10 EYES
⌠II■
rating: 6 of 6
Amazingly strong debut from this German combo, although I▓m not quite sure if this CD is their first one. Starting as something that may be categorized as mild power metal with a bewitching atmosphere, later it slides into a unique amalgamation of various styles and genres (only those within the bounds of metal, though), thus appearing as incredibly hard-to-describe effort. More than just enjoyable, anyway. Astounding is the word, I believe. The musical canvas is comprised of well crafted arrangements and nearly perfect musicianship, contriving to get highly exciting, impressive and even innovative stuff on the outcome; while vocal department shows us genuine skill and talent, turning from excellent ⌠clean■ voice to doom metal-alike ⌠mild■ growling┘ This is, no doubts, an outstanding band, therefore get your hands on this piece NOW!!!
Email: 10EYES@10EYES.de
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

ABSURD
⌠Beyond The Dawn■
rating: 5 of 6
Swedish school death / black metal slowly transforms into certain kind of pestilence, or how else would you explain the fact that bands of this kind now may be discovered in many countries which don▓t have anything to do with Scandinavia. Mexico▓s CENOTAPH, Germany▓s NIGHT IN GALES, and finally Russia▓s ABSURD. Don▓t confuse ▒em with German namesakes. Those are worthless. And these ones definitely have a bright future ahead. Musically, they seem to be quite similar to GATES OF ISHTAR (R.I.P.), although stating that this Moscow▓s foursome are pathetic plagiarists definitely won▓t be fare. ⌠Beyond The Dawn■ is comprised of four tracks, and all of them strike as much more various and intriguing if comparing ▒em to most of Swedish acts. I guess it▓s due to the fact that Gothenburg isn▓t their only source of inspiration. Musicianship is nothing I could ever cavil at; and the sound is good, indeed. The only drawback goes for vocals. This hysteric shrieking sound somewhat unnatural, unfitting the whole musical canvas. That▓s the reason explaining why ABSURD didn▓t get the highest mark. Anyway, check this one out. ⌠Beyond The Dawn■ definitely is worth your money.
Email: absurd@nm.ru
Website: www.absurd.newmail.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

ALPHAVOX
⌠Alphavox■
rating: -
Usually, when I get something that definitely doesn▓t my mag▓s criteria, I start the review with the words like ⌠what the hell were they thinking of, sending this crap to Vae Solis■. Not this time. ALPHAVOX definitely doesn▓t have anything to do neither with metal nor with ambient / industrial, but it▓s highly exciting, almost fascinating work. They define it as ⌠InterStellar TripHop■, and if one simplifies this statement, he gets some kind of atmospheric electronic pop music, featuring some drum▓n▓bass reminiscences here and there, also being influenced by such as MASSIVE ATTACK and PORTISHEAD┘ This is celestial sort of art, tremendous and enrapturing, so don▓t get wrong the word ⌠pop■. I don▓t know if I should recommend you this CD or not; I only know that I like it. Finally, I feel like I have to say that ⌠Blood Of Heroes■, ⌠Space Age Lovesong■ and ⌠We Won▓t Go■ are my favorites off this CD.
Email: RCH1313@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

ASMODEUS
⌠As The Winter Moon Bleeds■
rating: 4,5 of 6
Well, what else besides black metal could we expect to hear on a CD entitled in such a way? Yes, it▓s black metal. Austrian black metal. Good black metal. Actually, I could finish this review with the these words, since there▓s not much to be added here. ASMODEUS don▓t deliver anything outstanding, innovative or original. Stylistically, they may be reckoned to so-called ⌠dark metal■, dreamy and melodic yet harsh and atmospheric. A huge bonus goes to the band for contriving to sound enigmatically atmospheric without using keyboards, synths of whatever. Guitar harmonies and leads (yeah, leads! Yet one bonus) appear as nearly stunning ones, enshrouded in fine rhythm-section▓s work and vocals which vary from typical black metallish screams to more death-alike grunts. Adding some acoustics was a wise move too, indeed. They▓re not copying anyone┘ but still sound pretty unoriginal √ and that▓s the only reason ASMODEUS didn▓t manage to get a better mark. I still get high on ⌠Crimson Desires■ and ⌠Winterstorm■, though.
Website: http://get.to/asmodeus
Email: asmodeus@gmx.at
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

