May 2009

ABNORMYNDEFFECT (MD)-“Betwin” CD’08
(MACABRE MEMENTOS)
This particular album was sent to me by Coro/Axa Valaha who explained that this Japanese label is officially distributed by them around here and blah blah… Anyway… When you mention Coro it is a given that you should expect some Grindcore, Brutal Death Grind and other stuff that follows in these lines… It is the case with these Moldavians as well; their debut showing us in just 10 tracks why within their Bible, names like these that follow, count: CEPHALIC CARNAGE, WORMED or. MESHUGGAH! I understood little from this music as since AGATHOCLES, I haven’t indulged into any other experimental projects as such, released at Relapse Records or some Czech labels… Most likely an album addressed to those who have a taste for extreme stuff. Rating: 0.79/1

AMESOEURS (FRA)-S/T CD’09
(CODE 666)
This project got a lot of press, an Urban Decadence work that incorporates Neige from ALCEST (vocals, bass guitar) and Fursy Teyssier (guitars). The female vocal parts belong to Audrey Sylvian, while at drums we have Winterhalter, thus a quartet that should have a lot more to say, except for the fact that, as I understood, they have already split. We are dealing here with an experimental Melancholic Black Metal who takes us through Post Punk or the ‘80s New Wave, with inspirational sources like din JOY DIVISION, CURE or even DEPECHE MODE. There are a few very special tracks, but, looking at it as a whole, the album doesn’t seem to tie together very well, being more of an avant-garde material that tries to bring together two separate things, at times making it work, other times leaving things at an experimental level. I must say I am not comfortable saying these things, as ALCEST is one of my very favourites bands and the new project called LES DISCRETS, made up by the guys who are activating in ALCEST as well, sounds incredibly good, their debut coming soon, this autumn to be more exact, at Prophecy Productions. Melodic but also violent, with rhythm at times, but no shape in other instances, AMESOEURS promises (on an idea level), but the result is yet to convince me. Rating: 0.85/1

ARCANA COELESTIA (ITA)-“Le Mirage de L’Ideal” CD’09
(ATMF)
The Italians new album is a significant make for the European Funeral Doom Metal scene, the six new tracks being extraordinarily good! From SHPAE OF DESPAIR or SKEPTICISM to ESOTERIC, PRIMORDIAL or MY DYING BRIDE, with hints of NOVEMBRE or ANATHEMA, ARCANA COELESTIA is the most mature project from MZ. And I mean here URNA and LOCUS MORTIS, plus the new collaboration with the bass player Sephrenel of ABSENTIA LUNAE. Entwined voices, cosmic rhythms, long and slow accords sustained by strange effects… it all seems to have came from Hell (as if I’d knew how Hell feels like), the listening of these tracks takes you into a grave universe, depressing, with hints towards isolation, negating, unframed obsessions. A work completed very well, with long and varied tracks, an intelligent sample of Italian Slow Doom Metal. Rating: 0.95/1

ARCTIC PLATEAU (ITA)-“On A Sad Sunny Day” CD’09
(PROPHECY)
From U2 and till SIGUR ROS, with hints of all other alternative elements, from Shoegaze and Post Rock and to New Wave or Indie, with bombastic epic arrangements, but also melancholic or euphoric insertions, dominated by a sad aura, Gianluca Divirgilio’s project surprised me in a pleasant manner! A true pleasure the listening of this album, who, along with all the elements mentioned above, releases an interesting Psychedelic flavour, especially on the passages lacking voice, where the atmosphere is full on. An interesting debut, at all Dark but very melodic and thrilling, something that could appeal to the fans of KLIMT 1918 but also ALCEST! Rating: 0.90/1

ARTESIA (FRA)-“Llydaw” CD’09
(PRIKOSNOVENIE)
With a changed line-up, the French trio released a new Neoclassical Ambient album, very atmospheric, with Heavenly voices, somewhere between DARK SANCTUARY and ARCANA, but less whole and less finished from the point of view of the rhythm and somewhat lacking substance in places. The arrival of the new violin player has somewhat changed the sound and the acquisition of Loic (BELENOS) at guitars, totally changed the structure of the tracks, which now seem not very well defined. I was expecting a lot more from ARTESIA and that is why, I still find the debut material as their best work. This album deserves a change too, so you might as well give it, an album that, in my opinion, confuses itself with the second release they had, pretty pale and lacking in expressiveness! Rating: 0.83/1

ATARAXIA (ITA)-"Oil On Canvas" CD'09
(ULTRA-MAIL PROD)
A beautiful jewel for all collectors of ATARAXIA releases! This time in the form of a digipack + a voluminous book filled with writings belonging to Francesca alongside some interesting photography, a CD containing 12 tracks ("Fengari", "Daytia", "Zelia"...), taken from pretty much all representative albums and another two very interesting exclusive ones ("Rashan" si "Iemenos"), a release that is out in only 800 copies… One of the most beautiful releases I have seen this year! Rating: 1/1

