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Suspended in The
Brume of Eos is the debut of this metal horde from Minneapolis,
Minnesota. In my view, this is a strong first release for the band
and it becomes quite apparent why Bindrune became interested in
them. Bindrune are known for having fine tastes when it comes to
melodic, epic and progressive sounding dark / black metal. They are
a label that releases in quality and not quantity, Obsequiae
continue the tradition. There are some wonderful twin guitar
harmonies going on, as well as some fine acoustic work, yet it is
always balanced structurally with a thought not towards making it
just catchy, but rather towards mapping out a long and winding
mental journey. They mix their dark metal sound with elements of
heavy metal, black metal and medieval folkish strains, so nothing
new there yet they do it more skillfully than most. Obsequiae create
songs with it, not merely a patch work quilt of influences. The
vocals are kept obscured in the back of the mix and at times are
sparsely used, but decidedly they are decidedly of the style most
often associated with black metal. The vocals are deployed in a
somewhat accompaniment type fashion rather than being a focal point
of their musical landscape. Suspended In The Brume is not just a
collection of songs, but as I said earlier a journey which must be
taken resulting in a wonderful album. – Dale
http://www.last.fm/music/Obsequiae
http://bindrunerecordings.com/ |
I am not foreign
to Falls music, but I do believe this is the first time I have
reviewed them. Something that struck me while listening to this is
that nothing really stands out from the rest of the instruments on
any of the three epic length songs. But that is clearly an
intentional and integral part of the musical concept that is October
Falls. From the vocals to the drums to the guitars, including
acoustic they work together to make a whole album an experience, no
one element strays from the goal of becoming one. You will surely
get lost within “A Collapse of Faith” as it carries you on a journey
through mental landscapes and emotional forlorn. It is up to you
whether or not you even care to return from this melancholic
sojourn. When reading back what I written above, it almost makes me
question is this even Metal? Before you read my words and begin
asking yourself the same question. The answer is most assuredly yes.
Right down to the growling vocals that also manage to melt into the
wonderful atmospheric tapestry. I loved the camp fire sounds
crackling, popping and hissing through the record and somehow just
like staring into a campfire. Just the sound of it sends me into
that blank stare we all share when the mind is wandering. Perfect
mood Metal. Check into this I say. – Dale
http://koti.welho.com/mlehto4/of/of.html
http://www.debemur-morti.com/
|
Russia's Old
Wainds are a band that has been flying under the black metal radar
for a few years now. I have heard the bands previous release and
instantly became a "fan" of the bands early 90's cold Norse style
and structures. Well the warrior's over at negative-existence must
have become a fan of this bands darkened brilliance as they have
re-released the 1997 classic "Where The Snows Are Never Gone". Eight
tracks of cold, Norse inspired blackness. The music is grim, cold
and fierce just the way black metal should sound. The vocals remind
me a little of early immortal and fit perfectly with the razor-sharp
guitar riffs and blazing drums. Fans of early 90's Norwegian style
black metal will love Old Wainds!! - Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/oldwainds
http://negative-existence.com/ |
The cover is
both weird and disturbing. I thought Opitz had a lot of hardcore
influence on their split with Rubufaso Mufako I reviewed previously.
It is still a very distinct element in their sound, but better
sounding / executed this time around. Though there also seems to be
a bit more of a death metal & thrash influence these days. Not to
forget the grind base that often shows up, especially in the
drumming. The guitar work still seems to have an American style to
it. I was about to write that I hear a little bit of Dismember in
their sound, only to realize the next track coming up was “Soon To
Be Dead” from that exact band. That is always a plus for me as I am
a huge Dismember fan. I think Opitz sound best though when they let
go with their death metal and grind sides and do not try to stay in
control as they do in some of their less exciting moments. When they
go frenzied it is their strong suit, in my opinion. On the vocal
side of things they alternate a few styles like dm growling, high
pitch nasal yells, hardcore grunts plus you get lots of sampled
spoken word type stuff that keeps things interesting. This material
definitely, for me, beats the shit out of the tracks Opitz had on
the Rubufaso split. Check this out. – Dale
http://www.myspace/khaaranus
http://www.bandzone.cz/opitz
|
So apparently
this is a promo disc to promote the upcoming album, which is set to
be released on Pagan Records (on a side note good to see Pagan still
going strong, I remember when the label first started with cassette
tapes). Pandemonium of course is a band I know pretty well, the
mention of their name harkens me back my tape trading days in the
early to mid 90s. I remember trading for dubs of their rehearsal
tape and classic “Devilri” 1992 demo tape etc… Hell yeah! I honestly
had not realized or known that the band had changed their name to
Domain from 1995 to 2004, releasing three albums then changing the
name back to Pandemonium. I thought they had just split up. This
promo also celebrates the fact that Pandemonium has been around for
20 years now; you have to fucking respect that. We get two new
tracks on here plus some vids for the computer to watch old live
tracks. I will stick to the two new audio tracks for this review. As
mentioned there are only two new tracks on here, “Black Forest” and
“God Delusion”, so not a lot to go on. These two fresh hymns I can
tell you are excellent. It is total old school death and black metal
that permeates the skull with malicious yet catchy dark riffing. You
just do not often hear stuff like this these days. I know old school
heretics will enjoy this. The vocals are two different sets, one
sounds like the muted emanations from the rotted vocal chords of a
zombie and the other is a mix of maniacal yells with a hint of black
metal rasp. Both sets of vocals are excellent and add a mood and
atmosphere to the music all on their own. It has been a long wait
for me to hear new Pandemonium material and I must confess it was
worth the wait. Prepare to be devastated! New album entitled
Misanthropy out soon, I can not fucking wait!! – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/pandemonium_pl
http://www.paganrecords.com.pl/ |
This Chilean
horde are probably best known for their 2008 full length Cult of
Destruction. Perversor have returned with this five song EP of
blackened death metal released on Hells Headbangers (US). The South
Americans seem to have a knack for coming up with metal in that old
school, down and dirty vein. The recording is dirty enough to retain
that underground vibe but clean enough to make out all the
instruments. The vocals remind me of that talk/whisper/heavily
effected black metal style. The guitars harken back to more of a
thrash style - reminiscent of Slayer mixed with early death metal.
This is good shit. \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/ (4 out of 5) – Mark Sugiyama
http://armour.hellsheadbangers.com/ |
This review in
some ways, for me at least is a foregone conclusion. As I am a
pretty die hard devotee going way back. In fact, it brings back some
feelings of nostalgia when thinking about ordering a cassette copy
of Weeping in Heaven with the live bonus tracks, back in 1992. What
an amazing release that was, it was just so sick, so evil and
drenched in black semen. Weeping… is still one of my all time
favourite releases to this day. So here we are almost 20 years
later! Holy shit I am old and so are these disgusting bastards.
Surely anyone reading this who has been in the UG scene for any
length of time already knows Profanatica and has a release by them.
Well let me tell you twenty years later nothing has changed, they
still sound more or less the same, and I am still loving it. It is
amazing after all these years that Paul and his minions keep going
and have not lost that sickness and still possess the same musical
putrid stench. I mean I have not seen any videos of Ledney jacking
off on the bible in a long time (my friend John actually filmed
that!). But I did see Profanatica live, I guess it was 5 or 6 years
ago now, and that was more than suitably vile to keep me under their
decrepit thumb for another couple decades at least. Keep on
Scourging and Crowning Profanatica! – Dale
http://profanatica.hellsheadbangers.com/
http://www.myspace.com/profanatica
|
Well that album
title is a mouthful. I bet they were patting themselves on the back
when they came up with it. From what I am just now reading
apparently this is a one man band from a guy that plays in Black
Funeral (I remember ordering their demo back in ’94, I did not
realize they were still active though). My initial reaction on the
first few tracks was some of this reminds me of Profanatica. Sure
enough the bio says the band are moving away from their past
Profanatica worship. I wondered if I just thought I was hearing that
since I had just finished reviewing the new Profanatica record.
Prosanctus Inferi definitely have that sound, but more of a
traditional death metal tone underneath the black blood affinity. I
think I hear a little early Morbid Angel influence going on in the
metal storm as well. It is a fairly monotone, one speed full ahead
type of affair, not that that is a bad thing. There is a certain
necro atmosphere on here that I like, reminds me a little of the
aura given off from the early works of Blasphemy or Incantation. You
know that sort of dark obscure hiss and suffocating feeling that
envelops you. The vocals are a rolling vomit unintelligible
murmuring and growl combination that melts into the background. Not
a lot of dynamics compositionally speaking on here, none too
original either yet somehow I quite like it. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/prosanctusinferi
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/ |
Ravencult wastes no time going straight for the attack with their
brand of barbaric blackened thrash whirlwind guitars intertwined
with a barrage of non-stop drumming. The band does slow down
throughout a few of the songs to give both the band and listener a
chance to catch their breath before attacking again with a barrage
of brutal riffs and beats. If you miss the sound of the early days
of black metal when the bands kept their sound simplistic yet
effective and evil then Ravencult is a band that should impress all
old-school maniacs.
- Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/ravencultbm
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
|
You got to love
how the UG scene works its magic. It takes a Swedish label to turn
me on to a band from New York City, only a couple hours drive down
the road. I am just now finding out as well that the main man behind
this band by the name of Czar, is actually S. Craig Zahler. I
remember this guy handing me a copy of his fanzine, at a metalfest
in New Jersey, many years ago. Then of course he went on to be one
the better writers for Metal Maniacs magazine. Anyway, Craig plays
drums and sings on Summon… His vocal delivery is sort of half spoken
/ half sung, not many bands do vocals like but I enjoy them. I have
a feeling they might be considered an acquired taste for some. Some
might find them a tad cheesy, but who cares about those people. He
has a sound of his own to his vocals, which in this day and age is
big compliment. The band delves into the fantasy world with their
imagery and lyrics. I think lovers of things like J.R.R. Tolkein,
Dungeons & Dragons, Robert Jordan novels / imagery and similar
things will dig that. Realmbuilder have that sort of dry, epic and
laid back style maybe a little like early Candlemass or Manilla
Road. The bio lists Morningstar as an influence. I could definitely
see that, I am a huge fan of their old demo tape Inside the Circle
of Pentagram. They are in a hurry to do nothing with their stripped
down and hypnotic sort of style. I have to be honest I am kind of
excited to see more and more of this style of classic NWOBHM and
classic epic doom, coming from America. It may be a nod to the past
in many ways, but I would argue that it also adds a fresh air our
scene needs and could use more of these days. With each and every
listen I find Realmbuilder draw me in just a little further than
before. I am quite addicted to their sound at this point. You should
be too. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/realmbuilder
http://www.ihate.se/
|
 
We are presented
with some classic doom metal / rock coming out of the fertile lands
of Sweden. I have to admit straight off the start, that upon first
listening, vocalist Josabeth Leidi got on my nerves and I did not
like her vocals. But I am finding upon each and every successive
listen, her vocals are growing on me more and more. They are very
unique sounding and really remind me of no other singer. It sort of
reminds me many years ago when I first heard Candlemass, I did not
like the vocals, but they also grew on me and eventually I grew to
love Messiah Marcolin’s vocals. I am getting the feeling that
Josabeth is beginning to have the same effect on me. As I mentioned
her vocals are so different sounding they add a lot of depth and
emotion to the music, it is like the lamp in a lighthouse cutting
through the veil of darkness leading in all the lost souls at sea.
The music itself is great as well, very classic sounding doom and
metal with each instrument played from the heart. There are some
fantastic guitar fills that help drive the song and just stick in my
head. I am truly enjoying this album more than I ever thought I
would upon first listen. Maybe that is something I should pass on to
potential listeners give it a chance, a few good listens before you
make up your mind on this band. I am surprised I have not heard of
Rise and Shine before, they have been pumping out demos, eps and
albums since 1993! On the other hand, this is their first new
recording in some five years, here is to hoping I can gather up some
of their back material one day. Until then I highly recommend this
to all classic hippie doom rock followers, such as fans of Trouble,
Spirit Caravan, Sabbath, Witchcraft... – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/flowerpowermetal
http://www.ihate.se/
|
One has to
mention off of the top that is a re-release and in this case the
original album first surfaced in 1992. Anyone who has read Canadian
Assault for a long time, knows that I love Root and I am devout
follower especially of their debut album “Zjeveni” which was a true
masterpiece of black metal. I was lucky enough to get a copy of
“Zjeveni” on the original limited vinyl pressing. It still to this
day is one of my most prized vinyls. “Hell Symphony” is the 2nd
record from Root and is kind of a transition record while it still
retains the harsh speedy black metal sounds of the debut. It begins
the slow march towards more of a heavy metal tinged blackened style.
Root had such a gift for writing atmospheric sounding sinister dark
riffs and they never worry about being technical or brutal just for
the sake of it. They are all about the feeling and atmosphere much
like the old works of Mortuary Drape for example. “Hell Symphony” is
almost ritualistic in some ways. One of the true gems and charisma
of Root’s sound has to be the awesome and distinctive vocals of Big
Boss. If you have heard Root before you know what I mean and you
will never forget and always immediately know it is Big Boss when
someone randomly plays a Root record. No need to ask who it is on
the stereo. The bio states that Big Boss is also the founder of the
Church of Satan in the Czech Republic. I did not know that
previously. This album definitely harkens back to the beginning of
the second wave of black metal and is an example of how bands had
their own sound and style much more in those days as opposed to more
recent times. As a bonus this version of “Hell Symphony” comes with
3 bonus live tracks recorded in Germany and the Czech Republic. If
you have never heard them before then you need to get this right
now. I hear they are re-releasing “Zjeveni” as well and I absolutely
command all reading this to make sure you obtain that one upon
re-release at all costs! – Dale
http://www.ihate.se/
http://rootan.net/
|
This is another
addition to the wonderful re-releasing series, of the early Root
back catalog. Which is an undertaking that is being lovingly and
professionally handled by the I Hate Records. “The Temple In The
Underworld” has always been an immersive journey for me, much more
than just another good album, it is like a favourite book or movie,
it takes you to places few other albums could even hope to do. Root
continues their progression from adrenaline infused cryptic black
metal speed to epic and supremely emotional heavy metal that always
keeps that dark edge. They start things on a light note with the
opening amazing intro and track “Casilda’s Song”. It is a rocking
song that loosens you up to prepare you for you’re ambitious voyage
ahead. The speed has been further slowed, but it really gives the
music room to breathe, it also provides the room for Big Boss to
truly stretch out and test the limits of his distinctive and
fantastic vocals. It never ceases to amaze me, the range of emotion
he is able to express with his voice, it truly is a superb
instrument all on its own and the Boss is learning to harness the
power in it. Once this album gets in your head, you get infected,
you can never forget it and will always long to return to its
embrace. I simply dare you to deny this. As with all Root
re-releases you get some bonus tracks tacked on as well. This time
you get the following tracks: “Poselstvo & Temnot (Messengers from
darkness version 1993)”, “My Name… (2001 version)” & “The Old Ones
(live at Praha)”. It would be impossible for me not to recommend
this master work to you. Now I just wait with baited breath for the
“Zejveni” re-release!! - Dale
www.ihate.se http://rootan.net/
|
We
have another re-release from the Root catalog and this time it is
“The Book” which originally was released in 1999. I am a little
confused why the re-releases are not coming out in chronological
order but I am sure the band and/or label has their reasons for
this? With this being the bands 5th full length record.
You can hear a progression in their sound. Starting with the vocals
of Big Boss, as distinctive as ever, here he stretches his lungs and
his range turning in a deep well rounded and charismatic
performance. I guess one could state they are less black metal
sounding than in the past. I mean I still find “The Book” to be a
dark and hypnotic record but I think it is fair to say Root are more
of a shadowy atmospheric heavy metal band in these days. It is
impressive to see a band changing directions and doing it so
seamlessly while keeping their dignity and quality largely intact.
Now if you really nail me down and ask which is better. I have to be
honest for me the early albums are better but the quality still
displayed here is undeniable and Big Boss pulls the album through.
They have taken things in a much more epic direction and feel. It is
even a little quirky (folk type influence – check out the track
“Corabeu” for confirmation) at times and can take a little getting
used to. You will need to invest some time into this album to fully
take in the art of sound woven into this release. Once again I Hate
records leaves no stone unturned and we get as a bonus the
pre-production demo versions of songs like “The Curse”, “Lykorian”,
and “Corabeu”. I have just read on the Root website that they plan
to record and release a new album entitled “Heritage of Satan” this
year, so keep an eye out for that. They released their first demo in
1988 and here they are still going strong in 2009! – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/ihate666
http://www.myspace.com/rootcze |
N. Imperial (Krieg,
et al) returns with this musical collaboration with John Gelso (Profanatica).
Released on Hell's Headbangers, this is a mix of old necro black
metal with a bit of early death metal mixed in. The songs have the
song structures that could only come from veteran's of the
scene. Too much musicality to be rookies. Songs played with
conviction. I'd like to see this become an ongoing band. The only
knock? Spelling Blasphemy with an E at the end. Leave that to the
metalcore bands. \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/ (4 out of 5) - Mark
http://theroyalarchblaspheme.hellsheadbangers.com/
http://armour.hellsheadbangers.com/
|
Rubufaso –
I
had not heard of this band before. But it is made up of current and
past members of a band I have known for a long, long time. Which is
Cerebral Turbulency, who is still going strong. I reviewed a
Cerebral Turbulency split tape 10 fucking years ago in the pages of
Canadian Assault! But I digress and onward to Rubufaso Mukufo. Quite
unsurprisingly they spew some grind with bouts of death metal. What
else do you expect from the great grind scene in the Czech Republic?
