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 First of all let me state that it’s a pleasure the Antikosmos album; I personally think that
talking with you. “Kampen” is one of those it is far the best I have ever written. Well, a
albums that had a major impact on me when classic speech I guess, but that’s how I fell
it got out. So it was great to see Carnal about it.”
Records releasing new Arckanum CDs on the I would like you to comment your debut
past months and above all know that album “Fran Marder”! Putting it aside with
Arckanum is still alive. So welcome back! your third opus “Kampen” is almost like
“Thanks, it’s always good to hear.” hearing two different bands! You went from
I remember that the original idea was to one point where you had a clean typical black
release your first 4 albums linked to each metal sonority to a total primitive harsh and
other but in the end the last one (“Favnaz raw sonority which in my opinion is much
Samgang”) never got out. Can you tell why more fitting the Arckanum “concept”!
and do you feel that that chapter is still “(laughs) That’s what happens when you get
open? That you have an unfinished task? cash to visit a very good studio with an excel-
“Faunaz Samgang was the fourth album and lent and convincing studio-guy. Peter just
the title means Pan’s Battle. This “chapter” recorded my stuff and had pretty much the
was all about the final strike of the wrathful sound done when I had put on all music and
god. I had this idea linked to the Scandinavian vocals... and I was like: “Fuck! Let’s keep this
Arckanum is probably not the most known band inside the Black Metal god Loki in mind when I wrote this; Loki fat sound!” I had my brothers with me and
circuit. Sure that, devoted fans are more than aware of the works made planned from day one to effect and hasten the they were as amazed as I, so without consider
very fall of the world - Ragnarok. I have always what kind of band I was playing in, I kept the
by Shamaatae on the past, like the fabulous “Kampen” album released seen Pan and Loki in analogy, more that Pan is sound. Afterwards I can say that I should have
back in 1998 under the now defunct American label Necropolis Records. Loki’s deeds. As I once wrote: “I would like to had a much dirtier, rawer and meaner sound,
call Pan: The shadow of Loki. Loki’s cunning. but what the fuck, I made my choice. I am still
During the latest years he has maintained the black flame lit with the The blade of Surt’s wrathful and burning black happy with the album and listen to it even
release of a few Eps, Splits, Tapes and more recently released the 11th sword. The salmon which Loki transforms today. I also listen to my second demo Trulen
himself into. The scissor Loki cuts Siv’s hair from now and then; I really think I created an
year anniversary album and now the “Trulen” 1994 demo on Cd with some with. The not sworn mistletoe which the blind amazing demo. That rawness is beyond any-
bonus material. This was the exact time to wander through the ancient Höder killed Balder with. Töck. Gullveig’s ice- thing I have ever done since. I just love it.”
Swedish world created by the enigmatic figure behind Arckanum... cold heart in the ashes. The lightening bolt All Arckanum fans are aware of your interest
which struck Laufey. The synthesis, allegory and glorification of the God Pan. For the sim-
journalist: Nuno Santos called blood-brotherhood, between Loki and ple common mortal Pan is seen as a festive
Odin. Pan is the evil genius in Loki’s existence. God due to its taste for sex, wine and music
Pan is linked with Loki as Loki’s intelligence is and related to the sign of the zodiac
the essence of Pan. Pan is Loki’s schizo- Capricorn. How do see this simple descrip-
phrenic consciousness.” So the title Faunaz tion? Give us your own vision of Pan!
Samgang aims at the very essence of the bat- “The ancient Hellenic... Here’s a short passage
tle and cosmic fall. Here are the original titles from the introduction of my coming book on
of the album (they are no more): Lefieri Vist, Pan; Panparadox:
Lænkte For Døþrin, Favnaz Samgang - Fvlghin, “Pan, the untamed beast in demon-shape
Favnaz Samgang - Slaghin, Ængla Døþar, which strolls restless around our woods and
Fælþi Liþi For Hana, Pan - Æst Ok Styrki Vili, mountains, or should I say coils or levitates
Pan - A Kaos Svm I Þæra Raþ Varv, Trvlmista through our filthy cosmic galaxies, as a burn-
Men Niþi Bærghanir Foryvrvm. ing dragon, laughing relentlessly at the cre-
But after the release of Kampen, Paul of ation of cosmos. Pan is the god of wrath,
Necropolis Records fucked it all up and start- which lurks in the shadows and does every-
ed to rip me off, lie and ignore me; I had to thing to trip up all cosmic slaves which pass
break the record-contract and left his shitty by in the world of pest. And with wrath I intend
label. This was pretty devastating for me, I lost to convey the creative ignition in our mind that
the will to do black metal, because I saw how releases Will and Strength to achieve our
the scene just started to fade and all labels goals, and to fight for what we believe in, and
became more and more money-hungry dogs. that which we want to accomplish. What I
That’s why I didn’t just change label and mean by ‘the creation of cosmos’ and ‘the
released my fourth album, there were no good world of pest’ is the earth; Tellus... the creation
labels in my eyes. Until I and Björn of Carnal of the false god; the Demiurge, where we, the
Records started to talk about it. That resulted humans, were created as energy-generators
in founding again my will to release the rest for the Demiurge. We, according to
and new Arckanum’s material. But at this point Christianity, Islamism, Judaism &c, worship
Faunaz Samgang had been out of date; it had and uphold the powers of the Demiurge, and
been lying around for 7-8 years. So I decided by that means generate strength directly into
to release it and to make some changes. Now the Demiurge’s creation - the cosmos. And
it is called Antikosmos, and 70% of the music thereby, having unconsciously accepted this
is the old originally written material, rest is life in slavery, we automatically become slaves
new written. All lyrics are re-written, because I in cosmos; the false sphere in the mighty and
have developed a lot, so must Arckanum.” black oceans of Chaos.”
Necropolis Records back then were seen by Most of your cover artworks are simple pho-
many as a problematic label which did not tos showing your wanders in forests... I
kept what they promised… So it seems you believe that there are particular places
had also problems... which possess an intrinsic energy turning
“I agree with the “many”... I have met him; he’s into almost living organisms that can be
a fucking idiot and I wish him the very worst.” used, one of those places are Forests! Do
That unreleased album was supposed to be you use Forests as also a mean to achieve
out under Carnal Records in 2004-2005 but certain states of mind and thus the ability to
there is no news of it ‘till now... wander through hidden worlds...?
“Well, I have been busy with other things and “Yes, sort of. The woods for me symbolize the
I want it to be finished when the album wants wildness, the rawness and limited freedom
to be finished.” within our nature in cosmos. The forests
In comparison to all Arckanum releases what remind me of what Chaos once was and what
can be said about the unreleased “Favnaz it going to be. I guess the oceans would fit bet-
Samgang” now called Antikosmos? ter as this symbol, but I have seldom been
“The re-titled album’s name says pretty much under the sea, so it is natural that I have cho-
- Antikosmos. It pretty much reflects my sen a more manifesting area. The forests at
Satanic philosophies - my personal theories night are something else, it is a vast experi-
and philosophies of the old Norse anti-cosmic ence and I sometimes feel frightened of the
Satanism with the roots in Chaos-Gnosticism. immense darkness and silence; which awakes
As always I write about my ritualistic experi- the real awareness of my black magical work-
ences and development of my spirit. ings. I feel free, I feel as I become one with the
Musically it is much as the old Arckanum with darkness, which results in a mental state that
a mix of Kaos Svarta Mar (the split with is very hard to reach. And the quiet rumble and
Svartsyn). I like to see it as the Baphomet sparkling from the glow of the fire-place,
song: It is musically as the old Arckanum, but brings the elements of the black fire. This is
performed as the new Arckanum. I guess my way to find my spirit and learn from it. This
that’s the prime change in Arckanum. I adore is my way to reach the darkest gods.”

04 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
During the late eighties you were part in several bands The spiritual name that you use Shamaatae was any bases “No, he is not like a hero to me. I would think it was cool, but
which are now widely known like Grotesque or Sorhin for on the word shaman? nothing more.”
instance. After that you directed your strength and formed “No, absolutely not. I have not formed the name, I have You have inked a contract with the occult finish book label
Arckanum and turned it into a one man band/project. What received it.” Ixaxaar. What can you tell us about the book you are about
lead this dissociation from the musician world? Was this a I believe that you don’t call yourself a Satanist, still you use to published named “Panparadox”?
conscious and necessary process? on your logo the inverted cross and the pentagram which “This is one of my very proudest workings that I have done so
“For the record, I joined Sorhin after several years with are typical Anti-Christian/Satanic symbols nowadays com- far. My book on Pan!
Arckanum. Well, I don’t need anyone to help me to make black monly used! Have you built your philosophy besides Nature PanParadox: Pan Towards Chaos. Embodies philosophy and
metal, so I chose to do it myself. There’s no big reason for and on Pan also on Satanic ideologies? mysticism around the misrepresented contemptuous god, and
this, I just thought that it was easier to be by myself.” “Yes. In the beginning I saw myself as a Satanist looking for Black Magical Chaos-philosophy.
