REVIEWS
January 2002
THEATRES DES VAMPIRES (ITA)-"Bloody Lunatic Asylum" CD'01
(61. 58 min, 11 tracks)
(BLACKEND/PLASTC HEAD)
Almost incredible the sound of this project! I have listened to "Nosferatu, eine Simphonie des Grauens" promo tape a few years ago but it did not even cross my mind Lord Vampyr would be capable of offering such album for the present times! What trophies can TDV be proud of before the signing with PHR? There are only two materials: "Vampyrisme, necrophilia, necrosadisme, necrophagie" (1995) and "The Vampire Chronicles" (1999). If they did not sustain some gigs in England (Myth si Vampiria III) most certainly, the sixth musicians would not have managed to penetrate the modest and overfilled UG! I should also mention that since Lord Vampyr knew Gian Pyres (CRADLE OF FILTH) it was quite a big help for TDV to contact Tim Fraser, CHRISTIAN DEATH' manager, and thus PHR label. During the live performance, the Britain were surprised indeed of such "horifica" atmosphere this Italian
band could create while being supported in ideas by David Bracci, the well known "effect maker" for horror artist Dario Argento!
Vampirical obsessions combined with themes such sex blood or horror imposes TDV as a respectable band with an exquisite background if taking in account that Lord Vampyr has studied for some years this particular field! Their sound is complex, various but I could not say as following any particular style although the most appropriate would be Black, Gothic, Dark, Epic and Atmospheric Metal shades. The male voice has certain inflexions that remind me of Dani/CRADLE OF FILTH while the female ones, rather gathered together as small choirs, perfectly harmonizes with the rest of the atmosphere, which I must say is built up by modest players without noticeable skills. The sampler creates a magic aura while the other accessories do nothing but to paint an occult, horror, violent less yet captivating and pleasing to the ear picture. From another point of view, the multitudes of ideas and trends slightly get boring for the listener,
as TDV is a band that can only be appreciated at its true value when playing live.
SHAPE OF DESPAIR (FIN)-"Angels Of Distress" CD'01
(54. 51 min, 5 tracks)
(SPIKEFARM/SPINEFARM)
Let us see what we've got right here : long guitar solo, bombastic keyboards, depressed, sad and from time to time "ultra-deep growls" male voice, an enchanting and fragile female voice, a rather glacial atmosphere where no hope can possibly live...a frozen picture that throws your mind into a Finnish winter realm. ESOTERIC meets SKEPTICISM, which means Slow Majestic Funeral Doom Metal!!! In comparison with previous one "Shades Of...", the band has now a new formula featuring Pasi Koskinen (AMORPHIS) as vocal and Toni Raehalme at violin. The whole depressive aura sets forth a specific note to the album, not so transcendental and even more accessible than the earlier one yet in the same horrific atmosphere. Although the band has changed the line up, ex-RAVEN carries on the same contour it has begun six years ago, also indulgently monotonous but now even insipid un exciting after a few more auditions.
If we were to put together the two albums, one could find differences in sound and concept as well, a little clearer and more professional during the last tone, but without major distinctive alteration inside the inner direction. I find quite worrying and dreadful if not the gravest thing, I mean, is there any shade of evolution? I do not perceive as an inspiring fact to embrace conservatism in such music if being aware there are a lot of Finnish band already following the same melodic line. I should say that it is a step forward as far as the biography is concerned and stagnation for the concept dynamic of the sixth musicians. It is qualified for one audition, maybe two...but after that you have no alternative but changing the CD. If up to me, I desire for something else but slow tracks, extremely long, all kindred and inanimate. I do think there is an explanation for performing such boring sound: the album was conceived between 1997-1999, which is pretty long time ago.
The proper term to define today those Finnish musical concepts should rather be "anachronic"! That is a sad fact as well as their music itself! Wake up, dear collegues, we have already entered the third millenium! A strong point to defence the Finnish consists in digipack exquisite design.
TENHI (FIN)-"Airut:ciwi" MCD'01
(18. 55 min, 3 tracks)
(PROPHECY)
After conceiving and publishing Tyko's interview due to his "Kuan" debut I have heard so little about TENHI: a few attempts for un successful live performances, rumours they have had composed new tracks but Prophecy were extremely slow.... Finally here came this strange digipack containing three tracks of which two are more than experimental, Ethno without any melodic line, pretty short and confusing even boring. In exchange, there is the second track apt to disclose more than 10 minutes of calm traditional folk music, extremely simple and atmospheric with progressive yet also Rock hues, piano, violin, flute, guitar and synth, Jew's Harp, percussion and, of course, peaceful voice of Tyko, Ilkka si Ilmari. I hope not exaggerating if saying "Kielo" is the best and most inspired TENHI composition I ever listened so far! If you wish for finding the present time, then "Kielo"
would help you to discover the ultimate absence of any temporal mark, any bonding to routine, worries or stress; it simply is just another manner of relaxation and inner calm. It is only a shame that one single track represents their MCD. Should we speculate this fact as a regular way of making few extra money?! Maybe so. But all interested people can easily give up 2-3 beers and buy this digipack. As far as money is concerned I find it doesn't deserve the effort yet for a collector it could become a jewel! E-mail: tenhi@iobox.com,
www.tenhi.de .
EMPEROR (NOR)-"Prometheus: The Discipline Of Fire & Demise" CD'01
(51. 44 min, 9 tracks)
(CANDLELIGHT)
It all started promising... "The Eruption" 's first tunes have already created a mystical marvelous atmosphere for the listener until , behind a guitar's accelerating rhythm or rather extremely fast one, I found knotty passages even classical or jazz in PECCATUM manner as only Ihshan keyboards and programming could possibly offer. I deeply hoped it wouldn't last more than a few fragments in this direction but, unfortunately for me, the entire album has been built in such note and waste. In other words, if desire for listening PECCATUM in a brutal version with aggressive voices and elaborated rhythms, definitely the last EMPEROR album is the perfect choice. It cannot be said the album sounds bad (it is still EMPEROR!) but I am not that person to play EMPEROR just to listen in exchange PECCATUM, it isn't fair! This is the Norwegian trio's last album, perhaps the most complex miscellaneous and less atmospheric one, not all linear yet inaccessible, I think, for all who want pure Black Metal! Perhaps EMPEROR has attained the boundaries where Black Metal ends and another style is born... I might be myself limited and EMPEROR simply intends to open one's eye towards new horizons ...I am confused and have no clue...