This is a pretty energetic affair going at light speed and sporting
a really great full sound in the recording. Rubufaso just destroy
everything and anything in their path with audio brutality. Some
really fine grind. Maybe I should not have said that, I want, some
coffee now.
Opitz –
This is another Czech band made up of members from an old band
called Contrastic. But honestly I have not heard this band before so
no special meaning for me. As far as Opitz is concerned, this is my
first taste. They definitely have a grind foundation, but wrapped
around, a hardcore influenced style, with even some jazzy type bits
now and again. It is really heavy and the drums grind wickedly. I
like some good hardcore when it is good. But honestly here it is not
that good and Opitz for me is not on the same level of Rubfaso. That
is not to say that Opitz is no good. They are a solid band and their
drumming alone will ground you to dust. The vocals and samples are
in Czech, which is actually kind of adds an extra level interest for
me. It kind of reminds me of greats like Master’s Hammer and Root in
their early days. The language has a sick and evil nature to it when
sung with anger, hate, darkness, depression behind the tone. But
leaving the vocals aside, I find Opitz to have an American, sort of
style to their sound. It just does not have the right mix of
hardcore, death and grind to satisfy me. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/rubufasomukufo
www.myspace.com/opitz1
www.khaaranus.wz.cz
|
I totally love
the design of the physical disc itself. It is actually a 3” disc,
but it is full size. The outer ring is transparent with see thru
artwork on top. That is a damn cool idea. The artwork is simple, but
still somehow reflects the audio horror within nicely. I will be
honest that it is easy to get confused where one band ends and the
other begins. There is nothing wrong with that though when both are
excellent and intense. Both bands play explosive diarrhea grindcore
that will make you want to dance around your house in a spazztic
blur punching the air and headbanging. I do not think I have had a
more intense 16 minutes in my life! The music is a blizzard of
amazing pounding drum work, steamrolling fast guitars and a rolling
amalgamation of growling, frog ribbiting vomit gurgles. It is
impressive how they can keep all of this lunacy controlled and all
headed in the same direction. But they do and it sounds fantastic.
It did not matter to me that it was only sixteen minutes and change
because I hit the repeat feature and just continued to rage over and
over for close to an hour and never once got tired of it. Though
when I was done, my body was destroyed from the beating. This is
really must own grind. – Dale
http://www.myspace/khaaranus
http://www.myspace.com/rubufasomukufo
|
This band from
the Czech Republic has released two splits before this full length.
Elements of grind are the order of the day here with some hardcore
mixed underneath as well. Short and to the point tunes, this is hard
to take seriously. The guitars are thick and heavy but the overall
presentation of the songs is just mediocre. Why bother putting time
and effort into a band only to come up with this? Next. –
Mark
http://www.myspace.com/rubufasomukufo
http://www.myspace.com/khaaranus |
Ruins come
running at us hard from the land of Tasmania in OZ. I must say the
vocals threw me for a loop at first and not what I had expected. I
would call them a cross between Tom Warrior of Celtic Frost and
Roger Miret of Agnostic Front. The first impression was the vocals
do not fit the music, but after some repeated listens, it is all
starting to mesh together for me and sounding more like a fit.
Speaking of the music think of a straight thrashy, less rocking
Carpathian Forest & newer Satyricon mixed with Celtic Frost and a
stop at the Goatwhore station. I see everyone calling them black
metal and there are bm elements to be sure. Yet, to me it is also
filled with a lot of thrash and death metal elements and far from
being a straight black metal band. The riffing is pretty simple, but
catchy enough and driving with a nice flow. The drums are pretty
sick, precise and slick. The production on this recording is pretty
much top drawer. “Front The Final Foes” is nothing mind-blowing and
nothing approach original or innovative. But it is still a good
album, if you like this sort of style, I am sure you will like it,
even if it likely replicates other albums already in your
collection. – Dale
www.debemur-morti.com
www.ruinsband.com
|
Not to be
confused with Australia's Ruins. This is a one-man band from
Germany. Ruins play a great mix of old-school speed metal and early
venom style black metal. Thrashy fast guitars, mid-paced drums that
switch over to hyper speed before calming back to a more mid-pace
sound. The vocals are gruff screams. Ruins are not creating anything
new on Chambers of Perversion but the songs on this release are
played with a lot of metal-aggression and passion for this style. If
you enjoy old-school blackened speed-metal then definitely check out
Chambers of Perversion. - Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/ruins666
http://negative-existence.com/
|
Some speedy
Finnish polished black metal with a strong death metal undercurrent
is what is on tap here. The production is heavy yet slicker than I
generally care for or look for, I have heard worse though mind. The
members of this band are involved in many different Finnish bands,
such as Uncreation’s Dawn, Evil Angel, Satanic Torment, Tuonela
etc... All of which I am mostly unfamiliar with, but might be a
point of interest to those reading this that are fans of said acts.
The vocals are a deep black rasp juxtaposed with a cavernous death
metal base and fit the music well enough. I feel like Sacrilegious
do not manage to create anything of an own sound and come away
sounding like so many other overproduced Scadinavian black death
bands, spewing out one after the other in the last decade or so.
Maybe that is your thing though? So many bands like this get signed
and spread around, so clearly there are many out there who worship
things done in this fashion. – Dale
http://www.hammer-of-hate.com/
http://www.myspace.com/sacrilegiousimpalement |
I actually
thought this was going to be a death metal band based on their name
alone. But what we have here is a Finnish black metal band.
Reminiscent of (Sweden's) Dark Funeral in places, this sounds like
something that would of come out of the late 90's or early 00's. A
four piece on this recording, the songs are unrelenting with enough
studio polish to make them raw but produced. An intro plus eight
tunes. A solid effort but in such an over saturated, been there done
that, market, it's hard for any black metal band to stand out.
Sacrilegious Impalement are a decent band but hardly remarkable. -
Mark
http://www.myspace.com/sacrilegiousimpalement
http://www.hammer-of-hate.com/ |
Hailing from the
far North come Satanist and their grim low-fi “Sadomasochrist” debut
album. So black metal from Alaska? I already feel an unpleasant cold
chill run down my spine just thinking of that combination. I suppose
I should clarify here that Satanist are a speed metal and black
metal combination. Which for me is just great and I would like to
see more of it. It reminds me to the early days of the second wave
of black metal when bands generally had more of their own sound.
They were definitely black metal but incorporated speed, thrash,
heavy metal and doom type elements into the bm sound. I think to
bands (and their early works) like Mortuary Drape, Necromantia,
Morning Star, Acheron etc… etc… The visuals that this record is
wrapped in are in your face with the cover portraying a crucified
christ flying with bat wings and possessing marks of Satanic
desecration and mutilation upon his skin. Then you get a bonus
poster inside of a naked nun pissing on a holy bible. The vocals on
here are excellent in my opinion. They are kind of more akin to dark
heavy metal or thrash vocals but sung at sort of a mid-pacing and
while they are evil sounding you can certainly make out everything
that is sung. They have ambient synth type interludes here and there
and that reminds me of the classic “Rites of The Black Mass” album
by Acheron. Though here it has a little different feeling to it,
more modern and not quite as classic and creepy as “Rites…”
Apparently these ambient sections have been contributed by the band
Absynth whom I know very little about. The guitars on here are so
speed metal that it almost aches but in a good way for me. It is
well done and despite this (speed guitars) they always manage to
turn in a cold black atmosphere on it all. “Sadomasochrist” is a
good album that I can recommend. For me though the only real
drawback is the drums, which are a programmed drum machine. Now I
have heard them done much worse but in general I detest drum
machines and that was an unfortunate black mark on the album. But do
not let that deter you from giving this a try because it is worth
it. - Dale
http://www.negativityrecords.com/ http://www.myspace.com/satanist666
|
These guys are
still around?! I have their 1986 album “Metal Hell” from my tape
trading days of old. I knew there was a Satan’s Host around, but I
had no clue that this was that same one! I am guessing with the gap
in releases between 1987 and 1999 that they were broken up during
that period. I just paused to read the bio, apparently they broke up
back then because drummer D. Lucifer Steele was murdered. For those
that do not know, this was the band of Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin of
Jag Panzer fame. But, he is no longer with the band, not that that
is a surprise. Yet, they carry onward today, as far as I can tell
guitarist Patrick Evil is the only founding member left. Now of
course they do sound a lot different now than that old debut album.