AUTUMNBLAZE (GER)-“Perdition Diaries” CD’09
(PROPHECY)
After it seemed that the project will not release anything else, it now looks that they are coming back in a golden formula, with another creation. Eldron, Arisjel and Schwadorf (THE VISON BLEAK…) thought to show us some new works, which mainly look back to the times long passed, when Dark Metal was in its discovery period, meaning MY DYING BRIDE, KATATONIA or ANATHEMA. I was expecting a very melancholic, peaceful material, with an acoustic imprint… in reality, the three placed their bets on a Metallic sort of dynamic, with traces of traditional Doom Death Metal, some guitars that have a Black metal sounds to them, aggressive vocals and showy accords. On the other hand though, we have piano, some melodic tracks, more like Rock, tending to become mainstream hits, playable to any audiences. An interesting material but under no circumstances an exceptional one! It doesn’t seem complete, or structured, but more like a sum of ideas expressed in varied and confusing manners throughout the ten tracks. Rating: 0.83/1

AYTHIS (FRA)-“Glacia” CD’09
(PRIKOSNOVENIE)
Carline Van Roos is known from her activity within Metal bands like LETHIAN DREAMS and REMEMBRANCE. After a debut in 2007, Carline now releases a new album, based on Neoclassical Ambient, Dark Atmospheric and Heavenly voices… something that points towards bands like ARCANA, DARK SANCTUARY, ARTESIA or DARGAARD. Doesn’t seem to be anything extraordinary, nothing original, but a music that can put you into a pleasant and relaxing mood… If I am to insist and listen to the album a few times over, there is the possibility that I might lose focus, as the tracks are quite linear and alike. We have symphonic interludes, depressive passages, hypnotic accords, ethereal vocals… we have pretty much everything, bar the expressiveness of an original sound. Rating: 0.80/1

CODE (UK/NOR)-“Resplendent Grotesque” CD’09
(TABU)
One of the bands that deserved interest some years ago was also CODE. The album released in 2005, entitled “Nouveau Gloaming” was already preparing us to something of an avant-garde nature, something we haven’t listened to since those golden ages of ED BUENS ENDE or DODHEIMSGARD. It was only normal to be so, as Vicotnik is present with the bass part and backing vocals and Kvohst vocals, so a lot of hints of the old DODHEIMSGARD. The drummer is none other than Adrian Erlandsson, known through his collaboration with AT THE GATES or CRADLE OF FILTH. Andras and the leader Aort are the two guitar players who make this demented Black Metal project a whole, a band that I would like to see on stage as soon as possible! The new album, delayed a few months, is incomparable with the debut, meaning that it is incredibly technical and well finished, with impeccable vocal performances (clean and aggressive), incredible drums (making some real damage with his double pedal, impossible rhythms and superb connecting passages), a bass guitar that gives a remarkable seriousness and sobriety to the sound and two guitars that complete a music that is perfect, especially as we have solo parts reminding of WINDS. In fact, there is an unusual mix of Technical, Progressive and Black Metal, built on an avant-garde like skeleton with hints of FLEURETY, VED BUENS ENDE or ARCTURUS. A true pleasure listening to this album, too bad that it is too short, the 8 tracks ending too soon… Or perhaps I liked it so much that I felt the need for a few more sequences? Rating: 0.99/1

CRIMFALL (FIN)-“As The Path Unfolds” CD’09
(NAPALM)
Jaake Viitala debut is one to be taken into consideration, not necessarily due to its approach, but because of its imposing Epic dimension! With a lot of keyboard and atmosphere, with an angelic female voice and a warrior like male one, CRIMFALL releases a material that is oscillating between excellent and modest, this due to the various connecting passages that aren’t necessarily harmonised in the most inspired of ways, the Folk instances being mixed a bit too brutally with the Pagan Metal ones. In any case, an album that can please the fans of MOONSORROW or ARKONA, one that doesn’t sound bad at all, but, for me, it remains at the stage of a project who shows potential but it’s yet to convince! Rating: 0.80/1

CRONIAN (SWE/NOR)-“Enterprise” CD’08
(INDIE)
The collaboration between Oystein G. Brun and Mr. V took a different shape in 2006, with the debut called “Terra”, released at Century Media! A lot of press was written about the combination between BORKNAGAR, VINTERSORG, OTYG and FISSION, everybody waiting for a genius second album. It seems that things didn’t really happen that way, perhaps only from the production point of view, one that is irreproachable. Other than that, the combination of Black with Atmospheric and Progressive does not surpass the level already establishes with their debut, not having made any progress. But it is a good new release, well structured, but one that isn’t shocking. Let us hope that the two very talented musicians will accomplish more with their next release! Rating: 0.88/1

