REVIEWS
August-October 2002
TRAIL OF TEARS (NOR)-"A New Dimension Of Might" CD'02
(54. 19 min, 10 tracks)
(NAPALM)
After a generous interview with vocal player Ronny Thorsen, in "Kogaionon" magazine, the Norwegians faced a huge success with "Profoundemonium", an album indeed desired by all Melodic Metal fans, especially since the debut, Disclosure In Red" was a sensational one. There is a myth telling that a wonder lasts no more than three days...very true when the mixture of aggressiveness and melodiousness actually finds a great impasse while the contrast of voices fade away because of Helena' missing. In fact, her voice was a pleasant imposing one but it seems like her obsession for modelling kept her away from Metal and her own site is exclusively dedicated to such career. Ronny just found himself in the position of looking for a new soprano and thus finally chose Cathrine Paulsen. It wasn't a bad choice but neither a too inspired one. But let me be more unequivocal...the new sound is more complex and better performed,
the instrumentalists maturity can be easily recognized from guitars' synchronization, synth and drums...but no more and the melancholic aura has suffered much, what was Gothic and we got used with...completely disappeared as Death progression became pronounced and the male voice is rather too aggressive than the female one which can only be heard here and there and definitely less enthusiastic and less inspired. I do admit there are few passages in which the male voice is clear and so, the sound is superior. But except this it is just Gothic Death/Black Metal in Nordic style, structured on a melodic trendy basis and upon guitars insisting on tougher riffs. As far as the interpretation is regarded, this material seems to be OK...but for the inspiration and stylistic direction...I guess it is an album more than modest and rather too diverse. We have as well a FAITH NO MORE cover-version entitled "Caffeine" of which I have kind regards as I really enjoyed the Metallic version, although this band does not please me at all.
I might be wrong but as far as I can choose the reference album of theirs is "Disclosure In Red".
www.redheaven.com
THRONE OF CHAOS(FIN)-"Pervertigo" CD'02
(37. 56 min, 9 tracks)
(SPINEFARM)
I have no clue what is it about with these five Finnish' intention. They released a MCD, "Fata Morgana" and because of this they managed to impress Spinefarm and then two well-interpreted albums followed, "Menace & Prayer" and "Truth & Tragedy". The band's style seems not to have any logic at all while the mixture of Thrash and Death weirdly oscillates with Power and Heavy Metal and, in the end, all is build on an Epic structure. In other words, if drums, Keyb and guitars seem to be Metallic, well, the interchange of male voices: one screamed violent and angry with another clear calm and perhaps too high for such style (Niklas Isfeldt/DREAM EVIL) has a strange effect of completely confusing the listener. The Finnish are first-rate instrumentalists but here from...there is a long-long way to be mentioned about extreme Metal! The material did not ring a bell for my ears although the Heavy Metal parts are at least appealing and pleasantly melodic.
The entire TOC concept seems to be based on paradox and the final product=music is a new experiment, a stylistic mixture extremely rare...yet one I don't think would or could impress any of musical fans. Or maybe if there are some compromises to be made....
www.tocrocks.com
CARVED IN STONE(GER)-"The Forgotten Belief" MCD'02
(22. 22 min, 6 tracks)
(SCHWARZDORN)
Well, this is a surprise! The solo project of one known as Swawa seems to be a very inspired one, full of interesting ideas and governed by a meditative dreaming aura. If you prefer what Andrea/HAGALAZ'RUNEDANCE or CORONA BOREALIS performs, then CARVED IN STONE most certainly would help in continuing the experience of following your own ego and entity deeply inside yourselves. The activity of this character is actually pretty unknown if we take in account that bands like DARK INTENTION or TAUNUSHEIM still say not much for the public. Unlike the other Nordic Folk bands, CARVED IN STONE is strongly orientated towards medieval and even ballad and the balmy female voice has a major role for such, one that dominates the entire sound. The peaceful sound confers a certain mood of tranquillity, but the mystical shades, perhaps based on fiction approach, plainly enter and vibrate inside a Nordic mythology universe...so that,
in the end, the final sound outlines a Dark Ambient aura which can be often found at Pagan bands. I really have not a single idea of this band's future but if I ever were asked I would strongly recommend for any specialized label to trust CARVED IN STONE potential since... in the most pessimistic perspective, there still would be nothing to lose! MCD appeared in a limited edition of 500 samples and features a professional booklet following the same line as the entire musical concept. One single remark: lyrics, both in English and German represent another specific facet of SWAWA's music. www.schwarzdorn.de
LUNARIS(NOR)-"...The Infinite" CD'02
(40. 33 min, 10 tracks)
(ELITIST/EARACHE)
All recommendations advanced regarding such name were at least impressing: Asgeir Mickelson (SPIRAL ARHITECT, BORKNAGAR), Azarak (SPIRAL ARHITECT, SATYRICON), MAZTEMA (SPIRAL ARHITECT, MANITOU) or BALFORI (ex-1349). "Against" such line-up there is no way to imagine otherwise than a super production. Having a Death Metal background with Black Metal roots, LUNARIS brings up a direction that can be described as highly Progressive: extended and diverse passages, miscellaneous voices-yet the Black one (Balfori) seems to be much too brutal in comparison with the epic Heavy (Maztema) one-and keyboard is the only instrument trying to (and actually succeeding in) binding these extremes in such manner of high impetuosity. The aggressiveness sample is at its highest state...everything sounds perfect although I find a little exaggerated the Power/Progressive direction (pressure?)...at least, it is for my ears.
It seems like choosing for such trend to interweave with extreme styles tends to become quite a fashion...but if we are realistic enough, we must admit that the Epic parts indeed act on behalf of the entire sound in a positive way. Of course, it is not exactly my cup of tea since my limit, as far as Progressive is regarded, has been already settled by WINDS while the rest of iron curtains end with Avant-garde Metal. Nevertheless I enjoyed listening to an amazing battery, a high quality Black/Death, entertaining guitars' tunes and a pleasant-sounding keyboard even if not at all bombastic. The rest of the instruments don't belong to Metal a prop which I usually promote...and that is why I prefer stopping here. Probably the band's future is to be a bright one despite of the fact that Asgeir's battery has been replaced with Janos' /V.E.G.A.... Time shall tell if the band's leader, the guitar player M, has chosen or not a successful musical direction.
What matters for the time being is the release of this very debut which happens to be one of the best for this year...especially if we refer to the performing manner, which is, by all means, an elegant one!
www.elitistrecords.co.uk
SECOND LASS(ITA)-"Try To Paint A Fitful Love..." CD'02
(50. 26 min, 12 tracks)
(WATCH ME FALL)
I do acknowledge the label's description made me more than curious: HIM, TIAMAT, TO DIE FOR, DURAN DURAN! Now, since I have listened to the album, I can tell with no doubts that these talented musicians' debut has certain roots in '70-'80's fashion, starting with PINK FLOYD to DAVID BOWIE or even DEPECHE MODE. I cannot brand the sound of these five Italians because the scale is rather too assorted, from Rock, Pop or Electronic/Psychedelic till Gothic Metal or Dark Wave. Each track has its own story; there is no connection between them as the tunes are extremely different and manifold. It all starts with Orson Wells' voice, recorded during '30's, suggesting a simulation of alien invasion...Then, SECOND LASS opens Gothic Rock surprises series with a track in which the male voice takes over the whole sound while the tunes' echoes turned me back almost 20 years ago when, in order
to put your hands on a magnetic tape with a DURAN DURAN or David Bowie albums, certain sacrifices and compromises were required. Anyway, by that time, musical information used to be so limited that almost any guitar or some lyrics in a foreign language instantly created a state of inner liberation, at least inside Eastern Europe. I do confess, this album pleasantly surprised me even though there are not valences of musical skilfulness to be noticed...but rhythmical and melodious aspects still are to be mentioned as two fundamental elements with which SECOND LASS can proudly stand. There is also another piece to point out: Psychedelic feature but its exploitation is rather too pale as solely the last two tracks insist on this inaccessible dimension. All in all, I do advice you to taste this opus in 12 acts as it really worth!
