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!!
|
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
|
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... |
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!!
|
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/ |
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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/ |
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
|
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
|
|
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
|
|
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
|
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.
|
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 wastes no time going straight for the attack with their
brand of barbaric blackened thrash whirlwind guitars intertwined
with a barrage of non-stop drumming. The band does slow down
throughout a few of the songs to give both the band and listener a
chance to catch their breath before attacking again with a barrage
of brutal riffs and beats. If you miss the sound of the early days
of black metal when the bands kept their sound simplistic yet
effective and evil then Ravencult is a band that should impress all
old-school maniacs.
- Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/ravencultbm
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
|
You got to love
how the UG scene works its magic. It takes a Swedish label to turn
me on to a band from New York City, only a couple hours drive down
the road. I am just now finding out as well that the main man behind
this band by the name of Czar, is actually S. Craig Zahler. I
remember this guy handing me a copy of his fanzine, at a metalfest
in New Jersey, many years ago. Then of course he went on to be one
the better writers for Metal Maniacs magazine. Anyway, Craig plays
drums and sings on Summon… His vocal delivery is sort of half spoken
/ half sung, not many bands do vocals like but I enjoy them. I have
a feeling they might be considered an acquired taste for some. Some
might find them a tad cheesy, but who cares about those people. He
has a sound of his own to his vocals, which in this day and age is 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/
|
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!
|
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
– 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
|
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. |
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 |
N. Imperial (Krieg,
et al) returns with this musical collaboration with John Gelso (Profanatica).
Released on Hell's Headbangers, this is a mix of old necro black
metal with a bit of early death metal mixed in. The songs have the
song structures that could only come from veteran's of the
scene. Too much musicality to be rookies. Songs played with
conviction. I'd like to see this become an ongoing band. The only
knock? Spelling Blasphemy with an E at the end. Leave that to the
metalcore bands. \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/ (4 out of 5) - Mark
http://theroyalarchblaspheme.hellsheadbangers.com/
http://armour.hellsheadbangers.com/
|
Rubufaso –
I
had not heard of this band before. But it is made up of current and
past members of a band I have known for a long, long time. Which is
Cerebral Turbulency, who is still going strong. I reviewed a
Cerebral Turbulency split tape 10 fucking years ago in the pages of
Canadian Assault! But I digress and onward to Rubufaso Mukufo. Quite
unsurprisingly they spew some grind with bouts of death metal. What
else do you expect from the great grind scene in the Czech Republic?
This is a pretty energetic affair going at light speed and sporting
a really great full sound in the recording. Rubufaso just destroy
everything and anything in their path with audio brutality. Some
really fine grind. Maybe I should not have said that, I want, some
coffee now.
Opitz –
This is another Czech band made up of members from an old band
called Contrastic. But honestly I have not heard this band before so
no special meaning for me. As far as Opitz is concerned, this is my
first taste. They definitely have a grind foundation, but wrapped
around, a hardcore influenced style, with even some jazzy type bits
now and again. It is really heavy and the drums grind wickedly. I
like some good hardcore when it is good. But honestly here it is not
that good and Opitz for me is not on the same level of Rubfaso. That
is not to say that Opitz is no good. They are a solid band and their
drumming alone will ground you to dust. The vocals and samples are
in Czech, which is actually kind of adds an extra level interest for
me. It kind of reminds me of greats like Master’s Hammer and Root in
their early days. The language has a sick and evil nature to it when
sung with anger, hate, darkness, depression behind the tone. But
leaving the vocals aside, I find Opitz to have an American, sort of
style to their sound. It just does not have the right mix of
hardcore, death and grind to satisfy me. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/rubufasomukufo
www.myspace.com/opitz1
www.khaaranus.wz.cz
|
I totally love
the design of the physical disc itself. It is actually a 3” disc,
but it is full size. The outer ring is transparent with see thru
artwork on top. That is a damn cool idea. The artwork is simple, but
still somehow reflects the audio horror within nicely. I will be
honest that it is easy to get confused where one band ends and the
other begins. There is nothing wrong with that though when both are
excellent and intense. Both bands play explosive diarrhea grindcore
that will make you want to dance around your house in a spazztic
blur punching the air and headbanging. I do not think I have had a
more intense 16 minutes in my life! The music is a blizzard of
amazing pounding drum work, steamrolling fast guitars and a rolling
amalgamation of growling, frog ribbiting vomit gurgles. It is
impressive how they can keep all of this lunacy controlled and all
headed in the same direction. But they do and it sounds fantastic.
It did not matter to me that it was only sixteen minutes and change
because I hit the repeat feature and just continued to rage over and
over for close to an hour and never once got tired of it. Though
when I was done, my body was destroyed from the beating. This is
really must own grind. – Dale
http://www.myspace/khaaranus
http://www.myspace.com/rubufasomukufo
|
This band from
the Czech Republic has released two splits before this full length.
Elements of grind are the order of the day here with some hardcore
mixed underneath as well. Short and to the point tunes, this is hard
to take seriously. The guitars are thick and heavy but the overall
presentation of the songs is just mediocre. Why bother putting time
and effort into a band only to come up with this? Next. –
Mark
http://www.myspace.com/rubufasomukufo
http://www.myspace.com/khaaranus |
Ruins come
running at us hard from the land of Tasmania in OZ. I must say the
vocals threw me for a loop at first and not what I had expected. I
would call them a cross between Tom Warrior of Celtic Frost and
Roger Miret of Agnostic Front. The first impression was the vocals
do not fit the music, but after some repeated listens, it is all
starting to mesh together for me and sounding more like a fit.
Speaking of the music think of a straight thrashy, less rocking
Carpathian Forest & newer Satyricon mixed with Celtic Frost and a
stop at the Goatwhore station. I see everyone calling them black
metal and there are bm elements to be sure. Yet, to me it is also
filled with a lot of thrash and death metal elements and far from
being a straight black metal band. The riffing is pretty simple, but
catchy enough and driving with a nice flow. The drums are pretty
sick, precise and slick. The production on this recording is pretty
much top drawer. “Front The Final Foes” is nothing mind-blowing and
nothing approach original or innovative. But it is still a good
album, if you like this sort of style, I am sure you will like it,
even if it likely replicates other albums already in your
collection. – Dale
www.debemur-morti.com
www.ruinsband.com
|
Not to be
confused with Australia's Ruins. This is a one-man band from
Germany. Ruins play a great mix of old-school speed metal and early
venom style black metal. Thrashy fast guitars, mid-paced drums that
switch over to hyper speed before calming back to a more mid-pace
sound. The vocals are gruff screams. Ruins are not creating anything
new on Chambers of Perversion but the songs on this release are
played with a lot of metal-aggression and passion for this style. If
you enjoy old-school blackened speed-metal then definitely check out
Chambers of Perversion. - Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/ruins666
http://negative-existence.com/
|
|
|
|
