Black / Death Metal
Dublin, Ireland
1. Isolation
2. Red, Waiting
3. Between Dens and Ruins
4. The Summoning Bell
5. The Onset of the Death of Man
6. Eroded Into Superstition
7. Amongst the Swarms of Vermin
8. In Chaos, Exult
Showing posts with label Blackened Death Metal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blackened Death Metal. Show all posts
Aug 12, 2025
Apr 30, 2023
Hacavitz - Venganza
Debut album by this still unknown act from Mexico, honoring the classic death / black metal recipe that always works as a test pill for old school freaks to test if the rest of us are posers or not.
Lyrical themes include darkness, evil forces, hatred, also in nahuatl, the native language of their area. Furious riffs, angry attitude, quite good album.
For fans of Morbid Angel and anything underground.
Track listing:
1. Nightwinds
2. Ultimate Covenant
3. Tsita Ndäte
4. Fathom Thee Eerie
5. Old Rancor
6. Lusting the Dead ov the Nite
7. Venganza
8. Mixtla Miquixtli
9. Lighting Bolts ov Dead
10. Viaje a Mictlan
Nov 9, 2022
Behemoth - Opvs Contra Natvram (2022) Review
Since I Loved You At Your Darkest in 2018, an overall skippable record that amounts essentially to nothing, and considering their rapid ascent into shameless mainstream territory, I had almost fully excluded Behemoth from serious discussions on extreme metal. The band is dressed in gold by now, and it feels like it has the budget of the whole rest of the scene on its feet, with extravagant live shows, visuals and effects. Nergal, the face of rockstar satanists, smirks while sitting on the throne of all anti-religious themed bands of the world, and conveniently puts out another record of the same hate and malice against everyone. On a positive note, things have not gone off the rails as much as their last album, but on the contrary, there’s a handful of bangers in Opvs Contra Natvram. Specifically, tracks like “Malaria Vulgate”, “Disinheritance” and “Thy Becoming Eternal” contain the most brutality Behemoth can offer and reminds of the overwhelming assault the listener would get by listening to the band in the 00’s. “The Deathless Sun” has fairly attractive chorus and melodies and would do great in a live show, and the middle paced tempos in “Off to War!” make it an easy listening track, hinting that they should never play slower than that. At the same time, the fragility of the record’s more adventurous pieces like the mellow “Ov My Herculean Exile”, the ineffective introduction or the worst piece “Upon A Pale Horse” (whatever they tried to do here, it failed), present all the musical weaknesses of the band, clear as day. Lyrics are as frivolous as they’ve always been (special e.g. “Versvs Christvs”) with Behemoth, but at least all the art on Opvs Contra Natvram is wonderfully artistic, and just beautiful. This work, while not that bad, confirms for one more time how ridiculously overrated this band is, but it’s a step ahead from where they were four years ago, and there are a couple of great tracks. [2.75/5 - Average]
Nov 2, 2014
Doombringer - The Grand Sabbath (2014)
Genre: Black / Death Metal
Label: Nuclear War Now! Productions
Ever since listening their demo Abhorrent Dreams of the End in 2010, I patiently waited for a full work because it was and is among my favourite demos of the recent years. It seems and sounds like I am going to be all over it for some time, new scars have been carved for this year's lists for sure. Side project of Cultes des Ghoules / Bestial Raids members!
Jun 20, 2014
Vorkreist - Sabbathical Flesh Possession (2003)
Album | Sabbathical Flesh Possession
Country | France
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Label | Xtreem Music
~ Dawn of terror ~
Country | France
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Label | Xtreem Music
~ Dawn of terror ~
Being one of the main bands of the modern French black metal scene, Vorkreist were born in 1999 and released their first demo in 2001, named Sermons of Impurity. The debut full length would come two years later in 2003, an album that has one of the most amazing titles ever, Sabbathical Flesh Possession. It is undeniably a strong statement and while the music isn't that perfect itself, it makes a great package along with the edgy cover and titles. The band had been working on it for some time and it got them up to a certain level, featuring the female bassist LSK who would commit suicide ten years later, in 2013.
Sabbathical Flesh Possession flows as easy as it is to pronounce it and it offers the same aural pleasure as well. The band did not aim for a flawless, superb record from the start, as the crush would be much harder if they did and failed. Instead, the passion and freedom they had during their early years is a major motive and positive characteristic, bidding on legit black / death metal the ensured way. Listening to the record will not probably bring the apocalypse in your musical standards, but it is really enjoyable due to it's honesty and immediacy.
The production of the record is relatively good but still quite dirtier than their later records. It definitely is audible for a fan of black metal and offers a boost on all the bass sounds, transforming it into something more of a constant magnitude while listening. I have gone through much worse recordings in my life and I'm sure any person that has reached to Vorkreist has as well, so it's safe to say this is an album with enough noise to get the job done, keeping up it's repellent beauty.
While the band is labeled under the black metal be, as it should, the music on Sabbathical Flesh Possession has several death metal elements, providing a mixture of black / death with elementary components. If a death metal band inserted enough black metal guitar melodies, as well as shrieked vocals and a satanic concept / attitude, with the proper talent it would result in Vorkreist, the above being pretty much what this record sounds like. Some of the best moments in here are into the tracks "At the Side of the Beast" and "Iconophobia", which are also the most memorable of all.
At first listen, this might not seem as the best record ever written and it definitely doesn't have a protagonist role into the French scene, which has martyred some true diamonds of extreme metal. However, Vorkreist achieve the purpose they had set before it's release, to create a capable and robust piece that would remain good enough to make the listener dig it enough. It is mostly fast-paced, spitting nice riffs above the smacking drum lines, resulting in an enterprising effort that might not have specific brilliant moments, apart from one or two, but is strong as a whole.