A record where they displayed, as you might have guessed a classic
and dated sound, but still solid darkened power metal. Nowadays you
they play a form of death/thrash metal sounding music still with a
definite old school heavy metal backbone running through it. The
vocals come off sounding the usual current black metal rasp mixed
with some dm growling undertones. Satan’s Host like it heavy, but
also pretty melodic in between the bouts of horrific brutality. The
production is good, really forceful and captures the power and
hateful emotion of the band. All in all, a well crafted record that
has enough dynamic to separate it from the masses in this style. – Dale
www.moribundcult.com
http://www.satanshost.com/
|
I always have
trouble with trying to review Metal dvd’s. I mean generally it is a
live dvd of material that has been released previously over multiple
past releases. So there does not seem to be much point in reviewing
the music. As far as the disc contents go... You do get a 7 song
live show basically. It is all very well done, Moribund should be
commended for their work here, as you get nice quality video shot
with multiple camera angles. The sound is crystal clear with nice
separation so there is no problem there at all. There is a horde of
bonus material present, including a bunch of bootleg videos shot by
fans at live shows. I am not sure the average black metal devotee
will necessarily want this, though I may be wrong about that, but
surely those who are already fans of Satan’s Host will get their
monies worth. A side note of interest for those who did not know
that Harry “The Tyrant” Conklin of Jag Panzer fame was in the band
in the 80s and reportedly recently re-joined! – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/satanshost
http://www.moribundcult.com/
|
Harry "The
Tyrant" Conklin, of Jag Panzer fame's, old side project that has
been resurrected for 2011. Pretty straight forward heavy metal with
Conklin's typical soaring vocals. In some ways it's nice to hear
this type of Maiden/Priest type of metal - brings me back to the
early 80's scene. Solid riffing throughout, time signature changes,
and elements of more modern metal are mixed in for good measure. In
other ways, there's no escaping the dated sound of the style of
metal (with modern production of course). But, having said that, I'd
much rather hear a band like this than metalcore crap any day of the
week and twice on Sunday. - Mark
http://www.myspace.com/satanshost
http://www.moribundcult.com/
|
Sectioned
introduce themselves with a solid salvo of old school death metal. I
can not tell for sure if they are based out of England where the
band had its origins. As there are full time members from the US and
Hungary it would seem. They do apparently get together and play live
gigs from time to time as well. Anyway, this album should conjure
influences of old greats (at least in my view) such as Grave,
Morgoth, Dismember mixed with old Floridian bands like Death,
Malevolent Creation, Resurrection and the like. I borrowed from the
bio on a couple of those influences, but they really nailed it so…
The riffing on here is fucking great, straight ahead ripping speedy
riffs that are catchy and memorable. You also get a dose classic,
well suited to the music guitar solos that really add some depth to
the compositions. The vocals alternate fairly evenly between nice
low guttural growling to higher gruff rasping vocals that are more
decipherable. I can see where those gruff vocals might be an
acquired taste for some, but for me they are excellent and really
fit the music. I must say this is some really quality stuff and
especially if you are an old school dm devotee as I am. Sectioned
has to be one of the best bands out of the UK since the almighty
Bolt Thrower and Benediction. – Dale
http://www.paragonrecords.org
http://www.myspace.com/sectionedx
|
|
This is the
third album from Semen Datura, but my first taste of their music.
Good god how does one go about even describing this record? I
suppose the base would have to be undoubtedly residing in the black
metal arena. But there are so many small bits borrowed from other
genres like thrash, traditional metal, industrial (mostly in some of
the vocals) and I swear some crust type stuff. But it is just little
tidbits and it is so seamlessly incorporated that it is kind of a
mind job. I mean when I read back what I just wrote above I would
think that sounds like shit. But truly, believe me, it is so
brilliantly done and integrity of the music and the flow of the
atmosphere is never compromised. It is remarkable how atmospheric
this record is despite some of the intense, caustic heavy (and
*gasp* even catchy) riffing and various elements. Semen Datura stay
in your face, but manage to produce a certain melancholy and
foreboding throughout their expertly crafted compositions. This is
also evident in the vocals which can be coarse and raw and even
going at times with the aforementioned processed industrial style
vocals. You would think this would destroy the atmosphere of the
music, yet somehow it compliments everything wonderfully and the
deep emotion stays intact despite the violence. It is also sung in
pissed off sounding German which sounds extraordinary to my
untrained ears. Sort of in the same way clips on death metal albums
from Spanish horror movies somehow sound that much more frightening.
The variety on “Einsamkeit” is pretty impressive and even more
impressive that Semen made it all work to perfection. You will never
be bored and they will always keep you guessing while blissfully
bathed in pure evil. None of the elements, riffing, vocals or drum
play anything you have not heard before. Yet they take those
unremarkable fundamentals and somehow manage to shape it all into
something exciting, progressive, regressive, organic sounding and
original. – Dale
http://www.atmf.net/
http://www.semendatura.com/
|
Shroud have
released nothing for the last six years. Now suddenly they release
two new full length albums as well as a live album. When the
inspiration comes, and the iron is hot you have to strike I suppose.
The album opens with a lengthy acoustic track and some sparse, weak
and cleanly sung vocals in the final minute. However do not be
tricked into thinking this is a stripped down folk album throughout
or something of that nature. The first track is quickly followed up
by a dirty and dark metal style played at a brisk pace with
shouted/growled vocals and a nice guitar solo or two. I like the
obscure and organic sound to the guitars on this record. The song
“Parting Of The Way” is interesting, it is some guy telling about
how he felt isolated, had his final walk and cigar. Then went home
and attempted suicide in the Dr. Kovorkian fashion, but at the very
last second as he was drifting off his hand (he makes it sound like
it had a mind of its own) pulled the plastic bag filled with gas off
his head. It is quite creepy and poignant and a little depressing.
An apt description that could probably be applied to this album as a
whole. Dark Meditations… is probably going to be an acquired taste
for some, it is an emotional journey that can come across as a
little unconventional at times. I personally found it to be worth
the patience required to explore this well crafted album. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/shroudofdespondency
|
The opening song
kind of threw me off track. It had sort of an epic symphonic heavy
metal feel and pace with the clean female vocals over the top. A
good track actually, but not an indication of what was to come both
in style and quality on the rest of the album. The rest of the album
is more mellow and resides roughly somewhere in the gothic symphonic
category with a heaping helping of Cello if you believe that. I
think the only thing I really liked about the album was vocalist
Riina as her vocals are much deeper and less sappy than most female
fronted bands in this genre. Having said all of that this style of
music is honestly not my thing at all. Silentium do what they do
very well, but I still do not care much for it I am afraid and will
not be listening to it again. Those that like and follow this genre
will likely enjoy it. – Dale
http://www.silentivm.com/
http://www.dynamicartsrecords.com/
|
Apparently this
is a re-mastered and re-released version of the bands 2009 full
length demo CD. Pissed On Ressurectine is a black metal album that
is a low key, heavy and dark record. Every now and then they abandon
that laying in the weeds or creeping mist approach / pacing and hit
you over the head with a dose of grinding blast beat sections. To be
honest those rapid fire interludes for me do not really fit the
music, they are used sparingly however, so I can not complain too
loudly. The vocals of Null I really like, they hover between mean
yells and really obscure sounding whispered growling. Much of this
record is driven by the riffing, which is kind of epic and keeps the
mind wandering in an old Burzum-like fashion. Though Slime do like
to throw in some unconventional parts or jolting bouts of aggression
and song structuring that do keep you guessing a little bit and add
some dynamics to the experience. Not you’re every day mundane black
metal band and this is a good album that is worth a listen. Are UW
Records going get a proper website? They are putting out a nice
roster of releases lately, but still only have this clunky long
address of a facebook page and an Email address to get the album
from. Hopefully they will be a little more accessible in future. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/slimeinthecurrent
uwrecords@cox.net
|
The second full
length release from this Swedish atmospheric black metal group. I
hesitantly use the term black metal for this band as they are more
in the vein of a metal band infused with folk metal, progressive
metal, and ambient elements. I'm mixed about this release. Parts of
it work well - bringing the listener along this path of longing.
Other parts of it are just filler. I get the sense the band is
trying to find it's sound but this album is one of the releases that
is caught in both worlds. Not black metal but not a pure atmosphere
album either. The production is lacking as the instrumentation is
all over the place. They really need someone to help them bridge
all their sounds together to create a cohesive piece of music. –
Mark
http://www.nordvis.com/
http://www.myspace.com/sorgeldom
|
This is some of
the better Motorhead worship I have heard since the mighty
Superchrist burst onto the scene like an artillery shell. Speedwolf
seem to like the Motorhead stuff that has the most punk-y type
elements to it and a little of that GBH / Amebix type of flavour.
