DEATH METAL ARCHIVES
 
 
We have only two items this time in “death metal archives” section,
however I guess it’s not the kind of reason for you to be disappointed with, since I prefer to review few definitely rare (and fairly old) recordings instead of reviewing CD’s or LP’s which, despite that they were released long time ago, every death metal fan have listened to already. Tell me, do you really find exciting to get yourselves acquainted with my thoughts upon “Eaten Back To Life” by CANNIBAL CORPSE or “Last One On
Earth” by ASPHYX???
 
CORONER
“Death Cult” (demo, 1985)
rating: 4, 5 of 6
If I’m not mistaken, this is the first demo from now legendary Swiss band… Later they embarked on technical thrash / death metal path and further fell into oblivion, however this demo (almost) doesn’t have anything to do with their later works. More likely, it’s a weird mixture of thrash, ancient death and black metal in the vein of HELLHAMMER and CELTIC FROST (whose heritage they carefully studied for some time before forming the band of their own). This demo even features Tom G. Warrior on vocals! (by the way, if talking about guest musicians, here’s one more of a pack: Ron Ashley, the one responsible for keyboards and effects and stuff) All in all, “Death Cult” is comprised of six tracks (rather long ones) (“The Spectators Of Sin”, “Spiral Dream”, “Aerial Combat”, “The Invisible”, “Arrogance In Uniform” and “Hate, Fire, Blood”), which are, in comparison to the older recordings by CELTIC FROST, slightly different, although still quite similar – although, more technical and structurally complicated (if comparing to the early CELTIC FROST efforts, of course). Anyway, I didn’t get too much pleasure re-listening this tape in order to compose the review you’re reading through at the moment… however, it was VERY GOOD RECORDING for the year of 1985. (Herr Stalhammar)

CROMOX
“Forever In Time” (1993)
label unknown
rating: 6 of 6
It seems to be for the first time… The first time when I know nothing about the band whose work I gonna review. Just nothing. 0% info. I don’t even know who (read – what label exactly) released this CD, and, in fact, I can’t even tell you if it’s “Cromok” or “Cromox” if talking about the band name.  All I have is their CD taped on usual cassette, packed with all the song titles – and nothing else. But anyway, I felt that I HAVE TO review “Forever In Time”, since it’s undoubtedly outstanding effort.  Someone told me that they come from Malaysia and this fact makes me even more surprised… Musically, CROMOX is a highly exciting mixture of death and thrash metal, very technical. I’d say, EXTREMELY technical. “Forever In Time” comes with eight songs and, should I say this, I still crave for more… even though, I don’t even know if this band is still alive. Surprisingly, the sound is nearly great (hmm, why “nearly”…?), while these guys (especially the ones responsible for guitars) appear as magnificent musicians… This soloing just doesn’t let me up… Those who’d like to listen to aggressive, yet atmospheric and incredibly tremendous music, should get this CD immediately! Well, maybe not a CD… but an artistic masterpiece. (Herr Stalhammar)