Vorkreist would later go with a more characteristic playing, having members who are included in the top acts of the country today. Sabbathical Flesh Possession always pleases me with it's direct approach and solid musicianship, which provides the musical variety as well as the core of what I mostly enjoy in the genre, aggressive music and unfriendly atmosphere. It is not a whole view into the underworld, just a good glimpse.
Sabbathical Flesh Possession flows as easy as it is to pronounce it and it offers the same aural pleasure as well. The band did not aim for a flawless, superb record from the start, as the crush would be much harder if they did and failed. Instead, the passion and freedom they had during their early years is a major motive and positive characteristic, bidding on legit black / death metal the ensured way. Listening to the record will not probably bring the apocalypse in your musical standards, but it is really enjoyable due to it's honesty and immediacy.
The production of the record is relatively good but still quite dirtier than their later records. It definitely is audible for a fan of black metal and offers a boost on all the bass sounds, transforming it into something more of a constant magnitude while listening. I have gone through much worse recordings in my life and I'm sure any person that has reached to Vorkreist has as well, so it's safe to say this is an album with enough noise to get the job done, keeping up it's repellent beauty.
While the band is labeled under the black metal be, as it should, the music on Sabbathical Flesh Possession has several death metal elements, providing a mixture of black / death with elementary components. If a death metal band inserted enough black metal guitar melodies, as well as shrieked vocals and a satanic concept / attitude, with the proper talent it would result in Vorkreist, the above being pretty much what this record sounds like. Some of the best moments in here are into the tracks "At the Side of the Beast" and "Iconophobia", which are also the most memorable of all.
At first listen, this might not seem as the best record ever written and it definitely doesn't have a protagonist role into the French scene, which has martyred some true diamonds of extreme metal. However, Vorkreist achieve the purpose they had set before it's release, to create a capable and robust piece that would remain good enough to make the listener dig it enough. It is mostly fast-paced, spitting nice riffs above the smacking drum lines, resulting in an enterprising effort that might not have specific brilliant moments, apart from one or two, but is strong as a whole.
Vorkreist would later go with a more characteristic playing, having members who are included in the top acts of the country today. Sabbathical Flesh Possession always pleases me with it's direct approach and solid musicianship, which provides the musical variety as well as the core of what I mostly enjoy in the genre, aggressive music and unfriendly atmosphere. It is not a whole view into the underworld, just a good glimpse.
DAMAGE: [7.25/10]
Mar 30, 2014
Malthusian - Demo MMXIII (Demo, 2013) Review
Album | MMXIII
Country | Ireland
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Label | Invictus Productions
| The mother's blade |
Country | Ireland
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Label | Invictus Productions
| The mother's blade |
Malthusian is one of the bands that devastates the stage with a shameless drowning black / death metal sound, inciting immense darkness and nothingness with their music. Even though this is the debut demo and only release of the band, they have been receiving good comments and I'm just here to add to the pile, since MMXIII Demo is just too powerful to be ignored and needs to be heard by everyone. I'm a sucker when it comes to bands like this anyway, since they usually stay underground and when milestone black metallers fail, dudes like these come to offer some pure inbred hatred to fill their shoes.
MMXIII contains three tracks and clocks a total of twenty four minutes, ranging from crushing fast paced parts a few doomier moments here and there. The production creates a thick and inhuman sound similar to bands like Cruciamentum or Grave Miasma, providing the listener with enough to deal with from the first seconds when wrapped into it's madness. Therefore, this demo sounds similar to an underground old school / orthodox death metal record, focusing a lot on down-tuned, tormenting melodies and punching bass. It already feels that I'm advertising the band but they're that good, really.
The compositions themselves include some of the best stuff I have heard lately, making me wonder how come I've missed them, as searching for obscure bands is mostly what I do during my free time. Malthusian's diversity ranges from funereal doom, to old school death and black, along with some parts of technicality, all fused in an insane but gorgeous way. A bit of noise is constantly lurking behind the instrumentation for atmosphere purposes and there is an instrumental three minute intro part during the first track "Wraith///Plague Spore" which sets the mood. When a riff rises from the chaos, it's a dissonant and cutting line that shows the band's song writing ability, with amazing melodies arriving in accurate moments.
If something also drew my attention, it was the strength of the vocals in the demo and apparently three out of four members (everyone except the drummer) are offering their services in the tracks. There are awesome demonish growls and painful harsh screams, moving along with the song structure and nicely spitting the lyrics whenever feels necessary. The voice itself give a certain character to MMXIII and I guess it would not be the same without them and I guess it has such variety due to the different members doing different lines. It's always good as long as the result is legit, and this is way above legit.
It seems like the concept of the band is unusual too, talking about the Malthusian catastrophe and you can find information about it here or here. It's obvious that we have to do with a band with great potential and a future of glory in the underground, as long as they continue like this. It's a very good first demo that will please the fans of this style and maybe give them something new to chew on for some time, as there are more into this release than you think (or listen, probably). And if there is a modern necro sound, this is it.
MMXIII contains three tracks and clocks a total of twenty four minutes, ranging from crushing fast paced parts a few doomier moments here and there. The production creates a thick and inhuman sound similar to bands like Cruciamentum or Grave Miasma, providing the listener with enough to deal with from the first seconds when wrapped into it's madness. Therefore, this demo sounds similar to an underground old school / orthodox death metal record, focusing a lot on down-tuned, tormenting melodies and punching bass. It already feels that I'm advertising the band but they're that good, really.