www.secondlass.com
RUNES ORDER(ITA)-"The Art Of Scare And Sorrow" CD'02
(61. 54 min, 14 tracks)
(BEYOND)
I believe this very project is one of the oldest in Italy in Dark Wave/Industrial field. If "Winter" or "Odisseum" were not enough advertised, "Waiting Forever" received a warm welcome on the Ambient market so that RUNES ORDER became an emblematical name for the entire Italian scene. The new tracks were composed in the light of impressions Claudio Dondo and Tony Tears (HELDEN RUNE) experienced after watching "The House With Windows that Laugh" motion picture and the complete album is inspired from the movie's sequences. If, on the previous album Diego Merzelletto/FROZEN AUTUMN performed the voice, for this one, the two musicians asked for Argento's apocalyptical voice/ ANTROPOFAGUS/SPITE EXTREME WING and from time to time... there can be also distinguished few echoes of female voice. As for the rest...industrial solos in CMI style, waves and effects specific to horror movies' atmosphere
(Goblin, Frizzi, Simonetti)...shadows, darkness...a real Dark Ambient Industrial chaos... It is recommended solely to those who prefer sophisticated Ambient with cosmic elements (K.SHULZE). I guess it is even more terrifying and depressing than "Waiting Forever", appreciation completely validated and outlined by the album's title itself!
www.masterpiecedistribution.com
SATARIAL(RUS)-"Heidenlarm" CD'02
(43. 04 min, 11 tracks)
(MASTERPIECE)
A long time for this second album to be released... The oldest Russian Black Metal band, founded in 1989, manages to bring 11 tracks, five years after the exceptional "Quenn Of The Elves'Land", in 1997! I suppose I should have expected to have found enclosed in the booklet another pictures with naked women, various Satanist accessories and some zestful effects for band's live version. Lord Seth' obsession next to anti-Christianity is materialized as well in lyrics yet the whole album is just a tribute to Dark divinity. How does it sound? Well, there is nothing new since the last one...the amalgam of Black Pagan Metal and Folk Epic has the power in sound, there are flute, a simple female voice, violin and all Metallic garnishes. Unfortunately,
Lord Seth followed no evolution at all regarding the sound or the musical concept. I think this second album could be interesting solely as an echo of the former one and not for its tracks...and perhaps for the erotic/obscene facet! Sad but true...who knows? If the album was released one year after the first, the effect might have been different! Anyway, the 11 tracks are, in fact, a lousy common combination of traditional passages (old ballads) and extreme Metal elements while the resemblance between each other strikes so that you come to think that the album appeared only fore the sake of being not because there was a reason at all! For those who haven't listened so far to Black Metal Folk/Medieval orientated bands... SATARIAL might be an appropriate choice... for the rest, who look for innovative Metal I guess it would be better to pay attention to something else. impaler@cityline.it
ENTHRONED(BEL)-"Carnage in Worlds Beyond" CD'02
(39. 30 min, 10 tracks)
(NAPALM)
The fifth album of famous Belgian Black musicians finally has been released! After series of changes in line-up, from the beginning until right now, (the last one meant replacement of Namroth Blackthorn with Alsvid/SETH), ENHTRONED gathered force to bring up this new material as furious and fast as all the others. In fact, I'd say that the band never abdicated from aggressive Black Metal line in lack of Gothic or melodic parts. The 10 tracks discharge a fantastic energy, the guitars' fastness is remarkable and so is the criminal battery! The voice is demonic brutal full of hate...I don't know what to say...but everything is aggressive, too violent just like on the first IMMORTAL albums...As a great disadvantage I notice tracks' linearity as, at a certain point, there is no chance to distinguish one from another.
I am sure that such sound cannot make a difference unless in a live version when besides some pyrotechnical effects the listener might experience the feeling of hell on earth! An irreproachable execution, modest inspiration, classic Black Metal traditional elements...fulminating fastness...and these should be all specific details regarding ENTHRONED new sound!
www.enthroned.de
DEATH DIES(ITA)-"The Sound Of Demons" CD'02
(49. 31 min, 9 tracks)
(BLACK TERAS OF DEATH)
I've come to a point when I don't know what to think anymore! There are persons who meet success and then all kind of discussions make room different conflicts so that, in the end, each one follows personal musical projects. This is the case of EVOL's members who, probably governed by Giordano Bruno temper, have decided, one by one, to leave EVOL on the behalf of DEATH DIES improvement. This very line-up is in a three formula: Demian de Saba (SWEET END'S ANGEL), Rex Tenebrae and Samael von Martin, all ex-EVOL members. On this debut, which was supposed to be released a couple of years ago, are featured as well Banshee (keyb, female voice) and Nicholas (guitar),a quintet reminding me of EVOL's golden age. In essence, DEATH DIES' Black Metal is not so different from EVOL...it is only that there are as well more Progressive elements, a trendy keyboard and an opera female voice.
Even if the multitude of tendencies is a real proof of a complex source of inspiration, the sound did not impress me despite all efforts indeed these musicians have made. Their music is dusty, full of anachronistic ideas that might have been catchy 5-6 years ago. All in all, "The Sound Of Demons" is a various album, questionable as far as the recording is regarded, appreciable for the ideas but mediocre in the light of making these ideas come true! Still...it is only a debut...
www.deathdies.cjb.net
MERIDIAN(SWI)-"The Seventh Sun" CD'02
(47. 56 min, 9 tracks)
(SEASON OF MIST)
This is just another amalgam desired to be successful! To be more precise it is about four Swiss who started to play Black Metal; a couple of years ago contacted Jack D Ripper/MORGUL and here came pretty quickly their debut. The style they approach, as declared, is Symphonic Black Metal and seems to contain all marks such direction requires, from melodic guitars and rhythmic battery till the very presence of bombastic keyboard and atmospheric echoes. This is a promising debut with a 100% Norwegian sound and first rate Black Metal but no more than this. I keep asking myself why there is not a distinctive personal image for Swiss Black Metal? Why can't they have an individual representation? I've been fed up with copies and so called performances of Nordic brutalities in music field...even if there are cases in which the manner is excellent! And I must admit that MORGUL definitely overcomes any further expectations...
and as a matter of fact the album was recorded in Terje Refsnes' studio (the same as TRISTANIA, CARPATHIAN FOREST...). Of course, I cannot say the same thing as far as innovation is regarded...as this album seems to be in lack of such and moreover has become already a subject of no one interest. And when I come to think that Swiss was the land where from SADNESS opened a new vision of music...I start to feel strange...
