REVIEWS
Kogaionon no.9 - II
MADDER MORTEM (NOR) -"Deadlands" CD'03
(10 tracks, 57. 13 min)
(THE END)
I don't understand how a band like this one could receive only superlative appreciations! I do confess, even the previous album deeply disappointed me and then, after seeing them live in Budapest , I realised indeed that MM deserves little of my attention. Curiously or not, the new album has received a way too many fantastic reviews from the whole Metallic scene but I can't see why exactly, especially since the sound is very much changed. In other words, Agnette's voice is the main element to bring substance here trying to imitate the core of golden music THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL once used to play. Therefore, we have: Doom, Death, Gothic and Atmospheric, even Power or Alternative/Trip-Hop, all on a fragile Metal structure but in lack of any elements of virtuosity. I am somehow surprised as I don't understand how could these Norwegians manage to sign with Century Media, years ago and I believe that any album released in this way can only confuse people who are looking for quality in music. However, both intention and devotion are not to be contested but there is something missing... wither for the female vocals or elsewhere... and I don't know exactly what; perhaps the fragility?!
www.maddermortem.com
MALIGNANCE (ITA)-" Regina Umbrae Mortis" CD'03
(9 tracks, 36. 18 min)
(BLACK TEARS OF DEATH)
This is a return in time... back to that primitive furious and very fast Black Metal with an underground sound! Even the booklet is in Black and white like a kind of proof of delineating, for sure, from any atmospheric or progressive influence! The ex-DREAMLORD have come together under this very title in 2000 and, after releasing a MCD recorded in a different formula, the four musicians sign with the Italian label and release now this very debut. Since the sound is based 100% on that old style I think that even the voices remind me from time to time of what Tom G. Warrior used to perform in CELTIC FROST. Otherwise... just pure madness, chaos and noise! Most certainly all fans of classic Black Metal will find pleasing to taste this sample of technical brutality.
MALMONDE (FRA)-"Malmonde" CD'03
(8 tracks, 34. 54 min)
(OSMOSE)
Well, this is an intelligent manner to approach Metal! Either is Cyber Metal or Metal Machine, this has no longer a great importance! Techno/Electro elements alternate with atmospheric ones (keyboard) and here we have various vocals, from clear clean ones to throaty ones! Otherwise, this is just an extreme Metal, a bombastic Modern Death/Black Metal, extremely dynamic and full of energy and spirit! Unfortunately, this album is short in duration! I think it is pleasantly strange to listen to such music played both in English and French! This is a real great surprise, at least as far as the musical approach is concerned!
www.malmonde.com
MALOMBRA (ITA)-"The Dissolution Age" CD'01
(13 tracks, 72. 56 min)
(BLACK WIDOW)
What a voice... and what keyboards! Although the album is pretty old, I couldn't help myself in writing about it! Perhaps there are few of you who listened to this band's music... If so, then, don't waste time, listen to an unconventional sample of Dark Gothic Metal! This is one of the purest and most convincing Gothic albums I have ever listened to so far! Although the band has more than 10 years of activity and three albums released, I think there is little written and spoken about MALOMBRA! And this is a pity because their manner of execution is simply majestic! Mercy's voice is unique and its inflections... its low opera timbre are absolutely fascinating! I feel ashamed to tell you (and to be true!) that solely this year I listened to MALOMBRA for the first time but I am glad I had the chance! Well, this makes me think of how unfair is life and of how many modest bands come to enjoy a great publicity while some musical pearls, like this one, seem to always stay in anonymity. From the first tunes their skills in execution can be almost instantly distinguished and the Gothic they perform is an explosive one, while those Progressive touches come out both from guitars and keyboard! Yet, "basta" with superlatives, just that it is a brilliant album! For those who are more interested in this band, I tell you that the members are involved in other projects as well, such as IL SEGNO DEL COMANDO or HELDEN RUNE, both under the same Italian cult label.
www.blackwidow.it
MANEGARM (SWE) -"Dodsfard" CD'03
(11 tracks, 32. 21 min)
(DISPLEASED)
After two albums in Black, Swedish Melodic Death and Folk Metal manner, the musicians show come up now with a Viking Metal sample that actually is not much different from what THYRFING perform. Perhaps the Death Metal direction is much more noticeable here. Otherwise, trust me, nothing interesting! It is a pleasant album to the ear and pretty much up to date as for the latest achievement in this field and containing traditional elements pretty well placed in contrast with the extreme Metal features so far in the 11 tracks. Well, although the execution is OK, MANEGARM does not bring something outstanding. I think this is just a new Viking Metal album that, in a short while, will be history or in the best case would be confounded with other similar ones. But who knows, maybe the next one will be just great and tremendously desired!?
www.manegarm.com
MANES (NOR)-"Vilosophe" CD'03
(8 tracks, 47. 08 min)
(CODE666)
Avantgarde Metal Post Rock? I really have no idea how to define such sound but it is incredibly good! Reading the interview would make light over this band including of course all technical details, therefore I can only suggest you (with all my heart!) to urgently look for this album! It is something revolutionary, which shall create great confusion and shall mesmerise you in the same time!
MAR DE GRISES (CHI)-"The Tatterdemalion Express" CD'04
(7 tracks, 56. 07 min)
(FIREBOX)
This is a debutant band from a much distanced country and thus a great surprise for me...especially when I realize it actually is quality music despite of the fact it features nothing new or extraordinary! It is a depressive Doom Death Metal in SKEPTICISM style yet having a new fresh Progressive or Post Rock spirit, rather more melodic and accessible than other similar bands of this style. Keyboard and piano are the first elements to create a friendly responsive aura of the sound since otherwise all is so sad, hopeless and desolated. The violent voice proves it sometimes can be clear as well but it is rather a pale nuance of grey in a darkened morbid and tragic background! Nothing new, nothing fascinating... just a new Slow Doom Death Metal album!
MARSYAS (ROM)-"Lonely Tears" MCD'03
(9 tracks, 35. 05 min)
(BESTIAL)
I've seen these guys at a festival in Buzau and they seemed pretty well intentioned. I wasn't thrilled by but neither bothered! Perhaps I would comment on that screaming voice that sounded a little too exaggerated. They sound better in the studio version, much more atmospheric! In other words, the Gothic they advance is based on a melancholic sound with depressive shades outlined by an insistent violin and a bombastic keyboard. We could say there are plenty of Doom/Death Metal touches in the 90's style! The guitars are pretty modest and the clear voice is rather OK, except the passages in which they insist in being too aggressive turning the whole thing into an artificial embarrassing sound! I am honest, this is really bothering my ears! As for the rest, they benefited of a satisfactory mixing reaching a sound with roots in MY DYING BRIDE or ANATHEMA (at least this is their intention!) and some Gothic influences (older Gothic) as well... thanks to a male voice with a low impressive timbre (when clear and normal!). We can talk about some experimental intentions... and they don't sound bad at all... such as the acoustic version of "Sunset" track! There is nothing new... perhaps it is just a better album than all the rest released in the past 2-3 years in Romania . The CD looks pretty professional and so is the booklet. I think that, all in all, this is a good achievement for the autochthonous scene... which is shyer than the European one!
www.marsyas.go.ro
MASTER (CZE)-"The Spirit Of The West" CD'04
(12 tracks, 40. 07 min)
(SYSTEM SHOCK)
I think it is indeed a great thing to see that after so many... many years these Death musicians still perform! I suppose it matters less if I comment over a material which would be accurately framed into a clear powerful explosive Death Metal... in lack of any melancholic or romantic messages. Riffs and guitar solos are as ravishing as always while the voice reminds me of old times when I used to have DEATH, CANNIBAL CORPSE or PUNGENT STENCH at my breakfast. This is an extreme "healthy" Metal but sick as well... depending on the way you want to see it...!