The compositions themselves include some of the best stuff I have heard lately, making me wonder how come I've missed them, as searching for obscure bands is mostly what I do during my free time. Malthusian's diversity ranges from funereal doom, to old school death and black, along with some parts of technicality, all fused in an insane but gorgeous way. A bit of noise is constantly lurking behind the instrumentation for atmosphere purposes and there is an instrumental three minute intro part during the first track "Wraith///Plague Spore" which sets the mood. When a riff rises from the chaos, it's a dissonant and cutting line that shows the band's song writing ability, with amazing melodies arriving in accurate moments.
If something also drew my attention, it was the strength of the vocals in the demo and apparently three out of four members (everyone except the drummer) are offering their services in the tracks. There are awesome demonish growls and painful harsh screams, moving along with the song structure and nicely spitting the lyrics whenever feels necessary. The voice itself give a certain character to MMXIII and I guess it would not be the same without them and I guess it has such variety due to the different members doing different lines. It's always good as long as the result is legit, and this is way above legit.
It seems like the concept of the band is unusual too, talking about the Malthusian catastrophe and you can find information about it here or here. It's obvious that we have to do with a band with great potential and a future of glory in the underground, as long as they continue like this. It's a very good first demo that will please the fans of this style and maybe give them something new to chew on for some time, as there are more into this release than you think (or listen, probably). And if there is a modern necro sound, this is it.
Nov 27, 2013
Archgoat - Whore of Bethlehem (2006) Review
Country | Finland
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Label | Osmose Productions
Dynamic range | DR9
| Against all white light |
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Label | Osmose Productions
Dynamic range | DR9
| Against all white light |
Each genre and sub genre is characterized by a couple of breakthrough bands that first started with that particular music, motivating many others with their albums. In a way, ungraceful black / death metal is not an established subcategory (as symphonic black metal for example) but there is a whole scene based around it, starting back in the early nineties. Now, it's true that most of the bands in there are nothing more than whining drunks with a very immature and easy to go touch in their stuff, which consists of a lot of swearing, genitalia and upside down crosses. Tell me when I have to get scared.
One of these milestone bands for this genre are indeed Archgoat. Despite having very few releases and only some years activity in 1989-1993, it seems to be one of the major influences around here. Coming back from the dead in 2005, Whore of Bethlehem is in fact the debut full length album by the band. I would be happy with a trve kvlt record in 1992-1994 because it would surely be worshiped later on, but hey, it's never too late. So, what do we have to expect from the first full album by Archgoat? Not much have changed and it should stay that way, with the dudes focusing on pure madness and bestiality for about thirty five minutes. If you have heard their first EP Angelcunt (Tales of Desecration) and loved it, with a silent wish of a longer record in the back of your mind, this is for you. After a nonsense MCD in 2005 which almost buried them alive, they pick things up right from where they left them in 1993 and put out a -by all means- solid record.
Of course, the genre is somehow doomed to mediocrity inside it's own borders, since bands like these never demonstrate something unique or fascinating musically. I doubt they give a damn about it either, since the sole purpose is to be ugly and attacking, so every bands that succeeds that can be considered "good" by me. I don't have a lot of complaints about Whore of Bethlehem, as it balances nicely between pure blasphemy and musical structure, without giving emphasis on one of the two alone. The same ingredients are used once more, from the filthy black / death riffs, to the monstrous vocals and the hard hitting drums, as well as a steady bass sound, is the alpha and the omega for the band. The sound of the album is low pitched and scourging, lacking variety for it's own good. The old but adored church bells and synths are included in a couple of songs, like in "Dawn of the Black Light.
It's not creative or rich, but it feels great to listen to. It's typical Archgoat but in a larger proportion, dressed in a dusty and hostile production, putting it right in every playlist, when you feel like sacrificing goats in the name of Lucifer, while cursing religion in any way possible. You are not going to fall apart from it's sheer musical genius, but surely it has the needed brutality and rawness.
One of these milestone bands for this genre are indeed Archgoat. Despite having very few releases and only some years activity in 1989-1993, it seems to be one of the major influences around here. Coming back from the dead in 2005, Whore of Bethlehem is in fact the debut full length album by the band. I would be happy with a trve kvlt record in 1992-1994 because it would surely be worshiped later on, but hey, it's never too late. So, what do we have to expect from the first full album by Archgoat? Not much have changed and it should stay that way, with the dudes focusing on pure madness and bestiality for about thirty five minutes. If you have heard their first EP Angelcunt (Tales of Desecration) and loved it, with a silent wish of a longer record in the back of your mind, this is for you. After a nonsense MCD in 2005 which almost buried them alive, they pick things up right from where they left them in 1993 and put out a -by all means- solid record.
Of course, the genre is somehow doomed to mediocrity inside it's own borders, since bands like these never demonstrate something unique or fascinating musically. I doubt they give a damn about it either, since the sole purpose is to be ugly and attacking, so every bands that succeeds that can be considered "good" by me. I don't have a lot of complaints about Whore of Bethlehem, as it balances nicely between pure blasphemy and musical structure, without giving emphasis on one of the two alone. The same ingredients are used once more, from the filthy black / death riffs, to the monstrous vocals and the hard hitting drums, as well as a steady bass sound, is the alpha and the omega for the band. The sound of the album is low pitched and scourging, lacking variety for it's own good. The old but adored church bells and synths are included in a couple of songs, like in "Dawn of the Black Light.
