ABDUNOR
“Whispers
In Nameless Forms…”
IMP
rating: 4,
5 of 6
Decent album
from a decent band. In my view, this MCD is really good for a beginning.
Coming with a splendid sound and highly impressive playing skills, “Whispers…”
appears as melodic Norse black metal, raw, various and well-executed in
the same time, with few female vocals here and there. Something in the
vein of CARPE TENEBRUM and BLOODTHORN, you know. This band deserves a worthy
deal, at least that’s what I may say for sure. (Herr Stalhammar)
ABIGOR
“Channeling
The Quintessense Of Satan”
Napalm Records
rating: 5
of 6
Did you expect
anything different from this band? I didn’t. And, lucky me, “Channeling…”
didn’t turn out as a disappointment. This Austria’s black metal scene leaders
produced an album, which seems to be a worthy follow-up to “Supreme Immortal
Art”. It’s as dark and firghtening, grim and atmospheric… and, of course,
original! What’s most surprising, keyboards are almost gone, with an exception
for some strange mid-songs’ introductions… kinda weird electronic sounds,
anxious as they should be, if we deal with T. T. and co. Those who expected
any innovations will be disappointed, however those, as I am, will listen
to this CD with pleasure, simply because it’s still that familiar, ‘good
‘ol’ ABIGOR. (Herr Stalhammar)
ABOMINANT
“The Way
After”
Wild Rags
Records
rating: 4,
5 of 6
“The Way
After” is already the fourth CD from this US based band, however it’s only
the first one I’ve heard from them. Well, in fact, it’s a good one, I must
admit. Some kind of mixture between Swedish black / death metal and typical
American grind. And the first one certainly prevails… There’re keyboards
here, no female voices, just pure metal and nothing else. Everything is
well executed, although I wouldn’t say that it becomes a classic in next
few years, since some more originality appears as an absolute necessity.
By the way, it’s one of the Wild Rags’ most good-looking CD’s when it comes
to “The Way After’s” appearance… All in all, highly recommended. (Herr
Stalhammar)
AGALLOCH
“Pale Folklore”
The End Records
rating: 5,
5 of 6
As far as
I remember, The End Records never faced a total failure when it comes to
their releases (in contrast to f.ex. Nuclear Blast), moreover – most of
the CD’s they put out appeared as highly attractive ones. AGALLOCH’s “Pale
Folklore” is not an exception. This young US band plays very impressive
form of a Nature-inspired dark metal, featuring plenty of black metal elements
(especially regarding those grim vokills). This CD starts with a song called
“The Painted Fire Across The Skyline”, whose first 4 minutes sound more
like an introduction, while the second part is comprised of sorrowful and
tremendous music, forcing the atmosphere of melancholy… I don’t know if
I should describe each song… what do you think? I won’t anyway. All of
them are quite similar to each other, although it doesn’t mean that this
CD is boring or something like that… No, it’s rather diverse, however what
I try to say is that all songs based on the same musical concept… you see,
it’s one single canvas with lots of different elements painted on it. Female
vocals (unfortunately, there’re only few) are superb, almost operatic!
In the whole, the music is very well structured, harmonies vary permanently,
although AGALLOCH doesn’t have anything to do neither with ALCHEMIST nor
with DARK TRANQUILLITY. “Pale Folklore” represents extremely attractive
material, also enough original. Coming with a brilliantly designed booklet
and layout, top-notch sound and performance, this CD is something you should
purchase immediately. Damn it, there’s nothing I could cavil at here! Oops,
one moment! Here it is, the inexcuseable shortcoming – “Pale Folklore”
doesn’t have AGALLOCH’s contact address printed anywhere! (Herr Stalhammar)
ALLEGIANCE
“Vrede”
No Fashion
Records
rating: 6
of 6
This is absolutely
fucking amazing!!! I always liked ALLEGIANCE, since both, “Hymn Till Hangagud”
and “Blodornsoffer”, appear as two undoubtedly oustanding piece of true
viking metal, but they can’t be even compared to this one. I wouldn’t say
that “Vrede” (‘wrath’ in Swedish) differs a lot from the aforementioned
CD’s, it’s just better when it comes to… everything. ALLEGIANCE got rid
of Mikael Almgren (bass), therefore Bogge performs all the bass parts at
the moment, however it didn’t do anything bad for the band. Recorded in
Abyss Studio and appearing as the best ever recording (in terms of sound)
that ever came out of there, “Vrede” features outstanding musicianship;
poundung drums, stunning leads and splendid bass lines… especially, when
it comes to such tunes as “Nordens Fader” and “Hedna Stal (Hymn Till Nordens
Hjaltar)”. Check it out, otherwise you’re nothing but a pathetic loser.
(Herr Stalhammar)
AMSVARTNER
“Dreams”
Blackend
Records
rating: 5,
5 of 6
“Dreams”
differs a lot from their former MCD, “The Trollish Mirror” (1997, also
on Blackend). While that mini appeared as typical Swedish black / death
metal with lyrics dealing with mysticism, this one is more death metal,
and the lyrical idea is also different. “Dreams” somehow remind me of late
CARCASS and BLACK STAR, i.e. it’s VERY melodic death metal with a singer
who tries to sing in a growling way (and he is successful in his attempt),
featuring guitar passages which would fit bands like X-WILD better. They’re
not strictly heavy metal ones… maybe a bit bluesy… And yes, the “clean”
vocals are good. Great exciting CD from (surprise, surprise!) original
Swedish band. Check it out! (Herr Stalhammar)
ANCIENT
“The Halls
Of Eternity”
Metal Blade
Records
rating: 5
of 6
Well, this
is ANCIENT. And as all of us surely know, ANCIENT = outstanding band. It
was, it is and it will be this way. “The Halls Of Eternity” sounds less
vanguard and more “archaic” in comparison to “Mad Grandiose Bloodfiends”,
although it’s no way worse. Since Kaiaphas no longer sings in ANCIENT,
Aphazel became the singer, and I must admit he does his job well. Sometimes
it reminds me a bit of NIGHT CONQUERS DAY (or is it NIGHT CONQUERS DAY
which reminds me of ANCIENT?), sometimes of “Svartalvheim” CD… Well, it’s
great anyway. (Herr Stalhammar)
ANCIENT CEREMONY
“Fallen Angel’s
Symphony”
Cacophonous
Records
rating: 4,
5 of 6
Finally,
a new one from ANCIENT CEREMONY; fortunately a worthy follow-up to their
former CD’s. “Bride’s Ghostly Grace”, “Black Roses On Her Grave”, “Vampyresque
Weddingnight”, “The Tragedy Of Forsaken Angels”… Vampyric black metal?
Hmm, perhaps. At least, something really close to it, both musically and
lyrically. It’s rather mid-paced stuff, well composed and arranged, despite
that it has few drawbacks, such as weak female voice (“Under Moonlight
We Kiss”, their previous CD, featured undoubtedly better ones), also guitars
should possess more thick and volumetrical sound. Chris is a good singer
but only when it comes to his shrieks and declamation-alike vocals – while
those growls and “clean” singing sound quite irritating. In the whole,
production is much clearer and pleasant in comparison to “Under Moonlight
We Kiss”, although it could be a bit (?) better… This album is also slightly
different from ANCIENT CEREMONY’s former efforts in terms of music and
arrangements. For example, one of the songs (“Black Roses On Her Grave”
or “The Tragedy Of Forsaken Angels”, don’t remember exactly) feature some
kind of “Rebirth”-alike sfx’s. Furthermore, needless to say that band has
progressed a lot, since their arrangements and musicianship level appear
as much more splendid now… Generally speaking, it’s far from 100% perfection,
being good and original piece of sympho-black metal in the same time. (Herr
Stalhammar)
ANDRAS
“Sword Of
Revenge”
Last Episode
Productions
rating: 2
of 6
Whatta disappointment.
I wouldn’t say that “Die Ruckkehr Der Dunklen Krieger” (a former CD by
ANDRAS) made to get high on it, although it was really good for a debut.
Those mesmerizing solos and inhuman voices still fascinate me… But you
won’t find any of them on “Sword Of Revenge”. It’s just plain and primitive
black metal, lacking anything exciting. Drummachine and no keyboards, guitars
sounding like some old shitty chainsaw, vocals that cannot impress anyone
except for the flock of ducks or your old grandma, no atmosphere… and the
songs that are really boring, mostly “thanks” to the fact that this album
lasts for eternity. Yes, “clean” vocals sound excellent, but… let me say
“whatta disappointment” once again. These guys definitely killed their
imaginative selves that once were there. (Herr Stalhammar)
ANUBI
“Kai Pilnaties
Akis Uzmerks Mirtis”
Danza Ipnotica
Records
rating: ???
Weird band,
weird album. It’s similar to certain hypnotic ambience, making you sick
and giving you the supreme pleasure you have ever had in your miserable
life in the same time. Strange voices, broken song-structures, strange
sound... Shit, I don’t know what to say here. “Kai Pilnaties…” has few
really good tunes (at least, that’s my opinion), however I won’t dare to
say that I’ll give this CD a listen in the nearest time to come. (Herr
Stalhammar)
ARCTURUS
“And The
Deception Circus Disguised Masters”
Jester Records
ULVER
“Themes From
William Blake’s The Marriage Of Heaven And Hell”
Voices Of
Wonder
rating: 1
of 6
I decided
to combined these reviews due to a couple of reasons:
a) some time
ago, I considered both aforementioned bands to be one of my favorite ones
if talking about Norway’s black metal scene… just recall ULVER’s “Kveldssanger”
or “Aspera Hiems Symfonia” by ARCTURUS!
b) both bands
changed their musical direction in a drastical way – and I wouldn’t say
it was a right move.