After the superb “Kampen” album released in ‘98 you Chaos without knowing what Chaos was, it was only some This is a collection of all my work, studies, practice, under-
released a few Eps, tapes and in 2004 you return to the CD kind of urge. You know, when you know that something is standings etc around the god Pan. Here I reveal my view upon
format with the split with Svartsyn “Kaos Svarta Mar”. Many important but missing, and you can put your finger on it. Then this god, his dark essence and anti-cosmic will, and his analo-
fans have questioned themselves about sharing the same CD I found the philosophies and analogies between Chaos and gies with e g Lucifer, Baphomet, Loki and Chaos. The book
with that particular band. Can you elucidate us on that? freedom, and as I have always felt that the forests and the includes many illustrations of my visions of Pan and the tradi-
“Well, I had a MLP done called Kaos Svarta Mar and I remem- darkness have given me strong feelings of freedom, I con- tional Pan, and Panic elements, sigils and rituals; new and old.
bered that I had an old advance tape with a Svartsyn-recording nected this idea with Chaos; Chaos within the essence of Rare ancient hymns to Pan from the deepest tracts of ancient
which never got released. And I have listened to this tape a lot nature - Omne nihilque ex Chao in parvo. And finally I got Greece, found and translated for me by people from Greece,
before and had praised it because I thought it to be one of the enlightened by the philosophies concerning the anti-cosmic and much more. This is the result of more than 11 years of
grimmest black metal recordings ever recorded. So I contacted Chaos-Gnosticism. In the end, I have always been a Satanist; study and worship. Pre-order at: [Link]”
Ornias of Svartsyn and asked if they were interested in releas- the rebellious adversary. Hail Victory! Hail Glory! Hail Satan!” During your Arckanum legacy you have been influenced by
ing this, and they did, eventually. I know that many whined Recently Carnal Records released the ‘94 demo tape on CD old folklore tales. Many see them as real episodes. I mean
about a split release, but I don’t give a fuck. I release whatever with 2 extra tracks. How important is that demo to Arckanum history is full of attacks made by dark creatures like were-
I feel like, and for those who don’t like it; fine, don’t buy it.” in order to be re-released now? wolves, vampires, trolls and plenty more. So how important
One of the aspects that you always remained faithful is your “It is the very foundation of Arckanum. I am very proud of it.” is folklore to Arckanum and do you interpret them?
strictly use of Swedish language. Is this a simple national- On contrary to what people may expect the extra tracks fea- “Folklore is very interesting I think; a folksy continuations of
istic aspect or is what Arckanum demands? I must say that tured are songs from that same demo. How they differ from mythology. I am doubtlessly inspired by them, but I only seek
for the ones who don’t understand a word in Swedish it the original versions? for the darker aspects in them to understand the wholeness
surely gives a darker edge to Arckanum! “It is the original versions of the songs, before re-written. I better. It’s not like I study folklore, I just have a casual inter-
“Well, in the beginning it was a cool thing to do, original and appreciate very much when bands enclose hard to find songs, est. For example, Swedish folklore has taught me about a
mysterious. Back then I wanted it to be like a riddle thing. versions etc, so I decided to release them too.” mystic demon called Grimalkin strolling around in the woods
Those who could read it, was worthy of the context. But I guess Lately many bands are using their old and dusty material as in the Swedish hinterlands. I have learned that Grimalkin is a
no one had any interest in understand the old language, just a way to make extra releases. How do you see this? Swedish form of Pan. Therefore I have written a 2-track vinyl
me (laughs). I have always been into old languages, something “(laughs) I guess many think that Arckanum releases old dirty seven-inch called Grimalkinz Skaldi which will be released on
draws me to it. I’ve studied Latin and now I’m learning the shit just to make an extra buck, but hey, this is black metal at Carnal Records this year.”
grounds of Runic-Swedish. I guess the languages back then its filthiest, there is no money to make here. All I release and To end, your image is related to folklore myths, looking
were purer and more rational. I like that; simple and sensible.” record comes from my heart; I do this because I love it. Why much like a Troll (similar to the image of Mortiis). In one of
Like you said, what you use in your lyrics and texts are not just make old cool recordings lie and gather dust, when you those journeys through the deep forests have the Troll ever
the typical Swedish but an older one. How have you expand- can put it out and some true fans can enjoy it? approach anyone?
ed your knowledge about it? One thing is for sure, people like to whine about everything, “(laughs) Formlessly yes, I have touched their very presence.”
“I use the old Swedish; it is very different from the present and of course some of them enjoy whining about this too...” May Kaos guide us...
one. That’s why it is so hard for even the Swedes to under- I have read several times that one of your big influences is “It will. Thank you for your support! Hail Victory 2’8! Hail
stand my lyrics. I have studied the language, simple: Lectita et Sodom besides others. Do you vision for instance the old Satan 2’8! Hail Chaos 218!”
scribe, antiquum novumque - cognito creat sapientiam, sapi- bastards like Angelripper headbanging at the sound of an
entia creat libertatem.” Arckanum album? - [Link] -
 dare to think of, to me everything is a long way and there are few
shortcuts to success in the Black Metal scene. We started to set
small goals which we wanted to achieve and worked hard on it.
When it comes to our inspiration I have to say that I have
always been drawn to the evil and the dark, I always find some-
thing interesting and untouched there. Satan is a big inspira-
Far from the highly prolific scene of 15 years ago, Norway still remains as one the countries from tion in all my lyrical and musical work in Carpticon, also the
where pops (unfortunately not as frequent) good Black Metal bands. Carpticon is one of the hate for Christianity and how people can live with that lie has
made me think. These are things that made me (and even now
hottest sensations in an underground scale, with already some killer reviews of their 2005 demo make me) want to do Black Metal.”
“Occularis Infernum” on the mainstream media. Now with a brand new album called “Master Still like most bands you had a hard time choosing the name.
What means Carpticon for you and why your final decision on
Morality” out on the Spanish label BlackSeed Productions, was time to have a nice chat with the
that name?
founding members, Ishtarh and Brigge, both guitar players. “To me Carpticon means Satan, Carpticon is a name that don’t
journalist: Nuno Santos have any meaning in any language or dialect and I thought that
would be a great name to describe the evil that live in everyone
but first of all us who plays in Carpticon. In a few years maybe
people will connect the name Carpticon with Satan, rawness,
Carpticon was formed back in 2001 but was constantly affect- mean that also Black Metal deserves a good production. chaos, destruction and hate.”
ed by line-up changes. Do you think that now that a debut Carpticon is a band that needs good production and I think that Some of Friedrich Nietzsche’s works are based on the
album was recorded will maintain the members interested we have enough strong material to have a great production. On Master-Slave Morality theme. So my obvious question will
for the future to come and thus a steady line-up? “Occularis Infernum” we got very good critics and much of it is be is Nietzsche a source of inspiration in Carpticon?
Ishtarh: “It’s always hard to find members that fit in, members the sound quality and the professional production, on “Master “Friedrich Nietzsche is a great inspiration to me at least, he
that do their job. Since we are a band with a bit “extreme” ide- Morality” I think both material and production is better. I don’t describes things that people really should think of, sadly most
ology it’s hard to find members that agree on that. But I think think we can credit all our good words and critics only because people does not think at all. It’s frightening to see how the
now we finally have a permanent line up that works and we are the sound quality, but I think there is something in our record- church almost does as they want with people, and it’s even
very satisfied how things are right now, you can never predict ings that appeal to the people that like Black Metal, and I hope more frightening to see the weak people that obey their rules
how long members will stay in the band anyway. Sometimes “Master Morality” will get the necessary promotion, distribution and live like that.”
there are personal issues and sometimes there can be other and attention that I think it deserve. I’m not afraid of that since Four of the songs on Master Morality debut album appeared
bands that stand in the way to give maximum, and when it we got the large distributor here in Norway (Indie Distribution) on the “Occularis Infernum” demo tape. Were these songs
comes to Carpticon we won’t accept that. We expect that every- to distribute our debut also, we cover yet another market.” simply re-recorded or during the time between both releas-
body is fully dedicated when we do things with Carpticon.” Do you know how the Spanish BlackSeed Productions ended es you developed them?
Brigge: “I think the line-up for this band is stable now. We are up hearing your demo? “They are mostly the same, we have improved a bit on Rovdyr
satisfied with the line-up. We got a good skilled gang gather up “Mr. Alhaz told me the story, it was last summer when I was on Av Døden which I think was a success but on the other tracks
now and we are all making the music together and are satisfied vacation I received a mail from BlackSeed Production. He told there aren’t much differences. Of course they all have a better
with the progress we have made after this line-up.” me that they had heard our demo and wanted to work with us sound quality than on “Occularis Infernum” demo.”
I know that at first the bass lines for the new album were sup- for the debut album, later he told me that he had heard our You have used again Panser Studios (already used by bands
posed to be made by Erik Tiwaz, recognized on the metal name through a friend of him in Germany. It’s a pretty special like Arcturus, Khold, Fleurety) to record the drums however
scene by the name Tyr (Borknagar, Emperor). But in the end story actually, anyway they gave us a decent offer and we this time the rest of the instruments and the vocals were
a fulltime bass player called Decepticon entered the band... signed to them.” recorded in a different studio. Didn’t Panser Studios fulfil
“Yes, at the time when Erik Tiwaz was supposed to do the bass In my opinion new bands sometimes end up releasing crap- your needs this time?
on “Master Morality” we didn’t have a bassist, so I asked him py sounded demo tapes just to have something out instead of “Panser is a great studio and we wanted to do the drums there
to do it. But in a while we got the opportunity to get a perma- taking extra time on developing the songs and getting a good because we know that it will turn out good, last time we did it
nent member to do the bass, so we decided that it was more production! Is this what sets you apart from the rest? all in a weekend and I think it had an okay result thinking it was
important, and since Erik wanted to do the bass I asked if he “Well, that question can give two answers really, because I such a short time and also that it was a demo. Yet we felt that
wanted to do a guest appearance. Regarding Decepticon I think think it’s important to get something out, there a many exam- Panser was the safe way to record our debut and we knew how
it turned out great, he is a very good bassist and got many ples on bands just playing in the basement or at their rehears- it would sound, so we wanted to do it in different places to do
great ideas, he can offer Carpticon a lot.” al dungeon. It is okay, but they won’t end up somewhere with something new, also a important thing was that we wanted to
Yet he is a fulltime member of Vidsyn. Is there any other that. On the other hand I think it’s important to put a real effort use much time on this one, and in Panser that time we wanted
band member playing in other bands? And is it been easy to in what you release, I would never release anything I’m not sat- would be more expensive than the studio we chose, this time
coordinate everybody around Carpticon? isfied with but of course it’s important to have something out we used a weekend for the drums and approximately nine days
“He is a fulltime member of Vidsyn yes, and he is also doing to. That’s when people start hearing your name and you can for the rest so it was a combination with price and also that we
some side projects like he’s newest Quadrivium. Morgoth is start playing gigs and such. If that is a thing that sets us apart didn’t want to go safe. I don’t regret that because I think we got
also a permanent member in Nebular Mystic, which has start- from a whole bunch of bands then I think that there are a lot of a really good result.”
ed to get around quite lot lately. When it comes to coordinating musicians that are missing a goal in their life.” Sound wise this time besides Bjørn Bergersen as sound
this mess there have never been a big problem, they are pro- The band was formed by you and Brigge five years ago. What engineer you had a few other guys helping out. I know that
fessional and manages to concentrate on the band they are did you expected for the band back then and what lead its Bjørn Bergersen is active in a few bands but what about the
playing in at the time.” creation? other guys?