The song titles should give you a further feel of what you get such
as “I am The Demon”, “Up All Night”, “Out on Bail”, and “I Can’t
Die”. This is total beer swilling, chopper riding hard rock and
metal party music. No nothing remotely ground breaking or bringing
anything new to the table and yes it is full on retro. But I am full
on retro myself and a classic sound is a classic sound for a reason.
But it is also a fun ride and devotees of all things Lemmy Kilmister
like will dig this. – Dale
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
www.myspace.com/speedwolfmetal |
I like the
energy and often manic pace on this record. The Stench is emanating
from Sweden and play rancid death metal. Maybe the first thing you
think of when reading that is classic early to mid 90s Swedish death
metal. Especially after reading band name, knowing they are Swede’s
and hearing the opening riff of the song “The Blackness”, it quickly
became clear that such assumptions were quite valid. Those lovely
oceans of rolling chainsaw riffs fans of this style love so much are
present here. The band I think of most when listening to them is
Dismember, but I am sure you could throw a number of others from
back in the day in the pot as well. The vocals themselves are not
too far many of the old Swede bands with that raspy shouted growl.
Stench know the value of a catchy heavy riff and slow down the pace
from time to time just enough to add some extra depth to their
sound. I have to say personally I enjoyed this record, but should
probably throw in the caveat that I am a massive die hard fan of
this style. I would say for those that like old style Swedish dm,
but are picky with it; you could probably pass on this. I just can
not get enough of it myself. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/swedenstench
http://www.agoniarecords.com/ |
An amusing album
title, which received a smirk from me. Then the music hit and it
wiped that grin right off of my face. I mean it is really simple
stuff if you strip it down, but holy shit is it ever angry and heavy
like a spiked fist to the face. The vocals are fuming with hatred
and are coarse, gruff sort of yelled growling, you can make out
everything said yet is still extreme sounding. The vocals are
honestly great and big part of the Styggelse sound and effect. The
first few songs on the record had me kind of jacked up on the energy
and fury. I must admit though it starts to wear thin after that
initial gut reaction. As I mentioned it is very simplistic stuff, it
all goes at one middle to fast paced speed, it never changes up,
never really adds much dynamic. Which as the album winds on makes it
sound quite repetitive and seems to have a hard time maintaining my
interest. Styggelse for me are a one trick pony, they do that one
trick pretty well, but when you are listening to that same
unchanging thing over and over for more than half an hour. Well it
grows stale. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/styggelse
http://www.unexplodedrecords.com/ |
We have some
Norwegian black metal on the block. It is always a pleasure to get a
bm band from ground that was so fertile and important in the second
wave of black metal in the early to mid ‘90s. After a bombastic
build up intro, we get hit with some harsh and straight forward bm
that possesses that cold feel mixed with a lot of energy and a
little keyboards. I never tire of this sound and you can definitely
hear some influence from early albums of Darkthrone, Immortal,
Marduk, Horna, Graveland type sound. I guess you could say the
guitars have a hint of a more heavy metal tone than some of those
bands. The vocals have that harsh classic bm rasp but I would say
Svartahrid’s singer annunciates his words a little more slowly and
clearly and you can plainly make out most of the lyrics. It is quite
an excellent job on vocalist Finn Tore’s part. The recording is good
it rides the line between having a touch of that old raw sound and
the newer era clarity, without going too far that way. It is good to
see some Norwegian bands keeping the old flame burning bright,
despite the freezing winds. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/svartahrid
http://www.soulsellerrecords.com/
|
I will give
them this much, this is different than the usual fair that comes
across my plate. There are some black metal style elements or
sections here, though sparsely used much of the time. The main
body of the Svarti Loghin sound is emotive flowing indie rock (some
might even cite british shoegaze influence). A style which is not
something I generally care to listen to or enjoy. Yet I can at least
admit they do what they do well. Svarti do have a poignant dreamy feel
or atmosphere that draws you in. There are times this mix works well
and others where it comes off awkward, and they seem to be trying too
hard to mix the vastly differing styles. The vocals on the title
track I found annoying and it sounded like they were trying
extremely hard to
be Pearl Jam. In fact that whole title track, you could throw out
the window and the album would be all the better off for the
subtraction. That song is just all over the place and even feels a
little country in some spots. I mean how, do you have softened Burzum like sections on the same album as that? It just should not
work and it does not work. The “Spirit Caravan”, Black Sabbath
cover, they use to end the album was a nice touch and a fitting way
to end. On
the one hand I want to recommend this for the originality and
atmosphere. But on the other hand, I expect most reading this will
find the annoying elements too hard to overcome. It is a mixed bag
for sure. – Dale
http://www.atmf.net
http://www.myspace.com/svartiloghin
|
I have had no
prior contact with the Swiss Sybreed. I must confess coming from a
long-standing traditionally extreme label like Listenable records.
It was a surprise to hear them release a record this commercial and
mainstream sounding. There are (nu)metal like rudiments from time to
time. That is about as heavy as “The Pulse Of Awakening” gets I’m
afraid. But mainly it is pop-ish, modern sounding rock with some
industrial sensibilities. There are minor and sparsely used slight
growls and filter effect vocals. But the main ones are very radio
poppy with the exception that they are quite annoyingly and heavily
nasal sounding. It is distracting in its awfulness. I mean do not
record an album when you have a severe head cold mate. Think of the
more commercial clean material from Fear Factory mixed with radio
rock bands, the kind that fall all over each to suck up to MTV.
Then, you will start getting a picture of what Sybreed are all
about. Personally if I never hear this album again it will sit just
fine with me. – Dale
http://www.listenable.net
http://www.myspace.com/sybreed
|
Tenebrae In
Perpetuum lurk out of the ruins in a deep, dark corner of Italy.
Tenebrae harken back to the mid-90s when a lot of bands were mixing
fast and harsh black metal with long and short melancholic
interludes. You know the slow, sort of haunting breaks with clean
vocals, introspective guitar passages with a touch of feedback and
reverb. During these forlorn passages it almost sounds like a
perverted church choir sort of haunting background atmosphere with a
trance quality to it. This album changes off between these two modes
quite consistently throughout the album with fairly equal measures.
They do this so much so that it becomes rather predictable after a
while and I found my interest and attention wandering at times.
Those transitions could be worked a little more smoothly. But the
talent is there, the song crafting is lagging behind, I am confident
that will come. It is
almost amazing how much this reminds me of the mid-90s and even the
production has that sort of feel. I guess that was intentional? The
vocals float around the background and are kept purposely low in the
mix. Which does in turn give them a slightly obscure quality and
seems work for them in my opinion. At the end of the day it is
fairly solid atmospheric black metal. – Dale
www.debemur-morti.com
|
Well unlike the
Tzun Tzu/Altars split disc I just reviewed. This release has enough
meat from both bands to sink my Zombie loving teeth into (okay I
admit to being psyched at the new AMC series The Walking Dead and
thinking about it). My point is in the end you do get a full album
worth of material. I always find interest in bands chosen to do a
split together. I mean are they just comrades that wanted to do
something together or were they chosen because their styles either
dovetail together nicely or yet again maybe the contrast is what
makes it interesting. I would say Debemur went with the simpatico
card on this one. Though both being essentially one man bands might
have played a part as well. Italians Tenebrae start things off and
take us away on some somber, mentally draining, yet relaxing
dissonant soundscapes. The vocals are really obscure rasping hisses
that melt into the guitar and add a creepy texture to their sound.
It all comes off sounding sculpted and shows a real feel for what
emotionally feels right, a real patience and maturity of the craft.
Back on North American shores, by way of Washington State come Krohm.
The sound on this half of the record is definitely not as full and
rich. So it takes a few a minutes to adjust. Krohm present a similar
melancholic, atmospheric scene yet the pace is slightly quickened
and not quite as laid back as Tenebrae. The synth has a stronger
foothold and can somewhat dominate the mix to slightly annoying
effect. This personally is not something I like, but does not ruin
the listening experience either, by any means. Krohm does make me
appreciate further the advanced craftsmanship Tenebrae displays.
Though Krohm is not immune to evoking a similar emotional response
and possibly an even more downtrodden one. I think those that have
the patience for and enjoy this style of ambient black metal can not
really go wrong with this release. – Dale
http://www.krohmcrypt.com/
http://www.debemur-morti.com/
|
I was sent a
link to download this album. I do not review a ton of link
downloads, but they described themselves as thrash crossover. A
style that is not very common these days, and a style that I have a
bit of a soft spot for. We’ll Show You Mosh, Bitch! comes as
advertised, ripping old school thrashing crossover in the vein of
DRI, Cryptic Slaughter, early Nuclear Assault mixed with some early
Slayer. The vocals are cool yelled gruff vocals in the old style
with enough of a Polish accent to give them a certain extra charm.