BURIAL SHADES
⌠To The Fleshes Of My Livid Everything■
rating: 5 of 6
Yeah, ⌠dark metal■. Got the point, eh? I can▓t really understand why do most of you guys out there reckon this band to the doom metal-genre. Do I have problems with figuring out what is BURIAL SHADES? Or more likely, DID I have problems of this kind┘? Sure. ⌠Dark metal■ is the easiest way to escape any kind of explanation or whatever. Yeah, this is ⌠dark metal■. And then a poor listener will have to use his mind (if still has at least a little part of it left) in order to make a guess: ah, I know, this is Do-o-o-o-o-om! Fuck the morons, anyway. Yes, this is dark. Is this doom? No. Is this black? Atmospherically? Yes. Stylistically? Dunno. Ok, to make myself clearer, I▓d say BURIAL SHADES is on the same side with such acts as ESOTERIC and EVOKEN. That was a hint, you. ⌠To The Fleshes Of My Livid Everything■ is undoubtedly a stunning effort (excluding the lyrical canvas, of course┘ these guys have to stop composing lyrics in English, unless they▓d get a good teacher┘ otherwise, what▓s the sense in composing rather pretentious verses in oh such a poor parody on (no less poor) English language?), capturing grim and dreary sort of atmosphere, well thoughtout and well executed. That▓s why I▓m puzzled again when I recall a side project of theirs, MISANTHROPIC POETRY, the one which appeared as sincere crap. Why had they to start that nonsense? BURIAL SHADES is enough, I guess. And it▓s simply incomparable to M.S. Ok, this is dark. This is anxious. This is so fucking atmospheric. As well as pro-done. Therefore I  believe you▓ll have to check out this band.
Email: dod666@mail.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

CORE DEVICE
⌠God & Man■
rating: 4,5 of 6
And here comes┘ guess what? Yep, exactly: a thrash metal band. Is Vae Solis a thrash revival-promoting mag, or what┘?? It▓s incredible how much thrash-styled efforts I▓ve received this time, while it seems like this genre died out long time ago┘ Anyway, CORE DEVICE is a good band. At least, their interpretation of thrash metal is way different than most of contemporary bands▓ perception of how this kind of music should sound alike. ⌠God & Man■ comes with four undoubtedly diverse tracks, and each of ▒em possesses certain sort of highlight hidden in between. Especially when it comes to ⌠Seven Seas■, man! This piece has blown my mind away. Dan singings appears as rather varied, and when he adds few keyboards here and there, it definitely enriches CORE DEVICE▓s sound, simultaneously mesmerizing those who give this tape a listen. Worthy effort.
Email the band at <CoreDevice@aol.com>
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

DISTORTED REALITY
⌠Promo 2000■
rating: 5,5 of 6
Is this good? Is this bad? Well, when it comes to Vae Solis, I already named DISTORTED REALITY as ⌠best non-metal band■ (3rd place out of 5). Furthermore: No. 14 (out of 15) in ⌠best newcomer■ and No. 4 (out of 15) in ⌠best work in the shape of demo■ charts. So, is this good? Or is this bad? Find the answer yourselves, and while it looks like you▓re making attempts to awaken your mind, I▓ll say few words regarding this effort. If I▓m not mistaken, DISTORTED REALITY is comprised of two people, Martha M. Arce, whose enigmatic voice would simply enshroud anyone who gives this CD a listen, and Christian Kobusch, who▓s responsible for the whole musical canvas. Pretty astounding canvas, I▓d say (you see, I▓ve already gave you a hint!). The one varying between rhythmic ⌠radio hit-alike■ compositions based on Martha▓s incredible voice and various electronics, synths, loops and samples; and sensitive, bewitching and somewhat even heart-rending ballads or alike tunes, which won▓t leave even a stone cold. Try ⌠Drop■, ⌠Those Eyes■, ⌠Into The Night■ or ⌠Super Crush■ and you▓ll suddenly discover yourself enraptured and enslaved by the genius of DISTORTED REALITY.  So, finally here▓s a verdict: this is a stunning work, and don▓t you even try to tell me this is not. Never-ever.
Email: Dreality98@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