One of the things that probably lead the highly positive result “We both came from two different type of basement metal “They were at least active in a band called Beyond, a type of
of the demo “Occularis Infernum” and thus a debut album bands, but we never played any Black Metal, and then one day technical Death Metal as far as I know.”
after just one demo was the professional production it had. I we decided to get together and play something since we both The cover artwork this time is more simplistic compared to
mean we live in an era where people expect good produc- were looking for something more extreme, we started to call your demo. Judging both designs I consider the abstract
tions even in Black Metal albums... ourselves Black Metal right away and we both knew that this was demo-tape cover design as a better cover... What’s your hon-
“This is a thing we have worked with from the start, at least I the way we wanted to go. How far it could reach we didn’t even est opinion on the graphic aspect of “Master Morality”?

06 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
Ishtarh: “The cover art for “Occularis Infernum” was
indeed a great cover, but I personally I think the
cover art for “Master Morality” is good to. When we
were supposed to have a new cover design I told the
designer that I wanted people to see that it was a
Black Metal album, I wanted it to have some specif-
ic elements that you just connect with Black Metal
right away, and I also wanted it with a Satanic touch.
The pentagram is one of the most known satanic
symbols together with the inverted cross. I think that
the cover for “Master Morality” is great.”
Brigge: “The covers have meanings to the music we
are making. We think that the music is more impor-
tant than the covers. People have to decide that they After the success of “Perished And Forgotten” and when least expected
think about the cover. We hope the cover can tell you Vargsang left the band for a solitary career quest. He had composed the album
what music it is when you pick it up in the record
store and look at it. The demo cover was really nice. almost alone so no one was expecting to see a follow up to that first attack. Yet
But the cover was used on our demo so we had to 4 years after, the new album “The Shadows Eternal Call” is a testimony that
get a new one. I think the “Master Morality” cover is
more Carpticon style. When I see the cover it tells Vronth was able to even surpass it and create 8 solid songs that in our opinion
me pure cold necro.” are more diverse, solid and better produced. Nevertheless it keeps the same
Yet on the visual side, the band takes extra care by
using corpse paint, spikes on the promo photos
raw, primitive and old school spirit that was so appraised by the fans.
and also on the live environment. How important journalist: Nuno Santos
is the visual side for the band and for Black Metal
music?
Ishtarh: “To Carpticon it’s very important, we will
never let go of the corpse paint and the spikes. To The reason why it took three years to have the new album out and so on! I mean the old bastards!!
me Black Metal has some elements that tells every- was solely due to Vargsang’ departure from the band? As far as “Are you kidding me? I listen to metal from A to Z. Including
one that this is Black Metal, and spikes, blood, Satan I know Vargsang had a very important share on the creation of Death, Trash, Heavy, whatever - Metal!”
and corpse paint are a few of the key words that are the songs! Your experience in Sound-Art studios for the "Perished And
necessary to me. “That’s right. Vargsang did 90% of the work on our debut album. Forgotten" CD, lead that you used it again for the new album and
I don’t like that bands drop the corpse paint or the So, it was very difficult and took a long time to find a really good also with the same producer A. Lysjakow. Judging by the ending
spikes, sadly there are more and more bands that do match for him. But I find more than a good match as you can hear result on both albums I’d say you have found a winning team!
this. To me it has always been this way and it will on our new release “The Shadows Eternal Call”.” “A. Lysjakow did a great work on the first CD, so there was no
always be.” Have you heard Vargsang’ solo albums? Can you give us your long thinking about any other studio. He knows what we want and
Brigge: “For the band this part is clearly very impor- opinion on them? that’s important.”
tant. You will never see Carpticon without corpse “No, I’ve never heard some stuff from his releases. So I couldn’t Graven is a raw old school black metal band; my next question
paint or spikes. That is something we will never say anything about. He’s a great song writer, so I couldn’t be bad.” is: what are your thoughts about those bands who try to intro-
change.” Can you please introduce the two new Graven members, duce new elements into this style? Do you hear any of these
Would you say that Carpticon have something new Zingultus and Mardar? bands on a daily basis or do you remain faithful to the black
to offer for the Black Metal scene? Or is just well “First I found Mardar in late 2004 as a match for Vargsang. But metal roots?
played and well produced Black Metal? he’s more then just a match. He’s also a very loyal person and it’s “I’m not really a big fan of those bands, but sometimes I listen to it.”
“Carpticon is nothing completely new or something just the beginning on "The Shadows Eternal Call". He has more The lyrics on "Perished And Forgotten" were mostly written by
outstanding thing that’s never been heard before, we then just a "big" potential inside. He was waiting a long time to get Vargsang and showed his dark visions and dreams, now that he
want to try to take Black Metal back to what it once the chance to break out. Watch out for the future releases and you is out of the band who took is place and have they changed
was by drop the keyboards, wearing corpse paint will hear what I’m talking about now! drastically?
and spikes. In our music you will find a variation of Zingultus is a well known singer as you can hear on his main band “No. Graven is still talking about dark visions and dreams.”
inspiration which is put together well and which I Graupel. He did a friendship deal to Graven and is now a friend for As you know there is a legion of devoted fans that want to see
think works fine.” me. In deep trouble times before the studio date, he helped us Graven playing live, so is there any intention for that to hap-
How do you see today’ Norwegian scene as a without any long thinking. He did an unbelievable work as you can pen? Have you already had any invitations after the release of
source of inspiration for the whole Black Metal hear on our new CD.” the new album?
movement? Black Metal has evolved from a raw Adding two new members in such sensitive spots as guitar and “I get enough invitations for Graven. But it’s not important for us
and dirty sound to extremely well produced works. vocals weren’t you afraid that Graven would loose some of its to play live. Maybe some single shows in the future. We will see.
Do you think that Norway still commands others identity created in the debut album? But definitely not this year.”
follow? “Never. On our first rehearsals the spirit between Mardar and me One of the things that I really like on "The Shadows Eternal
“Well, to be honest I don’t think that today’s scene is was there. And from my point of view the new recording is more Call" is the intensity that the songs flow, I mean even the mid
a very large source of inspiration, there are to me a "Graven" then everything else before.” tempo parts look so heavy and powerful. I found out that one of
few bands that stick to the early Black Metal both Still I know it wasn’t an easy task to find people for the band, the reasons for that is because all instruments look extremely
musically and visionary and that is a great thing. But even Zingultus wasn’t supposed to be on it... realistic on the final mix giving a great dark vibe to the album!!
of course this is up to everyone to judge. Both mine “As I said before, he did a friendship deal for Graven. He’s one of “Thanks. In my point of view "The Shadows Eternal Call" has the
and Brigge’s biggest inspiration is actually one of the loyalist persons I’ve ever met in my life.” best sound from all past works, who I had a share in. It was
those bands: Gorgoroth, they always delivers what I There is a stigma around German black metal bands of having important for me this time, to create a natural drum sound with-
expect from them and I think that it’s important. I poor quality. Been a German band how do you handle with it? out any trigger stuff. We tried to create an "old school production",
think that the thing is to have a dirty sound but still “I give a shit about it. We’re trying to create some extreme music which still represent Graven in the purest way. You know, it’s real-
with a good production, madness are a good thing in and nothing more. I don’t care about some damn image as a ly a small path to create a sound between good/to clear and
Black Metal as long as you are able to find out of it German Black Metal Band.” raw/grim. But I think we find the right sound for Graven again.”
and that you can hear what’s going on there. When I’ve been talking with some fans and also seen several reviews On the other hand the graphical aspect of the Graven releases
it comes to Norway’s position in Black Metal I don’t of your new album "The Shadows Eternal Call" and all draw so far isn’t a mirror of what’s inside. Neither "Perished And
think there are any countries that can compare comparisons with old Darkthrone, Immortal. Are you afraid that Forgotten" nor "The Shadows Eternal Call" prime for killer cover
themselves to the Norwegian. Our history for Black people would end up just seen Graven as the band that sounds artworks, at least in my opinion. Have you follow actively the
Metal is well known and we are top of the line in this similar to Darkthrone or Immortal? creation of both cover artworks?
genre with some of the best bands in the world, “Of course, our influences came from the early Scandinavian “I only can say something about the cover-illustration on the new
there are of course some bands that are good which scene. So please tell me, which band after 96/97 is not influenced CD. Well, I gave a rehearsal tape including the title track to a friend
are not Norwegian such as Dark Funeral and old from that scene. We’re all clones of them, that’s the truth. Some of mine. She listened to it and that picture was the result. You are
Dissection.” create a better work, but more than the half did and do it even maybe right when you are thinking it’s not a mirror for the whole
To end, Carpticon stands for “True Satanic Art” worse. It’s the first release in that present line-up. I think we’re on album. But in my point of view, for the title track, of course. And
like is stated on your website. What is true and the right way to get more Graven style inside our recordings.” after all we had again too less time for creating a second artwork.
satanic in these days for you? In my opinion "The Shadows Eternal Call" is a better structured But I’m still satisfied with the result.”
“True Satanic is what it says; sadly a lot of bands and solid album compared to "Perished And Forgotten". Do you After the success of "Perished And Forgotten" did you had any
that use Satan in their lyrics or in marketing do not believe that you have made a big step in the creation of an own proposals to sign with a bigger label?
actually stand for it. Satan is the big force in all my identity with the new album or this is not really very important? “Not really. It’s also not necessary for Graven.”
musical work in Carpticon and to me it’s an impor- “Yes, I think we made that big step. But it could be better next Do you think that at this moment, after the release of "The
tant thing in both my musical and lyrical work, it time. We had only three months for creating "The Shadows Shadows Eternal Call" Undercover Records still fills complete-
gives me freedom to mean and do what the hell I Eternal Call" and a lot of trouble ‘till the studio date. So, we did our ly the needs of the band? I mean this second opus in my opin-
want, and It gives me a strong feeling. best.” ion can compete with any black metal album released lately!