Honestly
speaking, I thought ARCTURUS was dead since 1998, and I believe it would
be better if they never gathered again. The same goes for ULVER: their
“Eight Hymns…” was purely a tombstone for this band, but no! They decided
to create something even more loathsome! “Themes…” appear as Double-CD
with songs set on William Blake’s verses, and it’s the only good point
when it comes to the album I’m talking about. Musically, it appears as
some incomprehensible ambient / industrial, incredibly boring, certain
meaningless chords and sounds, you know, the ones pretending to be a musical
masterpiece… In case with ARCTURUS, everything is even worse. Their current
style is a sort of cross between… techno, ambient, industrial and some
psychedelic shit. Forget it. Or, speaking more correct, forget BOTH. At
least, I’ve already buried both bands in my mind. (Herr Stalhammar)
ASHEN LIGHT
“Pesn’ Velesa”
CDM Records
rating: 5
of 6
This Moscow-based
band is quite young, although they contrived to gain some popularity and
status rather fast. And I guess, I know ‘why’ and ‘how’, since ASHEN LIGHT’s
hateful though melancholic heathen black metal sounds quite impressive,
moreover – (nearly) stupendous. At least, they’re one of the most promising
bands in Russia at the moment. Their music is based on keyboards, whose
parts sound, perhaps, not that complicated, but enough memorable and original,
enough original to make distinctions between ASHEN LIGHT and other bands
whose sound may be similar to theirs. “Veda Roda” is my favorite song off
this album and, most possibly, their most famous tune. All the lyrics are
written in Russian, and unfortunately I can’t say that they stand against
the background of many Russian bands writing verses (?) in their own language,
but I wouldn’t say it’s a huge shortcoming. Music is what attracts me in
the first turn. And ASHEN LIGHT manage to create undoubtedly impressive
musical canvas. (Herr Stalhammar)
AUTUMNBLAZE
“DammerElbenTragodie”
Prophecy
Productions
rating: 5,
5 of 6
This band
reminds me of PARAGON OF BEAUTY a lot. While listening to “DammerElbenTragodie”
for the first time I even thought that PARAGON OF BEAUTY simply changed
their monicker… But later I discovered that these bands sound rather different
if comparing them to each other. “Clean” vocals is the point where you
may become confused because this guy’s voice sound exactly like the ones
by the PARAGON OF BEAUTY’s singer. Also, I think that is why I doubted
their originality at the first time… But ok, enough with comparisons. AUTUMNBLAZE
perform highly emotional and atmospheric, somewhat sorrowful and melancholic
music, packed with outstanding “clean” vocals and grim blackish voice (varying
from nearly hysterical shrieks to more ‘calm’ screams) as well as undoubtedly
perfect (yes, PERFECT!!!) arrangements. All of those instruments plunging
you into the very depths of depression are here to please your wicked soul:
piano, flutes… angelic female voices… In fact, their music stands quite
close to PARAGON OF BEAUTY when it comes to style – dark, sublime and epic
black metal… but that’s all. AUTUMNBLAZE are thousand times more various
and exciting in terms of composition. And they’re still original. This
band truly possesses it’s own aura, aura of magic… There’s nothing left
to add here, I guess… Only few facts worth mentioning, like the beautiful
cover art made by Niklas Sundin of DARK TRANQUILLITY and such songs as
“Mo(u)rningdance”, “Dryadsong” and “Garden Of Slumber” which are the best
ones here… Evocative and fascinating… “DammerElbenTragodie” is not a usual
album. It’s a Diamond. (Herr Stalhammar)
BEHEMOTH
“Satanica”
Avantgarde
Music
rating: 6
of 6
BEHEMOTH
appears as the only Polish band I absolutely love. Now you should conceive
that incredible rapture when I saw “Satanica” in my mailbox… “The Return
Of The Northern Moon” and “From The Pagan Vastlands” tapes (as well as
re-release of the latter by Wild Rags and Nazgul’s Eyrie Productions),
“And The Forests Dream Eternally” and “Bewitching The Pomerania” MCD’s,
“Sventevith (Storming Near The Baltic)”, “Grom” and “Pandemonic Incantations”
CD’s… Wow, seems like it’s already an eighth effort by Nergal (the only
one left of the original lineup) and co.! And, despite that I still like
“Grom” a bit better, this is also their best one so far, at least when
it comes to musicianship, arrangements and production. Recorded in a 64
tracks digital studio and produced by Nergal himself, “Satanica” possesses
incredibly decent, crystal clear sound, one of the best (if not the best)
I have heard in black metal. The coverart is a truly amazing one, but ok,
what about the music?? Well, it is magnificent as well. Played with a speed
of sound (with an exception for the few parts and “Chant For Echaton 2000”
track), intense and agonizing, grim and dismal, it’s all-devouring… infecting
you with darkness, clothing in most dreadful shroud… Strange, but sometimes
it strikes as this album sounds more like a death metal one, perhaps thanks
to the fact that Nergal changed his singing style a bit… although, I see
nothing bad in it, since his vokills sound more powerful than ever – the
same goes for “clean” parts (on “Chant For Eschaton 2000”). What’s most
strange, when I put this CD into my stereo, it told me that “Satanica”
has… 93 (ninety fucking three!!!) tracks. Well, actually I was almost knocked
down, however later I found out that only eight of them appear as songs
of full value, while other 85 (with an exception for tracks #33 and #93;
the first one is short instrumental and the second appears as some sort
of weird grind / industrial tune) last for few seconds each, bringing nothing
but silence. I wonder if it was done on purpose, eh…? Ok, here's one more
thing I should say when it comes to describing "Satanica" musically. Unfortunately,
it features smaller amount of those mesmerizing synths; furthermore, this
time they sound a bit different – more like some weird electronic sounds,
though fitting the whole idea perfectly. As to lyrics, the promo sheet
says that “the concept is most courageous, bringing forth Kaosmagick theories
inspired by such great personalities as Aleister Crowley and Austin Osman
Spare, wrapped in a rather sophisticated vocabulary”. Well, sounds exciting;
most likely I’ll check out their lyrics in the nearest future. All in all,
“Satanica” is a brilliant piece of unholy, blasphemous and fierceful art,
therefore you have to check it out or die… (Herr Stalhammar)
BETRAY MY
SECRETS
“Betray My
Secrets”
Serenades
Records
rating: 6
of 6
This is a
unique album. Well, Serenades Records were always known as the label releasing
utterly outstanding acts (with an exception for second CASKET’s CD), however
BETRAY MY SECRETS seems to be one of their most successful signings. Just
imagine gothic black metal mixed with ethno and tribal music, composed
and performed in an inimitable way, with addition of female vocalists and
instrumentalists from Tibet, opera singers from Tailand, Dao – poets, African
singers, Chinese guitar players, sitar, Table percussionists, Indian bamboo
flutes, Piccolo flutes from Nepal, Seruling flutes from Malaysia, Chinese
sheet-metal percussions, etc.! How did these guys manage to invite all
the aforementioned persons? Well, the answer is quite simple. Christian
Bystron (guitars and bass, MEGAHERZ) worked as a producer of various meditation
CD’s so he was in contact with many musicians and foreign artists who liked
BETRAY MY SECRETS’ demo materials and agreed to enlarge this trio (other
guys are Stefan Hertrich (vocals, DARKSEED) and Harald Winkler (drums and
electronics, ex-DARKSEED)… This CD captures splendid mysterious atmosphere,
it is very diverse, although never becoming incomprehensible… And ah, those
guitar leads are fascinating…! There is pure magic hidden in this effort…
(Herr Stalhammar)
BLOT MINE
“Porphyrogenesis”
Near Dark
Productions
rating: 5,
5 of 6
I believe,
BLOT MINE is a perfect substitute for DISSECTION (R. I. P.?)… In order
to conceive the way they sound, mix “Storm Of The Light’s Bane”, PROPHANITY
and MIDVINTER into one – and you’ll get BLOT MINE, a perfect Swedish black
metal. “Razor sharp…”, as it said in their flyers… and yes, it is. Coming
with a brilliant sound and splendid musicianship, it doesn’t let you up
until this CD ends… Actually, it’s simple as fuck, although composed and
performed in such a fascinating way you just don’t realize it. In contrast
to most of Swedish bands blindingly following the way of DISSECTION, cloning
them at 100% without adding anything of their own, BLOT MINE managed to
create something that is not original at all, but somehow you can differ
them from f.ex. aforementioned PROPHANITY… They have some truly stunning
ideas, and guitars sound nearly amazing… The lyrical part is also worth
attention – check out such tracks as “Dumu – Abzu – Ke” – I still can’t
figure out what language is this song written in… By the way, musically
this song is also one of the most exciting tunes off “Porphyrogenesis”,
as well as “Shadows From High-Hell”. Excellent release, don’t miss it!
(Herr Stalhammar)
BRIM STONE
“Carving
A Crimson Career”
Nuclear Blast
Records
rating: 3
of 6
“Heavy Metal
Kid”? “Pagan Sons”? What the hell is it? Some kind of a joke…??? I guess
not. I’ve never heard about this band before and here they are, on Nuclear
Blast, with an album which is (thanks god in hell) much better musically
– than lyrically (see above). “Much better” doesn’t suppose that “Carving
A Crimson Career” is the kind of release you should check out immediately,
though. If one tried to describe it, he’d say something like ‘a nice mixture
of heavy and black metal’… the sort of mixture we behold too often nowadays.
And I can say for sure that f.ex. MITHOTYN does it much better. This CD
has few good moments and guitar passages and leads seem to be almost stunning
to my ears (not always, though)… but it gets too boring after few songs
pass, you know. Mediocre release. (Herr Stalhammar)
BURZUM
“Hlidskjalf”
Misanthropy
Records
rating: 6
of 6
The hands
of mine were shaking when I put “Hlidskjalf” in my stereo… “Hlidskjalf”,
a brand new CD from once (and still) legendary band… “Hlidskjalf”, a brand
new CD from the band which was one of the originators of black metal, the
band whose creations influenced thousands of neophyte acts… “Hlidskjalf”,
a brand new CD from the band which still appears as my favorite one (despite
the fact that I never had any ‘favorites’)… AND IT FUCKING RULLLLZ! Honestly
speaking, I didn’t expect such an outstanding effort after listening to
“Daudi Baldrs” for one more time. “Hlidskjalf” is comprised on eight tracks,
evocative and fascinating, this time composed and arranged thousand times
more professionally… Unfortunately, the first four songs strike as much
more impressive if comparing to the other ones, nevertheless it doesn’t
mean that this CD has any weak points. At least, I couldn’t find any. This
music simply mesmerizes you, being a bit similar to such acts as RAISON
D’ETRE (early) and ORDO EQUILIBRIO with their dark chants and invocations.
“Tuistos Herz” and “Die Liebe Nerpus” appear as sublime hymns to Mother
Nature… it’s Darker part… while tunes like “Irijos Einsames Trauern” or
“Irijos Goldene Tranen” portray completely different picture: sunlit valleys,
birds singing carelessly… This is music OF the woods and FOR the woods.
I believe, Varg justified our expectations, at least he couldn’t create
anything more tremendous. It’s even hard to believe that such a splendid
piece of art was spawned within the dungeon walls… Excellent. (Herr Stalhammar)
CATAMENIA
“Morning
Crimson”
Massacre
Records
rating: 5
of 6
I almost
hated CATAMENIA, since these guys seem to follow the trend – and the same
feeling absorbed by me while I was listening to “Hall Of Frozen North”,
their debut CD, also released by Massacre. But here comes their second
work, and I must confess, I like it. It’s less commercial, furthermore,
in contrast to the former CD, synths appear only in the background here
and there, while in the whole music is quite raw, powerful and aggressive…
Surprising fact it is… I don’t know… I decided to judge “Morning Crimson”
by my own feeling towards it, so the mark is ‘5’ of ‘6’. However, you should
remember that I’ve listened to this stuff only once, so my opinion might
change after I give it few more listenings – but it will be too late to
re-write this review. In short – if you like typical atmospheric (not symphonic,
though!) black / death metal in the vein of early DISSECTION, MORGUL and
THUS DEFILED, buy this one without thinking twice. (Herr Stalhammar)
CENTINEX
“Bloodhunt”
Repulse Records
rating: 4,
5 of 6
CENTINEX,
one of the best and oldest death metal acts in Sweden, as well as one of
the most talented and original, whose splendid mixture of skullcrushing
death metal parts and plenty of BM elements always fascinated me, now have
unleashed a brand new MCD with six tracks (it’s 10” vinyl version released
through Norway’s Oskorei Productions has yet one more song, a cover from
DEATH, “Mutilation”) and… it was a disappointment for me, at least if taking
into account the fact that their former CD, “Reborn Through Flames” (1998),
was excellent. Well, perhaps you would ask ‘why’? Ok. First of all, “Bloodhunt”
is more death metal while almost all blackish elements have gone – most
likely, because of the singer’s change (although lyrics remained the same…
“Under The Pagan Glory”, “Luciferian Moon”, “The Conquest Infernal”, “Like
Darkened Storms” are some of the song titles), – furthermore, it’s less
complicated, kinda straight-forward thing… Besides that, “Bloodhunt” was
recorded in Black Lounge Studio (what is that?) in contrast to “Reborn…”
(executed in Sunlight) and it somehow harmed their sound, making it a way
more typical… you know, those noisy, low-tuned guitars… like DISMEMBER…
the vocal lines also remind me of Matti Karki a lot, by the way. Of course,
“Bloodhunt” has it’s good sides: firstly, it’s more brutal, secondly, this
MCD captures darker atmosphere… The sound is thick – well, actually, I
must admit that Black Lounge is a nice studio, indeed, at least judging
by this album – and the cover art as well as the appearance in the whole
is killer, so basically this is a good album… but replacing singer was
a big mistake. (Herr Stalhammar)
THE CROWN
“Hell Is
Here”
Metal Blade
Records
rating: 6
of 6
Previosly
known as CROWN OF THORNS, this band manages to keep their lineup stable
for three albums, and I think it’s a fact worth mentioning. Ok, CROWN OF
THORNS was black / death metal, and THE CROWN is death / black metal. See
the difference, eh? It’s hell of an album, definitely. Great sound and
stunning musicianship, splendid arrangements and a perfect mixture of sheer
brutality and bewitching melody, hateful vocals and antichristian attitude…
“Hell Is Here” is absolutely amazing piece of powerful, relentless death
/ black metal with actual thought put into each fucking song! And finally,
add the sound of their own (read – originality)… then you will see why
every single metalhead should check this album out. (Herr Stalhammar)
CRYOGENIC
“Celephais”
Solistitium
Records
rating: 5,
5 of 6
Oh, finally
a splendid CD from Solistitium Records. After they released THY GRIEF’s
“The Frozen Tomb Of Mankind” (very average nordic black metal) and NOCTI
VAGUS’ “Venture In Sombre Passion” (disgusting ‘parody’ on black metal),
I almost decided to forget about this label, expecting them to unleash
only worthless CD’s by worthless bands, however… CRYOGENIC can’t be reckoned
to this ‘horde’ by any means. “Celephais” doesn’t offer anything special
or innovative, it’s just a good piece of atmospheric sympho-black metal
with brilliant synth’s passages, as well as ethereal soprano here and there.
But don’t get me wrong, by saying ‘sympho-black’, I didn’t mean that CRYOGENIC
(good bandname, by the way!) either embarked on the poser-path or followed
the trend. Despite that keyboards is one of the main instruments defining
their sound, guitars also play important role – and, sorry for the pun,
they’re played in a really impressive and exciting way. Vocals seem to
raise from the deepest caverns of subterranea – and once again, I should
admit that afore-cited words don’t imply the fact that sound quality sucks
on “Celephais”, it’s almost top-notch, I mean that the singer managed to
spawn almost inhuman sounds out of this throat. Drumming… well, the whole
rhythm-section’s work is beyond any critics, so the conclusion is rather
simple – this is a must. (Herr Stalhammar)
DARKMOON
“Seas Of
Unrest”
Music For
Nations
rating: 5,
5 of 6
Don’t know
what to say about it. “Seas Of Unrest” represents excellent black metal,
true to the core (i.e. (almost) no synths, no flutes, no orchestras or
female voices…), featuring incredibly grim atmosphere, brilliant sound
and musicianship. Furthermore, DARKMOON manages to bring few original ideas…
Generally speaking, this is fast-paced, brutal, atmospheric and undoubtedly
intriguing black metal without any alien or commercial influences. Didn’t
expect to see this kind of stuff on Music For Nations. (Herr Stalhammar)
DARK TRANQUILLITY
“Projector”
Century Media
rating: 6
of 6
Actually,
I didn’t even want to buy or trade this CD due to the rumours spread by
lots of individuals, who clamed it to be nothing but yet one more commercial
crap. They said there’s nothing left neither from death nor from black
metal here, only pure fucking alternative stuff… Well, I finally got this
CD and had to listen to it anyway, and… fuck off, you non-entities, the
ones who considered “Projector” to be a crap. Along with “Skydancer”, this
is the best effort DARK TRANQUILLITY have managed to put out so far, and
such tracks as “Free Card”, “Undo Control”, “Auctioned”, “Day To End” (most
unusual tune from this band) and “Nether Novas” (along with “A Bolt Of
Blazing Gold”, “Shadow Duet” and “Through Ebony Archways” off “Skydancer”
CD as well as “… Of Melancholy Burning” off “The Gallery” and “Insanity’s
Crescendo” off “The Mind’s I” CD) are the best tunes Mikael Stanne and
co. ever composed! Of course, the song titles seem to be quite strange,
especially if you recall their old lyrics, equivocal and soaked with mysticism,
however let’s better conceive the following: what would you prefer – a)
the lyrics suck, although music is outstanding or b) everything’s quite
the contrary. I choose b). Moreover, I haven’t read the lyrics featured
on “Projector”, so obviously I can’t say anything about them. Speaking
generally, the music stayed the same vein as it was on “The Gallery”, however
this time we have less acoustics and more synth / piano parts (finally!).
