ReVIEWS

April 2008

SEPTIC FLESH (GRE) - "Communion" CD'08
(SEASON OF MIST)
The Greeks' sixth album is the most powerful and elaborated one among all released along seventeen years of history, with two interruptions included. Except the symphonic elements saturating the sound more than ever before, SEPTIC FLESH is the same Atmospheric Death Metal band we've got used to, without many structural changes from the beginning. The album has a mighty start, as the Industrial scent vaguely gets veiled in the multitude of orchestral, symphonic, choral elements (philharmonic orchestra of Prague, over eighty instrumentalists, thirty voices), while Spiros's voice is the same guttural and brutal one as in the past, and the guitars enhance the Epic expressivity, yet remaining as melodious as before (alike Mackintosh's in PARADISE LOST early times), plus a very dynamic battery... I also uncover some normal voices, but they are quite pale and lacked in inspiration. After the first half, the tracks turn more technical, more composed, the symphonic elements vanish, and everything becomes a damn good sounding Melodic Death Metal with Gothic scents, yet one without any personality of its own. The sole element giving identity to the band remains the brutal, but very inspired voice, even though it doesn't insist on inflexions, but prefers the extreme linearity. A special album, an excellent conceived step for this reunion, and the quartet certainly is a smart choice for every concert organizer.
www.abstrata.net/sfsite/index.html
Rating: 0.85/1

CHANDEEN (GER) - "Teenage Poetry" CD'08
(KALINKALAND)
This release is a great surprise. I've heard about this trio for some years now, but I never got the chance to listen to them before. As Harald Lowy is both a member of the band and the boss of Kalinkaland label, I've been pretty reticent in what concerns the quality of CHANDEEN's music. Yet, after listening to these tracks, I can state with all my heart that "Teenage Poetry" is an eloquent sample of Ethereal Wave, alike the ones of the bands promoted by Projekt Records. The feminine voice has a superb fragility of expression, and the musical sequences are saturated in atmosphere and dreamy soundscapes, as everything oscillates somewhere between LYCIA and Love Spirals...I cannot say it is a Dark album, yet it certainly isn't a very optimistic one either, but rather a very intelligently created and executed album, dignifying the melancholic and elegant aura of a fully original Wave Gothic.
www.chandeen.com
Rating: 0.88/1

COLOSSEUM (FIN) - "Chapter 1: Delirium" CD'08
(FIREBOX)
Certainly, living in Finland means experiencing deep depression from time to time, and also feel the imperious desire of total isolation... those beautiful views, the clime, everything seems to resonate with the mood of some profound darkers, alike Juhani Palomaki. I know him for many years and his activity in YEARNING brought five impressive albums, released at Holy Records, in France. The Atmospheric Gothic Doom Metal approach didn't satisfy Juhani, and so he decided to create another musical project, more aggressive and more solemn than YEARNING. That's the story of this quartet's birth, one following the Funeral Doom Metal path, to which it adds Ambient, Orchestral valences and releases a splendidly beautiful album. The guitars remind me of early DECORYAH, the keyboard is darkly present all along, the voice is guttural and prolonged, saturated in despair yet also contempt for the quotidian, finally it's an album of isolation, solitude, bleakness... within or around us. The six tracks are finely executed, so we have over an hour of intensively emotional music, not necessarily original too. Finnish Slow Doom Metal fans cannot elude the joy of listening to this material, especially as it is the creation of a Metal scene's veteran. It is a complex and complete album!
www.colosseumdoom.com
Rating: 0.90/1

PANCHRYSIA (BEL) - "Deathcult Salvation" CD'08
(DARK ESSENCE)
I guess I've enjoyed the first two albums more! The new material of the four Belgians is focused solely on aggressive Black Metal, with Nordic influences, pretty linear and lacked in originality. I was expecting more, especially as Mortuus (MARDUK/FUNERAL MIST) and Leen De Haes (BINT) participated to the vocal sequences as guests. One track, somehow odd, experimental and atypical to the genre, "Fogbound", reminded me of the musically expressed occultism some years back by the ones from CELTIC FROST, and it is a track you should certainly pay attention to, even if it has nothing to do with Metal. Otherwise, violent tracks, with Evil voices, without any modern influences, seemingly the '80's Black Metal oscillating between MARDUK, ANCIENT RITES and DARK THRONE. Nothing new, just another well performed album destined to be soon forgotten.
www.panchrysia.be
Rating: 0.80/1