MELECHESH (HOL)-"Spynx" CD'03
(11 tracks, 67. 52 min)
(OSMOSE/THE END)
The third album of these Blackers is the most elaborated one and of the finest quality in their entire history. Declared adepts of Mesopotamian/Sumerian Metal, the four musicians mix fast furious extreme Metal with some traditional elements. In better words, we have here some specific instruments, delicately used all along the album, which confer an Oriental appearance to the sound. If we don't take in consideration "The Arrival Ritual", which is rather an oriental experiment, we could say that the music is a first rate Black Metal, brutal but atmospheric as well. It is an elegant material, professionally conceived, and I rated it in consequence, especially since it features great injuries at the originality chapter! Well, this is what it happens to almost all Black Metal albums of today! For the execution: Irreproachable! I think I find interesting even the CELTIC FROST, Babylon Fell... cover version! www.melechesh.com
MELKOR (ITA)-"Echoes Of Solitude" demo CD'03
(8 tracks, 38. 49 min)
This is another solo project trying to follow BURZUM's footprints! Marco Garegnani brings here a different Black Metal in old style, with plenty influences from the Norwegian school, a primitive voice and various tunes... from fast and rough ones to slow, gloomy Doom Metal, even Ambient. It is obvious that the Italian has made some efforts for this second demo but I am afraid that intention only... cannot make impression! Moreover, the sum of all influences gathered here finally leads to a musical hotchpotch with no given path, no given personality. Let's see if this new year brings for him better inspiration and better luck...
www.morgoroth.com
MIRRORTHRONE (FRA)-"Of Wind & Weeping" CD'03
(8 tracks, 52. 46 min)
(RED STREAM)
It is neither Atmospheric, nor Gothic, nor Black Metal! It is something knotty conceived and executed by one and person and only, Vladimir. The sound is rather synthetic, with an insistent keyboard, simplistic Guitars and a baroque atmosphere. There is a large variety of voices... from those screaming ones to clear and choral ones and there are some slow passages with some female vocals echoes... It actually is a kind of Metal gravitating around a hallucinating piano and a guitar that sounds pretty primitive. The lyrics are both in French (which gives a poetic note to the music) and English and I must confess that the influences of classic music are present all inside the eight tracks. This must be a good debut, an innovative one, but still rather too complicated is if take a better look at it.
www.mirrorthrone.com
MISANTHROPE (FRA)-"Sadistic Sex Daemon" CD'03
(11 tracks, 50. 31 min)
(HOLY)
This time Philippe stepped forward a bombastic ultra-rapid and atmospheric sound. In other words, we can talk about a Progressive Power Metal with remarkable Heavy Metal virtuosities. On the other hand, that Dark note has disappeared for good even if vocals are still aggressive from time to time. This is an album addressed to a larger public less focused on extreme Metal but on melodic lines well interpreted and with show effects! I would like to see/listen to MISANTHROPE live and I am pretty convinced that a concert of these French musicians can provide more energy than 10 bottles of Red-Bull! I must say that those devoted to underground sonorities might get a little disappointed, but this is it... each one has an individual evolution. What is most important is the respect and if we take a look at this band history, I think they do deserve all the respect. However, I think this album is the best for revealing these musicians' instrumental skills and they really are good!
MOONSORROW (FIN)-"Kivenkantaja" CD'03
(6 tracks, 53. 58 min)
(SPIKEFARM)
I have no words! This is an impeccable execution! This is Epic Black Metal in the most Nordic shape bursting in traditional/folk movements, war-like vocals, majestic choirs, genuine instruments... well, a veritable replica to what BATHORY used to be ages ago! Vocals accurate interchanges with atmospheric keyboard and various rhythmic transformations, all in a sane masculine note of a confident beauty... simply make of it a fine piece of collection! My complain is connected with the acute lack of originality in essence since the contours are pretty well modelled and can smoothly get genuine from time to time. The album is of a better arrangement than the previous one and perhaps this is their climax! More than this, in the same manner, would be nothing but repetition and stagnation. There is as well a track with female vocals but nothing impressive except probably the nostalgic note. Otherwise, good long tracks full of various resources; the epic dimension elegantly intertwines the atmospheric one but in a strong bombastic and inspired Black Metal background.
www.moonsorrow.cjb.net
MOONSORROW (FIN)-"Suden Uni" CD'04
(8 tracks, 46. 25 min)
(SPIKEFARM)
If you still recall, inside Kogaionon # 6, I made a favorable review for this debut released in 2001 at Plasmatica Records. Since Sorvali brothers in the meanwhile became more popular, Spikefarm decided to re-edit the album and this time including a bonus track, two video tracks and an entire concert performed in 2003. If we count as well the design... which was made by Niklas Sundin... and the fact that the entire sound was re-mastered... well, then you can imagine what wave of appreciation this sample of Epic Melodic Folk Black Metal would rise all over the world! And I tell you: this really kicks some asses!
MORIFADE (SWE)-"Domi<>nation" CD'03
(9 tracks, 44. 50 min)
(KARMAGEDDON)
In the previous issue I have mentioned about "Imaginarium" album as of a material full of energy but nothing more. The new CD follows a Power Metal line with killing riffs, a bombastic keyboard and a fast battery. Unfortunately the male voice is rather too reedy for my taste... so that I finally came not to like this album. In fact, I must be sincere; this Power Metal style is not a favourite one although in time I came to listen to dozens of such clones. The album includes a live video clip as well and I can notice a band like that really has a big success during live performances! Maybe this is the reason why Karmageddon promotes their albums!
www.morifade.com
MORNING AFTER (GRE)-"Beneath The Real" CD'03
(11 tracks, 47. 24 min)
(THE END/BLACK LOTUS)
I suppose the luck (advantage?) of these two young musicians is none other than the nationality (Greek) since the Greek label has offered them a contract in a short time. I do admit their musical approach is not to be framed in common terms since their stylistic palette is actually pretty assorted. I think this album can captivate interest of KATATONIA, CREMATORY, CEMETARY and even HIM or LINKIN PARK fans. Melody and Atmospheric are fundamental elements for this very concept but I think Classical Metal or Gothic Rock are not to be forgotten. There are both clear and screaming vocals and the guitars' sound is often covered by an abundant synth. Well, I think it is about a complex New Modern Metal and it sounds good but I find it somehow rather too diverse, which confused me in framing it a way or another. Perhaps, after a second album, I might pronounce myself if this Experimental Metal is serious enough or simply just an unfortunate tentative to play something different than what's fashionable. There must have been some inspiration but I am afraid it wasn't enough so that this album could have been labeled as a sensational debut!
www.black-lotus-recs.com
MUSTAN KUUN LAPSET (FIN) -"Kauniinhauta'03
(8 tracks, 38. 05 min)
(NORTHERN SOUND)
Here we go again with Black Metal! Already at a second album but still looking for an identity, I guess, despite the fact that all lyrics are exclusively in Finnish. If the voice means nothing to my tricky ears (screaming, aggressive but nothing too particular!), well there are some passages that remind me of that great In times Before The Light, COVENANT. In other words, I'd say that the Synth is used in a very intelligent manner and probably is the only instrument to sound professional. The guitars are rather modest and so is the battery. We have as well, from time to time, dome female vocals, suppurated atmospheric effects and Gothic elements which might please in an audition but definitely do not impress. If the tracks, per ensemble, seem to keep the same Nordic Black/Death Metal, well, the first track simply amazes making an entrance as if it was in TRISTANIA style while the last one follows a very rhythmic and melodic yet still simplistic line even if all contractual concepts are combined in an attractive way. I think it is worth it an audition but nothing more. Or maybe I am again to picky... as always actually... www.northernsound.cjb.net; www.mkl.cjb.net
MY DYING BRIDE ( UK )-"Songs Of Darkness, Words Of Light" CD'04
(8 tracks, 61. 06 min)
(PEACEVILLE)
What could be left for one to say when holding a new album of these British! It is their eighth chapter! Conservatism seems to be a fundamental feature for this small continent and this is perfectly reflected in music as well. Aaron brings up now a first rate Dark Doom Death Metal album, pretty darkened and full of mystery! Although the sound is rather old, in the manner of the first album, MDB succeeds to amaze today with the most depressive album in their history! Perhaps my statement might sound a little hazarded but I only ask you to take in account one single aspect: when everybody is chasing for Atmospheric or Gothic frames, full of melody and modern rhythmic and commercial elements, MDB reveals a genuine Dark bomb defying any trend or influence of The New Wave by insisting on simple elements guided by guitars and battery and led by an extraordinary voice -able to feature all kinds of inflections! I do admit, from time to time, a distant keyboard can be heard but it rather sounds like a pipe organ than a bombastic instrument and it harmoniously meets a sound already frozen... already full of feelings of solitude and isolation and retreat! Here there are all kinds of passages, from the most sinister and introverted ones to melodic and accessible frames developing a warm friendly communication lane! In other words, this is an album to strike all faithful MDB fans and perhaps it shall make an impression on the new ones as well! I must confess, this very release both shocked and fascinated me despite the fact I actually heard nothing new... Perhaps it is about memories... about a return in time, I wouldn't know for sure but listening to this sound again "threw" me into an exclusive mood! Well, the artistic aspect was accomplished by the one who used to shock us 10 years ago, Andy Green... It is an exceptional imagery! So, this is a new "Like Gods Of The Sun" album but in a version up to the III-rd Millennium! A must is "The Blue Lotus" track!!