The drummer is a beast driving his drum kit straight through the
floor with blitzkrieg speed. This promo has just 5 songs from the
upcoming on Defense Records. If you love late 80s crossover, then
this hail storm of pissed off violence will not disappoint. – Dale
www.myspace.com/terrordomeband
www.terrordome.net.pl
|
This full length
release from Thornium is reminiscent of fellow Swedish black
metallers Dark Funeral. The band put out a demo and a full length
and then went on hiatus. This is apparently their second full
length release as part of their reformation in 2007/2008. Well
produced black metal. Maybe too well produced. Very clean with
massive separation with all the instruments. Rather predictable
guitar lines and riffs with plenty of blastbeats from the drummer. I
think one quality that separates average black metal from excellent
black metal is conviction. That feeling you get when you play a
bands music - that they mean everything they say and play. There
are bands like Thornium that, while putting out a decent release,
are missing that fire, that conviction, to go from average to
excellent. Perhaps the hiatus did them harm but in 2010, this
release could of been released by a hundred different black metal
bands. Thornium needs to dig deeper on their next album to find
that element that will separate them from the rest of the hordes. –
Mark
http://www.myspace.com/thetruethornium
http://www.soulsellerrecords.com/ |
This is a
compilation of old material, limited to 500 copies, from the rather
obscure Polish band Thrasher Death - circa the late 80's. Featuring
their '87 and '88 demos along with unreleased tracks, what you get
is very nostalgic thrash metal that reminds me of German thrash of
the time mixed with Slayer and Possessed. The riffing isn't the chug
chug of bands such as Anthrax or Metallica but much more linear and
somewhat sloppy - but that's part of the charm. All the instruments
can be heard - even the bass which is somewhat of a rarity. Of
course being demos, the production is rough but it fits well. Kind
of a cool trip through old times for those of us that remember the
old thrash scene (if you're reading this then most likely you do).
But, that's about it. Nothing much else to offer here.
- Mark
http://www.myspace.com/thrasherdeath666
http://www.ihate.se/
|
First off I must
say I love the cover artwork by Jon Zig, another fine piece from
him. Did I read right in another review that this Finnish band
started out as a Six Feet Under cover band?! I never thought much at
all of SFU and thought Chris Barnes really went downhill after
leaving Cannibal Corpse. So I am almost incredulous that a band
would be a cover band of that very average band. This is my first
encounter with Torture Killer and as I understand it, Chris Barnes
himself did vocals on their last record. Well alright then, not
starting off the best foot for me ha ha. So Barnes is now replaced
with vocalist Jani Sallinen who has quite a history it would seem
with being in many bands. Interestingly enough the vocals were
probably my favourite part of this album. They cool deep toilet
growls that are mean and scary sounding and really drive things
home. The music on the other hand, for me is just okay at best and
is ultimately pretty forgettable. Their sound definitely seems to be
rooted in the Florida dm sound of old and of course the SFU sound of
new. I guess if you like Six Feet Under then you might like this. I
will pass on it. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/torturekiller
http://www.dynamicartsrecords.com/
|
After releasing
a great mcd last year {...ever onwards also available on S.T.W} and
a split with Christ Dismemberment. The U.S war machine Towards
Global Holocaust are ready to unleash their debut cd Feuersturm. 9
songs of pure-war inspired metal madness. If you were lucky enough
to hear this bands previous releases you will know what to expect
but for those who are new to the band. T.G.H is a two-man band R.F.
{vocals, guitars, bass} and Blaash {drums, vocals} on Feuersturm the
band continues to defy being put into a certain genre or labeled. As
you probably guessed by the name of the band and cd the band is
heavily influenced by straight forward war metal insanity but there
are moments of more straight-forward death metal. And I hear a
bigger thrash influence in the guitars this time around.{T.G.H has
always had a thrash sound but it is much more front and center on
Feuersturm} Blaash's drumming has always impressed me with his
ability to play chaotic, violent blast beats but he makes them
memorable and even catchy in a few songs. Blaash is not all speed
and noise as he does slow down from time to time to catch his breath
and play in a mid-paced range with the guitars until he has caught
his breath and then attacks again with a barrage of chaos and utter
violent blasts. The vocals which are shared by both members are some
of the most unique and scary sounds ever recorded! With shrieks and
tortured screams. This is by Far Towards Global Holocaust's best and
most impressive work to date. Highly recommended to fans of chaotic,
violent war thrashing black/death metal. – Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/towardsglobalholocaust
http://scatteredtothewinds.com |
Trillion red are
a two piece from the U.S and the members have created a very
original and dark music style. Their are influences from the heavy
crushing doom riffs, but then the band also does have an aggressive
side speeding up the guitars a bit to a heavy metal/thrash feel with
a lot of progressive riffs and solo's intertwined within the duo's
madness. Also within the music is some experimental ambient
soundscapes that keep the listener guessing throughout the songs on
this e.p. This is a band that is not only hard but impossible to put
into a certain genre {which I believe is the way they like it} so I
will say this probably won't appeal to everyone. But I would highly
recommend two tongues ep to anyone who enjoys dark, extreme music
with a lot of variety. - Patrick
http://www.trillionred.com
|
It is hard
sometimes to get a very good read on a band, more less write a
review based on one song a piece from each band. At least the songs
are not short and the packaging the whole disc came in is fantastic
for this type of release. Altars kicks things off with an extremely
heavy death metal number entitled “Nepenthe… Sepulcher”, which is
cloaked in doomy metal trappings, which sets sort of an
introspective feel. But the pounding drums and extreme riffs do not
let you stay in that reflective head space for very long. Likewise
you get a wake up call in the form a hard smack going by the name “Kumosu”,
it hits from the first second with a blasting, drum barrage of death
metal played at break neck speed. There are some slowed down, subtle
breaks in this lengthy song, but they tend to only last five or ten
seconds. Then it is back to the attack over and over again with
bludgeoning bliss and guttural vocal emanations rising form the
murk. The whole release only clocks in at 13 minutes and still
manages to be quite a ride. You will really enjoy this if you put
the disc on repeat, as repetitive listens will not bore you despite
the length. Check this out, more goodness from the fertile grounds
of Australia. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/tzuntzu
http://www.myspace.com/altarsofficial |
Interesting
album title, and strangely it is hard to find much information about
this band online. The bio mentions that some of the members “have a
long history of performing the music of the black arts”. Well talk
about teasing you to wonder who these members might be and what
bands they were in previously or currently. I guess it is meant to
be kept as a sinister secret? The music on Beastificate has good
musicianship and is extremely slick melodic tinged black death
metal, played most often at breakneck speeds. You can definitely
hear the melodo metal Scandinavian roots of this Finnish band. It
has been a while since I heard them, but a meaner, slightly heavier
version of earlier Children of Bodom is the first band comparison
that springs to mind for some reason. Valoton tend to play it safe
and once you get beyond the first song, each subsequent hymn is
unlikely to surprise or intrigue you with anything adventurous or
off the beaten path. It is a heavy, fast and quite professional
album that honestly to my ear is so slickly produced that it is over
produced for my tastes and helps hide any own unique qualities of
Valoton. – Dale
http://www.hammer-of-hate.com/
|
Austria has always had a very strong, but at the same time an
underrated scene to me. Whether it is a more atmospheric gothic,
dark metal band or more straight forward blackened death band the
bands have always been at least good. Well Varulv can definitely be
put in the genre of violent, straight forward black/death. The band
uses and shows a lot of musical talent and potential with the
song-writing on Hellish Presence. Filled with semi brutal
black/death metal guitars and thunderous pounding drums roll through
like a tank rolling its way into battle. The vocals are equally as
powerful and evil sounding with a deeper, gruff death metal growl
and harsh black metal shrieks. The overall sound is violent and
angry but the band does add some melody in some of the guitar
structures to give Hellish Presence that exact feel and sound. With
the brutal. violent black/death mixed with some melody it creates a
very dark and eerie piece of metal art. Varluv are a band you will
be hearing a lot about in the future. If you’re a fan of blackened
death metal with a dark atmosphere then definitely Varulv are a band
you will want to hear and own today!! - Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/oldwainds
http://negative-existence.com/ |
It is good to
receive some US black metal. I have not heard much in recent days
coming from this territory. Vetus Obscurum is a new band made up of
three members who have been in the past or are currently in a whole
host of bands such Abazagorath, Drawn & Quartered, Infester, Krohm
etc… Apparently mainman Numinas of Krohm felt this material did not
fit with Krohm so the “Blood Revelations” release was born. Vetus
play some excellent black metal in the early 90s Scandinavian
tradition (Darkthrone is one of many that come to mind) and carry on
the tradition left by a great American band like Judas Iscariot.