It's not creative or rich, but it feels great to listen to. It's typical Archgoat but in a larger proportion, dressed in a dusty and hostile production, putting it right in every playlist, when you feel like sacrificing goats in the name of Lucifer, while cursing religion in any way possible. You are not going to fall apart from it's sheer musical genius, but surely it has the needed brutality and rawness.
Nov 26, 2013
Archgoat - Angelslaying Black Fucking Metal (EP, 2005) Review
Country | Finland
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Label | Hammer of Hate Records
Dynamic range | DR7
Dynamic range | DR7
With a few short releases, Archgoat decided to split after the release of their debut EP Angelcunt (Tales of Desecration), only to come back to life eleven years later and start working on new material. Angelslaying Black Fucking Metal was what the band decided to offer to the hungry fans that have been anxious about it all this time, another EP one year after the regroup, pretty much in the vain of their older stuff. However, this record much weaker and more shallow, compared to previous stuff.
If one thought that Angelcunt was short, lasting only thirteen minutes, they should check this out. Three songs that barely pass five and a half minutes in total, certainly too short and to quick for one to notice in a load of music or similar. These three tracks combined could easily be used as one filler track for an actual whole album, it contains such a small amount of music. That was a cruel comeback dudes. I believe they were in a hurry to release a full length (that came out in 2006) and wanted to put out something before it, so the EP was created in something like a day or so, like the listeners would not notice.
However, I think many fans that like this band are satisfied by the EP, which doesn't lack anything for the standards of Archgoat. It's not friendly melodic, instead it still is uncompromising, raw and heavy. The compositional level is not hard to reach, but it seems like they had better things to do during the conception of this, as if it's something they hadn't completely think through. The production is more polished and doesn't have the filth of the early nineties, which was lovely. Instead, it has created a metallic sound for the guitars and left the drums a little behind, making the sound cleaner but not improved by any means. Even the vocals don't have the bits of diversity they had on Angelcunt, they are limited to monotonous growling only.
There is "Penis Perversor", aggressively opening the record with some screaming samples and the same old riffs, for about two minutes. It is a punching track but doesn't get out of the bathroom. The second "Thrice Damned Sodomizer (Stream Of Blood)" is the longest and most solid song here, it gives the impression of a full song and has a couple of nice synths here and there. The last track "Satanic Oath" lasts 43 seconds and it's relatively useless. Again, the band does not stray from the cloud of death metal that much, meaning very un-technical and watered down death metal over the actual genre. Therefore, this EP sucks in two genres.
I enjoyed the first EP very much but almost hated the second. Maybe I had negative thoughts about it before listening, but if it had anything interesting, it would change my mind. With a stomping title and some empty songs, it seems like they tried to recapture the love of the scene from nothing and if this is considered a return, it's a god damn lame one. Hopefully, their later full albums were meant to repay me and everyone else in full or even more...
If one thought that Angelcunt was short, lasting only thirteen minutes, they should check this out. Three songs that barely pass five and a half minutes in total, certainly too short and to quick for one to notice in a load of music or similar. These three tracks combined could easily be used as one filler track for an actual whole album, it contains such a small amount of music. That was a cruel comeback dudes. I believe they were in a hurry to release a full length (that came out in 2006) and wanted to put out something before it, so the EP was created in something like a day or so, like the listeners would not notice.
However, I think many fans that like this band are satisfied by the EP, which doesn't lack anything for the standards of Archgoat. It's not friendly melodic, instead it still is uncompromising, raw and heavy. The compositional level is not hard to reach, but it seems like they had better things to do during the conception of this, as if it's something they hadn't completely think through. The production is more polished and doesn't have the filth of the early nineties, which was lovely. Instead, it has created a metallic sound for the guitars and left the drums a little behind, making the sound cleaner but not improved by any means. Even the vocals don't have the bits of diversity they had on Angelcunt, they are limited to monotonous growling only.
There is "Penis Perversor", aggressively opening the record with some screaming samples and the same old riffs, for about two minutes. It is a punching track but doesn't get out of the bathroom. The second "Thrice Damned Sodomizer (Stream Of Blood)" is the longest and most solid song here, it gives the impression of a full song and has a couple of nice synths here and there. The last track "Satanic Oath" lasts 43 seconds and it's relatively useless. Again, the band does not stray from the cloud of death metal that much, meaning very un-technical and watered down death metal over the actual genre. Therefore, this EP sucks in two genres.
I enjoyed the first EP very much but almost hated the second. Maybe I had negative thoughts about it before listening, but if it had anything interesting, it would change my mind. With a stomping title and some empty songs, it seems like they tried to recapture the love of the scene from nothing and if this is considered a return, it's a god damn lame one. Hopefully, their later full albums were meant to repay me and everyone else in full or even more...
DAMAGE: 1.0/10
Archgoat - Angelcunt (Tales of Desecration) (EP, 1993) Review
Country | Finland
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Genre | Black / Death Metal
Label | Necropolis Records
Dynamic range | DR7
| The black crusade |
Dynamic range | DR7
| The black crusade |
Finland's Archgoat were active during the second wave for a few year but disbanded in 1993, only to regroup in 2004 and continue the bestial black / death metal madness they had been spreading from the beginning. Their music is not that hard to get into, having plain ideas and delivering them as raw as they can every time. After a couple of dirty demos, they released their first EP Angelcunt (Tales of Desecration) in 1993, which has seven tracks and lasts only thirteen and a half minutes.
