REVIEWS
Kogaionon no.9 - I
GREEN CARNATION (NOR)-"A Blessing In Disguise" CD'03
(9 tracks, 56. 21 min)
(SEASON OF MIST)
Strange sensation! Right after the audition of a first track I remained completely disappointed by Tchort's new Heavy Progressive Rock approach. I really had great expectations; after a timid debut and a second sensational outcome I felt like being natural for the Norwegians to follow up the Metal Progressive line they embraced so far. Well, it seems like their decision was precisely to break the underground border and to explore Melodic Rock realms. Starting with "Lullaby In Winter", GC outlines a more commercial and tangible facet with slow tracks of a certain charm. The entire album is ruled by a clear and perhaps rather too light voice (like in the Progressive style) and a mesmerising piano. Although the sound has nothing of Metal within, there is a Dark remain somewhere in the background while both keyboard and guitars follow tunes familiar to '70's sound. Thus, we could enjoy a calm Hard Rock, which simply outlines rather the inner harmony of the album than the virtuosity of the musicians. I still find so difficult to accept the fact that Tchort has chosen such a commercial line for this project... The future for such could only bring a contract with a Non-Metal label and a possible promotion of this album might be a series of various gigs. If the piano/keyboard didn't exist here, then the whole album might have been labelled as Melodic Rock with a light and really positive message. Even if for many Metal fans this sound might seem rather simplistic, I am sure that those who prefer more peaceful Metal or the fans of Rock would know how to appreciate this direction. Evolving doesn't mean the same thing, thinking or the same values for everybody. Probably, if someone gave me this album to listen to without mentioning the author I wouldn't have rushed to listen to it again... not to mention that I definitely would have failed to recognize the author... despite the fact that there still are some echoes of IN THE WOODS... drums! The album cover features a boy 3-4 years old, perhaps Tchort's son. As you well know, GC has suffered some changes in 1998, after 8 years of pause and the fundamental concept for the debut album was inspired by the death of Tchort's daughter. But many had happened since then and probably the fury and dark emotions of this talented musician remain to be expressed solely throughout BLOOD RED THRONE and CARPATHIAN FOREST .
www.green-carnation.tk .
ACHERON ( USA )-"Rebirth: Metamorphosis into Godhood" CD'03
(9 tracks, 53. 36 min)
(THE END/BLACK LOTUS)
Indeed strange... as I knew that Vincent Crowley's band tore apart! Well, in a new formula, beside those from INCANTATION, BURNING INSIDE and WOLFEN SOCIETY, Vincent returns with a new sample of Satanic Death/Black Metal but nothing spectacular or outrageously new since all is presented in the same furious and hateful manner. I cannot deny it is good music as, no matter what, they have reached 15 years of activity insisting on guitars' speed and battery's ravishing rhythms. We have now more diversified vocals since, apart from Vincent's demonic voice, we can distinguish some spoken words and even some echoes of female voices. It doesn't imply that ACHERON has become a fashionable band! The sound is unaltered... it is just that from time to time they inserted some elements of today... probably solely in order to diversify the music. The album's cover is so... disgusting, at least for my eyes... as who knows... some (Satanists?) might find it interesting. This is an album OK, which unfortunately is nourished by past not the present!
www.acheron666.com
AJATTARA (FIN)-"Kuolema" CD'03
(10 tracks, 33. 43 min)
(SPIKEFARM)
After releasing an album that didn't impress me much, The Finns come back with a new sample of Finnish Metal somewhere between Melodic, Death and Black Metal, but with a lento rhythm and a few traditional influences. The Black vocals seem to fit perfectly with the rest of the sound, which is obviously a trump card. This is a pleasant music but it has neither the strength nor the expressivity of an album intelligently conceived. It is just another kind of extreme Metal...
www.ajattara.cjb.net
AMARAN (SWE)-"Pristine In Bondage" CD'04
(10 tracks, 43. 32 min)
(LISTENABLE/THE END)
Such a weird choice! Extremely Heavy riffs on a background rather Thrash/Death Metal, with a devastating battery and a... female voice, this would be a succinct presentation. I am not used with such combinations and I admit I was a little surprised of such manner of compiling ingredients. I must agree, the female voice (a kind of MADDER MORTEM with touches of THE GATHERING) brings colour to a sound that otherwise would get lost into the sea of bands that approach such already "cannibalized" style! Moreover, such voice discharges an impressing energy and I think that the way it communicates with the guitars... it is absolutely successful! I can also notice tracks in which extreme male voices burst out and I believe it forces the sound to be complete. Well, I am pretty sure that on the stage the adrenaline gets higher and higher almost instantly! I realize that we actually deal with the second album, right after a well-received debut in 2002. In other words, we can face here something between IN FLAMES and ARCH ENEMY. www.amaran.net
AM'GANESHA'N (FRA)-"Somnia" CD'03
(14 tracks, 53. 54 min)
(HOLY)
I'd say it is quite strange this second album of the ex-member RAJNA, Gerard! He, beside other members of SPEAKING SILENCE and LES SECRETS DU MORPHEE released two years ago a debut of which everybody had solely words of praise. Brave descendents of DEAD CAN DANCE profile, the five insist on the same Ethno Gothic Heavenly dimension and bring here 14 tracks of a great variety, with plenty influences of all kinds (Tibetan, Indian Egyptian) usually based on exquisite expressive female vocals. Although I am a devoted fan of DEAD CAN DANCE, I consider this sound to be slightly out of any proportion and at a certain point all those female voices become rather boring because of some repetitive elements dropped in all along the album. They use unconventional instruments and create thus a divine sound, from time to time! Well, it is obvious that, like in RAJA case, we can witness extremely talented and skilful musicians but I think they insist too much on the introverted aspect so that they finally come to create a confusing mood even if the listener can reach a state of maximum relaxation! All in all, if you enjoyed the first album, trust me, it is worth to purchase the second as well! It is a special music, hard to conceive and execute but one that can go straight to your heart!
ANATHEMA ( UK )-"A Natural Disaster" CD'03
(10 tracks, 55. 25 min)
(MUSIC FOR NATIONS)
The seventh album of the British was indeed expected all around especially since the previous album, "A Fine Day to Exit" was pretty well received and reviewed by the entire musical mass-media. Since in my vision, the Metal experience with ANATHEMA practically ended once Darren left, the only thing I can do is to enter again the realm of Atmospheric Rock and to try to describe this new chapter. Well, by all means, it is a straight follow-up of the previous material and this time the melancholic aura is even more outlined with psychedelic Rock echoes, a calm keyboard, a romantic piano and transcendental guitars. The voice is simply unchanged and the calm set free is seldom interrupted by few aggressive passages, which actually colour even more the sad meditative sound. "Flying" is a depressing track, damned depressing, but superb and there is present as well in the "picture" the voice of the drum player's sister, in a simple appearance and with no connection with the other tracks. In fact, I really don't see this album as a conceptual one but rather as a sum of various tracks well arranged but with slightly noticeable stylistic differences. However, the last four tracks are the most flourishing ones and the atmosphere they bring into your soul is absolutely relaxing. We could say that Cavanagh brothers try to prove that there is still strength to continue the musical experience started many years ago, even if they do it in a fragile manner and (why not saying it?) in lack of new attractive elements! I consider that today's ANATHEMA lives still within the echoes of what once was since the actual shades of PORTISHEAD or AIR have nothing in common with the meditative Metal they used to perform long time ago! Or... to be even more precise: this very album is a nice one but nothing to be enclosed in the Metallic perspective!
ANKH (POL)-"Expect Unexpected" CD'03
(16 tracks, 55. 46 min)
(METAL MIND)
For me, this is an unknown band, but in Poland it is pretty popular. I am not a declared fan of such combination: Electronic with Progressive Rock or even Ethno-Folk and that is why I won't try to get myself into something I am not fully aware of! Therefore, I think this might be a new experience for many of you but I warn you, it is a little too heavy if not even too tiring, at least for my tastes!
http://ankh.art.pl
ANTIMATTER ( UK )-"Lights Out" CD'03
(10 tracks, 59. 24 min)
(THE END/PROPHECY)
Duncan Patterson (ex-ANATHEMA) has some perseverance in his veins and after a shy debut returns with a prettier album in PINK FLOYD's style and with some Ambient tendencies. Otherwise it is just Rock Electronic moulded on a Dark Melancholic aura, alternative vocals in lack of charm and personality, instruments playing almost perfect but with no dynamism or a clear message. I'd say it is an idea to be appreciated here as Duncan and Mick Moss are really talented with instruments but not that gifted to enter the "waters" of great Roger Waters and I must say... the vocals need a little more practice. Despite such, there is a track to be remembered, the second one. I see ANTIMATTER definitely more profound and serious than before with a single male voice and I believe that a future album must reveal the conceptual identity of these two refined musicians. But, unless they reach this, this very release can only awake your curiosity and maybe a little of your respect for such sound.
ANTIQUE (CAN)-"Book One" CD'02
(8 tracks, 55. 02 min)
(TROSTLOS)
I haven't understood almost anything from what ANTIQUE tries to express here. Should it be Metal, Doom Death, Dark Wave or Ambient... or perhaps Classical or Symphonic? I'd rather say it is a soundtrack! Anyway, indeed it is a bloody freaking weirdness in the proper meaning of the word! Here we are "enjoying" a sinister ambient sound based on a bombastic keyboard and a dubious voice in old WINTER manner. I think that this kind of musical approach goes well with a horror motion picture, solely a horror one! Otherwise, some guiding marks might be MORTIIS or ULVER but with a more Metallic note in this case.
http://trostlos.org
ANTONIUS REX (ITA)-"Neque Semper Arcum Tendit Rex" CD'03
(6 tracks, 43. 32 min)
(BLACK WIDOW)
We face here a myth for Occult Dark Progressive Rock field, which came to life more than 35 years ago and had Antonio Bartoccetti as mentor. Right beside Doris Norton, they succeeded to release seven albums, two under JACULA label and the rest under the actual one. The line up was different during the years but they both remained firm on the ground. This very album is a reprint of an album released in 1974, perhaps the best one after the brilliant "Praeternatural". What can we discover in ANTONIUS REX? Intonations, electric guitars, a keyboard church-like, sober atmosphere... nothing to be told or compared with. Well I sincerely do recommend you to try an experiment like this as well. It is worth!
