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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
|
Coming to us by
way of Germany is Paradox. I have to admit it took me a couple
listens to get acclimated to the vocals of Charley Steinhauer. At
first I really did not care for them but they continue to really
grow on me. They sort of have a raspy and ballsy quality to them.
Though you can hear Charley trying to be a power metal style clean
singer and most of the time he hits his mark. Just going on face
value and not scratching the surface this band appears to have it
all. They are talented, skilled on their instruments and write some
great riffs, along side some nice solos. So what is the problem?
They just seem to lack the natural feeling and instinctual flow of
what makes a good song. They need an architect in the band to flesh
things out and that appears to be missing. There are times when they
go too fast or not fast enough when the song is begging for the
opposite. Then there are times when they have a good thing going.
Then cut it short and get in a big rush to cram in an unnecessary or
out of place section / transition. Some of the really clunky lyrics
contained on this album do the songs no favours either. I would say
all of this will come with time if it were a young band that got
signed too quickly. But Paradox has been in existence for 20 fucking
years!! Ouch…
– Dale
www.paradox-bangers.de www.afm-records.de
|
Wow, what a bio,
evil as fuck, but let’s face it. 4 pages isn’t gonna score you any
additional acclaim here, you may actually lose some over it! We’re
busting our asses and we sure as shit don’t want them kissed! Let’s
stick to the meat and potatoes; meaning the music. PS are
Australians gone Scandinavian as EAD contains 3 releases, put into
one, all recorded in MMIII with Balam, Wraith, and Merrim. The
ungodly ‘The fate of all that Lives’ opening this CD up. This is
true ‘necro’ in sound as was Emperor’s ‘Wrath of the Tyrant’ (low
production, loud percussion, etc…) creating pure, early ‘90s BM
which is talented, melodic, hateful and most of all unique. Ever
hear that low-produced BM kick’s ass compared to high end
production? It’s true. Not too fast nor slow, this definitely
showcases some of the rawest, acidic infected vocals in BM,
separating PS from the pack of sound ~ alikes and trendies. This is
the shit, unlike “Part II: Embrace After Death”, and I may note that
although it’s a full length, we only have 3 songs here. EAD see’s PS
straying from their sound with higher, yet still infectious vocals,
yet more faster, like many other bands doing the same today. No it’s
not a repeat release of another band as they manage to be lost
somewhat beyond the perimeter spoke of in Pt I. The longitude of
each track is 7 to 9 minutes, so it sits fairly well, I’m not
complaining like a bitch still dominates the second entry. Fuckin’
“A” on the intros as well! The drawback is the bonus EP, “Putrify”,
done in MMIV. This is when Pestilential threw themselves in the same
sound as everyone else. It’s likeable because it’s included with 1
and 2, and yes, this trio’s headed downhill, especially when the
vocals lose their meaning. Buy this for the ‘cult’ worthy
recordings, because it’ll be gone next time around. Goatwarex shall
release tape editions and a full length as this CD is limited to as
many copies as they see fit, and such fans need only apply. Dying
and PS discography have much in common. Sight is the first, followed
by taste, then smell and you can hear everything up too the end;
catch my drift?
-
Clayton
www.antilife-plague.cjb.net www.asphyxiaterecordings.com
info@asphyxiaterecordings.com
|
Ride For
Revenge
– Kind of remind of the slow / middle paced crawl through the
darkness that some of the early Greek black metal bands, such as
Necromantia churned out. Maybe you could even call them Beherit
played in slow motion. There are not many bands that cross my path
these days play this sort of vein, it makes me really appreciate
those precious few which do. Slow, atmospheric (nope no synth laden
rubbish) and yet simplistic dark blackened metal, with great
obscure, murky vocals. I need to keep my eye on this band.
Torturing
– Imagine, if you will a rawer and loose version of Immortal on
their 1st LP. Toss in some old school thrash influences
and mix in insane screaming vocals ala early Burzum. I must say they
have great energy, dark energy. I believe they have a full length
album out on Aura Mystique now that might be worth checking out!