ANTAEUS(FRA)-"De Principii Evangelikum" CD'02
(27. 51 min, 10 tracks)
(OSMOSE)
This very band could be considered "cult" since, during almost 8 years of existence, preferred staying behind underground. The style they approached has not been altered in any possible way by all modern Metal torments...and this is a noteworthy fact. Therefore, we can speak about a fusion of INCANTATION and SADISTIK EXECUTION in a Raw Black Metal version, which means: an extremely brutal and satanic technique. I don't find it special, not for these times, but if we take a look from its stylistic orientation, it is undeniable that ANTAEUS conceive an accurate remarkable Black/Death Metal and this album is just a follow-up for the "Cut Your Flesh & Worship Satan". There are a lot of interesting details regarding this French band but if you desire for more just visit their site
http://cyfaws.free.fr .
WURDULAK(USA)-"Severed Eyes Of Possession" CD'02
(37. 45 min, 10 tracks)
(SEASON OF MIST)
"Ceremony In Flames" was this super known Death Metal project's debut, a material that received only positive critiques. Well, indeed, the music we can listen to on this album is of a high quality, all instruments prove fastness, technique and synchronisation. And how else could have been since the line-up is an exceptional one: Iscariah (IMMORTAL, PAIN), Killjoy (NECROPHAGIA, RAVENOUS), Maniac (MAYHEM), Frediablo (GORELORD), Jehmod (BLOODTHORN), beside Ihizahg and Fug??? I believe these names say all you need to know...and therefore, all who find gratification in brutal Metal full of fast and violent tunes must urgently put your hands on this sample of virtuosity released by the French label! This is real Death Metal featuring two sick voices, Killjoy and Maniac! You can imagine, I myself was quite fascinated and really enjoyed this album and I am sure there is no way for it not to be given the recognition of its value.
Well, the cover itself is sick as well and so is the entire design of the booklet while the morbid note is just artist Patrick Tremblay's favourite subject. But I tell you now; this is a first piece of collection for this year as far as first rate pure Death Metal is regarded.
SOMNUS(USA)-"Through Creation's End" CD'02
(43. 01 min, 8 tracks)
(ROOT OF ALL EVIL)
Quite a nice designation for a band! The American band has now scored the second album, released at the same label as the first one. SOMNUS is a pleasant surprise even if what they play for the moment has been already intensely consumed in Europe...more than 5-6 years ago. Which is: a Death Metal structure with a diabolic male voice and guitars in Morrisound style; the musicians added as well a keyboard, reminding of first THE GATHERING, and a female voice generating a nice contrast of some more melodic parts. It doesn't sound bad at all and I took pleasure in listening to it. The Americans conceived and executed tracks with a certain seriousness and strictness. It is a technical Death Metal encircled with melodic, Gothic, atmospheric ingredients and progressive ones as well while there are also imposing guitars' solos and a battery with elaborated roll passes. What else can I say?
Excellent implementations as these Americans are in truth talented! The female voice excels not in bright inflexions but neither bothering ones. The CD includes an interesting video-clip, so, all in all, the album is worthy every little penny.
www.rootofallevil.com
SALTATIO MORTIS(GER)-"Das Zwite Gesicht" CD'02
(46. 07 min, 12 tracks)
(NAPALM)
"Dance Of The Death" is the signification of this recently super mediated project. The fact is that lyrics are in German, which makes the sense for the entire German mass media not to cease praising the album. There might be truth between the lines but with one single road: for the inspiration of mixing Medieval with Punk and with Epic Metal as well...into a modern electronic aura. In other words, outlines of old medieval music with sounds of bagpipe and other traditional instruments having actually embraced a modern full of energy shape due to electronic rhythms with diverse voices and Rock tunes! From a different perspective, I may say Punk is really the reason and motivation for this band to sound like this and, unfortunately this is not the kind of atmosphere I prefer. In fact, the whole SALTATIO MORTIS message is completely different from those coming from metal bands, even if the theme is sometimes common and for this case is "The Contest With Death".
The seven musicians prove to have evident abilities in handling all musical instruments and it is very possible for their music to be a quality one. I am not in the position to be sure and neither much interested in! I have listened to the album for couple of times and I didn't dislike it, in fact, I believe I might even listen to it once again and to be more precise, every time I could intend to offer my guests an aerobic incursion... Well, the CD's booklet is extraordinary and indeed the complete production of the album attests high class. I don't believe I convinced you but neither did I estrange you from SALTATIO MORTIS. You are to cover by yourselves the road all the way through their music and once you opened the doors...who knows if you find yourselves among fans of this new style, which is Medieval/Punk/Rock. I myself have doubts I would...but who can really tell?
www.saltatio-mortis.com
TERATISM(USA)-"Ex Infernus" MCD'02
(16. 11 min, 4 tracks)
(ROOT OF ALL EVIL)
I just believed that bands like TERATISM existed no more in America or, if they did, labels researched not promoting issues of such kind. I was wrong and here I am writing again about a style I used to fill pages with, some time ago. Raw Black Thrash Metal- apocalyptic, full of regrets and incantations, some modest effects and ruthless tunes. Neither the sound is a performance; therefore I see no reason for these tracks, already released initially on a demo, to require a MCD. But this is not my business. I find awkward that the band's members played as well in other formulas such as: LORD OF ALL DESIRES, ANAL BLAST, PENTAGORIA, MOURNING or THEATRE OF THE MACABRE. Soon the debut album shall be released, "Invocatum Furae Diabolis", along with a CD-ROM video. Hell straight in your houses! If among you there are as well "mentally deranged" ones who desire to "heal" and feed their souls with Holocaust Metal, well, just try TERATISM and genocide becomes even closer.
www.teratism666.com
AESMA DAEVA(USA)-"The Eros Of Frigid Beauty" CD'02
(55. 54 min, 7 tracks)
(ROOT OF ALL EVIL)
Well, I really was anxious to have listened to this second album! I wished I had a view of how could Classical Gothic Metal evolve! And I did, it evolved toward more complicated and knotty realms. If the first tunes tended to a LACRIMOSA sound, the rest is just placed nowhere and in connection with none and nothing. Dark, Epic Progressive Rock with serious roots in extreme Metal, an outstanding female voice (soprano), grandiose keyboard, mighty sound, Heavy guitars...and I guess I have difficult time to express it otherwise in many words. Those who have listened to the first album can imagine what course their music followed...more technical, strange shocking rhythms, less melody ... an intricate sound for ears of AUTUMN TEARS' fans, for example. I cannot say whether is better than the first, but "The Eros Of Frigid Beauty" disclose an insane desire to self-protect and isolate...There is a long way for reaching the message of AESMA DAEVA's concept!
DRILLER KILLER(SWE)-"Cold, Cheap and Disconnected" CD'02
(41. 19 min, 11 tracks)
(OSMOSE)
Holy Moses.... what a mess!!! Core, Punk, Metal, Hard Core... violence, brutality, fastness...nothing to move me for this period of my life! I suppose this is an experiment started many years ago and this is an album of highest anger in the band's history! I am sure that, during live performances, the aggressive voice along with the amazing guitar can incite the public to shake hair, destroy everything and jump in the mass...really I can picture this. But I find at least difficult to comment such sound yet if you ever come near DRILLER KILLER' gig... just make sure you have a safe place to stay away from fans' madness, otherwise the BIOHAZARD entertaining rhythms and voice like... might transmit Metallic vibrations all surrounding you and, all of a sudden, unexpectedly fast, your presence could fade away... I guess it is appreciable the explosion of such energy discharged by DRILLER KILLER's tunes!!!
http://listen.to/driller_killer
THE GREAT DECEIVER(SWE)-"A Venom Well Designed" CD'02
(45. 02 min, 11 tracks)
(PEACEVILLE)
I don't understand how such thing happened...for a so inspired label, when choosing bands, to actually deal with these Swedes! It may be because the band's leader is no one else but Tomas Lindberg, a respected representative of deceased AT THE GATES. Or perhaps because of some other sonorous names related to bands such as DIABOLIQUE, LIERS IN WAIT or GROTESQUE... Well, These Swedes' music doesn't outrun the standard level of confusion and the muddle of Metal with Hard-Core or Industrial tunes has nothing new or interesting to bring for my delicate ears. Perhaps there is about some Thrash reminiscences or a few echoes of AT THE GATES times...is it only my self-induced suggestion? I don't know, but I don't think I could find something special here and neither for the Metal scene this will mark! It is just a mediocre attempt to prove that aggressive Metal can be kept alive throughout Core experiments! Unfortunately, this is artificial... Disgusting!