DAMIANO MERCURI (ITA)-“European Music and Ballads From Renaissance And Baroque Era” CD’08
(EASTERN FRONT)
The personality of the leader of the band called ROSE ROVINE E AMANTI is musically expressed in more than one ways, the one we have here being one relatively simple. Taking advantage of the fact that he teaches music, the guitar being his main instrument, Damiano presents to us in this 17 track digipack, a collection of songs from the British, Spanish and Italian cultures, belonging to times immemorial, somewhere to the XVI-XVIII centuries. His classical guitar has a superb sound, throwing me into an era that I know little of, perhaps having some knowledge taken from history books/films and the legends of Ivanhoe and Robin Hood. An elegant, beautiful, cultural music, something that can only get you out of normality and calm you down to the true sense of the word… Rating: 0.96/1

DARK DOMINATION-“Let Satan Speak Through Our Lips” CD’08
(WITCHCRAFT)
Do you like DARK FUNERAL? Then you can have a go for this band as well! The name of the album speaks for itself, and so I will not insist too much in this dull Satanist Black Metal that is based on linear evil sort of vocals, and simple, but at times violent, guitar riffs! An album that could have made it big 10 years ago! It now seems to be that the band members are not in focus with what is played in these days… or what is in demand! The re-editing of this material enjoys a pretty excellent look with a remarkable design! Rating: 0.83/1

DAZHBOG (MEX)-“Sunset: Legacy Of Solitude and Love” CD’08
(NWD)
The forth album of this solo project belonging to Samael F.F.R seems to be a sort of longer MCD, as it is 40 minutes long and its comprised of only 7 sequences, acoustic Folk Ambient composed with the help of the computer... and that’s about it. DAZHBOG its the perfect choice for relaxing, a refreshing music and full of positive energy, at times repetitive – so I don’t say boring – but one that sounds pretty good. I have had the occasion of listening to his previous release as well, “Olrun”, its done in the same manner, but perhaps more complex and a bit longer, the 12 tracks having a specific flavour! Interesting… Rating: 0.90/1

DEADWOOD (SWE)-“Ramblack” CD’08
(COLD SPRING)
What a sinister combination of Death Noise Electronic and Black Ambient! It is all an oppressive noise, distorted, with demonic effects, fierce effects… its all certain, a sick sort of music for the less than normal listeners… J We have a few passages where Maniac (SKITLIV) is strongly involved, going his thing, but, as a whole, it is an album dedicated to the fans of MZ.412 and of other bands who compose a totally abstract sort of music! Rating: 0.85/1

DIATHRA (BEL)-“My Endless Sorrow” CD’08
(STYGIAN CRYPT)
I found out that this band came into existence in 1995 and in 2002 the same label has released the debut “Wistful Autumn Dance”, after which they have made some changes within the line-up, but still with Dmitriy Laptenok as a leader. What do they play? Old stile Gothic Doom Metal, sort of like THEATRE OF TRAGEDY, based on the contrast of the vocals, a female one, atmospheric and a male one, throaty but also clean, catchy guitars and plentiful keyboards. Pretty boring as a whole, but with some very interesting passages too, DIATHRA is showing us that they are on to something, but still, unable to get themselves distinguished among the crowed of many other European bands that belong to the same genre. Rating: 0.80/1

ENCHANTMENT (UK)-“Dance The Marble Naked” CD’09 (re-edit)
(PEACEVILLE)
The only other album released under this banner came out in 1994, at Century Media. In those timesANATHEMA, MY DYING BRIDE and PARADISE LOST have already given shape to a Doom Death Atmospheric, forming a current called Gothic Metal! This particular quintet was coming from the UK as well, it managed to sign with a label that was huge for the underground scene and announced itself as a serious competitor for the bands mentioned above. There is no point of me talking to you more about an album conceived some 15 years ago; only that it is a masterpiece that must be had by any true, self-respecting Doom listener! “My Oceans Vast” is one of the most beautiful songs of the genre, but it is hard for me to think that those who will listen to it for the first time now will manage to discover its formidable flavour, as today we have thousands of bands slicing up these musical styles. But, who knows… The aggressiveness of Paul’s voice, alternating with clean passages resonates intelligently with Marc’s guitar solos, plus an imposing bass belonging to Mark and another guitar in the background, Steve’s… and the drums (Chris), which aren’t that impressive but nevertheless managing to create a continuous and pleasant rhythm… A superb album, I’d dare say Classic! Rating: 1/1

ENSLAVED (NOR)-“Vertebrae” CD’08
(INDIE)
The decision of releasing an album with a smaller label seems to have been the right one! A careful promotion, continuous focus, a positive attitude from the pres and, last but not least, a positive reaction from the fans managed to bring this legendary group back into the limelight! ENSLAVED have launched last autumn probably the most mature album from the entire history, successfully balancing the extreme Black Metal with Progressive. I am not surprised that they are not touring with OPETH! There is a possibility that the fans of the more aggressive ENSLAVED to consider this album more soft, as some interludes seem slow and Rock, with vocals that remind of DREAM THEATER. On the other hand, the band might win some fans of the Progressive genre, who could be bothered not necessarily by the Black rhythms but by the throaty voice. Looking at it from this point of view, “Vertebrae” is still confusing when it comes to classifying it: Is it Metal, is it Rock, is it extreme, is it not…? The album does have a very entertaining, dynamic track, probably the catchiest and the most perfected one from the album, “The Watcher”, a track that has a pretty well made video as well. Other than that, classical tracks put together on a melodic Black Metal skeleton, quite technical and very well executed. Although the album is enjoying a great success, I remain with the impression that ENSLAVED is still wondering around between Metal and Rock! Other than that, a special kind of music indeed! Rating: 0.90/1

