ALAS
“Absolute Purity”
Hammerheart Records
(provided by Fono
Ltd.)
rating: 1 / 6
Bullshit. The utter
one. Please take into account that I'm saying this not because they have
a nigger on bass guitar. At least, he's far from being bad in what he does.
In case with ALAS, “bad” is the music. Believe me or not, “Absolute Purity's”
loathsomeness is almost incomparable. Perhaps only GRABAK... However these
ones are into black metal, whilst ALAS is, so to say, a doom metal act.
Only “so to say”, though. None of the tunes featured on the actual CD doesn't
strike the listener with it's exciting compositional structure, doesn't
surprise with memorable passages (harmonies, refrains, whatever else!),
doesn't shock with fantastically charming soprano... But hey, wait a bit.
It DOES shock with soprano. Honestly speaking, I haven't heard such a worthless
female singing for ages. What surprises most, Martina formerly sang in
DREAMS OF SANITY and THERION and did it quite good. What caused such a
drastic change? Dunno. And don't want to know. The only thing I know for
sure is, Erik Rutan proved to be a worthless composer. “Absolute Purity”?
Nah. “Absolute Worthlessness” sounds way more appropriate. (Herr Stalhammar;
translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)
DAYLIGHT TORN
“New Skin”
CCP Records
(provided by CD-Maximum)
rating: 4 / 6
I remember this band
for a rather exciting work they made their debut with. “Death Alone From
Life Can Save” appeared as a mixture of melancholic doom and gothic, featuring
nice sounding growling, however when I first glanced at THIS CD, I knew
it would be different. Did they change? Oh yes, and changed drastically.
Look at the way this effort's been entitled, and you'll get my point. DAYLIGHT
TORN circa 2001 and DAYLIGHT TORN circa 1999 almost don't have anything
in common with exception for emphasis on melancholy (instead of depression
as it happens to be with most of bands of this kind). This music is not
for those re-considering a possibility of committing a suicide, but more
likely, for those fond of sweetly bereaving. There's no more growling but
a female voice – good enough, although I guess if this girl added some
variety to her singing it would be only better. “New Skin” is what it is:
well crafted gothic rock, surprisingly having it's source of inspiration
in Seattle-wave; memorable though still more or less boring. (Herr Stalhammar;
translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)
DEADMARSH
“Harmony Prevails”
self-released
rating: 5 / 6
First I hated it.
Then I liked it. Now I simply don’t know whether “Harmony…” is worth praising
or not. This is quite a professional work, coming with pro-done layout,
enviable musicianship as well as more or less enjoyable sound execution.
Vocals sound like DEADMARSH are trying to be Belarus’ own METALLICA, however
don’t let ‘em fool you, for this is new-wave gothic / doom metal. Generally
speaking, musically all the six tunes featured on “Harmony Prevails” sound
way above enjoyable. Furthermore, this is SINCERE. Quite a rare thing nowadays.
Nevertheless, I believe they have to work more on vocals (which are good,
however it’s the singing manner I don’t quite appreciate) as well improve
their English. All in all, definitely a promising band.