– Dale
www.bestialburst.blackmetal.fi/
bestialburst@blackmetal.fi
|
Thergothon,
Winter, Disembowelment nor anything considered as death / doom, my
Satanic ass! Damn bios. Just because this NY outfit is colder than a
witches tit, let alone a whore’s heart, it seems all hate this 1999
re-issue. I shan't ever follow my fellow opinionated writers for the
sake of it, I have my own ears. Remember 78 records? (I do – Dale)
Take a 78, play it on 33 1/3 and that’s how the vocals sound like,
which I enjoy as it fits with thee most doomiest, damnable and
darkest music ever made. There is no wrong with change in metal less
it be rap, jazz, hip hop etc… This is testimony of how you will be
deprived of a ‘better’ life in death, because it ain’t true as our
‘After lives’ will have this horrid life lack beautiful and Rigor
joins me in telling you all that we are fucked for infinity. So
enjoy what pathetic life you have left you miserable fucks, because
when it’s gone, so are we! What the fuck, my critics? I wasn’t aware
of impute rules that every had to be exactly alike. Rigor do not go
against general rules, nor the band wagon, nor does it go against
the grain. Negative in all nocturnal intense hatred for all things
laced with pleasurable pain is what this is all about, fuckin’ “A”!
The new wave of positive thinking has taken over, indeed. Don’t
disappoint me all of you underground clowns ~ this is what it’s all
about, now buy or die! – Clayton
www.paragonrecords.net info@paragonrecords.net
|
Rigor do play or
in their case a better word might be encompass your traditional doom
metal. You will not hear the classic Sabbath sounds or the slick
synth infusion of later day My Dying Bride for one example. No
Sardonicous have a style that does not really sound a lot like
anyone else but it is slow and suffocating and it is immense doom in
every sense of the word. It is plodding and apocalyptic and the dark
snails pace actually manages to accentuate and make you forget that
they use a drum machine (as drum machines generally sound awful in
fast bands IMO). The vocals are extremely obscure and so much so
they almost melt into the background like they are part of the
scenery rather than meant to be a focal point of the musical whole.
I guess my only complaint and it is a minor one would be the
recording could be a little fuller and richer to take full effect of
their permeating style. The recording is just a tad thin but having
said that it is not always easy to achieve on a budget. A lot of
bands claim the title graveyard metal but Rigor Sardonicous actually
achieve it in their unique doom-y way.
– Dale
http://www.smilingdeath.com
rigor@smilingdeath.com http://paragonrecords.org/ |
This would in
point of fact be my first encounter with Riphead but surely not my
first crossing of paths with it’s members. Two of Rip’s founders are
from the respected old death metal band Ton and their singer is an
old acquaintance of mine in the form of Andrew Parrish, formerly of
the band Halomachine, not to mention editor of such print fanzines
as Metal Union & Cult ‘zine and if that is not enough to occupy this
die hard’s time, he runs the UG record label Morbid Souls. Riphead
keep things on the simple side but that does not stop them from
taking you places, they paint portraits of societal decline with a
deft brush dipped in hatred. A little rough around the edges but
these monsters from the land of the Blue Jackets show plenty of
promise, I will keep my eye upon them. Drogheda on the other hand is
something I know like the back of my hand or at least I used to. I
was way into these grind animals for years, hence my interview with
them in issue 3 of Canadian Assault, however I had heard nothing new
from them in years and was uncertain whether they were still in
existence really. The more things change, the more they stay the
same and Drogheda have done just that, it is like traveling away
from home for a long period and knowing that recliner in front of
the stereo that has your body impressed into it from years of use
providing intangible comfort, the pocket on the side has your
fanzines, porno mags, tissues and vibration remote and it is like
you never left. The same can be said about Drogheda, they sound
exactly the same after all these years and I am okay with that, who
fuck wants a blasting semi-catchy monster grind band to progress?!
Not me and when it is continually delivered with this sort of
ferocity, memorability and cantankerous crusty dirt that is all that
matters! Hails to Drogheda the pigheaded bastards from Ohio’s
armpit, they play grind the way it was meant to be – pissed off with
every song taking about long as you do with your girlfriend, 2 ½
minutes or less! – Dale
Riphead =
cultfanzine@yahoo.com + www.riphead.cjb.net www.extrememilleniumentertainment.com
|
It seems as if
it has been an eternity since I have heard a new Rites of Thy
Degringolade release. I have been guilty of not keeping as close an
eye as I could have upon them. Long time readers of the Assault will
recall I interviewed this band, on the strength of their great demo
tape, back in issue 4. A quick history lesson for those not in the
know, Rites rose from the ashes of a great old Canadian band named
Sacramentary Abolishment (interview in issue 1!) and the other half
of that band went on to form Axis of Advance. I would posit Rites
have gotten more technical over the years, I am not sure you could
call them a black metal sounding band any longer. Oh yes, it is dark
music and yes it has an occult feel but to me it is much more rooted
in death metal and old extreme thrash on “Totality”. I would say
think if newer Gorguts had reproduced with Order From Chaos and the
child was hopped up on speed and was exposed to occult themed
violent horror films at much too young an age. It is surprising to
me with the amount of things that are going on, the sheer cacophony
of sounds and ideas, swirling in the music that mainman Paulus
somehow manages to leave enough room for heavy slowed riffs and
other quirky guitar derangement to breathe, to flow but the counter
point of it all casts off a brilliant effect. Order injected into
chaos indeed and one is feeling cold and exhilarated all at once.
