Heavy Metal, thereīs hardly any genre of metal I dislike more than this type of music. The vocals are a bit different than standard power metal crap, yet still itīs so close musically that I vomit. I resign if I have to listen to more of this... (m) October Falls "Tuoni" / "Marras" Dark Horizon Records Accoustic music based on classical guitar creates tranquility and a relaxing atmosphere. Nicely played and composed in a traditional way. If you like this kind of music, you wonīt be in for a surprise. (w) Orlog "Reinigende Feuer" Det Germanske Folket The first 30 seconds give me the fine feeling of old Burzum, and the promise of something really great to come. Though they are far from managing to live up to the start, itīs a band with confidence and a crystal clear and powerful sound that in many ways make this album stand out a little. Not being original, the band relay on power, and it works pretty fine. Weīre in the musical landscape loosely referred to as Black Metal, well within the traditional borders of metal without that little extra I suppose. (s) Phazm "Antebellum Deathīn Roll" Osmose Productions Deathīn Roll, but without soul. This could have been excellent, but honestly, it feels so safe and empty! Like thereīs no effort behind the music, no dedication and most importantly not enough killer material! The only thing that is killer about this release is that itīs a dual disc, with a dvd live performance from the band. Pretty cool thing! They have a pretty interesting thing going here, and I am quite amazed at how little they manage to get out of it. Nothing is morbid about the music, it feels too flat and normal. Letīs just cross our fingers that next time they release something, they have come up with some lurking riffs, some outstanding feeling and let go of the safe line they have chosen. I want more along the line of the main riff in "decay"! (m) Pogrom 1147 "Black Metal Complete" Suffering Jesus Productions Straight forward, grim old school Black Metal, but unfortunately without any riffs or sick breaks that would have made this good. The whole album feels very uninspiring and especially when you have heard this type of album many times before. (m) Potentiam "Years in the Shadows" Schwarzdorn Productions Melodic, melancholic dark Metal with touches of rock. All nicely done, swinging melodies, sad vocals to add to the downish melancholy. Triumphantly performed with precise comfort, and with a little touch of originality. (w) |
Quest of Aidance "Fallen Man Collection" Pulverised Records Incredibly intense and brutal Death Metal, with tasty riffs and really good vocals. This is a pretty short mini-CD, but I think the material here is great! Very traditional, yet with some small details that make me convinced this band really know and enjoy what they are doing. This is a re-release of their debut demo "Human Trophy", and with more deadly tunes like this in the future, lovers of raw Death Metal should be pleased! (s) |  |
Revenge "Attack.Blood.Revenge" Dark Horizon Records Super chaotic overload of fuckmetal, reminiscent to Conqueror and Blasphemy. Not that strange perhaps, as Revenge consist of one ex-member of Conqueror. This is definitely not for everyone. Total chaos, a definite fuck off feeling and great details in the vocals with the echoes. Adds to the overall feeling of sickness. (m) Sauron "Universe of Filth" Dark Horizon Records Fast, intense and straight forward Black Metal. Itīs a never ending whirlwind of agonizing filth, still though, there is something missing here. Sure, a superfast Black Metal attacking album isnīt bad, but I think this band can do better. They have the attitude, the means to deliver something more convincing. This album lands just about in the middle. There is really not that much that lifts it up and I really miss some variation. They have a tendency for something that is a bit groovy perhaps, and that is good. But straight ahead fast Black Metal, without killer riffs or a feeling that is an aural orgy, is just like a repetition of so many other bands these days. Still, works fine if you are in the mood for it, and not that picky I would say! (s) Secht "True Narcotic Black Metal" ANP Records Kind of a really weird album. Structured at times, chaotic the next. Down tuned for a while, then off to disturbance. Almost 40 minutes compiled to one song, with quite a few inputs by various known Black Metal musicians. But it feels more like an attempt rather than a finished product. (m) Seraphel "Remembrance" Khaoz Star Records Itīs a debut album both for the label and the band, and I hope both of them are not very pleased with this! The crap Black Metal performed by this Italian band is worthless. It lacks everything from taste, composition skills to good musical ideas. And of course no identity at all. (m) Shaarimoth "Current 11" Carnal Records Norwegian Death Metal, original, varied and at times very lengthy. It gave me nothing the first time I listened to this, but it has its moments. Not your normal straight forward Death Metal album, itīs diverse and original, topped off with perhaps a little dash complexity. Iīm still not sure I like this, but it gets to me, slowly... (m) Shadows Fall "Terminus Ante Quem" Osmose Productions A lot is happening here, complexity and brutality topped off with some futuristic electronics. Good? Well...A few times I think of newer Meshuggah, but mostly this is original. Nothing wrong with their ability to compose, but, fuck I canīt stand this