EVOKE THY LORDS (RUS)-“Escape To The Dreamland” CD’09
(STYGIAN CRYPT)
What we have here it’s a Dark Doom Death Metal album with Gothic hints, put together in a very inspired manner. Fronting with a throaty male voice and using a frail female voice in the background, keyboards and an exotic flute, another male voice, clean, a dynamic bass, oppressive guitars and basic drums, the Russian project seems to be headed in the right direction! Rating: 0.88/1

FAIRYLAND (FRA)-“Score To A New Beginning” CD’09
(NAPALM)
Symphonic Metal once again, this time with roots in Epic Heavy Metal! I can’t really say much when it comes to these particular styles, as BLIND GUARDIAN and RHAPSODY have never been bands that I would listen to with pleasure. Giordana Philippe’s third album seems to incorporate more Power accents than the preceding one, the vocals belonging to Georg Neuhauser of SERENITY. An interesting album to those who understand this sort of White Symphonic Metal! Rating: 0.80/1

FINSTERFROST (GER)-“…Zum Tode Hin” CD’09
(EINHEIT)
I gave their previous album a positive review as well, these Germans showing us that they can be both attentive to details and to the introduction of as many varied elements as possible. This time is no different; we are dealing with 70 minutes of Pagan Folk Metal, actually Melodic Black Metal full of atmosphere and rhythm, with accordion, keyboards, multiple voices, clean or throaty, choirs, hymn, a multitude of guitars, heavy solos… it is all done by the book, very long tracks, elaborated, finished, pleasing to the ear of the listener. I do not know if it is better than the previous one, it’s probably an extension/continuation of it, perhaps some added care was given to the production details, as the quality of sound is better, the mixing being of a high standard as well. If the album was done some 5 years ago, I am sure it would have set the bench-mark for the Pagan Folk Metal scene. But that is not the case, and so, we can talk about an interesting album, not necessarily original, but one that commands respect through the seriousness of the band members, a number of 9 on this project! My understanding is that the Romanian audiences can see them this summer in Baia Mare and Oradea, and I believe it would be an inspired choice to go and see them play, I am certain that their music emanates both energy and rhythm! For the fans of Viking Metal MOONSORROW or ENSIFERUM! Rating: 0.90/1

FOLKEARTH-“Songs Of Yore” CD’08
(STYGIAN CRYPT)
This very famous project is now at album number 5, this time playing exclusively acoustic Folk! With 18 guests from bands like DOL AMROTH, HILDR VALKYRIE, EXCELSIS, SUNUTHAR, ANNWN, VETTER, FUROR GALLICO, FOLKEARTH makes itself noticed with 11 epic hymns, special but very different from each other. Based on Polydeykis music and Marios Koutsoukos writings, his project incorporates a large number of traditional instruments, from harp, violin or accordion to mandolin, clarinet and various other instruments belonging to the same family as the latter. A delightful album, 50 minutes of an elegant Pagan Folk, the positives given also by the fact that the albums dimension is an acoustic one! Rating: 0.92/1

FOLKEARTH-“Fatherland” CD’09
(STYGIAN CRYPT)
Coming back to the Metal version, with only 11 guests from bands like THE SOIL BLEEDS BLACK, PANTHEIST, SUNNUTHAR, MYNHYRIATH, HILDR VALKYRIE, DOL AMROTH, FOLKODIA, FREKKR, EXCELSIS, FOLKEARTH presents in a relatively short period of time 11 new compositions that no longer manage to shock me with anything. This stylistic variety now leaves me thinking that the sound is too colorful, with tracks that sound good when played individually, but which have nothing in common with the next one, making me think that I am listening to a compilation! Perhaps the act of listening to so many albums in such a short period of time, of knowing so many musicians and so many music styles and ideas pushes me towards saying that this is a good album but nothing more. As usual, an excellent booklet, excellent covers, all expressed in perfect resonance with the Pagan Metal tone. Rating: 0.86/1

GEIST (GER)-“Galeere” CD’09
(LUPUS LOUNGE)
I have been waiting for a new GEIST album for a while now, as “Patina” and “Kainsmal” were albums that promised a lot but somewhat seemed incomplete. In a new formula, Alboin plus five other musicians present us with an elegant and modern Black Metal, something in the lines of LUNAR AURORA, just that the non metal insertions seem to be more present and better harmonised. In my opinion, in this particular moment, I think GEIST is the best German Black Metal group! I can’t really fault them on anything with this new material they came out with! 5 long tracks, well worked, with a lot of atmosphere but also an underground feel, aggressive vocals, impressive guitar solos, Dark Ambient, Doom Metal or even Rock elements, a remarkable album! Rating: 0.95/1

