3RD HOUSE OF BEEF
“Low Cycle”
Lunasound Recordings
rating: 5 / 6
First I thought it would turn out as some alternative kind of crap. Wrong. Have you ever heard anyone delivering a genuine, idearich mixture of stoner and sludgy death metal? I haven’t… until one rainy day, heavens enshrouded in despair granted me this effort. Actually, there’s no one I could compare 3RD HOUSE OF BEEF to. They’re nearly unique, to say the least. If I’m not mistaken, “Low Cycle” doesn’t appear as the CD they’ve made their debut with, and what a pity that I didn’t have a chance to check out the former works of theirs previously! Those who’re looking for something new but still metal-to-the-core (perhaps a bit industrialized this time), don’t have any single reason to pass on this one. Sorry, no more words left to describe (define?) “Low Cycle”. This is simply the CD which has to be listened to.
Email: luna@ettnet.se
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

BEATEN BACK TO PURE
“Southern Apocalypse”
Retribute Records
rating: 5 / 6
Six songs, an hour and a half of stoner death. Yes, stoner death. Haven’t you heard about such a sub-genre previously? Well, at least I hadn’t. In fact, I don’t really know whether it’s a right definition, but it seems like I can’t come up with anything better (or worse).  BEATEN BACK TO PURE definitely isn’t your regular “Uncle Sam bids farewell to prairies” band, they’re way behind and way ahead of all these sheavys, acrimonies, blind dogs, etc. Torturously slow, tearing out everything from inside and back, spiced with death grunts and more than way less or more enjoyable the-end-of-the-world sort of accompaniment in the shape of drum tracks, guitar and bass lines, literally drilling one’s mind. Melt down, disappear and enjoy.
Website: www.retributerecords.com
Email: Retribute@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

BOLT THROWER
“Mercenary”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 1 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

DESDEMONIA
“Paralyzed”
self-released
rating: 5,5 / 6
Death metal band from Luxembourg? Must be something outstanding, mustn’t it? Unfortunately, most often the more you expect the less you get. Especially when it comes to the variety of metal acts emerging from formerly relatively unknown or yet undiscovered countries, unknown and undiscovered in terms of metal scene. Well, now prepare yourself… No, better sit down. Yeah, that’s better. Let me say that this one WAS NOT a disappointment. Not at all. Self-released CD assaulting you with finest death metal with an own face and nearly shocking diversity. I bet you didn’t expect things turn out this way. But they did. DESDEMONIA chaps don’t limit themselves within the bounds of death metal, as one and only style worth a thousand years worship, no, they turn it into a huge melting pot adding some –core, black and thrash metal elements, and surprise or not, “Paralyzed” strikes as incredibly refreshing and catchy effort in the end. And nowadays, when each single genres which had been actually let be a “genre”, is slowly but inevitably stagnating, sucking blood of it’s own veins, DESDEMONIA’s challenge seems to be even more exciting than it could ever possibly be. A MUST.
Website: www.desdemonia.net; www.desdemonia.lu
Email: contact@desdemonia.net
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

DIES IRAE
“Immolated”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 6 / 6
New death metal gods from Europe? Don’t make me laugh. VADER are the ones who have occupied this throne long time ago – and there’s NO ONE to overthrown ‘em. Isn’t this statement lacking logic? Well, no. Not quite, to say the least. However, here comes (seemingly) newborn act – which is definitely not a newborn, by the way – which can easily pretend to replace VADER. Delivering quite similar… Oops. Wrong. Similar? Definitely not. DIES IRAE is comprised of those who take part in SCEPTIC, NOMAD and… right, VADER, and no doubts that they couldn’t come up with a worthless effort. Well, they didn’t. Instead we behold a new star rising, previously relatively unknown act capable of climbing up the highest mountain in order to conquer and enslave all that is below and above. This is Luciferian death metal, variable and distinctive, forcing uniquely somber atmosphere, an atmosphere 99,9% of black metal combos aren’t capable of attaining – never ever. Forget about DEICIDE, forget about SINISTER, INCANTATION, IMMOLATION… even MORBID ANGEL and VADER, because what we have here is beyond any descriptions. “Immolated” makes one shiver, being a synonym of anxiety – and still brutal as hell itself. “Zohak”, “Sirius B”, “The Nameless City”, “Lion Of Knowledge”… Listen to these ones and… and you won’t be able to convince me in anything due to the fact you’ll stay speechless. Spiritually immolated. An album of the issue? YES! At least when it comes to the genres of death and black metal.
If you can’t find this CD being sold at the music store nearby but nevertheless still interested in purchasing it, email Fono Records at <metal@fono.ru> or check out their official website at <www.fono.ru> (this concerns only those who reside in Russia and CIS States, though).
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