MY DYING BRIDE(UK)-"Voice Of The Wretched" CD'02
(74. 53 min, 10 tracks)
(PEACEVILLE)
What about this? The eternal distasteful manner labels use to make some more bucks upon fans' credibility! After I said such to myself, rather disinterested than curious, I played the CD. Surprise! I found a high quality sound, modicum applauses and an incredible atmosphere! MY DYING BRIDE leads us through some of the most impressing moments of their history, from "Symphonaire Infernus..." or "Turn Loose The Swans" to "A Cruel Taste of Winter". Of course, there are as well jewelleries such as "The Cry Of Mankind" or "The Snow In My Hand", an ultra atmospheric realm with a strong impact to the public. What can I say? As a declared fan of this band, I cannot help myself in appreciating this "Best Of" in a live version! I would truthfully be enchanted to see/hear them live but since technically speaking this is impossible, I can only close my eyes and pump up the volume of this very CD.
This is an irreproachable recording while the execution is slightly similar with the one featured on their albums (if it wasn't for the keyboard, which is more intense)... a real surprise for me, although I haven't listened to anything new...as the gig was in spring 2001, in a club in Holland.
THINE(UK)-"In Therapy" CD'02
(56. 43 min, 12 tracks)
(PEACEVILLE)
It is true what they say about Britannic scene, as it is one of a kind, avant-garde and full of original resources. If ANATHEMA features now a melodious Metal, full of Rock shades, THINE is not so far from their colleagues. It is just that ANATHEMA insists on melancholic, calm rhythms while THINE has rather an introverted sound orientated towards Alternative or even Grunge. The clear voice communicates with guitars' buzzing, echoes and effects are at the right place and everything is situated at the limit between dreaming and desolation, optimism and deception, isolation and regrets... I find almost impossible to speak about such album! It is unlike their debut, "A Town Like This", less Metallic and opened for faded timeless and in lack of stylistic boundaries Rock. It is a weird sound, pleasing for audition but completely tore apart from the flash reality of musical scene. I guess this album could satisfy any listener, but only fewest shall understand it.
I cannot pretend I got the message, in the most appropriate shape. Maybe you will...
ABSCESS(USA)-"Through The Cracks Of Death" CD'02
(43. 43 min, 11 tracks)
(PEACEVILLE)
Sick minds, infernal sound, vomiting voices, ravishing battery, demonical guitars' riffs...this is what you can "enjoy" on the fourth album of the Americans. And the whole band numbers just three members! Two of them are famous one: Chris Reifert and Danny Coralles, pretty known from AUTOPSY times and I believe this is a fact to be mentioned. Moreover I think the entire sound reminds of AUTOPSY, which is an angry ultra aggressive Death Gore Metal. No doubts, the three of them are real good instrumentalists but their approach on music is rather too common and 10 years old. Most certainly, the album shall satisfy all desires any sick extreme Death disciple might have and I am sure this is the very reason Peaceville agreed the contract. I also remind you that, during their 8 years of existence, ABSCESS had quite a long walk from Relapse to Listenable and now right to the British label since all the albums were good samples of unlimited aggressiveness.
For the interested ones here comes the band's history: 1994-Demo, 1994-"Raw, Sick&Brutal Noize" demo, 1995-"Crawled Up From The Sewer" demo, 1995-"Filthy Fucking Freaks live on the radio-tape, 1996-"Urine Junkies" CD, 1996-"Seminal Vampires & Maggotmen" CD, 1997-"Throbbing Black Werebeast" EP, 1998-"Open Wound" demo and 2000-"Tormented" CD. For the present, a new bass player has joined the band, Joe Allen and as a succinct description of their music I can offer you: Sick, Brutal, Raw and Suicidal Death Gore!
PENTAGRAM(USA)-"Turn To Stone" CD'02
(79. 02 min, 17 tracks)
(PEACEVILLE)
These grandfathers of Doom Stone Metal come back in forth, once again, in mass-media attention, but this time with a collection of tracks released under Peaceville banner (there are tracks from their first three albums: "Relentless/Pentagram", "Day Of Reckoning" and "Be Forewarned"). Although the Americans started to play three decades ago, their music still impresses but mostly the ones over the age of 40. I guess there is no point to speak more of this collection since the tracks belong to 1985-1994 period. Moreover, PENTAGRAM has already released, for this year, the last album at Relapse Records, entitled "First Daze Here" and this material is exclusively dedicated to ST. VITUS, CATHEDRAL, and BLACK SABBATH fans... what peaceful times...
HATE ETERNAL(USA)-"King Of All Kings" CD'02
(33. 48 min, 10 tracks)
(EARACHE)
When you mention Erik Rutan, surely your mind pictures a diabolic view! How could else be since a MORBID ANGEL member actually introduces us a super elaborated Death Metal? This project's debut, in 1999, was "Conquering The Throne", a material that attentively featured HATE ETERNAL next to sacred names like MALEVOLENT CREATION, RIPPING CORPSE, MORBID ANGEL or NILE. These bands are actually in touch with HATE ETERNAL's line-up through Jared Anderson and Derek Roddy. I don't believe I have listened for this year an album of such professionalism energy or fastness! It probably is the best Death Metal album of the year and those who still listen to this style should definitely and immediately buy this half hour of extreme music!
www.hateeternal.com
LIMBONIC ART(NOR)-"The Ultimate Death Worship" CD'02
(51. 48 min, 8 tracks)
(NOCTURNAL ART)
Morfeus and Daemon make a real proof that Black Metal is still on top and that is why the fourth album of theirs insists on the same Nordic orientation, in lack of imagination, but in force and with fastness. In fact, only "Moon In The Scorpio" could be considered a masterpiece of uniqueness, the other two simply not bringing any of innovation as far as Norwegian Black Metal is regarded. Back to the new material! There was a common opinion worldwide that the two members' activity inside ZYKLON and DIMENSION F3H shall induce sooner or later LIMBONIC ART abolition. It didn't happen but neither much of a gain I cannot see with this album! Even if the execution is immaculate, the Black/Death Metal tunes seem to be as common and alike as EMPEROR or any other band promoted by Samoth' label.