This time female vocals were performed by certain girl namely Johanna,
however it’s not her voice I would like to mention. Mikael Stanne and his
“clean” (yes, are you surprised?) vocals is what makes this album so attractive
for me. It seems to be weird, but he, who have never sang in a “clean”
voice neither on “The Gallery” nor on “The Mind’s I”, managed to do it
in a brilliant way on “Projector”! This is magnificent album, signifying
that DARK TRANQUILLITY definitely endures certain progress (‘progress’
in a finest sense of the word) – in comparison to IN FLAMES, whose “Colony”
(1999) sucks incredibly, being a self-copycat. (Herr Stalhammar)
DEATHWITCH
“Monumental
Mutilations”
Necropolis
Records
rating: 5
of 6
Will we be
able to listen to a tenth album from DEATHWITCH in the year of 2005? At
least, this Sweden’s act seems to be enough fertile in order to transform
a thought of mine into reality. “Monumental Mutilations” is the fourth
CD from them and also the best one. While I didn’t like neither “Triumphant
Devastation” (1996) nor “Dawn Of Armageddon” (1997), “The Ultimate Death”
(1998) appeared as undoubtedly tremendous effort. And “Monumental…” is
a step forward, an album which you MUST HAVE if you want to find an answer
to the question: “Is there any Swedish black / thrash metal band that is
worth my attention?” I never liked… well, more likely, hated this ‘thrash
revival’, but there’re few bands that capture my attention, the ones like
RITUAL CARNAGE, GEHENNAH as well as the band whose latest CD I review at
the moment. You know, their main difference from all those numerous shitty
bands pretending to be new ‘sodoms’ and ‘destructions’, DEATHWITCH aren’t
ashamed of the fact that they’re good musicians and they’re gallant enough
to have their stuff recorded at decent studios like Los Angered Recordings
instead of some crappy 4-tracker in the basement. Furthermore, they possess
original sound for sure… Well, maybe not that original – they simply DIFFER
from other bands of this ilk. Among others, “Monumental Mutilations” include
tracks like “Necromancer” (taken from the SEPULTURA tribute CD), “Jehova
Shall Bleed” (a re-recorded song from the second album) and “Flag Of Black
Death” (this one appeared on their “Triumphant Devastation” MCD and was
re-recorded)… I don’t know what about you, but I love this band! (Herr
Stalhammar)
DEMENTOR
“The Art
Of Blasphemy”
Quabalah
Productions
rating: 6
of 6
Honestly
speaking, “Kill The Thought On Christ”, the former album from this Slovak
band, didn’t impress me at all, although their live performance (they came
to Moscow some time ago…) turned out as something incredibly more exciting.
And here comes “The Art Of Blasphemy”, released through Quabalah Productions,
Spain’s Repulse Records sub-label. Well… it simply shreds!!! It can’t be
even compared to any of their previous efforts, since “The Art Of Blasphemy”
is one of the best true unholy death metal albums I’ve heard for years!
DEICIDE, MORBID ANGEL, VITAL REMAINS, VADER… these are the old gods, however
the younger ones are approaching, ready to dethrone the mighty emperors…
neophytes like LUCIFERION, DEVILYN, INFEST DEAD and DEMENTOR is what I
am talking about. Too bad that “The Art Of Blasphemy” is so short – coming
with 10 tracks it lasts only for 32 minutes…! All of them are good musicians,
however drumming is what really amazed me… anyway, it seems like it was
drummachine, since I just can’t believe that any human soul may play that
fast! I believe, such tracks as “Waiting For The Death” only prove my words…
It’s best track here, by the way, - as well as “Requiem To The Cursed Lust”,
instrumental tune performed on keyboards… it sounds… ah!, I don’t know…
enigmatic, perhaps? Damn it, I’m tired of talking instead of listening
to this masterpiece for one more time… one more, though not the last time.
(Herr Stalhammar)
DER GERWELT
“Revelation”
R. I. P.
Productions
rating: 5,
5 of 6
This undoubtedly
one of the best MC-albums I’ve ever heard, at least when it comes to Russia’s
black metal bands. Yes, this stuff is BLACK… black as hell itself. Compiled
of four tracks (“Sons Of Moon And Fire”, “Revelation 666”, “Darkness And
Hate” and “Descending In The Mist”) this tape brings some exciting, fresh
and (what’s most important) honest black metal lacking any alien influences.
It’s mostly fast, though melodic in the same time featuring absolutely
amazing bass parts (performed by Shirl of TALES OF DARKNORD). Some acoustics
and synths as well as few slower parts are here as well, although they
don’t spoil the atmosphere at all, quite the contrary – enrich it. Both,
performance and production, are rather splendid, so the only weak point
here goes for lyrics written in extremely poor English… But who cares…
At least, they breath with sincerity… Get this!!!
P. S. A fact
worth mentioning goes for this band’s lineup: it features Ixender (a.k.a.
Alexander Kantemirov), (actually, he is the mastermind behind DER GERWELT)
also known thanks to TALES OF DARKNORD and ROSSOMAHAAR…
DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN
REITER
“Allegro
Barbaro”
Ars Metalli
Productions
rating: 5
of 6
“Allegro
Barbaro” is the second CD from this band with so-fucking-hard-to-spell-name,
and it appears as a worthy sequel to “Soft & Stronger”. Those S/M elements
are still present here (just look at the cover!) although I wonder what
do they have to do with music??! By the way, regarding music. In my view,
“Allegro Barbaro” is true heavy metal album with lots of elements borrowed
from black and death metal, this time featuring more pianos and “clean”
voices than before which, however, doesn’t mean that DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN
REITER became less brutal or more commerical (choose what you like). They’re
still true to their beliefs, often sounding like splendid mixture between
MANOWAR, IMPALED NAZARENE and THERION… Check out the songs “The March Of
Revenge”, “Heavy Metal” and “The Fire”. Heavy metal is the law! (Herr Stalhammar)
DISMAL EUPHONY
“All Little
Devils”
Nuclear Blast
Records
rating: 4,
5 of 6
Actually,
listening to this CD for the first time I couldn’t even figure out if I
like or not. And I still can’t, since it has plenty of good sides as well
as a lot of drawbacks. This CD differs a lot from both, “Autumn Leaves…”
and “Soria Moria Slott”, sounding more like a mixture between gothic rock
and heavy metal with few blackish reminiscences (like male vocals, for
example). It’s somewhat beautiful music, though you won’t find anything
close to such terms as ‘evilness’, ‘aggression’ here. Also I bet that no
one will ever consider this piece to be ‘mysterious’ or ‘dismal’ (oops,
sorry for the pun!) Furthermore, “All Little Devils” doesn’t seem to be
original effort to me, at least as original as it was before… For example,
the song “Lunatic” reminds me a bit of ENSLAVED’s “Black Mountain Plateaus”
(“Frost” CD), remember that one? I wouldn’t say that they stole that splendid
riff, but… Also, the female voice sounds too weak, that’s way I can’t believe
it’s Keitziva singing! Unfortunately, the promo CD’s cover doesn’t include
any info regarding lineup, so I can’t tell exactly what happened… Of course,
there’re good sides also, like “Dead Words” – brilliant, somewhat even
heart-rending instrumental tune or opening “Days Of Sodom” as well as top-notch
sound (Woodhouse Studio). All in all, “All Little Devils” is rather decent
recording, and I like it, though “Autumn Leaves…” still seems better to
me. (Herr Stalhammar)
DORNENREICH
“Bitter Ist’s
Dem Tod Zu Dienen”
CCP – Records
rating: 5
of 6
DORNENREICH’s
debut, “Nicht Um Zu Sterben”, didn’t bring anything new or exciting… just
regular piece of atmospheric black metal with flutes incorporated. But
now Eviga (voice, acoustic guitar, lead guitar, bass and poems) replaced
Dunkelkind (lead guitar, clean vocals and keyboards) and Dragomir (drums,
soprano flute) with Gilvan (drums) and Valnes (dirges, synth and cello
composing) and, obviously, DORNENREICH only gained by it. The music changed
as well… changed a lot. “Bitter…” has the same medieval spirit as ANGIZIA’s
efforts… the same INIMITABLE spirit and asmosphere. Excellent “clean” vocals,
synths and plenty of acoustics… stunning poetry (this is what a friend
of mine told me, since I don’t speak German)… This is EXTREMELY talented
and promising band, nearly unique. Then why did I rate “Bitter…” with only
five points of six?, you may ask. Ok, I’ll tell you. I don’t know what
happened to CCP Studio and Claus Prellinger but the sound sucks here. Sucks
and… almost all songs are ruined because of the production. You will get
into this band’s genius anyway, but when you listen to “Bitter…”, you just
can’t escape the thought that if it had better sound, it could be a masterpiece
making ANGIZIA to stop their activities. (Herr Stalhammar)
DRAWN
“A New World?”
Prophecy
Productions
rating: 5,
5 of 6
I’ve just
did an interview with this definitely outstanding and innovative act in
the former issue – the one which featured review on their “Plan Be” mini
as well… and here comes their newest recording, this time in the shape
of a full-length album. Their label compares DRAWN to bands like IN THE
WOODS…, OPETH, VOIVOD and BEYOND DAWN, and I think they’re somewhat right.
The main problem with this CD goes for the following fact: it’s the kind
of release which is very difficult-to-get-into. All of the songs are very
long (from 7 to 11 minutes) and they’re TOO complicated, at least if you
take into account their length, add that structurally sick composition
(sick in a finest sense of the word, of course)… you’ll get very interesting
and exciting album, the album which shouldn’t be listened to at once. Just
play this CD, listen carefully to few songs like “Marygold” or “Improzigw”
(my favorites off this CD) and… stop it. Then, the day or two after, play
this CD again and check out a couple of tunes again… and again… and again…
and again… and again… This is a drug, my friends… musical and poetic ‘drug-influenced
masterpiece’, ha ha… (Herr Stalhammar)
EMPEROR
“IX Equilibrium”
Candlelight
Records
rating: 5,
5 of 6
I was disappointed
a bit after listening to “Anthems…”, the former recording from EMPEROR,
however “IX Equilibrium” fortunately turned out as something I really adore.
It seems like most of well-known Norway’s bands embarked on the path of
so-called ‘avantgarde (or progressive… call it whatever you like) black
metal’ (IN THE WOODS…, SOLEFALD, FLEURETY, etc.) and EMPEROR is not an
exception. This album portrays classic band’s style and sound, packed with
plenty of avantgardistic elements. Well, I guess, you’d better listen to
it yourselves in order to form your own opinion. There’re only few things
I can add: firstly, “IX Equilibrium” features much more synths and orchestral
arrangements (truly outstanding, by the way!) as well as more “clean” voices,
sounding surprisingly splendid. Generally speaking, this CD is undoubtedly
better performed and executed if comparing to “Anthems…”. I don’t know
what about you, but I consider it to be A MUST. (Herr Stalhammar)
EMPYRIUM
“Where At
Night The Wood Grouse Plays”
Prophecy
Productions
rating: 4,
5 of 6
Writing this
review was a tough time for me. I always liked EMPYRIUM and praised everything
they ever unleashed… and here comes their third CD, being totally different
from both, “A Wintersunset…” and “Songs Of Moors & Misty Fields”. While
those albums appeared as romantic and tranquil, tremendous and melancholic
dark / black metal, this one (coming with a BURZUM-alike black and white
coveart) is purely acoustic. Therefore, reminiscences of ULVER and Finland’s
TENHI inevitably come to mind… Fortunately, EMPYRIUM contrived to create
something different in the same time following the path of “Kveldssanger”
once constructed. This is very calm and beautiful music, with sublime choirs
here and there as well as surprisingly pleasant male “clean” voices (Markus
never was a good singer… that’s why I was really shocked; shocked in a
positive way, of course). Such tracks as f.ex. “Dying Brokenhearted”, “Many
Moons Ago” or “Where Shadows Grow Longer ‘99” (taken from “Songs Of Moors
& Misty Fields” and remixed) sound brilliant… no, not brilliant –
far far more! Amazing! If all the tunes featured on “Where At Night…” sounded
like these ones, this CD could be a masterpiece… Too bad, but other songs
appear as incredibly less intriguing. More imagination, guys! (Herr Stalhammar)
ENID
“Nachtgedanken”
CCP Records
rating: 4,
5 of 6
This one
reminds me of SUMMONING a lot, as well as GOLDEN DAWN. It begins with sublime
operatic male choirs and later turns into mid-paced atmospheric black metal
with weak guitars (actually, they can be heard only in the background),
computer drums, hateful shrieks and brilliant synthetic arrangements (although,
they’re computer-done). ENID reminds me of Australia’s VORAK at times,
maybe thanks to those computer-synths… and male opera voice + medieval
atmosphere is where we can draw some parallels with GOLDEN DAWN. Furthermore,
this CD has certain doze of originality, for example it features saxophone
parts… All in all, those who get high on such albums as “Minas Morgul”
or “The Art Of Dreaming” should dig it. I only hope that Martin (the only
man behind this band) will find better studio next time (the sound is extremely
average here), as well as skillful drummer and guitarist. (Herr Stalhammar)
ENOCHIAN /
ISACAARUM
“Satanic
Ceremony” / “For Blood Is Life…”
Leviathan
Records
rating: 4
of 6 (ENOCHIAN)
4, 5 of 6 (ISACAARUM)
One more
decent effort from Czechia’s Leviathan Records. As far as I remember, the
latest release from ‘em I had a chance to acquaint myself with, was SORATH’s
“Gnosis”. And it was a good one… just like both bands presented on this
split CD. ENOCHIAN prefers to follow the way of Czechia’s black metal old
stagers, such as AMON GOETH, ROOT, MASTER’S HAMMER, i.e. their stuff appears
as slow / mid-paced, really atmospheric and simple as fuck black metal
with deep devilish voice and synths enshrouding your spirit. Good, but
they should work hard in order to reach the level of the bands I mentioned
above. As to ISACAARUM… I once gave a listen to their former “Die Verwandlung”
CD and liked it a lot… Actually, it was one of the best (if not the best)
album from Czech BM bands I’ve heard for a long time! And this one… Well,
it’s still all pro-done, and the music is exciting, however the atmosphere
is diffirent somehow. Also, why did they decide to make their songs so
short?? They didn’t gain by it really… Anyway, I must admit that ISACAARUM
still stays one of the most interesting acts in Czechia…
P. S. How
do you like their aliases, by the way? Such as ‘Seine Durchlaucht Baron
Famulus Avernus Von Und Zu Isacaarum’, eh??? (Herr Stalhammar)
ENOCHIAN CRESCENT
“Babalon
Patrale De Teloclovim”
Avantgarde
Music
rating: 5,
5 of 6
The rumours
say that ENOCHIAN CRESCENT can’t be reckoned to the ‘true’ black metallers
by any means, but what the hell, I don’t care since their music is simply
great. Much better than “Teloclovim”, their former CD (out on Woodcut Records
in 1998). It’s various, thoughtout, perfectly recorded and performed, original
and atmospheric black metal at it’s best. Everyone in the band does really
good job, thus making “Babalon…” sound definitely stunning. Moreover, this
MCD features an excellent cover from BATHORY (“Thirteen Candles”). This
track simply made me get high on it! The only question I have goes for
the song-titles – since I can’t really understand what are their lyrics
about… However, perhaps it’s a good thing, because they lack any cliches
(judging by the song-titles, of course)… (Herr Stalhammar)
ENTHRONED
“The Apocalypse
Manifesto”
Blackend
Records
rating: 5
of 6
I always
loved this Belgium’s band, at least they always managed to stay true to
themselves, producing high-quality black metal, lacking any compromises.
