August 2008

ROME (LUX) - "Masse Mensch Mental" CD'08
(CMI)
This is one of the most beautiful releases of the year!!! The descants are incredible, as the masculine voice transits us via Nick Cave all the way to Leonard Cohen?s tunes... or from LAIBACH to SPIRITUAL FRONT and DEPECHE MODE, trans-passing Ambient, Post Industrial, New Wave, Neo-Classical, Dark-Romanticism... We have ballads, and also rhythmic tracks, Pop sequences and also purely Ambient ones, others scent of Martial... everything is different, strange, simple, but hellishly expressive! Beauty of desperation! Jerome Reuter?s third album does not insist on the Dark dimension anymore, it now focuses on exaggerated melody that contours o slightly more Pop sound, scenting of pale but fully atmospheric Industrial. We are dealing with an album that can induce surprise, but it can also captivate an unbelievable variety of fans, admiring completely distinct music styles!
www.myspace.com/romecmi
Rating: 1/1

THE VOID (ITA) - "Vision Of The Truth" CD'08
(MY KINGDOM MUSIC)
That?s an Italian trio that steps on the same path TIAMAT or MOONSPELL did, maybe a bit influenced by PARADISE LOST or THE CURE and evenly TYPE O NEGATIVE. Therefore, we have a pretty modest Dark Metal, scenting now and then of PENTAGRAM?s or ST VITUS?s Doom, but there is a very stimulating sound on the whole, quite bombastic, with Gothic and also Melancholic influences, with normal voices, abundant keyboard and heavy guitars. I?ve tried to make this album more understandable to me, but the high diversity of the nine tracks confused my hearing pretty much, especially as Diego?s voice isn?t remarkable, not to mention the forgery that I?ve sensed on certain fragments, the low ones I mean. An appreciable debut if we are to consider the intention, yet insufficient to make an impression.
www.into-thevoid.com
Rating: 0.74/1

OAKENSHIELD (UK) - "Gylfaginning" CD'08
(EINHEIT)
Interesting indeed the solo project of the British Ben Corkhill! I?ve firstly mentioned OAKENSHIELD when I was listening to Markus Eck?s compilation, that?s the guy from Metal Message by the way. I really liked the chosen track back then, as it was truly bombastic and atmospheric! Now, I had the opportunity to listen to the entire album, and I can assure you that ?Gylfaginning? is a little Melodic Epic Pagan Viking Metal jewel. There are many violin fragments, while the structure is a Pagan Metal one, so Ben inspiringly entwines musical styles that bring bands alike FOREFATHER or FALKENBACH to our minds, yet it is obviously rooted in BATHORY. Sure thing, quite some time passed since I?ve lastly listened to such a good debut!
www.oakenshield.org
Rating: 0.92/1

ANDRAS (GER) - "Iron Way" CD'08
(EINHEIT)
One of the most longeval East German Epic Pagan Metal band has released the album number six, by far the most inspired and successful of all until now. The voices remind me of the early IN THE WOODS? the one performed in Heathen Metal style, with normal imposing voices, a very brightly played keyboard, very rapid accords alternating with slow and atmospheric ones? When the voices are aggressive the sound turns dynamic, explosive evenly, and the battery is quite dreadful. When the sequence is slow, a slightly melancholic aura is released, but the approach is martial, created by the prolonged guitars? solos. This is a plenty elaborated material, various and saturated in Pagan, Black or Atmospheric Metal elements! It is, if you wish, a German reply to ?HEart of The Ages?, a reference album for the Heathen Pagan Black Metal scene!
www.andras.de.vu
Rating: 0.90/1

ELEND (AUT/FRA) - "The Umbersun" CD'08
(ORPHIKA)
That?s the most complex and complete album in ELEND?s history! The utmost loved one by all ELEND fans, despite the unfriendly sound, intricate and hard to assimilate! A perfect album! Released in 1997 at MUSIC FOR NATIONS, the album was poorly promoted from qualitative point of view, despite the chosen label. Therefore, the collaboration was detrimental to all parts included, including the listeners. Remastered super-professionally, in an elegant digi-pack and with an inspired and detailed artwork, the reissuing of this album now gathers ?Overture?, a track that has been conceived in 1997, but never released. This is a collection album, one that no words can describe or rate! The 30 voices choir along all Renaud?s and Iskandar?s instruments turn ?The Umbersun? into the reference of a music that couldn?t be touched by anyone else, not evenly imitated! Symphonic, Theatral, Dramatic, Baroque, Gothic, Aggressive, Violent and also Melodic? an incredible music for completely unconformist fans! An album not to miss from your collections, released in limited edition, yet one deserving all laurels!
www.elend-music.org
Rating: 1/1

GORGOROTH (NOR) - "Black Mass Krakow 2004" DVD'04
(METAL MIND)
That?s one of the most controversial concerts in Black Metal history! In a predominantly Catholic country, where the Pope beget and where the population follows with no argues at all the strict rituals imposed by religion, someone found the way to perform in a Satanist band in a plenty serene time. And what a show the Norwegians have done! And I?m not solely referring to the shock produced to anyone present there by the Antichristian messages! But also to decapitated sheep with their heads implanted to some pickets on the scene, bloody as you can imagine, along with some crucified nudes, and so the imagery of this show could turn into a case study in sociology courses! Not to mention the conflicts waken with the organisations supporting animal rights! It didn?t even matter that those heads have been bought from a butcher?s shop! What to say? I?ve pined to see this concert, maybe partly due to the fact it has been highly debated! Yes, there was an apocalyptic scene, demented, horror, and GORGOROTH sustained a special concert, in the same Black Metal manner that thrilled and enraptured the fans! After this live show GORGOROTH headed towards a fabulous success, as they now are one of the most representative Norwegian Black Metal bands. I won?t remind you the quarrels and separations that occurred in the band during the last years, because the DVD also refers to the concert held in February 1st 2004, back the times when all the band members were together and fully productive. The DVD has two tracks bonus, from a concert in Leipzig, in the year of 2000, along an animated menu, discography, a fomenting photo gallery, biography? A DVD that I consider 100% recommendable to Black Metal admirers, especially as it has been released in solely 5000 pieces!
www.gorgoroth.info

HELHEIM (NOR) - "Kaoskult" CD'08
(KARISMA)
Well, this Norwegian band also made a major change in what concerns the sound, consequently a less understood transition with the album released two years ago and named ?The Journeys And The Experiences Of Death?. The five Vikings present an excellent material, incredibly harmonizing aggressive Black Metal with Progressive elements, finely alternating the voices and highly revolted guitars. The keyboard has an originality of its own (so Lindheim?s return seems to be a smart move), trying to dominate a sound where guitars riffs prevail! It is both an aggressive album and a melodic one, exclusively sang in Norwegian, embodying Norwegian Black Metal spirit within, and, despite the modern elements, it enshrines the Norse, Pagan scent! Therefore, we can say that HELHEIM released a etalon album for the new Norwegian Epic Black Metal scene, an authentic material, about which I believe no one will have the fortitude/right to say negative words! It is the most technical and complex album in HELHEIM?s history, yet, I must admit, some influences from the producer Bjornar Nilsen (VULTURE INDUSTRIES) are to be sensed. It is also the first album where you can hear more voices, as the guests were Marius Lynghjem (CORVINE) and Royce (HellHikers). I appreciate that the unique atmosphere created 13 years ago on ?Jormundgand?, is still alive!
www.helheim.com
Rating: 0.92/1