The most important thing is to accept this challenge (which I did not so far) of Ihshan, Samoth and Trym to assimilate the effects and let yourselves carried by the sound while mentally and candidly gazing into present. The future does not exist whereas the past is nostalgia, initiation and old faded times! EMPEROR is a Black Metal legend since "In The Nightside Eclipse" still remains the most inspired and the best Nordic Black Metal album I ever listened to in last 10 years! There is nothing to indicate the other Norwegian's albums as negligible but it's obvious the force "In The Nightside Eclipse" still diffuse around and shadows each further release including this very last. If we assume an equation which common factor is EMPEROR then the unidentified would definitely feature itself into one single word: respect! Thank you EMPEROR for a decade of existence! R.I.P.!
www.emperorhorde.com .
SONATA ARCTICA (FIN)-"Silence" CD'01
(61. 54 min, 13 tracks)
(SPINEFARM)
I pleasantly remember "Eliptica" powerfully stroke STRATOVARIUS fans and all in sympathy with Power Metal. The Finnish' debut was regarded with interest and sensitivity yet also with envy as the one's hope was for the second album to be a bluff or, probably for the best, not to fascinate. Nevertheless, on contrary, SONATA ARCTICA has decided to insist on Epic, Progressive and Heavy Metal and thus, the album can be considered one of the most representatives of its kind. Bombastic keyboards, rhythmical guitars, technical battery, shocking choirs, acoustic guitar tunes, aggressive voice together with a normal melodic one, grand piano and even a female voice...all in all everything melts not at all originally but harmoniously into a crystal recording and a super-natural design of the booklet. DREAM THEATER fans will find as well great pleasure and satisfaction into this sound and, as a recommendation for the album's best track you should try "The Power One".
Although I am not mad about such style I must admit it gained my attention for two consecutive auditions yet nothing else. Why so? Perhaps because of the bright glowing appearance of the sound or too much positive energy and optimism and this might become, at a certain point, a major concern.
www.sonataarctica.com .
MURDER CORPORATION (SWE)-"Tagged and Bagged" CD'01
(32. 15 min, 11 tracks)
(DISPLEASED)
Such boring thing to listen to common Death Metal bands! That's DERANGED case, a Swedish band that, at the end of 1995, has decided to give birth to a new Metal project as brutal and violent as well since the only difference is the live-look of the three ones, performing on the stage, disguised with cowls . Murderers, manic massacre disciple...it's time for the gathering around those infuriated people! It should be exactly on your taste. The explosive Death/Thrash Metal MURDER CORPORATION performs on their second album could only enchant by guitars' fastness and throaty voice. Otherwise, we can speak about virtuosity, lack of originality and inspiration as well, linear even common tunes, ravishing battery and holocaust in true sense of words! Either I was born much too earlier or usual fade Death Metal fascinates me no more. From the other side of the picture, brutal music
fans shall certainly be satisfied to have listen those new tracks: expect to be tagged and bagged! Let us take a short look at the band's discography: "Blood Revolution 2050" MCD, "Kill" MCD, "Retract The Hostile" 7''EP, Split with VOMITORY, "Murder Corporation" CD, "Whole lotta Murder Going On" CD, Split with Grind Buto CD. MURDER CORPORATION, Angavegen 2, 24562, Hjarup, Sweden,
http://members.tripod.de/murdercorp .
DIABOLIC (USA)-"Subterraneal Magnitude"CD'01
(37.58 min, 11 tracks)
(HAMMERHEART)
Inside last two Kogaionon issues, I wrote about this famous American band. If "city Of The Dead" MCD and "Supreme Evil" CD showed all Death Metal fans the five musicians are good at studio job, the new tracks bring nothing spectacular or different. I even noticed that the aggressive grace note is fading despite of such demonic voice and the drums which rhythms' changeability give creeps. I cannot surely know the impact that these new compositions provoke, but I assume that even DIABOLIC fans would prefer, soon after listening to the album, to return to their first tracks. Why so?! More simple than never: Without inspiration and imagination, there is no evolution even if, unfortunately, continuity might exist, in this style-born 15 years ago, when Schuldiner or Benton were even breaking the eardrums of the most fervid Thrash fans. "Subterraneal Magnitude" shall be an album with big sales,
thanks to the fact it is about an American Death, with a specific layout for such style, dark lyrics, dynamism and a lot of brutality. Fashionable or not, death Metal did not die...at least not for all of us. DIABOLIC, P.O. BOX 9689, Tampa, FL. 33674-9689, USA,
www.diabolicblastmasters.com
MAYHEM (NOR)-"European Legions" CD'01
(47. 07 min, 12 tracks)
(SEASON OF MIST)
I sometimes come to a tricky dilemma, why trying to make money, by all means, on the back of almost any musical accessories?! If being more precise, I must say the first 7 tracks are MAYEM live, including various albums, while "Chainsaw Gustfauck" seems to benefit of the best interpretation ever or perhaps the most appropriate studio version. The other 5 tracks are pre-productions of "Grand Of Declaration Of War", that is to say the unpolished and raw version. It would have been correct for this CD to appear before last MAYEM album. You should be happy for not buying it already, since you had spent money for 7 live tracks and 12 unrepresentative wiredrawn ones, at least as far as MAYEM's sound is concerned. You do not miss a thing if not listening to this CD, as the sound itself is cheap. You can still fulfill an expensive whim: Maniac, Necrobutcher, Hellhammer and Blasphemer in concert.
If the French label had the inspiration of including at least a video track, perhaps it would have been justified releasing this material. Otherwise, you and only can contradict me!
SUSPERIA (NOR)-"Predominance" CD'01
(45. 11 min, 10 tracks)
(NUCLEAR BLAST/ROCRIS DISC)
Many of you considered the interview with Athera, featured inside last Kogaionon issue, as the most successful and detailed one. Thus, I find inappropriate to get into many more close-ups for the moment, since I have already presented a few opinions in the "reviews" chapter as well, based on the advertorial CD. The line-up is an exceptional one, as it featured also in famous projects (DIMMU BORGIR, SATYRICON or OLD MAN'S CHILD). SUSPERIA comes back in forth with a well-rounded album, not at all original yet without commercial influences, excellently interpreted. No doubt, it is Black Metal Nordic style, but there are present as well Thrash, Death, Heavy or Power frames while Athera voice's inflexions professionally prove a certain diversified approach of these multiple styles. I personally prefer "Illusion of Evil" demo, not necessarily because of the keyboards but for the simpler and straighter manner of performing music.