No trends, nothing related with a term ‘commercial’… just pure darkness
and evil. Seems like “Regie Sathanas” (which, in fact, was a tribute to
Cernunnos, ENTHRONED’s drummer who killed himself few years ago) was unleashed
just recently and here we have “The Apocalypse Manifesto”, a brand new
one, already released. Musically, it’s a perfect continuation of “Regie
Sathanas” as well as “Towards The Skullthrone Of Satan” (1997) and “Prophecies
Of Pagan Fire” (1995), being more fast-paced and less melodic though still
exciting and diverse. I don’t know how did they manage to do it, but now,
when it looks like almost each black metal band itches to become a DIMMU
BORGIR copycat, ENTHRONED contrived to keep their sound save from alien
assimilations. Is it dark? Yes. Is it fast? Yes. Is it atmospheric? Yes.
It is brutal? Yes. And what about keyboards? Well, some of them are here…
but this band’s sound is based on guitars anyway. Ok, is it well thoughout
and well executed? Yes. Is it… black metal? YES! (Herr Stalhammar)
ESOTERIC
“Metamorphogenesis”
Eibon Records
rating: 5
of 6
Hmm… In fact,
I could start this review the way I did it with ANCIENT’s “The Hall Of
Eternity”. This is ESOTERIC. Nothing more, nothing less. This is the kind
of band you know exactly what to expect from them. “Metamorphogenesis”
is the third album from this English foursome, and it sounds the way it
should – hell as slow, dark and anxious. Furthermore, it features two additional
musicians: Keith York on drums and Tom Kvalskoll (of Norway’s PARADIGMA)
in the shape of guest vocalist on “The Secret Of The Secret”. The CD’s
appearance is a bit different from both, “The Pernicious Enigma” and “Epistemological
Despondency”, however it’s their usual trademark. Each CD looks different
from it’s forerunner. Well, all in all, everything is usual, with an exception
for new, better sound (quality) and… the album’s shortness. No, I haven’t
gone insane, nor did ESOTERIC. The songs are still fucking long (17, 15
and 11 minutes), but (as you probably guessed already) there’re only three
of them here. I don’t know what is the reason for that, but it’s one of
the shortcomings. I prefer “The Pernicious Enigma” which lasts for 115
minutes. Also, in contrast to the aforementioned CD, this one lacks those
inimitable psychedelic moves and passages as well as improvisations. You
know, “Metamorphogenesis” is an excellent, original and outstanding CD
from a unique band, however it’s just less unique than it’s predecessors.
(Herr Stalhammar)
EVERMASTER
“Lacrimae
Mundi”
KTOK Records
rating: 5
of 6
Honestly
speaking, I labelled this band as ‘regular commercial and motionless ‘low-fat’
black metal’ at the first listen, however later I decided to give one more
chance… and one more again. And here we are: 5 of 6. Why? Well, this Finnish
duo composes and performs undoubtedly enjoyable material, kinda sympho-black
metal with plenty of heavy metal elements put into it. The music in the
whole bewitched and mesmerized me, being romantic and tremendous, fast
and furious in the same time. You know, they remind me a bit of Italy’s
AGARTHI, especially when those unforgettable “clean” vocals appear… Very
good and pro-done stuff, check it out! (Herr Stalhammar)
EWIGKEIT
“Starscape”
Eldethorn
Records
rating: 6
of 6
As far as
I remember, “Battle Furies”, the album UK’s EWIGKEIT made their debut with,
didn’t impress me that much, although it was fairly good piece which gathered
a lot of positive reviews in metal mass media worldwide. “Starscape” was
recorded and released shortly after and… ah, this one is killer!!! J. Fogarty
(it’s hard to believe, but he’s the only one behind the band!) changed
his band’s style a bit, turning it into less clichesque (and also less
black metal) music, both musically and lyrically dealing with Cosmos and
Universe as well as mysteries they conceal… First of all, I feel I should
say that “Starscape” is based on keyboards, keyboards and… once again,
keyboards. Moreover, even if I considered BAL SAGOTH to be geniuses when
it comes to composing and programming arrangements and orchestrations,
now I don’t. Simply because EWIGKEIT arrived, and those synthetic harmonies
featured on “Starscape” can’t be even compared to BAL SAGOTH’s, since they’re
sound million times more stunning and tremendous. I bet, Mister Fogarty
owns really good equipment… (or is it Skyline Studio?) or how else could
he produce such magnificent parts? Ok, enough with keyboards – strikes
as I already said too much regarding ‘em. Vocals were distorted by so many
effects that it’s hard to figure out if it’s a human being singing or,
perhaps, certain creature from the outer space? Of course, there’re no
live drums here, but this is the kind of case where live drummer just wouldn’t
fit. Guitars appear only as a background instrument on “Starscape”, although
I see nothing bad in it. They’re played extremely well, anyway… I don’t
know if it’s still black metal, since EWIGKEIT sounds more like an eerie
industrial sometimes… in the same time being too ‘dark’ and ‘black metallish’
for that style. I don’t know… and I don’t really want to know. The only
thing I can say for sure – “Starscape” is a MASTERPIECE, man! (Herr Stalhammar)
FLEURETY
“Last-Minute
Lies”
Supernal
Music
rating: 5
of 6
Erh… I thought
that FLEURETY are dead and gone for a long time, however here they are.
Times passes and things change, therefore “Last-Minute Lies” obviously
differ a lot from “Mid Tid Skal Komme” (would be strange if not). Seems
like that ‘progressive black metal’ trend grows bigger and bigger, because
FLEURETY may be easily reckoned to KOROVA and others of that ilk now. Of
course, there’re some of them who do it sincere, however it’s always hard
to tell who is true and who is not. Hence, let’s better judge them by their
music… which is rather splendid, I’d say. Unfortunately, there’re only
three songs (+ outro) here, but even despite the shortness of this MCD,
I’m itching to hear their forthcoming second full length effort. “Last-Minute
Lies” comes with truly weird layout and good sound, featuring some kind
of BEYOND DAWN-influenced music. Female vocals became the lead ones, while
Svein Egil sings in a “clean” voice here and there. Let’s recall BEYOND
DAWN once again, ok? What was (is) one of their main instruments forcing
the atmosphere of anxiety? Exactly, trombone. Ok, and here we have saxophone…
Don’t get me wrong, it’s still original (although, is it still black metal???),
and a bit easier to listen to than f.ex. Switzerland’s MORDOR, SOLEFALD
or ULVER (the latest one). Check it out… (Herr Stalhammar)
GRAVELAND
“Immortal
Pride”
No Colours
Records
rating: 5
of 6
FINALLY…!!!!!!!!
I have awaited for this CD for a long, long time… and it turned out as
a worthy sequel to “In The Glare Of Burning Churches”, “The Celtic Winter”
and “Carpathian Wolves”. You see, I never liked “Thousand Swords”, while
“Following The Voice Of Blood” seems to be extremely irritating effort,
at least in my ears. Fortunately, “Immortal Pride” was done in the vein
of GRAVELAND’s earlier recordings, so, obviously, it’s a great album. This
CD brings intro, two outros and two songs (yeah, only two of them, although
both are really long…) of true heathen black metal, played in a sincere
way, featuring unique atmosphere only Rob could capture… Too bad, but Rob
has parted ways with Capricornus (the drummer) who now plays in THOR’S
HAMMER (worthy band, check it out), hence there’s a drummachine on “Immortal
Pride” which (too bad, again) could be programmed in a much better way.
Sometimes it sounds close to ‘live’ drums, sometimes – 100% electronically.
Unfortunately, the production in the whole is rather poor (Tuba Studio)
– this fact mainly goes for the drummachine I mentioned above and guitars
which seem to be rather weak… I just can’t believe that Rob still is a
bad guitarist, since GRAVELAND exists for many, many years till now! Once
they were friends with BEHEMOTH and it might be interesting to compare
these bands to each other. First recordings from BEHEMOTH appeared as poorly
recorded pagan black metal (with good musicianship, though!), sometimes
highly exciting, sometimes rather boring. Then we had “Grom” which was
devoted to paganism again, however it was executed in a professional studio.
The music was performed in a better way, the same goes for their composition
abilities as well as arrangements. “Pandemonic Incantations” was the next
one, even better recorded, although BEHEMOTH seemed to get rid of anything
pertinent to heathendom becoming a satanic band instead (well, Nergal always
told the interviewers that he’s a satanist and pagan lyrics are just lyrics).
And finally, here comes “Satanica”… death metal elements prevail over ‘black’
ones, the recording quality and performance are amazing. And what about
GRAVELAND? All of their efforts were (and are) rather badly recorded and
primitive, although the atmosphere is unique, moreover – Rob contrives
to keep truly original sound throughout years (well, BEHEMOTH sound original
also). So Nergal and co. progressed a lot since “The Return Of The Northern
Moon” demo, while it seems like GRAVELAND didn’t change at all. Actually,
I find it to be good. Every band has it’s own way. BEHEMOTH changed a lot…
and it’s good. GRAVELAND didn’t change at all. And it’s also good. Ok,
few more words regarding “Immortal Pride”, if you won’t mind. As I already
said, it has only two songs (each about 20 minutes long or maybe more),
but they don’t become boring. The whole sound and atmosphere are based
on synths which sound mesmerizing and (of course!) Rob’s vokills, unique
vokills. Well, that seems to be it. I will wait for their next recording
with even greater impatience. (Herr Stalhammar)
GRIEVANCE
“The Phantom
Novels”
Head Not
Found
rating: 5,
5 of 6
A long time
passed since I’ve heard anything from Head Not Found last time. Oh, let
me recall – I guess, FORLORN’s MCD and “Crystal Palace” full-length was
the last recording unleashed through Metalion’s label I’ve got myself acquainted
with! Now Metalion is back with two (or maybe more…?) brand new releases
– “The Phantom Novels” by GRIEVANCE and ADORIOR’s CD. I haven’t heard the
latter, so let’s better discuss “The Phantom Novels”. Well, I bet it’s
definitely worth our attention! This CD brings seven songs of grim atmospheric
black / death metal at it’s best and… seems like I can’t say anything else
concerning this album. It’s very good stuff, while the only shortcoming
it has consists in the fact that it’s quite unmemorable… (Herr Stalhammar)
HEL
“Orloeg”
Ars Metalli
rating: 5
of 6
See MACTATUS
review.
HELLFIRE
“Into Fire”
No Colours
Records
rating: 4,
5 of 6
Just like
mighty GRAVELAND, HELLFIRE is signed to No Colours, while their style is
also true black metal, however absolutely different from GRAVELAND in the
same time. It’s fast and primitive, lacking variety, but I still like it
a lot. It has that FEELING… Production sucks, although it doesn’t harm
anything at all. Drumming also lacks diversity, though still sounds stunning.