For some reason, many bands of this style use intros and outros in their records, most of the times being aimless and vapid in content. While this is one of the most unconventional forms of black metal, they use half a minute or a whole minute tracks with random screams and sounds, doing nothing at all. This is also the case here, track one and seven (the first and the last) are just boring instrumentals. The drumming is right on the spot, very organic with good fillings. Unlike many others, it has it's own character here and it's damn audible. The sound of the guitars and the bass is pretty down tuned, to create an unclean sound that they might name as "unholy", for that's what the band is all about. Even though there are no lyrics available, it's not hard to recognize the anti religious, blasphemic concept Angelcunt includes. They are indeed tales of desecration.
The main part of the record starts with a heavy track named "Rise Of The Blackmoon", which is one of the best in the record as well. It depicts Archgoat as a whole too, focusing on filthy riffs and monster-growling vocals, while there is a really nice bell sample in it's middle paced moments. "Death and Necromancy" includes the same amount of aggressive and uncompromising fury, switching between a fast and a slow tempo. It also has some solo like guitar parts that remind a lot of the death metal solo techniques of that era. The fourth track "Soulflay" starts of with a slow, groovy line and contains a church organ synth behind the instrumentation, as well as some demonic voice notes, a bit different than the regular growls they are using. "Black Messiah" is a faster song in the same spirit as the previous track, while "Jesus Spawn" is quite shorter than all the rest and quite fast as well. Most of these tracks had been on their previous demos as well.
Even though the production and sound of the record is crummy, I didn't think it got repetitive at all, since they are constantly changing speed, keeping it a little bit more interesting. It draws influences from the early days of death metal (especially demo recordings) and the few but sweet samples and synths also add some extra points to the whole result, granted that one completely overlooks the instrumentals, as I did. I say it is above average and a crucial release for this genre, as Archgoat has influenced a whole lot of bands that came out later on.
For some reason, many bands of this style use intros and outros in their records, most of the times being aimless and vapid in content. While this is one of the most unconventional forms of black metal, they use half a minute or a whole minute tracks with random screams and sounds, doing nothing at all. This is also the case here, track one and seven (the first and the last) are just boring instrumentals. The drumming is right on the spot, very organic with good fillings. Unlike many others, it has it's own character here and it's damn audible. The sound of the guitars and the bass is pretty down tuned, to create an unclean sound that they might name as "unholy", for that's what the band is all about. Even though there are no lyrics available, it's not hard to recognize the anti religious, blasphemic concept Angelcunt includes. They are indeed tales of desecration.
The main part of the record starts with a heavy track named "Rise Of The Blackmoon", which is one of the best in the record as well. It depicts Archgoat as a whole too, focusing on filthy riffs and monster-growling vocals, while there is a really nice bell sample in it's middle paced moments. "Death and Necromancy" includes the same amount of aggressive and uncompromising fury, switching between a fast and a slow tempo. It also has some solo like guitar parts that remind a lot of the death metal solo techniques of that era. The fourth track "Soulflay" starts of with a slow, groovy line and contains a church organ synth behind the instrumentation, as well as some demonic voice notes, a bit different than the regular growls they are using. "Black Messiah" is a faster song in the same spirit as the previous track, while "Jesus Spawn" is quite shorter than all the rest and quite fast as well. Most of these tracks had been on their previous demos as well.
Even though the production and sound of the record is crummy, I didn't think it got repetitive at all, since they are constantly changing speed, keeping it a little bit more interesting. It draws influences from the early days of death metal (especially demo recordings) and the few but sweet samples and synths also add some extra points to the whole result, granted that one completely overlooks the instrumentals, as I did. I say it is above average and a crucial release for this genre, as Archgoat has influenced a whole lot of bands that came out later on.
DAMAGE: 7.0/10
Sep 1, 2013
Vorum - Poisoned Void (2013) Review
Early winter 2013, Woodcut Records
Finnish Vorum released their debut full length "Poisoned Void" early this year and that adds yet another band to the modern old school death metal scene, as if the past is coming back to haunt us all. Formerly known as Haudankaivaja, these guys got together in 2005 with a mission to pay their respects to the roots of the genre. This album is like a finger pointer to the early death metal bands and they are not forgotten or forgiven, and since it's the first full work by the band (along with a poor demo and split w. Vasaeleth), it should be given priority.
No need to mention the awesomeness of the artwork this album has, which is very similar to my favourite pieces in black metal like the covers of Ravencult's Morbid Blood, Watain's Lawless Darkness (and everything), Behexen's Night Emanations and goes on... A perfect cover for the occasion for sure. 8 tracks reach 35 minutes in total length, with average 3-4 minutes songs expect the last self-titled one with lasts 7. The band has managed to create an album that depicts an amalgamation of different death metal styles of the 90s, moving from the American, to the Swedish, to the Finnish scene over and over again. With a sound that's heavy, thick and obscure, gnashing vocals and a shitstorm of riffs and solos, not only do they play something enjoyable to listen to, the very combination of influences results into a somehow unique synthesis.
Most of the tracks are quick-paced and vehement, with some Autopsian doomy riff exceptions, hopefully very few, no more is needed anyway. Every instrument is pleasingly audible and something i admired was the setting of the solos, which are given a clear sound and don't bury or get buried by the rest of the fuss, therefore not losing an ounce of their quality due to the production (check the track Evil Seed to see what i'm talking about, it's one of the best in the album too). The vocals are something between growling and screaming/Sorcery-like shouting, which is expected of them and acceptable as well. There are not any variations of them during the album, but still they are not out of place or weak by any means. It is a crossing between the growls of van Druned and Tardy, if names are needed.