www.mydyingbride.org
MY SHAMEFUL (FIN)-"Of All The Wrong Things" CD'03
(8 tracks, 54. 32 min)
(FIREBOX)
Although the band started since 1999, after three demos, one under an Italian label, Nocturnal Music, they still didn't manage to impose themselves. There can be spoken about a lent depressive Funeral Doom Metal, pretty characteristic to Finnish bands such as SKEPTICISM or SHAPE OF DESPAIR. Obviously, the two musicians sustain that their only source of inspiration was nature alone but who cares? It is a successful album, with a strong meditative power but nothing more! The chapter of originality is definitely out of the picture and, in compensation; the execution is up with the modern times but still nothing special! It is something nice to listen to but I am not sure that for a long time.
http://listen.to/myshameful
NARGAROTH (GER)-"Geliebte des Regens" CD'03
(6 tracks, 73. 10 min)
(NO COLOURS)
This is a genuine sample of Cold Misanthropic Black Metal. The Germans come back in forth with a very interesting album, not necessarily as approach, but definitely as execution! It is a kind of Melancholic Grim Black Metal, with noisy guitars, rhythmic battery and screaming aggressive vocals. It is curious to notice that after a pretty long amazing intro we can only enjoy five tracks... but, hey..., these have over ten minutes each and the guitars are the leading element of their music! The bad news is that the tracks do resemble one with each other and sometimes they even feature some repetitive monotonous passages. But let's be positive and check this album in its whole: over 60 minutes of depressive but noisy Black Metal, rather slow and melancholic, which reminds me of the past project, STRID. Therefore, from BURZUM or DARK THRONE to GRAVELAND or SHINING, all disciples of Black Metal should definitely be pleased with the new NARGAROTH album!
NAZCA (NOR)-"Non Grata" CD'03
(11 tracks, 49. 06 min)
(EIBON)
This project is indeed a pleasant surprise even if for me it is a premiere! I understood that the band had a rough time in reaching this recording: troubles, adventures, disappointments and bad luck. Well I find pretty hard to describe a Post Rock/Wave band as long as this kind of music and sound is completely different from what I usually listen. Karstein Volle's voice is so calm, "heartsick" and with various modulations. All in all his voice sends me back decades ago, reminding me of DOORS. In fact, the whole sound is sad, in a low tonality, even grave here and there but definitely pleasant to both ear and heart. This is a band to be remembered and I recommend "Non Grata" to all who enjoy comestible and melodious Wave.
www.nazca.net
NECROPHAGIA ( USA )-"The Divine Art Of Torture" CD'03
(10 tracks, 36. 53 min)
(SEASON OF MIST)
The six angry musicians return with a new sample of Horror/Gore Death Metal, even sicker and inhuman than ever! Although it has been more than 5 years since their last album, well, the American band, NECROPHAGIA, has lost neither the rhythm nor the inspiration. The 11 new sequences are ruled by a sinister sober and really frightening atmosphere while the diabolic keyboard simply provokes a strange genuine feeling. I could say that it is for the first time when the Death Metal NECROPHAGIA used to perform, practically has changed its façade, absolutely different from what extreme brutality adepts might expect. Besides crazy guitars' riffs, an incessant battery and a bass low tonality, there is a mixture of demonic voices, which actually outlines a remarkable Horror picture. It is a well weighted album, refined and certainly of first class, probably of a great importance for the future of Death Metal (if this style ever continues to be) and a material that deserves praising words even if solely for the blaspheming atmosphere the musicians succeeded to create. A super gig is expected, all around Europe , and so are some sensational video clips directed by specialists who supervised the production of Cradle Of Fear, My Sweet Satan or Spiderman.
NEON DREAM (GER)-"Anodyne" CD'03
(9 tracks, 42. 23 min)
(EQUINOXE)
I'd say this band is by far the most promising band coming from the German label even if this is just a debut. The mixture of Gothic, Rock and Wave features a very complex and profound structure, with Dark references and even Romantic ones. Let's see: long imposing guitar solos, a full of atmosphere keyboard, melodiousness and the male voice reminds me of THE 69 EYES. After you listen to the tracks more carefully you come to think that a guiding mark for the five German musicians was THE SISTERS OF MERCY as the rhythms, accords and interludes resemble very much. For the sound to be even "tougher" the Germans have invited (for some of the tracks) a soprano so that her voice would bring a different aura, a certain colour and a more hospitable atmosphere. Anyway, I couldn't say it is an album focused on rapidity or a classical Goth one, because there is a successful fusion of influences from 80's and 90's, even if sometimes it brings confusion into the listener's mind... Bottom line: this is a music for soul, melancholic and apt to awake nostalgias... at least, those guitars... really kick some asses!
www.neondream.de
NEST (FIN)-"Woodsmoke" CD'03
(9 tracks, 44. 32 min)
(CORVUS)
First time you read about this project was three years ago when they released "Fabled Lore" demo and really interested me. Well, this time, A. Tolonen brings in the debut album, which is inspired by nature and turns out to be a veritable acoustic Ambient Folk. I think kantele still is the essential instrument and it sounds extremely peaceful. Otherwise: comfortable keyboard, hypnotic tympani and a profound voice in background. This is a kind of Nordic melancholia transposed in an impressing silhouette of Ambient Acoustic Epic. This is an album I truly recommend!
www.corvusrecords.com , http://nest.atolonen.cjb.net
NEW ORDER OF MESSIAH (ROM)-"Fall Waltz" demo CD'03
(2 tracks, 10. 43 min)
It is not one of my pleasures to make notes over succinct materials since there is such a hard job to get an idea of the whole outcome...! For the case of these musicians from Maramures I can say that we have very interesting ideas especially if I refer to a flute that never stops during the entire audition and which actually confers an original atmosphere to the sound itself. The keyboard is exploited at maximum capacity even if it finally comes to nothing too serious. For the rest, I'd say we have some primitive guitars with very melodic tunes outlining a kind of atmospheric Doom Death Metal with serious references to Gothic and Black as well. The brutal voice is slightly throaty and in a permanent connection with that incessant flute. I think that, probably, the whole concept is based on contrast. The bad news is that the mixing is not one of the best and therefore the final outcome is not a great one! Yet I repeat, I really like the direction these young musicians approached but nevertheless they have a long way ahead before the point of actually saying something to the Metal scene of today! I've heard that the six have been prepared all this time for releasing a new material, therefore, stay tuned or visit their site:
www.nom.as.ro
NIGHTFALL (GRE)-"I am Jesus" CD'03
(11 tracks, 52. 13 min)
(BLACK LOTUS)
I had the impression that the Greek band has split! After a 10 years epopee beside Holy Records, the four Greeks had to wait another three years until releasing an album and this time under Black Lotus label. I have listened to the album for several times and I still listen to it... that is why I think I am not mistaken if telling I cannot notice great differences between what they have done so far and what they perform now... It is about a modern Melodic Death Metal, pretty colored, with lots of Gothic, Dark and Black profiles, clear and aggressive vocals, a common keyboard and some powerful but linear riffs. I didn't find it a "striking outcome" although I believe I couldn't reproach a thing as far as mixing and execution are concerned. However there is a remarkable track, "Treasures In Aramaic Tears", which, through the whole atmosphere... including vocals... simply turns my thoughts towards MY DYING BRIDE. All in all, this is a fine album which bothers not my ears but neither enchants!
www.nightfallstar.com
NIGHTINGALE (SWE)-"Alive Again: The Breathing Shadow part IV" CD'03
(10 tracks, 49. 28 min)
(THE END)
Who didn't hear of Dan Swano? Let me remind you some of the bands he collaborated with during the years: EDGE OF SANITY (Death Metal), PAN-THY-MONIUM (Death/Doom), UNICORN (Sympho Prog Pop), WOUNDED KNEE (Hardcore), ULAN BATOR (Punk-Pop), DAN SWANO (Progressive Metal), KARABOUDJAN (Doom-fusion Instrumental), ODYSSEY (Power Doom Metal), INFESTDEAD (Death Metal), BLOODBATH (Death Metal), STAR ONE (Space Metal). If we refer strictly to NIGHTINGALE, then we can say that the fourth chapter is the most commercial and domestic one, a kind of modern WHITESNAKE with a great mixture of Progressive Melodic and Hard Rock, pretty attractive and pleasant to the ear. In fact, the whole sound is very melodic and rhythmic and I can't deny that all musicians are very gifted and with long-lasting activity in Metal sphere such as Erik (GODSEND) or Tom ( MEMORY GARDEN ). Therefore, the Swano brothers delivered, as usually, a positive Rock, slightly melancholic but digestible and I think that just perfect for a live performance. This is one of the sensational outcomes of the year!