HOLLENTHON (AUT) - "Opus Magnum" CD'08
(NAPALM)
Martin Schirenc is one of the fieriest sustainers of the Metal scene within his lands, and PUNGENT STENCH is the band through which he's better known. His project VUZEM, put on fine graces with Austrian Black Metal Syndicate at the beginning of '90's, took the name of HOLLENTHON and released in 1999 its debut album, very appreciated at the time. Two years later a new material came into light, and afterwards silence time appeared. There have been some shows done at the greatest European festivals and solely that. Well, seven years later the four Austrians release a new album, the most Epic, Dark, heavy and bombastic of all, with all sorts of influences, starting with the Atmospheric and Melodic ones to brutal and aggressive parts... yet, all along, you can experience a fresh mixture of exotic/oriental/ethnic scents, classical music, symphonic one too, operatic feminine voice, mighty masculine ones, imposing masculine choirs...an album full of dynamism and energy! I guess the sound is tremendous on live performances! I am glad that I've been able to listen to a fully original set of tracks, with a remarkable musicality structured on a Black Death Metal approach, saturated in Experimental elements. I do not know why, but listening to HOLLENTHON, I've wandered towards another Austrian project, atypical for the scene, one to be praised: KOROVA KILL... HOLLENTHON shows us another facet of the modern Dark Metal, one where the Epic dimension defines a bombastic, explosive, incendiary sound keeping you activated all along the audition! The tracks are diverse, not having many repetitive elements, but on the contrary, within each track you can uncover new scents, new inspired sequences, as everything sounds excellent... In fact there is no comparison to be done, as the marks are just being set up by HOLLENTHON!
www.hollenthon.com
Rating: 0.91/1

TYR (FER) - "Land" CD'08
(NAPALM)
Heri Joensen returns with a new album in a very short time. The third chapter of TYR focuses on the same Viking Metal we've got used to, transgressing all sorts of Metal styles, from Heavy or Doom all the way to Progressive and evenly Celtic influences. MANOWAR in its Viking version, that's how I could characterize the sound of the four musicians coming from Feroe Islands. This album presents two elaborated tracks, with more than 10 minutes of length, while the rest are quite similar in structure and tonality. I guess is the most complex album of the band, yet it doesn't sound inspired too. The sound is fine, both in what concerns the music and the recording/mixing, but something gives it paleness. The force of expression is missing, there is no power and dynamic of the sound, given the approached style. Furthermore, the band has a huge success live, and this can solely bring me joy, even though as far as I'm concerned TYR is a mediocre band. The only scent of authenticity is given their destination. And it seems to be liked by the fans too!
www.tyr.cc
Rating: 0.78/1

MIDNATTSOL (NOR) - "Nordlys" CD'08
(NAPALM)
If I've only said modest words regarding this band's debut, the situation is distinct in what concerns the second album, as I have to share some superlatives. Do not ask why because it isn't clear to me either. The sound is oriented less towards Folk and more towards Gothic Metal, scenting of symphonic elements too, with an angelic feminine voice (Liv Espenaes/Krull's sister) and some guitarists whose stylistic sobriety is enhanced by the oppressive riffs (members of the Doom Metal project AHAB). There is a crossing of early THEATRE OF TRAGEDY (Gothic version), along some debuting AMORPHIS influences (Folk version), also scenting of current modernism (symphonic version), yet the guitars bring early TRISTANIA to my mind. Maybe the execution is not excellent (even if the quality of recording and mixing is perfect), perhaps it isn't in fact as fine as I sense it, but it's a sure thing I've enjoyed it a lot! The only great disadvantage consists in the lack of originality, but the way they've chosen the path of influences is a quality one, as the bands spotted above have each its own time of glory before turning into commercial prostitutes.
www.midnattsol.com
Rating: 0.93/1

NOEKK (GER) - "A Minstrel's Curse" CD'08
(PROPHECY)
The third release of the ex EMPYRIUM members is the most abstract, atypical and saturated in all kinds of influences, except Metal ones, album. Everything gravitates around a Progressive Rock spectrum, with Folk and Classical elements, with normal voices, Pagan scent and without modernistic rhythmicity. It is, if you want, a longer EP, consisting in four quite elaborated tracks which contour an interesting sound, yet in my opinion it isn't a special material despite the instrumental art proved. It is something pale, without form but set on a fine substance for whose understanding a certain mood is required and a lot if patience. Seemingly, I haven't found the way towards it so far. I prefer the previous two releases, among which "The Grimalkin" is a musical jewel.
www.myspace.com/112535276
Rating: 0.79/1

AZURE EMOTE (US) - "Chronicles Of An Aging Mammal" CD'08
(EPIDEMIE)
The music of these Americans is alike the name of the album. In fact, everything is enliven by Mike Hrubovcak, the same one activating in projects alike MONSTROSITY, DIVINE RAPTURE or VILE. Avantgarde Death Metal is the style we're dealing with, along many melodic sequences, yet saturated in unfamiliar combinations of Experimental, Industrial, Noise or Electronic. Meaning, drops of ULVER, ARCTURUS, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, RED HARVEST, put together in an odd version, especially as Laurie Ann Haus is a guest, known from her activity within RAIN FELL WITHIN, TODESBONDEN or AUTUMN TEARS. I do not have a clear point of view regarding what's the band wishing to unveil throughout this album, because at a certain moment I can uncover a chaotic mixture of musical styles, each and every one set on the main line ... Hard audition, difficult to assimilate this intricate sound. Yet, it is an original one... but even so, it's not enough to be considered a remarkable album.
www.azureemote.com
Rating: 0.80/1