Website: http://deadmarsh.by.ru
Email: deadmarsh@tut.by
(review by Herr Stalhammar)
DILUVIUM
“Aurora”
CCP Records
(provided by CD-Maximum)
rating: 5 / 6
And again, just like
in case with MAY RESULT, we have a newborn band originating from
Yugoslavia. I may be wrong though, since the booklet “Aurora” comes with,
isn't that informative, hence it's kinda difficult to learn anything about
the band. It doesn't really matter whether they're Yugoslavians or not
afterall, since if DILUVIUM has many common points with MAY RESULT, Ritchie
Blackmore plays grindcore. Gothic is the word. A guitar-based one. Not
doom or whatever else as some may think – perhaps that's why I'm the one
to write this review. Not my father who, surprisingly enough, reckoned
DILUVIUM to doom metal's representatives. “Gothic” isn't necessarily a
synonym of musical incompetence, and “Aurora” proves it well. Vocals are
courtesy of a female being, who doubtlessly does it better than her colleague
from DAYLIGHT TORN. The music is way more intriguing as well. Despite 100%
guitar basis, “Aurora” is a sort of offering solely made up of ethereal
structures, thus sounding more impressive. GO-O-O-OD. (Herr Stalhammar;
translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)
FORGIVE ME NOT
“Swallow Songs”
Metal Agen Records
rating: 2 / 6
I remember the times
when I liked this band. I remember the times when I couldn’t resist the
charming beauty of “Tearfall”. And I remember the times when “Spaceapple”
turned out as a disappointment, at least in my own perception. And “Swallow
Songs” is worse than “Spaceapple”. I hope you got me well. This mini-CD
has been comprised of five tracks, and unfortunately none of them excited
me the way any tune “Tearfall” came with, did. Formerly I tried to ignore
average sound quality, formerly I just enjoyed the music delivered by this
undoubtedly talented band. Not anymore. LABOURED gothic rock / metal, similar
to TO/DIE/FOR and BABYLON WHORES this way or another, done in a LABOURED
way. That’s what “Swallow Songs” is. Seems like these guys are incredibly
tired of attempting to go ever further. Even Vic, who I considered one
of the best singers in ex-USSR, manages to ruin that relatively good impression
a couple of passages off “Swallow Songs” could leave. I’d better won’t
say a word regarding lyrics… Too bad, but this is a failure. (Herr Stalhammar)
MY DYING BRIDE
“The Dreadful Hours”
Peaceville Music
rating: 5 / 6
First I thought the
artwork is ridiculous. Now I consider it fascinating. Obviously, it doesn’t
mean a thing, being just a goddamn artwork, however didn’t you ever notice
it makes you form an opinion on a certain album before even giving it a
listen? Well, “The Dreadful Hours” isn’t anything to laugh at. Nor it is
a poor attempt to get back on the throne of “Turn Loose The Swans” greatness.
It’s just a very-very good work, not as fascinating as “The Light At The
End Of The World” was, but still highly enjoyable. As well as (probably)
bewitching. The main point is, “The Dreadful Hours” is TOO diverse. F.ex.
starting with a gloomy yet somewhat romanticized title track reminding
a bit of “The Angel And The Dark River” times, it suddenly turns into death
/ doom metal mayhem in the shape of “Raven And The Rose”. And it goes on
and on, this ever-varying piece. Too many changes all gathered up in one
song, too heterogeneous musical canvas… but still not really far from being
a masterpiece. NOT a masterpiece, but close to it. By the way, MY DYING
BRIDE basically are the only ones staying true to doom metal – simultaneously
always coming up with something new – for as you know, ANATHEMA and PARADISE
LOST both left heading for lighter direction. (Herr Stalhammar)
NOVEMBERS DOOM
“Amid It’s Hallowed
Mirth”
Dark Symphonies
rating: - / -
Thousand hails to
Dark Symphonies for re-issuing one of the best – and most important – pieces
of doom metal ever released. “Amid It’s Hallowed Mirth” still stays one
of my favorite CDs, and what if it comes with three bonus tracks? Obviously,
it only adds to overall excitement. Obviously, “Amid It’s Hallowed Mirth”
isn’t perfect at all points. It’s a bit raw, especially in terms of sound
execution (even though the production is great – please note that), but
is it a drawback? NO! Be it recorded at a basement, I’d appreciate this
work no less than now. Originally made available by Avantgarde Music in
the year of 1995, “Amid It’s Hallowed Mirth” strikes as slow-downed doom
/ death metal, featuring breathtaking harmonies, unbelievably grievous
ambience(s) and inimitable grows courtesy of Paul Kuhr, supplemented by
ethereal female choir-like singing at times… and… and… I could enumerate
it’s qualities for a century and more, but what for? Just BUY IT. (Herr
Stalhammar)
SHAPE OF DESPAIR
“Angels Of Distress”
Spinefarm Records
(provided by Fono
Ltd.)