The drumming moves into regular drumming and blastbeats, it is a bit high in volume in the mixing, but not high like it would destroy everything, more likely to improve it, being a great companion and giving a heart beating pace. Each song has a bunch of different riffs to grow around, making it very interesting to listen to, as they are using the not at all worn out recipe that Entombed introduced to the game. Their music is dirty enough to be given an Angelcorpse / Incantation feeling, since it has a raw blackened sound with hammering compositions from the beginning to the end. The songs are not overfilled with ideas and their moderate length helps them to be easy to digest and eventually headbang to, so as a whole, it is a comfortable album.
No need to mention the awesomeness of the artwork this album has, which is very similar to my favourite pieces in black metal like the covers of Ravencult's Morbid Blood, Watain's Lawless Darkness (and everything), Behexen's Night Emanations and goes on... A perfect cover for the occasion for sure. 8 tracks reach 35 minutes in total length, with average 3-4 minutes songs expect the last self-titled one with lasts 7. The band has managed to create an album that depicts an amalgamation of different death metal styles of the 90s, moving from the American, to the Swedish, to the Finnish scene over and over again. With a sound that's heavy, thick and obscure, gnashing vocals and a shitstorm of riffs and solos, not only do they play something enjoyable to listen to, the very combination of influences results into a somehow unique synthesis.
Most of the tracks are quick-paced and vehement, with some Autopsian doomy riff exceptions, hopefully very few, no more is needed anyway. Every instrument is pleasingly audible and something i admired was the setting of the solos, which are given a clear sound and don't bury or get buried by the rest of the fuss, therefore not losing an ounce of their quality due to the production (check the track Evil Seed to see what i'm talking about, it's one of the best in the album too). The vocals are something between growling and screaming/Sorcery-like shouting, which is expected of them and acceptable as well. There are not any variations of them during the album, but still they are not out of place or weak by any means. It is a crossing between the growls of van Druned and Tardy, if names are needed.
The drumming moves into regular drumming and blastbeats, it is a bit high in volume in the mixing, but not high like it would destroy everything, more likely to improve it, being a great companion and giving a heart beating pace. Each song has a bunch of different riffs to grow around, making it very interesting to listen to, as they are using the not at all worn out recipe that Entombed introduced to the game. Their music is dirty enough to be given an Angelcorpse / Incantation feeling, since it has a raw blackened sound with hammering compositions from the beginning to the end. The songs are not overfilled with ideas and their moderate length helps them to be easy to digest and eventually headbang to, so as a whole, it is a comfortable album.
Track listing:
1. Impetuous Fires
2. Death's Stains
3. Rabid Blood
4. Thriving Darkness
5. Evil Seed
6. In Obscurity Revealed
7. Dance of Heresy
8. Poisoned Void
DAMAGE: 7.5/10
1. Impetuous Fires
2. Death's Stains
3. Rabid Blood
4. Thriving Darkness
5. Evil Seed
6. In Obscurity Revealed
7. Dance of Heresy
8. Poisoned Void
DAMAGE: 7.5/10
Aug 12, 2013
Slaughtbbath - Hail to Fire (2013) Review
Slaughtbbath "Hail to Fire"
Spring 2013, Proselytism
Spring 2013, Proselytism
Ok lads. Chile and South America in general, is not famous for its romantic metal acts. In fact, they have their own stench of a scene, from brutal death metal to black metal, with new bands coming out quite often. Slaughtbbath are not newcomers though. I was not familiar with them and this is their debut full length, yet they have been jamming since 2002 with lots of demos/EPs/splits on their backs already.
First of all, if you have seen this release before, you might be wondering what front art is this. Well, its an alternate cover they chose for the vinyl release, and a much better one, if you ask me. Once again, this is a well crafted blasphemic black metal album, for the fans of Embrace of Thorns or Impious Blood, or just anyone that admits Von are worthless compared to the actual bands of their subgenre (no, im not letting it go). They are not bringing up anything new to the table, just improving the characteristics already in use, since the album is significantly better than half of its competitors. The production helps a lot to this conclusion, since it gives power to every instrument, everything is clear and nice, it lacks superficial effect tricks, which is great of course.
I appreciate the fact that they did not use any interludes, intros or outros. It is straightforward, direct and merciless black metal all the way. There are both middle paced and fast paced songs, and the only "quiet" moment of the whole release is a clean intro in the self-titled song, which lasts a little bit under a minute. I really like the dissonant riffs and the growling vocals here, as well as the energetic drumming and audible bass lines. Most of the album is driven by tremolo guitars and blast beats, they're playing in the same pattern again and again, but still they manage to eliminate any signs of boredom with their great riffs, the clean sound and the speed metal solos.
These guys praise the bestial side of the genre and they are doing it well. If you like your bands with a shitload of filth, chains and big metalic wrist bands, goat heads and weapons, this is for you. It should make the day of Black Withery/Archgoat fans. And please, take a moment to check their ordering bundles, since their label Proselytism usually puts out some kick ass packages.
First of all, if you have seen this release before, you might be wondering what front art is this. Well, its an alternate cover they chose for the vinyl release, and a much better one, if you ask me. Once again, this is a well crafted blasphemic black metal album, for the fans of Embrace of Thorns or Impious Blood, or just anyone that admits Von are worthless compared to the actual bands of their subgenre (no, im not letting it go). They are not bringing up anything new to the table, just improving the characteristics already in use, since the album is significantly better than half of its competitors. The production helps a lot to this conclusion, since it gives power to every instrument, everything is clear and nice, it lacks superficial effect tricks, which is great of course.