DEAD TO THIS WORLD (NOR) - "First Strike For Spiritual Renewance" CD'08
(DARK ESSENCE)
As it all started with Iscariah's idea six years ago, I was expecting this new project to follow the same approach as the other bands he activated in, meaning NECROPHAGIA and IMMORTAL. Well, Iscariah co-opted ex GORGOROTH drummer, Kvitrafn, and the two of them are now debuting at the Norwegian label. The musical style is one returning to the origins, to the mix of Speed, Thrash and Black Metal, very brutal and lacked in any modern influence. CELTIC FROST, KREATOR, SLAYER and many other bands of the '80's contour the stylistic spectrum of DEAD TO THIS WORLD. I found nothing interesting within this album, except following and paying attention to the angriest and most unaltered by modernism Northern fans. Further I could mention that on this album there have also been invited as guest musicians from bands alike OLD FUNERAL, THE BATTALION or ATOMIZER. The album is a modest one in what concerns the conception, yet the execution is exemplary.
www.myspace.com/deadtothisworld
Rating: 0.78/1

AARNI (FIN) - "Tohcoth" CD'08
(EPIDEMIE)
I haven't understood a bit of this Progressive Avantgarde Metal! Even though there are 10 years of activity, AARNI haven't release other but a split in 2002 and an album in 2004, at all interesting if I recall correctly. The new material tries and succeeds into complicating more the inapproachable and intricate sound. There is plenty of atmosphere, also experimental sequences, Progressive is present too, and Metal, sometimes it even turns ultra brutal, the lyrics are in four languages, everything is to be found within, yet the audition of these 11 tracks confused me beyond my expectations. I haven't understood a bit of this album, but it surely is a very complex one! Or perhaps this complexity makes the bizarre result sound even more intricate? I don't know.
www.aarni.info
Rating: 0.71/1

YEARNING (FIN) - "Merging Into Landscaped" CD'08
(HOLY)
This band is also a veteran one on the Doom Metal scene, and it unveils a unique melancholic dimension, remarkable throughout the penetrating and solemn normal voice and also through the Dark atmosphere created by the various and intelligently performed instruments. The new album is the most symphonic one, saturated in Classical influences, yet full of both melody and nostalgia all along. YEARNING simply couldn't release other than a beautiful material, because this is the most appropriate characterization for it. Personally, I still prefer the first two albums, concentrated on the Dark Doom Metal dimension, to the last two ones insisting on the Gothic and Melodic approach, enjoyable, but far too rhythmic for YEARNING. I don't know if the band members have reached the end of YEARNING's path, but I am sure that Juhani's new Funeral Doom project, COLOSSEUM, is closer to my soul. Yet, maybe it is all just a matter of preferences.
yearning.cjb.net
Rating: 0.85/1

MARTRIDEN (US) - "The Unsettling Dark" CD'08
(CANDLELIGHT)
After last summer's debut EP, I was waiting for a fulminate debut from the five... Unfortunately, MARTRIDEN doesn't overrun with the new tracks the average of modest albums, lacked in expressivity and authenticity but precisely executed. True, it is hard to oscillate between EMPEROR and OPETH, stay rooted in ENSLAVED and make it all sound as BEHEMOTH. In fact this Polish band is the merest comparison, because the approached Black Death Metal is a very technical one, quite rapid but also teemed with some technical and progressive sequences, while the keyboard is bombastic and saturated in symphonic elements and Epic interludes. It is rapid and aggressive more than melodic, and so this debut album proves that the Americans have a path of their own but they are still under the influence of some notorious European bands. Will their next material show a difference maybe?
www.martriden.com
Rating: 0.79/1

AVERSE SEFIRA (US) - "Advent Parallax" CD'08
(CANDLELIGHT)
Well, these Americans have released their fourth album! Tireless within this scene for over 10 years, AVERSE SEFIRA still presents an aggressive Black Metal, with lots of Death elements, but without modern various influences. It solely consists in brutality, evil voices and hellish battery. I have no negative remarks for this album, in what concerns technique and interpretation. It's just that I cannot uncover anything special at all, nothing new, nothing to attract me particularly... just Black Metal in its Nordic version, linear from time to time, weary evenly. Luckily, the length isn't considerable, and so the 8 tracks gave me a significant morning waking.
www.aversesefira.com
Rating: 0.78/1

STAR OF ASH (NOR) - "The Thread" CD'08
(CANDLELIGHT)
Some time has passed since Heidi Solberg Tveitan made her solo debut, known by everybody within the Metal scene as Ihriel. It seems that Ihshan inspires her a lot, even though with this album she concentrates on bringing to light another musical dimension, meaning the Ambient Electronic Experimental one. Less melancholic as "Iter.Viator", yet more technical and intricate, with quite atmospheric interludes and an elegant feminine voice, Heidi enhances an atypical music, saturated in mystery and with an inner beauty hard to apprehend from time to time. Saying that "The Thread" is an abstract album would be too much, yet it would turn unfair to state that it is a normal one too. It is different, especially as Kris Rygg, Kenji Siratori and Markus Reuter are among the guests. Therefore, it is obvious what sonorities we are dealing with, isn't it? I've enjoyed this album a lot, even though some of the tracks seem quite barren and less contoured.
www.starofash.com
Rating: 0.88/1