STILLE OPPROR (NOR) - "S.o2" CD'08
(KARMAKOSMETIX)
Christer Andre Cederberg, the guitarist of the legendary band IN THE WOODS?, released a genius album! After an instrumental debut, less enjoyed by the audience and promoted 7 years ago, Chris returned with a new material, one which I hope will be debated longer, one about which people will talk much longer! We are dealing with the same atmosphere I?ve uncovered long years ago on ?Omnio?! I?ve discovered once again a world that I thought vanished with that particular album, maybe with ?Strange In Stereo? too! Less Metal than IN THE WOODS?, scenting of DRAWN, without any influence from ANIMAL ALPHA?s Punk, yet revealing lots of PINK FLOYD elements, having an inspired Psychedelic Rock impress, and an odd fusion tending towards Jazz, Chris succeeds from his first accords to catapult me towards an imaginative and contemplative realm, faraway from all that I breathe, live or smell most of my time! There are 7 tracks, and the last one is instrumental. There are three tracks that I hardly can part with: ?Reconnect?, ?Disquietude? and ?S.o2?! All of them enliven a rapturous melancholia in me, and the conceptual and interpretative form is unique! There are some noisier fragments on the rest of the tracks, I barely understand them by the way, maybe they are meant to contrast the others, for placing a better value on the calm, tranquil, introspective ones! ?Meanwhile? seems to be the most representative, while ?L Tune? is meant to be the most suitable for accessing this particular universe. The guitars sound magisterial, the masculine voices harmonize everything (you can imagine that Jan Kenneth Transit?s is easily to be spotted too), and the feminine ones remind me as in a glimpse of Synne Diana, but the keyboard transcends you towards pure oblivion... Remarkable, yes, the album is remarkable, with a unique emotional dimension that will certainly fascinate the ones desiring to listen to something unconventional! For me, as I?m still unhealed by IN THE WOODS? wounds, these new tracks are a nostalgic dressing that tranquilize my musical existence once again? as I firstly lived it years ago at maximum intensity, almost unbelievably high! At least for me? so far! I would strongly desire to see this band live, to find out whether my regrets towards the last IN THE WOODS? concert are or aren?t justified? even if it happened long years ago! Therefore, at all Metal, very Rock, scenting of Pop, and set into an original psychedelic oasis, STILLE OPPROR manages to transform me into a definitive fan of this music, even though we are talking about a sole album! Some patience is required, lots of attention, pale light, a glass of wine and plenty isolation from the quotidian, from anyone else, even from yourself? for an hour at least! It completely worth it?
www.myspace.com/stilleopproer
Rating: 1/1

ARKONA (RUS) - "Ot Serdca K Nebu" CD'08
(NAPALM)
I first listened to the album last year when I?ve been to their concert in Iasi, where I could also buy the digipack! The issue released by Napalm presents two extra tracks, instrumental ones (?Prologue? and ?Epilogue?), plus the 12 tracks officially released last year. I saw them live, listened to their music continuously for some months, so what could be there more to say: ARKONA is one of the representative Slavic Pagan Metal bands and I grant my respects for their activity! Maria?s voice is quite explosive and full of energy, sometimes brightly entwining with the guttural one, while the guitars are saturated in riffs, Black Metal ones evenly, yet on the whole everything consists in melodious accords, even though there are some rhythm change-over that scratch my ears? otherwise, beautiful traditional folk instruments, irreproachable traditional rhythms, two tracks that could easily turn into ballads, soul solacing riffs? It?s the best album in the Russians? history, even though I cannot say it?s perfect. Those changeovers from atmospheric, lent passages towards violent, ultra-rapid ones, contour a far too brutal disruption for such a well conceived album. I am sure this contract with the Austrian label will bring them all the needed financial support for creating a masterpiece album that I am estimating will come to light shortly. ?From The Heart To The Sky? is an elegant material, that shouldn?t lack from your collection, because, even if it doesn?t seem to be complete, certainly is representative for ?Mother Russia-Mother Nature? current, so progressive and familiar in Lenin?s country. I find this contract to be an inspired decision, and I am convinced there?s no place for regrets for either one of the parts involved!
www.arkona-russia.com
Rating: 0.93/1

SERENITY (AUT) - "Fallen Sanctuary" CD'08
(NAPALM)
I admit that I am tormenting myself into carefully listening to such sonorities, hoping that, maybe may-be, I will find something interesting within. KAMELOT or SONATA ARCTICA are etalon bands for this Melodic Symphonic Metal approach, so EDENBRIDGE could be considered a band that sounds identically to SERENITY. Based on a very bombastic sound, with an abundant Progressive touch, and very pompous normal voices (including feminine ones), choirs evenly, plus prolonged riffs with Heavy Metal elements, a battery that beets rapid or staccato rhythms, and a keyboard that amplifies an at all Dark dimension, but a more extraverted one, moreover the bass is very present; therefore, SERENITY present a stylish album, a well done one, sounding quite fine. Just that there is no originality within, no identity of its own. Otherwise, it is a pleasant audition, especially if it?s not listened repeatedly. It is a trendy album, with no remarkable expressivity.
www.serenity-band.com
Rating: 0.80/1

KATRA (FIN) - "Beast Within" CD'08
(NAPALM)
A little time passed since Tarja left NIGHTWISH and now we are dealing with a serious replica to what once has been the legendary Finnish band. With a voice to envy, Katra Solopuro is the one person throughout who KATRA sound differentiate other NIGHTWISH clones! Very powerful, full of energy, and with an imposing ??.., KATRA?s vocalizations finely mix a bombastic Gothic Metal sound, even if it seems to be far too much influenced by Classic Rock. It becomes obvious that the musicians have performed during the bygone years in bands alike WHITESNAKE or RAINBOW. This could turn into the only ?weak point? from my point of view. Still, on the other hand, this is the sole way KATRA differs from the old NIGHTWISH? and, why nothing, they could have a great success to the audience that is less interested in Dark scents, leaving the Rock sequences to trendy caress the hearing that eager for rhythm and melody. There are plenty Folk influences too, meaning a Nordic album by excellence, one showing an authenticity of is own, despite the vast NIGHTWISH accords? But what is there to do? they both come from the same land, and the traditional elements are the same! All together, we have a very well conceived and executed debut, full of atmosphere, energy, rhythm, of everything that you wish for, with a very elegant feminine voice, around which all the instruments gravitate. The keyboard is insistently played, and the guitars? effect seems to have a sense of their own, enhancing the sound that could dynamite every single rocker, no matter the boredom embracing him/her! I?m sure that this quintet will grant recognition sooner than they are expecting to!
www.katra.fi
Rating: 0.89/1

LES FRAGMENTS DE LA NUIT (FRA) - "Musique De Crepuscule" CD'08
(EQUILIBRIUM)
This album could be enjoyed both by Rock fans and Classical music ones! With a self titled Neo-Classical/Contemporary Classical style, The Frenchmen have a vast live performances and creative experience, as they?ve for years soundtracks for movies and not only. Based on piano and violin, the sound of the new project is a melancholic one, yet voluptuous, with choral echoes on the background, plus a very active cello and some other violins enhancing an interesting tragic/epic-atmospheric alternation. From Steve Reich or Philip Glass all the way towards ELEND (throughout vocal parts), ARVO PART or GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR, the Frenchmen present a music that?s perfectly proper to be listened on a terrace, in an authentic summer evening. Still, it?s a hard album to comprehend by those not liking Classic music, therefore not knowing what resonance could imply the music style promoted these ways. Something?s missing to this sound: maybe dynamic, force?
www.lesfragmentsdelanuit.com
Rating: 0.85/1