We want to be a band where you get what you see, One of the things that for me is hard to accept is seen musi- You really think so? You know, I’m satisfied at the moment.
with no lies. Again it’s sad to see that it is only a few cians (especially from black metal bands cause they want to Undercover pays all shit and what else should we have? For that
bands that do what they say and stand for it, to me have a certain "imagine") neglecting the bands that created kind of music it’s enough.”
Satanism isn’t only an image for the fans to be Metal and lead it to what it is today. So I would like to know Well Vronth I’ve run out of questions I thank you for your time!
frightened. This is the real thing, therefore the text: how far the Graven influences or simply your taste in Metal go. “Thanks for your support. Thanks to anyone out there, who sup-
“True Satanic art”.” Is there any space in your vinyl/Cd collection for bands like port our work......cheerrrzzz!!!!”
Judas Priest, Sodom, Kreator, Hellhammer, Morbid Angel,
- [Link] - Possessed, Sepultura, Pestilence, Mercyful Fate, Celtic Frost - [Link]-horde.d e -

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 07
 "Carelian Satanist Madness" was released some time ago on No stands where a true Satanist stands. Before Satan as an instrument
Colours records. With some perspective, what were the reac- of his will, with his fist held high against the modern world.”
tions to this new album? I think its one of your best production, Most bands involved in any form of ideological movement con-
both sound-wise and visually. sider lyrics to be an equal part of the whole package they offer to
“The feedback has been very good, which was fully expected since their audience. How important are the lyrics in Satanic
I am very satisfied with the result myself as well. Some even have Warmaster and what is the global message (if any 'message')
nominated the album as a candidate for being one of the best Black portrayed by them?
Metal albums released in the year 2005.” “Lyrics are part of the aesthetic, thus extremely important, yet hard-
On the same note, will all the upcoming Satanic Warmaster ly any metal band can show their true message with just their lyrics.
albums will be released on your own label? What are the advan- For Satanic Warmaster lyrics are just as important as anything else.
tages and inconveniences for a band like yours to release its own My message is what the listener wants to hear.”
material? If I can ask, why have you ended your collaboration On a similar vein, can your listeners enjoy your music without
with No Colours Records (Germany)? getting into the ideas expressed? Can you listen to a band
“Yes, the current plan is to release a big part of the upcoming uniquely for its musical qualities?
Satanic Warmaster tortures through Werewolf records. This way I “Obviously, since my band is listened by subhumans such as jews,
have total control over my creations. Our deal with No Colours was niggers and homosexuals and obviously appreciated by them as
only for 2 albums and a mini-album, and I wanted to move on after- well. I am not so concerned with the things that lie behind to dis-
wards. There will be future collaboration with No Colours in one card a band for such reasons if I find something in their music I can
way or another, though.” appreciate.”
You're the main driving force behind Satanic Warmaster and you You're known to be a true supporter of the whole traditional Black
relied on sessions members to complete some of the recordings metal image, using corpse paint and all the spikes in your photo
and to come with you on stage. Who are the current sessions sessions. Do you think that such an image is still mandatory for
playing with you? Is there any desire to have a full and perma- any black metal band or is it used more and an effect ornament-
nent line-up? ing the whole Satanic Warmaster concept? Many bands dropped
“On "Carelian Satanist Madness" and on live performances I am the use of this image, for various reasons. Why is it still so
accompanied by VHolm on drums and T.H. on guitar. I have no important to you?
need for a permanent line-up or to recruit "full time" members for a “Things like that create a very special atmosphere for me. On the
band that equals to me only.” same note I must emphasize that compared to the visual effect on
You're just back from a small tour you did in Belgium, Holland my albums, the Satanic Warmaster live shows are very crude, with
and Germany, if I am right. Who were the other bands playing no show, corpsepaint or whatever such things presented most of
with you on those dates? Can you reflect back on those concerts the time. This is also shown to emphasize that no matter how
When talking about Black Metal nowa- and maybe share some key moments with us? important the visual aesthetics might be, it still causes a huge illu-
“There's nothing much to say on the recent European shows. In sion on people, and makes them look as stupid as they really are by
days is impossible not to mention Germany (Annaberg on 18th of November 2005) we played with realization that Black Metal still is something very real, not some
about the already recognized force, Total Hate and Eternity from Germany and the atmosphere was show based on appearance but something much more total. As I
excellent. The Dutch gig on the day after got cancelled because of have said a million times before: Do you really want to say that you
Satanic Warmaster.
the gig organizers giving up to the demands of the ANTIFA (anti- care more on what it looks like than what it really is?”
Satanic Tyrant Werwolf for some Lauri fascist action), and in fear of losing the sponsorship of the state for You're also responsible for most of the artwork surrounding
Penttila for others is the mastermind their shows decided not to support our cause, but to give in to the Satanic Warmaster. Your artwork also goes hand in hand with the
demands of pathetic hippies ready to accuse anyone who glorifies really contrasting, oldschool black and white imagery. Still, your
behind this Finnish band. With a large visuals also have a modern, chaotic feel to them. Can you please
death, violence and intolerance! The last show was in Belgium
curriculum in what concerns as active (20th of November 2005) with Lugubre (hol), Shining (swe) and talk about your creative process, the instruments/tools you use
or ex member of bands like, Gestapo others, and that show was all right as well, nothing glamorous, and your desire to develop a Black Metal imagery in 2005?
nothing to praise, just a solid Black Metal manifest.” “There's nothing to explain on my artwork. I do it different each
666, Horna, Incriminated, Pest, Werewolf Records just released "Black Metal Commando/Gas time using various methods depending on my mood. For me there
Warloghe just to name a few it was Chamber" It is mentioned on your website that the material fea- is no old school or modern when it comes to artwork. Only some-
tured was "made available after years of consideration and eval- thing that I want to see as a part of my creation and that I don't.”
more than time to establish himself in
uation, after which the material was seen in a reasonable per- Relying a lot on images, symbols and visual elements, have you
the black metal circuit with his own spective enough to be released". What kept you waiting this long ever considered going into the video/DVD medium? What would
band... and it was exactly what he did to release it finally? a Satanic Warmaster video look like?
“I did not feel it necessary to release all this unreleased material “Yes I have thought of such. What a Satanic Warmaster video
with their third work “Carelian Satanist
until now. All the details and causes for this release have been would look like, it’s hard to tell. Most likely something like the old
Madness” which with no doubts repre- explained thoroughly at the Werewolf records website: Venom videos.”
sents the best album and songs to date The material was kept unreleased for now for several reasons You seem to have a lot of respect for the vinyl format, consider-
(mainly the drum sound of [Link] and the radical concept ing that all your albums got released in this format and that
by Satanic Warmaster. This is your of "Gas Chamber", which will be hard for the common "Satanic" you're still keeping the 7" split release tradition alive. How rele-
chance to read [Link]’ words and Black Metal person to perceive in his world of equality and social vant such a format can be in this (often cheaper) age of quick and
visions... pressure), but are now made available after years of consideration digital technologies?
and evaluation, after which the material was seen in a reasonable “For me the effort-demanding and audibly and visually superior for-
journalist: Eric Massicotte perspective enough to be released. This should also put an end to mat is always important. Vinyl has become something for those
all the questions and discussion about the material, as well as mp3- who truly seek something special, and CD has become a consumer
leeching children that have spread and tried to "control" these product. Both have their demand and both must be done (most of
recordings like they were their own currency and tool of negotiation the time).”
in their trading circuit. Thanks for such circumstances belong also We've heard a lot about Finland's Black metal scene these days,
to those people who decided to dishonourably spread this material especially from the more underground acts. What can you tell
even though it was asked from them not to do so." about the music 'scene' over there (if this is the right term to
You often display right-wing and satanic symbols, all mixed to use.)? Is there a lot of discussion and links among the bands or
create an overtly hateful imagery of yourself and your band. is everyone really going on its own without any regards for any
Where is standing Satanic Warmaster in this whole ideological other musician or band?
movement going on these days? Would you dare to explain your “It's a matter of attention more than the actual scene over here.
ideologies? When it comes to discussion, links and so on, it's not so different
“For me there is no right or left when it comes especially to symbols. from other countries. Maybe only the general level of devotion and
Neither any of those symbols project for me such an intuitive emotion intelligence among some of the key individuals here is higher than
as hate. All of the symbols I use to represent my art represent the elsewhere.”
forces that truly excel all blindness of hate and immaturity or rebel- What lies ahead for Satanic Warmaster in 2006?
lion, being power, eternity, absolution and Satan. Satanic Warmaster “Triumph of the will.”

08 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
 Will you start off by introducing yourself and give us a lit- pen. But we don´t expect every listener to collect historical
tle insight in the history of Taunusheim? books because he bought our album. (laughs)”
“Taunusheim was brought to life by Erik and his brother In the recent years there have been quite a rise in the pop-
Patrick in the year 1995. In 2000, the band was completed by ularity of Viking/medieval-themed metal, a scene you are a
Ilona who joined them as a permanent member on the key- part of… have you felt a bigger request for the band and the
boards. This is the current line up, and I think it will stay for music lately?
quite a long time...” “A lot of Viking Metal bands have risen, that´s true. This has the
The band is delivering a good blend of atmospheric black advantage that Viking Metal fans today can choose between a
metal infused with folk elements, how did Taunusheim end lot of different bands. The disadvantage is that bands like us
up with that style? have to work much harder to “be heard” in the mass, because
“Well, if you’re singing songs about the ancient times, it it becomes more and more difficult to stand out. But I think it
seems to be necessary to use elements like the ones we used, will develop like any other style in the Metal scene: The best
because only they give the right atmosphere. Of course you bands will survive and the rest will be forgotten.”
can use samples of flutes and horns from the internet, but Why do you think people are looking back at their arcane
they will never show the same acoustic you create by using roots and what does it specifically give you to look back
the original instruments. “ and get into the spirit of what once was?
How has the band developed since the band was formed “All members of Taunusheim have the opinion that christian-
back in 1995, through your 3 demos and up to your debut ity took away a lot of aspects in human nature that never
full length Nebelkämpfe”? should have been forgotten such as pride and honour.