Pounding disaster from the very depths of hell, heh heh… Those who’d like
to get a true potion of black metal with incredibly dark and dismal atmosphere,
get it! (Herr Stalhammar)
HYPOCRISY
“Hypocrisy”
Nuclear Blast
Records
rating: 5
of 6
HYPOCRISY
play black metal. Are you surprised? I wasn’t, since I always considered
‘em to be a part of dark side… Even though their first albums were death
metal, they had that infernal atmosphere… they were dark and the lyrics
were antichristian and satanic. Then we had “The Fourth Dimension”, “Abducted”
and “The Final Chapter” which had plenty of BM elements… The year of 1999
saw “Hypocrisy Destroys Wacken” release, which was a bit strange in my
view. It had four studio tracks, while the other ones were recorded live
at Wacken Fest… and these studio tracks really surprised me, since they
appeared as some kind of a mixture between atmospheric black metal and…
hardcore. But ok, here comes “Hypocrisy”, lyrically dealing with the dark
sides of the Universe (at least, that’s my opinion), being 100% black metal
musically. It has stunning, anxious atmosphere and the sound is excellent.
Being highly exciting and rather diverse in terms of composition, it also
features a great variety when it comes to Peter’s singing. There’s BM voice,
“clean” singing and so-called ‘shouting’ vocals… however those unique growls
are gone. Too bad. All in all, HYPOCRISY still stays one of the Sweden’s
premier black / death (?) metal acts, while this album is the perfect proof
for that. (Herr Stalhammar)
HYPOCRITE
“Into The
Halls Of The Blind”
No Fashion
Records
rating: 4,
5 of 6
More good
Swedish metal comes this way. No Fashion Records were always known for
releasing exclusively Swedish bands of top quality (with an exception for
the few, such as A CANOROUS QUINTET) and HYPOCRITE is undoubtedly one of
them. This CD begins as typical DARK TRANQUILLITY rip-off and I almost
wanted to drag it into shit, however it becomes much more intriguing later.
These guys incorporated violin in their sound which, being mixed with that
Gothenborg-school metal, sounds highly exciting. Generally speaking, “Into
The Halls Of The Blind” doesn’t appear as anything special or outstanding
(in contrast to f.ex. ALLEGIANCE’s “Vrede”), although it’s decent CD from
a decent Swedish act. If you’re into bands like THE MOANING, IN FLAMES
and GARDENIAN, get it! Also, will anyone of you tell me where have I heard
‘Peter Nagy’ (HYPOCRITE’s drummer and guitarist) name? I bet, this is not
the only band he participates it… (Herr Stalhammar)
IMMORTAL
“At The Heart
Of Winter”
Osmose Productions
rating: 5,
5 of 6
“I’m getting
tired of it. Are there any good bands still left on Osmose? Honestly speaking,
I doubt if IMMORTAL is one of them… This CD differs a bit from “Blizzard
Beasts”. Well, actually, “At The Heart Of Winter” sounds more like a thrash
metal, even though it doesn’t have anything to do with this goddamn ‘thrash-revival’.
It’s not that fast and chaotic Norse black metal, and it’s not a MORBID
ANGEL clone. Too bad, because it’s also not IMMORTAL anymore. Fuck it.
I’ll pass.” Ok, now you may wonder why did I gave this CD such a (good)
rating – if I didn’t like it at all. Well, actually, the afore-cited words
appear as my review on “At The Heart Of Winter” after the first listen.
Honestly speaking, I didn’t want to pick this CD off the shelf anymore,
however some time passed and I decided to give it one more chance… and
one more again… and again… and again… And finally – I liked it. The result
is the rating you see above. Yes, “At The Heart Of Winter” somehow differs
from that, ‘old’ IMMORTAL, although let me state that it differs in a positive
way… This CD features more thrash-metal influenced stuff (at least, when
it comes to guitar lines, this time played by Abbath, since Demonaz is
out of band… in fact, it’s Abbath and Horgh who performed all the instruments
on this album), however it doesn’t have anything in common with bands like
INFERNO or BEWITCHED (thank god in hell!). All parts are played very tight,
and the recording seems to be just excellent (Studio Abyss)… Speaking about
the music in the whole, it’s still pure grim black metal at it’s best,
with few keyboards here and there, although they still appear only as some
kind of additional instrument – guitars rule here (thank god in hell once
again!). Vocals are more hateful than ever, drums sound truly stunning,
as well as harmonies… “At The Heart Of Winter” is less fast than f.ex.
“Battles In The North” (it has only six songs while each of them lasts
approximately for 8 minutes… quite unusual for IMMORTAL, I’d say), although
it’s still brutal as fuck. And yes, that inimitable atmosphere is here
as well… Brilliant album – perhaps, the best one from IMMORTAL (together
with “Pure Holocaust”)… (Herr Stalhammar)
INFEST DEAD
“Jesusatan”
Invasion
Records
rating: 5
of 6
I couldn’t
expect anything better than this one!!! INFEST DEAD, one of the numerous
bands brought to life by Dan Swano, this is also one of the best ones he
ever participated in. INFEST DEAD perform pure anti-christian metal, that
fucking STINKS with DEICIDE rather often, but this is the kind of case
when copycat sounds even better than original. The songs became much longer
now (here we have eight of them… instead of twenty two as it was on their
former “Hellfuck” CD), although there’s nothing bad in it. INFEST DEAD
only gained by lengthening their tracks, which became thousand times more
rich musically. In general, the sound is also better, more thick and powerful,
as well as musicianship. All in all, DEICIDE should unleash something truly
groundbreaking in time to come, otherwise INFEST DEAD will bury ‘em alive.
(Herr Stalhammar)
IN FLAMES
“Colony”
Nuclear Blast
Records
rating: 2
of 6
I always
preferred DARK TRANQUILLITY over IN FLAMES, hence it’s obvious that I liked
DARK TRANQUILLITY’s latest effort thousand times better than “Colony”.
With an exception for one instrumental tune, there’s nothing new or exciting
here. Of course, both, sound and performance, are perfect, but who cares
if IN FLAMES turned into regular copycats? I’d better go and listen to
“Jester Race” once again instead of wasting my time on this piece of shit.
(Herr Stalhammar)
INTO THE SUNLESS
MERIDIAN
“Into The
Sunless Meridian”
Near Dark
Productions
rating: 5
of 6
I didn’t
like most of Near Dark’s former releases, however few of them appear as
undoubtedly impressive ones, f.ex. such as MELEK TAUS… and INTO THE SUNLESS
MERIDIAN, yet one more project by Mikael, known thanks to NIGHT CONQUERS
DAY, SHADOWCASTER and few other acts. ‘Weird’ is the best word to describe
this CD. First of all, the album’s appearance is really impressive and
sombre in the same time, appearing as the photos of annular eclipse – and,
no doubts, music presented on this CD can be easily compared to this magic
phenomena… it’s as dark, mysterious and fascinating. Beginning with an
insane kind of introduction (reminding me of THOKK’s “Rape And Vampirism”
second part… remember, the ambiental one…?), later it turns into a strange
mixture of black, death, thrash, heavy metal and ambient. If you want any
comparisons, fuck off, simply because INTO THE SUNLESS MERIDIAN surprisingly
appears as the sort of band which can’t be compared to anyone… well, maybe
with an exception for NIGHT CONQUERS DAY mentioned above. All songs are
different – and similar to each other, simple – and complicated. Those
craving for something different, innovative and original have to check
it out. And remember that this band doesn’t have anything to do with the
term ‘incomprehensible’! (Herr Stalhammar)
JULIE LAUGHS
NOMORE
“When Only
Darkness Remains”
Serious Entertainment
rating: 3
of 6
‘No matter
what the word is, Sweden never ceases to amaze!’ Hmm, I doubt it. ‘The
almost classic looking heavy metal cover…’? Once again, I should disagree.
‘Daniel Carlsson’s unique voice…’ Unique? Are you kidding??? ‘It’s bands
like JULIE LAUGHS NOMORE that make the negative sound of the word “cliche”
fall apart’. I beg your pardon, but it IS cliche. Yeah, labels are fond
of telling tales of how great their bands are… JULIE LAUGHS NOMORE (remember
that CANDLEMASS’ song?) perform ordinary Swedish death / black metal, perhaps
a bit more various and ‘personal’ in contrast to their countrymates’ stuff,
most likely because of Danne, who manages to sing with an amazing diversity…
although he sucks. Those grunts and hellish screams sound ok, but I just
can’t sound his “clean” vocals. It is said that he sings in a Blackie Lawless
manner and yes, it’s true, but he miserably fails attempting to copy Blackie
and his style. If you don’t have powerful vocals, stop singing in a normal
voice. That’s the law. (Herr Stalhammar)
KEEP OF KALESSIN
“Agnen. A
Journey Through The Dark”
Avantgarde
Music
rating: 4
of 6
This is already
a second CD from rather average Norwegian band. Honestly speaking, I can’t
really understand why Avantgarde Music, the label which is well-known for
releasing highly impressive, non-typical and innovative stuff, signed this
act. But ok, let’s better talk about the music featured on “Agnen…” It
consists of eight songs, mostly quite long ones (especially when it comes
to “Agnen”, a 12-minute epic), which sound exactly the same way thousands
of other Norway’s black metal bands do. Coverart and brilliant sound is
what really attracts me on this CD… Unfortunately, I can’t say that KEEP
OF KALESSIN have any other advantages… Well, yes, they’re enough skillful
musicians to produce… erh… let’s say ‘competent’ music, and few tracks
(such as “As Mist Lay Silent Beneath”) sound nearly splendid or, at least,
highly exciting, but you need something more to capture my imagination…
All in all, this is a very good CD for ‘Norse black metal’ maniacs, as
to others… Well, it depends only on yourselves. I guess, you won’t be really
disappointed after buying this CD – however it won’t lead you to spiritual
ecstasy as well. (Herr Stalhammar)
KOVENANT
“Animatronic”
Nuclear Blast
Records
rating: 6
of 6
Wow, I couldn’t
even expect such a tremendous CD from KOVENANT (well, actually the band
was formerly called “Covenant”, however they had to change their monicker
due to some reasons unknown to me)! “Animatronic” definitely is the best
album I have reviewed in this issue! Nagash, Blackheart and Hellhammer
changed their style in a rather drastical way, although it didn’t harm
anything at all – only made the band’s sound even more exciting. In fact,
this CD doesn’t have anything in common with “In Times Before The Light”,
this band’s first output (Mordgrimm Records, 1997) – and the same goes
for “Nexus Polaris” (1998). While the first one appears as rather typical
yet pleasant (for the ear) atmospheric Norse BM and the second one strtikes
as quite commercial-sounding sympho-black, “Animatronic” sounds like kinda…
black metallish RAMMSTEIN. At least, they have the same powerful guitars
with emphasis on rhythm… Add absolutely insane blackish shrieks (by Nagash,
I believe?), genius female voice, drum sound which appears as a mixture
of Hellhammer’s typical drumming with techno-programmed drumset, majestic
choirs and memorable songs, as well as utterly sick image a-la Marylin
Manson (I’m talking Nagash and Blackheart). In general, this CD sounds
like a sort of modern industrial metal with plenty of techno and black
metal elements incorporated. Of course, it’s not the kind of stuff your
true black metal grandma will listen to, but who cares if it’s absolutely
killer effort?? Such tracks as “Mirror’s Paradise”, “New World Order” and
“Jihad” simply shred!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A FUCKING
MUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Herr Stalhammar)
LOTHLORIEN
“The Primal
Event”
Black Mark
Productions
rating: 6
of 6
Well, in
fact, I didn’t want to review this one, simply because Black Mark doesn’t
send me any CD’s, although, after I saw that LOTHLORIEN aren’t being promoted
at all (!), I decided to write a review on “The Primal Event” anyway, since
it’s just fucking great. Coming from Sweden, this band recorded their debut
at Studiomega which definitely was a mistake in my view. Well, the sound
is rather good, but drums sound the way they could sound if some shithead
would start beating the sofa with paste-sticks. However, fortunately, it’s
the only shortcoming here. Generally speaking, LOTHLORIEN’s style is a
mixture between heavy and melodic black metal with hateful vokills, powerful
synths and brilliant harmonies. It doesn’t get boring or anything like
it often happens with other Swedish bands, no. It’s extremely well arranged
and performed, rather complicated when it’s necessary, although it never
becomes incomprehensible – remember that! Sometimes it’s slow, sometimes
fast-paced, splendid leads are here as well, while riffs and harmonies
seem to be enough diverse (not TOO diverse, you know)… Variety, originality,
stunning musicianship and fresh approach towards music – damn it, what
else do you need??? (Herr Stalhammar)
LUPERCALIA
“The Moaning
Age”
Explorers
Records
rating: 5
of 6
Explorers
Records appears as rather young label, although the first two CD’s they
have released seem to be highly impressive, therefore I believe that this
guy (Gianluca Mole’, the mastermind behind Explorers Recs) will gain some
success in the nearest future, of course if he will manage to promote his
bands really well… since they deserve it. LUPERCALIA is two-man project,
whose style is melodic though rather harsh atmospheric dark black metal.
This MCD comes with five songs, recorded and performed in a good way, and,
despite that there’re no live drums featured on “The Moaning Age”, drummachine
sounds enough splendid. There’re few keyboards here, although only FEW.
LUPERCALIA manage to create and force the certain atmosphere without incorporating
any symphonic arrangements… “Asleep Inside The Mist” is the best track
off this MCD, at least the best one to give you a vision of what LUPERCALIA
is all about… And yes, those “clean” vocals sound great! Highly recommended.
(Herr Stalhammar)
LUX OCCULTA
“Major Arcana”
Pagan Records
rating: 1
of 6
Someone told
me that “Major Arcana” features only unreleased tracks, but what the fuck!