NOCTURNUS ( USA )-"The Nocturnus Demos" CD'03
(8 tracks, 41. 03 min)
(KARMAGEDDON)
This is a simple collection of tracks released already on the famous demos of the American band, "Nocturnus" and The Science Of Horror". Pure Death Metal on the first, more intelligent and innovative on the second... with an imposing keyboard and with... Mike Browning in a perfect shape! The booklet presents a few flyers belonging to those times (1998), reviews published in various magazines for both materials and Mike's foreword. This is dedicated exclusively to the collectors!
NYDVIND (FRA)-"Eternal Winter Domain" CD'03
(10 tracks, 55. 45 min)
(SACRAL)
Here we are enjoying again a new Heathen Metal band... in fact, a modern Pagan Black Metal, full of atmosphere and melody, with epic echoes, hymnal voices and screaming ones, folk tunes and explosive guitars. This is more domestic than HELHEIM, WINDIR or EINHERJER but paler than MOONSORROW, PRIMORDIAL or SKYFORGER. Definitely, it is not original, in lack of authenticity but pleasing to the ear... This would be the sound created by those French musicians who are as well members in bands like: TEMPLE OF BAAL , BELENOS, DESPOND, BRAN BARR, HEOL TELWEN, ACROMION or NUNKTHUL. This is an elegant imposing album with some HIMINBJORG influences and I think it is different than all the sum of recent modest and primitive releases. But here from to assume it is a masterpiece... there is a long distance. Still I think the manner of execution is to be praised so... you better keep in mind this band and its name... as you may hear of it again!
www.nydvind.com
OLD DEAD TREE (FRA)-"The Nameless Disease" CD'03
(11 tracks, 48. 43 min)
(SEASON OF MIST)
Manuel Munoz' team brings up an interesting profile of Gothic Metal! In other words, the assortment of extreme Dark Rock, Metal and Pop accents develops a style not necessarily original but definitely interesting both as concept and execution. The male voice's timbre impresses and its inflections are really touching perhaps because there is not a "struggle" to scream but a baritone tone... sometimes even recitative and those come together in a certain charm. From time to time, here it come a yelling voice trying to create that boring contrast used enough these days and finally ending in a "genuine fake". The instruments outline the most representative element of the sound namely the voice! And I must confess I really enjoyed such method! Otherwise, it is a well elaborated album with some avant-garde ideas which detach from the usually mediocre conglomerate of crap recordings yet with one complaint: in lack of dynamic. I'd say one single thing: the sad depressive overall note of the album comes from a tragic event: the bass player's suicide (one of the band's founder members). If we reconsider the fact that after all, it is just a debut, then we should be more indulgent! And I do believe that young musicians can benefit from our clemency. A nice surprise!
www.theolddeadtree.com
OMNIUM GATHERUM (FIN)-"Spirits And August Light" CD'03
(9 tracks, 42. 01 min)
(THE END)
Here we come again to Death Metal as melodic and fast as DARK TRANQUILITY or CHILDREN OF BODOM. If I think better, I believe Epic Heavy Melodic Death Metal would be the most appropriate characterization meaning: aggressive voices, explosive guitar solos, rhythmic keyboard, simple battery and nothing else. Perhaps some people would die for such sonorities, but not me... I am tired of listening to bands that come with nothing new or out f the ordinary trying their luck solely with a common and stereotype sound. I suppose it doesn't matter if the album is recorded and mixed in exceptional professional conditions... or maybe it does for one audition in purpose of curiosity...
ON THORNS I LAY (GRE)-"Egocentric" CD'03
(10 tracks, 49. 44 min)
(BLACK LOTUS)
Here we are... holding the sixth album of these four musicians! I must admit that OTIL offered us pretty various sonorities so far... from Progressive, Experimental or Doom Death to Pop, Rock or Gothic... sometimes rather too commercial. The new outcome seems to be more Metal than the previous one with an emphasized Dark note... something in KATATONIA's style, with Depressive shades but still as Melodic as ever and still digestible. I guess they come out now with a more coherent approach, even if not exactly original, with clear pleasant vocals featuring female ones as well so that the sound would borrow some new colors. I actually don't know if these are the most appropriate colors but... anyway... who am I to judge?! Guitars play somewhere at the limit of Rock and Metal and the vocals are in the control of the whole sound... while the battery hardly gets noticeable. Perhaps there are some pale echoes of OPETH but... over a panoramic view... the album impresses thanks to its melancholic aura elegantly outlined inside some passages. I think this is a material to please the fans of KATATONIA's last album, for example...
www.onthornsilay.com
OPETH (SWE)-"Damnation" CD'03
(8 tracks, 43. 19 min)
(MUSIC FOR NATIONS)
Apogee... madness... splendour... perfection! This is by far the album of the year! Mike has finally decided to give up almost completely to the throaty vocals and so we can experience and enjoy an exceptional musical jewel! At the limit of Metal next to Rock, on a stunning Progressive background embraced by Dark shadows and with a strong nostalgic effect, scattered with Blues echoes, OPETH reveals a new face of its music with hallucinate tunes, meditative sombre atmosphere... all put together into a Classic Rock note featuring a 70's intervention but harmoniously and originally arranged. Although recorded in the same time with "Deliverance", this material is rather a Non-Metal album, definitely with no common points with its twin brother proving in fact that OPETH's maturity only now came to be outlined. Mike's clear voice simply ravages the calm and relaxing guitar tunes and, along with the keyboard, accurately delineates the sound's stylistic rhythm. This is one of the few albums that lately let me speechless and therefore I rate it (any doubts???) at maximum level! Mike, congratulations! It seems like Steven Wilson's mastery powers (PORCUPINE TREE) left a serious and strong fingerprint on the band's inspiration! And when I think that Mike got married this summer... I can only imagine that the new album would be in the same manner!
I cannot wait!
www.opeth.com
ORPHANED LAND (ISR)-"Mabool (The Story Of The Three Sons Of Seven)" CD'04
(12 tracks, 68. 02 min)
(CENTURY MEDIA)
It took over eight years to enjoy again a new album of these musicians! I admit I am a big admirer of OL and their first album never leaves my car. Even if the new approach is pretty shocking... after an attentive listening I came to discover that the new album is a brilliant one! Very complex, built on a proper Metal structure, the five trespass almost all Metal styles, from aggressive brutal Black Metal, encountering Dark Doom or Atmospheric frames to Progressive as a final destination. If it is to be a more detailed analysis I'd say that neither Psychedelic Rock influences nor Jazz frames miss from the picture. And for complete scenery... the amazing element is none other than traditional music overwhelming the entire sound throughout oriental instruments of great value and importance! Ahhh, I forgot to tell you that amongst guitars, battery, synth, piano, cello, violins, Oud, Bouzouki or Saz, there are to be noticed remarkable impressive female choirs, diverse voices from aggressive and brutal ones to chanted melodic intoned or whispered ones! After listening to the album for more than a few times, you come to realize that it actually is the most melodic one in the band's history and in the same time a transit album making a passing from aggressive Metal, based on Death/Black Metal, to a modern calm melodic and digestible Metal. I believe it is the most complex album I have listened to in the past years and probably such is granted by the stylistic synthesis featured inside. It is, if you prefer, a kind of overpass between the music they started to play 12 years ago and the characteristic sound of today. Most certainly, a new album would bring other major changes and probably the structure would be a Progressive one in which Kobi's voice might leave all extreme profiles. We shall live and see!