WULFGAR (SWE) - "With Gods And Legends Unite" CD'07
(KAMPAS)
Despite their short history, the Swedish band managed to have an interesting debut, as the 12 tracks are a true sample of Epic Death Metal scenting of Viking! It is, if you wish, a fine AMON AMARTH replica! And trust me, there's no exaggeration when saying so! More melodic and atmospheric, full of harmony and virtuosity, with a true voice and quite Heavy guitars, WULFGAR impressed to the bones. An elegant album, well conceived, greatly executed, finely balanced between aggressiveness and melody, evenly bombastic now and then!
www.wulfgar.se
Rating: 0.88/1

THOLEN (GER) - "Sternklang" CD'07
(CYCLIC LAW)
I must admit that I haven't listened to this project before and I do not know much about it. Except the fact that a guy named Eisen is behind it, who's obsessed by spatial views care and who managed to create a very invigorating debut, a sort of Cosmic Dark Ambient, at all complex, yet saturated in multiple elements. A guitar can be spotted from time to time, so does the keyboard that seems to get more expressive than unveiling roars and some whispers... it is like a journey towards another galaxy, somewhere among the stars, far away from our world and everything around us. This sole track, of over 70 minutes length of spatial Ambient, and so if you desire to escape the quotidian, THOLEN creates the appropriate sonorous environment for sure!
rundfunk.grottenvolk.de
Rating: 0.84/1

SINKE DUS (SWE) - "Akrasia" CD'07
(CYCLIC LAW)
Markus Lonebrink is another Swede approaching the Dark Ambient Industrial dimension and he succeeded to debut with an interesting material, consisting of seven intelligently conceived tracks that sound quite fine. It would seem an appropriate sound for a movie, alike Baraka or Chronos, where the nonverbal message is essential. Anyway, music like this one should be mixed with some projections in order to penetrate the created realm, at all desolated but neither friendly for superficial individuals or unversed ones. There are plenty of effects, roars, bells, everything needed for sensing that "Akrasia" is a special album. I understood that Markus took into consideration his collaboration with Par Bostrom from KAMMARHEIT. Distinctive!
www.sinkedus.com
Rating: 0.88/1

TOWARDS DARKNESS (CAN) - "Solemn" CD'07
(CYCLIC LAW)
That's an album name saying it all! It brought the Finn veterans from UNHOLY to my mind! The fresher LONGING FOR DAWN too... And it is normal, as one of the band members also activates in ESKER or VENEFICIUM, along the above mentioned project. Therefore, we are dealing with a mix of Doom, Dark, Experimental, Rock, Orchestral, Ambient... evenly Funeral Oppressive Metal... Desolate voices, platonic keyboard, noisy guitars, hoarse voices going to the limit of turning guttural, slow and depressing rhythm... sinister atmosphere all along, everything is grey and hopeless! Beautiful album! Perfect to be listened on a gloomy day... www.towardsdarkness.com Rating: 0.89/1

EDENBRIDGE (AUT) - "MyEarth Dream" CD'08
(NAPALM)
Sabine Edelsbacher's voice is the driver of this Symphonic Metal band that has released in only eight years more bombastic albums, full of energy and atmosphere ones. The latest release has been recorded along a Czech orchestra, especially for enhancing the symphonic dimension of the Power Metal sound. There are oriental influences too, also some exotic ones, a lot of rhythm and keyboard, voices on the background, super heavy guitars and a dynamic battery. Placed somewhere at the limit of NIGHTWISH, with the Light note mightier than the Dark one, EDENBRIDGE released an ordinary album, that on the other hand values the guitar solos, heard very clearly and interestingly communicating with Sabine's voice. Further, I can only spot tremendous effort and dedication, yet something's missing... the spark maybe...
www.edenbridge.org
Rating: 0.85/1

V/A - "15 Years Jubileum Metal Attack" CD'08
(NO COLOURS)
Well, the German label now got to the point of celebrating 15 years of activity! I remember that's from where DIMMU BORGIR started! On this very compilation we can find tracks of the bands under contract hic et nunc, 18 at number, starting with GRAVELAND and JUVENES all the way to NEBIROS or THORON. Nothing interesting, just a good mark for the ones willing to discover how dark is the orientation of Black Metal bands releasing their albums under NO COLOURS banner.
www.no-colours-records.de

INVICTUS (HUN) - "Imperium Paganum" CD'08
(NO COLOURS)
An acoustic project, based on synth, unveiling warrior, theatrical and medieval echoes, scenting pale of SUMMONING (without the vocal parts) or evenly of Lord of the Rings in an East-European version. This Folk Heathen with Wagnerian influences does not impress but its audition is enjoyable. Seemingly Sahsnot is quite skilful on handling the instruments, especially as he is the same with Bornholm, ASTAROTH's guitarist. A well done album, scenting of medieval influences and intelligently expressing the Epic dimension of the musical universe!
www.invictusband.com
Rating: 0.88/1