I consider SUSPERIA "on the wave" but I find difficult to appreciate for how long. If keeping the same musical line, I believe, not even the fact Tjoldav or Cyrus are big famous names, on Nordic scene, could bring much help. If only Nuclear Blast can do miracles for it seems that Germans own the art of selling their products while quality is often left behind...
www.susperia.net
ANATHEMA (UK)-"Resonance" CD'01
(50. 18 min, 15 tracks)
(PEACEVILLE)
I do not agree with filling a CD with tracks from the band's different albums, since I find in such act an absolutely embarrassing manner of making money on the behalf of its fans. As far as this present one is concerned, only half would be true, because the other half means satisfaction due to "Hope" video-clip and some great tracks ready to take you back in time, such as "Alone", "Far Away" or "Everwake". In other words, here are the most representative ambient ANATHEMA tracks where female voice is an intense presence, just like the acoustic frame ("Eternity"), the orchestral ones ("The Silent Enigma") or live ("Angelica") and even the PINK FLOYD or BAD RELIGION cover versions... Overall, everything features a simple rather attractive (for nostalgic and romantic people) manner of expressing ANATHEMA. It is a unique exquisite sparkling idea of Peaceville people but nothing more.
Website:
http://listen.to/anathema
ABOMINATOR (AUS)-"Subversives for Lucifer" CD'01
(48. 37 min, 8 tracks)
(OSMOSE/ROCRIS DISC)
Do you still remember BESTIAL WARLUST? Well, ABOMINATOR just follows the line of the most famous Australian Black Death band, even having Damon Bloodstorm on vocal, so you can imagine what inferno can be heard out here. Everything wheezes out fury, primitivism, anger, violence, fastness! Guitars are like huge noisy machineries, battery never seems to stop, the vocal bellow deep out from his lungs in a satanic manner... no way to doubt, the apocalypse is here! Although entertaining and provocative at a first audition, the devastating sound becomes more and more linear, monotonous with each track, having as a final result a boring album. If you feel angry on something, someone, or being just upset and nervous, then withdraw into your room, play the CD and discharge yourselves together with ABOMINATOR. You may even break some bottles or kick your head strongly into radiator!
It would definitely be the most efficient prescription for calming you down. For all who desire composing brutal music, ABOMINATOR's first album as well as the new compositions might turn out to be precious marks of inspiration...
CRUACHAN (IRE)-"Ride On" single MCD'01
(14. 38 min, 4 tracks)
(HAMMERHEART)
If the new album, entitled Folk-Lore", sounds in "Ride on" track manner, then I can truly announce that CRUACHAN name must be memorized far beyond any doubt. The preceding album, released at Hammerheart, was modest and, although it received several congratulations as quite a success, I do not think of it impressing the most exigent critics of this particular style. "Ride On" should be the most popular traditional Irish track (lyrics by Jimmy Mc Carthy) and this version (including the performance of producer Shane Mac Gowan/THE POGUES) sounds wonderful in deed. I mean little of Metal, some of Rock and Irish elements (Irish flute, pipes, spoons, mandolin, bodhran), soft female voice, normal clear male one, simple guitars and clear sharp tunes... The other three tracks are rather dull, like embracing no sense at all, just noise with the claim of being Metal Gothic, traditional, commercial...I was not in the position of being certain.
The sound is also unreasonably modest though "To Hell or Connaught" has been released as a bonus track for a limited edition of the album "The Middle Kingdom", now re-mastered... Website:
www.cruachan.cjb.net .
MURDER SQUAD (SWE)-"Unsane, Insane and Mentally Deranged" CD'01
(33. 15 min, 12 tracks)
(PAVEMENT)
The ENTOMBED members and other DISMEMBER ones have decided, in 1993, to found a Death Metal band with the purpose to follow AUTOPSY line. No longer after a few rehearsals and two live performances, the four entered the studio and recorded this debut album. Nothing new or out of the ordinary, just Swedish Death Metal, a stifled background rather weird...some aggressiveness and that should be all as far as MURDER SQUAD is concerned. It is interesting-only for those who still find an option in classic Black Metal. PAVEMENT MUSIC/LUNA PRESS & PUBLICITY, Sjoholmen PL 4118, 731197, Koping, Sweden,
www.pavementmusic.com , www.lunasoundrecording.com .
ALGOL (USA)-"Gorgonus Aura" CD'01
(59.10 min, 8 tracks)
(THE TWELFTH PLANET)
I do not have any idea what might be the level of exquisite Black Metal sound for American bands and if they could be proud of such, especially when atmospheric trends are desired. ALGOL has nothing new to offer but a modest common Black Death Metal, abundant synth, a pronounced guitar and a throaty simple voice. I find interesting the acoustic tracks, as they tend to be ambient and, from time to time, a few guitars' solos intelligently interweave with the atmosphere already created by synth. Yet these tracks are long enough and have not much in common with the brutal ones. The album seems to be the result of too many chaotic ideas, some good, but placed in an uninspired order. For example, "Gorgonus Aura" represents a summary of heterogenous tracks as music and direction as well. Should we be merciful considering it is solely their debut album?! Greg Singer, 120 Susan Drive, Millersburg, PA 17061, U.S.A., algol666@hotmail.com,
www.geocities.com/algol9 ,
THE TWELFTH PLANET, P.O. BOX 22, 65012 Cepagatti (PE), Italy, planet12th@hotmail.com, www.twepla.com .
VIKING CROWN (USA)-"Banished Rhythmic Hate" CD'01
(46. 56 min, 11 tracks)
(SEASON OF MIST)
When Philip Anselmo had taken the decision to experience styles that are more brutal I found it strange and I thought it was nothing but a simple collaboration. Wrong! It seems like his friendship with Killjoy/NECROPHAGIA conducted to a new project, as this very example can prove. Moreover, the two have brought Opal Enthroned (SOUTHERN ISOLATION/NECROPHAGIA) to play keyboard so that weirdness might gain its real place. There are 11 tracks oscillating between a rarely seen primitivism, an Ugly Black Metal with an underground sound (since BURZUM or MAYEM earlier times of glory), a desolate oppressive overwhelming psychedelic Ambient. Maybe it is a different kind of Ethereal-Gothic, simply hard to explain in ordinary words. From another certain point of view (the horror one), the album looks OK, from another (the innovative one), it becomes monotonous and much too sinister for my ears.
One could be seized with horror if listening to VIKING CROWN: all is dark, melancholic and "extremely hideous"!
GORGUTS (USA)-"From Wisdom to Hate" CD'01
(40. 36 min, 8 tracks)
(SEASON OF MIST)
Luc Lemay is one of the most representative exponents of all times Death Metal while his activity, besides GORGUTS, transformed the band into a vivid legend. After a peace and relax time, due to Roadrunner label's financial problems, the troops come back with verve releasing "Obscura" and, now, these new sequences, which personalize one of the best Death Metal albums of this year. What can I tell you more about GORGUTS in 2001 version?! - Just that everything is like in good all times and, as a paradox, that is excellent: devastating guitars, throaty furious voice, fast tunes virtuosity and master craft. What should be wrong?! -The fact there is no fundamental change in the actual sound, even if it is long time since their glory period. Anyway, as a final remark, this album might get welcome by those who still listen to OBITUARY or DEATH.