JANVA (ITA)-“Disobbedisco!” CD’08
(ANTICA FONOGRAFIA)
I am not quite sure how to describe this music! Folk? Dark Goth? Italian Music? Melodramatic Popular? I have never heard anything like this before and that is why I find it difficult to establish stylistic frames. We have guitars, drums, trumpet, accordion, piano, male and female voices that sing in Italian, playful rhythms, cabaret like, retro, tango… a sort of theatrical ATARAXIA but with a lot more dynamic and rhythm. The texts and the entire concept for that matter comes from Italian history, from the beginning of the XXth century, the music emanating an archaic perfume, Mediterranean, very difficult to accept by a conventionalist. This CD comes as a limited edition and has included tracks that appeared on other sold-out editions, plus a cover-version of J. Brel’s “Amsterdam”. An exceptional music, an impressive track, “La Ballata Dell’Ardito”! Rating: 0.95/1

IMMORTAL REMAINS (GER)-“Everlasting Night” CD’09
(MY KINGDOM MUSIC)
Do you like CRADLE OF FILTH, DISSECTION or HECATE ENTHRONED? Then you can now try this German clone that comes with nothing original, with nothing that can set it aside from these two bands. Keeping the standard, the five Germans approach an aggressive Dramatic Black Metal with a lot of atmosphere created by the keyboard and a voice that manages to copy quite well Dani Filth’s voice inflections! The drums are used to release a sound that makes for a continuous noise, same with the guitars! It doesn’t sound all that bad this Black Metal, but I don’t think that it can turn someone’s world upside down either, now, ten years after this style came into the eyes of the media! Rating: 0.87/1

ISA (HOL)-“Eindeloos” CD’08
(VALSE SINISTRE)
The solo project of the guy playing in HYPOMANIE or STATUS EPILEPTICUS seems to be quite dull; the combination of Black Metal and Ambient boring at times, and when it sounds better… it’s missing any sort of originality. Its not an album I would want to collect, but taking into consideration that this is a debut, I would be interested in listening to more ISA materials, perhaps they will manage to convince me, as they have started well… but lost shape and direction on the way… at last on “Eindeloos”. Rating: 0.79/1

ISOLE (SWE)-“Silent Ruins” CD’09
(NAPALM)
This band started its activity the beginning of the ‘90s under the name of FORLORN (not to confused with the Norwegian band). Their approach was an Epic Doom Metal, with Saint Vitus or SOLITUDE AETURNUS Doom influences. Despite of their years of existence, the band became more visible after 2005, once they have started making it to the festivals. This is how three more albums were released in a space of four years: “Forevermore”, “Throne Of Void” and “Bliss of Solitude”. The forth album continues the already established Doom Metal line, ISOLE now being the Swedish answer to REVEREND BIZARRE. A nice album, without special elements, but one that deserves its listeners! Rating: 0.82/1

LONGING FOR DAWN (CAN)-“Between Elation and Despair” CD’09
(GRAU)
The Canadians third album continues on the path elegantly set with “A Treacherous Ascension”, released two years ago. A material composed only by 4 tracks, approximately 50 minutes in length, an oppressive and slow, Finnish style Atmospheric Doom Metal, very well performed but the least bit original. The melancholic elements continue to exist, while the echoes and the effects at the background of the tracks give an even graver feel to a sound that is already more than depressing. I find the accentuated usage of guitar accords on slow passages as very inspired, where even a narrative clean voice creates a well-inspired balance between Atmospheric and Dark Aggressive Doom Metal!  I don’t see how this album would not please the fans of Slow Doom Metal, however, it is still missing something and it is short of being remarkable. But in any case, the most exquisite LONGING FOR DAWN material to date! Rating: 0.89/1

LUIGI RUBINO (ITA)-“A Theme For The Moon” CD’09
(PRIKOSNOVENIE)
Luigi is a piano player that came into the limelight through his collaborations with a few underground bands: ASHRAM, ARGINE, CORDE OBLIQUE, TREES… This time the artist has put into value his very best asset, the piano, framing an incredibly beautiful Neoclassical that belongs somewhere between Debussy, Chopin, Bach, Rachmaninov, Wagner but also Michael Nyman or Y. Tiersen. Additional to the crystal clear piano we also find a gracious violoncello or authentic sopranos or mezzo-sopranos, all these ‘ingredients’ turning the album into a real jewel for all those who love classical music! Rating: 1/1