Though Paulus spews the vocals and plays all instruments, I have
always thought of him as a drummer first and his frantic yet
tasteful performance throughout the album are impressive and have
done nothing to change my pre-conceived notion. Another highlight on
the album, that should incite Canadian die hards, is a guest vocal
appearance by one of the great, under appreciated and visionary
Canadian musicians of our time, Hart Bachmier of the legendary
Disciples of Power. A fine, fine way to off a master work of an
album that should please aggression junkies who like a bit of
atmosphere in their surroundings, as well techno-philes, who will
revel in the many off-kilter and memorable twists, turns and time
changes that riddle “Totality”. A must have and Western Canada
proves once again it is the king of North American metal! – Dale
Realms… Prod.,
Box 69, Washington, NJ. 07882 USA
www.realmsofdarkness.com
Rites…, 11311 96
St., Edmonton, Alberta, T5G 1T2 CANADA www.angelfire.com/music3/degringolade
|
If I am
following correctly this project was started in 1997 as a three song
demo, but it was never released. Yet the tracks were eventually
posted on a myspace site and Obsidian caught wind of them. Then, the
label convinced the one man behind this band to write more songs for
an album release. So five more tracks were penned over the last 2
years, added to the demo material and the result is “You Worship
Shit”. This is some pretty good stuff. It is hard to say what they
sound like, but maybe something like Judas Iscariot mixed with the
more fast upbeat Carpathian Forest type style. The vocals are
definitely classic black metal rasping, but clear enough and with a
deep enough tone to make out most of the lyrics. I just looked at
the bio and it describes it as “black thrash ‘n roll” and I guess
that fits though they definitely are rooted solidly enough in old
black metal not to sound as corny as that title sounds. I think it
is worth checking out. – Dale
www.obsidianrecords.com info@obsidianrecords.com
|
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 |
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
|
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
|
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/
|
Yet, another fix
of Finnish barbarity, to the tapped vein courtesy of Dynamic Art.
Sear are an interesting band that manage to play some good extreme
death metal. Despite the brutal nature of their music they always
seem to administer a strong air of stark, somber, almost psychotic
atmosphere to their sound. To create this kind of feeling threaded
throughout a severe death metal album is both unique and admirable
to mine ears. I mean seriously when was the last time you could put
on a new album bang your head, punch a fist through the wall all the
while feeling like you are hearing the soundtrack to a graveyard
horror movie?! It has been a long time for me. Finland is really
starting to assert itself as the new UG metal super power in
Scandinavia. – Dale
www.officialsear.com www.dynamicartsrecords.com
|
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/
|
Shatterpoint
are, a Canadian band that are, new to mine ears. I suppose you could
call this a modern thrash core band or something similar. They claim
Slayer and The Haunting as major influence. Yet I hear fast enough
or heavy enough to really justify such a claim. To my ear a fairer
comparison might be a diet version of Skinlab and Machine Head. A
point of interest may be that in addition to this album you get a
2004 ep, tacked on as a bonus. I will give them their due where they
deserve it and that is on track 5, “Torn Apart”, with a really nice
solo / lead guitar fill. For their style the recording on “Dead
Presence”, does the record very little justice. Overall it is just
too weak and not heavy enough and the beefy riffing falls flat. I
believe I would be just fine if Shatterpoint and myself never
crossed paths ever again. – Dale
PP Records, Box
571, New Hampton, NY 10958, USA www.powerplayrecords.com
|
Well a melodic
death band from Sweden. Who would have guessed it? I like this
style, but I find I only ever listen, to the absolute cream of the
crop, in this genre. In other words; I am not just into every band
that comes along and they have to be damn good for me to give them
the time of day. There is some quality material on here, you have
heard it all before, but still some solid stuff nonetheless. It is a
hooky affair and the flow in the guitars is nice. But where I have a
problem is with the peripherals or at least what should be the
peripherals. The synth and orchestral elements are too over the top,
much too busy and too loud in the mix for my liking. If used at all
it should be a compliment, rather an overpowering fight for center
stage or the plot often gets lost. One of the only albums I can
think of, where these elements were this prominent and the album was
good, would be Tad Morose’s “A Mended Rhyme”. When we stack
“Esoteric” up against a high watermark like that, it falls painfully
short. The growling vocals from Joakim Karlsson are excellent though
and guitar solos/fills are quite fantastic and prolific. If I could
recommend this album it would be for those two facets of this
musical piece that grabbed me. It is worth a listen, and for those
who can not get enough of this genre, you will be pleased. But for
the more critical follower of this style, you will lose no sleep by
passing on this one. – Dale
http://label.pivotalalliance.com
www.myspace.com/skyfiremusic
|
|
It has been some
time since I have heard some real Swedish black metal in the old
traditions. Just when I feared Sweden was getting soft. For the
trivia buffs, Spetalsk is Sverige for “Leprosy” and the band
features members of Terrorama, Satanic Slaughter and few other
bands. Three bands per member, yes it must be Swedish. This self
named platter was recorded at Pure Dechristianizing studios with by
Magnus Devo Andersson (Marduk), so you know it is sick sounding.