ARDITI (SWE) - "Omne Ensis Impera" CD'08
(EQUILIBRIUM)
More rigid than PUISSANCE and drier than TRIARII, ARDITI keeps alive a remarkable Martial Industrial Neo Classical line! With Kamrat?s NORDVARGR (MZ.412, TOROIDH) contribution, who also collaborates on certain tracks, ARDITI presents an elegant digi-pack elegant, a music full of dramatic touches, with an Epic atmosphere, imposingly sober and cold, saturated in diverse effects, both warrior and classic choirs, intonations and discrete declaims all in an oppressive background, but everything within a unique Dark note. Maybe repetitive and monotonous for a connoisseur, the new ARDITI album seems to be the most complete and inspired, and I felicitate H. Moller and M. Bjorkman for this little jewel! PUISSANCE and ALGAION are special bands too, also hosting the participation of the two. I only care to further remind you that ARDITI composed some tracks for the last two MARDUK albums too.
www.arditi.tk
Rating: 0.92/1

MY DYING BRIDE (UK) - "An Ode To Woe" DVD'08
(PEACEVILLE)
Clearly, MY DYING BRIDE became a high brand, just good for excavating great money of it. As a proof, the label that has always supported them offered a new contract for 3 albums, without considering this very DVD. The show you can see on it, is the recording of the concert held in April 2007 in Amsterdam, in Paradiso hall, a so called temple for modern music, as it is designed as a church, and which hosted so far, the live performances of Nick Cave, Nirvana, Sex Pistols or The Rolling Stones. Personally, I didn?t find it a special concert, but that?s what MY DYING BRIDE can offer on scene. The DVD?s advantages are the lyrics for all the tracks played in that concert, and the fact that the British made a smart mix between very old and pretty new tracks, showing throughout 13 sequences the true face of the legendary band. The same theatrical as in the rest of his shows, Aaron has a charm of his own, yet after seeing several concerts held in distinct locations, you get the feeling that everything is repetitive on live shows, just the well known result of the classic copy ? paste. I?ve seen them last year at Sibiu and that concert seems finer to me. Nevermind. We are dealing with a collection DVD, promoted in an exceptional digi-pack that includes the CD with the same tracks, yet with a more elegant sound and mixing? well, that?s a material that should have a place of its own on your shelves! I hardly wait the moment when they?ll release a new version, meaning one including the symbolic and caressing violin along the rest of the instruments? And my personal bet is that it will happen in the short passing future time.
www.mydyingbride.org 
Rating: 0.90/1

BLOODBATH (SWE) - "The Wacken Carnage" DVD'08
(PEACEVILLE)
Seeing this DVD and listening to the included CD, I realized mi-am that I?ve done a bad choice deciding not to see the Swedes live in 2005, at Wacken! It?s one of the few Death Metal DVDs that I?ll proudly keep in my collection! It?s incredible what energy these tracks arouse! Plus the incredible, irreproachable execution! Solely incontestable talents have been on scene: Mike and Axe from OPETH, Jonas and Anders from KATATONIA and the legendary producer Dan Swano! Just as Mike has said during the concert, BLOODBATH has started as a punch project and became an elite Death Metal band! With one EP and two albums released, BLOODBATH doesn?t get on stage often, therefore this DVD is a rare opportunity that every hard sonorities fan should take joy in, no matter if he?s an ENTOMBED fan or an OBITUARY admirer! Not to mention the numerous public?s reactions to Mike?s messages! It is an exemplary concert for every Death Metal fan, one that could start the fire of debate in whatever divagation! The sound is finely clear, with a modest acoustic but you cannot expect more from an outdoor concert, as the instruments sound plenty expressive and Akerfeldt?s draconic voice dominates everything! Exceptional!
bloodbath.biz
Rating: 1/1

LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE (GER) - "Songs For The Last View" CD'08
(NAPALM)
Obviously, the Germans continue knocking on MTV?s and cheap commercial?s doors! Every single album consequent to ?Burning a Wish?, the sound gets more and more Rock, more melodious, simpler and more rhythmic. There were 4 modest albums that apparently rapture HIM or THE 69 EYES fans. The new material presents a more nostalgic Gothic Rock, maybe more melancholic too, with a different vocal, reminding me the above mentioned bands rather than LACRIMAS PROFUNDERE. I do not like the album, even though I rate it far beyond ?Filthy Notes For Frozen Hearts?, released in 2006. Too commercial and completely lacked in that Dark scent! At least for me it is! Still, I have nothing to reproach in what concerns the execution: after 15 years of activity, everything sounds finely synchronized, plus there?s a high quality done mixing!
www.lacrimas.com
Rating: 0.80/1

KLIMT 1918 (ITA) - "Just In Case We?ll Never Meet Again" CD'08
(PROPHECY)
A new album, nothing new, no change at all! This doesn?t sound bad at all, just that it?s a simple copy of the Britpop music. In other words, it imitates THE CURE, without forgetting to pass through COLDPLAY, SIGUR ROS, MUSE or the Nordic MOGWAI?  The voice seems the weakest element of this music, far too pale and inexpressive. The rest of the instruments are ok, yet it?s a sound that has nothing to do with Metal or any other Dark dimension. Surely, it is the best chapter in the Italians history, but sadly I couldn?t find any scent of originality, nothing throughout which the band would differentiate, distinguish. All they?ve proven is that they can finely play the music that great bands compose for long years now. Maybe their next material will bring along some scent of originality? Anyway, it?s a fine audition!
www.klimt1918.com
Rating: 0.82/1

ZERIVANA (POL) - "Velesvarun" CD'08
(ECHOES OF KOLIBA)
It is unbelievable what beauties continue the true underground uncovering to us! With absolutely no compromises, and with a music coming directly from the heart, Zerivan composed by himself a Neo-Classical Pagan Folk jewel! Everything set up from programming and keyboards, rarely from the voice, when it steps in extremely discrete and mysterious. Tribal elements are also present, emphasizing rhythm and percussion, along with plenty of Neo-Classical, and Heathen scents, which turn Slave in Zerivan?s version? everything sounds beautiful, the tracks are quite distinct, diversified, saturated in an auro of long bygone times, and this state is hard to accomplish given the few instruments involved. I appreciate the fact that there?s no monotony within the sound, as the keyboard is played in an inspired way! If you enjoy WONGRAVEN, or the last BURZUM works, even through more friendly sonorities as the early PUISSANCE or PENITENT, than this digipack will give you instant and certain satisfaction. The booklet is quite elegant, the colors used and the images are in perfect harmony with the ambience created by a relaxing sound! If I only come into considering that this is his debut after eight years of attempts, I cannot fail into being indulgent!
www.myspace.com/zerivana
Rating: 0.94/1

TODESBONDEN (US) - "Sleep Now, Quiet Forest" CD'08
(PROPHECY)
Laura Ann Haus?s fragile and mighty voice is more than familiar, especially for the ones listening to AUTUMN TEARS. Obviously scenting of THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL, THEATRE OF TRAGEDY debut or early THE GATHERING, with Folk, Celtic (Loreena McKennitt) influences, TODESBONDEN reveals a bombastic debut, a well structured one. Both Metal ? given the guitar riffs, and very Atmospheric if we concentrate on piano, keyboards, violin and other Folk but very Ethereal instruments, we may get raptured by the aura of Laura?s soprano voice. Even though this sound brings absolutely nothing new, we might consider the interesting and successful style combination that makes me for one go back in time, about ten years ago, when Gothic Metal with feminine voice mesmerized Europe, and Loreena?s music started to conquer more and more fans. I truly enjoyed listening to this album!
www.todesbonden.com
Rating: 0.90/1