Those superb cosmic elements featured on the debut can only be presumed in a few tracks but in a diffuse note extremely pale and observed solely because of a vigilant audition, eventually on headphones. Why I am not impressed of this album? Simply because, as long as avant-garde or innovation are in a severe lack for the band's sound, I don't see any reason at all to listen to this material more than once! Of course, if there are any longer some pathetic nostalgic or passionate fans of unconventional modern Black Metal from '90' period... well, in that case...this very album might be a good occasion to enjoy! Otherwise, I believe only a vivid curiosity might lead you to such a conjectural audition...
www.limbonic.com
DOMINION III(AUT)-"Life Has Ended Here" CD'02
(43. 41 min, 7 tracks)
(NAPALM)
This is another surprise, even if half disclosed, coming from the person behind Tharen's designation. In other words, it is about the one who keeps alive projects like DARGGARD or AMESTIGON. Right after "The Hand and The Sword" debut, in 2000, Tharen conceives another seven sequences besides Elisabeth Toriser and Jorg Lanz. The material is a sample of avant-garde dark Wave or-to be more precise-depressing melancholic and full of melodiousness Industrial Electronic. Tharen's demonic voice is surrendered by Elisabeth' innocent affectionate one, the keyboard creates a fairy mood, but in the same time there is a sombre atmosphere as well... Jorg's guitar introduces an extreme Metal well controlled by the electronic battery's tunes... and I don't know for sure why... but the album simply made me feel alive again! This is no better than the debut, I'd say it is even more inaccessible but, following a similar direction as on the former one,
Tharen actually succeeds entering a new sound identity for DOMINION III -probably as indented- and here are some of Austrian Black Metal, some of Viennese Dark Wave (DARGGARD, DVKE, GRABESMOND). If you got pleasure from the first album, I suppose it is practically impossible not be surprised by this new opus as there are: rhythm, melody, discharging energy, some resemblances with DEPECHE MODE especially when the male voice turns into a clear low imposing one ("Conductors Of Life")... everything is fresh new modern and surrounded by a mystical darken aura!
www.bleedingpool.com/dominion3
ANTIMATTER(UK)-"Saviour" CD'02
(52. 13 min, 11 tracks)
(THE END)
I do remember I received this album a year and half ago from Duncan Patterson (ex-ANATHEMA), when his project signed with an Austrian label. I don't know what happened in between but it seems like the material shocked immediately the whole metal scene, so that it is now released in America under The End label and in Europe under an Austrian label. In comparison with the initial version, the new CD encloses as well 2-bonus track "Over Your Shoulder" and "Flowers", but in an acoustic edition with Danny Cavannagh (ANATHEMA) as guest. For those who have not listened to the album I assure you Duncan and Michael Moss advance an experimental sound, Dark Orchestral Ambient Electronic, with female passionate voice and, here and there, a melodic calm male one. I cannot deny there are all over fragments of ANATHEMA and hues of PORTISHEAD and all in all the entire sound embraces a sad melancholic measurement.
I am not in the position of really understanding why this album meant such a revolution but perhaps there are as well enough reasons I just didn't perceive. Besides this, I actually can promise and guarantee that "Over Your Shoulder" sounds superb in the natural version as well as in the acoustic one! For the rest...I can only say: an introspective fusion with Electro-Pop rhythms and strong roots in commercial Rock.
http://warp9.to//antimatter
AENIMA(POR)-"Never Fragile" MCD'02
(29. 18 min, 6 tracks)
(EQUILIBRIUM)
This might be a surprise for Gothic Rock fans! Although the band has nothing uncommon to present, the sound is interesting and digestible... pleasing and professional! Taking as guiding marks bands like THE GATHERING or THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL, AENIMA's music insists on Carmen's voice while the instruments offer to the listener an incredibly comfortable atmosphere. Well, if usually Gothic Rock elements are pretty widespread to almost every band of today, the Ethereal side seems to be much developed in Portuguese's sound, which leads to a more or less distinct reverberation yet still pretty disturbing and confusing for me. I'd say that the Rock shade splices at the limit with the Ethereal one... in other words, the extroverted message seems to join successfully the exploring significance but I tell you... here from harmony is just a far away aim...Any way, this mini-album deserves all the attention and perhaps the final stand is to be settled when a full album is released.
www.aetherial.org , www.equilibriummusic.com
TROOPER(ROM)-S/T MCD'02
(24. 26 min, 4 tracks)
(HMM.RO)
I believe the most appropriate manner to value a band is to listen to it both in studio version and live. TROOPER is the most valuable exponent of Romanian Heavy Metal in the past years and I can sustain such with no shades of doubt. I do acknowledge heavy Metal is not really my cup of tea as I rarely come to listen to this style, but when I do, I prefer choosing from great ones: IRON MAIDEN or JUDAS PRIEST, old albums! I came into possession of the CD at Metal Festival-Cluj-Napoca as I received it from Adi Ilie but I forgot it in my car and only last couple of days I actually found it among others in my carrier. This is why you can notice a delay of my review. By now, I am pretty sure that everybody has listened to at least one track of them and thus my comments can only coincide or not with yours. So, all is professional sounds clear elegant, full of rhythm and energy,
explosive guitars' riffs, technical battery, specific voices for such style (and perhaps of Power's as well) and an incendiary atmosphere! Yet, back to the beginning...I find exquisite that there are no differences between the sound in studio and live, which denotes an accurate attention of the musicians for all kind of technical details so that undeniably TROOPER's sound reached a certain high quality no matter the conditions. In fact, I really don't think I ever listened to a Romanian Heavy Metal band to sound so accurate... Unfortunately, the band is in lack of originality as it is just a copy irreproachably following international bands' musical orientations. Or should I count as original the fact that the lyrics are in Romanian language? Anyway, having a perfect instrumentation, voices with "mioritic" (Romanian traditional/folklore) lines ...they seem to shock the autochthon listener since it is an occidental sound.
I think it is a pity for such appraisable surprises to be met only in Heavy Metal field as far as Romania is regarded.
www.hmm.ro/trooper
MORGENSTERN(GER)-"Rauch" CD'02
(47. 10 min, 10 tracks)
(NAPALM)
I have a difficult time to understand why so much often Metal is combined with traditional Folk parts in a manner with no epic structure, which is actually the required equilibrium of musical composition. Right after IN EXTREMO launched a new trend, latest bands seem to jam of duplicating such direction. MORGENSTERN is at the third release under Napalm label and the one to be the best so far. As far as I am regarded, this mixture of Metal with Folk Medieval, Power or even Punk on a Gothic Rock skeleton disgusts me because it is nothing but a storm in a glass! I am not fascinated of such and I don't think I'll ever be! The voices feature German messages, flute and clarinet are notable from the very first tunes, and guitars don't excel in virtuosity while the battery seems ad infinitum to fall asleep. I find it dried out, with no colour and probably this album might get pleasing solely to disciples of such style.
So, at first was "Feuertaufe", then "Heute ist die Rache mein" and now this new material followed and I believe it is certainly dedicated to German Metal fans!
www.morgenstern-band.de
THEE MALDOROR KOLLECTIVE(ITA)-"New Era Viral Order" CD'02
(48. 57 min, 9 tracks)
(CODE666)
This is another oddity on my desk! But this time, it seems like the band is quite known in Italian Metal underground! To my shame (mea culpa!) this is the first material I come to listen to and I really am curious to know how the former ones sound. Just think about...the band was founded in 1991!!! Initially known as INQUISITOR and then as FUNERAL FOG, TMK releases, during the years, some demos confirmed by the Italian mass- media and two obscure albums "Ars Magika" and "In Saturn Mystique". Let me describe the music, which is hmmmm... damn hard: Black, Industrial, Ritualistic, EBM and Dark Ambient... a mixture of aggressive Black Metal with RAISON D'ETRE or any Swedish band from CMI. The drum-machine is infernal and interminable; the aggressive/sick voice breaks any form of melancholia or peaceful atmosphere, Black/Death Metal rhythms embrace in absolute chaos Ambient ones...as it is a proper background for Lucifer to raise! How could I know such?
