ARAFEL
⌠Tales Of The Old Wood■ (demo MC)
rating: 3 of 6
Lately I▓ve received a split-tape from one of my pals who once lived in Israel, the tape which includes two demo works from two different Israeli black metal acts, the ones which are comprised of exclusively Russian citizens. And unfortunately ARAFEL is much worse in comparison to BLIZZARD. There▓s not much to be said here, I believe. Atmospheric black metal with keyboards and (partly) Russian lyrics the way it was done thousand times before. That▓s it. I prefer bands whose copycat ARAFEL seems to appear.
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

BLACK BLEEDING
⌠Promo CD■
rating: 4, 5 of 6
This is relatively young Belgian foursome, however they▓ve already managed to offer the listener pretty exciting material. This CD-R (⌠unmastered promo copy■ as the cover says) features six tracks of all-devouring, brutal, kinda devastating stuff √ like ⌠black metal band in grindcore■, y▓know. It▓s pretty similar to KATAKLYSM at times, especially when it comes to those inhuman growl passages, however, as I said above, only ⌠at times■, so don▓t get me wrong. Few reminiscences of all-time gods BESTIAL WARLUST are present here as well. Lyrically, it seems rather primitive, at least that▓s what the song titles make me to think of (such as ⌠Jesus Die!■, ⌠Gutted Christ■ or ⌠Funeral Of God■), however I enjoyed it a lot anyway. Both the sound and musicianship are fine, so don▓t expect to get one more buzzing and incomprehensible ⌠true satanic noise■, heh heh┘ And whatta surprise: the cover is smeared with blood (or at least the similar-looking substance)┘ Hey guys, you should be careful here! If you▓re going to leave your blood on each and every promo, your lives won▓t last for too long, ha ha.
Email: blackbleeding@hotmail.com
URL: www.listen.to/blackbleeding
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

BLACK COUNTESS
⌠Blood, Desire And Dead Nenuphars■ (demo MC)
rating: 5, 5 of 6
Unfortunately, this review is destined to be a ⌠last-minute■ one, so let me be short this time, ok? All those who wish to read through an extended description of what BLACK COUNTESS is all about, should check out my review on their former work featured elsewhere in this mag, by the way. So, this is a second demo tape by this talented trio from Ulyanovsk, Russia. Impregnated with that ⌠vamperotic■ theme, again. In contrast to ⌠Child Of The Demonic Moon■, this is, let▓s say a ⌠full-length■ effort, coming with nine highly enjoyable tracks of gothic black metal (pretty short ones, though). Lesser amount of doom, more BM this time. Programmed drumset sounds definitely weaker than before (I wonder why?) and that▓s truly a disappointment. Guitar leads are bewitching, however I▓d like to hear more of them. Vocals turned into (almost) only black metallish screams with few grunts and female moans / recitatives to be discovered here and there. Keyboard passages sound fine, but more imagination is a necessity. Lyrics are not so naive as before, but still far from poetry, that▓s for sure. Comparisons? Perhaps, ANCIENT CEREMONY; although BLACK COUNTESS is much better in my opinion. Conclusion? I prefer ⌠Child┘■ over this one. Oh shit, this is not so short as I expected this review to be┘
Email: faceward@mail.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

BLIZZARD
⌠The Storms From The Outside■ (demo MC)
rating: 5 of 6
Here we have one more band off that ⌠Israeli tape■. And ah, this is something much more exciting! Basically, BLIZZARD can▓t offer any kind of originality either (just look at their monicker), the same as with ARAFEL, however this effort strikes as incredibly more atmospheric (despite the utter lack of keyboards or anything like that) and furious stuff: just plain and true (in a finest sense of this word) black metal, somewhat similar to IMMORTAL (circa ⌠Pure Holocaust■) and early SATYRICON. Blasting sickness in the purely unholy way. Get it!
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

BLOODSIMPLE
⌠Demo ▒99■ (MC)
rating: 6 of 6
Wow, what an excellent effort from a States▓ band! Despite poor xeroxed appearance, this four-track (+intro) tape delivers mostly slow- and mid-paced, fascinating and certainly anxious black metal. What▓s most surprising, this quartet contrived to stay original, and you should know it▓s pretty difficult nowadays! You may ask, what▓s so outstanding here? Well, let▓s take vocals, for instance. No, no opera singers to be discovered here, only usual black metallish vokills supplemented by few whisperings here and there. Usual black metallish vokills, yeah┘ but performed in truly astounding and enrapturing way. The same goes for guitars and bass, whilst drum tracks (performed by a session musician, I believe?) appear as skillful and impressively performed. You won▓t find any synthetic sounds when it comes to this piece, however BLOODSIMPLE managed to force genuine and incredibly grim atmosphere using only drums, guitars and bass. How many bands of the same kind do you know, erh? Buy this!
Snail mail: c/o Kris, P.O.Box 651, Prairieville, La, 70769, USA
URL: http://bloodsimple.musicpage.com
Email: PKNPAH@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