objective shit. Subjective shit it is. (w) Sigillum Diaboli "S/T" Blasphemous Underground Productions Black Metal from Russia, performed by one individual. Iīm not too keen on the use of a drum-machine here, but it might just be me. Musically we are not in for something special, pretty much going forward in a normal Black Metal manner. Why not wait until you come up with some fucking awesome material next time around, I hope Iīm not the only one sick and tired of normal Black Metal without sickness and again (and again) with dull riffs. (w) Suicidal Winds "Total Death n' Live" Pulverised Records The contents of this album are straight down what the title says. A studio version of Kreator's "Total Death", and the rest is live. Suicidal Winds are a very aggressive outfit, and their raw Black Thrash Metal seems honest and true. This live recording is not the best sounding and the performance sounds a bit drunk. But hey! They're Sweedish. (l) Tenebrae In Perpetuum "Antico Misticismo" Debemur Morti Productions Straight forward underground Black Metal, but in my ears thereīs nothing that lift this band to a higher level than average, and then itīs time for me to stop. (u) The End 666 "Terror Inside" D.U.K.E. Really ugly in your face sound to this monotonous album from two French fuckers. But to cut it short, I kind of like this shitty and ugly sound, the problem is that it is boring. The riffs are incredibly uninspiring, perhaps with just a few exceptions. Listening to this album felt like a long waste of time, and that is unfortunate. (u) Thrudvangar "Ahnenthron" Einheit Produktionen Wit a cozy introduction to this CD, itīs off to super melodic crap called Viking Metal. Itīs really just incredibly uninteresting, I really canīt stand it. This is a re-release of their debut album, with a live show as bonus multimedia stuff. Music for white thrash party people! (s) Thy Mesmerized "Thy Mesmerized" Maor Appelbaum Productions Disturbing. Like the soundtrack to a factory that is about to be killed by nature. Monotonous one-dimensional journey through down tuned sounds and a visually disturbing voice that you donīt want to hear in your sleep. A well accomplished piece of work that Iīm sure only will appeal to a few, and just when you are in that special mood for something haunting, and once again disturbing down tuned noise paranoia. (m) Typhus "Profound Blasphemous Proclamation" Dark Horizon Records Debut album from this American Black Metal band. Just managing to raise its head above average, yet this feels more than 10 years too late. Numerous bands have released similar albums like this, albums than arenīt bad, yet still a long way from being something special. It all feels too studied and not as something that comes from the heart. But still, quite standard Black Metal, without the necessary feeling and details that set it a part from other band in the genre. Powerful sound, a good drive to it, so I guess if youīre in the mood for it, it might be a hail to "Satan". (w) Urskumug "Am Nodr" Ledo Takas Records Labeled as tribal Black Metal by the label, quite an okay description. As a whole a nicely varied album within a monotonous sphere. It doesnīt lift the roof, the material they present isnīt of that level, yet still an okay album. They manage to bring forth a little personality and originality well within all possible limits. (s) V/A "Metal Message III" Metal Message Oh well, what the fuck is the reason for releasing a compilation album with a lot of bands that cannot add anything (great) to this music scene! The amount of crap bands releasing their own albums is huge, so why not add up to the amount of standard metal with this one, yeah! Here we have 14 bands from across the globe, all doing nothing to be that extra something. Standard Black Metal with piano or synth, Viking, Pagan stuff done the same way as seemingly millions of others have done the last 15 years. Wake me up before I say no, thank you! (w) (V.E.G.A) "Cocaine" Debemur Morti Productions This is quite strange. Well, the music isnīt that strange, just the way it is put together. Industrial, fast Black Metal with ugly vocals. But I think many of the nice riffs just ruin the whole wrapping, and also the synth. Ugly on the outside, but too boringly melodic on the inside? I donīt know, to me this isnīt working out favourably. They have some good ideas, but especially the guitar work comes across as dull and meaningless. (u) Voivod "Katorz" The End Records It was without any expectations at all Voivod was put in the player, and I have to admit I kind of like this one! Perhaps feeling a bit boring listening to the whole album, kind of prefer a couple of songs now and then. But itīs a fine Rock/Metal album, varied and cool. Itīs pretty traditional, not much experimentation, with normal vocals. And the vocals fit the music nicely. Voivodīs history goes back a long way and without wanting to sound crunchy, itīs definitely a band that gives the impression that they know exactly what they want with this. (u) Wallachia "From behind the Light" Dark Horizon Records This was previously released by Velvet music, but has been made available again. And once again I have to say that Wallachia is pretty interesting. I like the vocals a lot, pretty abyssal chants. Musically it floats off very nicely. Definitely an easy listening, balanced nicely with some catchy synth going hand in hand with the music. As a bonus at the end you will find four songs from their demo from 1996. (m) |