TRANSIT (NOR) - "Decent Man On A Desperate Moon" CD'08
(KARMAKOSMETIX)
Jan Kenneth has become a father for the second time, so we can say that he is now more than a decent man! I have no idea where is that desperate moon, yet surely not within this album! The sound of this very project has nothing to do with what he was doing on IN THE WOODS? and I can hardly say it hosts a Metal scent within it! We are dealing with a more avant-garde Rock, a quite relaxing one, with a few Experimental elements, some Pop influences and that?s all. The voice dominates the rest of the instruments, yet the final result isn?t at all convincing! To me it seems pretty fade, lacked in a precise direction, as the tracks are quite different and do not follow a specific path. The sole connector is the voice that also fails to excel on certain fragments! This experiment is quite confusing to me, maybe even more that the other project, SOXPAN. I can understand that Jan wants to approach differently to music, but TRANSIT hasn?t convinced me at all! Or maybe I didn?t have the right mood to listen to it distinctly? Ah, that?s too Rock for me?
www.myspace.com/kkxrex
Rating: 0.80/1

ARKANE (GRE) - "Enraptured Serene Mesmerism" CD'08
(SEDUCTION)
The greatest satisfaction I get when I get an album from the one composing the music on it. That?s what happened with ARKANE, as I?ve received the CD in the evening when ARCANA held their concert at Brasov, when I also met Arkanum X, along George/AD OMBRA. Clearly, if you know and can enjoy the excellent AD OMBRA project, you?ll certainly like ARKANE too. The one that performed in FIENDISH NYMPH or DAEMONIA NYMPHE, now created a new Dark Symphonic Neo-Classical project, one of rapturous beauty! With vertiginous and hallucinating feminine voices, and with a bombastic keyboard, ARKANE slowly veils us within the mystery of this Greek concept, not necessarily in an original manner, but for sure with an incredible expressivity. Reminding me of early ARCANA, with pale ELEND or DIE VERBANNTEN KINDER EVAS influences, ARKANE continues in an inspired way this ambient Dark path! The fact that the sopranos are highly used, hides the slight repetition of the tracks? structure, which would be monotonous as hell without these mermaid like voices. Yet, it doesn?t mean that the sound is a simplistic one? on the contrary! The sensation is that we are dealing with a complete orchestra filling the atmosphere in a bombastic way, but, at the same time, mysterious? A fine album, appropriate for labels like Projekt or Cold Meat Industry!
www.myspace.com/xarkanex
Rating: 0.90/1

V/A  - "Might Is Right-Nordic Warchants II" CD'08
(DGF)
I appreciate what the German label does with these compilations! We have almost 30 bands on two CDs, most of them Pagan Viking Folk Metal, not quite known, but promoted by labels like DGF, Blood Fire Death, Agonia, Ketzer, Mercenary, Temple Of Darkness? so, we have tracks (some exclusive ones) from: OCTOBER FALLS, MYRKGRAV, ATOMKRAKT, YGGDRASIL, IRMINSUL, NYDVIND, CARVED IN STONE, HEL, STURMPERCHT, INFAUST, UTLAGR, NUMEN, URGEHAL, DANTALION, SOULSEARCH, HELRITT, BRAN BARR, FOSCOR, FORTRESSE? As a bonus we get a DVD with the 2007 Ragnarok festival, where, along some of the bands already mentioned, also feature KAMPFAR, HELHEIM, ELUVEITIE, MANEGARM, RIGER or TYR. Even if the video recording is a quite modest one, the viewer can better imagine how was it there last year, and moreover, see some bands that you can hardly see recorded during concerts.  Finally, this is a useful compilation, one deserving all money!!!
Rating: 0.90/1

FLOODLAND (AUT) - "Nameless" CD'08
(FLOOD)
These four Austrians are very serious when it comes to music. They have over ten years of activity and 3 albums released, and now FLOODLAND returns with a new Dark Rock material, better said a bombastic Goth one, cold, reminding of SISTERS OF MERCY or FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM. Quite dynamic and full of heavy guitars, with a very active bass, and keyboard parts saturated in atmospheric sequences and also Electronic elements, FLOODLAND now presents the best album in their history! I cannot say to have uncovered an evolution/ major change in what concerns the tracks structure, maybe solely if we refer to interpretation. Colder than ?Decay?, yet more diverse and professional than ?Ocean The Lost?, FLOODLAND released an elegant material, with every single detail considered twice, and with a clean mixing. Listening to this album is a true pleasant surprise!
www.floodland.org
Rating: 0.87/1

TRASCENDING BIZARRE? (GRE) - "The Serpents?s Manifolds" CD'08
(DISSONART)
I remember that 4-5 years ago there where quite many and good words said about the debut ?The Four Scissors?, as it was compared to ARCTURUS. Now, the six Greeks unveil a new material, in the same Symphonic Occult Black Metal manner. Therefore, CRADLE OF FILTH?s or DIMMU BORGIR?s fans, but also SEPTIC FLESH or ROTTING CHRIST admirers can serenely enjoy a truly fine material. The musicians are quite talented, and I was nicely surprised by the way they play instruments, including the voice that has some very successful inflections! With two synths on the background, the sound is a bombastic one, full of atmosphere, packed in some Classical influences, all put together in a rapid, evenly brutal, formula. Nothing within is original, but the Greek band manages to show that they can play uncompromised Black Metal in Greek, in the way ROTTING CHRIST used to do years ago! There are some incrediblesolos, as you would bet listening to Heavy or Speed Metal! We can also find interesting instrumental interludes, touching of all kind of styles and proving that the Greeks are not soly limitating to Black Metal. If you want to know a few projects within which the members activate, I can mention for you DOL AMMAD, CUBICAL SPHERE, ECHIDNA, SYNESTHESIA, AUT OF THE LAIR, REX MUNDI, FINAL ANSWER? It is a trendy album all right, but I find it praise worthy for the interpretation and the quality of the sound!
www.trascendingbizarre.com 
Rating: 0.91/1

SOTHIS (US) - "De Oppresso Liber" CD'08
(CANDLELIGHT)
Even though the project debuted approximately ten years ago, the five Americans have only released a single demo, quite savoured on ?promicing land?. With it?s five formula, SOTHIS presents an aggressive Symphonic Black Metal, alike DIMMU BORGIR, but with less melodic elements even though it greatly sounds like Nordic bands! I even thought that their pedigree is partly Norwegian. There no originality, nothing special, nothing to make a remarkable band out of SOTHIS! They are lucky to come from America and I cannot remind another band from there, one the interpretates so good sonorities alike! We are dealing with a quality replica for any Black Metal admirer, and this debut is finely interpreted! The keyboard is highly played, the guitars are all over, the voice is relaxed and draconic, everything sounds perfect for Black Metal. If I also consider that it is a debut, I can say there are some things in my attention: SOTHIS, as the best debutant American Black Metal Symphonic band, with a clear and bombastic sound, with accords on aggressive part rather than on atmospheric one, and with an irreproachable interpretation!
www.sothis.us
Rating: 0.85/1