Without any doubt in my mind this debut album fits into the Marduk,
Funeral Mist, early Dark Funeral & old Darkthrone classic
Scandinavian mold. For some I know it will seem a little unoriginal
but for a maniac like me that worships it it is absolutely bestial
and great. The music is mainly straight ahead blitzing darkness and
brutality, yet the riffs, are catchy you can actually head bang to
them. Another thing I like about this album is the quick and squealy
guitar solos that act as a counter point to the rushing chaos. The
real highlight though just may be the drumming by Endymion. Who
turns in a forceful and commanding performance that can not go
unnoticed. I feel like I just received a 35 minute beating while
engulfed in darkness. – Dale
http://www.unexplodedrecords.com
|
|
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. 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, but try as I might I did not
find it all that interesting. I have heard this style done better in
the past. – Dale
www.debemur-morti.com
|
Oh man, I have
not battered my ears with the sick sounds of Thou Art Lord in a
decade probably. I loved their demos and first two 7”s and recall at
least liking their first album. Since then I have really lost track
of them and apparently they released a second album and then kind of
called it quits for a few years. I do suppose it is of note that the
old Greek band in question features The Magus of Necromantia and
Sakis of the once great now crap Rotting Christ. In the included
biography they spout off about how this album is a reaction to all
the talent-less, over proficient, over produced plastic recordings,
which have zero feeling and have literally flooded the market over
the last number of years. You know what I have to say to that kind
of belly-aching, bravo! I wish more people would tire of this
garbage, I mean where has the passion and aggression gone in metal?
It has been produced and pro tooled right out the door, if I never
heard another razor monotone robotic guitar line, looped typewriter
sounding drum run for the rest of my life, I would be perfectly
happy. It is things like this that make the old guard want to stop
buying new releases and bury themselves in a past filled metal
collection, reveling in ignorance at today’s scene. Can you tell I
too struggle with this from time to time? Okay, fine back to the
album. First of all the sound on here does have a real feeling to
it, the drums are played a little too tight for the vest and could
use a dose of reckless abandon, but otherwise just fine. They keep
things very simplistic and very rhythmic, often centering their
songs around slowed down mid pace headbang kind of riff, often it
works and other times not so well. Thou Art Lord certainly have
changed since my past encounter with them, gone are the harsh
straight ahead early 90s style black metal hell, well there are
small traces left but nearly diminished out of sight or sound. Now I
would have to characterize them as more of a black deathrash metal
band and you can hear a lot more of their 80s influences. I like it
to a certain point but I have heard this done better a lot of times,
which kind of makes it middle of the road for me. It is good but not
that good if catch my meaning, I do appreciate their attitude toward
this album and there are some great moments here and there. –
Dale
Black Lotus,
Jianni Ritsou 8, 17237 Himittos, Athens, GREECE
www.black-lotus-recs.com
|
It is always
tough to decide how to review a compilation record. Do you just give
an overview of the bands and which ones you liked best? Maybe you
attempt to do an mini-review on every band based upon just 1 song? I
will take the former over the latter most times. The truth be told I
love listening to comps but I hate reviewing them. Anyway Hirax kick
off the pure bred thrash assault with the explosiveness and
an adrenaline rush that one comes to expect from these old legends. The
Toxic Holocaust song kicks some ass and sort of stands out from the
rest as their obscured shadowy vocals contrast the rest of the bands on
here. This is a really strong quality compilation from top to
bottom. I mean there are more kill shot riffs thrown around on this
record than punches and kicks than in a Bruce Lee movie. This is put
out by Selfmadegod Records and I believe in association with Katon
De Pena from Hirax’s label Black Devil Records. The other poser
slaughtering bands on here are: Sabbat (JAP), Slaver (Brazil),
Hatchet (USA), Kat (Poland), Strike Master (MEX) and Execution
(USA). Classic stuff! – Dale
www.selfmadegod.com
|
  
Superb idea
releasing 4 old Finnish demo tapes in their entirety on a single
disc compilation. This review will go on forever if I do a full
review for each, so here is a few words on each. Just another reason
for me love Bestial Burst Records.