EXHUMATION
⌠Symbol Of Fear■
Фенька Рок-н-Ролл
rating: 3,5 of 6
Yeah yeah yeah, melodic black / death metal from the city of St. Petersburg (Russia). I have a friend of mine living over there, and here▓s a tape he has sent me some time ago, however I wouldn▓t say I got high on it or anything alike. Just plain melodic black / death metal. TOO melodic for my ears. This work consists of ten tracks (one of them appears as a cover from INSIDE), all of them rather mediocre. The musicianship and sound execution are both ok, but I don▓t like it anyway. Kinda ⌠give it a listen and then just forget about it■-stuff, you see. Even if you know how to handle your instruments properly, cloning IN FLAMES isn▓t the best way to go, guys. And yes, I still consider SIMONIA the best black metal acts that has ever emerged from St. Petersburg.
Email: inc@ctinet.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

EZURATE
⌠Infernal Dominatio■
Forever Underground Records
rating: 4,5 of 6
This work is quite similar to the one I▓ve just reviewed, ⌠Of Evil And Hatred■ by KULT OV AZAZEL. At least, the approach to music is almost the same. EZURATE also deliver straightforward yet surprisingly well crafted and thoughtout black metal, enough intriguing and variable. I don▓t know whether ⌠Infernal Dominatio■ is a demo, a promo or a sample of their full-length CD, but who cares anyway. All the seven tracks off this CD-R sound undoubtedly impressive, and I▓m twice as assured that EZURATE has a bright future ahead.
Email: CTNOKKURON@AOL.COM
Website: http://www.angelfire.com/band/ezurate
         http://www.mp3.com/ezurate1
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

FALLEN
⌠Fallen■
Center Stage Management
rating: 6 of 6
Probably, it▓s the best work in the shape of demo I▓ve received while composing this issue (not quite. Some time passed since this review has been written, and it▓s INFERNAL POETRY who managed to become the first ones √ ED). At least, it▓s the best one for now. You guys seem to expect me saying it▓s black or death metal, but no. It▓s sludgy, grim and atmospheric form of┘ so-called ⌠alternative■ music. Surprised? So was I. This MC comes with five songs, combining dreary rhythms, floating compositional structures and ah, what a voice! This guy definitely is an astounding singer. Deep baritone, mild yet harsh┘ And fortunately no out-of-key crap. Actually, this could be defined as atmospheric dark / doom metal if it wasn▓t different. ⌠Inner Soul■ and ⌠Manhood■ along with bewitching ballad-alike ⌠Imagine The Tears■ strike as this tape▓s highlights; and let me say, ⌠this is a must to have■ effort. I guess, even black metal freaks will get high on it.
Email Center Stage Management at <Centerstage26@aol.com>
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

GOTHICA
⌠Proserpina■
rating: 5 of 6
Cold Meat Industry. What does it make you to think of? Yep, top-class dark ambient and noise / industrial works. Well, GOTHICA have just inked a deal with that Swedish company, so I guess you may easily guess what we▓re going to talk about here. Actually, ⌠Proserpina■ most possibly would make you to purchase it simply because of the magnificent appearance. But ok, is music as stunning as the cover is? Yes. Definitely yes. This tape comes with eight astounding soundscapes of grief captured in everlasting bereavement. Incorporating such instruments as flute, violin and oboe along with percussion, bass and guitars as well as grim recitatives and female ambient vocal chants, this combo (which is actually a duo) contrives to force inimitable atmosphere, a dreadful yet somewhat sorrowful atmosphere ⌠Proserpina■ is utterly impregnated with. In fact, it▓s always a bit hard for me to review music of this kind, however it seems like this review will at least fairly tell you what▓s the case with GOTHICA.
Email: gothica@tin.it
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

GRENOUER
⌠Gravehead■
rating: 5 of 6
⌠Gravehead■ is the relatively new recording by Russia▓s GRENOUER, the second one, and also the one which was re-issued by Sound Age Productions lately (although in the shape of MC-album only). It▓s comprised of nine songs as well as a creepy intro, and actually I can▓t really understand why do these morons in mass media (such as, for instance, Grindfather Pikhto, ⌠courtesy■ of Necronomicon / Painkiller magazines) consider it ⌠techno-death■ or anything alike. Basically, it▓s atmospheric and pretty melodic death spiced with plenty of black metal seeds. Pretty complicated, yes; but still far from being vanguard┘ Structurally it▓s very well crafted, lyrically √ mystical, overall musically √ exciting. Vocals vary from mild death metal growls to harsh BM shrieks passing through THE GATHERING▓93-alike ⌠clean■ voice, which lies more on the ⌠alternative■ side. Finally, ⌠Gravehead■ definitely is a splendorous effort when it comes to both: performance and execution.
Contact: c/o Andrew Merzlyakov, Vizhalskaia str., d. 12, kv. 40, Perm 614033, Russia
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