OMNIUM GATHERUM (FIN) - "The Redshift" CD'08
(CANDLELIGHT)
A new album from the Finns, with a new voice, aggressiver and seemingly more linear. After a well received debut in 2003, ?Spirits And August Light?, which I?ve also written nice words about, ?Year in Waste? hasn?t brought anything new, even though the band signed in with Nuclear Blast. This way, in 2006 they record ?Stuck Here On Snakes Way?, an album presenting a less progressive and less introspective sound, rather based on DARK TRANQUILITY Melodic Death Metal style, also scenting of early ENTOMBED. The new album isn?t changed a lot, as it is highly focused on contrast, mixing vocal and riffs aggressiveness with melodious sonorities, arousing a somehow catchy atmosphere. The instrumentation is fine, so it gets obvious that the Finns know how to play, they are quite technical in the end, and the sound is crystal clear (Dan Swano is a reputed artist in his studio), everything sounds pleasant. Yet, there?s nothing new, as the new OMNIUM GATHERUM is a sort of a pendulum between IN FLAMES and KATATONIA.
www.omniumgatherum.org
Rating: 0.84/1

LAIBACH (SLO) - "Volk" DVD'08
(MUTE)
Last year you?ve heard me saying that LAIBACH probably was the best concert in my life! The event was organized in Bucarest, as a part of the tour promoting their new album ?Volk?. My feeling was not necessarily dued to imagery (even though the background projections were excellently connected to LAIBACH concept), but to intrinsic message! I?ve listened to the album for the first time at the concert, and I was raptured by these hymns interpreted in a unique manner! I was expecting to listen to ?Tanz Mit Laibach?, ?Life Is Life? or other more noisy tracks, to experience an industrialized show? But what did I get instead? 13 superb tracks, atmospheric, full of melody, the anthems of 13 countries, some of them processed in a dramatic, even apotheotic form (America). Then, Russia with a very melodic and full of pride sense of being Mother Land, an imposing Israel as it is the eternous land acel of wars between Israelians and Palestinians, Spain fully detached and conconquistadoric, then the full of romanticism Italy, Germany just as cold as the simbolyzed folk, Turkey and China introverted, a bombastic and arrogant England, a specific Japan, France saturated in culture and ? maybe the nicest tracks of them all, quite different live than on its studio version, Slovania, the best piece live. The last track from the first part of the concert ends with NSK, the anthem of their virtual country. The second part of the concert presents six earlier tracks, quite Industrial foarte Industrializate, where some female percussionists appear and fill the genous concert with savour. Even though Eber?s voice apparently sounds dryier and more striking live that on the album, finally you have a great music, decently mixed, especially as the four are supported by the colegues from Silence band, which?s synth sounds excellent, just as the background voices. The artists? attitude on scene is remarkable too, everything is perfect for the band?s atmosphere, and we have 2 hours of LAIBACH on this DVD, more precisely the complete recording of March 2007 concert at Trbovlje. I was surprised to see that the audience gathered people of all ages, proving once again that LAIBACH is a highly respected, appreciated and demential band, one full of substance and protest messages towards the mistakes done in the world we live in, risking to be associated with a band that supports and promotes extremistic nationalist actions! That?s just the same way I?ve seen them in Bucarest, but unfortunately some of the few people present there, were more preoccupied into childishly evidentiating themselves as being members of some Right Organizations. Pathetical! It?s sad to see that associations as such are done, when LAIBACH tries for tens of years to support their ideas in a peaceful way love for their nation, for their folk and the disgust towards the expansion and globalization of all commercial non-values ourdays. Well, after watching this DVD I?ve realized that LAIBACH sound identically live as in studio (this could be maybe the sole weak aspect), but it suits me serenily that I can experience this concert whenever I want to, as for years it turned obsessive to me. Unfortunately, the ones that have not been to their concerts will not be able to perceive at maximum intensity the messages transmitted by this band? which is both cold/sober/distant during live performances, but also respectful to the audience!
www.laibach.org 
Rating: 1/1

ARKAN (FRA) - "Hilal" CD'08
(SEASON OF MIST)
Rather Algerians than French, these young musicians made their debut at Season Of Mist, with an extremely beautiful Oriental Death Metal album, standing as a proof that ORPHANED LAND aren?t the only talented ones in this approach. More aggressive than Kobi?s voice, with clear sequences of violent Death Metal, alike NILE or MELECHESH, but also involving traditional interludes, very spicy and exotic, where the feminine voice and the darbouks are mighty, ARKAN sound is both melodios and explosive, generating an authentic sample of quality music. I cannot get too critic with this album, because it really sounds fine? maybe there would be something to say about the brutal change-over from harsh fragments to atmospheric ones. Otherwise, a remarkable album!
www.arkan.fr
Rating: 0.94/1

NYKTALGIA (GER) - "Peisithanatos" CD'08
(NO COLOURS)
Three in studio, four on scene, the German band releases its second album. For me it?s the first, and I can say that this Black Metal is excellently interpreted, rooted in the first two KATATONIA MCDs and scenting of WIGRID, ABYSSIC HATE or NARGAROTH. The voice reminds me of BURZUM, while a certain aspect reminds me of FORGOTTEN TOMB too, just as suicide, greef, isolation are the main themes approached by these Germans. The sequences alternate between rapid and slow ones, but the guitars play the same Raw Black Metal manner, without any modern compromises ar striking colours. Everything is veiled in a tormenting black-grey, contoured by a Scandinavian Black Metal, distinguishing solely by some brightly used guitar solos. Though there?s nothing new if compared with the above mentioned bands, NYKTALGIA proves remarkable maturity throughout their virtuosity, which is a thing to expect because the members also play in projects alike KRIEG or STERBEND.
www.myspace.com/nyktalgiafabpage
Rating: 0.88/1

SINCARNATE (ROM) - "On The Procrustean Bed " MCD'08
(AXA VALAHA)
I?ve got this CD from Coro at Artmania, but before that I could see the guys live. Despite the fact that the tracks? structure seems to be a little vecchio, and that the sound is rather simple, I didn?t spot any other great imperfections. True, on scene SINCARNATE sounds much better than on this EP, yet I don?t know why: maybe they?ve progressed, or perhaps because since the project was formed until now (in about a year) the members changed and they?ve found a better formula for Sibiu. Therefore, Doom Death Metal alike the 90?s, with an abundant keyboard on the background, simple but atmospheric guitars riffs, modest battery and a growl voice that would be perfect if this band was a Death Metal one. There is force, there is nerve, although alternance and inflexions lack! Everything sounds too growled, too angry, far too linear, and poorly connected to the melody and atmosphere that this sound liberates! But I don?t want to turn cavilling because there?s no reason for me to! The band sounds ok and considering the fact that there are only four tracks, that we are talking about a debut and about the intention to do more and better, I cannot appreciate more than positively this release. Well, the mixing is somehow cut, everything sounds artificial and fit in copy-paste actions. The booklet looks professional, the cover doesn?t seem well chosen for the approached Doom/Death Metal, but, on the whole, the material is a fine quality one, proving that the Romanian Metal Scene starts to take a fresh breath, even though there?s no originality in this very project! Not to mention that SINCARNATE made a sure step, even though it?s not perfect! MY DYING BRIDE?s fans will easily relish a mioritic essay of cloning it. I am waiting for the next album? if they don?t vanish meanwhile, as I?ve understood that Marius, the vocalist, has left the band too. At least I hope he will have more time to focus on Hatework, as the organized events are quality ones for the scene of the extreme!
www.myspace.com/sincarnateband
Rating: 0.80/1

THE HOWLING VOID (US) - "Megaliths Of The Abyss " CD'08
(BLACK PLAGUE)
Ryan?s project sounds quite fine, as the Funeral Doom atmosphere seems to have found its perfect home. Based on a guttural voice and prolonged guitars solos along a bombastic keyboard, THE HOWLING VOID presents a nice copy of early WINTER, scenting evenly of Finnish Funeral, alike SKEPTICISM. In four very long tracks, Ryan contours an apocalyptical mood, a depressing one, hosting no shade of hope within. I recommend this album to Slow Depressive Doom Metal sonorities fans.
www.myspace.com/thehowlingvoid
Rating: 0.84/1