Lycanthropy
“Sickness Revealed” Demo 1989
– Raunchy thrash metal which kind of reminds me of old Canadian
bands like Sacrifice, Razor or something like Dr. Shrinker from the
States. It has a dark feeling to it and the vocalist does the husky
evil voice well.
Morphosis “Sick
Standard of Living” Demo 1989
– Not sure what describe these guys as but maybe speed metal ala
Nasty Savage, very early Voivod or something similar but with a huge
dose of snotty punk attitude. A fun listen to be sure.
National Napalm
Syndicate “Painful Ten Hours” Demo 1987 – Holy shit this band is still going. I looked up their page on the
Metallum site and the current and past members have been / are in a
million other bands over the years such as Ancestor, Eternal Tears
of Sorrow, Ancient Dawn, Sacred Crucifix and about 10 more… Tons of
energy from this pioneering band and some nice guitar work as well.
I would say I hear some early Metallica mixed with the German speed
raunch. Some wicked solos and guitar ripping for such a young band.
Mengele
“Abominable Thoughts” Demo 1989
– That band photo is pure gold, just look at those little bad asses haha! From what I could dig up on them they changed their name to
Insomnia shortly after this, then broke up but appears they reformed
as Wengele and released an EP in 2004, nothing since but it looks
like they are still active anyway. Classic soupy sound with I would
say definitely some Slayer, Sodom, Kreator type influences. I love
it. – Dale
http://bestialburst.blackmetal.fi
bestialburst@blackmetal.fi
|
Neurotic sends
along a brutal little piece of vile death metal by way of Auckland,
New Zealand. I should clarify that “Of Fracture and Failure” are not
just more run of the mill straight forward grinding death metal
band. They have a penchant for mixing in doomy spirals for
atmospheric effect, not to mention mixing it up with different
levels of speed and time changes, wiping away any fear of generics
or monotony. Which for a debut album is quite commendable and as far
as the technical playing goes these blokes are proficient and
skilled. Their thick soupy wall of death has some influences to mine
ears such as I think I hear a bit of the godly early Cryptopsy
sound, Gorguts too (trying to butter me up with Canadian references,
it just might work here) and some Immolation thrown in. The
recording is really tight and fits their style well, no worries mate
you can hear the 1 thousand riffs on here just fine. Alright it
might not be terribly original but it is hellishly well done Kiwi
metal and I enjoyed the hell out of it. – Dale
www.neurotic-records.com www.offractureandfailure.com
|
We are presented
with torturous and atmospheric, black metal from this German horde
of barbarians known as Undor. The music is a dirgy crawling,
plodding rumbles with slow pounding drums. Undor are undoubtedly
quite clearly influenced by Abruptum. I must say they do not do this
style nearly as well as the old Swedish bastards did back in the
day. I am listening to this and I just do not feel it and I can not
shake the feeling this should probably have been released as nothing
more than a limited demo tape. I do like the vocals though which are
a cross between the Canadian gods Lust and early Burzum. Maybe it
will come with time for Undor. – Dale
www.bestialburst.blackmetal.fi/
bestialburst@blackmetal.fi
|
I see V
Twenty-eight are described as an “Industrial death metal” band.
Which is certainly fair but I might put the words death metal first
in that description. As it is definitely their base sound "Violution"
is built upon
and directional choice. These Norwegians like to mix up some heavy
middle pace driving sections and moody / brooding sort of slow sections with
the odd lightning speed attacks sprinkled around. The vocals are a
mixed bag of growling, black metal rasps, clean vocal bits and some
obscure shadowy whispering. There are some guest appearances on this
record from Garm (Ulver) as well as members from G.G.F.H. and MZ.412.
As far as this style goes, this is not ground-breaking, or destined
to be a future classic in the genre. Yet there is enough diversity
and overall quality to make this recording enjoyable and worth some
repeated listening. If you are a devout death metal and industrial
fan, then, this is a worthy pick up. If you are instead an
occasional or cream of the crop collector you can get by without
this. – Dale
www.vendlus.com
www.v28.com |
|
Welcome back
Germany! Highly influenced by Darkthrone’s early BM offerings, one
could also say Mayhem 1993 to the early days of Bathory and Celtic
Frost. Vargsang is truly in a world all of his own. Vargsang has a
dark side unto himself that you can hear and feel, like he’s
stalking you, a one band of perfection and I’m waiting to be found.