INFERNAL POETRY
⌠Not Light┘ But Rather Visible Darkness■
rating: demo of the issue
Dammit, what the hell should I say if everything▓s nearly perfect here??! Italy▓s INFERNAL POETRY definitely is the most outstanding combo among the neophytes, at least it▓s the best one this issue. Musically standing quite close to Portuguese-school black metal and, particularly, such acts as INFERNAL DREAMS and IN DARKNESS, this quintet managed to come up with undoubtedly original and inimitably executed work. Death / black metal, you see. The melodious one. Arrangements? Perfect. Leads? Masterly performed. Producership? Nothing to cavil at. If you▓re looking for the underground band who contrived to combine Yngwie Malmsteen▓s performance technique (although these guys don▓t have anything in common with some fucking CHILDREN OF BOreDOM or whoever!!!) and originality, innovative approach to music, simultaneously being simply indescribable when it comes to various ambiences this CD is soaked with┘ Well, this is it: an Italy▓s finest. A pure jewel.
P.S. By the way, thanks to Emi (code 666), INFERNAL POETRY will take part in IMPIETY▓s European tour (from 27 / 10 / 2000 to 12 / 11 / 2000 in France, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Netherlands) also supporting ROTTING CHRIST, ANOREXIA NERVOSA, GEHENNA and TRIUMPHATOR... Until now, it hasn▓t been confirmed that they will play at all the 16 dates. They▓ll get at least 10 of them, though.
Email: infernalpoetry@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

KIBOSH SIBYL KISMET
⌠Sulphurous Domain■
rating: 5 of 6
This is one of the few items I▓ve ever got from Singapore, and certainly the best one. Actually, it seems like ⌠Sulphurous Domain■ will be issued in the shape of full-length album soon┘ Nevermind, anyway. The tape I has, comes with four tracks lasting for a bit less than 40 minutes, although I feel like I definitely must admit that none of them bears a resemblance of boredom and whatever alike. I don▓t know what about lyrical side, but musically KIBOSH SIBYL KISMET deliver some refreshing, enigmatic and deeply atmospheric yet skillfully performed and well-crafted dark / black metal with few doomy elements and undoubtable diversity. Complicated though simple, it▓s all based on contradictions, thus appearing as pretty controversial piece of art, even though I wouldn▓t say it has any trace of avantgarde approach to music┘ All in all, ⌠Sulphurous Domain■ is just excellent, therefore I▓d highly recommend you to check it out.
Email: zirkelloch@hotmail.com
       zirkelloch@mail-com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

KULT OV AZAZEL
⌠Of Evil And Hatred■ promo
rating: 4 of 6
In fact, there▓s not much to be said regarding this tape. It▓s only a promo, you see. Two-songs promo, to be exact. One of them originally composed by MAYHEM, to be even more exact. Okay, KULT OV AZAZEL (previously known as AZAZEL) were formed back in 1999 a.t.b.b., they have released one demo and two promo tapes (including ⌠Of Evil And Hatred■), as well as ⌠Order Of The Fly■ MCD (sold out). Currently signed to Arctic Music Group, they▓re preparing to make their debut with a ⌠Triumph Of Fire■ full length, and while now you can give a listen to their split-CD with KRIEG. That▓s all when it comes to this band▓s discography. Speaking about the music, this is plain black metal. Straightforward and mostly fast-paced (with some variety added, though). Basically, this is what most of those ⌠true■ black metal freaks out there would love to give a listen to. However; I▓m not saying it▓s not worth your attention even if you prefer to avoid DARKTHRONE-alike recordings. KULT OV AZAZEL manage to come up with a challenging, self-improving style of black metal. Rather exciting and impressive, as well as capturing undoubtedly grim kind of ambience and atmosphere. Lastly, I must admit that the only reason why this tape got only '4▓ out of ▒6▓ is, ⌠Of Evil And Hatred■ consists of only one definitely stunning track, while the other one appears as quite bleak cover from MAYHEM, ⌠Chainsaw Gutsfuck■ (and yes, I hate that ⌠Deathcrush■ so-called ⌠classic■ recording!).
Email: KultOvAzazel@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