MAJESTIC DOWNFALL (MEX)-“Temple Of Guilt” CD’09
(MY KINGDOM MUSIC)
Jacobo is known from his over 10 year’s long activity with bands like ANTIQUA and PROJECT FIRESTART. He decided in 2006 to start his own solo project and a year later he launched a well received demo, “The First Abyss”. “Temple Of Guilt” is the musicians’ debut on the lines of Doom Death Metal and I can say that I am pleasantly surprised by this sound! Even if it has no new elements, you can easily distinguish influences from KATATONIA, SATURNUS, MY DYING BRIDE, CELESTIAL SEASON or ENTCHANTMENT… On certain passages the Doom transforms into Black Metal in the style of FORGOTTEN TOMB or SHINING, very aggressive but atmospheric. Jacobo Cordova was helped on this album by the drummer Porncho, Pastas at keyboards and by Migueliro with the guitar solos. The booklet is very elegant, made by Robert Hoyem (At Theends)… a decent material, conceived and put together very well, a Mournful Doom Metal that can be digested even by the fans of PARADICE LOST (in the beginnings). Rating: 0.88/1

MANTUS (GER)-"Königreich der Angst" MCD'09
(TRISOL)
When everybody thought that this band has split up, the album called "Requiem" was released and proved the rumour wrong. Further more, Martin Schindler and Thalia came out in a very short period of time with this material as well, one that has the length of an album, about 45 minutes, 10 tracks, two of them being remixes, while the rest the continuation of "Requiem". I can not say that MANUS is coming with a different melodic line than the one we have been used to, meaning Metal sounding guitars, a lot of keyboard and vocals singing in German. The piano seems to be pretty inspired in some sequences, where the atmospheric passages are overlapping with a repetitive and monotonous drum machine. The "Untergang" remix sounds really good, with the accent placed on the synth and the vocal mix which seems to resonate rather well with the atmosphere. I don’t know if its Rock, Gothic, Electro or Metal, but it is clear that MANTUS has a bombastic sound to it, full of rhythm and dynamic, just right to be seen live. Rating: 0.88/1

MARTOLEA (ROM)-“Galmele Intunericului” CD’09
An ex-collaborator of NEGURA BUNGET decided to start a solo project and this turned out to be a smart thing to do. Focused on instruments from the family of the flute, the woodwind group, Alin Drimus is trying to create a balance between the Nordic Black Metal and traditional elements, in this particular moment Bucovina being the source of inspiration. Alin still has some work to do on the Metal side, as it all sounds somewhat monotonous, repetitive, with a drum machine that can bother the year, while the voice isn’t excelling either. However, the Folk elements and the guitars seem to have found an inspired way of communicating, what is left now is to find a way of harmonising the others as well, in order to transform MARTOLEA from a simple studio project into an authentic band. As I said, the woodwind instruments sound extraordinary and the combination of Folk and Black Metal, even if it isn’t an original idea, seems to have a specific flavour, giving the young musician a lot of chances to success! Rating: 0.87/1

MIEL NOIR (BUL/GER)-“Der Honigflugel” CD’08
(EASTERN FRONT)
Dimo Dimov, known through his activity with ALLERSEELEN, SVARROGH or STURMPERCHT, explores through this project the minimalist dimension of the Experimental Dark Ambient Industrial, with strange pianos, twisted effects and a message that is difficult to digest. I am not at all impressed with this official debut, despite of having recognition towards the talents of the Bulgarian, him being often invited as a guest musician by other Dark NeoFolk bands. For those who are looking for abstract messages and a less accessible type of music, MIEL NOIR could be a solution. Rating: 0.79/1

MOONSPELL (POR)-“Lusitanian Metal” DVD’08
(METAL MIND)
The much awaited DVD of the Portuguese has now been released and this double album is a must have, especially for the fans of the Portuguese quintet! Over 70 snippets from concerts, videos, making offs, interviews, footage from rehearsals, starting with 1992-1994 and ending with the concerts from Katowice, in 2004! A complete material, professionally made, one that deserves all the praise. Even if for me MOONSPELL ended for a good while now, I must admit that watching this material proved to me that Metal Mind Productions is a label that makes DVDs of the best quality: image, sound, photos and the booklet! Rating: 0.95/1

MY DYING BRIDE (UK)-“For Lies I Sire” CD’09
(PEACEVILLE)
Once I heard that the Brits want to reintroduce the violin in the MDB sound, my interest grew exponentially. After a lot of albums that were of quality but at all genius, I was now expecting to find something that could easily placed next to Turn Loose The Swans” or “The Angel And The Dark River”. Judging by the way the first track started, I was really starting to think that I was holding a new jewel. Unfortunately, the beauty and the glow only lasted on “My Body, A Funeral”: uplifting violin, atmospheric aura, imposing voice, prolonged guitars, asymmetric drums… After this track, everything remains locked into a Doom Death Metal cocoon, characteristic to MDB, but with little visibility. The exception is made by “A Chapter In Loathing”, where both Aaron's voice and the rest of the instruments transform the poetic Doom into extreme Death and Black Metal, perhaps the most violent sequence from the entire MDB history. In conclusion, a good album, somewhat over the preceding one, a plus for the reintroduction of the violin but a minus for the lack of variety concerning the new insertions that we were all waiting for. Rating: 0.84/1