DISBELIEF
“Worst Enemy”
Massacre Records
(provided by Art Music Group)
rating: 6 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

FEEBLE MINDED / LIMITS OF NESCIENT
“Hate Feeling” / “Decadence”
Grodhaisn Productions
rating: 2 / 6
No wonder that I love this country. I guess you all know that Czech Republic is what I’m speaking of. Besides awesomely beautiful cities and excellent beer, Czechs are also pretty good in playing death metal, as well as grindcore. Unfortunately, this split-CD left me even more indifferent than I could ever expect. Both bands come with quite boring and generic type of death / grind which makes me nothing but fall asleep. No doubts that they’re really good when it comes to performance, and there’s nothing to criticize when it comes to production… but, it’s just music that doesn’t work with me.
Email: grodhaisn@seznam.cz
(review by Felix A.Stalhammar; translated by Kai Mathias)

GOREROTTED
“Mutilated In Minutes…”
Dead Again Records
rating: 5 / 6
“Bed ‘em, Behead ‘em”, “Stab Me Till I Cum”, “Cut, Gut, Beaten, Eaten”, “Severed, Sawn And Sold As Porn”. Pretty nice titles, don’t you think? What a pity that you, who’s reading this review right now in order to find out what the hell GOREROTTED is, can’t please your sight with a truly bewitching coveart… just like I did and still do. In fact, “Mutilated In Minutes…” is solely impregnated with a sick kind of humour, starting with a promo sheet and ending with… well, what? Just everything, man. Does it stink? Incredibly. Should they serve it instead of bloody beef stake? I guess so. No, most likely “Mutilated In Minutes…” no less than MUST be sold at all the music stores, whilst that delightful coverart has to be printed in billion copies and put inside each goddamn morning newspaper. What for? Oops. You made me wonder. And you know what? I don’t like spend my time wondering. Is “increasing the mortality” a good answer to you? Hope so. But… looks like I’ve been telling you about anything but music. Ok. No problem, man. Didn’t you say UK’s death metal is dead and gone? Don’t hurry up, you just haven’t heard GOREROTTED yet. It makes CARCASS pet shop boys of death metal scene. And what still surprises me most of all, even though this sextet (!) obviously cares about brutality in the first turn, they nevertheless appear as skillful musicians and talented composers (sounds ironical? “Gore grind” and “compositional talent”? I couldn’t care less…), thus serving the listener with tasty piece of bloodsoaked carnivorous meat. Rotten yet still alive and breathing… Fuck the beef stake.
Website: www.deadagain.fsnet.co.uk
Email: promo@deadagain.fsnet.co.uk
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

GRENOUER
“The Odour O’Folly”
More Hate Productions
rating: 4 / 6
“The Odour O’Folly” is the latest offering from this death / black metal act, although this time it doesn’t really have anything in common with black metal. Recorded at Zelenograd-based studio (the one owned by T.H.R.O.N. freaks), it doesn’t beat all the highest standards in terms of sound execution – actually I still wonder why did they have to travel to Zelenograd in order to get rather average sounding work? In my opinion, “Gravehead” (GRENOUER’s former effort) sounded much more persuasive. Musically being MUCH MORE exciting as well. “The Odour O’Folly” heavily reminds me of the latest CDs by CARCASS, kind of a cross between “Heartwork” and “Swansong”, y’know. And that doesn’t give GRENOUER bonus points, too. Melodic and intelligently raw, mostly fast- but also mid-paced, with a singer attempting to be undistinguishable from Jeff Walker, and incredibly lesser amount of leads and various tasty passages, less versatile and obviously less innovative (actually, UNinnovative)… well, this is definitely NOT the best work by GRENOUER. I wish they could get back in few years and come forth with a worthy followup to “Gravehead”. Too bad, but “The Odour O’Folly” gets ‘4’ out of ‘6’ only because I (still) deeply respect this band.
Email: more_hate@mail.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