MURK (ITA) - "Unholy Presence" CD'08
(NO COLOURS)
The fact that the German label only focuses on Black Metal bands, doesn't mean automatically that the choices done are always inspired. From my point of view, MURK is solely a clone of the old Black Thrash Metal school, without any other velleity. I really cannot understand what use ones can give to the stubbornness of following the same musical path that has already been successfully exploited 15 years ago... And I am firstly thinking about DARK THRONE. If I am to say further that MURK comes from Italy, than I do not understand why are they approaching the Norwegian version of brutal Black Metal? Nevermind, it is a modest album, even if the impression of Evil contours after the first accords.
www.myspace.com/darkmurk
Rating: 0.72/1

XERION (ESP) - "Nocturnal Misantropia" CD'08
(SCHWARZDORN)
Nocturno's band released the first album after seven years of underground activity, promoting the approached style as Galician Black Metal. I've listened to the album carefully but I couldn't find many interesting elements. There are some well performed sequences, with rhythm breakouts, lots of atmosphere, plus some inspired guitar riffs and a fine sounding keyboard, but that's all about it. The rest is common Black Metal, with aggressive voice and infernal rhythm, alike the one executed by Nordic bands. I must consider we are talking about a debut though, and if we are to look at it this way, than the rating could turn more indulgent. There is also a video on the CD, not very innovative yet presenting attractive nature landscapes and adding value to the album.
www.otronodexerion.com
Rating: 0.80/1

NERONOIA (ITA) - "Il Rumore Delle Cose" CD'08
(EIBON)
Mauro, Matteo, Alberto, Andrea and Gianni have released the second chapter of the new challenge named NERONOIA. After a fulminous debut, I was expecting the new material to be mightier, more innovative... you'll be disappointed from this point of view, as the combination of COLLOQUIO and CANAAN remains in the same Dark Atmospheric dimension, enhancing the sadness, depressive yet melancholic mood, a romantic sadness, hopeless on certain sequences. On the other hand, the rhythm decreases even more the intensity, the guitars are heard as an echo, the sound is rather Goth, and the keyboard is less present, the focus is on the poetic dimension, as the normal voice rather recites than sings... or whispers, or weeps...  I even thought I'm listening to Celentano at a certain moment... maybe due to the fact that the lyrics whispered in Italian and Giani's low toned voice transcends the listener towards another world. In conclusion, we have ten atypical new tracks, less melodic and rhythmic than the previous ten, yet unveiling the same rapturous beauty... The new NERONOIA risks to be perceived as less accessible and far too lent... but, if I would compare it with any other band's music, I couldn't find any similarity because NERONOIA now has a sound of its own, independent of the ones characterizing the other projects that the members activate in... no doubt though, you cannot miss the instruments' familiarity...
www.neronoia.tk
Rating: 0.90/1

FOREFATHER (UK) - "Steadfast" CD'08
(SEVEN KINGDOMS)
Within over 10 years of activity, Athelstan and Wulfstan have now come to the point of releasing their fifth chapter. The essential guideline for the two was mixing the Epic Folk dimension with the traditional Black Metal. Some of the albums were fully inspired, while others were not. The sure thing is that the new material confused me. After listening to it twice, I had the impression that FOREFATHER enhanced the Heavy dimension, based on virtuosity. I am now listening to it for the fifth time, and I can assure you that "Steadfast" is a Pagan Epic Heavy Metal little jewel, composed by 11 distinct tracks oscillating between linear rapidity and bombastic Epic sequences, aroused by imposing martial choirs, plenty of melody and medieval atmosphere. It is not an outstanding album, but one from FOREFATHER, meaning a high quality one. More dynamic than "The Fighting Man", for example, or even "Ours is The Kingdoms", I can state that the English men follow the MANOWAR aura, and are now a Pagan Metal version of the well-known veteran band.
www.forefather.net
Rating: 0.90/1

ATROCITY (GER) - "Werk 80 II" CD'08
(NAPALM)
The legendary German band now releases the second part of their "Werk" concept, now axed on the music from the '80's, meaning cover-versions of Pop, Alternative and Rock. Therefore, we can get a glimpse on Depeche Mode or Alphaville accords, played in a Metal version, with extreme guitar riffs, screamed vocal lines, feminine voices on the background, abundant keyboard and rhythmic battery. The tracks sound fine indeed, yet it all might sound strange for the ones full of those years' nostalgia. I am not an admirer of the idea of processing music alike in the Metal version, but I am sure that on live shows ATROCITY is going to be successful, especially as the dynamic of the tracks is a remarkable one. I enjoy the Artmania idea of bringing them this summer to Sibiu, as I am certain that ATROCITY will be a success, especially for those liking a rhythmic and danceable music... Correct, a danceable music, because that's the tracks' style...  In what concerns inspiration, if I am to look at the album from the Metal point of view it equals 0. In what concerns the approach, it might turn into a marketing idea to pay attention to... Yet, I long for "Calling The Rain" and not for a Metal "Forever Young" which discomfort my ears. At Sibiu maybe?
www.atrocity.de
Rating: 0.80/1