rating: 6 / 6
Together with the
latest CD by SINISTER “Angels Of Distress” is one of the few most
possible candidates amongst those I’d name “album of the year”. Perhaps
you still remember, I was bewitched by the debut work of theirs, however
“Angels Of Distress” is – sounds almost impossible – way better than “Shades
Of…”. SHAPE OF DESPAIR still possess uniquely recognizable sound, although
I guess I should admit that music delivered by this Finnish combo endured
certain metamorphosis. Firstly, it regards the mood – or atmosphere if
you like it better, this CD is thoroughly soaked with. If “Shades Of…”
was but a quintessence of grimness and utter desperation, “Angels Of Distress”
is way more sorrowful than depressive. This is where sorrow reigns all
over… Sorrow of darkest palettes… a wintertime one. Should I really say,
it’s not a shortcoming? SHAPE OF DESPAIR still can’t be recommended to
all those mentally weak – remember, it regards both of their efforts. What
else? I was positively surprised when I figured out all vocals are courtesy
of Pasi Koskinen (AMORPHIS). Embarrassingly enough, this guy not only possesses
a good-sounding “clean” voice, but inhuman-like growling as well. One more
thing worth mentioning: this CD was executed at the studio called Hellhole…
and if I’m not mistaken, the studio where Quorthon recorded the latest
works by BATHORY at, was named the same way. Coincidence? (Herr Stalhammar;
translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)
SLEEPING GODS
“New Sensation”
AFM Records
(provided by CD-Maximum)
rating: 5 / 6
There couldn't be
a better example of what a deal with the wrong record company may result
in, than this. AFM is a kind of label I always had respect for, however
it's just ‘wrong time and wrong place’, you see. AFM deal with power metal
and prog most of the time, whilst SLEEPING GODS deliver completely different
music, and probably that's the reason why they still haven't gained success
and recognition they deserve. “New Sensation” is damn good, however, sadly
enough, I doubt if it's of interest to anyone getting high on power metal.
Doom freak, in his turn, won't even pay attention to a CD issued under
the banners of AFM. Of course, I'm sort of pushing it to the extreme, but
the more I think about it the more I get convinced in my own rightness.
At least, if judging by a personal experience. Several times I've been
a witness to a hauntingly precious picture: music store, CD shelves and
a metalhead desperately trying to find something new within the bounds
of doom, whispering “Bought GODGORY yesterday, borrowed THE SINS OF THY
BELOVED from a friend today... What the hell, don't they have anything
new here?!” When being asked to check out SLEEPING GODS, bitterly says
“fuck these power metal pussies”. And what would you do...? Let me repeat
myself: “A New Sensation” is a hell of an album. Melancholic, mid-paced,
surprisingly refreshing cocktail of doom and gothic – and no resemblance
of that “love metal” thing. They stopped incorporating female choirs, but
so what? Tim started to sing in a “clean” voice (growling's still here,
though!), but so what? SLEEPING GODS didn't become less attractive because
of that. Believe me, if you want to hear something fairly original in the
seemingly self-exhausted genre – not only original, but bewitching as well
– then you gotta check out “A New Sensation” NOW. Besides simply being
an excellent work, and even if it wasn't enough, this CD was produced by
Harris Johns, who's also responsible for guitar lead and some back vocals
featured in a couple of songs off it. (Herr Stalhammar; translated by Herr
Stalhammar and Ingvar)
SUNSETH SPHERE
“Storm Before Silence”
Hammerheart Records
(provided by Fono
Ltd.)
5 / 6
Surprise. At least
I didn’t expect Hammerheart ever releasing anything like “Storm Before
Silence”. The easiest way is to name it gothic (or doom – depends on your
taste) and finish with this review, but we always look for paths untrodden,
don’t we? Hungarians always were notable for a different approach to extreme
shapes of music; just to recall TORMENTOR, PLASMA POOL, SEAR BLISS or VAGTAZO
HALOTTKEMEK. SUNSETH SPHERE chose a hard way to go, a way dangerous because
of a possibility of ending up in a worthless experimentation. Hence the
only what we have left, is a hope SUNSETH SPHERE won’t share this fate.