www.orphaned-land.com
OSTARA (AUS)-"Ultima Thule" CD'03
(10 tracks, 50. 18 min)
(EISLICHT)
Known thanks to the collaboration with the famous label World Serpent, when a spectacular debut, Secret Homeland", was released, the Australian band made its debut at Eislicht with "Kingdom Gone" and brings now a new material. They seem to follow the same manner namely: Melancholic Wave Pop with touches of peaceful Rock. Take notice that the line up includes two interesting names: Kari Hatakka (synth), pretty known from WALTARI and Stu Mason, from a punk project, SKAMPER. With a remarkable calm voice (Richard Leviathan), OSTARA manages to outline a very comfortable musical style but nothing more.
www.eislicht.de
PANTHEIST (BEL)-"O Solitude" CD'03
(5 tracks, 57. 46 min)
(FIREBOX)
Firebox Records seems to focus on bands with similar styles and Funeral Metal is ruling at the moment. This very project belongs to Kostas as far as concept is regarded and we know him because of his activity and involvement in Doom-Metal.com. This time we can enjoy an avant-garde note but with the same backbone: Slow Doom Metal full of long-lasting tunes and depressive atmosphere. There are some refrains more dynamic and highlighted but still to shy in front of such enormous negative energy already discharged in these tracks. Solitude, depression, feeling of black-out, sadness... all in a hopeless apocalyptic background...
www.doom-metal.com/pantheist
PENITENT (NOR)-"Deserted Dreams" CD'03
(10 tracks, 53. 40 min)
(BEYOND)
Although everybody knew that PENITENT ceased to exist, Karsten Hamre returns with a new album, completely changed from what we knew or expected so far from this project. I don't actually know why, maybe having as residence a Romanian city ( Iasi ) for over a year... has changed and drastically influenced him so that he came to giving up on vocals of any kind transforming PENITENT into an instrumental project. This is a bombastic Dark Ambient, perhaps the most domestic sound so far... based on noises, effects and marches... all controlled and intelligently mastered by PC. The resulted music is well outlined, expressive and reminds of the first material, DENSE VISION SHRINE; with piano tunes alternating between grave and melancholic notes, a weird atmosphere... almost perfect for an opening either of photography art or painting... maybe even for a motion picture! I don't think this material will satisfy the ones who expected/hoped for PENITENT to insist on the melodic or Metal dimension! It is just a pure Dark Ambient album and it will tasty solely to those who constantly are looking forward each release of labels such as: CMI, Dragon Flight, Crowd Control or DFR. Otherwise... my feeling is that for this material the musician was in a massive lack of inspiration.
PENUMBRA (FRA)-"Seclusion" CD'03
(8 tracks, 45. 01 min)
(SEASON OF MIST)
Well, the third album seems to be better than the previous ones. This time, with a different line-up, Dorian, beside other six musicians thrust upon an encouraging replica to the first TRISTANIA albums, maybe not that radical, but the sum of styles mixed here in a discreet score simply is balanced and refined. Warm female vocals (Anita Covelli is back!), male screaming vocals and baritone or clear ones as well, abundant keyboard, Irish bagpipes, flute, inspiration of Bulgarian traditional tunes, symphonic orchestral "fingerprints"... everything sounds so attractive and compelling. Well, it is true that sometimes stylistic diversity risks to get annoying but I assure you that after some auditions you'd get used with the new PENUMBRA and you'd discover there is still about an identity of their own. Nevertheless TRISTANIA or SIRENIA's fans shall definitely be enchanted by this sample of Black Gothic Metal in a French version.
PERISHED (NOR)-"Seid" CD'03
(8 tracks, 45. 50 min)
(DISPLEASED)
This is an old surprise, which, although founded over 10 years ago, this band hasn't accomplished so far but one single album, "Kark" and a MCD. These Norwegians don't come with new stuff, on the contrary, just Nordic traditional Black Metal taking now shapes of Death or even Trash, extremely aggressive and in full force! There are yet two tracks really impressing with a great harmony coming from the keyboard, Dance Of The Elves and On Wings Of Desire; two remarkable sequences, very atmospheric and with a few melancholic echoes discharging a real nostalgic aura. Otherwise, nothing interesting, nothing new, just a decent Black Metal well mixed and arranged with a nice booklet in a full harmony the whole musical concept. I think it is a decent album that won't pass without notice amongst the fans of Norwegian Black Metal! Frankly, it was a real pleasure to listen to this album!
www.perished.biz
PEST (SWE)-"Desecration" CD'03
(6 tracks, 34. 24 min)
(NO COLOURS)
I knew pretty much about this project from the demos I received years back. It seems like the German label has found a delight in this Grim and Hateful Black Metal and thus offered the Swedes a good contract. Some of you might argue with me over this but I wonder: did we really need another "Transilvanian Hunger"? It is just a DARK THRONE clone but in the Swedish version, which sounds good, don't misunderstand me..., but it is completely in lack of inspiration or originality. Even if this album is out of compromises or mercy, the sound is rather faded and only a pure aggressiveness can be considered a characteristic element. It is too little for a band that wishes to impress! Perhaps such would be possible with the next album!
PLAN E (FIN)-"Best Kept Secret" CD'03
(10 tracks, 44. 24 min)
For such sound...there is one single appropriate term: WEIRDNESS! If this might be translated as Dark, Rock, Wave or Pop, this is really insignificant. Jani Lehtosaari (ex IMPALED NAZARENE) has founded this project eight years ago and reached now the third album of release. Sincerely speaking, I have never ever listened to such a sinister music in my life so far... but there is something that keeps a sentimental timbre... a certain melancholy in their tunes. Imagine how it would sound a music based solely on bass, keyboards, drums (Sir Luttinen) and vocals!? With no guitars... The voice reminds me of Aaron (MY DYING BRIDE) and JOY DIVISON or Nick Cave ... but except such... all is out of time, without rhythm or any other guiding line. I think you will notice some psychedelic influences of the 70's thanks to the keyboard and some electronic elements but all in all it is a kind of Rock rather Dark than else. You should trust me when I tell you this is an album 100% original, with a background inspired both by old Rock and contemporaneous Metal. It is an album hard to be labeled but intriguing and captivating for an audition!
www.plan-e-tarium.com
PRAEDA (FRA)-"Eden... Hele" CD'03
(7 tracks, 29. 43 min)
(SACRAL)
This is a too short and succinct album for making an impression on me: either original or just another clone? As far as inspiration we could name BURZUM (as voice) and we could gravitate somewhere around first EMPEROR because of that amazing background keyboard, which is of a certain charm. But that should be all. As for the rest... this is just Nordic Black Metal with leading guitars and faded instrumentation but with a vigilant drum machine. It is hard and strange to frame this extreme style as long as it oscillates between primitive brutality, in old style, and a modern atmospheric aggressiveness! All in all, this attempt of whatever it was... did not convince me!
PRESENCE (ITA)-"Gold" CD'01
(7 tracks, 53. 11 min)
(BLACK WIDOW)
I have an exquisite pleasure to review such musical project since it is a cult band in Italy and not only. Founded at the beginning of 90's, the trio has released four albums so far and received a good appreciation solely from the fans of Progressive Rock. Unlike other similar bands, the Italians develop an amazing Dark note throughout a superb female voice (Sofia Baccini's) bringing here some special opera elements. This is a relaxing atmospheric music yet very complex and elaborated in the same time! There are lots of elegant choral effects and dramatic-theatrical shades, grave tonalities and sober ones. This is just a different Rock, a different Metal... pretty characteristic for what Black Widow label releases.
www.presence.it
RAIN PAINT (FIN)-"Nihil Nisi Mors" CD'03
(8 tracks, 50. 19 min)
(MY KINGDOM)
Aleksi Ahokas is known for his activity in bands like: HOLLOW, RAPTURE, DIABLERIE and PROPHET. In fact, after five years in PROPHET, Aleksi has decided to change the name into RAIN PAINT and it seems to have gathered some advantages. First of all, his band received soon an offer and secondly he succeeded to bring in other active members from other bands (FRAGILE HOLLOW, RAPTURE or DENIGRATE). I guess it is difficult to describe what we have here because of a massive fusion of various influences, from Gothic Metal and Dark Wave to Melodic Death, Doom or even Progressive Rock! In other words, imagine a mixture of KATATONIA, ANATHEMA, MY DYING BRIDE, HIM, THE CURE and TYPE O NEGATIVE. Vocals alternate between calm and extreme touches while guitars are either alternative or aggressive; the keyboard intends to develop a Dark atmospheric note but in the end... there is such a confusion! I am sorry for what I am about to say but... I understood nothing from this album. And here it is the label's characterization: Intense and Emotional Music! Hmmm, so it might be... but these guys have definitely a lot to work... to reach such!