This is slow yet energetic blackened death metal, Satanic sorrow and
induced death. As the earlier-mid ‘90s were, every song is
memorable, beautiful darkness in it’s pain and devotion. He’s deeper
than many BM gutturals, this man’s a demon, his musical talent is as
good if not better than most remembered bands today. It is sad for
me to announce that by being disgusted by the development of the so
called scene TOTF is Vargsang’s final release, he is calling it
quits. Come back V., we need you to again show scene what true black
metal is all about! You need this album. No contact or interviews
are welcome. Undertakers report that human bodies do not deteriorate
as quickly as they once did because of the many preservatives in the
modern diet, thus Vargsang shall return soon enough. - Clayton
www.undercover-records.de
|
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
|
Let me just
preface this review with the following statement: “The New Age of
Chaos” is the best brutal death metal album I have heard this year,
possibly longer than that. I mean it is fan-fucking-tastic yet
experiencing something this devastating may be hazardous to your
health, robbing you of your reproduction abilities. The planet is
too over populated anyway right? There were two things that stood
out and struck me and that was how atmospheric this album is for
it’s brutish nature and again keeping in mind how punishing Vile
are, there playing bleeds a lot of emotion on through. I do not want
to harp on these points, however it cannot be glossed over that it
takes a hell of a lot of talent and vision to truly give this level
of emotional and ambiance to music that is this fast, this vile (hehe)
and blistering. “The New Age…” is also a record that grows on you,
the more you play the more you will appreciate some of the guitar
intricacies (see the smoking solo in the title track, around the 3
minute mark for proof positive) and counter points swirling through
the compositions with ease and with style. There is even a whisper
of black metal in some of the darker guitar melodies on here. The
vocals are classic death metal growls but even here I would class
them as top shelf, very deep, flowing and forceful reminiscent of
some of my fave growlers such as Dave Ingram, David Vincent etc…
with a just detectable King Diamond during his gruff deeper vocals
(too many levels to that mans voice to explain further, but KD die
hards know what I mean!). Great job with the recording it reminds me
much more of the early / mid 90s before Pro Tools turned everyone
into a robot, despite talent level. Colour me impressed and this is
coming from someone who previously was not really much a Vile fan.
– Dale
Unique Leader,
Box 6544, Los Osos, CA. 93412, USA www.uniqueleader.com
info@uniqueleader.com
|
Now I do not
know much about Parasile records, they are likely not a black metal
label but Vinterriket never cease to amaze me. They manage to get
their stuff released by black metal record labels, time and again,
when their music has more in common with Danny Elfman and Nature
sound cds you see at your local bookstore for $4.99. I mean really
truly some of the ‘music’ on here sounds like the sound tracks to a
montage in a chick flick of the guy and girl falling in love, going
out to dinner, walking hand in hand and kissing at the outdoor
skating rink. I mean what the fuck is this shit?! What it is is a
boring pot luck meal of the most dainty ingredients, in other words
fruity sound samples, nature noises and loops on top of some really
boring synth music which is neither well timed nor variety rich and
not allowed to flow in a proper manner, it becomes increasingly
obvious that this is merely a bunch of parts sewn together like a
patch work quilt with plenty of thread bits sticking up out of the
stitching and way too many powder blue and barbie pink squares in
the color scheme. You would think flow and musical vision would at
the very least be a pre-requisite when playing a form of the music
(i.e. – atmospheric synth), that takes little to no talent. What do
I know? I had an old tape trader of mine who made a bunch of this
kind of garbage up over a weekend once and sent me a few tapes of
it, I told him it sucked but somehow he managed to get some damn
Italian label to release 2 albums full of that junk! I am not a fan
of this kind of…er…material but I would think those that are would
at least want to spend money on something of value that was
interesting, had musical vision and was actually executed with a
level skill? Maybe I ask too much, at very least this drivel should
be in the chick flick soundtrack or New Age fruit loop section of
the record store and not equated with metal or even black metal
music. Oh did I mention this is some sort of collection from
1996-2002, I am hoping that it was not meant to be a best of and
actually refers to the stuff Vinter previously thought was too lousy
to release but now that maturity has kicked in and they have bills
to pay, they said what fuck let’s release it, these morons will buy
anything with our name on it. This is very un-recommended and you
die if you buy! – Dale
www.vinterriket.com www.parasilerecords.com
|
Polish label,
Australian band. Yet easily from your local madhouse, morbid passion
a-plenty into psychedelic maliciousness; all the shit that makes me
whole! Vociferian is an uncontrolled instrument of audio apocalyptic
masochism, chaos and regression once called Lord Genocide. Check out
“Babel Tower” and catch my drift with demented Satanic hymns as
beautiful in aural blasphemy as it comes for sick minds like my own.