“The main change surely has been in the music. In the begin- Bowing to god people have no idea of the strength which they
ning, Taunusheim did sound like a raw Black Metal band and keep in themselves. People are too busy worshipping a god
people compared the sound to old Darkthrone and Satyricon they have never seen while the powers of gods of nature - and
releases. This changed over the years, not only because the nobody can deny that there IS power in water, fire, wind and
production of Taunusheim got more brilliance, but also earth (to name it floods, forest fires, tornados and earth-
because the style of the band´s music developed, using quakes...) - are denied. People get sick of the christian way of
acoustic instruments as well as folklore-like melodies. The seeing things, and they are searching for the old harmony of
only thing that stayed over these years are the topics of the man and nature. That´s why they start looking for new -or
lyrics... so Taunusheim is still telling stories of war and pride, old- religions which don´t tell them to pray to a faceless mas-
of battle and of the ancient way people were following once...” ter who never gives response to them. All in all you could see
Who is the main songwriter in the band and where is the this as the reason why we hold high the banner of our ances-
inspiration found for the musical ventures? tors, because they knew the worth of nature and pride.”
“We are all involved in the songwriting process, but one could What are your lyrics dealing with and where is the inspira-
say that Erik brings up most of the ideas and he writes most tion for them found?
of the lyrics. Of course a song must be accepted by all the “The lyrics are about different things. Most of them are about
band members, but since we all have the same attitude and battles and nature, but we also have lyrics about a drunken,
Erik´s stuff is really great, it´s okay for everyone to work with funny night by the fireside... but the main topic are the days
his material.” of old before the christians came.”
Which 3 bands and which 3 songs (not necessarily by the How do you make sure that the lyrics are “formed” so that
mentioned bands) have meant a lot to you and for the the metal fans/community can relate to them?
sound and direction of Taunusheim? “When we´re writing lyrics for Taunusheim, we don´t care
“To name the bands, and believe me, this choice is really about other people´s opinions. We say what we feel we have
hard... Kampfar, Bathory, Storm, Immortal... As for the songs, to say and since most of the lyrics are in German, we can use
Bathory- One rode to Asa Bay (Ilona), Kampfar- Hymne (Erik), exactly the words that fit best for our intentions. But I think
Immortal- Sun no longer rises (Patrick)” this is quite normal, I´ve never heard about a band that wrote
How did the band end up with the name Taunusheim and its lyrics in a certain style that people might like them better,
what does it mean and symbolize to you? would be pretty stupid in my eyes...”
“The Taunus is a mountain range in the area all the band Do you have a message within the lyrics and how important
members are from, and the word “Heim” means “home”. You are they for the universe of Taunusheim?
could compare the constellation of these two words with the “The message of Taunusheim is extremely important to the
Scandinavian words “Helheim” (home of Hel, goddess of band. As I already mentioned, we want to make people more
death) or “Svartalvheim” (Home of the Svartalves). So “Heim sensual for topics such as the violent christianisation of
always stands for a place and in this case it´s Taunusheim - Europe as well as the view on natures and its beauty. Our goal
the place where the Taunus is, our home.” is to open their minds for the things that have been forgotten
You released your debut full length “Nebelkämpfe” last over the centuries. Especially in Germany, where everyone
year, how do you in the band feel about the album? who believes in the old ways is declared a fascist it is neces-
“We are proud of the album. Of course there are things we sary to show people that paganism and fascism are two com-
could have done better in our eyes, but it´s an authentical pletely different things that have nothing to do with each
album which was created with much devotion. Erik did a great other. But aspecs like these are only a small part of the
job with the design of the booklet, it was important to us that Taunusheim “cosmos.”.”
people could get an impression of the beautiful nature which You spent 10 years to secure a record-deal and to get your
the Taunus has to offer. All the pics in the booklet have been first full length album released, why did it take that long?
taken there and the mystical mood of this place can really be “Well, several demo tapes have been released since 1995 and
felt by looking at them.” one must remember that it is also a question of money to
How has the album been received by the press and your fans? release a full-length album with a high quality booklet. And
“The reactions were great, far better than we had expected. since all of us have their regular jobs, it surely was a question
We feared that fans of the old, raw Taunusheim sound might of time, too. Good things take their time, but I´m sure that
be disappointed by the new material, but the critics were very Taunusheim fans will not have to wait another five years for
good and we got many mails from Taunusheim fans who real- the next album (laughs).”
ly loved the album. This was a great thing, because we did Are you as we speak working on new material or have you
what we thought was best and since so many people liked it, already some done and do you have an idea of when we will
it gives us a reason to carry on.” see the next Taunusheim release and what format it will be?
What do you expect from the album and what would you “New material has already been written by Erik, soon we will
like to accomplish with your music? start working on it. I can´t exactly say when the results will be
“We released the new album because we want to remind peo- presented, but it surely will be in the near future.”
ple of the old ways and because it was important to us. It´s Thanks a lot for answering my questions, if you have any-
selling very well, so we cannot complain about that. But I thing to add, feel free to add it now!
think that we don´t really expect anything special from it. If “First of all we´d like to thank all the Taunusheim fans world-
people listen to it carefully, saying “I want to know more wide for their patience and support, you rule! And to you a big
about the ancient times because this music and its message thanks for this interview. Metal on!”
is really touching me” then this is a wonderful thing to hap-
- [Link] -

It looks like a bunch of newcomers are releasing very cool albums lately, I guess it's just a
matter of looking in the right spots instead of just hearing what others want... We can't
say that Taunusheim is a newcomer in the true sense of the word, they simply released
now their debut album nevertheless the formation of the band comes back to year 1995.
With 3 demos on the baggage they were more than prepared for what they show us on
"Nebelkampfe"... a multi-layered album with clear pagan ancient influences that is able to
enchant the listener at the first listening. Beware!!
journalist: Anders

10 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
Massive exposition is something that not all
bands are able off or aim for. Unknown
Rivendell took us totally by surprise with
their latest (hopefully not last) album enti-
tled “Farewell - The Last dawn”. Mixing sev-
eral elements, the lonely Falagar deliver us
a journey through a Folk enchanted world...
journalist: Nuno Santos

Rivendell is clearly a name based on the comment on this?

J.R.R. Tolkien' saga "Lord Of The Rings". After “This wasn't really planned, but I have a flavour
the whole fuzz around this trilogy, are you com- for these oriental melodies and instruments. So
fortable with the chosen name for the band? I started to include such influences in my music.
“I have chosen this name many years ago and I They somehow symbolize the distance from
still think that this name fits exactly the music I home and the magic of lands far away, so it fits
make. For me the movies didn’t have any impact perfectly for The Old Walking Song.”
on Rivendell.” Once again you have used nature to portrait
Farewell - the last dawn is the name of your your work. Do you prefer real images in detri-
third opus released by Perverted Taste. Taking ment of drawings, like its usual on metal cov-
the title in consideration are you planning to ers?
put to rest Rivendell? “I think real images have far more intensity and
“I cannot say it for sure, but I think that there expressiveness than drawings. For Rivendell it
will be another Rivendell album in the future, is a good connection between the fantasy lyrics
although there is nothing specific planned at the and the real world and nature.”
moment. The album title referrers more to the Did you have any extra participation on the
content and the atmosphere of the songs.” recording of the album? I mean, for instance
I know you had inked a deal with Skaldic Art on the A Drinking Song there is this brother-
productions for three releases, however this hood feeling on it from the beginning to the
third opus was put out by Perverted Taste. end. It looks like a bunch of friends waving
What happened meanwhile? their beer mugs on the air and singing along!
“The only reason for leaving Skaldic Art was that “No, I had to do everything on my own on this
Vraytas Vakyas from Skaldic Art had not had album. I even recorded, mixed and mastered it
enough time and energy to release the album in in my own little studio. It is really hard work and
an appropriate way. So we decided together that a lot of problems arise, but in the end you can
it would be the best for Rivendell to change the be very proud of the final album.”
label. Soon after that he put Skaldic Art on ice.” There are some that still consider Rivendell a
What lead your decision to ink a deal with black metal band. What’s your opinion on that?
Perverted Taste? Any particular reason? “I am not a fan of classifying bands anyway, but
“Nothing special about that. I knew that they it is strange that there are still people who think
have a big online store and a good distribution that Rivendell is a black metal band. Of course
network. And most important they seam to real- there are some elements like the black metal
ly enjoy the music I make. So we discussed a few vocals, but I think all in all the music is more
minor things and soon the contract was signed.” some sort of folk metal.”
Been a one man band what are for you the You recently released a debut album for your
main difficulties while writing and composing other project, Ahnenstahl. I've just heart the
Rivendell songs? sample available on the website. But judging
“Of course on the one side it is easier to write by it, its way more aggressive and black metal
songs with a couple of other musicians, because oriented than Rivendell...
far more ideas arise and every member is an “Yes, the album "Zwischen Tod und Leben" has
"expert" for the instrument he is playing. But on been released recently through the Swiss label
the other hand, when I am composing songs Black Tower Productions. The album is more
alone, I don't have to make any compromises. aggressive and orchestral than Rivendell, but it
So both ways have their advantages, but also also includes a lot of melancholy. Everyone who
disadvantages. I think writing good songs are is interested can download a complete song
always difficult, no matter how many people are from the Ahnenstahl homepage at [Link]-
involved.” [Link].”
Having in mind the whole Viking folk pagan spir- Besides writing, composing and playing the
it on Rivendell' songs. Can you point the main songs you have extended your actions on
reasons for your interest in these heritages? "Farewell" to produce, mix and master the
“As you know, the lyrics of Rivendell deal with songs. Where all this talent comes from? I
the books of Tolkien, mainly the Silmarillion. I guess this is the dream to all musicians, been
am mainly interested in the musical concepts able to follow completely all steps on the cre-
behind the styles you mentioned and not that ation of an album!
much in the themes they are using.” “On the one hand it is absolutely perfect to be
What are for you the most important aspects able to do all steps from the first idea to the final
lost during human evolution, were our ances- release under complete freedom, but on the other
tors’ indeed noble men or just savage seeking hand it is extremely difficult to work completely
self satisfaction and richness? What's your alone for something like 2 years on an album. It
vision of history? is easy to loose the overview and that you cannot
“I don't think that there has been lost many hear anymore what’s good and what’s bad. So I
important aspects during time. At any time in had to make some longer breaks without doing
our history there are people who are just trying music at all, to be able to continue the work.”
to survive, people who are seeking for might and Falagar, what will be your next steps as a
money and people who are searching for some- musician?
thing "different" - only the amount of people “At the moment I am quiet busy doing some
belonging to each of these groups is changing. work for Ahnenstahl (besides my "normal"
Often our history is seen in an idealized way.” life...). Next I will have to decide if I am com-
Farewell - The Last dawn has almost an exot- posing a new Rivendell album or a new
ic touch, like for instance on The Old Walking Ahnenstahl album. This will be a hard decision,
Song. There are times through the album because I love both of these bands.”
where there is this Asian/Arab feeling yet with- Time to end! Anything to add?
out neglecting the pagan sonorities on the “Thank you for the interview and the support of
music. Was this a conscious thing? Can you Rivendell! And all the best for your magazine!”