APOSTASY (SWE)-"Cell 666" CD'04
(9 tracks, 41. 36 min)
(BLACK MARK)
If I had to overview this material, I'd say that this album brings nothing new into the musical scene. But... after listening and listening to the album I came to the conclusion that the Swedes are indeed professional. Featuring influences from CRADLE OF FILTH and DIMMU BORGIR and a serious touch of the Swedish Melodic current, the Black Metal presented here is extremely full of energy and explosive with an extremely atmospheric keyboard, Heavy guitar riffs and demonic vocals accurately blended in a dynamic background. The keyboard often reminds me of ARCTURUS especially of those cosmic touches the Norwegians used us with... all these years! It is a pity that the voice is so linear and focused solely on aggressiveness! I wonder how would have been if that amazing piano was accompanied by a clear clean voice?! Well, all in all, this is a sensational debut both in execution and mixing, which actually announce a new year full of extreme Metal surprises!
www.blackmark.net
ARCANE ART (NOR)-"Krita Ran" CD'03
(7 tracks, 54. 45 min)
(DRAGON FLIGHT)
Karsten Hamre comes up with a new album or, better said, with the instrumental version of the album he released at Fossil Dungeon. I haven't understood much from this sound because, at a detailed analysis, the fusion of Experimental Post Rock and Industrial Dark Ambient simply produces to the listener a strange sensation of a weird sinister music and I wouldn't be wrong if appreciating this music as a "faded" one. There are battery, guitars, effects, percussion and bass but they are not sufficient for creating an attractive friendly sound. Bizarre album... that's for sure!
www.neokunst.com/arcaneart
ASMEGIN (NOR)-"Hin Vordende Sod&So" CD'03
(11 tracks, 42. 18 min)
(NAPALM)
There is so much effort, so much participation and a colossal stylistic mixture! Well, this so much expected debut was released in august. They claim to belong to a Viking Folk Metal style and it is partially true. Yet I must confess, the rhythm ruptures confuse me... and I come to understand so little! From traditional parts (flute, violin, harp, piano, lovely female vocals) I find myself almost instantly thrown out in the middle of a noisy chaotic and brutal Black/Death Metal with a throaty voice. I do admit, the approach on the execution is irreproachable while the musical concept is really innovative but I am afraid it is not enough. Since, after all it is about a concoction of ideas and concepts, all packed in 11 tracks of which some are good, some are confused and some have no contour. Perhaps if ASMEGIN insisted on traditional-folk valences, the album would have been a real musical jewel. If I relate the album to the Metallic spectrum, then there is definitely nothing to impress. Another remark: for this album there were many famous guest-players: Lars Nedland (BORKNAGAR, SOLEFALD), Sareeta (RAMZET), Lars Fredrik (WHITE WILLOW, WOBLER) + other local musicians who have no connection with Metal. This is an exquisite debut for both concept and inspiration but in lack of cursiveness and shape. Maybe those would come along with the next material...
www.asmegin.com
ATRIUM CARCERI (SWE)-"Cellblock" CD'03
(12 tracks, 43. 02 min)
(COLD MEAT)
The well known Simon Heath (ZA FRUMI/Waerloga Records) has decided to found a new Darkwave project but this time a very complex one, full of mystery, verve and vibration, based on a synthetic sound obtained through out exquisite technical mixing, impressive effects and sinister noises. It is like a magic journey into the dark and thus nothing is certain, nothing is clear...everything is relative and unexpected. I think his music might be just perfect for some horror movies. It is pretty obvious that solitude, isolation and depression are the main sources of inspiration for Simon and the cold sad and depressive atmosphere thus created is just a great sample of Dark/Ambient with pale touches of Industrial. And for a contemplative "landscape", inside a background of noises and dazzling roars there can be heard from time to time some voices reciting sombre lyrics. A very important "detail" is that the album was mastered by no one else than Peter Andersson (RAISON D' ETRE).
www.coldmeat.se
ATROX (NOR)-"Orgasm" CD'03
(8 tracks, 51. 05 min)
(CODE666)
Monika Edvardsen owns an exquisite voice and its inflections remind me of Kate Bush! After three albums well received, even if hard to be understood, the Norwegians come in forth with a new chapter of Schizo Progressive Metal, very knotty, complex, outstanding and noisy. We couldn't talk about Gothic Metal but rather about a proper sound in which elements of all kind were inserted: Jazz, Rock, Psychedelic, Power, Doom Death, and Melodic... Well, as observation... each new album is more and more avant-garde and twisted, which may confuse the listener in a way or another. From another point of view, as rhythm and melody, the album is out of any cliché or pattern. It is impossible for you not to recognize ATROX or, better said, not to recognize that "crawling" voice... with Indian Arabian or Asian influences. The guitar riffs are succinct and explosive even staccato, the bass tends to become Power while the synth simply surprises one's ear! But above all I find indeed interesting all the passages where beside Monika's voice intertwines a clear male voice completing thus a sound rather too technical for the fans of cursive Metal.
www.atrox-web.com
AVARITIA (GER)-"Pulse" MCD'03
(7 tracks, 29. 17 min)
(EQUINOXE)
This duo follows the same easy and very rhythmic Gothic Rock approach, with pompous bass and euphoric guitar riffs, an atmospheric female voice, in British style manner or even more correct, in 80's Wave style. This very MCD is a very good one and the resulted music discharges a kind of a charming melancholic aura. I think this band evolution is something we should watch on!
www.avaritia.net
BATHORY (SWE)-"Nordland I" CD'03
(10 tracks, 59. 23min)
(THE END/BLACK MARK)
Right after the embarrassing "Destroyer Of Worlds", Quorthon brings now a part of his new compositions, in an Epic Viking Metal shape, which intends to reach a similar atmosphere as in "Twilight Of The Gods". Well, unlike the album released 12 years ago, the new material starts well and manages to keep this pulse. So far so good! From another perspective, the tracks are rather fade, common, resembling one with the others, in lack of force and expressivity. I have the impression this album was conceived in hurry and thus the Epic atmosphere seems "not sufficient" to fill an audition of almost an hour. There is a very good track, "Foreverdark Woods", which actually meets all the ingredients of a complete composition, from melodiousness, rhythm and virtuosity to Traditional Folk tunes, full of wary messages. I guess there are some tracks as well reminding me of earlier MANOWAR yet solely as far as instrumentation is concerned (vocals are really in lack of that tremendous vigour) and that would be about all! Is either the grey-age or the lack of inspiration, or maybe the desire of return to old times, well, I wouldn't know for sure, but this album turns out to be a fade copy of "Blood On Ice", not the best of theirs, but the closest to "Nordland I" as far as the stylistic message is concerned. Still, I find the album's cover embarrassing and so is the booklet's simplistic layout. So, it seems like not even this second part set the Thames on fire!
BATTLELORE (FIN)-"Sword's Song" CD'03
(12 tracks, 46. 44 min)
(NAPALM)
Well, this second album of the Finns comes out in a great profile and the Tolkian aura successfully conjoins the musicians' stage appearance. As far as music is regarded, BATTLELORE practically keeps in the same explosive highlighted Epic Fantasy Metal, full of rhythm and atmosphere and I must say melodiousness has found its origin within this material: Heavy guitars, epic choirs, traditional instruments, exhaustive keyboard, warrior-like vocals well mixed with romantic ones... I guess I'll never find out why some are that mad about this kind of sound! I truly find it rather too bombastic and much too commercial and thus sometimes a little too demanding for an incessant audition. It is, if you like, a beautiful romantic musical story made up in simplistic and puerile tunes yet pretty harmoniously completed just like if it was a "Lord Of the Rings" version in musical notes. Since I haven't caught this "virus", even if I make lots of efforts to accept it as a serious one, I do let your decision regarding this band review up to you and only, especially since this band sensibly amazes the entire Europe !
www.battlelore.net
BELPHEGOR (AUT) -"Lucifer Incestus" CD'03
(9 tracks, 36. 11 min)
(NAPALM)
I wonder how a band like this one could survive over the years since they actually play for more than 12 years exactly in the same slaughtering manner! This is a Death Metal in a blasphemy-like type, full of hatred, violent but full of energy as well! This is the fourth chapter of the Austrians and they don't seem too tired! Most certainly, this album will rise up the fans' adrenaline even if for the inspiration or originality topic... they don't have too many tools; on the contrary they could use such presence! www.belphegor.at
BESEECH (SWE)-"Drama" CD'04
(8 tracks, 40. 12 min)
(NAPALM)
The fourth album of the band seems to keep looking for a proper unique sound, somewhere between Gothic and Rock. If I had to be punctual and really critical, I'd say that "Higher Level" is an exact reproduction of what CEMETARY performs... "Voices" imitates TYPE O NEGATIVE elements, while "Forever Falling" sends you to THE GATHERING. Lotta Hoglin's voice is a really strong one but in the shadow of Erik Molarin's one, which is of low timbre, lightly baritone and impressing. I think the most elegant and successful track is the first, the one which gives the album title, as it is amazingly full of energy and Metal atmosphere! On the other hand, because of Klas Bohlin's departure, the sound embraced a new contour, more experimental, perhaps even with Heavy or Groovy touches. Otherwise... it is just a Gothic Rock with Pop references, plenty atmospheric elements, all captured together into a melodic structure, probably just perfect to enjoy in a live performance!
www.beseech.net
BERSERK (SPA)-"Rites Of Supremacy" CD'03
(7 tracks, 42. 53 min)
(OAKEN SHIELD)
We meet again Black Metal but this time from the Iberia ! It looks like the Nordic sonorities have conquered little by little all European corners. They claim to follow a traditional Black Metal and such can be heard on a few slower passages but apart this, we can only discuss of classical Nordic Metal. I admit, the synth outlines an atmospheric appearance, even a melodic one, but there is nothing else besides. The ex- ABADDON has reached the second album released and I am sincere when telling you that it is a very intelligent Black, pleasant, modern and entertaining Black Metal. Despite such...I am afraid this might not be enough...
www.berserkhorde.com
BEYOND DAWN (NOR)-"Frysh" CD'03
(14 tracks, 68. 23 min)
(PEACEVILLE)
Strange!!! But definitely amazing! I have no idea what they play! Started on Black/Death Metal structure in the beginning of '90's, the Nordic band has radically changed its style over the years and I think it is pretty difficult to label their music. I do recognize some electronic elements, some peaceful guitar tunes, the staccato battery and a superb calm clear male voice! It is not Rock, neither Pop nor Trip-Hop or Dance. It might be a little of each but the most important thing is that one can notice a deep Dark aura floating around. Otherwise, it is just an undefined music. It is probably something to listen to in pubs after a drink but I think you can dance it as well. I remember that after releasing an EP, poorly promoted, Longing For Scarlet Days, the Norwegians released in 1995 (if I am not mistaken) an excellent debut, Pity Love, at Candlelight. After that Misanthropy releases the most unconventional album they ever had, Revelry, and then the two experiments: In Reverie and Electric Sulking Machine. I don't know if this one is better than Revelry because the sound evolved fast towards a melancholic experimental Pop but Espen's voice still reminds me often of Michaela Gira (SWANS), which means quality, no doubt! It probably remains to be mentioned that the CD contains a strange video-clip completing thus the status of nonconformist musicians.
www.beyonddawn.com
BLAZING ETERNITY (DEN)-"A World To Drown In" CD'03
(9 tracks, 45. 54 min)
(PROPHECY)
This is just another tremendous surprise! After releasing an album that mixed brutal Black Metal with atmospheric Gothic touches, the four Danes have focused on a more peaceful melancholic and romantic sound. Thus, I can say that the latest compositions simply are a Gothic Rock jewel... with clear vocals, depressive guitars and melodic passages. I really can't say if this is a Metal, Rock or Pop album... but I do know that it is one of the first 10 on my actual playlist! There are some resemblances to ANATHEMA, KATATONIA, BEYOND DAWN... plus other characteristics elements for a sound able to aim straight to your (mine, for sure!) heart!
www.blazingeternity.dk
BLODSRIT (SWE)-"Ocularis Infernum" CD'03
(9 tracks, 42. 32 min)
(OAKEN SHIELD)
This is an elegant first rate album, well made up, accurate in interpretation and with plenty of melodic passages. All is based on Black Metal in Nordic style, with deep roots in MARDUK or CARPATHIAN FOREST . It reminds me a little of RAGNAROK's debut! After a discreet debut, Nazgul finds other three members and, taking benefit of Dan Swano's mixing skills, releases a strong album with extremely aggressive vocals and a battery that seems to never stop. It was a pleasant audition... turning my face to the past but..., let's not forget, we still are in III Millennium! Innovation, originality...? Maybe this is just an obsession of mine! www.blodsrit.com
BLOOD (GER)-"Dysangelium" CD'03
(21 tracks, 39. 20 min)
(MORBID)
These old timers still perform! It's been more than 17 years since the band has been founded and the Death Grind note seems not to be altered. With such prolific activity there is little for me to say even if what they play now is identical with what they started years ago: just aggressiveness, primitivism, apocalyptic atmosphere, explosive riffs, inhuman vocals and an outrageous battery. An album dedicated 100% to those who still listen and enjoy extreme brutal frames! And when I think about the fact there are 21 tracks in less than 40 minutes... I come to realize this is a real holocaust for death fans!