Anyone who reads Canadian Assault regularly knows I am a hopeless
slave to this style, no matter how many times I hear it, as long as
it is well done, I appreciate the hell out of it. Vetus Obscurum is
no different and this cold blast of cryptic black metal done in the
traditional way gets my seal of approval. I guess the only real
drawback here is the release is only about 23 minutes. So hopefully
the price reflects that. But this is well worth your time if you are
disciple of this style, as I am. – Dale
www.debemur-morti.com
www.myspace.com/vetusobscurum
|
I must admit
Hammer of Hate do a really professional job with the packaging on
their releases and presentation of their bands. Not to even mention
that I am finding their releases reviewed far and wide in the UG
scene, good news for the bands on their roster. It is always
interesting though from one release to the next the difference at
times. I am talking about the recording here, the last Hammer band I
reviewed Sacrilegious Impalement had an almost sickeningly slick
glossy production. Then we have Sielunmessu from Vitsaus and it goes
in the other direction with an extremely raw, low-fi old school
early 90s black metal production. This might be far at the opposite
end of the scale of some people interpretation of a quality
recording. But I prefer the sound on this album to the pro tools
lacquer spread across many releases in recent years. You know in so
many reviews when I say well if you can not get enough of this style
then get this. That applies with Vitsaus, who throw at us a freezing
flame of creepy Nordic black metal in the early 1990s tradition. I
can not help but think of bands like Horna, Graveland, Darkthrone,
early Emperor, Judas Iscariot and the like. I am sure some will find
this derivative and over done. As for me I never tire of the cold
and sick black atmosphere created by this style. Just give me more
and more until death. It is funny I mentioned Horna as I have just
discovered Horna’s drummer plays drums and guitar in this band. Hail
Finnish black metal! – Dale
http://www.hammer-of-hate.com/
http://www.myspace.com/vitsausofficial |
Well now, this
is something different than what I have been getting to review
lately. Not to mention something a little different for Hells
Headbangers to release. We have before a horror themed punk rock
band. You will immediately have to think of The Misfits, Samhain and
Danzig (to a lesser extent) when you hear this. Now this might be
partly due to my shallow knowledge of the genre that I am not
summoning up more influences to list. But those influences are
prominent and I do not think the band could or would deny them. I
mean the vocalist even sounds an awful lot like early Glenn Danzig.
The song titles and lyrics draw me in right away being a huge horror
movie hound. I mean there is even a horror movie name as one of
their song titles with “City of The Living Dead”. You have got to
love it or at least I do, at any rate. Everything is done in a
pretty serious sounding way though and they try to capture the
frightening terror of the genre as opposed to just doing a spoof on
it like some bands, not taking it seriously. The Late Hours is a
pretty rocking album, they keep the pace quick, with some nice
guitar fills to keep things a little fuller, so to speak and not so
thin like some punk bands tend to be. The lyrics and choruses are
pretty memorable and you can sing along with them. Not sure what
else to say, they are not a total clone or anything, but again if
you like The Misfits and Samhain then I am sure you will dig this,
just remember to bring a shovel and headstone with you. – Dale
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
http://www.thevladimirs.com/
|
Volturyon hit us
up with their sophomore record and my first listening of this
Swedish group. Maybe you are expecting some old Swedish death metal
or perhaps the newer melodic Scandinavian sounds? You would be wrong
on both counts. What Coordinated Mutilation is all about is
brutality and I am talking about brutality of the American kind. I
think it would be fair to say Cannibal Corpse is a big influence on
these guys and a template for their music. Sure it is derivative,
but it is also executed quite well and Volturyon hit you with a
barrage of barbwire wrapped riffs, some excellent drum work, the odd
guitar soloing and caged bear adrenalized vocals. I enjoyed it. But
let’s be honest this is really only for diehard fans of vicious
American death metal made popular in the 90s. Then again if you are
shopping the United Guttural catalog then you already worship this
style of violent storm. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/volturyon
http://www.unitedguttural.com/
|
This Australian
old school thrash/death band has been around for years. Several demo
releases along with an EP, a full length, and a live album. This is
their second full length released on Hell's Headbangers (US). I'm a
guitar player. I can appreciate the old fucking metal tone Death
Dealer (vocals/guitar) got on this recording. His playing style is
on the sloppier side of things but that's okie - it fits the band
nicely. This ain't a progressive metal band! Overall, a decent
effort although the vocals get weaker and weaker upon listening. I
would rather hear Death Dealer scream it out then talk/whisper with
effects. \m/ \m/ \m/ (3 out of 5) - Mark
http://www.myspace.com/thevomitor
http://armour.hellsheadbangers.com/
|
Well what can
one say about Vulcano. They are a legendary band among the extreme
underground and they are from the well respected Brazilian scene.
This is the come back album for Vulcano. I believe it was first
released back in 2004, but only in South America. So this is the
first time it has seen the light of day and the dark of night
worldwide. So cheers to I Hate Records for making this possible.
Well 14 years of inactivity is quite the feat to attempt to over
come. Yet Vulcano have appeared to do just that with “Tales From The
Black Book”. With this album they have left some of the old chaos
and mud behind. That might disturb some but I am quite satisfied
with this refined sound. But the old spirit is alive and well and
this album is a truly dark piece of work. It ensconces you with a
suffocating atmosphere of middle pace music propelled by dark
brooding riffs and decipherable maniacal vocals that give you that
wonderful dirty South American feeling that many of us worship. The
all important head bang factor is present on this album and I could
see it ruining some necks in a live setting. It may not be as good
as their early classics but all things considered and the time that
has passed this is a damn fine come back album. Now it has been 4
years so when do we get to hear the follow up record? – Dale
http://www.ihate.se/ http://www.myspace.com/vulcanobrazil
|
Well the name
for this Finnish metal band certainly is interesting as it stands
for Wisdom Through Agony into Illumination and Lunacy. They have an
interesting sound, it is sort of like one long doom riff slowly
played over and over with moody obscure but clean vocals and
minimalist drumming as a backdrop. There are black death vocals as
well and at times it sounds slightly black metal mixed with their
extremely dark doom metal constant. The vocals are in the old
Swedish tradition and remind me to Grave or something along those
lines. There are some more upbeat, heavy metal-ish sounding doom
moments in the latter portion of the album and that sounds good as
well. But the plodding, gloomy atmosphere is the bands forte. I have
noticed this album getting some so-so reviews but to honest I think
it is fantastic. They sound like a lot of bands you have heard in
the past, but manage to morph it into something of their own with
their shrouded style / sound and feeling. Take a look into this
sickness, it will change you. – Dale
http://www.ahdistuksenaihio.com/
|
Hungary's Wall
of Sleep return with their fourth full length of doom laden metal.
The first thing that stood out to me was the production - clean,
punchy, yet a little retro - a good balance for a doom metal band.
As for the music, it's good. The vocal delivery doesn't gel with
the music to these ears. It's not bad at all but it's missing
something to really take the band to the next level. Almost like
the music is first and the vocals are second which should rarely, if
ever, be the case. I smell a bit of cheese in the lyrics but that's
easy to over look. Overall, a fairly solid release from beginning
to end. - Mark
http://www.myspace.com/wallofsleepdoommusic
http://www.psychedoomelic.com/
|
I have always
found the French scene to be a pretty diverse and interesting one.