ILLDISPOSED
“Kokaiinum”
Diehard Music
rating: 5,5 / 6
Danish masters of hellish grrrrrrrrrroooovvvvvvvvve are back. At last. In fact, I almost thought that “Retro” (the former CD of theirs comprised of covers only) was a farewell. Fortunately, it was not. Of course, “Four Depressive Seasons” and “Kokaiinum” are as similar as Glen Benton and Mother Theresa are, however you won’t have to doubt if it’s ILLDISPOSED or not giving this work a listen. Yes, they became twice as groovy, but who the hell said it’s a drawback? Musically it’s unbelievably rich and imaginative, and yes, still brutal the way it was meant to be. Hauntingly juicy ;). Is there anyone unfamiliar with these sick assholes? You? And you? And you, too? What a shame. What have you spent your life for? Getting high on DEICIDE and considering it the only death metal act in the whole goddamn universe? Well, what should I say… Poor wretched earthling. Come closer and taste “Kokaiinum”. It’ll make your mind smoke. Believe the old weirdo. (Herr Stalhammar)

IMMOLATION
“Close To A World Below”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 5,5 / 6
… this time doubtlessly more complex, featuring stupendous drumming, incomprehensible and badly written lyrics… This was my first impression. So what about the second one, huh? Well, too bad, but I’ve given “Close To A World Below” a listen right after “Immolated” by DIES IRAE (see the review above) and… and what do you expect me to say? Of course, this one can’t be even compared to “Immolated”. Although does it mean that these US dudes’ latest offering is of no interest? NO! … and once again, “NO!”. Unfortunately, “Dawn Of Possession” (1991) and “Failures For Gods” (1999) were the only works by IMMOLATION I’ve heard previously, therefore I guess I should cast the comparisons aside… or not? At least, “Close To A World Below” sounds way better than the aforementioned efforts of theirs: complex and excellently structured, intelligently brutal and in the same time hellishly uncompromising, proving for yet one more time that IMMOLATION is one of the best death metal combos around – at least, one of the best (if not the best) in United States. Neither DEICIDE nor any other antichristian DM acts aren’t capable of beating “Close To A World Below”. And never will be.
If you can’t find this CD being sold at the music store nearby but nevertheless still interested in purchasing it, email Fono Records at <metal@fono.ru> or check out their official website at <www.fono.ru> (this concerns only those who reside in Russia and CIS States, though).
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

IRON YOUTH
“Respect / Defend / Create”
Resistance Records
rating: 6 / 6
NS death metal?? No, better the “NS death metal from Greece”… Whew. I could expect anything but this. Nevertheless, “Respect / Defend / Create” is more than just a worthy piece, kinda combination of atmospheric death metal (they even threw few sublime synth-lines here and there!) and that typical oi-thing. Quite refreshing, indeed. And needless to say, distinguishable. In fact, I couldn’t find any bands to compare IRON YOUTH with whilst giving this CD a listen. And what if I’d say that “Respect / Defend / Create” comes with a top-notch sound and beyond stunning musicianship? Yeah, definitely “a must to have”. Or at least “highly recommended”. Bow to Resistance Records, for they keep on releasing excellent works. (Herr Stalhammar)