Even if they’re unreleased, couldn’t these guys remix and remaster them
in order to make this CD sound decent??! Both, “Forever Alone Immortal”
and “Dionysos”, appealed to me really well, coming with a good sound and
musicianship, certain originality as well as definite composition’s talent,
but this one! Fuck, it doesn’t have anything to gain my attention! Production
sucks, structurally the songs also suck, being primitive and ugly as hell…
In general, ‘worthless’ is the word. (Herr Stalhammar)
MACTATUS
“Provenance
Of Cruelty”
Napalm Records
rating: 5
of 6
See HEL review.
MARDUK
“Panzer Division
Marduk”
Osmose Productions
rating: 6
of 6
I’ve heard
a lot of rumours about this album before it was brought forth the light…
rumours, telling that it will be MARDUK’s most furious album ever, etc
etc etc… Well, it’s the kind of case when rumours tell the truth. Yes,
it’s the most furious and hateful MARDUK’s CD, even more straightforward
than “Dark Endless” and “Heaven Shall Burn…”, although undoubtedly less
boring and much more intriguing. Well, such titles as “Fistfucking God’s
Planet” supposed that, I guess, ha ha! “Panzer Division Marduk” features
eight short tracks of incredibly fast, dark and misanthropic stuff, i.e.
the way I like it! Actually, I think it’s needless to add anything – I
believe, all MARDUK’s fans already obtained this piece, and if not – shame
on them… and you! (Herr Stalhammar)
MENHIR
“Thuringia”
Ars Metalli
rating: 5,
5 of 6
Can you recall
any weak release from Ars Metalli? I cannot. MENHIR’s debut CD, “Die Ewigen
Eteine”, perhaps, wasn’t outstanding, but still excellent and impressive
piece of pagan black metal of German origin. This one is more black metal-oriented,
raw and hateful (or is it just my imagination?), though definitely stunning
anyway. MENHIR managed to reach their own sound, so you won't ever confuse
‘em with anyone. Furthermore, “Thuringia” features “Woman Of Dark Desires”,
a cover from BATHORY, revealing this band’s black metal roots and heritage…
Great. (Herr Stalhammar)
MERCYFUL FATE
“9”
Metal Blade
Records
rating: 5
of 6
Can you tell
me why am I writing reviews on such albums as “9” by MERCYFUL FATE or “Powerplant”
by GAMMA RAY? I bet that metalheads, those who’re familiar with such words
as ‘self-esteem’, have already bought these efforts. Efforts coming from
undoubtedly legendary bands, especially if talking about the first one.
“9”… strange title… however, the music is pure MERCYFUL FATE at it’s best.
Well, I feel it’s still worse than “Don’t Break The Oath” and “In The Shadows”,
the best albums by King and co. so far, however it’s a way better than
“Time”, “Into The Unknown” or “Dead Again”, that’s for sure! Well, it’s
all still the same… maybe, with an exception for two songs: “Buried Alive”
which seems to be most fast and brutal songs MERCYFUL FATE ever spawned,
and “9” which is most weird and anxious… (Herr Stalhammar)
MISTIGO VARGGOTH
DARKESTRA
“The Keys
To The Gates Of Apocalypses”
The End Records
rating: 5
of 6
If I’m not
mistaken, “The Keys…” is already the fourth ‘child’ of Knjaz Varggoth,
the only man behind Ukraine’s MISTIGO VARGGOTH DARKESTRA (also known as
the singer and guitarist for NOKTURNAL MORTUM), also being his second ‘official’
release. The first one was “Midnight Fullmoon” MC-album, unleashed through
Russian Metal Agen Records, appearing as pure ambient soundscape. “The
Keys…” is rather diffirent from Knjaz’s former recordings, being his best-to-date
effort in the same time. It’s grim and dismal music, composed of evocative
ambiences mixed with weird black metal parts (featuring incredinly fierce
and evil vokills, distorted guitars as well as drummachine), sometimes
reminding me of both, ABRUPTUM (circa “Evil Genius”) and latest NOKTURNAL
MORTUM’s CD (although free from those EMPEROR similarities) when it comes
to pure black metal passages, while Australia’s VORAK is the best comparison
regarding those semi-ambient / semi-metal fragments. As said above, this
time Knjaz decided to incorporate vocals and, therefore, has written some
apocalyptic verses – which are, by the way, much better than the ones composed
for NK, at least that’s my point of view. “The Keys…” definitely is a kind
of CD worth a listen. I like it. (Herr Stalhammar)
MITHOTYN
“Gathered
Around The Oaken Table”
Invasion
Records
rating: 5,
5 of 6
“Gathered
Around The Oaken Table” was recorded in a different studio with Berno Paulsson
as the one behind the bench, and perhaps that’s the reason explaining why
I liked this CD much more than their second effort, “King Of The Distant
Forest”. It’s more raw and powerful, with pounding drums, that sound extremely
powerful, magnificent male choirs (check out “The Old River”!)… a perfect
mixture of black and power metal. Kinda black metallish RUNNING WILD, you
know… Expect the interview in the forthcoming issue. (Herr Stalhammar)
MORTIIS
“The Stargate”
Earache Records
(provided
by Mazur Public Relations)
rating: 5,
5 of 6
Earache signing
MORTIIS appeared as one more surprise to me… I just can’t believe it’s
the same label that released such legendary efforts as “Reek Of Putrefaction”
by CARCASS or early works by NAPALM DEATH… I believe that back then, when
black metal souls were in a very little number, no one could even suppose
that the same man who’s totally into MAYHEM and alike acts will ever get
into MORTIIS and others of that ilk… Well, in fact, back then only few
of us were acquainted with such phenomena as ambient – as well as ambient
scene, if speaking generally. But ok, let’s get back to “The Stargate”,
(if I’m not mistaken) already a fifth full-length CD from this weird Norwegian
guy… It comes with a good (well, more likely – pleasant) appearance (I
bet, such a label as Earache could create something much more impressive
in terms of layout) and eight really long songs (the longest is the most
fascinating one: “Army Of Conquest / The Warfare (ever onwards)” – this
13-minutes epic is what I’m talking about… as well as “Towards The Gate
Of Stars”). Mortiis invited Sarah Jezebel Deva (yeah, it’s her again!)
on female voice parts, Niklas Trane on acoustic guitar and, finally, Kalle
Metz on male vocals. Therefore, it’s obvious that this CD sounds much more
complicated and stunning if comparing it to former works by Mortiis. Surprisingly,
the lyrical part seems to be quite weak– especially taking into account
the fact that Mortiis has been always known for his unique poetic style…
But ok, the music itself sounds incredibly tremendous, no more no less!
It’s just bewitching, splendid, mesmerizing, anxious and sublime ambient
at it’s best… Rather complicated, featuring perfect arrangements… it will
never lull you to sleep, my friends… I guess, it’s needless to keep on
praising this effort, since I doubt if I will be able to add anything worth
mentioning… ‘Just’ (?) an excellent CD from an excellent band (?). (Herr
Stalhammar)
MYSTIC CIRCLE
“Infernal
Satanic Verses”
Last Episode
Productions
rating: 4
of 6
As far as
I remember, I didn’t like “Drachenblut”, former CD by German MYSTIC CIRCLE,
at all and dragged it into shit rating it with a fairly good mark only
because “Drachenblut” was executed in a brilliant way… Well, ‘quality before
originality’ strikes as their principal slogan, don’t you think so? Anyway,
“Infernal Satanic Verses” is better than “Drachenblut”, at least it’s a
bit more original and the atmosphere is generally more dark and better
observed. In fact, the best way to describe their music is to say something
like ‘MYSTIC CIRCLE is a worthy answer to DIMMU BORGIR’, i.e. it’s top-notch
(‘top-notch’ when it comes to every single thing) sympho-black metal, although
unfortunately it lacks originality, which is the main problem here. Such
tracks as “Hordes Of The Underworld” and “Thorns Of Lies” are truly exciting,
however I couldn’t get rid of the feeling that I’ve heard them many times
before… But, to be honest, MYSTIC CIRCLE does everything with certain class,
unreachable for most of young DIMMU BORGIR-wannabe bands… All in all, I
like it – this atmospheric black metal, greatly performed and splendidly
recorded (even though the CD I have is only an ‘unmastered promotional
version’!), featuring sombre arrangements and powerful guitars with plenty
of astounding leads… By the way, guess who performs female vocals here?
I bet that the name ‘Sarah Jezebel Deva’ sounds familiar to most of you,
eh? Yes, it’s her again, and we’re able to listen to that inimitable background
singing once again… Wasn’t COVENANT, GRAVEWORM and CRADLE OF FILTH enough
for you, Sarah? No answer. But ok, concluding this review, I’d say that
“Infernal Satanic Verses” is very good piece of black art, but those who’re
craving for originality should ignore it. Those who in the first turn care
for quality may check it out, though. (Herr Stalhammar)
NAGELFAR
“Srontgorrth
(Die Macht Erfasste Das Meine Wie Die Angst Das Blut Der Anderen)”
Kettenhund
Records
rating: 6
of 6
This is a
huge step forward since “Hunengrab Im Herbst”, their previous CD. While
that one didn’t bring anything outstanding, being just good heathen black
metal, “Srontgorrth” definitely is a masterpiece! In the whole, musically
it’s a sequel to “Hunengrab…”, although every single thing is better here,
moreover, let’s don’t forget about the new elements. Despite that their
style is (almost) the same, NAGELFAR managed to change their sound somehow…
and of course, this metamorphosis did only good for the band. NAGELFAR
contrived to carry out the impossible, to combine the incopatible: what
about a stunning mixture of heathen black metal and industrial? I mean,
not some techno-influenced shit like RAISM, but a weird and anxious stuff
in the vein of GODFLESH and SCORN… This CD has five songs only (somehow
I believe that they hide certain kind of concept dealing with the four
seasons behind them), however all of them are really long (not boring at
all, though). So what is NAGELFAR all about? Ok… Vocals: inhuman shrieks
and male chants (low-pitched) + savage screams and spoken words. Guitars:
rather various, with a quite thick and powerful sound. Bass: appears in
the background, quite powerful as well. Drums: oh, it’s not a usual drumming,
but a ‘pounding disaster from hell’ (as it was said in the HELLFIRE’s review).
Keyboards: sometimes symphonic and sublime, sometimes heart-rending and
tranquil… also being grim and dreary. Programming: anxious, sombre electronic
sounds and sfx’s, forcing the atmosphere of pure post-spiritual blackness.
Musicianship: splendid. Production: perfect (Andy Classen’s Stage One Studio)
. Conclusion: outstanding. (Herr Stalhammar)
NECROMASS
“Chrysalis’
Gold”
NEC
rating: 5
of 6
This is single-MCD
only, so I’ll be short. “Chrysalis’ Gold” consists of two songs, both are
very different from what NECROMASS did in the past. Once they played ‘occult’
death / black metal, quite original but still boring and lacking anything
pertinent to the word ‘exciting’. Actually, I didn’t like neither “Mysteria
Mystica Zofiriana” (1994), nor “Abyss Calls Life” (1997). Both CD’s had
few successful tunes and intriguing passages, however, in the whole, they
didn’t appear of interest to me. Everything’s different with “Chrysalis’
Gold”. Musically, it’s rather close to “Abyss Calls Life” – heavy, atmospheric,
somewhat grim and anxious, however (despite that they still hide their
real names, using handles instead) I believe it’s not black or death metal
anymore. Vocals are “clean” (low-pitched) and extremely pleasant for the
ear, so it strikes as NECROMASS’ current style is more close to a mix of
dark wave and… and what? I know not. The only thing I can say for sure
– this effort kicks ass! (Herr Stalhammar)
NEGURA BUNGET
“Zirninde-Sa”
Breath Of
Night Records
rating: 4
of 6
This is the
first time I got myself acquainted with Romanian black metal band. Even
though Breath Of Night didn’t send me a promo of “Zirninde-Sa” as they
promised, I decided to write a review on this piece anyway, since it’s
rather worthy one. First of all, I should mention these guys’ handles,
such as Black Pharmareya Peporomenee and Hupogrammos Disciple’s, which
sound truly ridiculous, at least taking into account the fact that I’m
Russian. I mean, I don’t know, maybe these aliases sound ok for an American
ear, but… Musically, NEGURA BUNGET perform atmospheric black metal – nothing
special here, although it’s enough anxious, sincere and gloomy to please
me. The sound is surprisingly good, so don’t think twice before buying
this if you’re into bands like COUNTESS, ABIGOR, AMESTIGON or MENHIR… (Herr
Stalhammar)
NEGURA BUNGET
“Sala Molksa”
Bestial Records
rating: 5
of 6
I don’t know
if this MCD was recorded earlier or later than “Zirninde-Sa”, but it’s
better anyway. The music is less straight-forward and more exciting… sounding
more like ‘music’, you know. Vocals seem to be sung in an incredibly more
hysteric way and drum-sound is rather weak, although drumming itself is
ok. “Sala Molksa” reminds me a bit of early efforts by Norwegian black
metal acts… Fast, raw (production is rather pleasant, though) and atmospheric.