MINDALETH
⌠Spiritual Rainessence■
rating: 5 of 6
⌠Universes┘ in spirals┘ in me. More verses┘ inspired┘ by thee■. ▒Melodic / prog death metal from Rome▓ is the way their flyers define MINDALETH, however let me disagree with this description. Musically, ⌠Spiritual Rainessence■ reminds me more of MINDALETH▓s countrymates, NOVEMBRE. At least, early NOVEMBRE; since I haven▓t heard their latest works. Swedish school has influenced them as well, that seems to be obvious. And, consequently, as a result we have melodic, well-structured and thoughtout, intriguing and atmospheric death / black metal with difference. Perhaps, the term ⌠progressive■ really fits it┘ Anyway, what else could we expect if these guys list OPETH, DEATH, AT THE GATES, DARK TRANQUILLITY, IN FLAMES, KATATONIA, EDGE OF SANITY, ANATHEMA, CARCASS, TOOL and MY DYING BRIDE among their influences? MINDALETH definitely is a highly talented and promising band, and since this promo comes with a pro-sound and stupendous appearance, I can▓t really understand what may prevent you from purchasing it.
P.S. When it comes to verses, ⌠Spiritual Rainessence■ gets ▒6▓ out of ▒6▓, no doubts┘
Email: Mindaleth@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

MORE MACHINE THAN MAN
⌠Robot■
rating: 3,5 of 6
Decent industrial / EBM. Not my cup of tea, though.
Website: www.mmtm.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

NORDREAM
⌠Memories Progression■
rating: 3,5 of 6
I expected this work to be much more exciting┘ Once I considered NORDREAM a black metal band, however ⌠Memories Progression■ doesn▓t have anything to do with that genre. Thank gods, it▓s still metal, heh heh. Generally speaking, it▓s very professionally recorded and very well-crafted┘ music. Doom metal, perhaps? Don▓t really know. The only thing I DO know, is that we can draw some parallels between ⌠Memories Progression■ and former works by ENS COGITANS (such as ⌠Heart Of The Way■). Even the singer is the same, going by the name Oleg Alimov, and unfortunately I have to admit that it▓s his most unsuccessful work so far, when it comes to vocal department. Concluding this review, I▓d say that ⌠Memories Progression■, despite it▓s highest quality when it comes to musicianship and sound execution, is very bleak effort.
Email: rouben@src.samsung.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

PSEUDOCIPHER
⌠Promo CD■
rating: 3,5 of 6
Pretty inexpressive and unmemorable gothic / dark wave, utterly lacking any heaviness when it comes to PSEUDOCIPHER▓s overall sound┘ The singers, both male and female, certainly are good; at least, they possess undoubtedly powerful and well-trained voices, the ones to enrapture the listener┘ The music in the whole is rather mild and serene, somewhat tremendous at times, although I wouldn▓t say this CD-R really intrigued me. Good piece for those who get high on DEPECHE MODE √ but I never reckoned myself to these individuals.
Email: RJones0210@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

PYRE
⌠Luciferian Dark Age■
rating: 3,5 of 6
US strike again┘ Although, this regular assault stays just regular. PYRE, a relatively young combo, came up with four songs of black metal, which in fact is far from being bad. I wouldn▓t say ⌠it▓s also far from being good■, no. But it didn▓t intrigue me, not did it bewitch me. Let▓s take Norway▓s RAGNAROK (whose latest CD I▓ve just reviewed), for instance. They do not deliver anything outstanding either, but get ▒5,5▓ out of ▒6▓ in the end. Why? I don▓t really know. It▓s just my personal perception of musical canvas they offer. There▓re not so many of you out there who could possibly explain it in a better way, I believe.  And┘ Well, the drummer is good, vocals are that of subterranean domain, it▓s pretty atmospheric, being similar to early AURORA BOREALIS at times, but┘ Anyway, it▓s only a demo tape. I guess, their full-length will get a better rating. And ▒3,5▓ out of ▒6▓ is not that bad afterall, don▓t you think so?
Email: Sorrows_Throne@Angelfire.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