BLOODSHED
⌠Laughter Of Destruction■ (demo MC)
rating: 4, 5 of 6
This is total MARDUK / DARK FUNERAL worship. Raw (though well played and performed), hellishly fast and brutal black / death metal the Swedish way. It heavily reminds me of FUNERAL MIST as well┘ And yes, of course, it was executed at Sunlight Studios┘ Generally speaking, this is excellent effort for Swedish-school metal lovers, however those craving for originality should pass it by┘ I like it anyway. And, by the way, the closing track (⌠Segerstrid■) is a killer one!
Email: bloodshed@post.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

CELESTIA
⌠Awakening Of The Dormant Fiancee■ (promo MC)
Drakkar Productions
rating: 4, 5 of 6
Maniacally fast-paced and hellishly insane black metal from France, this is what we have here this time. Released by Drakkar Productions, this promo comes with five tracks, fairly recorded and finely performed (especially when it comes to lead guitar, whose passages definitely surprised me). It▓s far from being various, yet rather exciting, capturing undoubtedly enrapturing atmosphere. Vocals seem to be those of weirdo, being hysteric to the extreme. And yes, one of the songs carries the title ⌠Infected By Rats■┘ the singer definitely has to be the one, I suppose.
Email Drakkar at: drakkar2@wanadoo.fr
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

CHAOS DIVINE
⌠Narcotic Slumber■ (demo MC)
Chaos Divine Creations
rating: 4, 5 of 6
This is definitely a huge surprise; a pleasant one! From incomprehensible and meaningless noise on ⌠Necrospiritual Experience■ to highly enjoyable tribal / dark ambient on this tape, a newest offering from this Moscow-based project. Just like previously, the layout is homemade, although this time the coverart rules supreme, being a mysterious, mesmerizing and masterly done piece┘ When it comes to music, this effort appears as more likely a collection of songs recorded at various sessions. The first and the second ones are quite similar to each other, being highly disturbing, anxious form of ambient with frequently changing rhythms and depraved voices here and there (performed by the same guy who did the cover). Somehow I prefer the second part over the first one; don▓t really know why┘ And finally, ⌠Static■, the session this recording ends with, is┘ yeah, that ⌠good old■ noise. And it sucks. I can▓t really understand why Erebos decided to include these tracks. Anyway, check it out. Despite that CHAOS DIVINE often heavily reminds me of PC games soundtracks, it▓s worthy effort.
Email: chaos_divine@mail.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

CROWHEAD
⌠Love Letter■ (demo CD)
Neodawn Productions
rating: 5, 5 of 6
Featuring RAGNAROK members and previously being known as SHADOW DANCERS (lead by Stian Johansen (a.k.a. Occultus)), this duo delivers pretty strange stuff, at least the listener definitely will perceive it as a ⌠strange■ one, since there aren▓t too much souls out there expecting to get an offering which may be reckoned to so-called ⌠gothic metal■ style from those individuals who▓re well known due to the fact they participate(d) in famous black metal acts. ⌠Love Letter■ is comprised of three tracks, all of them grim and dreary, yet somewhat melancholic and bitter. It sounds exactly the way a certain person feels losing his (her) beloved one. Music for the lovelorn? Perhaps. Anyway, this is very far from IN THE WOODS┘ and FLEURETY, as well as ATROX, PARADIGMA or any other Norway▓s acts whose stuff partly may be reckoned to gothic metal. Atmospheric to the core, featuring undoubtedly impressive and powerful low-pitched ⌠clean■ voices, performed by both, Oyvind and Jo-Inge, this demo captures some kind of unique, ⌠floating■ ambience, the one to bewitch and enrapture those who would give this magnificent effort a listen.
Email the band at: crowhead@c2i.net
Email Neodawn at:
neodawnproductions@ngi.de (home)
neodawnproductions@hotmail.com (away)
chziegle@mail.fh-ulm.de (work)
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