ACID DRINKERS : 15 SCREWED YEARS CARPATHIAN FOREST : WE’RE GOING
[METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS] TO HOLLYWOOD FOR THIS LIVE
I guess most of you have missed this cool Polish PERVERSIONS
groovier Thrash metal band... I most confess that [METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS]

I lost the trail of them around their second album It all starts with a creepy music on the menu
and after their participation in one of the most which truly represents what we are about to
cult metal compilations, Speed Kills. Thankfully witness on the following hour... black metal,
Metal Mind Productions 15 years after releases horror, darkness, rawness and nudity! This is
this DVD, that compiles most of their classic probably one of the most awaited concerts by
material and gives the opportunity to the younger the Black Metal community after the Emperor
(and not) metal fans to direct their attention to DVD “Emperial Live Ceremonial” or am I exag-
this quartet. Unfortunately this style of music gerating? This is simply because the cult Black
isn’t the most popular these days and this can Metal acts don’t seem to like the cameras and
clearly be proved by watching the two live con- there are just a few decent videos around! NECROPHAGIA : NIGHTMARE SCENARIOS
certs with only 3 years of difference. The first one One of the aspects that surprised me on this [RED STREAM RECORDS]
was filmed back in ‘98 and emphasizes the mod- DVD is that I had the idea that only extremely And the grammy goes to... that guy on the back... Killjoy
ern and groovier side of the band (from the “The thin persons could perform this black art but
in “Nightmare Scenarios”!!
State Of Mind Report” and “High Proof Cosmic Milk” albums) while the one filmed back the bassist Vrangsinn with its extra weight rectified this theory of mine, haha! I was
in ‘95 in the same city drives the crowd completely insane, literally! This is the first joking (sorry guys!) but his sumo wrestler appearance gives a high impact on stage This was probably a dream come true to Killjoy, this
concert I see filmed in Krakow that really grabs the fans by the balls and puts them together with all the imagery of the band and the Carpathian Forest dancers. Wait, video had participations of noone else than Zé do Caixão
headbanging on stage... ‘till the moment where there are more than 20 fans on stage please don’t start running to the nearest shop to buy this DVD just because I said it (Coffin Joe) and the spanish horror actor, director, pro-
headbanging and singing “Smoke On The Water” from Deep Purple, beautiful! Either has dancers... well they are not the typical hot dancers you see on the Cradle Of Filth ducer and writer Paul Naschy. Both have reached cult
those 3 years of difference between the two gigs makes a huge distinction on the crowd videos!! I mean imagine your fat grandma semi naked and you get the whole picture, status among the worldwide horror movie fans, with
or the fact that the band plays most of the material from their first six albums (but more quite hilarious! their participation in films like “Rojo Sangre”, “Horror
emphasize on “Are You A Rebel”, “StripTease” and “Infernal Connection”) on the sec- For me there is only one downpoint on this DVD, this style of music requires a more
Rises from the Tomb”, “Vengeance of the Zombies”,
ond concert gives a more euphoric reaction from the fans... To tell the truth I guess it’s darker atmosphere but I guess all the light available on the show was required for a
a mixture of both factors plus also the fact that they play a few cover songs from well proper filming (watch this show at night with your lights turned off and enjoy the light “The Hunchback of the Morgue” (just to state a few) by
known bands like Metallica (Seek & Destroy), Motorhead (Ace Of Spaces) or Deep set of the gig, quite impressive). This show was filmed on the same day as the Carnal Paul Naschy and “This Night I'll Possess Your Corpse”,
Purple (Smoke On The Water)! Forge and Hate gigs, so the crowd is the same! They aren’t as shiftless as on the “At Midnight, I'll Take Your Soul” or “Delirios de um
One of the good things on this DVD is that in both concerts they do not play not only one Carnal gig but there isn’t much action on the pit either... some may say that black Amoral” by Coffin Joe. Both have a long history and
similar song, so you get 24 different tracks (with a running time of 90 minutes) and around metal isn’t a headbanging style of music but I don’t agree, at least when we have a so experience on horror, so who else to give light to
150 minutes of total DVD playing time. Metal Mind Productions have already used us by thrashier band!
“Nightmare Scenarios”... probably just the porn goddess
releasing professional DVDs, filmed with several professional cameras and a really good This is probably one of the most complete DVDs released by Metal Mind, I mean you
sound quality, so this is no exception! Besides this you get a bunch of information on the get so many goodies inside... there is bonus audio material (18 songs!!!), a gig Jenna Jameson! Unfortunately the nudity parts are not
band with a biography, discography, two interviews (with Litza and Titus), photos, desktop recorded in Wacken in 2003 featuring 8 songs, a video clip for the song “Carpathian with her, she just express her admiration for
images and 6 video clips (among them a Rolling Stones and a C.C.R. cover!?) Forest”, a studio report of the “Defending The Throne Of Evil” album, rare live Necrophagia!
This is a good product to have on your collection and you can still pick it up after drinking bootlegs, interview with Nattefrost, an extensive photo gallery and so on. This DVD is composed by 9 small movies where most of
a few beers to headbang with your long time friends... Thrash or die! [8] NUNO SANTOS Now you can run to the nearest shop or go online and buy this piece of satanic art! the songs featured on the 2003 release “The Divine Art
[9] NUNO SANTOS Of Torture” gain live on the screen.
AUTOPSY : DARK CRUSADES - 2DVD
From the very first moments of the opener “The Divine
[PEACEVILLE RECORDS] CIRCLE OF PAIN : CLASSIC LIVE TUNES
Autopsy is a band that doesn’t need any introduc- [SOVEREIGN - EVENTS] Art Of Torture / Zé do Caixão” that we can clearly see that
tion, everybody knows (or should) that was one of I guess this will be a hard one... I mean hard this is not for persons with sensible stomach... there are
the most influential bands on the death metal/grind- rock crossed my life more than 20 years ago hanged upside down corpses full of blood for the delight
core genre! I really didn’t knew what to expect from with bands like Whitesnake, Van Halen or Def of both Zé do Caixão and Killjoy not to mention explicit
this DVD since Autopsy was put on rest for 10 years Leppard. However I quickly moved to more nudity. Zé do Caixão seems to have a fixation with
now but it looks like there were some home videos aggressive styles and grow up listening most-
breasts and Killjoy with bloody asses however this is just
laying around and screaming to be put on DVD... ly to Thrash Metal bands like Slayer, Kreator,
First of all I must say that this is a double DVD (!!!) Sodom just to name a few. the starting point for the gore filled movies next to come.
made for fans of the band and it will probably not Circle Of Pain most likely is a total unknown “Sick Room” confines a guy into a home made butchery
convert any non Autopsy fan into one... I mean like name to the Ancient Ceremonies’ readers and guess what kind of meat is in? Its time for lunch
I said earlier this is a collection of home videos since it’s composed mostly by Death, Thrash children!!
recorded between 1988 - 1994 and like the word or Black metal fans. Stating this I guess most “Flowers Of Flesh And Blood” has two different versions
indicates you get everything connected with that of you have already skipped this review but for and tells a story of a sick guy that ends up suffocating
fact: tape stretches, pixilation, distortion, audio the ones who aren’t afraid of checking anoth-
his girl in the bed with a pillow and chopping her in
drop outs and so on! On the other hand this is the er tunes here goes: this DVD was recorded
last change to witness the audio madness of several Autopsy gigs or rehearsal. during the promotion of the “Paradox Of pieces in the bathtub. I guess once in awhile we all think
On disc1 you get around 25 minutes of a rehearsal prior to the release of the debut album Distitution” 2001 album with the participation of the Sudhessen Symphonic Orchestra about doing the same, hehe. The difference is that in one
“Severed Survival” in ‘90 and a live gig on Hong Kong Cafe (LA) in ‘93 with a playing time and this is the reason for not having a higher grade. In general the orchestra is way of the versions you get live perfomances in the middle by
of 40 minutes. This gig features songs from the first three Autopsy albums (Severed back on the mix and it’s quickly forgotten, I believe everyone is expecting a more the band, turning the movie softer.
Survival, Mental Funeral and Acts Of The Unspeakable) for a packed crowd. active roll. If the aim of this DVD was giving a more symphonic, classical edge to “Rue Morgue Disciple” is about a kid who refuges in a
Disc2 kicks off with a 13 minute set recorded in The Stone one day after the Hong Kong Circle Of Pain’s music then they failed to achieve and transmit that to the public.
house from zombies but ends up corraled.... Once again
Cafe gig and the “legendary” last gig ever, filmed in Ruthless Inn back in ‘94. Soundwise Talking about the audience... beware there were only sitting spots available, so there
there is guts all over, worms on rotting flesh (they look
this second disc is slightly better than the show featured on the first one and as you can is no crowd interaction whatsoever!
imagine way better than the rehearsal! As extras this second disc has performances of Another major error on this DVD is that the extras (like backstage scenes, making of) like the same worms I give to my reptiles), Killjoy’s zom-
Chris Reifert on the guitar on a ‘90 Pestilence (Terrorizer cover song “Corporation Pull-In”) are spoken in German and they don’t have any subtitles, sad but true!! bie pets... a putrid flesh parade!
and ‘94 Doomed (“Witches”) gigs and a cool tour footage (behind the scenes). One of the good aspects of this German band for me is that they sometimes have a “Upon Frayed Lips Of Silence” was also filmed in two
As a documentary product that this is supposed to be I guess it lacks a bunch of things really aggressive edge adventuring into the realms of Heavy Metal. I guess that fans versions and sees Paul Naschy participating in it. This
that could be present, like reviews, articles, comments from the band, biography, photos... of bands like Edguy or Dream Theater may found something here for you! Next! one is a typical MTV video clip, no blood and guts just
possibility to forward to a specific song! Peaceville grabbed the videos, made the neces- [6] NUNO SANTOS
the band playing with its instruments!! Uncut version is
sary menus and just throw them to the discs, at least this is the sensation we got in the
end. I guess this is JUST for fans! I give a 9.5 for the hard to find material and as a fan but CORRUPTION : HELLECTRIFY YOURSELF a different league... a couple enters in a spooky house,
I drop my note considering the quality of the whole video and audio package! [METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS] he is right away killed with a knife by a zombie, eventu-
[5] NUNO SANTOS It’s cool to have access to all sort of bands, ally she escapes from the house after several attempts to
ones more mainstream and well known to her life. While wanders on the forest she stumbles on a
CARNAL FORGE : DESTROY LIVE the general public and others still highly pro- rock and discovers a grave...
[METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS] fessional and with space to become bigger
“Blaspheme The Blood” tells a tale of a guy (perfomed by
Is in occasions like these ones that we clearly see and better. While the name Corruption does-
Killjoy) who finds a whore. She escapes with his money
the state of a particular style of music... judging by n’t ring any bell outside the Polish scene I
the reaction of the polish metal fans Thrash Metal suppose they could become something more but in the end she is even more twisted than him... the
died several years ago! Gladly, Carnal Forge think serious to the worldwide music scene. Their marvelous things that a blowtorch can do!
the contrary and deliver a massive Thrash metal stoner hard rock with hints of doom metal (a Also includes the special features: how to make a mon-
attack leaving no place whatsoever to breed. I must mixture of Black Sabbath with COC) tran- ster: the uncreation of musick, interviews with Killjoy,
say that sometimes too much massive and with few spires energy and dedication to a 15 year Paul Naschy, Jose Morale, Jorge Zarco, Dario Ferrer, and
hard to remember moments sounding all songs too (lost!?) cause. I guess there are bands that
J. Luis Martine, behind the scenes, galleries and sick-
much alike if you ask me. From this comment I are destined to not become bigger and I have
guess you already conclude that I’m not the biggest the feeling that Corruption is one of those. I cess trailer.
Carnal Forge fan but at least I believe they deserve mean these guys are true, solid, profession- This is the DVD that all gore bands would dream to make
some intense headbanging on contrary to what the al, however the fact that they aren’t bringing something new to an already prolific but never accomplished... its like Fulci using
crowd does in this “Destroy Live” DVD... totally metal scene are dragging them down... but they probably don’t care either! Still Necrophagia for a soundtrack! Hard work inside!!
apathetic! Perhaps they were just waiting to see the they had already their own share of success, like opening for the dinosaurs Deep [9.5] NUNO SANTOS
Black Metal gods Gorgoroth, Carpathian Forest or Purple or playing at Woodstock festival in front of 400.000 persons.
even Hate, who knows!! On “Destroy Live” you get 22 songs professionally filmed in The title “Hellectrify Yourself” says it all... you get 70 minutes of hellectrifying
Krakow (Poland) on the beginning of 2004 and covers in 65 minutes the legacy of the first music made by fans for fans. It’s curious that the band managed to conquer the
four albums (“Who's Gonna Burn”, “Firedemon”, “Please... Die!” and “The More You audience and in the end the interaction is far higher than on the first songs, so
Suffer...”) of this Swedish brutal quintet. its cool to see that at least in their home country they are recognized! The show
Additionally you get two low quality bonus booklet concerts, one in Tokyo on their Extreme is mostly composed by songs from their 2003 album “Orgasmusica” but they
Bleeding Japan tour and the other in New York on their Metal Gods tour both in 2003 and also play a few songs from the 2002 opus called “Puyssyworld”. On stage the
with a total playing time of 60 minutes. band deliver everything they got... a pounding bass by Aniot versus two shred-
If more than 2 hours of live music isn’t enough for you I guess you can simply relax on ding guitars by Thrashu and Fala. Drummer Melon maintains the machine in the
your couch and check the cool interview available on the DVD with the bassist Lars Lindén right path and the vocalist Rufus with its shaved presence boils out rock’n’roll
and guitar player Jari Kuusisto or the complete biography and member profiles or even from all its pores!
check some cool live photos among a few other things. Let’s hope “Hellectrify Yourself” gives the right exposition and we will be hearing
To end this I can surely highlight this product as a cool addition to any Death/Thrash metal these guys very soon! [7] NUNO SANTOS
freak and above all it deserves all the Euros you give for it. [7.5] NUNO SANTOS

12 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
GREEN CARNATION : ALIVE AND SALEM : LIVE DEMISE V/A : HOLY PARTY - 2DVD
WELL... IN KRAKOW [MASTER DISK POST PRODUCTION] [HOLY RECORDS]
[METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS] It isn’t everyday that we get the chance Holy Party took place on 16th January of
This is a typical low profile band that to review something from a band com- 2005 in France with the participation of
only cares about what they do best ing from Israel, still less in a digital five bands: Trepalium, Division Alpha,
which is playing music. Green video format. But for the ones who fol- Garwall, Supuration and Misanthrope, all
Carnation have grow a lot and very low the metal music scene know that of them signed to Holy Records.
quickly to become a serious nail on Salem is not a newcomer, in fact they The opener act is Trepalium with a set
any progressive metal fan’ heart, but are older than most acts nowadays. lasting almost 30 minutes of brutal
what could we expect from master- The band was formed in 1985, Death metal with enough dynamics and
minds like Tchort (Emperor, released so far four albums and a few a great drum work capable to wake up
Carpathian Forest, Satyricon) or more products, like this DVD shot in the death. The crowd seems to know the
Anders Kobro (Carpathian Forest and front of 900 raging fans. This is com- band but to tell the truth the unidimen-
the superb In The Woods)?! Nothing posed by songs that were written since sional bark style of Kéké’ vocals ruins
else than a serious piece of well com- 1985 (F***ing Manic) ‘till the fourth my capacity of hear them to the very
posed and played music! album "Collective Demise" (Act of end. After the destruction of Trepalium I
The concert starts with Stein jamming Terror, Act Of War, Broken Yet United, guess that the second act Division Alpha
on his bass and while he plays the other band members enter on stage... this Al Taster, Collective Demise, Decadence In Solitude). The band started in a is a bit out of context, but on the other hand we have a pack of heterogeneous
is the perfect start for the 60 minutes of pure rush that we will witness... like more Doom/Death vein (with some Gothic tunes) but during the years added bands! A mixture of electronics with darkwave and metal is what this French
an addict after his heroin dose! The whole set is based on seven songs of more speed and even Black Metal guitar elements. One of the things that I duet (with a session keyboard/sampler member) is doing! The extremely bright
their highly acclaimed “A Blessing In Disguise” album plus the 1st part of the believe I need to refer is that the band is against all sort of activities that set of lights most of the time interfere with the filming, ending up with white
“Light Of Day, Day Of Darkness”. The band shows live that they can entirely would result in suffering and death of innocent people, said this lets go to spots on the screen. Musically as I said they are in my opinion out of the con-
reproduce what they accomplish on studio: great sound (possibility of Dolby what matters! text however I believe that with a higher dose of aggression they could result as
Digital 5.1), incredible set of lights and filmed by eight cameras giving you It’s evident that they are on their own territory, I mean everybody seems to a live act together with other metal bands. Garwall was the next band and intro-
the possibility of seen the band in all possible angles. The only thing that I know the band and the crowd goes totally crazy from the first row to the last duced their latest opus “Black Beast” by playing five out of six songs from that
can point out is that sometimes the band looks a bit too static, I mean in ones! Its curious to see that in Israel where we get the feeling by the (bought) record. They play intense black metal with some occasional melodic moments...
times where we have some really crushing moments I was expecting a more media that it’s an aggressive, extremely restrictive country there is no kind of for the first time we can see some mosh and intense headbanging. It’s clear that
enthusiastic reaction from the band... but probably the public haven’t helped protection (like bars) separating the stage from the audience... haaa, only after the cold bath of Division Alpha they were the only ones who could shake
either! We all know by now how enthusiastic the Polish crowd can be, yet this securities with pistols (haha). You get one hour, 15 songs of furious the audience’ asses! Unfortunately latest news from the band refer that both
time they can be excused since Green Carnation is one of those bands that death/black metal filmed with several professional cameras and a great sound Olivia and Balrog left the band and the band will suffer a change of vocal style.
needs full attention ‘cause there is so many things going on, on their songs! (available audio options DTS and 5.1 Dolby Digital). Vocalist Ze’ev Tananboim Was time for Supuration... this is a band that can’t be pointed as playing a par-
This DVD wouldn’t be completed without the usual goodies that we find in all marks his presence with a growling/shooting type of vocals and the message ticular style, the mix of several metal elements is what makes them special. Not
DVDs... This time the highlight goes for the interview where it’s given the his evident: anti-terrorism, stop the war, etc. Nir Najav blasts beats all over to mention the different vocal approach by the Loez brothers, in one moment it’s
possibility to all band members to answer the questions. Besides that you get the concert, Michael Goldstein has some great pounding lines and both Lior a growling type of vocals and in the next a clear one.
7 audio tracks, including acoustic versions of songs like “Into Deep”, Mizrahi and Nir Gutraiman raise the level of fury with good guitar riffs. It’s time to insert Disc2 for Misanthrope and the bonus features. As for extras
“Crushed To Dust”, “The Boy In The Attic” and “Myron & Cole”, covers from Besides the live gig, there is some extra material like for instance 7 video clips you can simply forget them, you have a backstage/sound check dull filming and
A-HA, Chris Isaac and some pre production material from “The Quiet from their very first to their fourth album, a short making of “Collective 5 bonus audio songs. So it only last the awaited baroque band to play their set
Offspring”. Demise” and “Live Demise”. I wish it had also some innovative elements like of 15 unique songs. Their French singing was something that never appealed
This is an essential product for all fans and an excellent introduction for new interviews, biography, some talking about their country or whatever. The 12 me that much neither some of their most complex song structures. I guess that
fans. [8.5] NUNO SANTOS page booklet instead of being used in an informative way only has photos for fans of the band they can found here 90 minutes of entertainment but if ‘till
from the band... now you never turned into a fan this is certainly not convert you.