THIS GENTLE HORROR (US) - "Early Love Music" CD'08
(THE FOSSIL DUNGEON)
That?s a beautiful Gothic Rock! Randy from HEAVEN FALLS HARD participated, and the duet keeps on the path of bands that inspired them, meaning JOY DIVISION, THE CURE, SISTERS OF MERCY or BAUHAUS. Everything is fresh, all sounds clear and rhythmic, the keyboard is bombastic and the Goth scent is purely remarkable! I can even uncover some elements of horror soundtrack, as one of Carpenter?s, Goblin or Morricone movies would follow. Therefore, you that admire DEPECHE MODE and eager for a more Goth version of it, keep the name of this project in your minds!
www.myspace.com/thisgentlehorror
Rating: 0.85/1

FUNERAL MOURNING (US) - "Drown In Solitude" CD'08
(BLACK PLAGUE)
Just another Funeral Doom Metal project, that, despite the keyboard arousing unfamiliar sounds for this musical approach, doesn?t bring no new thing to the scene. The voice is the same guttural and demonic one, the guitars solos and the battery?s rhythm are more than lent, the keyboard tries to give direction to a monotonous and repetitive sound. Even if the band managed to contour the depressing dimension thought-out its accords, a slight boredom is to be sensed after more auditions. This is an album of what is asked for, a trendy one, average one, bringing nothing interesting.
Rating: 0.80/1

VESTIGIAL (ITA) - "Translucent Communion" CD'08
(COLD MEAT)
This Italian debut presents a pretty abstract Dark Ambient material, oscillating between RAISON D?ETRE, LUSTMORD and BAD SECTOR. I didn?t uncover anything special, nothing original? only six tracks that could be easily considered the Italian replica Peter?s/RAISON project.
www.coldmeat.se
Rating: 0.80/1

THEUDHO (BEL) - "Cult oF wuotan" CD'08
(DGF)
I see no reason for this band to be compared with ANCIENT RITES! Except the fact that they come from the same country, I see no other similitude. The sound of this band seems confusing to me, as it goes from Black Metal in BATHORY version all the way towards simple Thrash Death Metal brutalities, so THEUDHO didn?t convince me at all! They try to use feminine voices, they use the keyboard, they try to use everything and finally conceive nothing bright, original, or coherent. It sounds to me as a mixture of aggressive styles, some of them trendy, other ones forgotten in the bleary drawers of old times fans? They are ok as musicians, but the music has nothing captivating to transmit.
www.theudho.com
Rating: 0.73/1

FUNERAL THRONE (UK) - "Nihil Sine Diabolus" CD'08
(SATANAS REX)
Well, Black Metal in its old version! I?m not sure if it?s just Black? I can spot a lot of Thrash and Death or Ultra Speed Metal. I guess AGGRESSOR would get jealous if they would listen to this music! In solely nine tracks, the trio succeeds to empty the listener?s mind of all modern, melody, Epic elements. Diabolical voices, noisy guitars, explosive battery. Everything put together in a completely uncompromised note, quite appreciative for early DESTRUCTION or CELTIC FROST admirers! Because there is nothing original or new on this very material. Yet, it does sound fine!
www.myspace.com/nfbm
Rating: 0.84/1

KURGAN (RUS) - "?And Green Grasses Are Freezing Slowly" CD'08
(GARDARIKA)
If FEARLIGHT enchanted me, KURGAN left a bad taste in my mouth. Why? Because besides a limited Black Metal, the young musicians failed into contouring anything interesting. Even if now and then the flute tries to arouse a Pagan veil alike ARKONA, the compositions are mediocre, at least in what concerns originality. It doesn?t mean that we are dealing with a modest album, because KURGAN shows that they are good in manipulating instruments, yet that?s not all that is needed.
Rating: 0.74/1

HB (FIN) - "Frozen Inside" CD'08
(BULLROSER)
Another NIGHTWISH clone! With a more innocent voice and less Symphonic than the legendary band (that now is an inspirational adrift), HB presents a very promising debut, with a both fragile and mighty feminine voice, who?s inflections bring over the salt and pepper of the album. There are slow sequences too, ballads like, and also more rapid fragments, more Heavy, full of rhythm and atmosphere. The album doesn?t sound bad, yet I couldn?t spot any originality within it. It is just a different Epic Symphonic Metal, or Modern Metal, one that cannot displease the audience! I am sure HB sounds fine on live performances too! Still, it is only a debut, so we shouldn?t discourage their intention to show us that they know how to play and to create pleasant atmosphere. But let?s see when will originality come to light. I hope with the second album that will happen.
www.myspace.com/hbmetal
Rating: 0.84/1

MINHYRIATH (SWI) - "Gondolyn" CD'08
(BLACK TOWER)
Here we have a solo project (from the guy that activates in EXCELSIS), based on Tolkian fantasy. It?s a sort of Pagan Epic Folk Black Metal, pretty bombastic, melodic, with atmospheric orchestration, warrior choirs, traditional instruments (flute), Death Metal voice and Heavy Metal guitars. It doesn?t sound bad at all, but it is neither a material that presents interesting elements. It is a trendy album, with a sometime annoying synthetic/artificial note, but that?s the story when talking about drum-machine.
www.minhyriath.ch
Rating: 0.86/1

TRUE MIND (ROM) - "No More Silence" MCD'08
After FROZEN DUSK, another debutant band tries to prove us that Epic can combine with Symphonic, on an atmospheric Gothic Metal structure with feminine voice! Moreover there are some Progressive influences too, so that the youngsters from Brasov present four elegant tracks, with a  quality sound (yet seemingly too artificial) for a material done out of their own pockets, plus an incisive and very active keyboard (probably they adore NIGHTWISH), modest guitars (except some beautiful solos) and a battery that rather communicates with the keyboard? as for the feminine voice ? I don?t know, it is pleasant all right, but the operatic dimension it tries to animate seems a bit false, probably due to the fact it tries to imitate Tarja! As I?ve said before, the keyboard seems the key element for the entire orchestration as the rest of the instruments are barely energetic, lacked in contour, and without expressivity. The feminine voice should give more liberty to herself in what concerns expression, otherwise she tends to become the same as a masculine thin voice tries to be a growl one! Well, I have to say that on ?Stop Killing Them? track, a masculine voice appears but in my opinion it rather wouldn?t be included at all. Therefore, this is an elegant debut, one that shouldn?t be elided. Still, TRUE MIND has a long way to go until it identifies the self sound! I appreciate that the MCD has a nice, professional booklet.
www.truemind-rock.com
Rating. 0.81/1

DARK THRONE (NOR) - "Frostland Tapes" CD'08
(PEACEVILLE)
That?s a fine work indeed! It reminds me about TENHI?s Box Set formed also from 3 CDs. Though, here we are dealing with a complete material for DARK THRONE fans. Four demos, plus the recording of one of the few concerts held in over 20 years of activity. Probably, the central element is ?Goatlord?, 12 tracks that have never been officially released. The digipack looks very professional, hosting lots of details (including the memories Fenriz wrote and some answers to specific questions), just good to be a part of your collection. I cannot quantify anything, there?s nothing for me to criticize or appreciate, as we are talking about a music recorded between 1988 and 1991. Maybe solely the fact that all these materials have been hosted under the same roof, an inspired box set that is.
www.darkthrone.no
Rating: 0.90/1