DEMON REALM
⌠┘ Of Chaos, Damnation And War■ (demo MC)
Drakkar Productions
rating: 4, 5 of 6
This is yet another release from Drakkar, this time a bit worse (I mean, if comparing it to CELESTIA). Brought forth the light by three of Danish residents, this is once again utterly insane offering, especially when it comes to vocal department. Someone just had too much beer┘ Anyway, this tape comes with splendid appearance, decent and thought-provoking lyrics, whilst the musical canvas appears as quite raw and straight-forward black metal (the only exception was made for intro and outro which strike as undoubtedly exciting and simultaneously gloomy pieces of electronic work). That is it. Don▓t know if I should add anything. Impressive effort, though still far from being anything outstanding.
Email Drakkar at: drakkar2@wanadoo.fr
and DEMON REALM at: demonrealm@beer.tj
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

DREADED
⌠Disease!■ (demo MC)
rating: 4 of 6
This is the first-ever recording I▓m receiving from Malaysia, and even if I▓ve gave a listen to that ⌠Storm Of Nebiula■ compilation, I▓m still quite unfamiliar with the metal scene that country has. Well, DREADED is not bad, although perfection is far from here anyway┘ Their style is death metal without any alien traces, ⌠the way it should be■, y▓know. Pretty good stuff (even featuring pretty good guitar lead featured in the opening track, ⌠Profound Anger■), however it heavily reminds me of neophyte Russian DM acts due to a couple of facts, such as INCREDIBLY crappy (a copy from a xeroxed xerox layout, I assume┘? Heh heh┘) appearance and rehearsal-alike production. But what the hell, in contrast to those Russia▓s neophytes I mentioned above, these guys handle their instruments pretty well and the atmosphere is here so what do you need, ha┘ Check ▒em out if you don▓t give a damn about (almost) non-existent production and suchlike stuff. Or, perhaps, you▓d better wait until they unleash a second ⌠official■ (?) recording of theirs, the one that▓s all pro-done?
Email: wonderwizard@usa.net
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

DUST
⌠A Wander Through The Dark Realm■ (demo MC)
Mester Productions
rating: 5 of 6
Pretty good thing. Swedish black metal the Norwegian way, you see. Featuring MORNALAND▓s Wenngren and coming with five really long tracks, this tape is worthy listening experience. Evocative and somewhat even dreamy, simultaneously being hellishly grim, varying from mid-tempo to fast-paced passages, in opinion it▓s a way better than DARKTHRONE (⌠true■ freaks out there wouldn▓t appreciate these words of mine, that▓s for sure┘ but who cares), at least if comparing to most of the works by ⌠Mr-Mulatto-a.k.a.-True-Norse-Warrior-Seeming-To-Come-From-The-Depths-
Of-Colombian-Tropical-Woods■ Fenriz and co. Unfortunately, majority of tunes this tape features, basically appear as quite similar to each other, although I wouldn▓t say ⌠A Wander Through The Dark Realm■ strikes as a boring effort or anything that. At least, it possesses true hellish Spirit, that▓s for sure. It▓s far from being innovative; simply ⌠good ▒ol■ straight-forward black metal the way it was done many times before √ but still incredibly anxious and intriguing. I like it.
Mester Productions: Postboks 793, N-8001 Bodo, Norway
DUST: c/o Wenngren, Sjostigen 2, S-830 04 Morsil, Sweden
Email (the label): mesterprod@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

ENEMYNSIDE
⌠From The Cradle To The Way■ (promo MC)
rating: 5 of 6
Thrash metal. Is it really dead and gone? I doubt it. Just listen to ENEMYNSIDE. It▓s energetic, emotional and brutal (though still technical) stuff with Hetfield-alike vocals (of course!) and powerful drumming┘ Some special kind of atmosphere is present here too┘ Well, in fact, this tape should appeal to all metal music lovers, be death, thrash, black (or whatever) their favorite genre. All pro-done stuff, by the way. Sorry for such a short review, but I▓d better listen to this work for one more time instead of spending my time in vain writing this crap √ ⌠From The Cradle To The Way■ SHOULD BE LISTENED, NOT REVIEWED!
Email: Thrashmatt@lycosmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