MORD (NOR) - "Necrosodomic Abyss" CD'08
(OSMOSE)
GORGOROTH, CARPATHIAN FOREST, IMMORTAL and DARK THRONE, these would be the musical marks for the Norwegian duet. Consequently a MCD and a CD released in 2 years, MORD signed with the French label and now presents a hellishly angry new material. True Black Metal is what we're dealing with, one following the Norwegian approach, without any modern elements, with no keyboard, not melodiously. Moreover, there are Thrash Metal influences to be spotted, so in the end MORD sound is a quite linear one, lacked in inflexions or other special aspects to be reminded... solely aggressiveness, violence and rapidity. Despite all the clones that appeared in the last 10 years, MORD left me with a positive impression throughout this album.
www.mord-horde.com
Rating: 0.80/1

YGGDRASIL (SWE) - "Kvaellningsvindar oever Nordroent Land" CD'08
(DET GERMANSKE FOLKET)

Magnus Wolfhart, the talented musician appreciated for his collaborations with many Swedish bands, and not solely, succeeded to release the official debut of another solo project, one with the same Folk Pagan Metal approach, only this time more Epic and melodic. The current material is a little sample of Atmospheric Metal, swinging between aggressive sequences and calm ones, acoustic, bright interludes, rhythm breakthroughs, Heavy, Power and Black Metal elements, normal voices and some violent ones too... yet, on the whole, the album is dominated by the serene, the domestic dimension, the one easy to be listened and comprehended. More Heavy than FOLKEARTH, but as least as Folk, this very debut deserves to be retained and not only to be reminded. 
www.yggdrasil-sweden.com
Rating: 0.90/1

DANTALION (ESP) - "Call Of The Broken Souls" CD'08
(DET GERMANSKE FOLKET)
True Black Metal! Starting with SHINING all the way to FORGOTTEN TOMB, DANTALION presents Metal all the way, unoriginal, but very well executed. I have no reproof to make from this point of view. The negative part is that after two or three consecutive auditions, the album turns linear, and almost weary. And that's not due to the execution manner, but to the lack of elements conferring diversity to the sound. Otherwise, an elegant and finely structured Galician Death Black Metal album.
www.dantalionband.com
Rating: 0.84/1

VON BRANDEN (GER) - "Scherben" CD'07
(GREYFALL)
With some bombastic pseudonyms (Solarian von Branden, Vestriz von Mesopotamiem and Arminius von Theesfeld), the Dynasty (von Branden) releases eight avantgarde tracks, plus a Tori Amos cover version. Accordion, saxophone and violins enrich the complete Metal arsenal, along with voices of all kinds and diverse sequences, starting with simple, melodic, romantic ones and going all the way to aggressive, violent ones. This Atmospheric Metal is very complex but also intricate, remarkable in what concerns diversity, not in the way of harmonizing of details though. My feedback to the band is similar to the one headed twelve years towards EMPYRIUM: a German band too, also Avantgarde at the time, unveiling various non Metal instruments on the background... enjoyable audition, interesting approach indeed... it's only that "Scherben" is by far paler... Yet, this musical style worths being appreciated!
www.vonbranden.de
Rating: 0.85/1

MANDRAKE (GER) - "Mary Celeste" CD'07
(GREYFALL)
13 Gothic Metal tracks, presented in an unoriginal manner... meaning MANDRAKE. More inspired and melodic than before, the new sound highly insists on Birgit Lau's feminine voice, slightly reminding me of early THE GATHERING. Guitars are quite present, and the keyboard enhances the created atmosphere... I don't find the masculine voices as being the best choice, but this matters less. Despite the sound's progress throughout the bombastic lines of MANDRAKE's music, the album is quite fade, effaced evenly on certain fragments.
www.mandrake.de
Rating: 0.82/1

ARGUS MEGERE (ROM) - "Solitar In Straniu" CD'06
(BANATIAN DARKNESS)
Even though the album is pretty old, I thought it would be a good idea to present it now, as Fulmineos sent me heaps of his CD's, and the most of them have been released years ago. Therefore, my comments will be short: Northern Black Metal, in the Norse style, performed in Romanian, trying to imitate bands like STRID, TULUS, HELHEIM or KAMPFAR. So, neither Primitive or Raw Black Metal bands, nor trendy ones. Rather the bands created after the death Euronymous, most of them introducing the atmospheric keyboard besides guitars and battery. This is also the case of this project from Timisoara, having some history in the background (I've written in '96 and '97 about Fulmineos's projects) but which haven't been fully appreciated by the fans. I've enjoyed the sound of this album, even though vocal inflexions let down some times. I recommend to pay attention to this project, because it could turn into a replica, on a different scale, to the well known band from Timisoara, NEGURA BUNGET.
www.banatiandarkness.com
Rating: 0.81/1

LOST KINGDOM (SWE) - "As The New Dawn Awakes" CD'08
(WAERLOGA)
Tjernberg brothers thought about going on marks of legendary classics, so they've done an album out of percussion, keyboard and programming, oscillating between Beethoven, Strauss, Schumann, Mahler, Verdi, Chopin or Wagner. Therefore, what we're dealing with is Avantgarde Neo-Classical, without vocal interpretation, a symphonic music in the end, following the same classical path, one that is by no means to be interpreted here. It is not Metal, neither Rock, nor Ambient... just pure classical music!!!! Sure I could try to pose into a connoisseur of such sonorities, yet I think it would be more correct and simple to stop commenting such a beautiful music. The tracks are diverse, each one has a dynamic of its own, so we can mention it all as an album fully diversified in classicism.
www.lostkingdom.se
Rating: 0.91/1