SKITLIV (NOR) - "Amfetamin" CD'08
(COLD SPRING)
Diabolical minds, insane sound! You have to be inundated by alcohol in order to enter SKITLIV trance! It is an original music, a unique approach, a distinct form of Metal that cannot be included in any known style! I wonder if we can call it Black Doom Noise? This CD consists in only 2 studio tracks, ?Amfetamin? and ?Slow Pain Coming? (Cold Spring Mix), as the rest of the 6 are the recording of the concert held at London, on December 13th, 2007. Maybe you don;t know the list: Maniac (ex-MAYHEM) does all possible and impossible vocalizations, while Kvarforth (SHINING), bedevils and murders his guitar in an unbelievable way. Obviously, both in studio and live, the two invited other musicians, among which Attila (MAYHEM, SUN O))) ), but it matters less. Excellent material! The intro is a CURRENT 93 cover version, yet it is performed in the most sinister manner possible? the entire music is! I can barely wait to listen to Maniac?s debut album! That?s if he doesn?t commit suicide meanwhile... because within such a music, you cannot distinguish many colorful lights.
www.myspace.com/skitliv777
Rating: 0.97/1

NONEUCLID (GER) - "The Crawling? Chaos" CD'06
(MERCILESS)
Even though the album has been released two years ago, the music seems perfectly topical to out time, and therefore I?ve considered it would be a pity not to write a few rows about this album! With a Technical Death/Thrash structure to envy, the five also touch from time to time the Progressive dimension, with normal and guttural voices, that do not necessarily bring a plus, but they finely entwine the hellishly complex sound. Listening to the guitar solos, the changeovers produced by the battery, the intricate riffs, and the sober bass, the genius ATHEIST or CYNIC came to my mind. True, at a certain moment the music somehow tend to sound like some METALLICA accords, but this association is provoked more by vocal and rhythmic elements. Otherwise, an elaborated material, some Space Death Metal to be envied, influenced also by MEKONG DELTA, yet on the whole, we have an album that has to be heard. I know that the guys are now working to some new tracks, so stay tuned!
www.noneuclid.com
Rating: 0.88/1

ERDENSTERN (GER) - "Into The Gold" CD'08
That?s a story about an imaginary trip on secluded lands! The description seemed proper for the music of this trio! During solely three years, Andreas, Per and Eva-Maria have released 5 CDs with Atmospheric Ambient Medieval music, or better said Fantasy Music! It is a soundtrack, just fine for movies or video games, but it does transcend you from the first accords towards an exotic atmosphere. These musicians are very talented, quite inspired, but unfortunately they limit themselves into composing solely sonorities such these ones. A complete breakage from the quotidian!
www.erdenstern.de
Rating: 0.87/1

ZA FRUMI (SWE) - "Orders" & "Cults" CD'08
(WAERLOGA)
Fantasy Dark Epic Music at its most! Simon Kolle and Simon Heath have outrun themselves with the last two fresh materials, two albums released in 2 different CDs, wrapped in a digipack format and released at once, just fitted for collections. More Epic than the previous two ones, more bombastic and symphonic than every other album in this dimension, ZA FRUMI presents 22 new tracks, focused on a dominating soundtrack dimension, and also on a sum of abstract elements, hard to comprehend without an adjacent visualisation. I cannot spot great differences between the two albums, and so I?ve decided to make one review for both of them. I guess it?s important to mention that the two guys activate within this scene for long years, and the bands in which they perform are familiar to the fans of the genre: ABNOCTO, Atrium Carceri, Musterion, Morteneck, Dorf Unit, Knaprika, Sojobo, Alvskugga, Volstoj or Krusseldorf. That?s a journey within distinct realms, a change in musical orientation, another form to perceive the music. Excellent!
www.waerloga.com/zafrumi
Rating: 0.93/1

WERKRAUM (GER) - "Early Love Music" CD'08
(STEINKLANG)
A pure Folk album! Axel Frank, known from STURMPERCHT, alongside his friends from LADY MORPHIA and CHANGES, has now released 14 tracks that transit us uniquely from Medieval to Traditional or Psychedelic. It?s not exactly the style that I frequently listen to, but this album certainly got my attention due to a crystal clear sound and the musicians? talent. We have guitars, flute, mandolins, multiple percussions, piano, bodhran, bass, drums, hurdy gurdy, accordion, and moreover, various voices, both feminine and masculine, that perfectly resonate with this Folk style. Complex and brightly conceived album! The digipack is quite beautiful, while the booklet is saturated with interesting texts and detailed technical data.
www.werkraum.org
Rating: 0,88/1

EMANCER (NOR) - "Twilight And Randomness" CD'08
(NAGA)
Started long years back, with an aggressive Death/Black Metal approach, after four pretty modest albums, the Norwegian trio now present their best release. Progressive Black Metal style is interestingly entwined with Death and Thrash along with Avant-Guarde elements, maybe fururistic ones too. Therefore, if you make a mentally mix of OPETH, DIMMU, WINDIR or SATYRICON evenly, enclose an older Progressive touch, ultra-rapid though, notice the alternance of masculine voices and the keyboard saturation, we can talk about EMANCER. Interesting album indeed!
www.myspace.com/emancer
Rating: 0.86/1

MIRRORTHRONE (SWI) - "Gangrene" CD'08
(REDSTREAM)
Vladimir got towards album no. three in his eight years of activity. He founded WEEPINGBIRTH project meanwhile, but his inner orientation is Death Metal. With MIRRORTHRONE the musician explores Progressive dimension even more than before, and his Avant guardism may be associated solely to ARCTURUS or UNEXPECT. The dramatic scent brought by the Neo-Classical piano/ synth is felt all along, starting from the aggressive sequences all the way to the slow atmospheric ones. MIRRORTHRONE was related from the very beginning to an Extreme Metal band, deeply rooted in Classical, and on this last material the sound is rather similar to the one on the previous two, maybe a bit more refined. The voice seems fade to me, as its aggressivity isn?t accompanied by any interesting element, one of variety, one that might get your attention from the synth?I don?t know if it?s better from the former albums, but I?m sure it?s not weaker. It?s just that I was expecting more from this talented musician.
www.mirrorthrone.com
Rating: 0.83/1

PASSIONE NERA (ITA) - "Research EP" MCD'08
(COLD MEAT)
Andrea Pirro?s activity started under this name in 2005, firstly with acoustic guitar and piano, and afterwards, in 2007, a group of four was formed, and this very four tracks EP has been recorded. The approach is a trendy one, a Dark Pop Folk with influences from the ?60?s, where the normal voice perfectly harmonizes with electric guitar effects, piano and violin, not quite original but pleasant. If I also tell you that on the last track Simone Hellvis Salvatori participates as a guest, along PJ Ambrosi, than I guess you realize that we are dealing with a another kind of SPIRITUAL FRONT, in a more serene version and with a less imposing and resonant voice. The fragility of the sound gives me the sensation of a well intented band, yet the style is not complete. No matter how the album finally is, ?Strength In A Smile? is the most beautiful and reporesentative track, and by far the most expressive one too for PASSIONE NERA. I can?t wait to listen to their debut album, which will be soon released!
www.passionenera.net
Rating: 0.87/1

DAWN & DUSK ENTWINED AND :GOLGATHA: (FRA/GER) - "Sang Graal" CD'08
(COLD MEAT)
A unique collaboration, a finely complex and diversified album, between two remarkable bands! With a mighty Neo Classical Folk Opera unique message, these bands develop a concept gravitating around Holy Graal, through Folk hymns, Dark Ambient fragments, Ritual elements, all enliven by various instruments: guitar, violin, flute, gong, piano, dulcimer, percussion, keyboard? and imposing voices, both masculine and feminine, some of them operatic, others spelled, normal, almost simple intonations. This introspective music enhances at the same time an impeccable sinister aura and admiration feeling! Excellent digi-pack!
www.coldmeat.se
Rating: 0.92/1