BLOOD RED THRONE (NOR)-"Affiliated With The Suffering" CD'03
(11 tracks, 39. 05 min)
(HAMMERHEART)
Mama mia, what a production...what recordings... and what a perfect mixed outcome! Although I am not keen on cursive Death Metal, this last album of theirs really pleased me. Which would be the "pluses" in comparison with " Monument Of Death "? Superior technique, emphatic aggressiveness, remarkable rapidity and a clear production! BRT features now that classical Death Metal that brought popularity to bands such as ENTOMBED, GORGUTS, DEATH or OBITUARY. In other words, we find here influences both from the American and Swedish scenes, while the fast passages simply remind me of old SLAYER. Everything sounds exemplary, by the book, I'd say yet with one single remark: the innovation chapter is completely missing. Anyway, this is a real explosive device for all nostalgic fans of brutality-type. For the rest of us, this is nothing more than a sample of routine...
BUTTERFLY MESSIAH (USA)-"Eternal" CD'04
(12 tracks, 56. 12 min)
(THE FOSSIL DUNGEON)
The second album of the three Americans is even more orientated towards ATTRITION or DIE FORM and its Gothic Dark Wave is even more loaded with Medieval, Neo-Classical, Trip Hop, EBM, Synth-Pop-dance elements. The female voice is dominant in the sound and even if very Heavy its multiple inflections are surprising. It is not exactly my kind of music but I must confess that surrounded by that many tough and extreme Metal sonorities I actually had experienced a great pleasure in entering a rhythmic technical and synthetic Wave Dance universe.
www.butterflymessiah.com
CARPATHIAN FOREST (NOR)-"Defending The Throne Of Evil" CD'03
(12 tracks, 51. 28 min)
(SEASON OF MIST)
This band has become a cult on Metal scene thanks to 2 demos, very well mediated, and probably thanks as well to the fact they didn't rush to release many albums! Even if the modern influences point out dozens of atmospheric bands, there is a Black Metal mirage, an underground-unaltered one that continues to keep some fans' attention still awakened. For those fans, CARPATHIAN FOREST is still a great band, faithful to an orientation that might even represent a life style. I should mention that one of the two indispensable members, Nordavind, has been replaced in the last couple of years so that R. Nattefrost has now as colleagues fellows such as: Tchort (BLOOD RED THRONE, GREEN CARNATION), A. Kobro (ex-IN THE WOODS...) and the bass player/synth Vrangsinn. The new material is greatly arranged and undeniably posted into the core of Norwegian Black Metal universe. I'd say it is rather brutal, not at all atmospheric (in a bombastic version) and probably less melodious than one could expect. Here and there, some traditional folk passages come out and produce a great impact to the ear and so it happens with the Heavy Metal guitar's riffs. It is an aggressive screaming voice and I think that the rest of the composition does not go too far from what we used to listen to 10 years ago. Even if CARPATHIAN FOREST comes out with probably the best album in their history, I'd say that the orientation carries not major transformations in comparison with either "Black Shining Leather", "Strange Old Brew" or "Morbid Fascination Of Death". I could even say this album is in fact a well-deserved tribute to True Norwegian Black Metal and those who still believe in this concept will find a great pleasure in these 12 new tracks. If we had to regard this material strictly from the musical point of view, the Norwegians surely bring out a real jewel. Let's see: the synth passages alternate with those of a tremendous drum machine, the fast guitar parts harmoniously communicate with demonic vocals and even the experimental tracks such as "Cold Murderous Music" or "The Old House On The Hill" seem to create such indescribable stylistic confusion that one could hardly label it. The entire album might be a "interpreted" as a homage to the devil/evil as the musical path is one walked by hundreds of Black Norwegian bands in the last couple of decades. In fact, CARPATHIAN FOREST actually prepared for their fans exactly what they desired: a healthy Black Metal!
CHARON (FIN) -"The Dying Daylights'03
(11 tracks, 44. 32 min)
(SPINEFARM)
The fourth album of the Finns simply goes on with a Melodic Heavy Metal line but this time enclosing as well plenty of Gothic shadows, which is a very inspired experiment. We can hear clear clean vocals, pretty peaceful ones and everything sounds natural without any artificial obtrusions or fashionable fakes. It seems like CHARON preferred to follow their own musical line and for such courage they do deserve our respect. Recordings and mixing are really super and I think this proves they are professional and committed to what they do; therefore we can enjoy a brilliant sound. On the other side, I think there is also pretty obvious that they do belong to that specific melodic line pretty characteristic to Finnish scene.
www.charon.cjb.net
CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN ( USA )-"Human Harvest" CD'03
(19 tracks, 35. 28 min)
(FROM BEYOND)
This is just another sick band and I have in mind the proper meaning of the word! Brutal Death/Grind, with plenty references to Gore, short tracks, intense energy, diabolic vocals even demented, distorted guitars, killing drums...hell over the earth! Sincerely, I think I am definitely out of any kind of contact to this "music"! And when I know this is the third album of the band... I start shivering... www.circleofdeadchildren.net
CLOSTERKELLER (POL)-"Graphite" CD'03
(14 tracks, 65. 57 min)
(METAL MIND)
This band is very famous in Poland and its activity reached over 15 years experience!!! They played alongside COCTEAU TWINS and CLAN OF XYMOX on the same stage and moreover, the female vocal player, Anja, once played with JETHRO TULL for the mini-tour they had in Poland ! This is an album initially released in 1999 but only now in an English version as well. Since for me CLOSTERKELLER is a premiere, I will refer solely to this material. Well, I suppose New Wave Gothic Rock would be the most appropriate portrayal. With a superb female voice and rhythmic or atmospheric tunes, the band has to offer to the listener a melodic melancholic sound, full of rhythm and nostalgia! All in all, the band has released 11 CDs so far and I think it is the time you should find out more about it by visiting their site:
www.anja.pl
CROMESHIFT (DEN)-"Ripples In Time" CD'03
(12 tracks, 53. 47 min)
(DVS)
Excellent Progressive Metal! The same as in EVERON, TRESHOLD or MAGELLAN cases (as far as vocals are concerned... there are strong resemblances with the bands up-mentioned!), the Danes come out with a very good album, sometimes too knotty, with openings of all kinds, in DREAM THEATRE style, which proves a certain talent at "handling" the instruments. As far as originality is regarded, I'd say they are not the best... but all in all... this album can be considered as a good one. As you all might know already, this kind of voice is not my favorite one and therefore I keep the distance from such style. Yet, I am sincere when telling you I have no possible complains for the execution!
www.dvsrecords.com
CULT OF LUNA (SWE)-"The Beyond" CD'03
(10 tracks, 74. 56 min)
(EARACHE)
It is for the first time when I listen to this band but I can assure you it is worth it! It is about an elaborated Death Metal, sometimes even experimental, with plenty of lent passages, a grave dimension retrospecting to WINTER or PAN-THY-MONIUM. There is an imposing voice and a surprising interchange in guitars' riffs. It is a tough-rough album and words are useless to describe it. I think it is a super-production you definitely shouldn't miss!
www.cultofluna.com
DARGAARD (AUT)-"Rise And Fall" CD'04
(9 tracks, 56. 20 min)
(NAPALM)
The album features a first track completely changed from what I knew... extremely long (over 10 minutes), with theatrical effects... like a movie soundtrack, based on bombastic choirs and a charming female voice. After such amazing beginning, DARGAARD returns to that enigmatic/magic Dark Wave full of romanticism and mysticism. Elisabeth's angelic voice is more present now than it used to be in the past and only seldom is interrupted by Tharen's aggressive voice. But even here we could extend our analysis as in the background clean male voices rather hymnal and of a choir could be heard. It is a synthetic sound but atmospheric as well, very melodic and captivating so that listening to all eight tracks it can only be a break through normality! The piano is even more powerful and clear with vigorous references to Classic and Dramatic while more and more passages are more diverse, full of colour and rhythm entwining both modern and traditional elements... and even medieval ones! After a fascinating debut, Tharen and Elisabeth have released another two similar albums, I'd say even identical, in which both tracks' resemblance and linearity could be the only negative aspects! The new DARGAARD chapter comes in with new elements, more inspiringly combined but as background... the music is simply the same! It was a real pleasure to listen to this album because it is about a unique sound: DARGAARD but nothing more! www.dargaard.com
DARK FORTRESS (GER)-"Profane Genocidal Creations" CD'03
(10 tracks, 68. 29 min)
(REDSTREAM)
Well I lived to catch this day - German bands recording in Pytten's studios, in Norway , namely, Grieghallen! Therefore, I found out that the album's intro (otherwise pretty bombastic and imposing) was composed and interpreted by Morfeus (LIMBONIC ART) while on few passages Ares (AETERNUS) features as well. The six Germans' music is desired to be aggressive and modern in the same time whereas the Epic Black Metal line is a dominant mark. Except the atmospheric sequences and some melodic elements interposed with female vocals, the rest of the material is a common place for Black field, perhaps a little too coloured and full of various influences, from Death, Black and Dark to la Heavy or even Atmospheric. Well, it is a listenable sound, in lack of identity, aggressive vocals punctuating the clear ones and with a fast and submissive drum machine. What I find amazing are the guitar parts, the fastness and skilfulness of the musicians and I consider such just the band's aces. On the other hand, I must confess, these new tracks are by far above those included in "Tales From Eternal Dusk" and this makes of it a high quality emblem for German Black Metal. I'd say that it is pretty noticeable the seriousness of the six both in conceiving and performing this chapter and I am sure it will completely satisfy the tastes of all adepts of multidimensional complex Black Metal!
www.thetruedarkfortress.com
DARK REFLECTIONS (GER)-"Dark Epic Metal Offerings" demo CD'03
(4 tracks, 16. 50 min)
This is a professional demo and I believe that the six musicians have invested some substantial finances hoping that this way a contract might be easy to get! It may work just fine, although I am disappointed of that Power tendency they developed. With a strong desire of gaining more and more popularity among fans, the band has decided to include in its proper sound as many influences as possible from Gothic or Doom Death Metal la Atmospheric or even Power Metal! Well, we have some Heavy guitars, three keyboards dominating the entire background and a vocal mixture that seems to be quite OK. I can notice a few Epic shadows but all in all I believe that the tracks are much more lighter than what they intended at the first place! Perhaps "Wishes Awaking" is a track more interesting because it grows on a "healthy" Dark Gothic Metal structure! For a demo, I'd say it is pretty interesting... but otherwise... I wouldn't notice it! Either Power or Dark Metal... it would be about time to decide over!
www.dark-reflections.de
DARZAMAT (POL)-"Oniriad" CD'03
(9 tracks, 42. 11 min)
(WOUNDED LOVE)
This is just another disappointment, another album I have waited with maximum interest but turned out to be in lack of any vigour. DARZAMAT is known as non-conventional band and throughout their two albums released a few years ago, they actually managed to shock everybody. There were many rumours that the band just split but here they are bringing up a very different album from what we actually listened to in their music so far. On the Gothic Metal scale, the Poles have brought various kinds of stylistic tricks, from Metal Rock to Jazz, Electro or Ambient. In a shy Ethereal note, the new album reveals new female vocals, rather more fragile and timid, modest clear male vocals (sometimes even annoying for the ear), comfortable tunes (perhaps a little bit too commercial), an engaging rhythm and a monotonous atmosphere. I'd say there is a track that makes a discordant note, "Elegy", as it has a folk core, lightly medieval tunes completed in a Gothic shape in a very peculiar and exquisite manner. Otherwise, it is an album that pleases the ears, easy to digest but with an overall sensation of insufficiency.