NECROPHAGIA (USA)-"Cannibal Holocaust" MCD'01
(17. 40 min, 5 tracks)
(SEASON OF MIST)
From the very beginning, it is not about a new NECROPHAGIA album, but a few rare tracks released occasionally in various demos. This is a tribute to Euronymous and only one single new uncensored track, "Cannibal Holocaust", while the sound, characterized by an alert rhythm, is very clear. I am sure that the material would have been disregarded if the CD had not enclosed a video-clip featuring frames from a real horror, extremely violent, and dangerous movie picture-I would say all susceptible heart ache people must be very careful! Don't you really understand it is absolutely outrageous to tape your own death or to eat, besides cannibals, rests of a friend of yours? What do you think about watching a pregnant woman being desecrated no longer after committing adultery? I remember I have seen this movie (some use to call it documentary) almost 15 years ago and I was very stupefied.
For now on, you "benefit" of only of a few frames yet real and horror enough. For it is Thrash, Black, Death, Gore or Horror, I do not think it would make a difference the etiquette, as the most important thing is that Phil, Killjoy, Jared, Wayne and Frediablo are not normal, while deviated is a term too sweet for what they have in those deranged minds. Try imagining, for a second, there still are other musical projects featuring them in line-up, such as EIBON, AMICUSS, ENOCH, RAVENOUS, HELLPIG, WURDULAK, GORELORD, SOUTHERN ISOLATION or VIKING CROWN. Either they are very sick, or I am too innocent...Uhhhhhhhhhhhh!
www.necrophagia.com .
AKERCOCKE (UK)-"The Goat Of Mendes" CD'01
(56. 36 min, 12 tracks)
(PEACEVILLE)
The former band, SALEM ORCHID, has signed with Peaceville for three albums but I believe the reason this contract does exist is that the five are from London. Nothing I have listened to so far impressed me, although their manner of approaching music is quite diverse, from Grind and Death to Black Metal rather colored with electronic inducements from time to time atmospheric and melodic. I have always appreciated Peaceville's activity yet, I am afraid, this band was not exactly their best choice. I have also read a few reviews of the album and the majority had advanced respectful regards. I am sorry, but I believe that, as long as everything is too complex and the ideas burst into each single tune, it is required either patience or experience to digest it. I must admit that AKERCOCKE shows an original musical approach, yet this only cannot guarantee much except little attention in some magazines.
As I did not listened to "Rape of the Bastard Nazarene", their first album so far, I am not to pronounce myself on any further appreciation. Let us hope the next one shall be more explicit?!
www.akercocke.com .
MYSTIC CIRCLE (GER)-"The Great Beast" CD'01
(43. 03 min, 9 tracks)
(MASSACRE/ROCRIS DISC)
It is interesting how good Germans when promoting their own bands are! This quartet is at its four studio album and I can admit it sounds the best of all!!! Powerful guitars, pronounced voice, atmospheric keyboard, female voice, perhaps a German replication of CRADLE or DIMMU... unfortunately, this is all we can listen to here. Not a grain of originality, neither of inspiration, it is just one of the luckiest German bands, that conquered Metal scene due to its modern and fashionable sound. If it were not for the general Black Metal success, I guess Massacre would not have signed with MYSTIC CIRCLE, not in a million years. But if there is money on the stake, as far as this style might produce, then, why not following the same path Nuclear Blast or Century Media does?! The album is a successful one, no doubt, from the concept point to the interpretation and it would be a huge mistake not to underline this exact aspect.
It is just a representative sample of modern Black Metal, which should enchant all this style disciples.
www.mystic-circle.de
EVEREVE (GER)-"E-Mania" CD'01
(51. 44 min, 12 tracks)
(MASSACRE/ROCRIS DISC)
The German quintet has lived and spent quite beautiful years under Nuclear Blast roof (three albums) and, now, Massacre has the mission to behave , at least, as careful as the predecessors. They have strong reasons as well, since the Cyber Gothic Metal EVEREVE approached is a very expressive one, with a fragile yet also powerful voice, heavy guitars, electro passages, oriental keyboards ("Demons"), female voice in contrast with the psycho male one ("Ligeia"), pop tunes ("Fade to Grey"), theatric choirs ("KM")... all in darkness, strength, coldness, cyber. I should also mention about the change in line-up, unlike the former albums since it seems to have finally become a strong point of the Germans. SISTER OF MERCY fans shall definitely be glad and enchanted by these new frames and especially because of the imposing voice of MZ Eve 51.
www.evereve.net .
AETERNUS (NOR)-"Ascension Of Terror" CD'01
(43. 49 min, 9 tracks)
(HAMMERHEART)
When you find out that an album was produced in Grieghallen Studio and mastered by Pyten, self-suggestion conducts to the most proper word: excellent. Well, there much truth out here since AETERNUS can be proud of successful clear mixing. This time, Ares, Erik, Radek and here and there Morrigan too, simply put the finger right on the aggressiveness so that the Dark Metal sound transforms into Black Metal mixed with Death and less warm Atmospheric, but an angry voice, insane drums and fast amazing riffs. Not bad at all, these new frames, but I still prefer to listen to "Beyond the Wandering Moon", "...And So Night Became" or even the modern "Shadows Of Old". When former IMMORTAL or GORGOROTH members play in AETERNUS and when being aware of the quite great impression these Norwegians made in front of their fans during live performances, well, there is no (and could not be) doubt relating to their interpretation manner.
Just one simple notice, now the aggressiveness is rather too linear, while Death Metal took the place of old times' atmospheric passages promoting a note less relaxing, I would even say one much too serious and tight. This is it, the decision was not ours to make, so we can only listen to or not.
www.aeternus.ch .
EVEN SONG (HUN)-"Mysterium" CD'01
(35. 28 min, 6 tracks)
(DISPLEASED)
I hate to listen to short albums because I believe it is rather hard to expose and express musical concepts in a relatively brief hasty score. EVENSONG might number itself as an exception because the Hungarians' third album sounds remarkable, by far the best in their entire history. Melodic perfectly embraces Doom, symphonic tunes harmoniously interface with the classical ones, the atmospheric keyboard and the female voice charmingly get in touch with the male one, guitars' riffs are progressive, slightly knotty, so are the drums...everything sound now more technical and mature. A strong point is the fact that all six tracks sound completely different one from each other, yet, after a repeated audition, the album sounds ... unfinished and turns into an obsessive theme. I would have died to listen to, at least, a few more tracks! Anyway, for a four years old band, the level they reached in interpretation is by far superior many other Doom ones,
which try to consolidate their place on the actual scene. Mihaly Szabo, Szolo u.97/1, H-5600 Bekescsaba, Hungary, www.negativeart.hu/evensong .