MALITIOSUS UMBRA
⌠Malitiosus Umbra■ (demo MC)
TOT Productions
rating: 3, 5 of 6
I don▓t know why Noise, Filth & Fury (ex-TOT Productions) crew have sent me this recording along with a 7▓EP by MANIFESTO, as it▓s rather old now┘ Anyway, to be short, this is some kind of ambient-inspired music mixed with certain industrialized stuff. Something in the vein of DREAM INTO DUST, KHARADRAI, PROFANE GRACE and others of that ilk, y▓know. Few early DEUTSCH NEPAL reminiscences can be found here as well. All in all, it didn▓t excite me too much┘ Furthermore, I believe this sort of stuff should last for at least 30 minutes; otherwise it ends long before you start to really get into it┘
Contact: M. Zetterberg / Vallarlagsv. 8 / 743 50 Vattholma / Sweden
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

MORBIT
⌠Remorphium■ (demo MC)
Dertod Records
rating: 6 of 6
Yes, it▓s the same MORBIT who got a rave review on ⌠Morphium■, the MC-album they ⌠officially■ made their debut with. Nevertheless, that work (see the review in ⌠black metal section■) fails miserably in comparison to this one. How could that be? Don▓t ask me, I don▓t know the answer. Let me be short this time, ok? ⌠Remorphium■ is even more gloomy work in comparison to their previous recording, simultaneously delivering maturely executed stuff. Actually, this band has endured huge metamorphosis in terms of overall sound: this time it▓s even more electronics-based, introducing a new singer who fortunately possesses MUCH better voice (when it comes to ⌠clean■ one, of course┘ also featuring black metal-alike screams)┘ The arrangements changed for better as well┘ Well, basically every single thing is BETTER. This assertion also goes for the sound, by the way. All in all, this is innovative, exciting and definitely fascinating piece of art, hence don▓t think twice and email ▒em at: kategol@vda.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

MORIA
⌠Nocte■ (promo CD)
rating: 5 of 6
Damn, why is this so short?! ⌠Nocte■ is the second work by MORIA released the same year as their previous demo, and it definitely beats ⌠Minas Ithil■ by all means! This CD-R features five tracks (the first and last ones seem to be certain kind of particularly intro and outro) of excellent poetic dark black metal in the vein of SIEBENBURGEN (yes, unfortunately they couldn▓t get rid of these reminiscences, even though these guys manage to stay original and innovative) √ melodic, grim and tremendous. The sound is MUCH better this time, in the same time remaining quite gloomy; furthermore, Jesper and co. seem to improve their playing skills with each single release as ⌠Nocte■ appears as much more impressive effort in terms of performance▓s technique if one would compare it to ⌠Minas Ithil■. At least, guitar passages are just awesome! Besides aforesaid, I▓d like to mention that Vicky incorporates more vocals this time (and so does Tobias), also playing flute. And finally, in contrast to MORIA▓s debut work, this one comes with photos and lyrics even though the layout is still xerox-done. Anyway, ⌠Nocte■ has one huge shortcoming √ it▓s only 13 minutes long!
Email: moriacave@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

NEFARIUM
⌠Demo ▒99■ (MC)
rating: 3, 5 of 6
Starting with a short intro, this tape turns into few straightforward black metal tunes, kind of a mixture of Italian and Norwegian school. From an Italy▓s band, of course. This is far from being a failure, however it▓s just so mediocre┘ And yes, I▓m tired of those who claim to be the drummers in the same time incorporating computer-programmed drum tracks. Yep, I▓m in pretty bad mood today, that▓s for sure.
Email: nefarium@libero.it
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

OBSCURA NOCTE
⌠Shining Obscurness■ (demo CD)
rating: 3 of 6
Quite mediocre recording this time. Well, unfortunately you can never get only top-class works all the time┘ This Italian act performs some kind of gloomy and (yes!) obscure cross between doom and black metal, whilst the atmosphere they force is for sure strictly black metallish! Both songs last for eternity, however I wouldn▓t say they lulled me to sleep. No boredom here, but┘ erh, let▓s say they▓re ⌠structurally incomplete■, or something like that. Anyway, despite fine sound quality and good performance, the stuff this CD features, didn▓t impress me the way I expected. Sorry.
Email: obscura@freemail.it
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