MORTEM
“Filicide”
Metal Agen Records
rating: 2 / 6
AND WHAT?!? Giving this CD a listen, I couldn’t hear anything but stupidly straightforward and, sad to say, doubtlessly outdated sort of death metal. Needless to say, lacking any originality (well, just look at the moniker and amateurish artwork!). With no sense, no atmosphere, no whatsoever! As a matter of fact, I’m strongly convinced that there was absolutely no need in bringing this act back to life. At least, as far as I recall, back in early / mid-nineties there were a couple of death metal outfits delivering much more exciting and stunning kind of music. Such as DEATH VOMIT, for instance. I would be glad if those would come back from where they’ve gone – however, “Filicide” as well as everything ever delivered by MORTEM is of no interest to me. (Herr Stalhammar)

MUDSLINGER
“Cover The Sun”
Lord Slog Records
rating: 4 / 6
That’s something I feel will be hellishly difficult to be described. Slow grindcore? Oh, sorry. That’s what they named doom metal. And I hardly conceive that anyone of you suckers would ever reckon MUDSLINGER to a doom metal flock. What else do we have? Death metal? Yes. Most likely, yes. But still slow as your granny’s ’70 Chevrolet. So, IS it, or IS it NOT? Both. Bhhrrrgh, sounds quite incomprehensible. Perhaps I’m just fucking tired of reviewing a shitload of CDs which have arrived lately? It’s not an excuse, though. So let’s make a second try. Slow and depressively fascinating death metal on the edge of doom, _unlike_ DISEMBOWELMENT or WINTER, _not_ as sludgy and down-tuned. Despite the lack of keyboards, “Cover The Sun” forces weird ambiences which could fit well some suicidal ESOTERIC-alike act, however MUDSLINGER manage to stay MUDSLINGER, and that’s what I truly appreciate. A bit not my taste, that’s why only ‘4’ out of ‘6’. You ought to check it out anyway.
Website: www.mudslinger1.com
Email: dacouch@pacbell.net
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

NILE
“In The Beginning”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 2 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

POSTMORTEM
“The Call Of The Sea”
More Hate Productions
rating: 4,5 / 6
I wish this CD would be better in terms of graphic execution. But who cares if the appearance is top-notch or not, if it’s the music which speaks? “The Call Of The Wood”… oops, sorry, “The Call Of The Sea” definitely is the CD which was meant to get a “nostalgia award”. These Estonians deliver rather straightforward death metal – however, I doubt if you would name at least few bands they sound similar to, I mean contemporary bands of course. They’re not original, though. This is why this “nostalgia award”. POSTMORTEM heavily remind me of long dead and gone Finnish death metal scene, “Shadows Of Past”-era SENTENCED and DEMIGOD in particular. Mid-paced death metal with few keyboard interludes and unique atmosphere only Finns were capable of forcing back then. Hopefully, those times will come into reality again… this year, or 10 years after most of us will find our rest six feet under. Doesn’t matter. As to why I had to drop the points, check out the way these chaps interpreted KING DIAMOND’s “Into The Convent” and “The Ocean” by LED ZEPPELIN. Disgusting. But that’s not the reason for ignoring this effort, is it?
Email: more_hate@mail.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

PROPHECY
“Foretold… Foreseen”
Corpse Gristle Records
rating: 4 / 6
US’ death metal from Texas – what else should be said? Actually, quite a lot. “Foretold… Foreseen” sounds like these chaps have been heavily influenced by INTERNAL BLEEDING and DEEDS OF FLESH whilst composing this effort, and perhaps that is why “Foretold…” gets somewhat boring at times. However, I wouldn’t say it’s a huge drawback, since apart from few passages, this CD appears as rather enjoyable piece of relentless death metal with few grindcore elements thrown in here and there. Perhaps I’m contradicting myself, but even lengthy tunes (up to nine minutes! Pretty uncommon for a death metal act, isn’t it?) don’t lull me to sleep. Not at all. Furthermore, PROPHECY succeeded in spicing a couple of tracks with acoustics, thus making ‘em more attractive for a regular US’ death metal admirer. James (the mastermind behind the band) also submitted me a brand new track, and fortunately it sounds way better than most stunning tunes off “Foretold… Foreseen”, being more straightforward and in the same time more enjoyable. All in all: recommended.
P.S. By the way, isn’t it time to change the moniker? There’re way too many bands going by the same name, however I must admit that this one is the best amongst them, though.
Email: prophecydfm@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