www.rainpaint.cjb.net
RAISON D' ETRE (SWE)-"Requiem For Abandoned Souls" CD'03
(5 tracks, 49. 59 min)
(CMI)
When you make reference to such project, there is no way not to feel so damn intimidated and intrigued in the same time because of the mystery discharged by Peter Andersson's music. I won't start making the apology of what RDE is or will be for the Dark Ambient scene, not right here! But I let you know that the five new tracks simply carry on the line of the previous album with one remark: this time the musical sequences are even more depressed and faded in sorrow. There is an everlasting enigma for me how Peter can blend so amazingly the bombastic atmosphere, which is produced by synthetic instruments, with introverted intricate effects... so cold... so frozen that you all of a sudden are surrounded by feelings of solitude, abandon, isolation and emptiness. Anyway, no matter what, there cannot be spoken about an accessible music and I think that all those who prefer such sonorities must be prepared for giving in... to those five new dimensions. I warn you of that as otherwise you might get freaked out very badly and your reaction would be out of control... and there is such mesmerizing power of despair. From a different perspective, I tell you, this is a masterpiece of the style and for this time you can enjoy two new natural instruments such as cymbal and trombone. The lay out and graphics are executed again by Roger Karmanik and symbolizes in a perfect match exactly what the whole album transposes: age of chaos!
RAJNA (FRA)-"The Door Of Serenity" CD'02
(12 tracks, 52. 03 min)
(HOLY)
Even if the album was released two years ago, I afford to mention about it since I believe it is the best achievement the two French had reached so far and, if I am not mistaken, this is the fourth album! More experimental than ever, with accentuated oriental influences, RAJNA had reached now a remarkable musical maturity since it is nothing but a brave disciple of DEAD CAN DANCE. It is about a different world, a different universe... a different life... and the female voice simply melts down your soul...
RAJNA (FRA)-" Hidden Temple " CD'04
(12 tracks, 58. 37 min)
(HOLY)
Promoters of DEAD CAND DANCE, the two musicians reveal a new sample of first rate Ethnic Gothic and the fifth album is rather identical with the previous one. It is a music out of the ordinary... trespassing mythological romantic and sensual elements... into an Afro-Asian world, from the old Egypt to ascetic mirage of Tibetan realm. Warm colors, oriental perfume, and profuse spirituality... everything is at superlative! The CD contains some bonuses including a video-clip with a live performance!
REVEREND BIZARRE (FIN)-"Harbinger Of Metal" CD'04
(7 tracks, 74. 00 min)
(SPIKEFARM)
Who would have thought there still are bands to promote grave Doom Metal... which was popular 20 years ago...?! The three Finns have released their second album and I can say it is a great sample of virtuosity having no new elements but featuring a marvelous successful mixture of styles (between chanted melodious peaceful ones and those aggressive noisy ones)... and the atmosphere thus created is so grave depressed and gloomy. We have here four extremely long tracks, which become even boring, and some other short ones but in lack of any structure. If you want to have an idea try to put in the same room bands like BLACK SABBATH, CATHEDRAL, ST. VITUS, RAVEN, TROUBLE, PENTAGRAM or SOLITUDE AETURNUS... and then you will know if the Finnish band is a success or not. I guess this could be a revelation for fans of the up mentioned bands and perhaps an interesting album (at most!) for the rest of us!
www.reverend.shows.it
RIVENDELL (GER)-"Elven Tears" CD'03
(8 tracks, 47. 15 min)
(SKALDIC ART)
An impressing album if we take in consideration the person who is behind the name: a single character, Falagar. If the debut album, "The Ancient Glory", might have had some common Black Epic Metal sequences, well, the material is totally taken over by a Folk Viking aura and the sound is rather bombastic peaceful yet and meditative. It is, if you want, an ambitious replica to FALKENBACH, perhaps a little bit more Metallic and less atmospheric! RIVENDELL is focused on guitars' sound and the keyboard is a precious link to the strong masculine vocals and its assorted inflections. If we need to be critical on this material I'd say that the new compositions are in lack of strength and after a meticulous audition you come to realize that all the tracks look like the same and moreover, from time to time, the tunes make you fall asleep. However, this is an Epic Folk of a high quality, which, most certainly, will cause some troubles to the Medieval Black Metal followers but now it is in a version much too contemplative and calmer with hymns of a certain charm and lyrics of Tolkien themes. There is up to be mentioned that the percussion was accomplished by Boltthorn (VINDSVAL).
http://listen.to/rivendell
SALTATIO MORTIS (GER)-"Erwachen" CD'04
(11 tracks, 48. 00 min)
(NAPALM)
The seven Germans bring up a new album following accurately the line of the previous one, meaning a kind of IN EXTREMO but in a more dynamic silhouette! In other words, I think that the mixture of Epic Punk with Electro Rock and Medieval develops a sound of Dark Ages in an evolved stage. I am not sure it is accurate what I tell you, but those old traditional instruments combined with synth and other contemporaneous elements put forth a very weird music... not to mention that the lyrics are in German...! The energy discharged I believe it has a certain purpose in the Germans' sound and I have a feeling this is the reason why they are so popular on the German market! As far as the band's imagery is regarded, I notice that the guys are pretty attentive at details and that medieval appearance plus traditional instruments... simply compile a specific original aura. As far as music is concerned, I can't see many differences from the debut (perhaps a little bit more melodic!) and that is why I find no interest in discussing it any further.
www.saltatio-mortis.com
SCARVE (FRA)-"Irradiant" CD'04
(9 tracks, 42. 47 min)
(LISTENABLE/THE END)
It seems we have here a replica to ATHEIST or CYNIC but in a French version! It is the first album of this band that I happened to listen to but as a matter of fact this is their third! Anyway, I have not many to speak regarding an extremely complicated and elaborated Death Metal, even if it very aggressive and very melodic in the same time. I understand some members from DEFLESHED and MESHUGGAH also participated at this album therefore you can imagine how large is the "playground" of the six musicians...
www.scarve.net
SECRET DISCOVERY (GER)-"Pray" CD'04
(12 tracks, 52. 23 min)
(E-WAVE)
After 15 years of activity it would be a little absurd to insist on details of band's history and discography. It is important that the Germans have returned with a new elegant sample of Gothic Rock full of atmospheric frames (an intelligent keyboard) and some commercial very rhythmic and melodic facets as well. Kai's low voice is as imposing as ever and the guitar riffs remind me SECRET DISCOVERY is still a Rock band. The tracks have lyrics in English, French and German as well, therefore we can speak of some experimental elements. It is a pleasant album professionally approached and interpreted but in lack of any new remarkable ingredients.
www.secret-discovery.de
SEPSISM ( USA )-"To Prevail In Disgust" CD'03
(10 tracks, 35. 12 min)
(FROM BEYOND)
This American band was founded in 1990 and until now they only managed for the past three years to release two albums. Right after they signed with the Dutch label, the four angry musicians entered the studio and recorded 10 new brutal and sick sequences in the spirit of no shade of kindness or indulgence! It is just Brutal Death Metal, in the old style of CANNIBAL CORPSE, with a throaty voice and explosive guitars. I haven't understood a thing from what they play now but I managed to virtually travel back in time when such sonorities were fans' delight! Well, for the time being their number is very limited in Europe but they still give a maximum audience in America ! Probably this is a sensational album for those who live across the ocean!
www.sepsism.net
SHADOW SEASON (NOR)-"The Frozen" MCD'03
(4 tracks, 20. 48 min)
(SOUND RIOT)
This is just another nordic Black Metal clone but this time coming through a collaboration of great names: Trym (EMPEROR/ZYKLON), Sanrabb (GEHENNA), Dolgar (FORLORN) beside the fundamental members, Void and Winter, both from WITCHHAMMER. During the two years of the band's existence, there were many who came and went like Kris Vold (DISMAL EUPHONY) or Nekro (GEHENNA). This very EP has four amazing Black/Dark Metal tracks, full of energy and expressiveness and with no compromises. There are some melodic shadows featured inside their tunes but the fundamental principle that governs their music is rapidity! The extreme vocals and an apocalyptic atmosphere remind me of that conventional Black Metal played a few years ago by bands such as: SATYRICON, EMPEROR or GEHENNA. Well, it is interesting to listen to it but solely for a single time!