I like it. Moreover – let’s say “great”! (Herr Stalhammar)
OCCULT
“Of Flesh
And Blood”
Massacre
Records
rating: 4,
5 of 6
Oh… I almost
buried this band in my mind. You know, when someone becomes silent for
three years, such a phrase doesn’t sound surprising. But ok, here’s their
latest effort, the third one, called “Of Flesh And Blood”, this time released
by a major label. Well, generally speaking, it’s really diffirent from
“The Enemy Within” and (especially!) “Prepare To Meet Thy Doom”. “Of Flesh
And Blood” features modern thrash metal in the finest sense of these words,
sometimes sounding the way if someone mixed SLAYER’s “Diabolus In Musica”
with black metal. One more metamorphosis goes for vokills: now there’re
two types of them, powerful growling (by Rachel, I believe?) and hellish
screams (by Maurice, if I’m not mistaken?). The sound is perfect, the songs
themselves are perfectly composed and performance is great, so it’s up
to you whether to buy this one or not. I’d buy if I already didn’t have
it… (Herr Stalhammar)
OF THE FALLEN
“Of The Fallen”
Wild Rags
Records
rating: 4,
5 of 6
“Of The Fallen”
was originally issued as a demo tape, re-released by Wild Rags in the shape
of MCD a year after. The layout sucks incredibly (although the artwork
and back cover look ok), but is it the thing we should care about in the
first turn? No! The music is most important to me, and this MCD appears
as some really good piece of it. Including five songs + outro, well recorded
and well performed, “Of The Fallen” brings mostly fast, though sometimes
mid-tempo black metal with few keyboards and inevitable reminiscences of
many older bands… however (fortunately?) I can’t recall any of them. It’s
not original, but nothing seems to be rip-offed, so… This album also features
undoubtedly splendid guitar work (a bit unusual thing for the US band,
don’t you think so?) with memorable and well-executed leads here and there
as well as surprisingly decent bass lines in f.ex. “Spirits Of Dark Waters”
(which is my favorite song here, being kinda quintessense of all the best
this band’s able to offer at the moment). All in all, I wouldn’t say it’s
pure black metal, since this effort has a lot of speed and death metal
elements, especially when it comes to the way these guys perform their
stuff. I like it, nevertheless I want more anyway. I hope next times OF
THE FALLEN will manage to make their music a bit more personal (especially
taking into account the fact that they already appear as a promising band!).
And while now check out the interview featured in this issue… (Herr Stalhammar)
P. S. Band’s
email: immrama@flash.net
OTYG
“Sagovindars
Boning”
Napalm Records
rating: 6
of 6
This album
is better and worse than “Alvefard” in the same time. I can’t say anything
exactly, it’s just my opinion, my personal view on this band’s progress
and development. OTYG still play that Swedish ‘STORM-inspired’ folk metal
with lotsa traditional instruments – nothing more to say here, I guess.
Most interesting song on “Sagovindars…” is “Holy Diver” (a cover from DIO)
with a violin (instead of guitar) solo and great vocal lines. Generally
speaking, if you liked “Alvefard”, you’ll get into this one also. If not…
(Herr Stalhammar)
PAZUZU
“III: The
End Of Ages”
Avantgarde
Music
rating: 5,
5 of 6
Actually,
I thought that PAZUZU will be never reborn… but this is it, the third album,
this time composed and performed completely by Ray Wells (who is also known
thanks to his brilliant side-project – RAVENTHRONE (also on Avantgarde)).
First of all, I feel that I have to mention that “III” comes with a truly
amazing coverart – the first thing which captures your sight and imagination.
But of course, the cover is not the only thing worth attention on this
CD. “III” comes with fifteen tracks (rather short ones) of grim and sombre
ambient – and this time it doesn’t have anything to do with the term ‘medieval’
(as it was with “Awaken The Dragon”). This is dark, sorrowful, decadent
and dehumanizing canvas of rotten flesh and nuclear dust… It’s not as anxious
as f.ex. AGHAST, not as chaotic and tremendous as ELEND, not as monotonous
as BURZUM, more likely – calm. The dead calm… Packed with sublime, yet
taking away any hope, recitatives by Ray, and nearly perfect arrangements,
this CD is a must to have… And yes, expect the interview in the next issue!
(Herr Stalhammar)
POEMA ARCANUS
“Arcane XIII”
Picoroco
Records
rating: 5
of 6
In fact,
I couldn’t even dream of getting such a high-quality piece from Chile a
year ago… But things change with time… Quite recently I’ve got the “Dragonflight”
CD, a second one from Chile’s BEWITCHED, which turned out as an absolutely
killer effort, and here we have one more magnificent band coming from that
South American State. What is strange, neither BEWITCHED, nor POEMA ARCANUS
doesn’t have anything in common with that typical sound provided by MYSTIFIER,
TENEBRARUM and alike bands, the sound which became some kind of a ‘South
American black metal’ trademark. No, these bands prefer the European way
of doing things… perhaps, that is the reason why they sound thousand times
more original if comparing f.ex. to NOCTIS INVOCAT or INQUISITION. I think
it’s a good tendency, since we behold more and more South American acts
performing much more personal music… SABAOTH, BURIED DREAMS, SONGE D’ENFER
were among the first ones, and here we have few neophytes able to reach
the fame and glory of SARCOFAGO and SEPTULTURA… If I’m not mistaken, “Arcana
XIII” is the debut album from this five-piece band (what’s funny, it was
released by the same label which put out BEWITCHED’s “Hibernum…” CD back
in 1996!), coming with surprisingly good production and splendid musicianship
as well as certain doze of originality… Claudio sings mostly in a “clean”
voice, some kind of a low-pitched, almost barrytone way of singing, which
I like a lot. Also, here we have death metal grunts and blackish screaming
sounding good as well. The music itself is quite monotonous, slow and doomy
with a keyboard background here and there. It’s not boring or anything
despite that songs sound quite similar to each other (at least, the atmosphere
is the same… it’s mournful kind). Packed with stunning solos, this album
is undoubtedly exciting piece to listen to. Get it!
Band’s email:
arcanexiii@hotmail.com
Label’s email:
picorocorec@entelchile.net
POTENTIAM
“Balsyn”
Wounded Love
Records
rating: 6
of 6
I know that
there’re many people out there blaiming me in giving ‘5’ or ‘6’-marks to
90% albums I review… Well, what can I say? Don’t blame it on me, I just
try to be honest and if the album sucks, I say that it sucks. If the album
rules, I give the proper rating. Is there anything bad in it? I think not.
Here’s one more CD I gave the highest mark. Why? Well, simply because this
Icelandic (!) band managed to create original (!!!), exciting and well-structured
music, which comes with a good sound and musicianship. It doesn’t sound
‘Norse’ too much, moreover – it’s not ‘pagan’ or anything (so there won’t
be any FALKENBACH and SOLSTAFIR comparisons, heh heh). I don’t know what
band I could compare ‘em to. Perhaps, there’s none? Musically, it’s rather
diverse album, capturing truly anxious and grim atmosphere, with thunder-alike
drumming and splendid guitar work. There’re also two instrumental tracks
here: the first one is completely different from the other ones peformed
by POTENTIAM, appearing as some kind of industrial / experimental / dark
wave-influenced stuff, while the last one, being totally insane, reminds
me of CELTIC FROST’s “Tears In A Prophet’s Dream”, remember that one? Vocals
sound more than weird, being some sort of a mixture between Attila (MAYHEM’s
“De Mysteriis Dom Satanas” LP), formerly TORMENTOR), Nick Holmes of PARADISE
LOST (!) (“Shades Of God”) and Quorthon’s singing (circa “Hammerheart”).
All in all, I must admit that this guy is capable of singing pretty good
when it comes to both, “clean” and black metal voices. Coming with a mesmerizing
artwork, this CD should be yours! (Herr Stalhammar)
PROPHET
“Miles Away”
self-released
rating: 5
of 6
This is the
newest recording from Finland’s PROPHET, whose previous demo was highly
praised by me in the former issue. This album, released in the shape of
single-MCD, brings four songs of mild and atmospheric… metal. Some would
prefer to define it as ‘dark wave’, others will consider “Miles Away” a
heavy metal CD, someone else might invent any other kind of description…
while in my view, it’s just metal with emphasis on guitars (although few
atmospheric keyboard and piano parts weren’t forgotten), while influences
are borrowed from both gothic and heavy metal, as well as doom / death.
Unfortunately, this time those hellish BM screams are gone, replaced by
some kind of inhuman growls, although these ‘sounds’ may be met here vary
rarely. The lead vocals are “clean” ones – quite good ones, although Aleksi
shouldn’t stop practice singing, since his voice is still far from being
perfect. The sound quality is splendid, the same goes for musicianship
– and that’s nearly amazing fact since these guys (+ extremely pretty-looking
female, namely Tea, on keyboards) are very young, they’re 17 – 18 years
old!!! PROPHET definitely deserves to be signed to a serious either underground
or major label… (Herr Stalhammar)
RADIGOST
“Nocturne”
Sound Age
/ Metal Agen Records
rating: 5
of 6
I bet, there
aren’t too much of us, who have ever heard of this band before they unleashed
this MC album… They appeared from nowhere and gained certain status immediately…
Impossible? I guess not, since RADIGOST (fortunately) appear as the ones
who deserve our attention, no doubts. They don’t offer anything special
or outstanding – “Nocturne” brings atmospheric doomy black metal, lacking
any innovations or anything like that, however it sounds more than pleasant,
perhaps thanks to the inimitable atmosphere, as well as sincerity… and,
what’s most strange, originality. Yeah, it’s usual though original. ‘That’s
impossible for sure!’, that’s what I hear you saying. Yes, it seems to
be weird, but it’s what it is. Most of tracks featured on “Nocturne” are
really long, though not boring at all, with complicated synth’s parts,
both – growling and screechy singing lines; and quite good production.
This is definitely a promising band, hence: ‘highly recommended’. (Herr
Stalhammar)
Band’s email:
radigost@mail.ru
RAGNAROK
“Domgeorn”
Eldethorn
Records
rating: 6
of 6
In short
– this one is brilliant! No, it’s not Norway’s RAGNAROK, but still a band
with a same name coming from the misty shores of England… truly outstanding
band, by the way. I already praised to the skies their former “To Mend
The Oaken Heart” CD, and what should I do if “Domgeorn” is thousand times
better??? It’s a lot more various and… hmm, complicated, I guess. Furthermore,
Deorth is a much better singer now – such tracks as “Legion Of Death” will
convince you in this simple fact. There’re plenty of traditional instruments
featured on this CD (celtic harp, tin whistles, bodhran, fiddle) – and
all of them are performed in a skillful way, as well as female vocals geniusly
sung by Giovanna Fella. Deorth (bass, vocals, keyboards and acoustic guitar)
and Stenfalt (all electric guitars and backing vocals) are the only ones
left in RAGNAROK, and I think the band only gained by it, since now they
sound like it’s the best lineup possible! Ok, few more words regarding
music: “Domgeorn” has many vocal lines, and all of them, both “clean” and
harsh voices, sound exciting, while the same goes for arrangements and
performance in the whole (all in all, most of guitar, bass and synth’s
passages sound very different from black metal cliches). By the way, there’re
only four new tracks here, others are taken from “Beloved Of The Raven
God” demo and the band’s first-ever official tape (released back in 1991).
Moreover, besides RAGNAROK’s own compositions, there’re two… erh, let’s
say ‘covers’. The first one is “John Barleycorn” which is an English folk
standard and the second one is “Heart Of Steel”, yes, the one originally
composed by MANOWAR… ‘This is outstanding’ – that’s my conclusion. (Herr
Stalhammar)
RITUAL
“Soldiers
Under Satan’s Command”
Wild Rags
Records
rating: 5
of 6
Hey, I thought
this band kinda split up, however here we have “Soldiers Under Satan’s
Command”, a third CD by RITUAL, performing so-called ‘criminal black metal’.
I doubt if they deserve such a title, since they didn’t kill anyone yet,
heh heh… (BURZUM rulzzz!) But ok, let’s stop it and talk about the music.
It’s much, much better than “The Summoning” (1995), the only band’s CD
I’ve heard. It was some kind of semi-black metal with synths and nothing
special at all, while this one lacks any synths and suchlike stuff, representing
pure relentless black metal in it’s purest form, being rather melodic in
the same time. Recorded in Time Capsule Studios, it features splendid sound,
while performance also seems to be good, at least this time we have live
drums here. So let’s don’t care about it’s sadly unassuming design and
(here comes one more drawback!) the fact that “Soldiers Under Satan’s Command”
is only 30 minutes long… it’s worth checking out, believe me. (Herr Stalhammar)
SAMAEL
“Eternal”
Century Media
rating: 2
of 6
This is crap.
SAMAEL turned into something utterly incomprehensible, kinda electronic
pop / rock / doom metal… Such track as “Together”, alone, will make you
sick… Too bad. (Herr Stalhammar)
SATYRICON
“Rebel Extravaganza”
Nuclear Blast
Records
rating: 5
of 6
Great album
from a worthy band. Fortunately, they didn’t wimp out, even though SATYRICON
are signed to Nuclear Blast at the moment. “Rebel Extravaganza” may be
described as something reminiscent of “Dark Medieval Times” (1994) and
“Pure Holocaust” by IMMORTAL, i.e. it’s raw, though well performed and
well produced, relentless and evil black metal, featuring inimitable atmosphere
as well as few innovations… What kind of innovations? Ha, it’s up to you
to decide ‘what kind’ exactly! Better check out this CD yourselves – I
guess, you won’t regret, at least if you liked earlier SATYRICON. (Herr
Stalhammar)
SHUB NIGGURATH
“The Kinglike
Celebration (Final Aeon On Earth)”
Oz Productions
rating: 5
of 6
This is the
first time I had a chance to get myself acquainted with this nearly legendary
Mexico’s band, and I must admit that I wasn’t disappointed. SHUB NIGGURATH’s
style is unholy death metal with plenty of BM elements, played in a true
and sincere way (‘true’ doesn’t always suppose non-existent production
and worthless musicianship), the way it should be! The lyrics mostly deal
with planetary topics (as well as some Lovecraftian mythology…), few anxiously
sounding synths are here and there, however SHUB NIGGURATH doesn’t have
anything to do with bands like EMPEROR and others of that ilk. It’s not
‘progressive’, it’s not ‘symphonic’ or ‘21st century-alike’, it’s just
pretty good evil death / black metal at it’s best. Highly recommended.