PUNISHED EARTH
“Frankenstein”
Uxicon Records
rating: 5 / 6
Couldn’t they choose another title? But as the criticism rolls in, I can’t but admit that the title is title and the music is music, and if the latter sucks, no stupendous name would make the CD worth listening. Actually, “Frankenstein” definitely is worth listening, apart from the fact I’d strongly recommend you to purchase this CD (in case you’re going to do it, of course) from the band directly, since I feel no need to support scumbags @ AGATHOCLES, and it seems like Jan (I never thought there’re pure non-entities amongst Belgians… but this “man” serves as a perfect proof to that there ARE) is the one who runs Uxicon Records. Fuck him anyway; let’s better focus on music PUNISHED EARTH come up with. Well, in spite that I expected to hear some regular noisy and incomprehensible mince-core, these guys deliver highly impressive amalgamation of death metal and grincore (or, perhaps, death-core?), with tracks short and sharp as the razorblade. A certain dose of imaginativeness has been thrown in as well, so don’t you even think of “Frankenstein” as of one more CD lulling you to sleep. I enjoyed this one, and hope so will everyone who gives it an attentive listen.
Website: www.ibelgique.com/punishEarth
Email: punished@freebel.net
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

RISING MOON
“European Aliens”
Metal Fortress Entertainment
rating: 4,5 / 6
What a stupid title… Yeah, I know that lyrically “European Aliens” is a thematic alien story, however they nevertheless could find a better way to entitle the CD. But ok, when it comes to music, everything’s thousand times better. Firstly I confused RISING MOON with those fond of embarking on a path once revealed by (early) SEPTIC FLESH, but later on, I knew I was wrong. Terribly wrong, perhaps. If you want a short definition, this is more of a Swedish school death metal, slightly spiced with South-European melodic DM style. Too bad that this is only a mini-CD. Anyway; check it out. I believe, “European Aliens” is worth a listen or two.
Email: dreamweaver@telia.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

SEPTICEMIA
“Hopeless Age”
self-released
rating: 5 / 6
Highly enjoyable piece of death metal. What’s most important and a bit surprising, AUSTRIAN death metal. I mean, this country had never been famous for spitting forth multitudes of worthy acts stylistically destined to be reckoned to the aforementioned genre. Nevertheless, SEPTICEMIA proved me wrong. Being only a self-released CD, “Hopeless Age” is surprisingly well executed when it comes to both sound and overall appearance. Judging by the way the music has been performed, I’d dare to suppose that these guys definitely have been around for some time… Maturity can’t be passed on, you see. Well, in fact the same regards “Hopeless Age”. Even if it’s not necessarily original to the core, there’s obviously something to listen to, and even to learn from. In short, this is quite variable death metal with few blackish elements thrown in, partly fast-paced, partly mid-tempo. Highly recommended.
Website: www.septicemia.start.at
Email: septicemia@gmx.at
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

SIX FEET UNDER
“True Carnage”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 4,5 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

SOILS OF FATE
“Sandstorm”
Retribute Records
rating: 5 / 6
What else could we expect from these Swedes? Yep, yet another dose of mind-blowing, shredding death metal, slightly spiced with elements borrowed from the genre of grindcore. Unbelievably inhuman voice, stupendous drumming (even taking into account the fact drummachine has obviously been incorporated) and short, razor-alike leads… Originality? Well, this term is quite relative nowadays, especially if talking about death metal. Nevertheless, I bet that you would definitely figure out if it’s SOILS OF FATE’s CD spinning in your stereo or not. “Sandstorm” doubtlessly should be played at the psychiatric hospitals all day long. At least, the mankind would get rid of all the mentally deranged individuals this way, heh heh. “Highest in the hierarchy of blasting sickness”? What an appropriate slogan!
Website: www.retributerecords.com
Email: Retribute@aol.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