ALAS (USA)-"Absolute Purity" CD'01
(44. 37 min, 10 tracks)
(HAMMERHEART)
If saying Erik Rutan, you think of MORBID ANGEL and HATE ETERNAL and if you find out Martina Astner is the one who used to play with THERION, the adrenaline grows. If including Howard Dawis drummer (DIE KRUPPS) and the bass player Scott Hornick (RIPPING CORPSE), then you start to realize it is about a serious band, an exquisite one that definitely has something to say for all brutal music fans. Well, the scenario is perfectly true until the brutal part because the four express now an Atmospheric Emotional Metal, a very clear and strong sound built on Gothic Doom structures with a unique female voice, technical guitar, and discreet bass, simple drums. If talking in account Erik's intelligent keyboard, you can drop the conclusion that ALAS is a band enclosed in a range of peaceful worming ones, pleasant at hearing anytime and anywhere. The relaxing atmosphere created by calm tunes and Martina's voice confers
"Absolute Purity" the status of a reference innovative original charming album. I would only say it is missing that nerve, that vitality I expected to find at Erik's riffs. Therefore, I observe a certain slight resemblance among the tracks, which means a rather monotonous sound. worldent@monmouth.com.
ANCIENT RITES (BEL)-"Dim Carcosa" CD'01
(46. 27 min, 11 tracks)
(HAMMERHEART)
The most famous Belgian Black Metal band has signed for Hammerheart and I assume this might lead to a fortunate situation of pointing out all their valuable skills of sophisticated refined instruments. Gunther founded the band in 1989 and, during the years, he must have recorded many albums but the signing with Mascot did not bring what Black Metal fans expected. Yet, enough about past, let us present the actual situation. The Belgian quintet comes back in force with the most atmospheric and powerful Black Metal album of theirs and also one of the best of last year. That is because of the authentic formula as well: Gunther Theys (vocals, bass), Yan Yrlund (TWO WITCHES/LACRIMOSA), Domingo Smets (AGATHOCLES/RENAISSANCE), Erik (INQUISITOR) and Walter (drums). The tracks are incredibly fast yet full of melodiousness, heavy, featuring an intelligent keyboard, which carries your thought to symphonic-classical frames,
Black voice as well as classic backing vocal, piano, a female voice from time to time... a sound reminding me of old ROTTING CHRIST (especially the guitars) or MISANTHROPE (atmosphere). I have nothing to reproach, as far as this album is concerned, even the booklet is superb...everything inspires rhythm, strength and attractiveness. It is, as some might say an accurate album, well envisioned and excellently interpreted, which means... a brilliant! Ancient Hordes, Kraaiennestraat II, 3290 Diest, Belgium.
ABSU (USA)-"Tara" CD'01
(52. 06 min, 13 tracks)
(OSMOSE/ROCRIS DISC)
Splendid cover, exceptional artist in Kris Verwimp person! If the music were as well at the same level, "Tara" might have induced an agreeable mood anytime. Yet, how could anyone digest this kind of Black Thrash since solely a miracle saved their instruments not to fly into a rage. Everything is ultra-super fast, aggressive and brutal! This is the '80's Thrash return (with drums that seldom followed a rhythm, guitars' riffs stopping only at the end of the track and satanic voice terrifying everybody's ears including those who believed it music. "The album's fastness is at least amazing. Yet the concept of "Tara" counts on a strong background of Celtic tradition and occult themes. An interesting aspect is the participation, as invited guests, of some KING DIAMOND, MELECHESH, MERCYFUL FATE or RIGOR MORTIS members. "Tara" is exclusively dedicated to all people mad about extreme music performed in old style.
CHILDREN OF BODOM (FIN)-"Follow The Reaper" CD'01
(41. 09 min, 10 tracks)
(NUCLEAR BLAST/ROCRIS DISC)
The Finnish band enjoyed quite a short ride in order to reach the top and this merit is half of the band, half of the label, which did an extraordinary job massively promoting it. I will not refer at the band's history since everybody knows it well. I prefer taking a glance to the band's new orientation. Most definitely, instead of the Atmospheric and Mystic, fresh tunes, alert rhythms, plenty of Heavy and some Black Metal took control of the music. The sound is an exceedingly good and enjoyable one, entertaining for home audition as well as for live performances. The tracks are simple but they strike you directly in your belly, due to ravishing guitars and the remarkable Metal voice; it is rather completely Speed or Heavy Metal. The album itself did not disappoint me but the manner COB decided to approach music now. I still do prefer their first album. In other words, Finnish play now exactly the music that can bring big money.
Although professional, unfortunately the commercial-instrumental note rules the new sequences while Alex & Co practically left the underground zone, even if that was what made them famous a few years ago. The future sound good, don't you think?
KHOLD (NOR)-"Masterpiss Of Pain" CD'01
(34. 36 min, 10 tracks)
(MOONFOG)
Ohhhhhhhh! What huge surprise! I have never even heard of this band until now! It seems like Moonfog is quite good at hitting upon new talents even if orientated towards old Black Metal fashion. If you feel like listening to DARK THRONE, HELLHAMMER or BATHORY in a fresh adaptation, well, KHOLD is available for you. The evil misanthropic atmosphere surrounds the entire album and, as if it was not enough, the black voice throws your heart out into a sinister morbid darkened world. Excellent sound! Although there is nothing original, KHOLD fascinated me from the very first tunes and I am so excited there are still a few courageous ones who dare venturing to compose music that is not on the top of actual preferences. I would say the four Norwegians play a Grim Norse Black Metal. The bass is rather dominant; that is why the sound impression is extremely grave and cold while the lyrics are in Norwegian language, which is the mother tongue of Old Black Metal.
All in all, Gard, Rinn, Eikind and Sarke are not some anonymous since they collaborated with various bands such as OLD MAN'S CHILD, TULUS, VALHALL or DEATH MISSION. In deed, I was obsessed by these tunes and had no idea why. Well, if you liked STRID, or in better words the legendary EP, then KHOLD shall straightly touch your hearts. www.khold.com , MOONFOG PRODUCTIONS, Abeidersamfunnets Plass 1, 0181 Oslo, Norway, www.moonfog.no .
HOLLENTHON (AUT)-"With Vilest Of Worms To Dwell" CD'01
(45. 07 min, 8 tracks)
(NAPALM)
Martin Shirenc, well known from PUNGENT STENCH, has started this project or VUZEM, by the time Austrian Black Metal Syndicate was in great ascendance. After many delays and, then, the disappearance of his own label, Dark Matter Records, Martin begins composing new tracks so that, in 1999, the first album, "Domus Mundi", is released under HOLLENTHON mark. The debut shocked the Metal scene so that many publications voted it as the album of the year. After two years, HOLLENTHON caught up the line with a new masterpiece, a mixture of Black, Death, Heavy and Atmospheric Metal, extremely fine evolved conceived and arranged, pretty elegantly mixed and dressed up, with a bombastic sound while the choirs and symphonic touches confer an original and fascinate as well aura. I had rough time when to border HOLLENTHON music into a certain style since each track reflects absolutely a different direction so that the large scale provides the listener 10 hymns of the highest class.