A better vocal delivery in production would kill this release dead,
and that’s smart on their part. This vocalist is so infectious and
scornful, he sounds like he is ripping faces off. The lead guitars
and electrics guitars are fuckin “A” and “Possessed Worshippers Ov
Doom” highlights this band at their best. They sure don’t make them
like this anymore! They never let up and persist to bleed your ears
for ages, this vocal insanity is for real UG demons only. “Scardance
In Damnation” is like Abruptum on coke as “Mary’s Kunt Ripping” is
straight jacket style black metal. The “It’s supposed to hurt!” was
taken from Exorcist 3 and explains everything about this band for
you. Yes, I believe in murder, I believe in pain…in cruelty and
infidelity. I believe in slime and stink, and in every crawling
putrid thing, every possible ugliness and corruption you
son-of-a-bitch – I believe in you!” – George C. Scott 1990. In
Nomine Satanas, the noise, the filth and the fury. – Clayton
www.time-before-time.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
|
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
|
This time I’ve
one Russian band which is into black metal war. I have not heard
this band before so I don’t know if WELTKRIEG is an old band or not?
But from the musical side they are good! WELTKRIEG plays obscure
true black metal. The music based on such fast yet devastating riffs,
but here’s one fault – the band does not have a live drummer (it’s a drum
machine). The main band’s ideology is extermination of human race
(with this fact I agree?), and this aspect is great shown in the musical
structure, because the music is really sick and aggressive, from
time to time with some atmospheric means. I like also all of those
rhythm-changes and down tempos which are here and there on this
album. As a whole there is an intro, outro and 8 songs on about 48
minutes of destruction. What is yet to add to the statement that
here’s an old-school true black metal, based on rawness and gloom,
with such great necro touches in the main structure and is
devastating, full of hatred guitar riffs with screams. I think this
is enough for those fans, who are into true black metal rawness!
Worthy stuff, but with no live drummer. - Aleksandr Maksymov
http://www.myspace.com/weltkriegrus
|
Blazing a path
through the German scene and no stranger to the pages of Canadian
Assault (see interview in issue 7), Witchburner are thrash and speed
metal in the grand tradition. They are a prolific band as well,
releasing albums regularly (this is their 4th album +
numerous ep’s & splits for those keeping score at home) and they
tend to clock in at close to or above 50 minutes. I must guilty
admit that though they are a killer band, there are small stretches
where they kind of drag a bit, that is only bad thing I could
possibly say. Otherwise, Witchburner are just fantastic thrash with
serious head bang qualities and pitch a whirlwind storm of top notch
riffs, beer drenched speed picking back stopped with wild 80 screams
and screeches that many bands and fans would consider cheesy but it
is literally music to my ears and missed by myself in the league
these days. The incinerators of the evil hags definitely will get
inside your head with their catchy lyrics and music and you will
have a hard time getting them out. In the immortal words of Ian
Gillian of the supreme Deep Purple “I am a Speed King”, hear
Witchburner sing it! – Dale
Undercover
Records, Stockhauserstr. 3a, 35638 Leun, GERMANY alex@undercover-records.de
www.undercover-records.de |
I must say as a
big Witchcraft fan (starting with their debut seven inch). I am a
little offended at a statement in their bio, accompanying this
album. It states that this album shows Witchcraft “…moving away from
their generic doom rock…”. It is a shame to belittle an already
wonderful legacy built up by the band. While I admit “Alchemist” is
a bit of a departure from the past work of these Swedes. It is not
exactly a far trip in distancing itself from their rocking doom
roots and wonderful Pentagram worship. That organic 70s vibe and
atmosphere, I love so much, have not gone away. Another quote from
the bio that is, ahem, music to my ears – “Recorded 100% pro-tools
and digital free”. It sounds fantastic too and kudos to the band for
sticking to their guns. The band does seem very comfortable in their
skin with this record. Their flow is smooth and their playing is
really relaxed, like a needle gliding down the groove of a record.