STRATUZ
“The Last Kiss” (self-released)
“Spirit Seduction” (The LSP Company)
rating: 3,5 / 6
It’s my first aquaintance with a band emerging from Venezuela, and sad to say, neither “The Last Kiss” nor “Spirit Seduction” appear as a must to have CDs. Of course, giving a listen either to the CD STRATUZ made their debut with or the latest work of theirs, is a much more enjoyable experience than watching some regular goddamn soap opera producing which Venezuela is known for. But that doesn’t make these efforts sound better, does that? Of course, each hides it’s jewels (such as “The Cult” off the first CD), and yes, STRATUZ’s craving towards originality is more than obvious, and yes, Franklin’s “clean” voice as well as a quasi-soprano sound fine, but it just doesn’t work with me. Unfortunately these guys didn’t manage to force the appropriate atmosphere – moreover, both CDs lack catchiness and comprehensibility. Therefore; if you’re looking for more or less enjoyable piece of South-American death metal, check out the CDs I’m currently reviewing. All the others shouldn’t bother. (Herr Stalhammar)
 
TALES OF DARKNORD
“Dismissed”
More Hate Productions
rating: 5 / 6
6 songs, 40 minutes. Mid-tempo death metal at it’s best, reminiscent of INCANTATION here and there. Precise drumming, stupendous bass lines and horrible (in the worst sense of the word) lyrics. Perhaps, Russian death metal scene’s leading star. At least, this is what they are now. Enough said.
Email: more_hate@mail.ru
(review by Herr Stalhammar)

THE RAVENOUS
“Assembled In Blasphemy”
Hammerheart Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 5,5 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

T.H.R.O.N.
“Subject To Damage”
Metal Agen Records
rating: 1 / 6
Well, I got exactly what I expected. An attempt to come up with skullcrushing death metal, simultaneously tight and twisted, top-notch in terms of every single thing… but only an attempt. Few years ago these chaps came up with surprisingly exciting piece of black metal (“Seductions Of The Unbaptized Darkness” CD) and were even considered by true-to-the-core by some. However time reveals who is true and who is not. T.H.R.O.N. definitely should be reckoned to the latter. Once they were diehard heathens, and now they can’t stand anything pertinent to black metal – wow, what a metamorphosis! I guess I already said enough regarding my attitude to these wannabes, hence isn’t it time to talk about “Subject To Damage” for a while? No, it is not. This CD lasts for less than half an hour, however when I was listening to it for the first (and last) time, I thought this torture will never end. The way they interpreted “World In My Eyes” by DEPECHE MODE and NAPALM DEATH’s “Twist The Knife (Slowly)” is beyond repulsiveness, consequently we have completely uninteresting, worthless piece of wannabe-death metal. I wonder what happened to Evgeniy and Metal Agen Records? Once they’ve been known for releasing top-notch albums by Russia’s most notable acts… and now, failure follows failure. A pity, indeed. (Herr Stalhammar)

THRONAEON
“Neither Of Gods”
Hammerheart Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 4,5 / 6
Sorry, this review is not available in English. If you speak Russian, check it out by clicking here.

VADER
“Reign Forever World”
Metal Blade Records
(provided by Fono Records)
rating: 6 / 6
If one states that VADER is Polish death metal leading star, who would disagree? If one asserts that each new work of theirs goes far beyond the notion of masterpiece, who would argue it? At least, I would not. This is not really a new album, as some of you might have thought. “Reign Forever World” is comprised of three new songs (amongst which, “Privilege Of The Gods” is the best one… truly a highlight!), three covers (DESTRUCTION’s “Total Desaster” and JUDAS PRIEST’s “Rapid Fire”, as well as magnificent interpretation of MAYHEM’s “Freezing Moon”), a couple of live tracks and two compositions taken off Japan’s “Litany” release. A conclusion? Haven’t you figured out what it will sound alike, already? Definitely A MUST.
If you can’t find this CD being sold at the music store nearby but nevertheless still interested in purchasing it, email Fono Records at <metal@fono.ru> or check out their official website at <www.fono.ru> (this concerns only those who reside in Russia and CIS States, though).
(review by Herr Stalhammar)