Superb! Mailbox 221, Landstrasser Hauptstrasse 99-101, A-1030 Vienna, Austria,
www.hollenthon.com .
YATTERING (POL)-"Human's Pain" CD'01
(54. 25 min, 14 tracks)
(SEASON OF MIST)
Kill-Slash-Maim!!! Or, in other words, outstanding Death Metal! The Poles have reached already 10 years on Metal stage and, although they play damn' well, they cannot sing their own praises with more than two albums while this is the second one released in 2000 and entitled "Murder's Concept". It is pointless to write again about an album launched on the market in 1998 just because now it is digitally mastered. This is a material which purpose is to be addressed to all true fans of such style but nothing else. I am not touched by this kind of products. Yet, probably the money again...
TACTILE GEMMA (NOR)-"Tactile Gemma" CD'01
(69. 05 min, 13 tracks)
(SEASON OF MIST)
This time I can tell you for sure we could enjoy an original futuristic musical project. Unfortunately, I must say it is a little too thorny for an easy-fitting audition but no doubts this is a very complex and attractive album for each interested ear. And I find this quite natural as long as the two voices are not other but sisters Edvardsen, Monika (ATROX) and Ann-Mari (THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL). The psychedelic outward show is completed by simple heavy sounds with electro or pop shades since Rune is quite a maestro in creating the necessary background for such strong female voices. The label's references regarding TACTILE GEMMA point out a strange kind of mixture between BJORK and PORTISHEAD yet in a metallic version. I can only tell you that if you like ATROX and THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL, then, this new project most certainly shall gain your interest.
SIRIUS (POR)-"Spectral Transition-Dimension Sirius" CD'01
(50. 47 min, 11 tracks)
(NOCTURNAL ART)
After a fine welcome for the last album, Draconiis & Co. decided to insist on the cosmic dimension as well as on the brutal side so that, in the spring of 2001, they came up with an extremely aggressive fast album featuring a symphonic background. Otherwise, it is just Black Metal, in Nordic style, something between LIMBONIC ART and old EMPEROR yet with a few resemblances of ZYKLON's new album. I observed that, on this album, Faust, Samoth (EMPEROR) and Daemon (LIMBONIC ART/ZYKLON) are invited guests. To be sincere, it really sounds great, full of power and atmosphere yet there is something irritating me... probably it is the constant manner all Black bands from Samoth' label use in interpretation...rather too similar one with the other, too constant in ideas...that is why I can only grant it with pluses for the interpretation part and the quality of sound. One more thing... I found quite remarkable EMPEROR's cover-version of "The Majesty Of The Nightsky".
www.neverland.nu/sirius .
LACRIMOSA (SWI)-"Fassade" CD'01
(40. 51 min, 8 tracks)
(HALL OF SERMON/ROCRIS DISC)
The album standard timing includes another 10 minutes unlike this promo version that I have in my hands, which represent as well the eight tracks but shorter and artificially ended. But let us talk about the sound. Tilo Wolff turns back to the dark mysterious atmosphere he expressed (and used us with) inside his first albums giving now up that dynamic explosive Gothic-Rock, more than entertaining, that he featured since "Inferno" till "Elodia". Although he started again to collaborate with the Philharmonic, the tracks sound completely different. The melancholic shades alternate with deep romantic ones and tragic echoes embrace the dramatic parts. Tillo's voice is much more sober, rather sad, with literary intonations... while the guitars seem to overwhelm more obstacles and the piano is majestic. Ann's voice is as charming as ever ("Senses") while sopranos and choirs simply are at the right place...
everything is growing up on symphonic background supported by multiple instruments which sole purpose is to fulfill the atmosphere. I cannot say it is LACRIMOSA's best album because I think the sound is too complex and the ideas had not had the opportunity to reach perfect harmony so that there would not be any notion of time or breakage of reality, contemplation...not in just eight tracks. It is an elaborated album, excellently played yet without inspiration. I might be rather too subjective and hard on him but I simply cannot believe Tillo won't conceive another masterpiece at least as dramatic meditative and mystical as "Satura"! Until that day it is good to see that LACRIMOSA has come back leaving behind regularity and commercial aspects for those who are prefect for such. As a humble conclusion, "Fassade" hardly touches a certain level that can only be described by terms like fascinating, emotional or dreamlike.
TIDFALL (NOR)-"Instinct Gate" CD'01
(42. 03 min, 8 tracks)
(NUCLEAR BLAST/ROCRIS DISC)
It is almost incredible to observe how promising bands, at their debut, lose the nerve in the meanwhile of their career. This is the case of these Norwegians who, after an intriguing debut at NAP label, sign for Nuclear Blast and all seems to follow an ascendant trend. Perhaps that is the truth yet, up to my opinion, what these five musicians perform on "Instinct Gate" does not charm at all. Let's clear my impression. When everybody plays Black Metal in Nordic technique and such albums record great sales, why should be innovative to create another approach of Black Metal? There should be no sense...the risk must be too overwhelming. So, it is much simpler to put in order some classical Black Metal passages into an atmospheric background (abundant keyboard), extremely fast battery, an angry voice, some special effects here and there...and here it comes another album-another subject of discussion.
If I had to reflect, strictly from musical point of view, TIDFALL might be a serious band, with an impressing sound, much rhythm and melodiousness, plenty of aggressiveness too and connections with hallucinating cosmic dimensions. Their strong point, in my personal view, is the battery while the sound's specific feature might be the keyboard. This is an album dedicated to all modern Black Metal fans...it might cause some waves yet definitely not a storm.
C.S.S.O. (JAP)-"Are you Excrements?" CD'01
(40. 31 min, 6 tracks)
(MORBID)
Clotted Symmetric Sexual Organ is the name of a band that, many years ago, in 1995, I believe, debuted with a quite an intriguing album entitled "Nagro Lauxes VIII". I remember a friend of mine recommended me this album and that was to a certain extent amusing for that time. Years have passed by and I assumed the Japanese quitted such job. That was false since Morbid label presents now, after five whole years, CSSO's new album as an inedited amalgamation of Rock and Metal styles from Flower Power to Grind Core. We can benefit of five extended tracks and a short one, pretty noisy yet with a little ambiance too, very originally weaved so that, here and there, a pleasant sound can be distinguished. It is a compound of music and parody, a Grind Rock that can only be regarded from a conceptual point of view and appreciated through the vision of a project with no limits either musical or textual.