(Herr Stalhammar)
SINOATH
“Research”
Polyphemus
Records
rating: 3
of 6
Finally,
here’s a long awaited fulllength CD from Italy’s SINOATH! “Still In The
Grey Dying”, their former MCD, was one of the best death / black metal
efforts I’ve heard coming from Italy back in 1995, although unfortunately
things are different with “Research”. It begins with few undoubtedly impressive
and highly exciting tracks, but later becomes rather boring… SINOATH found
their own way in metal… listen carefully – THEIR OWN!, but it just doesn’t
make any sense if someone (f.ex. me) feels that they simply exhaust themselves
with each song passing through my ears… (Herr Stalhammar)
SKYMNING
“Stormchoirs”
Invasion
Records
rating: 2
of 6
Semi-death,
semi-black, semi-heavy metal. Few good moments are present at this CD,
however… it’s worthless anyway. No atmosphere, no sincerity, just an attempt
‘to be liked by majority’. Commercial and boring stuff, that’s my opinion.
(Herr Stalhammar)
SOLEFALD
“Neonism”
Avantgarde
Music
rating: 6
of 6
“Now there’s
“Neonism”. Ten songs of RADICAL DESIGNER ROCK’N’ROLL with both futuristic
and retrospective elements. The band’s musical expression has moved back
to their older influences such as METALLICA, SEPULTURA, JUDAS PRIEST and
FAITH NO MORE, while at the same pointing forward into what is yet to come
in the world of metal”. Here’s quote from the “Neonism” promotional sheet
to explain why I expected this album to be a failure. You know, there’re
too many bands out there who embarked on the path of worthless experiments
and, therefore, turned their music into nothing but a weak parody on their
former recordings. However, despite that “Neonism” is extremely avantgarde
piece, it still has something to do with black metal and that’s great!
There’re ten songs here, all of them are very diverse, featuring numerous
tempo changes and plenty of complicated structures + few elements borrowed
from punk, alternative and thrash metal, often sounding as some kind of
a prog stuff. Just check out the songs like “Speed Increased To Scaffold”
or “CK II Chanel N.6” and you’ll see that it’s not some regular incomprehensible
crap, an attempt to create something that cooool and outfuckingstanding,
but an art embodied in music. Furthermore, there’s an interesting front
and back covers’ concept: the first one portrays a little wistful angel-girl
standing somewhere in the center of a megapolis at night, while the second
one features the same girl and both guys (one with a knife, another one
with a gun) standing behind her. Recorded in the Sunlight Studio with Tomas
Skogsberg, this is a stunning work. But only for the open minded… (Herr
Stalhammar)
STORMLORD
“Supreme
Art Of War”
Last Episode
Productions
rating: 5
of 6
Ah, familiar
names! I liked STORMLORD’s debut MCD (“Under The Sign Of The Swords”) a
lot, so obviously I was very intrigued when “Supreme Art Of War” got in
my hands. And thanks god in hell, it wasn’t a disappointment like it often
happens nowadays! First of all, I must admit that STORMLORD surprisingly
sound very fresh and innovative, but what’s most important – original.
If there’s a band we could compare them to, be it AGARTHI, however Cristiano
and co. have their own way to go… “Supreme Art Of War” comes with eight
(rather long) tracks of hymn-alike material, something quite close to ‘battle-black’,
symphonic and heavily influenced by usual (?) power / speed metal. And,
surprise, surprise!, I discovered few passages performed with non-typical
instruments, such as trumpet, violin, organ, harp, piano and flute… Add
plenty of keyboards and powerful male choirs, and you’ll get undoubtedly
interesting and splendid band, at least much better and more exciting than
MYSTIC CIRCLE (see the review somewhere above). The emphasis was made on
vocals, drumming (inhuman one…) and keyboards, while guitars and bass aren’t
the main instruments here – but don’t get me wrong, it’s not some ‘low-fat
black metal’ like EVEMASTER, VIMPATIOR and others of that ilk as well as
numerous IN FLAMES bastard sons and AT THE GATES-offsprings. The music
in the whole is very fast, sometimes ultra-fast, although the melody is
always present… Despite that lead vocals appear as regular black metallish
vokills, they strike as quite diffirent if compating to modern BM acts.
The sound quality is awesome (Temple Of Noise Studio), and here comes one
pleasant surprise: Steve Sylvester of legendary DEATH SS and A. G. Volgar
from DEVIATE LADIES participated in the making of this CD as the session
members! Highly recommended… or more likely, ‘a must’. (Herr Stalhammar)
SUIDAKRA
“A Darksome
Path”
Last Episode
Productions
rating: 4,
5 of 6
This is better
than “Auld Lang Syne” (1998), however I still like their debut, “Lupine
Essense”, better. “A Darksome Path” (finally!) features fairly good producership,
as well as few innovations, such as pseudo-power metal vocals, which are
from being perfect, by the way. All in all, this CD sounds less original
than SUIDAKRA’s previous efforts, being more ‘Sweden-oriented’, especially
when it comes to guitar passages, despite the fact that “A Darksome Path”
has some definitely stunning leads. In the whole, this album brings some
fresh ideas and undoubtedly exciting parts, but I still believe that SUIDAKRA’s
best album is still to be composed – and unleashed. (Herr Stalhammar)
SUMMONING
“Stronghold”
Napalm Records
rating: 6
of 6
SUMMONING
were silent for a while, but “Stronghold” was worth the wait, no doubts!
In my view, it’s best album SUMMONING managed to create so far, in the
same time being quite different from “Lugburz”, “Minas Morgul” and “Dol
Guldur”… and that’s good I think. You see, no one can produce the same
stuff forever, even if it was nearly genius-sounding in the beginning.
Basically, that familiar sound didn’t cease into oblivion; seems like SUMMONING
will always be SUMMONING. BUT! Even a moron will notice at leats few diffirences,
such as different vocal lines as well as addition of female voice (featured
on one song only… unfortunately! Unfortunately, because this girl’s singing
is almost heart-rending, combining beauty and spiritual abandonment…) I
bet, I could say the same regarding musical accompaniment, however the
only thing I’d share with you is: SUMMONING contrived to make this CD hundred
times more various and less monotonous – in contrast to f.ex. “Minas Morgul”…
“Stronghold” is pure masterpiece, so don’t even think about ignoring it!
(Herr Stalhammar)
TUNRIDA
“Hierarchy”
Solistitium
Records
rating: 5
of 6
This is a
bit worse comparing to CRYOGENIC’s “Celephais” (also on Solistitium), however
TUNRIDA still is a worthy band without any doubts! This is some kind of
a Finnish answer to ABIGOR, at least that’s what “Hierarchy” made me think
of it. Furthermore, T. T.’s brainchild is the first comparison which came
to my mind after listening to “My Finest Hour” and “Pathways To Cosmos
Opened” (first two songs off “Hierarchy”). The lyrical themes also bring
back to memory reminiscences of such albums as “Nachthymnen” or “Verwustung…”
But ok, TUNRIDA is what we’re talking about at the moment. Their style
is rather typical atmospheric black metal with plenty of pseudo-symphonic
elements, well performed and well recorded, while vocals is what makes
it a bit different. I can’t even fancy how to describe it – better check
out this album and decide yourselves… This is good stuff for everyone into
evil, christraping and atmospheric black metal. (Herr Stalhammar)
VIMPATIOR
“Magni Nominis
Umbra”
Blackend
Records
rating: 2
of 6
Signing this
band was a big mistake. Even though “Magni Nominis Umbra” was recorded
at that Selani Studio (one of the best studios in Poland), I didn’t like
the way how this CD sounds. Furthermore, VIMPATIOR doesn’t have anything
to offer… anything innovative, intriguing, exciting or, at least, anything
that would capture my attention for more than 2 minutes. This is regular
atmospheric black metal – nothing more, nothing less. These guys aren’t
bad musicians and the music has certain atmosphere, but it just didn’t
do anything for me. Usual black metal that I’ve heard many times before…
(Herr Stalhammar)
WAR
“We Are War”
Necropolis
Records
rating: 4
of 6
“War”, “We
Are War”, “Ave Satan”, “Kill God”, “666”, “Infernal”, “Hell”… These are
some of the song titles. Now you should understand what you will deal with
after buying this CD. WAR is comprised of such infamous people as All and
Blackmoon + Impious on guitars and Lars Szoke of HYPOCRISY on drums. Concerning
music… it’s pure satanic hardcore / heavy metal in the vein of VENOM, with
the Swedish sound (Abyss Studio) and of course million times more brutal.
I think, some of you will define it as ‘true black metal’ and… perhaps,
that’s right. I like it. (Herr Stalhammar)
WARHAMMER
“Deathchrist”
Grind Media
Syndicate
rating: 4
of 6
This band
TOTALLY worhips HELLHAMMER and early CELTIC FROST, that’s for sure. You
know, when you listen to this CD, you have a strong feeling like it’s some
kind of an unreleased recording from Tom Warrior and co., suddenly discovered
and brought forth the light. All in all, “Deathchrist” doesn’t differ from
WARHAMMER’s former CD, “The Winter Of Our Discontent”, at all. Everything’s
the same… unfortunately. Perhaps, the only distinction goes for the sound
quality which seems to be better here… No doubts that WARHAMMER doesn’t
pretend to be an original band, however it looks like they’re sincere in
what they do, also CELTIC FROST doesn’t exist anymore, so… I don’t know
if it’s a worthy replacement, but who knows? “Deathchrist” has the same
atmosphere “Apocalyptic Raids” and “Morbid Tales” had, so if you liked
Tom Warrior’s bands, you’ll like this one as well. With an exception for
the lack of originality, “Deathchrist” has only one drawback. You see,
all the songs are the same, so it becomes a bit boring sometimes. But anyway…
(Herr Stalhammar)
WITCHES
“Mort Ne”
Witches Production
rating: 4
of 6
This band
(of French origin) reminds me a bit of OPERA IX, perhaps mostly thanks
to those high-pitched female vocals, well not vocals, but hateful screaming
shrieks. They say it’s thrash, but what the hell, it sounds more like a
decent mixture of thrash, black and death metal! Skill- and sound-wise,
WITCHES definitely has something to offer, at least if comparing them to
multitude of faceless acts, who are definitely not familiar with such term
as ‘talent’. I can’t say that “Mort Ne” impressed me the way f.ex. DARK
TRANQUILLITY’s “Projector” did, but it’s not bad… more likely, good. (Herr
Stalhammar)
WITCHTRAP
“Witching
Black”
Hammer Muzik
rating: 4,
5 of 6
Black metal
band from Turkey? Moreover, the band which was formed back in 1988?? No,
I’m not kidding. And it’s really pleasant to find out that WITCHTRAP (in
fact, the first-ever band from Turkey I have ever heard) is not bad. More
likely, good. Their style is quite orthodox black metal. Rather straight-forward,
I’d say. Simply… witching black. By the way, the title-track (i.e. “Witching
Black”) is the best one to give you a hint of WITCHTRAP’s sound… and also
the best one to be found on this CD. Production is rather average… and
musicianship isn’t perfect (although, it seems to be really good anyway),
however I still like this album. Simple, orthodox (as it was said above)
black metal with vokills usual for this style, mostly played in mid-tempo,
featuring decent guitar leads and rather sombre atmosphere… A good album
to check out… Furthermore, if I’m not mistaken (and I could be), one of
the black metal voices here belongs to female… Erh, whatta surprise… (Herr
Stalhammar)
YOUR SHAPELESS
BEAUTY
“Sycamore
Grove”
Adipocere
Records
rating: 6
of 6
I can’t say
that I liked “Seven Paths To Sorrow”, a CD YOUR SHAPELESS BEAUTY made their
debut with, a lot, although it was a good album. Well, maybe not ‘good’,
but more likely ‘mediocre / good’. Something in between. So I didn’t expect
anything exciting from this French band’s second effort… and I was wrong.
“Sycamore Grove” is killer. It has a lot of instrumental and / or semi-instrumental
tunes, but when there comes black metal ones, it strikes as this is really
great output. The production is far from being perfect although it’s not
bad at all, solo guitars sound magnificent, however vocals surprisingly
seem to be placed somewhere in the background. Keyboard parts appear as
definitely stunning ones, much better than on “Seven Paths To Sorrow”!
Honestly speaking, it’s quite difficult for me to go on with this review…
I really don’t know what to say further… It’s a splendid album from a talented
band, combining melodic yet powerful and gloomy black metal with ambiental
parts, something like French EVOL, although much better (at least, when
it comes to latest CD’s from EVOL) and less occult… ‘A must’, I think.
Or not? Depends on you. (Herr Stalhammar)
ZEPHYROUS
“A Caress
Of War And Wisdom”
Velvet Music
Intl.
rating: -
Oh, I could
expect anything but this. “Entrance And Wandering On The Seven Zones”,
the first CD from ZEPHYROUS released back in 1996, brought nothing but
quite average black metal with few keyboards, raw and primitive, with poor
atmosphere… and this one… ah, this one… damn it, this one… fuck, I can’t
really say anything about ‘this one’! It has five songs of atmospheric
black metal with stupendous bass lines, however guitars are almost absent
and synths (as well as the whole atmosphere) are even somewhat jolly! And
now add hateful black metallish shrieks and you’ll get truly embarassing
picture. On one hand, this band managed to reach unique sound, but on the
other hand they sound too "happy" for a BM act, also the production sucks…
I don’t know. Let’s wait for their second full length effort, ok? (Herr
Stalhammar)