RAVENS OVER GOMORRAH
⌠Darkly Melisma■
rating: 5 of 6
It▓s hard to say anything regarding this demo, since ⌠Darkly Melisma■ is comprised of three (not that long) tunes only. Well, to give you a hint, RAVENS OVER GOMORRAH (featuring ex-members of SUMMONED and NOCTUARY) deliver pretty imaginative mixture of black and death metal with keyboards, truly weird one! Well recorded and well performed, and what▓s most important √ innovative yet not boring or incomprehensible, you won▓t spend your money in vain buying this tape.
P.S. Hey guys, isn▓t it time for putting out debut CD?
Email: heavenfalls@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

SADOGOAT
⌠Et In Arcadia Ego■
⌠Malleus Maleficarum■
rating: 3,5 of 6
Even though ⌠Et In Arcadia Ego■ comes from 1999, and ⌠Malleus Maleficarum■ was issued this year, I decided to compose a so-called ⌠combined■ review since both tapes are quite similar to each other. Denmark▓s SADOGOAT brings back the reminiscences of old BEHERIT, BLASPHEMY, DARKTHRONE (circa ⌠Transilvanian Hunger■) √ and also (ancient) IMPALED NAZARENE at times (hey, even their bandname is that of IMPALED NAZARENE▓s heritage!). So you see what we have here, eh? Blasphemous and utterly underground, ultimately depraved black metal is the keyword(s). Well, one of the tunes off ⌠Et In Arcadia Ego■ even features a nicely sadistic kind of lead, while the drumming seems to be rather good to me, so it▓s not that bad. At least, that▓s what I think. Yes, it▓s pretty monotonous. Yes, the sound is rehearsal-alike. Yes, the overall musicianship is quite average┘ Well (hell), I somehow like it anyway. Of course I couldn▓t give ▒em at least ▒4▓ out of ▒6▓ (and I doubt I▓d ever do it if their recordings▓ quality stays the same), however┘ True black metal freaks should be pleased.
Contact: c/o Toftevej 16, 5620 Glamsbjerg, Denmark
Website: http://www.stas.net/sadogoat
Email: sadogoat@mail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

SIVER (СИВЕР)
⌠Сивер■
rating: 3 of 6
Nothing really special here┘ At least, I expected this tape to be much more impressive. SIVER offers us five tunes of fast-paced black metal with certain atmosphere, surprisingly featuring such an instrument as bayan (Russian kind of accordion) performed by Oupire (another one; not the guy from CRYPTHOWL), who▓s gone now┘ By the way, what regards their handles┘ To be honest, I▓m getting tired of it. Volkodlak, Leshiy┘ How much of you out there, with the same aliases??? Getting back to music, I▓d say that  unfortunately bayan can be hardly recognized at all, lead guitar sounds too muddy most of time, although SIVER managed to force undoubtedly grim atmosphere. Especially when it comes to ⌠Предсмертие (Сонеты)■ (track 3)┘ Acoustics appealed to me quite well, too. The same goes for the lyrical canvas (unsurprisingly composed all in Russian) and overall appearance. Well, I wouldn▓t say that purchasing this tape is a waste of money, however┘ Personally I▓d better wait for their second offering.
Email: siver@fcmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

STARDROWNED
⌠Promo ▒99■
⌠Creatures Of Abigor■
rating: 5,5 of 6
Have you ever heard a worthless black metal band act emerging from Hellas? I had. But definitely not this time. I have awaited this tape for a long long time, and finally, after a long delay, Stefanos (vocals / guitars) managed to send it over here, in order to be reviewed in Vae Solis. And since I didn▓t receive that much stuff from Greece this issue, I▓d dare to say that STARDROWNED is the best Greek BM outfit I▓ve heard lately. They sound pretty similar to old ROTTING CHRIST, however less archaic and not that boring as Sakis and co. used to be. The addition of synths here and there only forces the inimitable atmosphere only Greeks are capable of producing, although guitar is the instrument STARDROWNED▓s sound is based on. Both tapes appear as well performed and undoubtedly well executed, and since the same goes for arrangements and every single thing regarding ⌠Promo ▒99■ as well as ⌠Creatures Of Abigor■, I▓d obviously state: ⌠highly recommended■.
Email: stardrowned@usa.net
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