Well, I couldn't...just guessing! Anyway, this is a ritual holocaust as far as Metal is regarded and it would be better to listen to such only for the sake of finding out the Italian manner or conceiving such. As for the execution...I just didn't realise if it was about a synchronisation or secondary effects...since all is an infernal noise interrupted by sinister, macabre passages. Is this a different face of Satan? I understood this musical concept has a strong background as far as lyrics' message is concerned but this is for you to find out by yourselves if visiting their web page,
www.maldororkollective.net
BLOODSHED(SWE)-"Inhabitans Of Dis" CD'02
(41. 26 min, 11 tracks)
(CODE666)
One of my reviews praised the activity of the Italian label and the quality judgment when selecting bands to promote. Well, well, I guess this time I have no clue for understanding what in the world could be the place of a Swedish band at Code666? Furious fast Death/Black Metal, demonic voice, murderous battery and characteristic elements for 90's Metal underground... If it were to speak solely about the performing part, I'd say the five musicians are just fine, they keep the rhythm and the instruments under control but we entered already the third Millennium! Shall we still impress with messages such "crush, kill, destroy and re-kill"? Perhaps 10 years ago an album of this kind would have been devoured. Today... I wonder how many nostalgic persons would risk listening to BLOODSHED? I wouldn't! Moreover, a significant issue is that the band comes from Sweden, a beehive of Black/Death Metal bands!
Well, as it suits you... as the most upset and deranged of you have the chance to enjoy another sample of Metallic violence and fastness a little out of time and place if referring to nowadays!!!
www.bloodshed.info
NECROMANTIC ART MAGAZINE-#1/July 2002
(44 pages, A4, printed white/black on glossy quality paper, lay-out similar with "HMM", English)
I decided to review some magazines as well since they persist in symbolizing the underground Metal basis despite of the fact that modern modus operandi (see Internet!) tends to become a fashion mostly due to its commode advantages hidden behind. Thus, here I am reviewing this autochthon magazine desired to be an appendix of "Heavy Metal Magazine", which means it is financially supported by "Cartea de nisip" print-house. Appreciable intentions, maximum effort, professional illustration, optimistic result...should be the first words. Instead of that, I wasn't impressed by the materials' quality but I do take in account this is only a debut! I'd say there is a certain message slightly elitist but probably both Dragos and Ionut' ambition is governed by expressing imperatives and here from all might sound a little subjective. And I find this quite natural and I guess this is not something to be trapped in.
The magazine's direction follows extreme Metal and therefore the interviews are chosen alike: LORD BELIAL, TSJUDER, BLACK DAWN, VOKODLOK, NECROPHOBIC, SERPENT OBSCENE... including however a few "domestic" bands such as TRISTITIA, DAWN OF DREAMS or OVERSOUL. You can find as well an interview with Season Of Mist French label's boss, some news, reviews for rather old albums and this is it. Interviews are classical with simple questions regarding music exclusively and consequently the answers are the same. The reviews preserve a superficial note rather praising Black/Death Metal, which I assume it is editors' decision or preference. I should mention that most of the reviews are addressed to magazines/fanzines and on the whole they are underground being bought by editors only...I sit and ask myself why "Kogaionon" never showed interest for them?! Yet the most important thing is that reviewing this magazine actually means "Kogaionon" still exists...he, he... I guess it is considerable for such magazine to be released but
I must say that, if any serious extension is desired, it is required a professional compass reading as far as texts are concerned otherwise all might maintain forever at a status of autochthon indulgence. And since it is in English, this is even imperative...because abroad readers are familiar and spoiled with all kinds of magazines from famous ones- monthly ones till the most introspective and detailed underground fanzines. All in all this is a certainty for the Metallic Romanian press and maybe shall gain respect if the two writers guide themselves by personal opinions and not by inflicted patterns and if there is a more criticizing attitude...as they should be aware positive elements always blow up instantly in Metal fans' faces...In order to avoid the editors' excuses for not printing contact details inside (of bands, labels or magazines), which is absolutely wrong for an underground magazine (for example, where from could I buy "Necromantic Art" magazine of which I read? )...
Well, to fix somehow such problem...
I give you magazine's contact address: Dragos Onel, CP23, OP13, Ploiesti, 2000, PH, Romania. The price is 75.000 lei or 4 EUR for Europe. I suppose you should keep an eye on this magazine as I trust in a serious potential!
MOONLIGHT SHADOWS ZINE-Angels Weeping-issue#1/Summer/Autumn 2002
(36 pages A4, listed white/black, reasonable quality, English)
One of the "Kogaionon"'s loyal "disciple" has decided to start his own publication having as a second source of inspiration the Italian magazine "Vampiria". There are no freshness and originality, just another magazine guided by standards already imposed by "elder" ones. Nevertheless, for a first issue, I must admit I was pleasingly surprised of interviews' quality because of intriguing characteristics and length. The reviews have focused on magazines John bought during last couple of years and a few albums strictly on the editor's interest. I guess it is not quite a "blast" ready to bewilder Metal underground press but neither mediocre. Moongleam conceived the entire image-promotion; therefore as far as design and layout are concerned...all seems to be fine. You can find interviews with: HAGAL, AMBIREON, THRONEUM, MELEK-THA, EIBON RECORDS, MY DYING BRIDE, FATAL PORTRAIT, SHADOWS DANCE, VAMPIRIA MAGAZINE and ENSLAVEMENT OF BEAUTY.
It was edited in 100 samples and you can order directly at: John Zikos, Zissiou 38-40, 11145 Kato Patissia, Athens, Greece, deathcult55@hotmail.com.
OSKOREI MAGAZINE-#6/Nov/Dec 2001
(48 pages A4, partially coloured, professionally printed on glossy paper, English)
Lars Jamne carries on with this magazine in a very serious manner and thus I can see that the run has reached a significant increase because of a higher and higher request/demand. Notable is the quality of design that was a real concern for the editor along with his intention of "colouring" the magazine by inserting colour pages besides the regular complex cover. In fact, Oskorei Graphics has already gained an international appreciation since lots of magazines ask for Lars' skills in graphics and layout. Everything exhales professionalism entitling "Oskorei" to situate at one of the first three priceless underground publications. Unfortunately the manner of conceiving an interview is as simplistic and official as ever featuring strict questions and limited issues of debating. In counterbalance, the reviews are quite the strong point and Lars keeps a vigilant eye insisting on brutal releases full of Death and primitive Black series.
Taking in account that "Oskorei" is released once or twice per year, I guess I can confess that I find insufficient 48 pages to cover all noteworthy moments on Metal scene...yet less is always better than nothing! I suppose texts' orientation is pretty diverse so that, besides interviews with Black/Death Metal bands such as: EMPEROR, ZYKLON, THORNS, BAL-SAGOTH, IMMORTAL, DESTRUCTION, ABIGOR, USURPER, CENTINEX, SIRIUS, MANGLED, DIVINE EMPIRE, CRAFT, DIE APOKALYPTISCHEN REITER or DREAMS OF DAMNATION, there can be found others as well: MAUDLIN OF THE WELL, EVERGREY OR FOREFATHER. There is also included a material of ENSLAVED gig next to a CD compilation with 19 less known bands. Pretty much of a useful issue regarding information for all interested in extreme Metal music... I believe another "Oskorei" issue has just been released and it is time for you to take notice of it at this address: OSKOREI, PB640, Sentrum, N-5807 Bergen, Norway,
www.oskorei.com .