ONE LAST SIN
⌠Bustin▓ Mad Nutz■ promo 2000 (MC edition)
rating: 5, 5 of 6
This one turned out as surprisingly very impressive effort. Why ⌠surprisingly■? Well, I didn▓t expect it to be anything exciting after having a look at the cover and the promo▓s title. I though it would be some kind of regular crappy hardcore, however┘ It is not. More likely, very tight, diverse and generally speaking decent death metal with few alien influences as well as black metal-sounding vokills. Starting with some kind of a talk and ending with a ⌠Halloween■ eerie sample, ⌠Bustin Mad Nutz■ has four disgustingly delightful tracks in between. Rather groovy and pretty astounding, so to say. At least, I▓ve listened to this tape over and over again for┘ kinda 10 or more times and I still enjoy it. A rare thing nowadays, don▓t you think so? Check this out: this band SHREDS!
Email: ols666@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

ROYAL QUEST
⌠Demo ▒99■ (demo CD)
rating: 3 of 6
Yes, this is Greece again. And yes, this is power metal. Incredibly less exciting in comparison to MUTINY and ELSEWHEN, if you want my opinion. This CD-R comes with five songs of rather enjoyable music, spiced with few (pseudo?)-folk seeds, however it▓s the singer who ruins everything. I wouldn▓t say he has horrible voice, no. More likely, it▓s the singing manner he prefers to adhere to. Nothing more to say┘ unfortunately. Sorry, Dennis! Maybe next time┘
Email: royal_assa@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

SEVERED HEAD
⌠Desecration Of My Own Grave■ (demo CD)
Dierightnow Records
rating: 4 of 6
What else could you from the band with such a monicker and coverart portraying ┘ yeah, exactly the severed head. Well, nothing expect for the gore death / grind, I believe. Extreme to the core. Brutal as hell. Quite diverse varying from mid-tempo passages to furious blast-beats. Deep guttural vokills. Nearly perfect production and impressive musicianship. And typicality. Nevertheless, this CD-R, being rather trivial musically, features two pure jewels in the shape of ⌠Backyard Autopsy■ and ⌠Whore Trials■ (this one even has a pretty exciting lead) tracks┘ Buy it if you▓re maniac of death / grind the US way.
Email: backyardautopsy@hotmail.com
URL: www.geocities.com/opencasketabortion/SeveredHead.html
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

SFAGNUM
⌠Duistere Nacht Van De Ziel■ (demo CD)
rating: 5 of 6
Nude female images engraved in some, yet one more, kind of astral reality, actually similar to the beyond, is what this CD looks like in terms of appearance. ⌠Ah, and again I have to listen to regular CoF-copycat■; this thoughts entered my mind at once, however SFAGNUM fortunately turned out to be a different thing. In fact, I like this CD a lot. Even though it▓s not that memorable, ⌠Duistere┘■ comes with pretty exciting music, comprised of harmonic guitars with plenty of highly impressive leads, well crafted structures and tempo changes, varied vocals (including enjoyable ⌠clean■ voice as well) and somewhat melancholic-sounding synths, which turn out as pretty weird, or at least strange, when it comes to few passages┘ Can▓t really describe it properly. Perhaps, ⌠theatrical■? ⌠Psychedelic■? The closest comparison is, most possible, WHEN and┘ well yes, early SATYRICON. This is what goes for keyboards. As to this work▓s overall perception┘ hmm. ⌠Gothic black metal with difference■? ⌠Progressive BM■? No, or at least ⌠no■ if comparing to such as PECCATUM or EPHEL DUATH. So it seems like the stylistic definition is a bit blurred and muffled, don▓t you think this way? I do. But so what anyway┘ ⌠Spit Fire On My Wizard■ undoubtedly is the best tune off this effort and I wish most of Belgium▓s bands could craft their works the same talented and astounding way┘
Email Maldoror (guitars, vocals) at <ortelius@winbox.com>
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