DAWN DESIREE (USA)-"Dancing, Dreaming, Longing" CD'04
(8 tracks, 42. 02 min)
(THE FOSSIL DUNGEON)
Dawn is the voice of a defunct Gothic Atmospheric Metal project, which got noticed thanks to a very Heavy execution. This very project is a very awkward mixture of Dark Wave, Atmospheric, and Electro-Pop with references to Ethno or Neo-Classic. The first tracks are very emotional, slow and with a meditative aura and the angelic voice with an ethereal piano are the main actors of the sound. The second part of the album insists on Electro implications with a more dynamic rhythm that actually shatters the whole concept of such music. The album is rather introspective even if sometimes attempts to reach too many musical territories... leaving behind a shade of confusion... at least this is my perception! I must say that Dawn's professional vocal abilities are amazing and so is that piano which elegant majestic aura is all around. Trust me... it is a beautiful digipack with an excellent artwork!
www.dawndesiree.com; www.fossildungeon.com
DEATH DIES (ITA)-"Product Of Hate" CD'03
(12 tracks, 44. 50 min)
(BLACK TEARS OF DEATH)
Ex-EVOL return with a second album, pretty much awaited by many fans since the band has a status of a cult one for the Italian Black Metal scene. If on the previous album there were here and there some modern influences, the new tracks completely abandoned any shade of atmospheric or rhythmic touch and the sound became extremely brutal, a Black/Thrash in old style based on force, rapidity and virtuosity. These musicians are very good with their instruments, something we all knew..., but I don't understand why they hurried to release such a simplistic and rather puerile album, at least as far as the conceptual aspect is regarded. If you desire for listening a sample of primitive aggressiveness you can confidently try this very material... if else, just press "skip"!
www.deathdies.cjb.net
DEFILED (JAP)-"Divination" CD'03
(14 tracks, 36. 31 min)
(SEASON OF MIST)
Again brutal Death Metal...The Japans have reached the third album and this one is as linear and common as the previous ones. Nothing innovative, nothing original, just an infernal noise, howls, a sick atmosphere, maximum blast and... Death Metal again. It is a modest faded album!
DENSE VISION SHRINE (NOR)-"Litanies Of Desire" CD'03
(9 tracks, 56. 45 min)
(DRAGON FLIGHT)
If in ARCANE ART I had troubles in understanding the music... well, here I notice for the second time (after a bombastic debut) a great music for film, very dark and kind of a gothic drama... rated somewhere at Horror and Thriller category. Everything is instrumental, based on various effects, echoes and shadows and it is highly professional executed inducing an ambiguous mood but a fascinating and terrifying atmosphere as well! This material is even more introverted than the previous one and I think that, thanks to its mystical enthralling aura, it deserves all your attention, an audition in solitude, far away from mundane activities, worries or other feelings. This is a genuine sample of veritable Dark Ambient dedicated to all who adore COPH NIA, LUSTMORD or PROTAGONIST.
DIMENSION F3H (NOR)-"Reaping The World Winds" CD'03
(11 tracks, 59. 23 min)
(HAMMERHEART)
Probably what THE KOVENANT accomplished during the last couple of years has become a factual example for many. If LIMBONIC ART has been put under ice for good, well, Morfeus seemed to have decided to continue his activity throughout this new band, which is more atmospheric or avant-garde than the former. I'd say that the approach of Black Metal is now rather fresher more rhythmical, more Heavy and domestic, which means: more accessible! Therefore, rather on a KING DIAMOND structure (the backing vocals are pretty much similar!), full of entertaining keyboards and Space/Electro effects, Morfeus develops a modern Metal with both clear and screaming vocals, tribal/oriental influences, female vocals echo-like (Anette/MANDYLION), some interesting riffs and a puzzle-like drum machine. I'd say that all technical details connected with the recordings are of superlative so that this debut deserves all the credit and appreciation. Nesmoht's voice potential (ARCH NEMESIS) simply impresses while the gifted drum player, Stian (PAGAN'S MIND, TRIVIAL ACT), proves that battery can play sometimes the most important part inside the sound synergism, which by the way is one of first rate. Well, it is known that Morfeus initially pictured this project as a solo one and a non-Metal one...but it happened that the result was so much different. Well, I'd say we should stay tuned for the next material, which is about ready! www.dimensionf3h.com ,
DIN UMBRA (ROM)-"Din Umbra" tape'03
(BESTIAL)
I haven't understood a thing! Exclusively dedicated to the Romanian audience, the four present here an original music...out of conventional patterns but pretty confusing for my poor ears! How do you picture the sound of a mixture between Psychedelic, Rock, Metal, Ambient and Industrial? Let's see: there are some commercial passages with clear vocals and extreme voices as well, a lot of noise and some violence! We have as well an ambient atmosphere with strange spooky lyrics and... that would be all! It is hard to frame the sound into a category or another and it is hard to describe it! Anyway, this is away too far from what I usually review or promote!
http://dinumbra.realnoise.net; www.bestial.ro
DISMEMBER (SWE)-"The Imaginary Direction of Time" CD'04
(10 tracks, 38. 12 min)
(KARMAGEDDON)
Again Death Metal coming from these legendary musicians! Well, we talk here about their eighth album and it seems like they haven't changed a bit! I don't know if it is quite ok to overlook from an evaluative perspective as if so... I wouldn't understand why DISMEMBER still exists... since the new tracks are as old as the previous ones as far as the approach is regarded... and maybe as old as the ones conceived 15-16 years ago... It is just that now they are executed and mixed better. I have listened to the album twice and found nothing interesting! Only aggressiveness, violence and speed! I suppose that all the four years of silence shall be regarded in relation with the new album! But... after that... what kind of DISMEMBER albums will we prefer to listen to? Well, for me, only the first ones! In other terms, I guess you have no doubts... this is a first rate Death Metal!
DISSIMULATION (LIT)-" Maras " CD'02
(11 tracks, 39. 56 min)
(LEDO TAKAS)
Tadas is well known for his affinity for traditional but brutal Black Metal. After a good job with the excellent project, OBTEST, he released now the debut of these Lithuanians... a debut that follows a well promoted EP, "Miglose". It didn't strike me but I enjoyed the sound! Aggressive Black Metal (Blasphemous Traditional Black Metal they say), with plenty of violence in expression, explosive vocals and demented guitars, a brilliant battery... and nothing else. The band is pretty controversial because of the association with a Nazi movement but it seems all is just a rumor. Anyway, this is an album with an elegant design, a professional recoding and an exquisite execution... and this would be the way I would and my review. Well, if up to me, I'd say OBTEST is much closer to my heart... probably because the traditional elements are more obviously pointed out, while DISSIMULATION insists on old style Black Metal.
www.ledotakas.com
DIVISON ALPHA (FRA)-"Replika" CD'03
(16 tracks, 59. 10 min)
(HOLY)
Cyber Metal? Well, it is hard to describe the music of these French. I believe it is rather a club music where those Techno, Industrial, Wave or Gothic effects go together under the new technology umbrella so that the final outcome is of an artificial sound with weird vocals but featuring form time to time some warm shades reminding me of DEPECHE MODE. I think it is a little too much of a computer abuse in this music... at least for my taste, but I can see that this particular kind of sound awakes more and more interest in people's hearts, all over the Europe . The CD contains as well a video-clip of which I understood nothing.
DRACONIAN (SWE)-"Where Lovers Mourn" CD'03
(8 tracks, 52. 38 min)
(NAPALM)
Hard times this band had to experience so far! Although it was founded nine years ago, DRACONIAN has only last year signed with a label. Probably the waiting was worth it since Napalm is actually a target for each band which desires for promotion in the most professional manner. Dark Romantic Gothic Doom Metal with throaty male vocals and angelic female ones and that should be all about their style. To be more precise, it is a kind of earlier THEATRE OF TRAGEDY mixed with TRISTANIA and some shades of BESEECH as well having as backbone a contrasting concept, aggressiveness and a bombastic atmosphere as well. There is nothing new, nothing special but a pleasant audition. We can say that the first track, "The Cry Of Silence", is the most elaborated and complex with a length of 12 minutes. The other tracks are rather superficial, somehow "not-finished" and even boring from time to time. In a plastic description the Swedes' music would sound like this: a musty band willing to release a Gothic Metal album for some good years now and finally succeeding to see the dream come true. Unfortunately, the release was too much time delayed so that the album is just about to be "out of time and place". There are: abundant keyboards, flute tunes, violins, dynamic guitar, explosive drums and a clear accurate sound... I'd say that practically we have here the whole package a band would need to strike to Gothic Metal scene. It is obvious that the album was well taken care of both in conception and execution and the seven musicians' efforts were remarkable. It is a pity that the inspiration part is missing! However I consider this material a flourishing debut!
DRASTIQUE (ITA)-"Pleasureligion" CD'03
(7 tracks, 43. 53 min)
(MASTERPIECE)
After a small debut already forgotten, the Italians have changed both the name and line-up of the band so that in this trio formula (Mahavira/ex-ENSOPH, Chris and Fay), they try to step on TRISTANIA and SIRENIA's tracks or to follow other Gothic Black Metal versions. Well, featuring some LIMBONIC ART influences, the three musicians open up an atmospheric album based on keyboard/piano and heavy guitars! Another interesting part of the band is constituted in the vocals since both the inflections and contrasts gradation actually develops a nice narrative landscape (sometimes even opera-like) that preserves a certain authenticity to the sound. The drums parts are very simple, yet "modest" should be the most appropriate term and I must say neither the rhythms are too much of skilfulness. It seems to be an album pretty ok as far as technical details are regarded but in lack of expression and strength so that it would be on the first places on top. There is as well a harsh and dark cover for "Maria Magdalena"/SANDRA, a track I hardly recognized since the vocals are at least sinister! But I let you anyway the chance to explore how to dance this tune in DRASTIQUE version.
www.drastique.com
DRUDKH (UKR)-"Forgotten Legends" CD'03
(4 tracks, 39. 26 min)
(SUPERNAL)
The members of HATE FOREST founded this project in 2002 and they already released their debut. Moreover, right at the beginning of this year they released the second album. But let's stick with the debut: amazing Depressive Black Metal in the style of all bands who come from No Color Records... or perhaps a different kind of SHINING! There are many influences from HATE FOREST and from HADES or BURZUM as well. This is an interesting album, in lack of too many new elements but very pleasing to the ear of someone who actually loves extreme sonorities, in old style. The musicians desire to keep their identities secrete... therefore do not hurry searching for interviews or else!