GOLDEN LAKE PRODUCTIONS-Magazine #1 Winter/Spring 2002
(56 pages A4, professionally printed on glossy paper, colour cover, English)
Nice surprise for my demanding tastes...! Fraser Mc Gartland has not resisted for such temptation of transforming his regular catalogue into a professional magazine! Well done! I'd say everything is quite nice indeed, a simple lay-out without too many remarkable graphical valences, much more information than what a simple catalogue might contain but less diversity than usually preserved in a first class underground magazine. If reviews follow a clumsy line with no extended details and rather too praising, well, interviews are much more substantial than expected for a first issue and therefore you can "spoil" yourselves with nice discussion such as with bands like: APRILIE ETHEREAL, AURORA BOREALIS, ENTHRONED, BATTLE OF CULLODEN, GOREROTTED, HELLBORN, MALEDICTION, MITHRAS, BATTLE OF LARGS, MOURNING BELOVETH, MYSTICA, OBSIDIAN GATE, ORDO DRACONIS, ORPHANED LAND, THANATOSCHIZO or TVANGESTE.
Mexican Scene Report is pretty "thin" but objective and that is why I can say, with no doubt, that all in all it is a successful issue having as bonus a CD compilation (including as well some bands you already had the chance to read about inside!). Contact: GLP, 19 Castlehill Drive, Newton Mearns, Glasgow, G77 5JZ, Scotland,
http://musicfans.to/goldenlake .
BARBARIC POETRY ZINE Issue 2, October 2001
(32 pages A4, Xerox, English)
I have received this issue from Janne Huhta, the person devoted to a mission of building a name for "Barbaric Poetry". Those 32 pages are a sample of underground extreme Metal fanzine, without a certain facet or super contents...but rather what it used to be on UG market almost 10 years ago. Texts' destination is clearly tilting towards Death Metal and even Gore and Grind Core, thus all who adore bands in MACABRE type can read amongst the few pages quality interviews with CIANIDE, KAAMOS, DESECRATION OF VIRGIN, EMBALMES SOULS, THANATOS, SKEPTICISM, as well as diverse reviews of older and newer albums of Death Metal area. There is also a heading addressed to magazines' reviewing and I quite have had a surprise for not finding "Kogaionon" criticized especially if taking in account that the mainstream suggests it bestows an Alternative Gothic atmosphere. And Janne is a declared fan of extreme Death Metal.
Anyway, it is about a limited "baggage" as far as information is regarded and a modest approach as for the texts. There is a remarkable thing namely: what he actually adores has the benefit of being absolutely professionally treated, with lots of details and well pointed out! It costs 4 $ and you can order at: Janne Huhta, Aprilgatan 72, 415 15 Gothenburg, Sweden, prophecy_jh@hotmail.com.
NEGURA-CENTRAL EUROPEAN IDEOLOGICAL MAGAZINE-Nr.3/March 2002
(40 pages A4, professionally printed on glossy paper, quality, English, coloured cover)
Well, this time, Gabi Mafa/Negru has passed beyond all expectations as the partnership with Dan F. Spataru have concretised into an issue I have only congratulations to address! Moreover, I noticed the spectrum of interviewed bands became larger and therefore the magazine attends to a greater scale of readers-fans, from the angry ones to the most melancholic Gothic-Doom Metal ones. You can find here some elegant interviews with EMPEROR, MALEVOLENCE or LUX OCCULTA, articles referring to mythologies and ancient civilizations (North American one and a first chapter about Dacians-Romanian ancestors-) and also some simple boring interviews with REBAELLIUN, BLOOD RED THRONE, AVRIGUS, ASMODEUS, INDIAN FALL, AVENGER, THYRFING or CRUACHAN. There are reviews as well but not so great in numbers and neither in quality although there can be spoken of a sufficiency in information with reference to albums, magazines or demos.
I am glad for "Negura" to have reached such level and I am sure the reactions of all who already read this very issue are pretty the same. This is the most significant step a magazine achieved so far in the metallic underground press for the last year and I believe that, at least at the debate-point, this time "Negura" excelled "Oskorei". There are, of course, some weak points but I see no reason to outline them here and I hope for the next issue to recuperate the rest of details solely an extremely fastidious person might hilariously point out. It seems like this part of Romania actually can provide publications of high quality! It is only a pity that the pages number defies unwritten laws of respectable underground! P.O. BOX 8-747, 1900 Timisoara, Timis, Romania,
www.negura.ro
GRIFFAR(FRA)-"Of Witches And Celts" CD'02
(48. 35 min, 4 tracks)
(ISO666)
I have heard a lot of things about this band, but only now I actually managed to listen to the debut album. This duet presents in a primitive manner (as sound and as approach as well) underground Black Metal. Griffar and Drakhian prove they can handle their instruments and can play music but what for? This Cold Majestic Pagan Black Metal as declared has nothing out of the ordinary, nothing to delimit from the Evil bands' crowd. Make-up, madness, screams, clownish rhythms and linear ones, fast tunes, some atmospheric riffs...and keep on going! The tracks are more than long and maybe this is the only distinct element I respect. In other words, the effort and seriousness are two chapters really appreciable and so is the execution part. Lyrics are some kind of stories from Celtic legends, pretty enjoyable and apt to transpose you into a mood quite inappropriate with the sound. Well, it is still insufficient for me.
Anyway, the two of them are connected with other projects they actually featured in: PROFANE. BLACK DEMENTIA or TAAKE. A material exclusively dedicated to mad Black Metal or in another terms True Black Metal.
www.info-black.com
BLACKDEATH(RUS)-"Saturn Sector" CD'02
(47. 15 min, 13 tracks)
(ISO666)
It seems like this label is exclusively dedicated to Raw Black Metal bands. Well, now we are talking about an assortment of DARK THRONE cu MAYHEM, in a Russian manner with no sense but a primitive noise in lack of any sort of creativity. The ex- DRAUGWATH have nothing to bring new or to impress, on contrary I'd say...and at a certain point the sound even becomes pathetic for these times we're living in. Maybe there are some of you to be pleased of this Apocalyptic Black Metal...for me it is just another dead band no matter it actually is active for almost seven years now. This name completes the list of bands in lack of originality or muse.
www.nork.ru/blackdeath/
GOETIA(POL)-"Hail Satan" CD'02
(32. 50 min, 6 tracks)
(ISO666)
Fast and Brutal Black Metal again...! Oh, such hatred and abhorrence on this earth...! I am curious how many of these bands shall exist as well during the next five years. All are Evil and pissed off because of living...Anyway, this is their business... GOETIA is an added band to last decade wave but despite many of those nullities, here we can enjoy an aggressive line well and decently interpreted, with synchronization and energising rhythms. And this can be noticed as well due to their declared direction to Death Metal. The 6 tracks are pleasing for an audition but only if you are gifted with great patience and a natural curiosity to completely listen to this album. "Mare Tenebrarum" was this band debut released last year at Mordgrimm Records and this new chapter seems to be a continuance of it. I have no idea what kind of continuance...or to what...perhaps to the eternal boring Black/Death Metal hundreds of bands seem to perform these days.