SHADOWCAST (AUT)-"Near Life Experience" CD'03
(10 tracks, 50. 39 min)
(CCP)
Cyber Metal? This is really a strange definition... Anyway, ex-members of bands such as AMORTIS, CEPHALIC or ABIGOR have decided to make a proof of Gothic Metal with Power/ Progressive touches and deep roots in extremely brutal Metal. All in all, the male vocals gradation simply is the strongest element in this album structure, even if the screaming ones often try to imitate exactly what THE KOVENANT performs now. I could go even much further with the thought finding even instrumental elements in the sound of this Norwegian band. On the other hand, I'd say that Atmospheric Melodic Metal would be the most appropriate description for the sound since the keyboard is the instrument with a great abundance of bombastic passages. Moreover, the last part of the album features a dynamic and aggressive Electro-Industrial current. It actually is a modern version of Metal coming from these Austrian musicians but I think they should decide either melody or aggressiveness as you can't have all! From a different perspective I think this tends to become a clone for the new wave of synthetic Metal and -why not?- a pale copy for THE KOVENANT, which still preserves some different connections with other domestic styles. In other words, it is like trying to visit many places in the same time so that finally you may end up right in the middle of nowhere. I must say again, Moritz Neuner's battery execution is absolutely remarkable!
http://go.to/shadowcast
SHADEWORKS (BEL)-"Sooty Limbs" demo CDR'01
(4 tracks, 18. 58 min)
Although it is an older material, I consider being right if reminding about it... since the Weird Atmospheric Metal background is an exceptional one with a clear Avantgarde note! The vocal assortment (male +female) indeed is ground-breaking and the Gothic Ethereal note interestingly gets blended with Metal or even Heavy touches... It is a pity that only four tracks are included on CDR and I still am stupefied as I don't understand how is it possible for a sound like that not convince any label. Well, it is true, this is not the best recording but both concept and orientation deserve maximum rate! Cheers to Nicolas Arnaud, a virtual colleague of mine who keeps alive a webzine as well: www.beyond.com;
www.hardebaran.com
SIEGFRIED (AUT)-"Eisenwinter" CD'03
(10 tracks, 45. 34 min)
(NAPALM)
Neither "Drachenberz" debut enchanted me and nor this material! Why so? I have no idea. I have read that the first CD was sold in 5000 copies, which honestly surprises me! Perhaps the advertising and the sonorous names behind the band counted that much!!! Well, it is about the most talented Austrian drum player, Moritz Neuner (ABIGOR/RIP, DARKWELL, SHADOWCAST...) and then it is about an old time bass player in Roland Wurzer person Wurzer (DARKWELL, ANGRY ANGELS) and of course, the female vocal, Sandra Schleret (ex-DREAMS OF SANITY). The lyrics are in German and speak about Nibelungs stories (without any reference to politics and religion). As far as music is regarded, this is an unfortunate and uninspired hotchpotch of too many styles and probably Epic Power Atmospheric Metal would be a succinct characterization to the sound. There are chanted vocals mixed with brutal ones throughout various musical influences, from extreme Metal to Melodic. As far as both execution and recording are concerned, I have only praising words. As for the message, I must say, they cannot pass my exam! It might happen for the fans to discover other valences of this style than what I found, this is a fact! But I better stop here...
www.siegfried.at.tf
SILENTIUM (FIN)-"Sufferion-Hamartia Of Prudence" CD'03
(16 tracks, 68. 00 min)
(SPIKEFARM)
The third album of ex-FUNERAL band seems to be the most complex one! This comes as well with a certain length, numerous tracks...and all in all, it is a conceptual album with 10 long diverse tracks sometimes interrupted by impressing narrative interludes. In other words, after a complete audition you come to realize you actually passed through a whole legend or... in better words, this is just a theatrical art in a musical adaptation. I find difficult to appreciate if SILENTIUM sound remained or not Doom Metal or Gothic Metal since such substantial diversity doesn't help in accurately labelling the musical style. I only know that we can hear different male vocals, strange female ones, confusing choirs, funny tunes, an amazing keyboard...and perhaps solely the guitars' riffs would remind of SILENTIUM still as a Metal band.
www.silentivm.com
SIRENIA (NOR)-"An Elixir For Existence" CD'04
(9 tracks, 53. 51 min)
(NAPALM)
I have waited for this album (belonging to Morten Veland's band -ex-TRISTANIA-) with great impatience and interest and I must say I really am pretty confused! Why so? Because I waited for much more of imagination and for some new elements! Unfortunately, the new tracks are pretty close to be identical with the ones featured on the debut and solely the vocal interchange plus contrasting concepts (melody versus aggressiveness, romantic/explosive) might be considered fundamental points for this sound! Even worse... for this time we miss Peter's magnificent violin and those passages with clear clean vocals... and those vocals used to get in resonance with the rest of instruments and actually managed to create a kind of stylistic equilibrium! There are some remains of violin from time to time but rather too faded and in lack of any charm! The album is based on a common effort of four musicians who are entertained by the usual choir mastered by synth. It would be a huge mistake to say it is not a good album! On the contrary, I listen to it with great pleasure and I really like it. Nevertheless, as far as I thought I knew Morten, I expected him to come with a real artistic "bomb"...both as music and concept "in se"... assuming he released the debut in a big haste...! Henrietta Bordvik's voice is rather too fragile and while listening to it... you might have the impression there is innocence itself down on earth! But here comes Morten in a very dynamic and aggressive manner with a voice in lack of any inflections but trying to impose a dark angry note to the sound. It is interesting to notice that the conceptual structure is still based on Gothic and many passages remind me of FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM, but more likely as a Metallic cover version. I'd say that choirs remained a key element in SIRENIA's sound and I realize that Morten follows the same line he originated with TRISTANIA. "Star-Crossed" seems to be a great track and here... the male choirs simply mesmerize and give a thrilling note to an Atmospheric sound in Norwegian version! Otherwise... we have Metallic guitars, rhythmic battery, melodic explosive tunes and a bombastic keyboard! This is just another sample of first class Norwegian Black Gothic Metal, which keeps catching up with today's fashion!
www.sirenia.no
SKEPTICISM (FIN)-"Farmakon" CD'03
(6 tracks, 62. 20 min)
(RED STREAM)
What can you expect from SKEPTICISM? Funeral Slow Doom Metal in the purest and most extreme nature! The third album of the Finns is the most complex, dark and profound one and I guess that violent angry voice can awake even the dead! This is painted in a morbid, introverted environment having a well calculated number of tracks but rather too long for a too slow background, guitars with prolonged solos, a medieval keyboard and an atypical battery. Well...after such audition, you better get out and take a deep breath of fresh air, otherwise who knows what madness might get into you! www.farmakon.com
SKYFIRE (SWE)-"Mind_Revolution" CD'03
(9 tracks, 43. 39 min)
(HAMMERHEART)
Another clone of Swedish Melodic Death Metal School ! If you got bored of listening to DARK TRANQUILITY or IN FLAMES you can try SKYFIRE. Although they are at their second album, the Swedes prove an amazing maturity in execution! The arrangement of melodiousness and aggressiveness is pointed out throughout a great contrast of ravishing guitars riffs and an amazing atmosphere created by two well handled keyboards. The screaming vocals are perfectly framed in the Swedish Metal style so that the new tracks take benefit of irreproachable arrangement, mixing and approach! This is a hearty album discharging lots of energy and strength and I might even say that, unfortunately, there is an inflation of good bands adopting the same line. But who can tell what bright future this band might reach?!
SORATH (CZE)-"Vivimos En Perpetua Guerra" CD'03
(11 tracks, 34. 22 min)
(METAL BREATH)
Again we meet Black Metal, but this time not in a Nordic manner, which in my eyes is a great advantage! Well, I am afraid this would be the only advantage! Why so? Well, even if SORATH has a remarkable history with more than 10 years of successful activity, they still relate themselves at a brutal Metal, in lack of any brilliant idea and with no shade of originality. The four try to cover plenty of openings, styles and influences but with a confusing result ending up in a modest outcome in lack of any expressiveness. It is the Czechs' third material and perhaps some of you might find more positive details in what they play... while I couldn't.
http://sorath.wz.cz
SPEAKING SILENCE (FRA)-"The Twilight World" CD'03
(11 tracks, 51. 55 min)
(HAR/SACRAL)
Carla and Alain have reached the third album in more than 10 years of activity under the same banner. Carla has played as well in TREES DANCE but, after a short experience, she focused solely on this band! What could I tell you about this music?! Pop Gothic Rock Atmospheric might be a guiding point... Carla's crystalline voice is indeed special, elegant and impressive! The whole sound seems to mold on her voice and even if the rhythmic sound is simplistically conceived, in a commercial way, there is something attractive there! The lyrics are both in English and French and I think that the guitar is the perfect companion for Carla's voice! I wouldn't say this duet is extraordinary but it is away above the medium! I am surprised they didn't reach a more serious contract so far as they could use a better promotion activity!