PARZIVAL (DEN/RUS)-“Zeitgest/Noblesse Oblige” DCD’08
(EUPHONIOUS)
Album number seven belonging to the quartet seems to be slower that the preceding one, “Noblesse Oblige”, but equally electro and bombastic, with a male voice of low tonality that can awake the dead and imposing percussion. The apocalyptic themes, the medieval mysticism, it all sounds rather casual, a musical style that is difficult to be compared or even described, part from using LAIBACH as bench-mark. The lyrics are in German, Latin and Russian and the theatrical Dark Atmospheric seems to dominate the bombastic sound. This double CD also contains the concert that took place on the 6th of June 2007, where you can see how PARZIVAL behaves on stage, this time in front of a small crowd; a good opportunity to understand the concept behind the band… Somewhat dull at times but with a very present Electro note, the music seems to have convinced a lot of people, especially after the two gigs had at WGT. A sound dedicated exclusively to the fans of LAIBACH! Rating: 0.90/1

ROME (LUX)-"To Die Among Strangers" MCD'09
(TRISOL)
Jerome and Patrick are preparing through this EP for a new album that is due to be released around the end of June. I was aware of this since December last, when ROME played live in Brasov. It is no secret that I am one of ROME’s most fierce advocate and the impatience that gravitates around the need of hearing the new album is growing by the day. This particular material is in fact a preview of the new album, but also an introduction into this Dark NeoFolk realm to all those who have never came across ROME before. It is only normal, as ROME went from CMI to Trisol and in order to understand the concept as a whole, they have chosen two of the most representative tracks from the previous albums, "Reversion" and "Wir Gotter ders Stadt", plus the track that gives the title of this MCD and another Dark Ambient one, a pretty strange track, "Mourir A Madrid", that introduces us into the atmosphere of the new album. "To Die Among Strangers" seems to have as a distinct element set within the background a violin, other than that, the rest of the music has the same construction and structure as on "MMM". The old songs enjoy a remix, in the sense that all the effects found in the background have been changed while the voice, guitars and the rhythm are identical. The MCD has been released in only 999 copies and also includes a t-shirt with ROME, for the true collectors. Rating: 0.92/1

SKALDIC CURSE (UK)-“World Suicide Machine” CD’09
(DARK ESSENCE)
Wooow, what a noisy discovery! From RUSH, VOIVOD and until MAYHEM or DARKTHRONE, it all sounds imposing! Very talented these five musicians, very technical too, I would believe, with Progressive bits shadowed by that feeling of Old School Thrash Black Metal. The Brits second album stands out only through the impeccable execution… other than that… Black Thrash Metal, nothing new, nothing special! Rating: 0.88/1

SONS OF SEASONS (GER)-“Gods Of Vermin” CD’09
(NAPALM)
It all stared with Oliver Palotai, the famous character behind the keyboards, who has collaborated with Doro and KAMELOT. He decided back in 2007 to start a new project together with Luca Princiotta, known from Blaze Bayley’s band, BLAZE. Things don’t seem to have worked out too well and so Oliver found himself in need of looking for other musicians in order to see his vision of Dark Symphonic Metal placed onto the staves and later on a CD. And so, the vision came alive with the arrival of Henning Basse (METALIUM), with whom he started working intensely. A bass player and a drummer appeared as well, Oliver made the guitar parts too, and after just one year later this imposing, bombastic, very technical debut comes to light, somewhat too symphonic and with Power/Progressive bits that aren’t really my cup of tea. Forgot to mention that the album also hosts Simone Simons, the superb voice from EPICA, an addition that offers an intelligent contrast and balance… Even if SONS OF SEASONS does not play something that I would listen to mire often, I can only appreciate the skillfulness of the instrumentalists and the crystal clear sound! Rating: 0.86/1

STILLE VOLK (FRA)-“ Nueit de Sabbat” CD’09
(HOLY)
The fifth album belonging to the French continues on the line of the previous materials, nothing special being added, nothing changed within the structure of the tracks. A material which I do not believe that can be fully appreciated by those who aren’t informed what this type of Neo Medieval Folk Celtic Music with Goth influences really means. As far as I am concerned, the music of these French men from the base of the Pyrenees hit me some 13 years ago, when their debut “Hantaoma” was unveiling a fantastic Folk universe, based on traditional instruments and clean vocals. After all these years, the two Patrice continue on insisting on this bizarre universe created by the flute, mandolin, violin, the result seeming to be an absolute perfect one! Rating: 0.90/1