Otherwise there is nothing interesting...perhaps just a relish to all persons mad for musical and stylistic experiences. Anyway, these musicians seem not to be mentally healthy. I would really be curious to read some poetry of theirs...
CRUACHAN (IRE)-"Folk-lore" CD'02
(45. 41 min, 10 tracks)
(HAMMERHEART)
Not so long time ago, I was referring to this new album as if it sounded in the manner of the track "Ride On", then CRUACHAN would gain some respect and immediate success. The truth is that "Folk-lore" is somewhere between what I desired and what I feared it to be. As far as non-Metal point of view is concerned, the album might be considered a masterpiece since all traditional instruments are capable of transferring the listener back in time throughout certain Celtic shades imprinted on each single tune. Moreover, the female warm voice enters in resonance with the Irish medieval atmosphere while Shane McGowan's clear voice reaches its acme during the "Ride On" track. I might also mention about "Spancill Hill", a track conceived in slower approach than the original one (legendary in Ireland for more than 200 years) yet as charming and captivating as well. As for the Metal perspective, I actually find no praising words or maybe in the case I replace Metal with Rock.
If Keith' voice were stronger and not so throaty and the guitars clearer and better mixed, then I might have considered "Folk-Lore" one of the rare successful albums in which Metal (Rock in this very case) joins harmoniuosly traditional music. Unfortunately, solely the non-Metal dimension colors and charms the aura of CRUACHAN music. I am sure that these new tracks will be well appreciated and elogiated since there are so few to venture in uniting such styles and though the competition is more than shy. Moreover, a good strategy was for John O'Fathaigh, member of the band, to draw up a superb cover and so was the remarkable manner of presenting the tracks while using historycal or legendary details simply meant outlining and weighting the CRUACHAN concept. I must say it is an astonishing and shocking album for each Celtic/Irish music devoted listener.
CHALICE (AUS)-"An Illusion to the Temporary Real" CD'01
(45. 10 min, 7 tracks)
(MODERN INVASION)
I was reading, one of these days, on the band's site Guestbook, that there were some opinions criticizing Shiralee's feminine voice coming from someone who took canto lessons. It seems like polemic is in ascendance over there so, if you desire having fun on such issue try www.thechaliceroadie.cjb.net and soon www.chalice.mu. Now, back to music, CHALICE comes in forth with their second album by all means not original yet tremendously attractive. I haven't listened to the first album so I am not in the position of comparing, which leaves me no choice, but to focus on this very album's characteristics: a mixture of Gothic Metal with Doom, very tranquil Atmospheric, a voice palely reminding me of THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL (Shiralee), a peaceful flute apt to create a certain mood of meditation, guitars' Rock, Gothic and Metal tunes, melancholic passages and romantic rhythms.
The sound misses a confident strength, as the only limelight might be the flute closely followed by the female voice. If regarding it as a unitary whole, the album has nothing new to show, nothing in particular since everything is a replica of European Gothic Metal sound in the manner of Stavanger/Norway's bands yet much more serene featuring also a few psychedelic tints. I found pretty curious that the seven tracks managed somehow to arouse my interest and even determined me to listen to the album for several times consecutively. It is noticeable the fact we can also enjoy pleasant Gothic Metal from the kangaroos' continent!
AGATHODAIMON (GER)-"Chapter III" CD'01
(42. 48 min, 9 tracks)
(NUCLEAR BLAST/ROCRIS DISC)
It seems like German bands own a great advantage if being under a contract with a German label. This very project presents nothing-new special or one way or another unique but the promotion and the feedback is made to measure the invested money. These young musicians have realized, in a short time, three agreeable albums situated someplace at the borders of Black, Gothic and Melodic Metal. Everything is fashion and sounds entertaining, the voice's inflexions seem more successful and the guitars approach an extreme fast rhythm interrupted, from time to time, by melodious even Heavy passages, the keyboard fully creates atmosphere...everything sounds perfect. The recording and mixing surprise from the very first tunes...yes, I admit it is an interesting album not at all monotonous. I am sure the AGATHODAIMON's live performance will strike as well as quite an impact! As a conclusion,
"Chapter III" represents a perfect album to the nowadays fashion, well accomplished, even successfully conceived yet not originally at all. Anyway, uniqueness is not an important factor for some of us...
CURSE (ISL)-"Cursed Be hy Name" MCD'01
(18. 38 min, 3 tracks)
(NO COLOURS)
I have always had an exquisite respect for this label just because of its underground message of promoting bands such as DIMMU BORGIR (in their earlier times), FORGOTTEN WOODS or GRAVELAND. CURSE provides us three Melodic Black Metal tracks in a computerized very atmospheric manner with an intelligently keyboard and linear guitars. It is much too early for me to drop a conclusion but it seems like CURSE might become the successor of FALKENBACH project. I think it is interesting to go after this foretaste of Atmospheric Island Metal Art!
www.no-colours-records.de
INDIAN FALL (ROM)-"Pathfinder" CD'01
(44. 06 min, 9 tracks)
(PROMUSIC)
Oahhh! A new surprise is coming from Romania! Last year I listened to and saw these Brasov people at the Buzau festival yet, by far, I could not imagine they are capable so well of conceiving and performing such tracks! I might be subjective and it finally could be in my account if listening to what I like. INDIAN FALL presents now their debut and I want you to be sure it is in deed worthy! I found out a track that attracted me from the first time and which proved that these young musicians are not limited at all, on contrary, their musical specter is exceedingly assorted and inspired. You should carefully listen to "The Same Deep Dark Age" in order to realize that Dark Metal can easily embrace different forms in spite of the fact they declared themselves disciples of Black Gothic Atmospheric. If I had to enter more details, I would say that INDIAN FALL sound is based on an avant-garde configuration, an appreciatively
flourishing arrangement of dissimilar styles delineating in abundance the main characteristics of melodiousness, aggressiveness as well as of nostalgia and sadness. The guitars' solos are fascinating (a very talented guy!), the keyboard is rather connected to a meditative dimension yet elegantly faces the aggressive Black passages...well, and the voice is mostly destructive, throaty and screaming as well even if during certain parts might become "hymnic", imposing, low-voiced or clear rather whispering like Castor's/GOD. The instrumental pretty simple and rather monotonous track "Late October" turn loose a definite romantic aura with melancholic reminiscences. "Still Raining In My Dreams" seems to be a successful sequence and thus I discover I prefer the elongated tracks (over six minutes each). It is noteworthy, although influenced by fashionable styles, the fact these Romanians could originally combine all
these guiding marks putting forward a large scale of musical influences. "Dreams are Followed" appears to be the most characteristic track of their style and perhaps as well the most complex one, while on the rest of the tracks they simply experienced more or less Black and Gothic Metal. I almost forgot, inside "Breathing", Mircea's keyboard imitates a traditional instrument, Pandean pipe, in such manner that the passage arrives to an amazing musical note! I detect that I only pointed the good aspects while the negative ones I did not touch. Well, I find rather too brusque the transition from lento to aggressive openings since the contrast is not as harmonious as the five probably desired. I am pretty sure that a straight orientation towards Dark and Atmospheric might raise a more appropriate mood for the listener since Black seems to be just the band's caprice which they wanted to turn into an
immediate advantage, pretty well yet less originally. In other words, Black Metal parts, although modern melodious and atmospheric bring nothing new and cannot be distinguished as well as the rest of the sound. I also should mention that "Things That I" first tunes introduce a soprano frame, which is a positive aspect that needs to be studied for future compositions. The booklet design follows the same perfect line as the album's and that is why I see no reason for you not to acquire in a hurry this debut. It really is worthy!
