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PALE FOREST

“Transformation Hymns” 1998 CD

(Voices Of Wonder)

 

HAHAHA! It is hard to believe anyone at a label would even skim thru my ‘zine and send this to me! Imagine Jewel or something blended with The Gathering - fuck this awful radio shit!!

 

 

PARADOX

“Electrify” CD

(AFM Records)

 

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 

 

 

PEGAZUS

“Wings Of Destiny” 1998 CD

(Nuclear Blast Records)

 

This album was a nice surprise and threw me off guard a bit. This Aussie outfit play a very clean classic ‘80’s heavy metal in which I hear influences of bands like Warrior, Iron Maiden, Manowar, Savatage (“Hall Of The Mountain King” era), Halloween and maybe a slight mixing in of Demon, Thin Lizzy or something in that range. Pegazus love epic riffing and up tempo, epic sounding songs with flavorful, classy guitar solos. The vocals are great piercing, siren like as they glide across the air with a silkiness. Vocalist Danny Cerati brings vocally bands like Manowar, Iron Maiden, Saxon, Gothic Knights and Lethal, not gruff just clean textured vocals. Pegazus are great musicians who have put together a great album that all heavy metal maniacs of old can shake their studded fist to as they sing along with the catchy choruses. Nice...

 

 

PENTACLE

“…Rides The Moonstorm” 1998 CD

(Damnation Records)

 

I was a very happy puppy to receive this, I love this band (as evidenced with their positive review in issue # 1 and interview in # 2)! The only way I could be happier would have been if Damnation, would have sent me the double vinyl version. Beggars cannot be choosers as they say! Before even listening to this I rate Pentacle as one of the best ever out of Holland, among such bands as Asphyx, Achrostichon, & Sinister / Monestary. Pentacle have altered their sound slightly and have come out (production wise) with a sound very close to early Celtic Frost without ripping anything off. This band is made up of metallers that were around when metal exploded and started Pentacle itself in the last part of the ‘80’s. They start things off in fine fashion with a killer intro, it is an excerpt from an audio bootleg from the 1985 World War III festival in Montreal, Canada where Tom Warrior yell’s “Let’s go crazy!” Then the music kicks in, pure cult thrash/death metal from the heart, played with utmost conviction. This is what Celtic Frost may have sounded like had they carried on with the style of their first couple releases! The production compliments the music beautifully, clear and raw. Due to the heavy suffocating & distinctive guitar tone from start to finish the songs have to work that much harder to identify themselves from one another, luckily Pentacle is up to the challenge. God, I can’t believe this still, I am getting some of the same feelings I had when I first listened to stuff like “Morbid Tales”, “In The Sign Of Evil”, and “Fear No Evil”. Only one listen is needed to “Yielding The Scepter Of Flesh”, “For I am Chaos!” and “Scythes” to feel the excitement lit by this album! I cannot end this without mentioning the cover of cult Chilean undergrounders Pentagram on their “Spell Of The Pentagram”. If you can listen to this song and not headbang then don’t look at me and call yourself a metalhead!!

 

 

PERVERSOR

"Demon Metal" MCD

(Hells Headbangers)

 

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/   

 

 

PESTILENTIAL SHADOWS

“Embrace After Death (The Fate of all that Lives II)” CD

(Asphyxiate Recordings)

 

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 

 

 

PROFANATICA

“Disgusting Blasphemies Against God” CD

(Hells Headbangers)

 

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    

 

 

PROMONTORY

“The Hill Of Hope” 1997 Cassette LP

(R.I.P. Promotions)

 

Very boring, slow moving and symphonic light metal. The band are relatively talented but could not write a good song to save their lives. 7 songs included and as always with R.I.P. everything is nicely package and presented. Band contact:

Promontory, c/o Eugen Biryukov, Malo-Zavalskaya 2-2, 241008 Bryansk, RUSSIA

 

 

PROPHECY

 “Foretold…Forseen” 1998 CD

(Corpse Gristle Records)

 

Great, great death/grind band with brutality brimming out of every pore! Mostly fast balls out death with blasting that kills but they also like to mix shit up. Like on a extreme & brooding track like “Assembled By Death” or the epic baseball bat to the head that is known as “Prophecy”. Excellent start for this young label as the packaging and production is on par with the music. Plus there is no denying the name Corpse Gristle Records rules and just rolls off the tongue with style.  $12 US to:

Corpse Gristle Records, 3521 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 666, Dallas, TX. 75219, USA  website = www.corpsegristle.com Email = hound@corpsegristle.com

 

 

PROSANCTUS INFERI

"Pandemonic Ululations Of Vesperic Palpatation" CD

(Hells Headbangers)

 

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/   

 

 

PSYCHOPATHIA

“Freedom” 1998 Cassette LP

(Underworld Productions)

 

Damn, Psychopathia are hell of a wicked slap to the face! Yes, my attention is at full swing now! Vicious, lightning speed, techno death/grind from the Czech Republic. Hyper is a good word to use for this band and especially the drummer who is a human whirlwind! They rip, tear and bulldoze thru 9 songs of nutsy material. I’m kind of speechless, I can’t seem to string together any coherent sentences so here are a few more words that aptly apply: heavy, brutal, catchy, technical, fast, guttural and top quality. I DEMAND you order this by sending $5 US (for this pro-packaged album) to:

Psychopathia, c/o Ivo “Sam” Kapoun, Sladorni 1185, Kojetin 75201, CZECH REPUBLIC

 

 

PUNISHER

“Disillusioned” 1998 CD

(Confusion Records)

 

Fuck yes! An album full of crushing, chunky thrash metal from the Bay area. No Bay area, rehash tho’. Punisher take things in their own direction and spit out some lethal catchy, ripping thrash w/ knockout punch drumming. Pat Toms’ vocals are deep and powerful and a little scratchy as they switch into different tones and ranges. Now I will finish this with a apt quote from their bio “Not interested in trends, Punisher offers up a potent brew of musicality and brutality”. Check or money order for $10.93 US made out to Confusion Records at the following address:

4 Meyer Place, Kentfield, CA. 94904, USA Label website = www.confusion-records.com  Band Email = punisher@flash.net

 

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RADAKKA

“Requiem For The Innocent” 1998 CD

(Century Media)

 

After I read the label bio, though I read those with a grain of salt, I really thought I would dig this record. Radakka play hard rock w/ slight metal touches with a very commercial flavor. I don’t like the pretty melodies and harmonies, despite their claims in the bio, they are going for accessibility. Most of the songs are close to radio friendly. They have the odd cool riff and are good musicians but it is wasted on here and I don’t think too many, Canadian Assault readers would appreciate this, so I won’t waste any more space on it.

 

 

RAISE HELL

“Holy Target” 1998 CD

(Nuclear Blast America)

 

This is a little different from most of the Swedish stuff these days. However, they do owe a slight bit to the Gothenburg scene but are far too vicious and heavy to placed there. They are not death/grind either, Raise Hell are too up-tuned and thrashy for that. This release sticks out like a welcome sore Scandinavian thumb. No virtuoso playing or noodling, just break ups of catchy rhythmic guitar riffs in between blitzkrieg speed blasts, it is this contrast and the great execution which prevail and impress for me. The only thing is the band photos are nearly exact copies of Dismember’s “Pieces” ep photo session (i.e. - black pants, bullet belts, spiked wrist bands, no shirts & dripping blood down their torso’s). A highly recommended, thrashing metal platter.

 

 

RAVENCULT

"Morbid Blood" CD

(Hells Headbangers)

 

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/    

 

 

REALMBUILDER

"Summon The Stone Throwers" CD

(I Hate Records)

 

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 a 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/  

 

 

RED HARVEST

“Newrage World Music” 1998 MCD

(Voices Of Wonder)

 

Angst-ridden industrial metal in the vein of Fear Factory, Machine Head, Meshuggah ect. Yes, you got it, this is awful - come on and jump! JUMP!

 

 

ROTTING

“Crushed” 1998 CD

(United Guttural Records)

 

I fucking love that that, record label name! If you read my 1st issue you will remember the interview I did with this band. Rotting flat out hit you with some of the most rambling, punishing and juggernaut like brutal death metal your likely to hear. They do like make things varied and catchy with a slight groove (no not that gay groove hippity-hoppity ‘jump metal’) but always heavy. They don’t grind things up instead opting for a straight on in-your-face attack with deep and understandable growls. This is an album all self-respecting death metal fans should own. United Guttural, P.O. Box 752, Grayslake, IL. 60030, USA or band contact:

Rotting, c/o Korey Arnold, 58 Roxborough Road, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 3K9, CANADA

 

 

RIDE FOR REVENGE / TORTURING

Split CD

(Bestial Burst Records)

 

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    

 

 

RIGOR SARDONICOUS

“Apocalypsis Damnare” CD

(Paragon Records)

 

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 SARDONICOUS

“Vallis Ex Umbra De Mortuus”  CD

(Paragon Records)

 

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/

 

 

RIPHEAD / DROGHEDA

“Split” CD

(Extreme Millenium Entertainment)

 

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 

 

 

RITUAL

“Demonic Winter Metal” 1997 CD

(Wild Rags!)

 

Sloppy, talent less, black metal with repetitive drumming and fairly passable vocals. The keyboard playing is worst of all, very amateurish performed by Grimace the grand blackened wizard of the golden arches. “Demonic Winter Metal” from sunny and happy, winterless California. This Canadian is unimpressed.

 

 

RITES OF THY DEGRINGOLADE

“Totality” CD

(Realms of Darkness Productions)

 

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

 

 

ROCKWOOD

"You Worship Shit" CD

(Obsidian Records)

 

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   

 

 

ROOT

“Hell Symphony” CD

(I Hate Records)

 

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/    

 

 

ROOT

“The Temple In The Underworld” CD

(I Hate Records)

 

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/  

 

 

ROOT

“The Book” CD

(I Hate Records)

 

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

 

 

THE ROYAL ARCH BLASPHEME

"The Royal Arch Blaspheme" CD

(Hells Headbangers)

 

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 MUKUFO / OPITZ

“Underclass” Split CD

(khaaranus Productions)

 

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   

 

 

RUBUFASO MUKUFO / DESTRUCTIVE EXPLOSION OF ANAL GARLAND

Split 3" MCD

(Khaaranus Productions)

 

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  

 

 

RUBUFASO MUKUFO

"ReMoLAB" CD

(Khaaranus Productions)

 

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

"Front The Final Foes" CD

(Debemur Morti Productions)

 

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  

 

 

RUINS

“Chambers Of Perversion” CD

(Negative Existence)

 

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/