DWELLING (POR)-"Humana" CD'03
(9 tracks, 38. 52 min)
(EQUILIBRIUM)
Ethereal Neo Classical of first class! It is just like a camera-music for connoisseurs! With a Heavy female voice and a calm but expressive violin...the three guitars develop an elaborated refined and magical sound. It is a continuance of Fredo's music but with Jazz shades and lots of influences of contemporaneous music. Nuno Roberto has founded this project in 1998, initially as a solo acoustic experience and then developed it to a quintet. He has a poor discography meaning he only released a MCD, "Moments", in 2001 until this very debut. I truly recommend you this album as relaxation is the state you often need and DWELLING really can help you reaching such right after the first tunes.
www.equilibriummusic.com
EINHERJER (NOR)-"Blot" CD'03
(12 tracks, 60. 17 min)
(TABU)
This very band is one of the Viking Metal promoters and we can say that this new album keeps the same line! I have listened to the album for many times and I find it really good. Professional execution, good sound...all by the book! Unfortunately there is no sparkle for this album... no inspiration! Once we got used with materials such as "Aurora Borealis" or "Dragons Of the North", besides others like "Far Far North", "Odin Owns Ye" or "Norwegian Native Art", well I find difficult to appreciate a new album that has nothing intriguing to express. If it was to enter many more details, I'd say that the new tracks are closer, in sound, to the ones of "Far Far North". But we maybe don't have to be that criticizing because "Blot" still has some qualities: a refined material, full of atmosphere... where both guitars and keyboard play a high role. In other words, we have 60 minutes of Viking Metal that meets other styles as well, such as Heavy, Symphonic or Melodic Metal but I believe -sincerely- that they all could be compressed in 50 minutes as well and would have sound good as well. And I that this because there are some confusing superimposed passages extended absolutely without reason... yet who knows, maybe it is better to have where from to cut than not to! I expected a lot much more from EINHERJER, at least a healthier replica, and a bomb-album ready to preserve their inherited mixture of Nordic Metal. It wasn't like that but it was worth to listen to it. I think you should try as well as you won't have any regrets! Hot news: the band decided to split-up!
EISHEILIG (GER) -"Die Garten Des Herrn" CD'03
(11 tracks, 49. 00 min)
(NAPALM)
Fellows, I really am confused not understanding what the hell this band wants to play!? Should it be Dark, Melancholic Rock, Gothic and Wave? Besides the voice, which owns both impressing expressiveness and a unique tonality, the rest of instruments don't come out to be noticed in a way or another. It is, if you like, a kind of TYPE O NEGATIVE, but with German lyrics, medium keyboard (nothing to impress!) and simplistic guitars. I find it better than the debut, but insufficiently arranged for a picky fan, for example! www.eishilig.de
EISMALSOTT (GER)-"Best Before: Spring" 7"EP'04
(2 tracks, 13. 45 min)
(BLACK ATTACK)
Florin Dammasch (ENID) explores a new realm throughout a new musical project, more dynamic orientated towards Black Metal but in SUMMONING way! I wouldn't say it is that melodious but nevertheless there are some very slow atmospheric passages with recitals and intonations... I would say it has some roots in ENID as well but, generally speaking, we can talk about aggressive screaming vocals, fast riffs, a connected battery and great violence. Well, the rhythmic gradation confuses me! Nevertheless I noticed two complex and much elaborated tracks getting over various musical styles outlining thus a sound pretty OK. Important is to lay an eye on their debut... as it might surprise many of you!
ELEND (AUT/FRA)-"Winds Devouring Men" CD'03
(11 tracks, 65. 36 min)
(PROPHECY)
I must confess I was shocked! There was not a single moment in my life to come to the thought that these two talented musicians would come to express Dark art in an Ambient shape... especially since they had released some Dark Symphonic albums before that! Well, keeping some faded symphonic remains, ELEND comes into fans attention with 11 magnificent new tracks, full of mystery and meditation. Vocals are clear now and the sopranos excellently interweave while the synthetic sounds preserve a certain charm to this material. This is just a different ELEND, radically changed, a new ELEND who proves that music has millions faces... infinite ones, I'd say! As far as the execution is regarded... I have nothing but praising words! There is a major negative point: if you don't have the right mood, there are some "chances" for this album to be rather too monotonous with no colour... no shape!
ELENIUM (FIN)-"For Giving-For Getting" CD'03
(9 tracks, 41. 00 min)
(RAGE OF ACHILLES)
I have heard about this band in various occasions, I even received a demo CD, a few years ago, with few tracks but a pleasant sound! For this material we have a classical Melodic Death Metal, in Nordic style (maybe more Swedish than else!) often invested with Progressive, Atmospheric or Heavy Metal elements. Vocals oscillate between extreme and clear clean ones; the keyboard is in a rhythmic tandem with the guitars' riffs while the percussion is nothing but an accurate one. The whole material is in lack of originality, innovation... becoming thus just a different kind of SENTENCED, DARK TRANQUILITY or IN FLAMES. I pleasantly have listened to the album but it convinced me not to be any special or different. Maybe you'll get convinced...
www.rageofachilles.com
ELIS (LI) -"God's Silence, Devil's Temptation" CD'03
(11 tracks, 47. 43 min)
(NAPALM)
Sabine Dunser is known especially from her presence in ERBEN DER SCHOPFUNG, beside the famous Oliver Falk (WELTENBRAND). This time she has her own band but following the same line and, naturally, the female voice is the main feature of ELIS sound. Based on a commercial and digestible Gothic Metal, ELIS insists on electronic elements but using an entertaining and pretty Heavy Metal background. It is a nice album almost danceable and with many Pop trends and from time to time it almost reminds us it has some roots in extreme Metal, especially because of aggressive male vocals (luckily seldom featured in the tracks) that tend to "provoke anger" to those listeners who enjoy melodiousness. I think there is about much of tom-tom, bombastic sound, an exceptional presentation, a satisfactory result but definitely not a great one! Since it is both in English and German, ELIS might reach two different kinds of listeners but it might as well to touch none!
www.elis.li
ENDRAUM (GER)-"es ist ein augen blick..." CD'03
(15 tracks, 68. 41 min)
(IROND)
Well, this is a cult band for Dark Wave scene, an excellent replica to JOY DIVISON. It all began with CRUX ANSATA, in 1986. Then an intense activity followed under Danse Macabre and Weisser Herbst labels. This material is nothing else but the recording of a live performance that took place at the beginning of this year in Moscow , event I definitely am sorry to have missed. Now, when I listen to this material, I sincerely regret my lack of interest for this concert! Anyway, it is difficult to explain what these Germans play, but I think it is a kind of Melancholic, Romantic, Dark, and Wave...all in German! There is a bombastic synth... and finally a magnificent sound! This material is recommended to anyone! Hovi and Roman indeed are some talented musicians and I assure you won't be disappointed if listening to this product! www.endraum.net; www.irond.ru
ENID (GER)-"Gradwanderer" CD'04
(9 tracks, 62. 16 min)
(CODE666)
Absolutely in an elegant manner, Martin's band has succeeded to gain a great big deal of attention during its six years existence even if the sound was placed somehow at the limit where aggressive meets melodic. Their last album is the most poetic and probably most romantic one! Less Metallic, focused on atmosphere/ballad, an affectionate piano with a healthy Classic background, a cantata baritone voice, flute effects and a theatrical atmosphere and from time to time there are some passages with melodic guitars, which unfortunately seem to be rather too noisy, well, with all of that ENID proves again that bands like EMPYRIUM or DVKE were and forever will be guiding marks for such sound, a very expressive sound as a matter of fact! I find very difficult to characterize such music because solely a regular ENID listener could understand where Metal ends and Classic begins! For all old time fans of Metal styles, the album might be overviewed as avant-garde, experimental or simply one without any specific clue or guiding line... It may appear thus as a sum of diverse influences belonging to a wide range of musical styles, which may please but not impress!
ENSLAVED (NOR)-"Below The Light" CD'03
(7 tracks, 46. 19 min)
(OSMOSE/THE END)
It was absolutely natural for a band that successfully activates for more than a decade to come up with new elements in its style. In the Norwegians' case, "Monumension" represented the album that actually gave deep thoughts to all involved in Black Metal scene since all Non-Metal potencies practically threw the fans off the scent of what Metal was and fascinated them as well. Well, the new album insists now on that complex Avant-Garde Progressive direction fluctuating between melodic epic tunes and brutal ones. However, it is a Black, Thrash, Heavy Metal... in a genuine new profile in which the rhythm's ruptures seem to rule the sound, the various vocals keep shocking from a passage to another while the other instruments make confusion in the listener's mind. Probably there will be great reviews for this album and mostly thanks to the innovation it brings... Up to my viewpoint, I consider that this new ENSLAVED album actually succeeds not to accurately outline the new musical approach so that, in the most personal way, I think we witness an album of transition for the Norwegian musicians' history. The performance and the recording quality are as usual of first class.
ENSOPH (ITA)-"Opus Dementiae (per speculum et in aenigmate" CD'04
(10 tracks, 45. 47 min)
(CRUZ DEL SUR)
A better characterization than the one made by the label itself... I actually couldn't find: "10 tracks of pure unorthodox Gothic Metal avant-gardism that celebrates a perfect mixture of powerful Electro-Industrial elements, sick and disturbed orchestrations, unconventional extreme Metal and a huge range of vocal deliriums as you have never hear before." I think it is the most complex material The Italians have achieved so far and thus it is as well pretty knotty... less romantic more technical and experimental. This is a weirdness conceived to walk us through an extremely various universe... at least stylistically speaking...and I include here "Sophia's Fall" remix made by B. Kramm/DAS ICH.
www.ensoph.it
ENTHRAL (NOR) -"Subterranean Movement" CD'03
(8 tracks, 47. 32 min)
(DISPLEASED)
This was another promising band (8-9 years ago!) that managed not to sell the music in a proper way. If we take in consideration that their debut was released by the same label that released DIMMU BORGIR, Hot Records to be precise, then you should imagine such a qualitative Black Metal approach they had! One year later they released a new long-long album (over 70 minutes) and from that day...complete silence followed. In the end of year 2002, Displeased announced ENTHRAL with a new material and here they are, coming up this summer with the third material. The four Nordics put across an intelligent mixture of Nordic Black Metal, Heavy Metal, Folk Music, featuring as well some de Atmospheric Doom shades. I think it is notable for the keyboard part to be performed again by Stian Aarstad, ex DIMMU BORGIR member and thus e can still meet bombastic elements and multiple strains. If we have a critical overview, this album, even if well structured and arranged, is nothing... but one of dozens Black Metal ones, pretty similar with what usually Nordic bands perform. It is a pity that after so many years of activity ENTHRAL succeeds not to outline a proper sound, something which actually is a vital element for nowadays success!
http://listen.to/enthral
EPHEL DUATH (ITA)-"The Painter's Palette" CD'03
(98 tracks, 46. 33 min)
(ELITIST/EARACHE)
The world has turned upside down! What the hell is this?!... Black Metal, Fusion, Hardcore, Progressive Metal, Jazz and even Blues! Wow, this is too complex for my actual state! I understand that the new line-up formula encloses pretty famous musicians but not from the Metallic area, that's for sure; the sound is of high quality, well conceived and interpreted... but super-knotty! I have listened to the album for a couple of times and I still didn't get the idea! The acoustic trumpet, rather too soft guitars, a ravishing drum machine, abundant tunes... nothing resembles to what we knew EPHEL DUATH to be! If you like AGHORA, then you could reach almost the same satisfaction with this new product! In my opinion, Jazz measurement is the real accent of the new sound while the multitude of non-Metal loads simply outlines a very different EPHEL DUATH and definitely out of the Metallic sphere or maybe solely from the noise perspective. The CD includes as well a professional multimedia presentation; therefore, all curious people can actually surf through the information they might require. Davide Tiso proves to be the band's heart and soul since Giuliano's depart and what he has done here outshines the clichés' dimension. Succinctly, I haven't understood a thing if we have in mind a Metallic viewpoint. If we just take the sound and no other prejudices in mind, then I do believe the album should certainly feature reviews in other kind of magazines whose target is definitely larger than Kogaionon's. No other comments!