V/A - "As The Book Of War" Volume II CD'08
(WAERLOGA/RADIO RIVENDELL)
I must admit that I am not an initiated guy in what concerns the sonorities of the majority of the bands on this compilation. This is the first material that I get from the Swedish label, and also the biggest and most pleasant 2008 surprise. Let me clear away the bands I've know so far: ATARAXIA, with a track from their last album and UNTO ASHES, a band under contract with Projekt Records and about which I've written before, the link being DEAD CAN DANCE. I've heard about ZMEI GORINICH from Richard Lederer (SUMMONING) some years ago, and the music of this woman is extremely rapturous and bombastic. In what concerns the rest, it must be shameful for me but I've never heard of them before. Maybe because it addresses to different dimensions, soundtracks, computer games or simply games... it is a kind of fantasy music, an underground replica to Lord of the Rings. But I've discovered two genius, Markus Holler and Peter Szwach, present with two dreamy tracks, and also DRAM, SIBELIAN, ENCRYPTION, GARGRIM THE LIAR, SEAN BESSON, ZA FRUMI, ERDENSTERN, DIMITRIJ VOLSTOJ, SULLY KOBA or ANABASIS, 17 inspiringly chosen names, getting you out of the quotidian and inflicting you into a virtual world, within which each accord has a role, a charm of its own. I am not a compilation admirer, but I must admit that the booklet of this digipack is an elegant one, presenting fantastic stories and technical data about the participants. A CD that I strongly recommend both to the connoisseurs and to the less initiated ones, alike the one that has just written some positive thoughts about this fantastic release... or is it purely the music that is fantastic? Nevermind...
www.waerloga.com , www.radiorivendell.com
Rating: 1/1

ENTOMBED (SWE) - "Clandestine" CD'08
(EARACHE)
The legendary Death Metal band presents with joy the reissue of one of the best albums of the genre ever. That's a true collection piece, one that should be a part of any extreme music admirer's collection! The material also has a bonus DVD, within which you can find the well known promo for "Left Hand Path", "Strangers Aeons", "Hollowman", "Wolverine Blues" and "Night Of The Vampire", along with the recording of 1992 London concert. Excellent journey back in time!
www.entombed.org
Rating: 0.96/1

MOURNING BELOVETH (IRE) - "A Disease For The Ages" CD'08
(GRAU)
The Irish quintet outdone themselves with this new album! There are five elaborated tracks, their best album by far, a true sample of Doom Death Metal!!!! Originally alternating solemn and guttural masculine voice (alike ENTCHANTMENT), with a normal and warm one (sounding like SOLITUDE AETURNUS), along with prolonged, overwhelming and solemn guitars' solos, dramatic battery, a grey atmosphere. After three albums trying to define and contour the band's musical approach, I guess I can say now we're dealing with a model band for this genre, slightly forgotten though, Doom Death Metal. Therefore, from WINTER to ST VITUS, from depressive slow to Atmospheric (without keyboard), MOURNING BELOVETH succeeded to impose their musical style. A special one indeed!
www.mourningbeloveth.com
Rating: 0.88/1

DORNENREICH (AUT) - "In Luft Geritzt" CD'08
(PROPHECY)
I understood Eviga until now, as he changed the sound from Black Metal to Dark Acoustic, but this album left me speechless. I didn't understand a bit out of it, despite the insistent violin (Inve) along the diverse guitar, voice and percussion. It is an inexpressive album, completely lacked in dynamics, coherent and distinctly contoured atmosphere, it rather sounds as unplugged, like it is a fade, unshaped message. Maybe I was in a bad mood for it? Personally, I prefer listening to the previous stuff, as they seem more elaborated and host more feeling within. As for 2008 album, there is solely disappointment.
www.dornenreich.com
Rating: 0.72/1

ORCIVUS (SWE) - "Consummatum Est" CD'08
(NEXT HORIZON)
With an intense religious concept, rather satanist than antichristian, Perditor and Mortifer release their debut album after almost two years since the project has been born. The approached Black Metal is one copying GORGOROTH or even WATAIN, bringing nothing new at all. The music is a high quality one, there are strong and aggressive voices, some Gregorian incantations, a few scents of religious elements and Scandinavian Black Metal in rest, a consistent, virtuous and serious one. I haven't been very enchanted by the album, but I cannot say it's one to be neglected either. It's just another quality and trendy,album, one that will surely satisfy the expectations of the most exigent Unholy Black Metal fans.
www.orcivus.com
Rating: 0.88/1

FEARLIGHT (RUS) - "Our Legacy" CD'07
(GARDARIKA)
ARKONA admirers can experience now a fine replica, as FEARLIGHT is a beautiful Folk Pagan Viking band. Based on traditional blowing instruments and a bombastic keyboard, fully saturated in melody and brightly structured vocal alternations (normal and aggressive masculine voices along with feminine ones), FEARLIGHT offers a remarkable debut, one to be praised. More Epic than ARKONA, full of harmony and Folk scents, the Metal approached by these Russians alternate between heavy and aggressive Metal (with authentic Black Metal fragments) and the upraising Atmospheric dimension, and "Our legacy" breaks any familiar patterns and shows us how through ten tracks solely (a bit short all right) countless musical styles and influences can be presented. One of the most elegant Pagan Metal releases, that's what it is!
www.fearlight.com
Rating: 0.97/1