SVARTTJERN (NOR)- “Path Of Madness” CD’09
(SCHWARZDORN)
Another album of the trends, just perfect for the fans of True Norwegian Black Metal! If you like TAAKE or NATTEFROST, then I see no reason not to like SVARTTJERN: ultra fast riffs, aggressive evil vocals and destructive drums. There are 8 tracks that sound good but lack originality, leaving no room for any atmospheric note, no chance in associating this sound to the one of a Melodic Black Metal bands! To be mentioned is that the voice on the album belongs to HansFyrste of RAGNAROCK. Thus, an interesting Norwegian quintet that is addressed only to those who adore brutal Black Metal, or as some like to believe, Kult/TRV Black Metal... Rating: 0.82/1

TAAKE (NOR)-“Taake” CD’08
(DARK ESSENCE)
Hoest’s forth album seems to be the best of them all! Clean Norwegian Black Metal, with aggressive vocals and continuous guitar riffs, with a destructive drum machine… and that’s it! We have speed, we have an glacial atmosphere, we have hate and we have virtuosity… it’s just that the tracks are too alike and the album tends to become like a very long track that seems not to end. There are some intelligent solos as well, but unfortunately, these weren’t as present as I would have liked them to be. A must have for the fans of Black Metal! Rating: 0.90/1

THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPIRIT (HUN)-“Osforras” CD’09
(EQUILIBRIUM)
The folk played by the two Hungarians, Mihaly and Agnes is now at album number three, probably the most complex and ethnic of them all. Full of a mystical aura, with traditional instruments but led by violins and guitars, the music of the duet seems to come from a different world, some hundreds of years back in time, where nature got the respect and the admiration of every single soul. The voices of the two musicians create a fragile contrast that together with the orchestration gives the feeling of perfect symbiosis. Although it all sounds good, I think that the band stepped away from the atmospheric aura, somewhat melancholic, that it had in the beginning, and this seems to represent a big disadvantage, in spite of the complexity of the sound and the interpretation manner. In this very moment, once can think that THE MOON AND THE NIGHTSPIRIT is the perfect replica of the Germans from FAUN and I am convinced that, at least when talking about Germany, the Hungarians will find great success. My understanding is that we will be able to see them play this summer in Transylvania, and so keep an eye out; I would think that when playing live they are more captivating due to the undisputed dynamicity and expressivity of their instruments. Rating: 0.80/1

THE TRIPLE TREE (UK)-“Ghosts” CD’08
(COLD SPRING)
The entire concept is based on the SF writings of M. R. James. Leaving from that point, Wakeford (SOL INVICTUS) and Andrew King, together with other guests like John Murphy & Renee Rosen (DEATH IN JUNE, SPK) or Kris Force (AMBER ASYLUM) offer to us a very strange project, somewhat poetic, that from a musical point of view, frames a very twisted SF universe, difficult to listen at times, difficult to understand due to the effects used or the percussion that is played in wave like forms of sound. Probably a material of interest for some, considering all the big names mentioned in here. The digipack is an elegant one as well, with a very detailed booklet that might aid in clearing up the mysteries of this British band. Rating: 0.84/1

TRIST (GER)-“Willenskraft” CD’09
(COLD DIMENSIONS)
Tristan, also known under the pseudonym Aran (LUNAR AURORA), in fact Benjamin Konig, comes out with a new Ambient Black Metal material that wants to be something original within the scene. The first among the 6 tracks has approximately 13 minutes, and it is nothing else but a synthesizer that imitates either big waves, either insisting on some effects… somewhat boring. Starting with the second track, TRIST seems to show us that Black Metal approached from a cosmic perspective is interesting, putting a strong accent on originality. We have a lot of keyboard, a slightly repetitive drum machine and guitars that sound pretty good! The voice does all sorts of things, at times reminding me of Niklas (SHINING). Taking into consideration the fact that this is a solo project (with some involvement from this brother), I can only appreciate this Black Metal! I remember being equally shocked some good few years ago by another Norwegian band practising the same avant-garde style, TARTAROS! You need to give this material a chance, as it can take you on a tour from LUNAR AURORA to the old BURZUM! It is the first TRIST album I listen to, but I will be looking for the other three ones as well, as this type of music has managed to stir my interest! Rating: 0.90/1

VREID (NOR)-“Milorg” CD’09
(INDIE)
Built on the ashes of WINDIR, VREID, it now reached album number four, one that has as its theme the military organisation Milorg, a Norwegian resistance movement from the Second World War. It looks like VREID has completely returned to the roots of the Nordic Black Metal, with no Non Metal influences or elements that they have inspiringly inserted into passed releases. Focused more on fastness and virtuosity, the new VREID sounds good but it seems like it tends to sink in with the other dozens and dozens of other Norwegian bands that are playing the very same things for years! From the point of view of the execution, I have no reproaches! It’s just that I was expecting something more original, some added value that should come with a band with such a respected and valued history! It is just like in the case of KAMPFAR, who abandoned the Heathen dimension in the favour of the Black one… in any case, I understood that they had an European tour together, thus the fans of this type of aggressive Black Metal must certainly be satisfied. In the end, I am afraid this is all that counts! Rating: 0.86/1