Yes, this is still 70s rock but it has that floating sort of
psychedelic atmosphere that made the classic works of Led Zeppelin
so special. Vocalist Magnus Pelander still owes a debt to Bobby
Liebling but you can hear other influences creeping into his style
such as the front man of the aforementioned band (i.e. - Robert
Plant). The counter point and interplay between the more rocking
heavy moments and the soul grabbing, stream of consciousness
psychadelia, is wonderfully composed and executed. “Alchemist” was
not what I was hoping for or expecting. But I jumped on the ride
anyway with an open mind packed in my pocket. The end result is a
fascinating journey that sees the band morph their style somewhat
but continues to produce another wonderful record which will see
their legacy carried forth. Just give it a chance to put its spell
on you. I am now so curious to see where they will go next?! – Dale
www.riseaboverecords.com
|
What is this I
see crawling out of Boston’s armpit? No it is not lice or crabs. It
is Witch Tomb who play black metal that is extremely raw, loose like
a hooker and evil. It did not take me very long to pinpoint their
influences on “Mocking Jehovah” as being the great, late old crusty
purveyors of filth and darkness – Profanatica. In fact it would not
even surprise me if that was Paul Ledney himself using the name
Drath and playing drums for Witch Tomb. Seriously, it is that
uncanny. I am not entirely sure what else to say, except, if you
think you would like a slightly more atmospheric version of
Profanatica? Then by all means, pick this up. If not, then just put
on some of the real shit instead, and start weeping in heaven. – Dale
www.bestialonslaught.com
|
I am sorry I
missed out on this band the first time around. Xantotol were one of
the first Polish black metal bands in existence and featured two
members, including a sick female named Mala on guitars and vocals.
Yes this was a special band. This you can probably guess from the
title is a compilation of the bands releases. The first seven tracks
are from the “Thus Spake Zaratustra” demo excreted in 1995, eight to
twelve are from the '93 demo “Cult Of The Black Pentagram”, and
finally tracks thirteen to eighteen are off of the “Glory For
Centuries” demo tape from 1992. The worst thing about this promo
disc I have hear is that it only has a cross section of songs from
each of the above releases. Curse you Kampf! haha After a lengthy
and none too interesting intro, we are treated to some shadowy,
obscure and compelling riffing. Which border on doom metal but
managing always to still sound evil and black metal, they lead you
into the dark wilderness and abandon you for dead. The vocals are
just as mysterious and undefined but really help to set the
atmosphere of gloom. Returning to the intros. There is an intro /
interlude in between each song ala Acheron on their classic debut
“Rites of The Black Mass”… Only Xantotol write lyrics based around
the philosophy works of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche. I could see
fans of the first Samael record, old Varathron and other quality old
school black metal bands like this. Cheers to Kampf Records for
digging this gem up! – Dale
www.kampf.ws kampfrec@go2.pl
info@kampf.ws
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Well, well…this
is interesting, the debut release of Under Her Black Wings records
which interestingly enough is the new sub-label of stoner rock label
Freebird records. I would say this is quite a departure for them.
Replacing T-birds, denim, 8 tracks and mondo sweet leaf smoking
comes blood dripped skulls, growls, dark musty mold encrusted stone
chambers and the inhalation of burning flesh. I must say I was a bit
dismayed with the first 2 songs as they are very one dimensional,
monotonous and stale. These 1st two songs (“Insidie
Teradome” & “Neon Black Stronghold”) really lowered my expectations
with repetitive unimaginative drumming, thin sounding growls and
very simplistic non-quality riffing. I wonder if they put these two
snorers up front to lull you into a lowered hope for the potential
of “Necrophilia…”, because from that point onward winding through
the proceeding 8 tracks, it is like they have spawned from a
different band entirely. The one trick pony of the start of the
album is ‘morphed (hehe) into a roller coaster ride of rich point
and counter point brutal but brooding and moody death metal, which
knows when not to over sell the brutality and speed. Instead working
in some somber and thoughtful soundscapes and slower sections, which
in fact give the lightning speed and howling barbarism so much more
punch, intensity and effectiveness. The vocals after the opening
volley also spread their wings with added depth in the growl,
hightened highs and lows with the main growl adding a sort of oven
heated gurgle and boil onto the back end of sustained bellows. The
production is very good and there has been care taken not to let the
digital age completely squash all of the organic heaviness of the
guitars and pounding torture of the drums, though the high-hat and
cymbals are a little too much typewriter for my liking. Worth some
investigation on your part. – Dale
U.H.B.W Records,
Box 464, 5600 Al Eindhoven, The Netherlands
www.freebird-records.com
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