But nevertheless this is the best material The Greek label ever released.
www.goetia.metal.pl
RAPTURE(FIN)-"Songs For Withering" CD'02
(45. 35 min, 9 tracks)
(SPIKEFARM)
The list of albums I so much desired to listen to but actually turned out to be a disappointment has been extended with this one! I guess I miss Depressive Metal but I refer to the grey one with heart-rending passages, not the Gothic Rock one with melodic rhythms and danceable tunes. If we take a look from fashion's perspective, I could say RAPTURE features a fresh vibrant sound moulded on a profile of two male powerful different voices that actually lead the entire instrumentation. All that Metallic depressive mystery featured on the debut "Futile" has become an extroverted sound oscillating between warmth and iciness, yet full of highlighted and melodic parts while Death Metal places behind melancholic Rock. It is a close-knit album with a mature sound, Heavy guitars and tedious battery and Peri's voice contrasts the new one's, Henri (DIABLERIE). I also understood there was a change at the guitars' section; so, we can speak about a new line-up.
I suppose the new direction approached grants the listener with an ambiguous mood, especially if still lives the nostalgia of dark sound the debut featured...and I am afraid that the 9 tracks shall be a catalytic agent for a very different category of fans: of melodic Metal full of commercial shades and pretty tasty for a live performance. Yet...why complaining, this is the new trend and it seems it is also the new sound coming from Finnish Metal bands...
www.rapture.tk
NIGHTWISH (FIN)-"Century Child" CD'02
(50. 25 min, 10 tracks)
(SPINEFARM)
Well, well...quite some blaze...some praises, superlatives only to describe this last album of the Finns! Even the most enraged Blackers seem to be attracted to NIGHTWISH! Subsequent to my unenthusiastic review for "Wishmaster" album, I really thought the new sequences would kick me even harder! Fortunately, it didn't happen so! If you ask what it is about this music... I can tell you: nothing new, just inciting rhythms for shaking hairs, a super monotonous battery and guitars embracing a tiresome Heavy Power Progressive easily to imitate for anyone. Tarja's voice features no new sounds and neither spectacular modulation, the bombastic keyboard seems to be in lack of inspiration while the male voice performed by the bass player desperately tries to change something in the faded NIGHTWISH look but with no luck. But if we gaze into a different perspective, well, no doubt, it is about a well-executed album, a quality recording,
live choirs and the participation of a professional percussion orchestra... and we can go back to "Wishmaster". Well, we are talking about NIGHTWISH and all five musicians are indeed professional! "Oceanborn" was the band's start and there from NIGHTWISH only ran for success while the inspiration/innovation chapter seems to have closed. Sami Vanska (SINERGY, TAROT) participated on "Oceanborn" as well and I guess the bass was much more present and clearer, which is a valid feature for the entire musical message, not like on this very album having so many en vogue atmospheric details that, after all, turn out to be boring. When I hear that German tops are "intoxicated" with NIGHTWISH...I realize I shall never have place for praising what can make money ignoring the creative side-which is, up to my opinion, the most important element as far as music is concerned. Well, it is a pity! Perhaps most of you disapprove my sayings...this is it!
I only intended to suggest opening your eyes before buying this sample of Operatic Gothic Metal Rock. Surely, those who adore the sound of previous albums probably shall taste as well, this dose of NIGHTWISH.
www.nightwish.com
SCALPLOCK(UK)-"Spread The Germs" CD'02
(33. 08 min, 28 tracks)
(CACOPHONOUS)
Incredible...! The label that many years ago used to promote nameless bands for that time such as DIMMU BORGIR, CRADLE OF FILTH, BAL-SAGOTH or GEHENNA has returned on Metal scene! Even if what these British musicians perform is not exactly on my taste, I must admit all 28 explosive tracks really managed to get my attention. I guess I said in times before, I don't actually sympathise with Grindcore and neither with Punk/Death Metal but I "translate" the musicians' message as a protest against expansionism and the new (???)USA and Israel's politics, which are quite favourite subjects for such kind of music. Well, it definitely cannot be described as music...but naked Grindcore or is it better to say SICKNESS? Definitely it is a torment for the fans! I guess I better keep my mouth shut since I cannot precisely make an idea of what this music means...ohhhhhh, such ferocity...!!! We wait for listening to the other two bands that signed with Cacophonous, UNSANCTUM and ROSWELL.
www.cacophonous.com
SALEM(ISR)-"Spread The Germs" CD'02
(48. 30 min, 12 tracks)
(KMG MUSIC)
One of the oldest Death Metal bands (founded in 1985!!!) returns with a new specific album! A grim voice, heavy guitars, ravishing blasting battery seems to be the prevailing elements for SALEM sound. In order to confirm that Israelis' universe is not limited, they use melodic voices, female ones as well, oriental shades (afro-Cubans percussions and Arabian elements), traditional parts and lyrics of all kinds including psalmic ones. I might say it doesn't sound bad at all!!! For a Death Metal fan "Collective Demise" could be an illustration of extreme virtuosity and it would definitely not be a regretful choice. For me...it is just another Death Metal album in lack of originality as my only admiration goes for their strength to revisit Metal scene. If "Kaddish" or "A Moment Of Silence" were appreciated albums and the Metallic publications showed such..., well, this didn't go for the lyrics as well.
Israeli parliamentarians quite reacted to their anti-Israel messages and the track "Ha'ayara Bo'eret" (the town is on fire) practically reached a real conflict situation next to holocaust issue..
http://all.at/salem
GOD(ROM)-"Aura" CD'02
(38. 10 min, 7 tracks)
Well, well...a long time passed since this band kicked us with new music!!! I see that many years are needed for a Romanian band to come with a new material on the market! But I guess all these details you actually already found out throughout the interview. Let's pass to the music! This CD does not represent a final version as I know that GOD has just returned to the studio and the mastering is planed to end in November. But this doesn't mean I cannot tell you about the new sound. In fact, some of the tracks I had the opportunity to listen to live...but the album is more atmospheric and the keyboard seems to be omnipresent, guitars interchange Heavy effects with melodic ones, the battery follows fluctuating unpredictable rhythms with a "live' effect, the violin can be heard clearer while the female voice finally reached a harmony with the male one. If I were in the position to perceive the album in comparison with the former ones, I'd say GOD suffers at inspiration chapter.
The seven tracks preserve the same Gothic/Doom/Death Metal area, which was pretty used last decade, besides Black passages and traditional tunes with a Folkloric inspiration. Perhaps "Shining" could be a track not in the patterns as the Electro rhythms embrace fast a THEATRE OF TRAGEDY sound reaching a status of danceable and digestible for any listener. Castor's violent voice keeps on "hurting" my ears while the passages of him playing clear or reciting are unfortunately pretty rare. Latin, English and Romanian are featured in their lyrics and thus I could say the album develops a complex concept even if I hardly made an idea about it! I don't know if the new tracks catch the public as the previous albums did but I am sure there is a hunger for autochthon albums in the last years and therefore GOD might have a huge impact. I've never been a GOD fan but I must confess I pleasingly listened to a very well-executed and intelligently conceived long track-"Calatorul" (Peregrine)!!!
It is the only one in Romanian language and Moldavian folkloric potencies are well outlined; there is certain compatibility between Metal and mourning autochthon songs sustained by a bombastic keyboard and all in all, in the end, those confer colour and feeing to the whole sound! For the rest...it is just the same GOD sound with diverse getting through and influences coming from all over the Metallic spectrum. As a synthesis, "Aura" seems to be a more powerful aggressive album dominated by a well-known and super promoted Metal but definitely in lack of brilliance! Perhaps if this were the debut album...GOD would have reached a smacking success! But we shall see if so...in a few months. If you desire for this band not to die...well, make sure this album shall be included in your personal collection as the release date is before the end of the year!!!
www.geocities.com/godisro