TODESKAMPF
⌠Snow Of Ashes Of Infinity■
Amdusciac Music
rating: 2 of 6
What the hell┘ The work they made their debut with, back in 1998, at least possessed that inimitable youthful ardour. Now they▓ve lost it. However; perhaps the music of theirs gained at least few bonus points while the years were passing by? Not at all. This work appears as completely unstructured and incomprehensible one. Vocals sound quite annoying, however they▓re simply outstanding if one would compare Bogomir▓s shrieks to his attempts to sing in a ⌠clean■ voice. Totally out-of-key, and simply unbearable. The drums were programmed in a much better way this time, however they still sound somewhat unnatural. Was the sound executed in a better way too? Yes, but that doesn▓t really matter. MAYHEM▓s ⌠Deathcrush■ is the only song off this tape I could make myself listen to, therefore: ⌠Snow┘■ is an UTTERLY WORTHLESS attempt. No more, please.
Contact: Volgina St., 37-416, Moscow, 117437, Russia
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

VAE SOLIS
⌠The Blazing Shadows Beyond Eternity■
Metal Force
rating: 5 of 6
Oops! This is definitely the sort of thing I couldn▓t expect √ or could I really ever fancy that someday I▓ll have to review a tape produced by the band carrying the same monicker as my mag does??? And here I am, sitting at the front of my Pentium 500Mhz this cold and misty Autumn night, knowing not what do I have to say or state. Okay, I don▓t like the way this tape looks like. Any work by the band named VAE SOLIS should possess much more impressive appearance, heh heh. Who cares, anyway┘ The music. So what about the music? Well, it▓s black metal. Aren▓t you pleased with such a definition? No?? Okay, this is atmospheric black metal, or kind of semi-sympho BM. What??? Seems like you still consider this review a pure crap? Actually, so do I. But honestly speaking, I can▓t find proper words to describe what the hell is going here (⌠The Blazing Shadows┘■ is what I▓m talking about, not my home or anything else, you see). In fact, this Ukrainian sextet deliver undoubtedly exciting and fascinating stuff with well-crafted and definitely stunningly thoughtout arrangements and tempo changes. Those leads sound pretty good, too. The keyboard sounds are few, but still it is a ⌠semi-sympho black■, y▓know. Am I kidding? I▓d like to┘ But I guess not. All in all, it▓s an excellent piece of black metal: basically, it has everything a perfect BM effort should have. And nothing I could cavil at √ with an exception for rather crappy sound, and that is the only reason ⌠The Blazing Shadows Beyond Eternity■ didn▓t get ▒6▓ out of ▒6▓.
Email Metal Force at <metalforce@ingok.com.ua>
Email the band at <vaesolis@mail.ru>
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

ZNICH
⌠Адчуваньнi Вясны■ (Adchuvan▓ni Vyasny)
rating: 4 of 6
I▓ve always craved to give a listen to ZNICH, ⌠premier Belarus▓ pagan metal band■ as few individuals out there used to state. Well, here it is, a newest (promo?) MC comprised of three tracks (two of them are completely new, whilst the third one is some kind of remix). First of all, I have to admit that ⌠Adchuvan▓ni Vyasny■ strikes as nearly awesome when it comes to appearance. I guess, there▓s some kind of conceptual idea (dealing with Belarus▓ national history, of course) hides behind it. Or am I wrong? I guess not. Anyway, musically it▓s less impressive. Plainly speaking, ZNICH deliver a well combined mixture of folklore and thundering riffs, although that▓s nothing under the sun, right? Right. But there▓s no one who play the kind of music which is absolutely similar to ZNICH. Nor do ZNICH perform anything that could be possibly compared to anyone. As to musical accompaniment, it▓s pretty fine (the bassist is really good!), but when it comes to vocals┘ Both male and female singers took part in devising ⌠Adchuvan▓ni Vyasny■; Natalya sings in undoubtedly inimitable folkish manner, however I wouldn▓t say I like this sort of singing too much. She▓s good at it, though. As to Ales▓, I still can▓t really understand why Belorussian Music Magazine (ex-LEGION)▓s reviewers were so enthusiastic about his voice. ⌠Incredibly powerful■ and stuff like that, you see. Yeah, when he sings in a harsh way, it sounds pretty enjoyable √ and the same goes for his ⌠clean■ voice (sounding ⌠over-folkish■, too), but there▓s absolutely nothing outstanding when it comes to male vocal department. Oh┘ I guess, it▓s time to finish this review. Conclusions? Make up your own, man!
Email: dan@znich.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)