STILLE OPRRORR (NOR)-s/t CD'02
(8 tracks, 47. 09 min)
The talented guitar player, Christer Andre Cederberg, famous for his intense endeavor along IN THE WOODS... (RIP), has released, two years ago, an extremely weird and intricate album... with no connection to Metal music! It is a relaxing calm music, based solely on guitar, both female and male vocals, pale battery, a sinister keyboard, and a great sax but in lack of rhythm or tempo... I'd say it is a meditative sound reaching for Rock, Progressive or Jazz... all in an original attractive profile. I have listened to the album for quite some times now and I still haven't realized what Christer wanted to express with such sound! I recently have listened to the compilation Karmakosmetix released and there Christer features two new compositions... well, they seem more dynamic and entertaining than what I've met here. I am curious to hear all his new compositions, which I am sure will include various influences since he has just returned from a long journey in South Asia, where he faced a great impact meeting traditions from countries such as Thailand, Cambodia... etc Maybe I should say something about his other project, ANIMAL ALPHA, which is more Rock... perhaps to Power, more commercial, with an extremely aggressive female voice, especially since both bands came to release a demo in partnership. For any further information, visit
www.animalalpha.com
STILLE VOLK (FRA)-"Maudat" CD'03
(10 tracks, 45. 00 min)
(HOLY)
You cannot imagine what means to follow a traditional line! These French musicians keep on walking on the same ground of neo-Celtic-medieval realms presenting now the fourth musical chapter and everything is as charming as so far, just like the other albums! With a sound created by instruments new and old since the beginning of time (bagpipes, bouzouki, hurdy-gurdy, Arabic lute, violin, mandolin, various flutes), the French band brings forth a medieval music exceptionally well conceived on an acoustic backbone of a tremendous emergence. I can't say it is better than the others since my ears actually cannot distinguish major differences between them. I only know it is a music that has nothing to do with Metal or Rock...but rather with something derived from a traditional Ethno. If you never listened to STILLE VOLK, I recommend you would... at least from a curious impulse! stilleroques@yahoo.fr
STROMMOUSSHELD (POL) -"Behind The Curtain" CD'03
(9 tracks, 60. 30 min)
(AVANTGARDE)
I'd say this is an intelligent project as far as orientation is the issue! It is a pity though that the production and mixing are quite not ok...Started on a Dark Industrial basis, the project enters many other realms such as Electro, Gothic, Psychedelic, Black or Ambient. Let me put it differently, if you like bands like ABORYM, RED HARVEST or THEE MALDOROR KOLLECTIVE, then you would also enjoy this very album. There is a similitude with SAMAEL but I must say that these symphonic make of it a pretty hard and less accessible album, difficult to digest it in most parts and probably rather too complex. I'd recommend for indulgence in appreciating this band because in other technical conditions, I assure you, their music would enchant anyone! The voice is sometimes rather too aggressive but I put it on the Black tendencies' behalf! I think a remarkable aspect would be the interludes created by guitars and clear vocals in a pleasant contrast with the rest of the noises and multiple effects. The band's members have played in other projects as well such as: BRACTWO CZARNEJ ROZY, DARK GALLERY or SIRIUS. www.sh.art.pl
STYGGMYR (NOR)-"World Massacre" CD'03
(11 tracks, 31. 31 min)
(FACE FRONT)
I really have no clue why this band exist and which is its purpose of existence... as long as what these musicians play seriously turns my face to the past... those times when the crown belonged to old school Raw Black Metal!!! And keep in mind, we have here a band that was just founded and this is its very debut! Therefore, STYGGMYR sound would be somewhere close to SLAYER, MOTORHEAD, TWISTED SISTER and even DARK THORNE but having as well some hues rather hilarious of Rock'n Roll... Even the recording meets the same primitive background with scratched guitars and brutal battery. Monotonous!
SUBTERRANEAN MASQUERADE ( USA )-" Temporary Psychotic State " MCD'04
(2 tracks, 17. 23 min)
(THE END)
Great surprise! This is an interesting approach Tomer Pink adopted! I don't know if I ever listened to something like this so far but I find here many elements from various spheres: Metal, Progressive, Rock, Dark, Doom or Atmospheric... and I think it is only natural since the project is formed by members of bands like: AGALLOCH, NOVEMBERS DOOM, EPOCH OF UNLIGHT, ANIMA NERA or THE KILL... Piano, violins, synth, clear vocals and extreme ones, folkloric female ensemble, guitars IN THE WOODS... like, meditative obscure sober and mystic atmosphere! I did enjoy the idea! However the two tracks, even if pretty long and elaborated, are not just enough to get a clear idea or opinion about this debutant band!
SUMMONER (ITA)-"Winter Solstice" CD'03
(8 tracks, 43. 14 min)
(BLACK TEARS OF DEATH)
These young Italians experiment a Gothic Death Metal dimension with serious touches of Black, Doom or Atmospheric Metal. I tell you sincerely there is nothing new and everything seems to be a copy/paste from the fashionable bands, with no other improvisation. Therefore, there is nothing but a melodic atmospheric and entertaining Metal. One notice: for this album there are two guest musicians, Dhilorz/ANCIENT and Daniel Botti/NODE.
www.summonersite.com
SVARTSYN (SWE)-"Destruction Of Man" CD'03
(7 tracks, 41. 31 min)
(SOUND RIOT)
What can you expect from an ex-drum player from DARK FUNERAL, Draugen?! Beside Ornias, he connects us to the sound of some classical Black Metal bands such as: MAYHEM, MARDUK or DARK THRONE. Although they have come to the fourth album, after more than 12 years of experience in this field, the ex-CHALICE members have no desire in being influenced by any bombastic element of fashion, this is why the seven sequences are ultra-fast, brutal... really noisy and thus pretty linear. How come that the two musicians did not get bored during those 40 minutes of Evil Raw Black Metal? I have no clue, but it is true, I haven't understood too much from an album that might have meant something but... a decade ago! Today... perhaps there could be found some nostalgic people to sigh after... but with a great difficulty!
www.soundriot.net
SWALLOW THE SUN (FIN) -"The Morning Never Came" CD'03
(8 tracks, 56. 32 min)
(FIREBOX)
Sometimes I wonder how happen that such a small country like Finland could host that many Doom Death bands! From UNHOLY to la SKEPTICISM, the range of Funeral Slow Doom Death Metal has been covered and covered by dozens if not hundreds of bands. In this particular case, we can have a look at the remains of two underground projects, FUNERIS NOCTURNUM and PLUTONIUM ORANGE. But I find strange the fact that even if founded three years ago, the band has only this year released the first demo and right after... they received a good offer from Firebox label. As far as music is regarded the Finns perform a classical Doom Death Metal with various approaches becoming from time to time either atmospheric, either primitive, either lent or too aggressive, with Gothic influences but having as well some depressive valences. The voice oscillates between brutal and clear but the guitars are constant in following those never-ending buzzes, the keyboard fills the background while the battery seems not to pursue any standard rhythm. It is a nice album with a common Metal memorandum and modern spirit but that would be about all! And I am sure, something is missing, something to bring the band's identity in sound.
SWAN CHRISTY (GRE)-"Julian" CD'03
(9 tracks, 40. 02 min)
(THE END/BLACK LOTUS)
Well, this is indeed a genuine elegant and impressive weirdness! I think this band should be regarded as one composing soundtracks and definitely not Metal sonorities! On this very album, there are neither guitars nor battery; therefore it is pretty clear it has nothing to do with Metal music. The synthetic sound is guided by some clear pleasant voices and a hallucinating piano intersecting a chaotic synth. It is a kind of symphonic Progressive with Electro elements and avant-garde frames, which, in the end, does not resemble with anything I listened so far. This Soundtrack of Schizophrenic movie indeed fascinated me but I believe it has no relevance to speak about it any further... not in here, where Metal is the main topic. It is about something else, a different kind of music, which deserves all the attention and it is worth to listen to but I believe it is not the point to compare it with extreme sonorities!