EROS NECROPSIQUE (FRA)-"Crises de Lucidite" CD'03
(8 tracks, 55. 06 min)
(ADIPOCERE)
This is an original refined music, full of charm and poetry, it is a Poetic Symphonic Dark of first class, situated somewhere at the coalescence of Classic and Neo-Classic. Olivier Clavier brings up, after almost five years, a new opus and the third material seems to be the most profound of all. With a superb opera female voice, tragic male vocals, percussion/programming supervised by Roland (ELEND), Olivier impresses us with an inspired music for which words are not enough to describe it. Therefore, if you are attracted to the experimental frame of music, you can have a try with this new album as it is indeed an authentic manifestation of dark musical poetry. And, by the way, stay calm, there are on the way two new albums, which are already elaborated!
EVERSINCE (SWI)-"Fight The Elements" CD'03
(6 tracks, 36. 02 min)
This is a very stylish demo in a Digipack version! Following a Dark Metal path, since five years ago, the six Swiss released now a sample of modern atmospheric Metal with deep roots in bands like CRADLE OF FILTH, IN FLAMES and even MY DYING BRIDE. This is a mixture of Heavy, Black and Death Metal in a grandiloquent version, with abundant keyboard and an aggressive voice. During the six tracks there are to be listened some other instruments than the traditional ones such as percussions or violin and even a shy female voice can be heard here and there. I think it is remarkable for a demo to have such a nice professional booklet and such a clear recording. They are not the best but neither the last in line... and I think that my rating means a lot!
www.eversince.net
EWIGKEIT ( UK )-" Land Of Fog " CD'02
(9 tracks, 39. 50 min)
(METAL AGE)
This is a surprising solo project... Mr. Fog is a real talented musician! After almost 10 years of activity, the British project numbers solely three albums and this is the later. There is one thing I can't explain to myself, how did it happen that no big labels were interested in EWIGKEIT! And I refer now especially at this last album! The declared style seems to be Epic Pagan Folk Metal, but if it is up to my appreciation I'd say that Mr. Fog performs something more complex, a mixture of Eclectic Black, Atmospheric and Progressive Metal. The sound is professional and the instruments sound amazingly great! It is incredible how a single man can come out with such great music... here there are some different tracks, from aggressive ones in a modern Black Metal version to lent atmospheric and with psychedelic shades ones. "Interlude", for example, reminds me in an accurate frame of SHIP OF FOOLS. The keyboard is the basic instrument while the voice simply emphasizes the grave note of the sound. The last two tracks are merely stupefying...both guitars and keyboard run through various styles replicating cosmic effects in a range from PINK FLOYD to IN THE WOODS... and there is a special atmospheric melancholic and really nostalgic aura you cannot miss... Even the voice is different here, warm and comfortable. Should I mention in addition that originality is EWIGKEIT's fundamental feature? Well, I actually am really impressed!
FALKENBACH (GER)-"Ok Nefina Tysvar Ty" CD'03
(7 tracks, 40. 00 min)
(NAPALM)
Even if we take solely the name of this project and we should show respect for them and moreover, this third release is really a precious jewel. It took almost 6 years since Vratyas' previous material was released but I assure you it wasn't in vain as this album is actually by far the most elaborated and inspired production of his. With the benefit of irreproachable recording and mixing, the new tracks continues the same line of Epic Hymnal Atmospheric Folk Metal but this time the clear vocals along with war-like choirs, frames of acoustic guitars and Icelandic traditional rhythms (we could even say Viking tunes!) simply lead to a fantastic state of maximum adrenaline! Though it is a very melodic outstanding album of an exquisite elegance and no mistake! Since I am a fan of the album "Twilight Of The Gods" (BATHORY), I can assure you that the new FALKENBACH has just broken my heart in two and thousands small frames... just because the sound is so much resembling to Quorthon's! From another point of view, this is the first album featuring all three musicians of VINDSVAL, a project under SKALDIC ART label, which belongs to Vratyas! If I wasn't clear enough, I'll tell it again and directly: my true opinion is that this album can equal a nuclear bomb... as atmosphere! This is a piece of collection!
www.falkenbach.de
FINAL SELECTION (GER) -"Anti Hero" CD'03
(11 tracks, 55. 44 min)
(BLACK FLAMES)
It is a really a mystery how this band activates for more than 10 years in the Electro field and I haven't heard of it so far! Well it is true they only released one album since then, Immortal Gift, but this is not an explanation, especially since the sound is indeed excellent! The voice reminds me perfectly of DEPECHE MODE or even MESH. If it was for me to come with my feet on the ground, I'd say that DIARY OF DREAMS would be another band that could be a source of inspiration for the two Germans. So, in other words: Synth Pop, Electro, Darkwave, programs computer...a synthetic sound abundant in melancholic passages, full of harmony and atmosphere, bombastic and rhythmic, dynamic and striking... that would be a possible characterization to define FINAL SELECTION music! I truly recommend it!
www.final-selection.de
FINNTROLL (FIN)-"Visor om Slutet" CD'03
(11 tracks, 32. 41 min)
(SPIKEFARM)
After the unhappy events that occurred lately in the band (a member died while the band's leader had various problems) it was expected to have released spectacular material in a short time. Thus, we can enjoy here 11 tracks, for the most part acoustic following traditional riffs and folk lines with an epic visionary aura and some Viking echoes of a certain charm for the sound. It is, if you like, something experimental without dynamic or definite strength, just like a fairy tale told in a discreet rustic manner very pleasing to the ear.
www.finntroll.net
FINNUGOR (HUN/FIN)-"Death Before Dawn" CD'03
(10 tracks, 53. 33 min)
(ADIPOCERE)
After a debut album well received, Gabriel Wolf and Nikolai Stalhammar keep on following the Black Gothic Metal experience with a second album, as complicated and diverse in influences as the previous. In order to reach a complete occurrence, they invited Attila Csihar (TORMENTOR/ABORYM) as a special guest and a female vocalist. Their sound encounters many stages, from brutal and primitive ultra-fast ones to medieval, folk, symphonic or melodic ones. Everything is pictured in a Dark underground note, with violent screaming vocals. As far as the concept is regarded, I'd say this is an interesting music but as a whole, I find the album not well-conceived/elaborated since the sum of all influences included here... is simply uninspiring mixed. We can enjoy as well a video-clip even if recorded in precarious conditions. Perhaps for all the fans of traditional Black Metal this experience might present a lot much more interest than what it meant for me.
http://finnugor.cjb.net
FOGLAND (ROM)-"Znaman" CD'02
(7 tracks, 44. 13 min)
(RADICAL CONFLICT)
There are in the Romanian underground some musicians who activate for quite some years now... some with great results... some with less than that. Fulmineos' case (from ARGUS) belongs to the last category since he didn't succeed so far to get through with none of his materials he released in the past years. What you could hear within here is a stylistic weirdness... something I never listened to until now. On a Poetic meditative and calm Ambient Folk background a simple and formal female voice intertwines with some screams in the style of old BURZUM! The guitars' sound is indeed primitive; there is an abundant but simplistic keyboard while the battery says nothing at all! There are some atmospheric passages, decently conceived, some folk ones, some Black Metal frames, all melted in a precarious harmony but as a whole I can only say that the mixing part finally generated a sound labeled as primitive and even embarrassing! If looking into a different direction, I might say that this is an album in which they actually gave their best and the efforts are noticeable even if there is a great lack: professionalism! If we only think at this as a demo, then with some tolerance we could appreciate it above the medium of what our undersized autochthonous underground promotes! We can enjoy a nice booklet and thus we may say that this product could wake the interest of those fans who still live the nostalgia of musical past times! I understand the future album will include as well some lyrics in at least six languages! Let's wait and see what's next! fulmineos@yahoo.com , conflict@k.ro
FOREST STREAM (RUS)-"Tears Of Mortal Solitude" CD'03
(9 tracks, 68. 58 min)
(ELITIST)
Black Doom of depths! How talented can be these young musicians! Even if the band was founded in 1995, they have a poor discography. I remember I actually wrote two eulogistic reviews for their two demos, "Snowfall" and "Last Season Purity", in previous issues of Kogaionon. I wasn't surprised therefore by the contract they signed with Earache since the three musicians if truth be told do approach a complex grave and outstanding musical style. I think their music is situated somewhere between the British Doom of '90's (MY DYING BRIDE, ANATHEMA) and Nordic Black Metal. Unfortunately for them, such style was in preferences top... ten years ago! For today... I doubt there would be many faithful listeners to such sonorities: Atmospheric Doom/Death Black Metal, but who knows...?
FORGOTTEN TOMB (ITA)-"Springtime Depression" CD'03
(6 tracks, 46. 48 min)
(ADIPOCERE)
If only I remember what Dark Depressive Metal bands used to be ages ago! SHINING, for example, is a fortunate case in which the same strong and "healthy" underground line is preserved despite all musical fashions or else and the sound is weird and really nocturnal. Not too far from this band is FT with a lent and atmospheric Black Metal performed in a duality of sinister and charming tunes. From a Misanthropic Sick Black Metal started four years ago. Morbid's band has changed the track especially after an acclaimed debut, "Songs To Leave" (KATATONIA+BURZUM+DOLORIAN), and turned to a weird lent suicidal-depressive, really pessimistic and grave tone: depressed angry and ugly vocals, prolonged guitar solos, drums in cadenza, lugubrious atmosphere. To be more precise, we can talk about a sick mixture of Dark, Doom and Black Metal. I really liked this material even if there is nothing new or bold about it. But there is still my nostalgia for WINTER which actually "affects" my judgement. I find interesting that the album was recorded in Tommy Tagtgren's studio (just imagine the mixing!) while the drum part belonged to Wedebrand (ex-SHINING). I recommend it solely to those who know to appreciate Black Metal in a classical way. www.forgottentomb.com
FORMS OF THINGS UNKNOWN ( USA )-"Cross Purposes" CD'03
(5 tracks, 29. 11 min)
(PANAXIS)
Here we have plenty of talented musicians and one of them is Ferrara Brain Pan, a veteran of an unknown scene for those who may browse the book of Metal or Gothic accessories. He can be identified with some weird projects starting with '70's and his musical palette includes Dark or Ambient echoes (23 DEGREES, DARMSTADT PHARMACY), Noise (BOYD RICE), Goth (BAD ALCHEMY) as well as the legendary FAUST. In this very case, this project orientation swings between Dark Ambient, Medieval, Rock and even Jazz. Thus, we can hear a variety of instruments such as clarinet, saxophone, flutes and other musical accessories for blowing beside sopranos, baritone... It is a real weirdness... an experiment but definitely... an interesting one! Well, it actually has no possible connection with the musical field I write about... for many years now... but it is interesting.
www.formsofthingsunknown.com
FORSAKEN (MAL)-"Iconoclast" MCD'02
(4 tracks, 34. 27 min)
( GOLDEN LAKE )
What a great misfortune for this band to come from a small country! Although founded in 1990, the five musicians have released so far the debut in 1997 and this very MCD. It is a pity and a sad thing to see how a first rate Doom Metal is ignored on Metal scene. Therefore, I tell you, all fans of bands like ST. VITUS, COUNT RAVEN, CATHEDRAL or SOLITUDE AETURNUS, by all means, do not miss this MCD! It is a genuine sample of old Metal with prolonged guitar solos, strange keyboard tunes, placed into the sound solely to create a sober atmosphere, clear clean voice (with progressive touches) and some echoes of female vocals followed by a slow rhythmic battery. Although it brings nothing new, FORSAKEN proves that Doom Metal spirit of 15-20 years ago is still alive! And for such attainment, they have gathered all my respect! http://forsaken_malta.tripod.com
FORTID (ICE)-"Voluspa Part I/Thor's Anger" CD'03
(7 tracks, 44. 35 min)
(NO COLOURS)
It is incredible how inspired could be this talented musician on his name, Eldur. His background started to grow ten years ago when THULE project was brought up to life. And then the veritable "bomb", POTENTIAM, followed. Not so long ago, a new project, CURSE, began to gather many fans and so we can say that Eldur has no moment of pause. FORTID is a solo project that attempts to merge the old Black Metal style with traditional Viking elements and I think both the symphonic, bombastic touch and the aggressive, brutal underground one are on the same level of importance! Here from it is initiated a first part of a trilogy and there is no way for this material not to enchant the fans of first rate Black Metal. Perhaps not the mixing is the key element of the album/sound but it is important for you to listen to this music and to see how this guy manages to put into light a kind of music that does no longer exist. I recommend it for its conceptual manner of sketching a magnificent Black Metal with no other modern crap influences.