DEMENTIA AD VITAM (FRA) - "Spirit Of The Trees" CD'08
(OCCULTUM)
That?s an interesting album indeed, based on projects alike DARGAARD, DARK SANCTUARY, ELEND, DVKE, ARCANA. We are dealing with an inspired mix of Dark Wave, Soundscapes, Ambient and NeoClassical, in a captivating but at all original formula. With melancholic violins, fragile sopranos, abundant keyboard, timid but grave bass, whispered masculine voices, DEMENTIA AD VITAM evinces that, after DARK SANCTUARY or ELEND, they could be the most important band in the French Dark Wave scene, along ARTHESIA. I?ve already listened two tracks from the new material, which isn?t complete yet, one of them guesting Richard Lederer, and there also is a cover-version, so be ready to enjoy the new album too, as I hope it will be better promoted and with a mightier expressivity than the debut. The four youngsters succeed into contouring through their accords an incredible romantic aura, a special beauty is enlivened by it! De mentionat ca cei patru adolescenti reusesc sa contureze prin acordurile lor o aura romantica incredibila, de o frumusete aparte!
www.dementiaadvitam.com
Rating: 0.90/1

ANATHEMA (UK) - "Hindsight" CD'08
(KSCOPE/SNAPPER)
Fans have been waiting for something new, that?s for sure!!!! Well, now it came, not explicitely something new, but it can hydratate ones striving for ANATHEMA. Along Dave Wesling?s cello, the Britshs present a half acoustic material, with special tracks, mostly appreciated by everyone, more atmospherically and psychedelically processed than on the original albums, with a shaded Metal dimension and with the major accent on feminine voice, alongside a better arranged and harmonized orchestral dimension. ?Flying? seems to be the best track on this material, despite the fact that there are more enjoyed and promoted sequences such as: ?One Last Goodbye?, ?Are You There?,
?Angelica? sau ?A Natural Disaster?. It is a perfect album for the ones adoring ?A Moment In Time? DVD. The new track ?Unchained?, doesn?t seem to satisfy the fans? expectations, but it might become a reference one, never know! This is a beautiful album, yet there?s nothing interesting beside the mood it creates!
www.anathema.ws
Rating: 0.90/1

BIONIC ANGEL (GER/US) - "Digital Violence" CD'08
(SCHWARZDORN)
Well, Gothic Rock has a new name on it, one that already appeared on certain compilations and turned on the spirits through them. The Dark note is remarkable, plus there is a well conceived Electro structure, so the six musicians present a captivating but not original approach, as there is a resemblance to be sensed with THE KOVENANT and XANDRIA, also scenting of SOULFLY or HIM, with voices that are both aggressive and normal, with super-electrifying rhythms and slow ballad accords. The tracks are diverse but the album doesn?t seem a conceptual one, rather one based on a sum of diverse influences processed and expressed, without defining an authentic style. It is a debut, so I?ll get over the details and spot solely that the sound is crystal clear and the performance is a fine one. I am curious to get to listen to the second album!
www.bionicangel.com
Rating: 0.86/1

OCTOBER FALLS (FIN) - "The Womb Of Primordial Nature" CD'08
(DEBEMUR MORTI)
Mikko Lehto decided to leave Folk Ambient scene that he has supported by his remarkable ?Marras? album. Afterwards, there was ?Sarastus?, a MCD just as atmospheric, if it is to relate to what is Mikko now singing. Influences from early ULVER, TENHI, and EMPYRIUM are calmly and elegantly entwining some accords alike OCTOBER FALLS?. Changing the label brought a major change in the band?s sound, and so we?ve got from Folk to a mix of Pagan Black Doom Metal, presenting Folk elements veiled in rhythms reminding of ? ?Again Shall Be?, the fantastic HADES album, and also early KATATONIA. It is melodic, depressing too, also very rapid, with aggressive voices, fully atmospheric sequences? a finely coagulated album, elegant, a true pleasant surprise for 2008! Unfortunately, it is to short, as the four tracks seem to share the same structure even if they are highly processed and so the final feeling is that we are dealing with a continous repetition. It doesn?t mean it upsets? it?s just that I was eagering for more, especially from an artist that has proven so far that he knows what he wants. I have great expectations from Lehto though, especially as he co-opted studio musicians, among which MOONSORROW?s drummer!
koti.welho.com
Rating: 0.88/1

DARK SPACE (SWI) - "Dark Space III" CD'08
(AVANTGARDE)
The third album of these mysterious Sweeds follow even more clearly the Apocalyptic Black Metal line, very technical, yet extraordinary! Rather Industrial Black Metal, scenting of Doom through some incredible sequences, with a killing drummachine and disparate voices, along guitars that torture any form of hope that you can find inside of you after listening to these sequences, DARKSPACE proves what does distinction means to this very scene. Maybe a drop of help came from Martin Ain (ex-CELTIC FROST) as he had declared that DARKSPACE is the most promicing Swiss band, as they released a musical jewel, very ingenious in approach and apocalyptic in expression. Even though the sound and the voice are aggressive, the music finally enlivens a well calculated balans, that doesn?t scare or mind, but on the contraryk, it determines relistening to the album. And more you listen to it, it gets more probable to uncover on the noisy background, distinct and remarkable elements and passages. Excellent!
www.darkcyberspace.com
Rating: 0.94/1

SPITE EXTREME WING (ITA) - "Vltra" CD'08
(AVANTGARDE)
The fourth album is the most confusing one for me. I uncover all kinds of influences on it, Folk, Atmospheric, evenly Rock, Experimental or Punk. Not to mention THE BEATLES cover version? Structured on old Black Metal set, with Thrash influences, the band inserts distinct elements on almost every track, enhancing with vividness a somehow bizarre sound. Clearly, ?Vltra? is better than ?Magnificat?, ?Non Dvcor, Dvcor? or ?Kosmokrator?, there former releases, but that?s not sufficient. I appreciate the mixture of finely entwined influences on the 10 compositions, but I failed into understanding what does the band wants through this album. If it is or not Antidepressive Black Metal, you will find for yourselves ? and also find on their site a quite weird video, quality filmed though.
www.spiteextremewing.org
Rating: 0.76/1

ORAKLE (FRA) - "Tourments & Perdition" CD'08
(HOLY)
I remember that about their 2004 debut ?Uni Aux Cimes? I had good words to say. Very good and technic instrumentists, with a remarkable symphonic note on a quite rapid and atmospheric Black Metal sound, ORAKLE continues on the same path, but this time closer, more resembling to the one of their inspiration band ARCTURUS. Black Metal in EMPEROR style, transformed into a bombastic avantgarde touch, and the rhythm change overs have their own charm. The fact that the voices also oscillate enhances an interesting orchestral/theatrical dimension, and the guitars are well heard, the baterry too, while the synth bewilders us with the specific wrappings, everything sounds quite clear and complex. This album seems dominated by guitars riffs and solos, developing an original mixture of melody and aggressiveness. A very beautiful and technical album! From ATHEIST or CYNIC, to the angriest Black lovers open to Progressive influences, ORAKLE shows that they are a replica to ARCTURUS, but in the French version? the lyrics are sung in Balzac?s language, and therefore contours a distinct form of Metal!
orakle.free.fr
Rating: 0.98/1