www.indian-fall.go.ro .
PUNGENT STENCH (AUT)-"Masters Of Mortal Servants Of Sin" CD'01
(47. 14 min, 10 tracks)
(NUCLEAR BLAST/ROCRIS DISC)
Such glorious feeling to listen to the music that once used to break ears! Martin Shirenc & Co. comes in forth, after years and years, with a new material just when everybody thought the band died. Fine aspects: a fresh fast sound, sudden impulsive Death Metal riffs, a powerful voice, expressive drums...and that should be all. Bad points: a monotonous common sound, resembling repetitive tracks, aged ideas. In other perspectives, the music can easily be confounded with the band's designation, which is an atmosphere that "stinks to high heaven".
THE DREAMSIDE (HOL)-"Mirror Moon" CD'01
(50. 10 min, 10 tracks)
(SERENADES)
The third album of these Dutch goes on with the same Gothic line they started almost eight years ago but less commercial and with underground hues, a much sober and grave sound. Dark Wave and Electro tunes are not so current while the voices are rather much closer to Doom/Death side than to Ethereal one. I must admit it is a charming album, rougher than the preceding one and there is nothing more to be said. It is a simple fashionable album which did receive and match up to its expected credits.
SUMMONING (AUT)-"Let Mortal Heroes Sing Your Fame" CD'01
(56. 28 min, 8 tracks)
(NAPALM)
I can finally write with much pleasure about an album that I listen to almost non-stop for the past months. That is curious since the two Austrian musicians have nothing new to bring into the sound structure but what they do...it happens to sound particularly attractive. The fanciful atmosphere embraces the Epic ambiance and the melodic peaceful Black Metal only strike the listener's ears when the aggressive voice can be heard. No longer after I was mesmerized by "Where Hope And Daylight Die", I thought that "Stronghold" might have been the album to make the resistance bridge between Black Metal and Avantgarde Metal since the voice tonality of Richard's girl friend simply was magnificently mixed with the rest of the sound. I was wrong and from this certain point of view, the album disappointed me. Otherwise, there is still just a track signifying the break of common boundaries and this time
Richard's voice valences leave their mark upon the entire sound so that DVKE references are more than appropriate and obvious. I even could find some tunes imitating SOPOR AETERNUS! You should keep in mind "Farewell", as it is a fantastic track, one perfect for closing all the accounts! "Minas Morgul" still maintains to be the best SUMMONING album since ever while "Stronghold" is basically axed on Heavy riffs pointing out the keyboard and the voices so that the melancholic dimension turns out to be their strong point. Silenius and Protector in deed did their job again!
SIEBENBURGEN (SWE)-"Plagued Be Thy Angel" CD'01
(61. 26 min, 13 tracks)
(NAPALM)
After releasing two demos and three albums, the Swedish get themselves in shape with new tracks structured in a fresh album, which was desired to be the best. Unfortunately, inspiration is exactly what Marcus Ehlin misses although the voice doesn't sound so bad. Yet let us succinctly see what we have got here: Heavy rhythms while guitars and drums are the instruments that can be more clearly heard and the female voice modestly yet not harmoniously interferes in the chorus. It is an album that gives the sensation of haste and unprofessional mixing with a very empty anachronistic sound. There is nothing modern and neither old style. It simply reminds me from time to time of older ROTTING CHRIST but that should be all. If "Loreia" or "Grimjaur" were quite intriguing albums, "Delictum" announces SIEBENBURGEN's twilight. This very sound definitely disappoints and I don't think there would be many devotees of Gothic-Black Metal style ready to appreciate such album!
NIGHTWISH (FIN)-"Over The Hills and Far Away" CD'01
(51. 14 min, 10 tracks)
(SPINEFARM)
I actually cannot find too many things to say about this band as long as their new CD presents solely three fresh tracks of which the first (a Gary Moore cover version) is in fact a traditional one in Finland and in deed there is also a flourishing (and quite juicy-in live performance) ballad entitled "Away". Otherwise, just live tracks and nothing else. This is another product released exclusively for money! When it is about DVD, I assume it worth spending money, well, in this CD case, I am not so sure! Perhaps Tarja's voice might change dramatically my opinion...
MORTIIS (NOR)-"The Smell Of Rain" CD'01
(50. 50 min, 9 tracks)
(EARACHE)
If you desire for us to approach Disco music or to dance each one's partner on Enigma tunes, well, the new MORTIIS album is available! I still wonder why he did not inverted the name perhaps into SIITROM, as it would have sounded better! It is disgusting to listen to such tunes especially when knowing that in my CD player is a MORTIIS album. There is nothing left from Ambient or Dark, those that once were MORTIIS' creation. The Stargate turned out now into a common commercial world indulgently named Rock or Gothic as well, EBM or pop...since here is no difference! We can meet now MORTIIS' natural voice which, together with famous Sarah Deva's voice, confers the strange impression of listening to NINE INCH NAILS, DEPECHE MODE or SKINNY PUPPY. It is a major change in what is available now and I wouldn't say I was tortured! I solely feel sad to observe how MORTIIS basically
mocked the entire Ambient/Dark Wave trend, which he solely created many years ago. I also might read between the lines and say that finally MORTIIS delimited himself from the very reason he became so popular and famous. After almost eight years since he caused a revolution on Metal scene throughout a relatively empty monotonous and just instrumental sound (at least that was the preponderant perception of those times Black Metal fans)...after years of traveling from Norway to Sweden and back...MORTIIS brings up a completely changed album due to which, because of his natural voice, we come to realize that the instrumental version, he used so far, was definitely the best choice he had. At least as far as Dark universe is concerned! Farewell, MORTIIS and good luck inside these new realms you entered!