FRAGILE HOLLOW (FIN)-"Efete Mind" CD'03
(12tracks, 45. 00 min)
(AVANTGARDE)
I remember that two years ago I received a MCD in a digipack format and its music sounded surprisingly good for a material released throughout personal financial resources. By that time the band's name was PROPHET and I was really curious to find out if Aleksi's team would succeed to sign with a serious label. Well, time went by and I haven't herd of them until Roberto sent me this very material and... right after the first tunes... my first thought lead me to PROPHET. Well, well, the band indeed changed its name and not only... the luck as well... and everything sounds so optimistic...! Everything... BUT their music! A very melodious Gothic Atmospheric Metal is what they play and there are some obvious references to bands like KATATONIA, ANATHEMA, HIM, TO/DIE/FOR or even newer such as DIVERCIA. The clear voice is accompanied by a bombastic keyboard and they bring you to a comfortable state of mind. Despite these praising words, I must say that beside very good tracks...there are as well some modest ones and it gives a sensation that this album is rather a compilation than a material well gathered together in 12 sequences. I am sure that the second material will take care of this inconvenient and I have found out it actually is already conceived. Anyway, this was a pleasant surprise even if the most devoted Metal fans might say that the Finns prefer Disco Pop instead of else...
FROST ( UK )-"Talking To God" CD'03
(9 tracks, 44. 34 min)
(THE END/RAGE OF ACHILLES)
After a pale monotonous debut, "Cursed Again", the three come back with a new sample of aggressive Necro Black Metal with two sick angry voices and a sound oscillating between a Norwegian atmosphere and a weird distorted world... Try to imagine a traditional DARK THRONE blended into a dimension of twisted knotty necro effects. I think that from time to time there are rhythms reminding me of the immortal BATHORY or some clear opera voices shocking my ear, which actually during the musical journey got used solely with noisy linear sequences. Probably this is a fine experiment to be tasted by all fans of unconventional Black Metal.
www.filthyblackshit.tk
FROZEN SHADOWS (CAN)-"Hantises" CD'04
(8 tracks, 50. 46 min)
(HOLY)
I don't find quite inspired the choice Holy made in this particular case! Although at the third material, the Canadian band seems to be pretty common and linear and this violent fast Black Metal has nothing interesting to point out! The voices are rather too aggressive and the guitar riffs insist on a primitive sound... there was nothing else to have noticed in addition. From BURZUM to DARK THRONE... this is their universe! Modest, limited, not at all original... but with a great execution! But is it enough?
GOTHICA (ITA)-"The Cliff Of Suicide" CD'03
(10 tracks, 43. 06 min)
(CMI)
After a debut with a great feedback in media spheres, the Italians return with a compact album, now more experimental than before, in a better shape and more melodious than the previous material. There is a strong similitude with DEAD CAN DANCE and the female vocals seem to have been improved. The choral arrangements sound better and so it can be said about the male vocals that interfere from time to time. It is not a remarkable album but I find it much better than the debut. The Gothic part obviously feathers the Ambient, Ethereal or Wave progressions. You can enjoy as well a video clip in which the stone of despair, the seashores and some other fatidic images so much outline the suicide idea. DCD and ATARAXIA fans have plenty of reasons to be glad of such appearance because GOTHICA tries to maintain alive a direction of this sort.
www.gothicaHomepage.cjb.net
GRAVELAND (POL)-"The Fire Of Awakening" CD'03
(5 tracks, 46. 52 min)
(NO COLOURS)
Rob Darken is a vivid legend for the Polish Black Metal scene and his involvement in such sonorities is out of any possible doubt. After more than ten years of activity in GRAVELAND, Rob returns with a conceptual album, which has the merit of reminding us of old "Immortal pride" or "Thousand Swords". If I need to be critical over this, I'd say that the new compositions have nothing new to present and everything is just what once BATHORY already was. If I have to compare it with the previous materials, I must say that GRAVELAND brings now more complex sequences, longer ones, rather based on keyboard and with a more aggressive voice (but average this time). All in all, I think we should take this album as an authentic sample of Black Metal, not compromised yet by all fashionable elements of today's trends... and although it makes use of a bombastic synth it still succeeds in maintaining that mystical dark note.
GRAVEWORM (AUT/ITA)-"Engraved In Black" CD'03
(9 tracks, 42. 16 min)
(NUCLEAR BLAST)
Melodic Black Metal in line! Nothing interesting, nothing special... maybe one single Celtic traditional track, which actually has nothing in common with the rest of the tracks! I think that those CRADLE OF FILTH clones continue to live well approaching the same stylistic manner with linear screaming voice, extremely fast riffs, never-ending battery and an abundant keyboard (this time somehow more intelligently used than in times before...). I couldn't say I was disappointed but neither that I would carry it in my mind for long time...! I must say, all is executed in a professional way and pretty seriously but I am afraid this is not sufficient for a band to walk the same road Cradle started 10 years ago...! Perhaps it is... solely if the purpose is to listen to another first rate Black Metal album... but what about originality, gentlemen? To copy in an elegant manner might be a merit but definitely not recognition! It is a pity for this album didn't appear 10 years ago! Most certainly it must have been quite a shock for Black Metal scene... Anyway... who knows what today Black fans might prefer?!
HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE ( USA )-"The August Engine" CD'03
(7 tracks, 44. 26 min)
(CRUZ DEL SUR MUSIC)
John Cobbett (AMBER ASYLUM, SLOUGH FEG) is the one who hide behind this band, which until no longer ago used to be called UNHOLY CADAVER. The Americans' second album has to offer a complex Metal, full of Heavy Metal frames and even Non-Metal ones, with knotty intertwines and Progressive rhythms, clear vocals (both male and female ones)... sometimes too reedy for a style which is desired to be extreme. In fact, if I think twice this music can be all but extreme and it would rather be in the tone of bands such as MEGADETH, METALLICA, IRON MAIDEN... but with modern Metallic breath. It is a successful interpretation but which, unfortunately, impresses me not as it traces a too shiny sound for my tastes!
www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
HANDFUL OF HATE (ITA)-"Vicecrown" CD'03
(9 tracks, 35. 01 min)
(CODE666)
Regretfully I must say that Code666 choice wasn't the best this time, at least as far as I am concerned. Perhaps, financially speaking, it may have logic but, up to me, the Italians' music simply doesn't say anything. The label's characterization is: MARDUK mixed with ANGELCORPSE. So, this should be simple and clear: ultra-aggressive and fast Black Death Metal with ravishing riffs, demonic vocals and an explosive battery. It is an inferno in true meaning of word but nothing else! Although this is the third album in more than 10 years of activity on Metal scene, the Italian band has nothing interesting to express while the musical message is just one of anger and virtuosity and I think it is a way too limited and simplistic for this millennium!!!
www.handfulofhate.com
HATE FOREST (UKR)-"Purity" CD'03
(7 tracks, 44. 38 min)
(SUPERNAL)
Starting with 1995 there were many written reviews about this band but, despite of such, the Ukrainians are not exactly eager to agree with interviews or disclosing any other details about them. Declared descendant of Slavic mythology, with obvious references in Nietzsche's philosophy, the guys bring up here a first rate Elitist Black Metal with Grim, Fast, Cold and Epic valences as well. It is a Black Metal in old style reminding me of the Nordic band, HADES, very well elaborated and in a complete harmony. Right after a first audition, I realized that sometimes... even a music which has nothing original in...may create a certain state of mind for the listener. Sincerely speaking... this music turned me back in time... to a period when to set churches on fire in Norway... was just about to become a fashion while Black Metal didn't reach yet the status of a mass phenomenon. Those extreme vocals have their charm and so is the drum machine which is continuous in the background... not to mention about that primitive approach of the guitars... It is all great! This album has no chance but to enchant... all the fans who adore classic Nordic Metal... in lack of special effects or other modern touches... such as keyboard or female vocals! Excellent! www.supernalmusic.com
HIMINBJORG (FRA)-"Golden Age"
(CD'03 7 tracks, 38. 43 min)
(ADIPOCERE)
Disappointment! After three successful albums released by Red Stream Zahaah comes back with a different formula both in line up and concept. Therefore, what was once an intelligent Viking Black Metal invested with Ambient echoes becomes now a Black Metal with common pagan and aggressive shades. It is just a small difference in the voice's inflections that suggests me not to confound HIMINBJORG with thousands such bands! I don't know what happened with these French musicians but their new album didn't touch me.... at all! I guess there is nothing wrong with the execution but solely with that it is a little hard to preserve the fans' respect and interest. I'd say we'd rather forget about this album and better hope for the next one to be inspired.
ILLNATH (DEN)-"Cast Into Fields Of Evil Pleasure" CD'03
(9 tracks, 39. 35 min)
(WORLD CHAOS)
FLAGELLATION was the initial name of the band, in 1997, and after many changes in the line up, they came to release the debut at the Japanese label. I don't think I could find there a better or more accurate clone to CRADLE OF FILTH! I'd say that the melodic part of the entertaining Black Metal seems to be more insistent and there is a real picture of various spicy sequences (abundant keyboard, female vocals, choral echoes), which cannot do else but to shock the fans of extreme music. There is much colour in the booklet as well, full of sparkling elements, therefore, there is about Majestic Black Metal in superlative notes! Well... as far as originality is concerned, I must say that the Danes are pretty poor... like many other bands in the actual Metal scene. For a debut, I must say, you should definitely listen to it! www.world-chaos.com; www.illnath.dk
IMPALED NAZARENE (FIN)-"All That You Fear" CD'03
(13 tracks, 42. 50 min)
(OSMOSE/THE END)
From a certain point of view, it is better for The Finns to have left behind experiments and to have returned to both aggressiveness and rapidity that once made them famous! On the other hand, the sound is rather linear and pretty common and there are no new elements to make a difference! Yet when we talk about the eighth album we ask ourselves: what would they possibly come up with? Therefore, here they come with: first rate Black/Thrash Metal with plenty of Heavy Metal influences and excellent guitar riffs! It probably is a perfect album for the adepts of this style! And I find it natural since no one can contest their professionalism!