I appreciate the fact that they did not use any interludes, intros or outros. It is straightforward, direct and merciless black metal all the way. There are both middle paced and fast paced songs, and the only "quiet" moment of the whole release is a clean intro in the self-titled song, which lasts a little bit under a minute. I really like the dissonant riffs and the growling vocals here, as well as the energetic drumming and audible bass lines. Most of the album is driven by tremolo guitars and blast beats, they're playing in the same pattern again and again, but still they manage to eliminate any signs of boredom with their great riffs, the clean sound and the speed metal solos.
These guys praise the bestial side of the genre and they are doing it well. If you like your bands with a shitload of filth, chains and big metalic wrist bands, goat heads and weapons, this is for you. It should make the day of Black Withery/Archgoat fans. And please, take a moment to check their ordering bundles, since their label Proselytism usually puts out some kick ass packages.
DAMAGE: 8.5/10
Jul 29, 2013
Embrace of Thorns - Atonement Ritual (2009) Review
Embrace of Thorns "Atonement Ritual"
Spring 2009, Nuclear War Now! Productions
Embrace of Thorns are infamous in the greek underground scene. Their macabre way of story telling can hardly be called an attraction, but for those who have worm ears, the band is a delight. Continuing from where they left in 2007, they come back two years later with a second full length album that contains the basic ingredients for dirty old school death, and more.
One of the bands that has a pact with the nineties and the underground, they have sworn to lurk around the shadows, not the spotlights of musical success. The influences from bands like Proclamation, Bolt Thrower and Incantation are easy to spot, even though this band has inserted ambient parts and variations more than usual, giving them some points of uniqueness. The cover art is coloured in blood, blasphemic, and weirdly artistic, in its own way. The content is strongly anti-religious if you look at it closely, it describes the music of the band.
The album consists of thirteen songs that clock 34 minutes all together. Apart from the intros/outros and the interludes, each track last around two or three minutes, a satisfying length for the painful noise they're displaying here. The sound of the album serves the compositions, since its chaotic and relentless, exactly as it should be. They followed the advice of their old school death idols and did not demonstrate a hell of a craftmanship in the studio. The production and mixing are simple, lacking tricks, straightforward filthy. They do not rest with this great production, instead they put effort on each song of the album, either it is a slow-paced torture tool like "Venom in Veins" or "Perished In Mortal Agony", or a fast-paced one like "Perdition Hammer" and "Hymn to Triumph". "Tombs Of The Desecrated Zealots" is also a standout track, for its amazing intro.
You have been warned about what you're going to listen to if you decide to dig into this band. The fans of the genre will absolutely love it, as its memorable and devoted to the scene.
One of the bands that has a pact with the nineties and the underground, they have sworn to lurk around the shadows, not the spotlights of musical success. The influences from bands like Proclamation, Bolt Thrower and Incantation are easy to spot, even though this band has inserted ambient parts and variations more than usual, giving them some points of uniqueness. The cover art is coloured in blood, blasphemic, and weirdly artistic, in its own way. The content is strongly anti-religious if you look at it closely, it describes the music of the band.
The album consists of thirteen songs that clock 34 minutes all together. Apart from the intros/outros and the interludes, each track last around two or three minutes, a satisfying length for the painful noise they're displaying here. The sound of the album serves the compositions, since its chaotic and relentless, exactly as it should be. They followed the advice of their old school death idols and did not demonstrate a hell of a craftmanship in the studio. The production and mixing are simple, lacking tricks, straightforward filthy. They do not rest with this great production, instead they put effort on each song of the album, either it is a slow-paced torture tool like "Venom in Veins" or "Perished In Mortal Agony", or a fast-paced one like "Perdition Hammer" and "Hymn to Triumph". "Tombs Of The Desecrated Zealots" is also a standout track, for its amazing intro.
You have been warned about what you're going to listen to if you decide to dig into this band. The fans of the genre will absolutely love it, as its memorable and devoted to the scene.
DAMAGE: 7.0/10
Jul 4, 2013
Impious Blood - Temple of Flesh, Pillars of Bones (Demo, 2013) Review
Impious Blood "Temple of Flesh, Pillars of Bones"
Spring 2013, Nexro Records
Im not sure that i know any acts in the black/death metal area from Malaysia, and when i stumbled upon this, i was doubtful. Impious Blood is a one-man project by this guy Blackblood Debauchery of Blasphemy (a ridiculous name, hands down) and this is the debut demo/release by this project of his. I have no clue about this weird label either, no page anywhere, might as well be his own business. Even though the odds were against it, it left me with a really positive impression.
Im very selective when it comes to demo releases and something my eyes are not hooked on something easily, but with such an engaging title as this one, and a blood red artword with a legit logo, i would not miss that. The demo lasts only nine minutes, and it basically consists of two songs, with three very short instrumental tracks (intro, interlude and outro). These three compositions create a little impact, just some random samples put together making something noisy and obscure, and thats about it, since they are not captivating at all. I was glad they flow through quicky, since i found myself waiting for the full songs to start.
From that point on though, the two main compositions of the demo are startling. Very well composed black/death metal with a clear production and an excellent sound to keep it all standing, i instantly appreciated the effort of this guy to produce something decent and be succesful at it. All the instrument lines here are great, from the guitar riffs, to the potent drumming, to the deep growling vocals. It reminded me a bit of Blasphemophager, with a better production and a bit worse musicianship maybe. It tends to follow the unattractive style of Blasphemy/Proclamation but with a tangible improved studio work, and that's what makes it worth listening to. This would be the appropriate band to replace the goofy and witless Von from the United States in 1990, if it had existed back then. Occult, anti-religious, hateful and with the proper music to support it.