What is “Storm Before Silence”? A weird cocktail of aforementioned genres,
seasoned with a pinch of jazz-like variations as well as absolutely insane
and thus incredibly tremendous female voice. Giving this CD a careless
listen, you’d most probably think that even if there’re few synth-lines,
it’s only the background they serve to provide with. Wrong. The point is,
keyboards are closely interwoven with other instruments in such a brilliant
way that make one think they enter the performance only FRAGMENTARY. And
NOW I guess it’s time to finish, but… what’s a christian cross doing here…?
(Herr Stalhammar; translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)
THERION
“Secret Of The Runes”
Nuclear Blast Records
rating: 5 / 6
When will Mr. Johnsson
stop his quest with THERION? Probably never, as “Secret Of The Runes” is
already a tenth full-length album Christopher managed to spit forth. Well,
honestly speaking, it’s MUCH better than f.ex. “Vovin” and “Deggial”, which
both turned out as a sort of disappointment to me. This one’s doubtlessly
showcases THERION still have something in store to make at least one of
a thousand excited. “Secret Of The Runes” is solely based on Scandinavian
mythology, although please don’t expect this band (well, project might
be a better work, since it strikes as Christopher is the only full-time
member) go back to it’s roots and deliver viking death metal musically
in the vein of “Beyond Sanctorum”. Yep, it’s AS symphonic, AS prog-influenced,
AS bombastic as “Vovin” or perhaps even “Theli” were. Less metal, but that’s
something all of you already must have accustomed to. Actually, there’s
almost nothing to cavil at, except: a) if “Secret Of The Runes” is all
about Scandinavian epoch, what the hell “Ginnungagap”, the opening track,
features oriental passages?, b) this CD could be much better if it wasn’t
somewhat boring at times. Nevertheless, it’s absolutely “highly recommended”
kind of thing… and besides, do your best and find special edition coming
with two GENIUS interpretations of SCORPIONS’ “Crying Days” and ABBA’s
“Summernight City”. (Herr Stalhammar)
THE BLACK LEAGUE
“Utopia A.D.”
Spinefarm Records
(provided by Fono
Ltd.)
5,5 / 6
So what do we have
here this time? The same shit, man! Intoxicating yet somewhat melancholic
blues / doom / rock the “Amok” way. The lyrics still are inimitable (that’s
who you should learn composing from!), so is Taneli’s voice. The presence
of Sir Luttinen (LEGENDA, ex-IMPALED NAZARENE) behind the drum kit shouldn’t
be commented, should it? “Utopia A.D.” is way more versatile however not
as eclectic as it’s predecessor, “The Doomsday Sun EP”, was – and, doesn’t
matter how strange it sounds – that’s what I’d name a shortcoming. In other
respects, this is an excellent work – and sorry, I just can’t rate it with
a mark less than ‘5,5’ out of ‘6’. Worthy gift to everyone still mourning
_THAT_ SENTENCED.
P.S. A funny thing:
all the guys in the band, judging by their appearance, must have attended
gym-hall at least once a week. Somewhat strange, since Scandinavian musicians
were never notable for athletic constitution :).
(review by Herr Stalhammar;
translated by Herr Stalhammar and Ingvar)
THIS TANGLED WEB
“Nothing To Hold
You Here”
self-released
rating: -
Once I thought Australia’s
THIS TANGLED WEB is picking up where DISEMBOWELMENT left off, however “Nothing
To Hold You Here” shows a bit another approach. Sounds like Australia’s
own MY DYING BRIDE, although doubtlessly way different. This single-CD
(or a demo effort only? You decide) comes with two tracks only, therefore
I feel somewhat helpless reviewing it, for I can’t rate it with any mark,
be it one out of six, or six out of six. Anyway, “Nothing To Hold You Here”
showcases less slowed-down stuff, as in case with their former work, entering
the realms once occupied by Scotland’s SERENADE, in the same time clearly
following it’s own path. Definitely an enjoyable listening experience,
although I’d better give a listen to a full-length CD.
Website: www.geocities.com/shwartzheim/index.html
Email: distangledweb@hotmail.com
(review by Herr Stalhammar)