ORDINUL NEGRU (ROM) - "The Black Order" CD'07
(LUPII DACIEI/BANATIAN DARKNESS)
Another older material, but one that has to be reminded though because it is made by Fulmineos, the one around who are gravitating projects alike ULTIMA CANDELA,  ARGUS MEGERE, FOGLAND, EKASIA, NOCTURNAL INVOCATION, LIFEWOOD, CURSED CEMETARY and BANATIAN DARKNESS label. In this particular case we can only uncover Black Metal in its early version, nothing interesting, just primitive guitars riffs and quite long tracks. I couldn't understand much out of this material, despite the elegant digipack. I remember the old ILDJARN, and ORDINUL NEGRU seems to sound alike. But why should we sing that the Norwegians have no clue about it... That's the exact manner in which NEGURA BUNGET started and afterwards they've orientated towards a traditional sound. Well, we are dealing with an hour album, presenting old fashioned Black Metal and nothing else. Just like ARGUS MEGERE, the voice mostly disconcerts the sound, because the instruments are ok. Another face of Fulmineos can be experienced in EKASIA project, where the sound is more experimental, and the influences come from Einsturzende Neubauten, BEHERIT (Ambient) or Diabolos Rising. I understood that FOGLAND was successful too through "Quasiascetica" album, because of a more complex and evolved sound (innovative too due to the influences mixing), maybe more atmospheric and rhythmic, with odd feminine vocals and masculine ones scenting of BURZUM and others sounding alike QUORTHON/BATHORY, plus bombastic keyboard and various elements more inspiringly contoured than within any of his other projects.  Considering the fact that many ideas and projects rotate around a single person, I consider it's good to appreciate this activity, even though ten years ago I would have not grant a chance to the ridiculous demos released by Emy.
www.banatiandarkness.com
Rating: 0.73/1

SAATTUE (FIN) - "Jaahyvasti" CD'08
(SPIKEFARM)
That's an interesting project, performed in Finnish, presenting band members that have also been a part of YEARNING or THYRANE, and tries to entwine slow Doom Metal with modern elements, full of melody and rhythm. There's nobleness within the intention, but the probability to succeed is a small one, because a combination alike can easily produce a fiasco. Well, SAATTUE managed to show throughout the seven tracks a new style combination, giving identity to their sound, an extremely fine conceived and executed one. Many Finnish bands released under SPIKEFARM banner lately are pretty identical, but SAATTUE touched my soul, as I appreciate a lot the extremely insistent voice and the guitars accords reminding us that we're listening to a Northern band. We can also spot some scents of wintry Finnish style, as the voice bring TENHI to my mind on certain sequences... otherwise, beautiful Metal, with Dark voices, screams, imposing inflexions all the way... I am quite eager to get o listen to another album of these six, especially as there aren't too many albums released so far!
www.saattue.net
Rating: 0.89/1

SLAGMAUR (NOR) - "Skrekk Lich Kunstler" CD'08
(NEKK BREKK)
That's the most innovative Black Metal band I've listened last year! Norway shows us once again that it is the true Black scene in the world, this time throughout General Gribbsphiiser's project! Very Avantgarde, very Dark, saturated in heaviness, sobriety and intricacy, SLAGMAUR shows us the way to play a true Black Metal. I did an association between them and the bands coming from behind along with SHINING gang, but this project is more original and sinister, full of grave fragments and also acoustic sequences, cello, violin, piano, desperate and distorted yells are present, plus diverse effects, everything sounds atypical and special... meaning SLAGMAUR! I highly recommend you this album, that despite some misunderstandings with another label, had to experience a delayed release, but I guarantee you that the waiting was worthwhile! I do not understand how come that none of the great labels have hurried into offering them a serious contract, because this is a remarkable music, an apocalyptic Black Metal, dramatic, theatrical, authentic, full of avantgarde elements and nonconformist sequences! The digipack is also sensational, therefore this CD is a jewelry piece for collectors!
www.slagmaur.com
Rating: 0.92/1

DAGORLAD (BEL) - "Herald Of Doom" CD'08
(SHIVER)
This very duet releases their third album, and it seems the most complex so far, but also calm, among them all. Focused on an elaborated Black Metal, mixed with Progressive and Fantasy Metal elements, sounding alike a spatial Soundtrack, DAGORLAD essays to open us a door toward a distinct dimension, not necessarily an artistic one, but rather atypical. The keyboard is intensely and brightly used, often reminding me of BAL-SAGOTH, while the voices are weary pale and the guitars sound fine. In conclusion, the instrumental part is well done, but not the vocal one too. The new album pays more attention to details and is more elegant, but it lacks the necessary force and dynamic in order to be considered a remarkable material.
users.skynet.be/dagorlad 
Rating: 0.80/1