It is not really a scene that you can pin down either and say has a
sound that represents many of the bands. Way to End, enjoy employing
a lot of diverse and quirky melodies and rhythms that almost sound
mental, but brilliant at the same time. In some spots it reminds me
of another very old quirky band named Disharmonic Orchestra and
possibly even a dash of early Pan-Thy-Monium. Though with WTE, they
tend to keep things darker, more atmospheric and introspective as
well. The vocals are a combination of growling and rasps, but they
are buried into the mix and kind of melt into the whole musical
tapestry. Which is likely for the best and possibly the only way
vocals could be employed on this record and work well, in my
opinion. If you had them contrasting and playing above or alongside
the music it would effectively kill the wonderful atmosphere they
worked hard to create. I think it is fair to label the band as black
death metal. Yet, as you can see from my description above there is
a lot more than just that going on here. I am really liking what I
am hearing here and find myself going into a cerebral trance under
its apocryphal, discordant and enchanting guidance. You must be
prepared for a depressive and almost emotionally confusing ride with
“Desecrated Internal Journey”, yet it is one that you will be
compelled to take and if your mind can handle it you will be better
off for it. In more simple terms this album is a depressing,
draining, dark and desperate psychological mindfuck that you will
want to take again and again. – Dale
www.debemur-morti.com
www.myspace.com/waytoendmetal
|
Always good to
get releases from my hallowed homeland of Canada. This is even more
special I suppose since this band is from the same area I grew up in
and where I cut my teeth in metal and the underground. I found it
interesting to read the founder of this band had moved to Bangledesh
and recorded this bands initial demo and ep, then moved back to
Canada, picked up more members and we are now on album two. Weapon,
are a marriage of old dark death metal and olden black metal and it
is superbly combined. The bands citing of the early works of Morbid
Angel and Mayhem are a good ones when naming some influences. Speed
and angry fury play big parts in their sound, but they know the
value of a good riff as well. The drums are a great pounding
barrage, as to be expected when you have my old acquaintance Paulus
(Sacramentary Abolishment, Rites Of Thy Degringolade, Warmach etc…)
lighting up the kit like a military bunker that has been targeted
from all sides. The vocals of founder Vetis Monarch are a
frightening blend of muffled growl and obscure gruff hiss and fit
the sinister and oppressive atmosphere the music wraps around you
superbly. An impressive release and band, I only wish now I was back
home so I might be able to witness this in a live setting. – Dale
http://www.weaponchakra.com/
http://www.agoniarecords.com/
http://www.theajnaoffensive.com/ |
This is some
dark acoustic folk music recorded between 2002 - 2006, with some
unreleased material from 2009 - 2010. Acoustic guitar and
vocals. Being a musician, I can appreciate the chord patterns at
times within these tunes. Very folk oriented. But, the vocals
though? They stink. Goodness. At least Erik E is in tune but when
you have such stripped down instrumentation, the voice has to carry
the tunes. Period. The melodies, delivery, and emotion are just not
there in my opinion. Most of the songs start with a chord pattern
that sets up the vocals. Then he starts singing and the tunes just
fall apart. If an outside producer was involved, he should be
reprimanded in the worst way. It's his job to red flag weakness in
an artist and help mask those areas of need. It's hard to take such
music seriously if you're going to use such bad vocal lines. I
think, as a folk album, this could of been decent as an instrumental
album - but, please, Erik, develop your vocals if you decide to
pursue more of this genre. I would also suggest add a little more
percussion on future releases. There are some tracks where the
percussion adds to the soundscape. Explore this further and the
tunes will improve - sound wise. Thankfully the last tune just
played. Now I can listen to some quality music - which isn't Weh.
- Mark
http://www.soulsellerrecords.com/
|
I read a review
online of this album. I could not agree more with the opening of
that review. It is stated that melodic death/black metal bands from
Scandinavia and Europe in general are a dime a dozen. The difference
here is Withering Soul hail from the States and they do have a touch
of an American sound. But for the most part they sound like every
other boring band from overseas. I guess I am just not and never
really have been the biggest melodic death fan. I like a few of the
excellent original bands. But after that I really lost interest in
the scene and it all sounds so interchangeable to mine ears.
Something that makes it even worse for me is Withering Soul like to
absolutely drown this sound / style in heavy keyboards, only
compounding my apathy towards No Closure. I think my (only)
favourite part of this album is the killer guitar solo / fill on the
song “Possession of Deception”. A little sad if that is the
highlight of the album. Suffice it to say I will not be listening to
this one again. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/mortalmusic
http://www.myspace.com/witheringsoul
|
This was not
what I was expecting just based upon the bands name and the label
that released it. I had imagined beforehand that Wizard’s Beard
would be a cleaner, classic old doom heavy metal band. I was instead
immediately taken aback by the sheer anger and hate that drips from
this album. This level of adrenalized vitriol is usually reserved
extreme thrash, death metal or grindcore played at break neck
speeds. I mean every now and then there are short sections of a
moderate level of quickness. But for the most part it just amazes me
they can give off such harsh and destructive energy playing such
slow, plodding doomy pace. The vocals on here are just as scathing
and raging, sure to will peel paint from your wall. The song writing
on Filth is a rather simple formula, but it is executed with such
feeling and preciseness that the end result really delivers the
goods. I would not even really know who to compare this band with?
Maybe Cavity and Iron Monkey mixed with Disembowelment, and a dose
of the quirky off-kilter rhythms you get from something like old
Pungent Stench. I liked on the opening track “Paint The Skies” where
the bassist drops out of lock step with the rest of the instruments
to do his own thing laying down some killer bottom end chug.
Definitely recommended for fans that like both death / doom and
sludge metal. – Dale
http://www.wizardsbeard.co.uk/
http://www.psychedoomelic.com/ |
I love the cover
artwork, it fits very well with a classic doom metal record. I think
that would look good on a vinyl LP cover size. I mentioned doom
metal, which to those who do not know much about The Wounded Kings,
is exactly what you will find lurking within The Shadow Over
Atlantis. The bio included explains the meaning behind their
moniker: “The Wounded King, also known as the Fisher King, is a
figure in Arthurian legend and guardian of the Holy Grail whose
kingdom suffers as he does”. Good to know for those of us that have
not brushed up on the legend. Their music and imagery also reminds
me of what a soundtrack, to many of HP Lovecraft’s classic novels,
might just sound like. Musically TWK for me, fall into the realms of
old great bands such as Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, Count Raven
and maybe even a little hint of something like Spirit Caravan (I was
lucky enough to be at their final show and it was fucking great!
Yeah a useless bit of information for you…). This is a very
hypnotic, sort of reflective cerebral album and you get lost in it
quite easily. I like it when an album can do that to me. It almost
feels ritualistic as much as just a journey inducing music. These
songs are pretty epic sounding with some clocking in over the ten
minute mark. Though there are a couple of short mood setting kind of
songs, but the rest are no shorter than eight minutes in length. The
vocals are also hypnotic as well, they really have no range most of
the time, no excited high shrieks or dynamic changes, rather they
drone along like the music, they are quite spellbinding for me and
fit the music nicely. I suppose some might find this drone a bit
monotonous or repetitive, but I find that is one of its strengths
here and the flow of the songs keep it moving in the right way. I
think this album is one that is really for doom fanatics like me
rather than those that just dabble here and there. I can recommend
this wholeheartedly to fellow doom mongers for sure. This is my
first experience with The Wounded Kings, it was a good one and I
hope not the last time we cross paths. – Dale
http://www.ihate.se
http://www.myspace/thewoundedkings2
|
The Wounded
Kings make a welcome return to the pages of Canadian Assault. I
reviewed their last album The Shadow Over Atlantis and was a fan of
it. It is the quality we come to expect from I Hate Records. TWK are
doom metal through and through, in the classic style and tone,
drifting through the air like smoke, you can see it, taste it, smell
it but it deftly seeps through your mind and your hands if you try
to capture it. In The Chapel Of The Black Hand is an extremely
hypnotic expedition of the mind, but also an exploration of the
soul. These are the deep, reflective thoughts and feelings that
course through me while listening to this album. It is so difficult
not to get lost in it all and I am not sure I even care to find my
way back. Yeah bro this album just fucking does things to me that
few bands can achieve to this level. On the last album I compared
them to bands like Solitude Aeturnus, Candlemass, Spirit Caravan,
Black Sabbath (not as rocking though but the melancholy aspects) and
I think those still stand to give the reader just a basic outline.
But The Wounded Kings now more than ever sound like they are
starting to forge their own sound, no not so different than those
others mentioned, but to the point where it simply sounds like The
Wounded Kings. The vocals of Sharie Nyland much like the music are
pretty are hypnotic, deep, with a soothing sound that is pretty
spellbinding all on it’s own. They do not over use her vocals
though, they are there when needed and appropriate, but can also
disappear for long stretches as the instruments weave and intertwine
their silky web. The production on here is understated as it should
be, everything sounds perfect. I understand that band founder Steve
Mills had to put together a whole new line up since the last record.
That is amazing that they came out the other end of that experience
sounding better than ever. Beyond recommended and one of best of the
year! – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/thewoundedkings2
http://www.ihate.se/
|
This Dutch band
plays straight ahead black metal. After the keyboard intro, the band
tear into it. The four piece have that rawness to their sound,
particularly the guitar player, that brings back memories of the old
90's BM bands. "Haatstorm" is their only full length from 2010,
after releasing several demos. This release actually reminds me more
of the French BM scene than anything - which ain't a bad thing. I'm
liking it. Personally, I would of dumped the intro and outro and
just came out of the gates blasting. If you're in the mood for no
frills black metal from yesteryear, this one will do the trick.
- Mark
http://www.heidenshart.nl.nu/
http://www.myspace.com/zwartplaagblackmetal
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