SIMONIA
⌠In Embrace Of Pain■ (demo MC)
Фенька Рок-н-Ролл
rating: 5, 5 of 6
Nimrod (rhythm guitar, vocals and keyboards) warned me this tape comes with a pretty weak sound and horrible drumming, however I must admit my expectations were much worse in comparison to what I▓ve finally gave a listen to. SIMONIA is one of the few worthy black metal acts in St. Petersburg, furthermore √ most possibly the best one. Despite the fact that lyrics deal with quite trivial subjects, they▓re written in a fine way and what▓s most important √Nimrod▓s English is enjoyable enough. As to music┘ well, this is atmospheric black metal at it▓s best. ⌠In Embrace Of Pain■ features keyboards here and there, the ones which incredibly force the atmosphere, although SIMONIA make emphasis on guitars, and that▓s only for better, since they manage to handle their instruments properly. Regarding drummer┘ well, this is what (together with hysteric vokills) heavily reminds me of early SUMMONING (circa ⌠Lugburz■). The same ⌠ringing■ sound and inability to play in a really fast and simultaneously technical way. He▓s far from being bad musician, though. Getting back to overall sound, I▓d say that this MC never will lull you to sleep due to variety and enchanting melodies ⌠In Embrace Of Pain■ is soaked with┘ Nimrod also incorporates ⌠clean■ voice and he▓s good at it, even though these passages weren▓t well thoughtout. Generally speaking, this is (once again) atmospheric black metal at it▓s best: harsh yet melodic and (really) far from being primitive. The production is good as well (excluding those stew-pan sounding drums), however mastering wouldn▓t harm anything. The only thing which sucks here is the appearance┘ Nevertheless, I guess it▓s not a drawback anymore, since this recording will be re-issued through Moscow▓s CDM Records with a different layout.
Email: simonia@mail.ru
URL: http://listen.to/simonia
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

SITHLORD
⌠Labyrinth To The Gods■ (demo CD)
Bleed Records
rating: 4, 5 of 6
SITHLORD is what we have here. This is Australian and this is black metal. Or not? Don▓t know, actually. More likely, a (rather splendid) mixture of black, death and thrash metal with few highlights such as overall complexity and well thoughtout compositional structures. A couple of leads sound pretty good, too. Especially, when it comes to that ⌠Enslaved To Hades■-track, which is, in fact, the best one off this demo. Nothing special or outstanding (except astounding appearance) here, to be honest √ however if you▓d like to give a listen to black / death spiced with some thrash, rooted back in eighties, though still managing to deliver modern (in the finest sense of the word) sound┘ well, check it out.
Email: sithlord@free.net.au
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

TINTAGEL
⌠Existence■ (demo MC)
rating: 5, 5 of 6
⌠This is not good, but this material is our ▒home production▓ ■, such were the words of Alexander (vocals, guitars), when he was sending me this tape. Well, if this is not good, then I can▓t really conceive what is! ⌠Existence■ is excellent! This tape comes with five songs of death / black metal, sounding a bit similar to DEINONYCHUS at times, although I feel I have to admit that, just like in case with NARGATHROND, I▓ve never heard any Russia▓s band composing and performing their stuff the way TINTAGEL do. The sound is good, so are the musicians, while the atmosphere they force, even though no keyboards were used, is beyond descriptions. It▓s AS ANXIOUS. Kinda extremely perturbing, y▓know. You won▓t ever feel yourself ok while listening to this effort┘ but you have to experience this state of mind anyway.
Email: deyneko@permonline.ru
       forsasha@freemail.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

V.E.L.D.
⌠Promo Tape 2000■
rating: 2 of 6
What a weak attempt to deliver powerful techno-thrash / death getting tasteless, boring and generic stuff instead! The only bonus goes for the fact these guys can play well, but so what? It▓s just disgusting.
Contact: Belarus, 210029, Vitebsk, pobox 50
(review by Saihtan Krathmer)

VINTERRIKET
⌠┘ Gjennom Takete Skogen■
Neodawn Productions
rating: 5 of 6
One more of a kind, i.e. a highly impressive effort brought forth the light by Germany▓s Neodawn Productions. Just like in case with CROWHEAD, VINTERRIKET comes from Norway, however it▓s very different in terms of style. In fact, it▓s dark ambient, spiced with few pseudo-folkloristic elements; and (un)surprisingly, performed by one and only man. Musically, it▓s rather diverse, seeming to a bit similar to ⌠Anden Som Gjorde Oppror■ by MORTIIS, however I▓d dare to say I prefer this tape over that CD. Mr. Mortiis isn▓t exactly a music genius, is he? At least, ⌠The Stargate■ is the only impressive CD he managed to create. As to VINTERRIKET, it▓s far from worthless minimalistic attempts to deliver ⌠ooooh sooo coool and scaaary!■ dark ambient performed by various brainless kids all over the world, yet it▓s far from a genius of, say, MIDNIGHT SYNDICATE. Anyway, it▓s very well executed and exciting work, so you▓d better hurry up and purchase it, since ⌠┘ Gjennom Takete Skogen■ is limited to 100 copies only.
Email: neodawnproductions@ngi.de (home)
neodawnproductions@hotmail.com (away)
chziegle@mail.fh-ulm.de (work)
(review by Herr Stalhammar)