www.impnaz.com
IN THE WOODS... (NOR)-"Live At The Caledonienhall" DCD'03
(20tracks, 145. 44 min)
(KARMAKOSMETIX/PROPHECY)
This life brought me plenty of moments of regretting things I did or I actually hadn't chance to do and amongst such I can number the fact I couldn't go to the farewell concert of these fantastic musicians! What can I tell you about almost three hours of music otherwise you all know (except 2-3 tracks), which in a live performance has a different expression? There is no point to say that many tunes are so much different from the studio version and so are the vocals or that some tracks, which used to be brutal come out in an altered silhouette... because it would be no good and understood to be like that. If this music fascinated you once then I believe that you shouldn't miss this release for your collection! I feel it is my duty to inform you which formula was IN THE WOODS... on the evening of 29th December 2000: Mista Tranzit (voc), C:M Botteri (bass), X-Botteri (g), A. Kobro (dr), Christer A. Cederberg (g), Oddvar A:M (g), Bjorn (g), Synne (voc), Stein (bass). Through "Closing In" track, Jan Transit actually features a farewell to the fans and obviously in many languages! But why don't you try to listen to it live? The CD is worth all the money if we mention that you might enjoy as well (as a bonus) a compilation of bands close to IN THE WOODS... such as STILLE OPPROR, TRANSIT, NAERVAER or HUGE BROWN. IN THE WOODS... are dead-long live Karmakosmetix!
www.karmakosmetix.com
(22.09)
INHEPSIE (FRA)-"Oracle" CD'03
(8 tracks, 45. 57 min)
(HAR/SACRAL)
This duet is in the same proportion both weird and confusing! It is a kind of Atmospheric Metal governed by a warm female voice with opera inflections. Her voice reminds me of THE GATHERING but I think that having the lyrics in French might be a nice step to meet an original proper sound. We have here elegant relaxing guitars, a melancholic synth, discreet effects and all in all we can speak about a romantic aura with meditative touches and a peaceful pleasing sound. I'd say it is not a modern Metal cliché but neither something of a strong personality! Probably it is an experimental material, pale, of underground and in lack of strength.
JAMISON YOUNG (AUS)-"Shifting Sands Of A Blue Car" CD'03
(12 tracks, 58. 43 min)
(NAUTILUS)
I don't really know why this album has to be reviewed in here since it has nothing in common with Kogaionon's orientation. Probably an explanation would be that this guy's music is extremely relaxing and pleasant or maybe because from time to time you might find attractive to explore an easy mixture of Chris Isaac, PINK FLOYD and OPPOSITION. This CD contains two video-clips as well and this is a fact to sustain a high standard. If you are curious, try visiting
www.nautilusmusic.com
KADENZZA (JAP) -"Into The Oriental Phantasma" CD'03
(6 tracks, 44. 44 min)
(HOLY)
Extreme Metal in the most accurate conduct! I couldn't explain exactly what they perform, but I can assure you instead that it is damn original! They define themselves to have approached a Grand Sympho Kamikaze Metal style! If up to me, I'd say that the Metal fury comes from those riffs in Y. Malmsteen manner or the tunes EMPEROR-like reaching even technical rhythms in MEKONG DELTA style or progressive ones. The keyboard is definitely intelligently used and the aggressive vocals alternate with Heavy ones putting forth an incendiary atmosphere! It is a weird musical approach but since Japan is not exactly a Metal land we can regard KADENZZA as an exotic experience, a pretty nice one and yet full of mystery! www.kadenzza.com
KALMAH (FIN)-"Swampsong" CD'03
(9 tracks, 43. 51 min)
(SPIKEFARM)
The third album of these Finns is based on speed combined with melodiousness. In lack of a proper concept but having a plain similitude with CATAMENIA's sound, KALMAH provides evidence that Melodic Black Metal becomes a mass-phenomenon for the Finnish Metal scene and, I must say, the mixture of aggressiveness and atmosphere plays a key-role in the sound of bands like this. I could say that Heavy Metal elements are now even more precisely pointed out because of astounding guitars while the keyboard reminds of AMORPHIS' debut album. This is a material completely in lack of originality but it surely can please the fans of extreme Metal. It is a well elaborated album but that would be about all. www.kalmah.com
KATATONIA (SWE)-"Viva Emptiness" CD'03
(13 tracks, 52. 50 min)
(PEACEVILLE)
Nothing too interesting on the Nordic camp! The great-expected album has been released but by far, I am not in euphoric terms for the feedback. It is too alternative for Metallic people and too noisy for melodic Rock fans...Vocals are exactly what you cannot but notice from the first instance, yet there is nothing else. The Dark note continues to persist in the Swedish tunes; there is a sad sober atmosphere but here from to grand the album with praising marks, there is a huge step! Simplistic guitar tunes, lots of scratches in contrast with a depressive atmosphere created by the keyboard, a boring rhythm for the drums, plenty openings with repetitive elements, all these gather together in a common shape which single merit is to really make you sleep (some fans might name such meditation). I stick with my opinion namely: "Brave Murder Day" is KATATONIA's best album, while the rest of the materials are rather too impregnated with the fashionable melodic and superficial influences that came along over the years. I would like to conclude just that this very album is a very modest one if we compare it with other KATATONIA releases but definitely not if we compare it with other recent metallic releases.
The rating I have made might say all about it.
KEEP OF KALESSIN (NOR)-"Reclaim" MCD'04
(5 tracks, 27. 03 min)
(FACE FRONT)
I knew that the band disappeared in 2000! After two discreet albums, released at Avantgarde, the four Norwegians have decided to split. Obsidian C. kept going on by himself and here we are reviewing his work. I guess it is noticeable that he had the opportunity to play live in Satyr's band, fact which conferred him a good shape. Probably thanks to this fact he reached collaboration with Frost and now he is KEEP OF KALESSIN's actual bass player. There is even more to be said: vocal parts were performed by Atilla Chisar, known from his collaboration with bands like TORMENTOR, MAYHEM or ABORYM. Therefore, this is an outstanding Norwegian Black Metal, very fast, with a super-furious battery and Atilla's unique voice. There are as well some domestic passages where the synth is elegantly pointed out or where the guitar's solos tend to be Heavy Metal. Obsidian C brings nothing new but you should know that his approach of Black Metal is elegant and the bombastic sound is full of energy... if positive or negative... this is something only they can know!
www.kalessin.no
KLABAUTAMANN (GER)-"Our Journey Through the Woods" demo CD'03
(10 tracks, 51. 34 min)
German Metal scene is jam-packed of modest bands that actually do nothing else but to copy other bands' style and their luck is to be born in a powerfully developed country as far as the musical industry is regarded so that they come to reach great advantageous deals in a very short while. A partial exception might be this very duet as it builds up a very well arranged and intelligent Black Metal with many acoustic guitars and atmospheric passages. Their music oscillates somehow between Raw Primitive Black Metal and Melodic Metal and it is rather knotty and complex with long elaborated tracks. The CD contains a professional booklet with an exquisite design and an extremely bizarre cover. We don't have here too many new elements or remarkable virtuosity! But I find pretty important that, after two modest demos, KLABAUTAMAN manages to bring up a modern material, extremely well conceived with an accurate sound and first rate mixing, qualities which should bring some concrete offers for the musicians. Time shall tell. www.klabautaman.de
KLIMT 1918 (ITA)-"Undressed Momento" CD'03
(9 tracks, 46. 37 min)
(MY KINGDOM)
Well, this is a great surprise! Post Modern Music, which might be placed somewhere at the interflow of Avantgarde Music with Alternative Gothic Metal and '80's New Wave plus some roots in actual Progressive. If this doesn't give a clue for you, then try to put up in the same picture bands like: DEPECHE MODE, THE CURE, THE SMITHS, U2 or FILEDS OF NEPHILIM next to ANATHEMA, KATATONIA, OPETH, NOVEMBRE, TEARS FOR FEARS or PORCUPINE TREE. This is a successful album with both recording and mixing of crystal clarity (made by Giuseppe Orlando/NOVEMBRE) and an inspired interpretation! You'll hear calm voices playing in various languages (English, French, and Italian) relaxing rhythms, pale effects and sounds of natural authentic instruments. I do recommend this material as you'll discover a new universe... or for some nostalgic people... just a pleasant return in time!
www.klimt1918.com
KONKHRA (DEN)-"Reality Check" CD'03
(12 tracks, 44. 35 min)
(CODE666)
Nothing special in Death Metal! It is just a good album well elaborated and executed, with a different and better profile preserving the same nucleus as for the debut; otherwise, just violence, brutality, Rock outlines... and that would be all. Probably a miracle for extreme music adepts but disappointing from the insight perspective!
KORPIKLAANI (FIN)-"Spirit Of The Forest " CD'03
(14 tracks, 48. 23 min)
(NAPALM)
I really cannot understand this fashion with Folk Metal! After BATTLELORE and ASMEGIN, now, a new Nordic band makes its debut at the Austrian label. Under the name of FOREST CLAN, the six musicians have decided to handle all traditional instruments and then mixed them with Metal ones so that they came with a sound which was supposed to be the most authentic but I can't tell for sure if for a Folk ground or a Metal one. In fact, the idea belongs to Jonne Jarvella who started to play under SHAMAN banner. After a while, time of releasing two materials, Idja and Shamaniac, he decided to contact other talented musicians and to come out with a debut material. Therefore, we can hear, besides guitars and drums, flute, percussion, accordion, violin and jouhikko. The album doesn't sound bad at all but I can't see exactly what mood can induce such sonorities. Probably IN EXTREMO fashion is on top so that there are many clones to be produced all over the Europe . Most certainly, such sound, live, on the stage, must discharge lots of energies but when I come to discover Power echoes I realize this is not exactly my cup of tea! Or maybe it is just about my limitations?! But I cannot help noticing how impressive was the promotional campaign for this album and I think than maybe, somewhere in Europe , such music might have an impact! I only stop at the fact that both recording and execution are of first rate, the approach... it is something you should judge!
www.korpiklaani.com
KRALIZEC (CAN)-"Origin" CD'03
(9 tracks, 38. 08 min)
(MAQUIAVEL MUSIC)
I must admit that these Canadians really did surprise me! In spite of the fact that extreme Black Death Metal does not interest people the way it used to, ten years ago, well, there are many bands that refuse to give up this style. The four musicians are in this field for about five years and this debut seems to be a very clean accurate material full of energy and heartiness! Benjamin's ravishing voice reminds me of CANNIBAL CORPSE or GORGUTS but completes the drum machine which seems to be on fire. As new elements we can differentiate from time to time some clear vocals and even choral beside atmospheric effects and the keyboard simply surprises the listener used to rough tunes. The rapidity is just another characteristic element to KRALIZEC's sound so that we may label this debut as belonging to Death Metal or Black Metal. Otherwise... just explosive guitars, extreme rhythms and a genuine apocalyptic atmosphere! I definitely cannot say KRALIZEC brings up something outstandingly new but I assure you this is a pleasant audition if you are a fan of extreme Metal of first class!
www.maquiavelmusic.com
KRONOS (FRA)-"Colossal Titan Strife" CD'03
(11 tracks, 42. 40 min)
(XTREEM)
What should one expect from Dave Rotten's label (AVULSED)? Sick super-fast Death Metal in the most brutal shape! Demonic voices and throaty ones, guitars breaking the rhythms from a passage to another and a ceaseless battery! I understand this is the second album of the French in spite of more than 10 years of activity! Therefore we have an album promoting an anachronous style for some or one still alive for others! Sincerely I say I didn't notice any evolution or change in this sound! mikekronos@aol.com , www.xtreemmusic.com
LE RUE DELASHAY ( USA )-"The Law of 8ve" CD'03
(14 tracks, 42. 14 min)
(ROOT OF ALL EVIL)
The ex-founder of THEATRE OF THE MACABRE and LORDE OF ALL DESIRE