The demo is easy to listen and finishes before you even know it. As amazing as the songs are, that much it needs some changes. I would not mind at all if the three istrumentals were completely left out and i don't think you will care any more about them either. Also, i hope the mainman changes name, or just leave it Blackblood, because it sounds, to me, hysterical. I can live with both defects whatsoever and i will be replaying this for some time.
Jun 17, 2013
Morbosidad - Muerte De Cristo En Golgota (2013) Review
Morbosidad "Muerte De Cristo En Golgota"
Spring 2013, Nuclear War Now! Productions
Morbosidad are an infamous band among the fans of this particular style of black / death metal. They've been around since the early 90s and they have not strayed from their path ever since. For the record, two drummers have died while being in the band. Useless but still interesting information. I believe that Blasphemy are the originators here, even though other similar bands existed at the time, for example Profanatica or Archgoat. I sense that is enough information for you to understand what these guys play, more or less.
In general, i dislike other languages in the titles of albums/artworks, apart from english, and this time is no exception. This genre focuses less on the talent and more on the anti-religious and blasphemic content, which i can not feel when i have no idea what they are talking about. Even though the lyrical theme is heavily predictable, i expect some kind of offensive title a la Havohej. Spanish is really not of this use, this just looks lame and funny. I have encountered such albums in the past and even when the music is good, im not in the mood of replaying after it finishes. Who knows, maybe they have their own, unique and strong fanbase in South America. I can't think it will spread across the borders though.
There are twelve songs that barely reach half an hour or a bit less, which is a typical nessecity for an album like this. Even though im not the biggest fan of this musical tribe, i think it a complete failure. Most of the songs sound exactly the same, composed and produced in a sloppy way, without anything to offer to the listener. I know it is supposed to be satanic and bestial, raw and agressive, but compared to black/death metal artists, it is a child that had its lollipop stolen. Ironically, the cover of Archgoat's Hammer of Satan is the best song on the album.
I would say skip this band, but i haven't checked their whole discography closely (i probably won't either) since there are other bands that i prefer spending my time listening to. Muerte de Cristo en Golgota, which apparently means The Death of Christ in Golgotha is nothing special. As the title suggests banality and boredom, the music gives you and a worse impression
In general, i dislike other languages in the titles of albums/artworks, apart from english, and this time is no exception. This genre focuses less on the talent and more on the anti-religious and blasphemic content, which i can not feel when i have no idea what they are talking about. Even though the lyrical theme is heavily predictable, i expect some kind of offensive title a la Havohej. Spanish is really not of this use, this just looks lame and funny. I have encountered such albums in the past and even when the music is good, im not in the mood of replaying after it finishes. Who knows, maybe they have their own, unique and strong fanbase in South America. I can't think it will spread across the borders though.
There are twelve songs that barely reach half an hour or a bit less, which is a typical nessecity for an album like this. Even though im not the biggest fan of this musical tribe, i think it a complete failure. Most of the songs sound exactly the same, composed and produced in a sloppy way, without anything to offer to the listener. I know it is supposed to be satanic and bestial, raw and agressive, but compared to black/death metal artists, it is a child that had its lollipop stolen. Ironically, the cover of Archgoat's Hammer of Satan is the best song on the album.
I would say skip this band, but i haven't checked their whole discography closely (i probably won't either) since there are other bands that i prefer spending my time listening to. Muerte de Cristo en Golgota, which apparently means The Death of Christ in Golgotha is nothing special. As the title suggests banality and boredom, the music gives you and a worse impression
Jun 10, 2013
Svart Crown - Profane (2013)
Svart Crown "Profane"
Spring 2013, Listenable Records
I've been meaning to write something about this but kept canceling it, until today. Svart Crown hail from the uprising and growing scene of France, formed in the middle 00's and this is their third full length album. From the first recordings i recognized immense talent all over them, i was curious to see if they would assimilate their ideas nicely in their music. I am a witness to this band's creative journey that has gave birth to three albums and who knows how many more, i can say it worths it. So, Profane.
Regarding the front cover art, its magnificent. A simple black and white drawing provoking a sinister aura that moves your attention even more about what's going to follow. The look on the woman's face is amazing, definitely gives you the chills.
What we have here is a splendid combination of black and death metal, covering areas of several styles like Behemoth, Deathspell Omega, Blut Aus Nord, Mitochondrion, Aosoth etc... They have some parts clearly influenced by the thick sound of their country's black metal scene, having added death metal elements with dissonant black/death metal riffs and screaming vocals. One can hear growls, shouts, shrieked yellings, even some deep cleans. With the proper attention, one can also admire the part of each instrument performed here, cooperating perfectly together. A load of magic tricks are performed by the insane drummer they have, certainly boosts the album's beauty with his fills and bass drum beats. There is an introduction lasting around 90 seconds opening the album, which consists of both fast and slow songs. I listened to the whole thing again and again, its not at all boring and i can't make any complaints about the compositions whatsoever.
Profane is a demonstration of the musical maturity and intelligence of the band, granting the listener with an approach of blackened death metal that is not outworn or overplayed. Compared to their previous releases, it depicts the progress of the band in the songwritting section, since the new songs have all kinds of interesting passages, avoiding repetition or mononoty. I personally enjoy the work done in the studio, the result of the production is extremely pleasing to me, not to mention the quality of the musicians here, just remarkable.
I can't imagine a fan of the above mentioned bands to be disappointed with this album. It has been on my playlist since its release and its here to stay.
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