HATE : THE LITANIES OF SATAN A band that evolved during the years with fans around the globe and this is a If you had the opportunity to be there I can recommend this DVD ‘cause it’s a
[METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS] nice addition to their discography. [7] NUNO SANTOS testimony of 4 metal hours or also if you are Misanthrope fan which is not my
I guess I’m suspect for making this case! [5] NUNO SANTOS
review, since I’ve already interviewed SKINLESS : SKINFLICK
Adam on the previous issue and I’m a [RELAPSE RECORDS] V/A : Metalmania 2005 - DVD+CD
big fan of Hate’s music. This is the type This documentary thing seems to be [METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS]

of Black/death metal that I’m really having some success. After Mastodon There isn’t much to say about this DVD,
into, brutal blasting all over the way, I’m again in charge of reviewing anoth- besides a few songs from each band you
sometimes similar to what Vader and er band documentary. My first notes will not find much more in here. Only a few
Behemoth are doing, it’s like a faster regarding Skinflick is that it’s probably photos, some info on side stage bands,
version of Morbid Angel! not so complete than the Mastodon some festival’ history, logos and weblinks.
Better than hearing “Awakening The DVD or in other words not so well The bands featured in here were the
Liars” (the last CD I have from them) organized. In here you get everything ones that played on the main stage. It
just seeing them also! One of the on the same movie, performances, kicks in with the performance of
things that really impressed me was filmings from before and after the Darzamat and only one song is seen and
the ability of Hellrizer behind the shows, chats about albums, insights to tell the truth they didn’t impressed at
drums... his drumming is so fast and on studio, parties... well probably all all. The chosen song is simply ridiculous
powerful that I could only watch the entire show in an angle that could only that happens in a band’ life. I usually with a lyric where they repeat more than
see him, but this is probably because I’m a drum lunatic! In the front row his am not so found of videos where the 50 times the word storm, storm, storm...
Adam with his B.C. Rich guitar and attacking the audience with his intense evil band members talk between songs but next. Dies Irae enters and after a long
growling, Cyprian and Kaos on both bass and rhythm guitars and headbang- since these guys are also good entertainers this DVD turns into a great watch- intro they brutalize the audience with
ing like there was no tomorrow! On stage Hate gives an intense lesson on how ing. There is this part where they found a dildo and end up getting fans suck- some intense death metal. Doc was still among us and he shows why we were
blackened Death metal should be played and in return they get a cooperative ing it to get free signed posters. There is even this girl with small boobs try- considered by some the fastest drummer around. It surely brings me back some
crowd. Impressively one of the less intense moments is when they play the ing to make a boobsjob! One of the funniest moments is where they are in memories of the Vader gig he played here in Lisbon, Portugal. Rest In Peace.
Slayer song “Postmortem” however as a cult song it is everybody seems to Japan and Joe’s trying to learn a few Japanese words and he ends up getting Time for an unknown band... ANJ. Who the fuck are these guys? Terrible. Next.
know it and the crowd goes nuts! Compared to other Metal Mind Productions a bunch of Japaneses shooting out loud cocksucker not knowing what that Time for Amon Amarth to raise the Viking flag! Now we are talking about good
DVDs I guess this one is one of the shortest and also poorest, the gig only has means, hilarious! music, it’s clear that the polish audience also thinks the same and at this point
a bit more than 50 minutes. And in matters of extras on contrary to other Skinless is a brutal death metal force that knocks down anyone that steps in we have the more enthusiastic feedback from the crowd. They seem to know the
DVDs you won’t get bootleg videos or any bonus audio material, just the usual their front, one prove of that is their brutal shows. You don’t need much, just Viking legacy and the two songs featured “Fate Of Norns” and “Death In Fire”
interview, biography, discography... well nothing too amazing if you ask me, press the play button and in a matter of seconds you realize this is an evi- are highlights on the bands’ career. There are bands that due to its violent nature
the type of things that you only see once! The only difference is that you get dence just in the first song “Foreshadowing Our Demise”! Constant mosh, you know you will see great gig... Dark Funeral belong to this section of bands.
a several bible quotations for your amusement, like: “There she lusted after stage diving, crowd surfing, slam dancing, mosh pit, wrestling hits, you name Their songs live are so violent that it’s impossible not to headbang like a lunatic.
her lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission it... they have it all. I can surely recommend this DVD and all their albums but Unfortunately you only get the chance to see 4 songs, but it’s better than noth-
was like that of horses.”. especially the 2001 “Foreshadowing Our Demise” and 203 “From Sacrifice To ing I guess! The Haunted presents three intense Thrash Metal songs, like they
I guess this is the type of brutal product that real headbangers should have in Survival”. Skinless or die! [8] NUNO SANTOS have already used us to. Yet I found “Nothing Right” as a better choice rather
their (original based) collections and will certainly convert many more into than the other two songs “99” and “Abysmal”. Pain... to tell the truth I never
ones! [9] NUNO SANTOS VADER : NIGHT OF THE really understood why Peter have created this project.. but it seems that Poland
APOCALYPSE knows him well. People just go crazy jumping around with “Shut Your Mouth”.
MASTODON : THE WORKHORSE [METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS] On this pack is also Arcturus, for some are considered one of the most innova-
CHRONICLES I usually don’t have much to say about tive bands around. They play two songs, one from their “The Sham Mirrors”
[RELAPSE RECORDS] Metal Mind Productions DVDs, but this album and the other from “La Masquerade Infernale”. Turbo follows... a band that
I was really thrilled after checking the time I believe that in the anguish to I guess doesn’t have much exposition beyond the polish borders, yet they are
45 minute documentary made by the turn Night Of The Apocalypse into a competent with their classical Heavy Metal. At this point its time to go warp
band which explains the Mastodon great product at the level of what Vader speed with the veterans Napalm Death. It’s incredible how these guys maintain
legacy from the very first days. They has used us to with their albums things the same rhythm during all these years; we have an electrifying Barney, a brutal-
are really funny guys especially Brann were pushed a bit too far. I have two izing Shane, a riff maker Mitch and a fast Danny on the skins. To end, nothing
Dailor and Brent Hinds, which have a complains that result in the grade I give could be more wrong... Apocalyptica! What the fuck are these guys doing here?
refreshing sense of humour and that below, one is the camera work. We get After the discharge of the British grinders we get these guys? Puke! Besides
aspect turns the first 45 minutes that I 8 professional cameras, so far so three or four bands I guess this is a decent DVD but nothing more than that.
watched of “The Workhorse good, great quality like always but the The audio CD is also a positive point here and you get songs from bands like
Chronicles” quite amusing and inter- final result on the TV screen is just a Thunderbolt, Hermh, Hell-Born, Supreme Lord, Mess Age besides others.
esting. Besides this you get a music jumping camera not giving much [6] NUNO SANTOS
video section, that in addition to the opportunity to check details (switching
three videos “March Of The Ants”, cameras every 2, 3 seconds its not a good idea of production to me), zoom V/A : RECOLLECTION 2
“Iron Tusk (uncensored)” and “Blood ins and outs, shaking camera effects to give the feeling that they are simply [RELAPSE RECORDS]

And Thunder” you also get a creating the videos part where the band explains destroying the (fucking) place. I could live with this but what I cannot accept From all the DVDs I had to review this is
the whole filming experience. it's the sound quality in 2.0 stereo systems which are probably the most used probably the one that has the worst or
As for the main part, the live performances... well at first I was quite disapp- audio set up by the fans. The sound was too much reverbered and Doc’s most unoriginal concept. I mean grab-
pointed to see that they didn’t had the video and audio quality that we are drumming interferes with all the instruments. Sometimes he creates such a bing 16 video clips and inserting them in
used to in this digital format. But after all, this is a documentary about the massive wall of blast beats that we can hardly notice the bass and guitars. For a DVD isn’t the smartest thing to do. Not
band and they needed to stick with that formula, so we get live appearances instance the solos looks like they were pulled out from the back of the mix and that this isn’t an enjoyable watching but
from their entire career starting from the time they were a 5 piece line-up gain an extra loudly dimension. Peter is growling like he used us, sharp and since there isn’t anything more into it, it
until the present days, its more like an overview of the band I guess. The tight as hell! The main show also looks too short in my opinion, a bit lesser looks a really poor DVD.
quality differs according to where they were playing, I mean, in one song you than 60 minutes! For the ones who don’t have the time or
get a home video camera and in the next several professional ones. “The As for the extras we get 2 performances, one on the Metalmania 2003 festival the possibility to watch video clips on a
Workhorse Chronicles” has 120 minutes where they cover material from their where they play 6 songs plus intro and the other in a stadium supporting TV channel this might result otherwise I
early days to a more recent period, like “Slick Leg” EP, “Lifesblood” EP, Slipknot and Metallica in 2004 with new band members Daray (drums) and guess that most of the stuff in here you
“Remission” 2002 album and “Leviathan” 2004 album. Novy (bass). Besides we have inside 3 different interviews where all band have already seen before! You get clips
I guess this DVD is what all bands that reach a certain level could do in order members participate and give their vision on different topics, like studio work, from cool bands like Mastodon, Nile,
to show to their fans their development, the little secrets and enjoyable things touring, first foreign gigs, unpleasant situations and so on! I wouldn’t say this Neurosis, Dying Fetus, Amorphis,
that the band went by... As a documentary article that this is I consider it is a bad DVD, especially for the ones who don’t have their previous video Skinless, Suffocation just to name a few! If you have a few Euros to spend this
ESSENTIAL to all Mastodon fans! [8.5] NUNO SANTOS “Vision & Voice” (or own a 5.1 audio system), but for those who have, this might be a good fill in, since its sold quite cheap, at least on Relapse’ website.
one will not turn into their favourite! [6] NUNO SANTOS [4] NUNO SANTOS

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 13
 “strange”
One of the main goals when forming a band is to get a record deal and put out a debut album in the lesser amount of time... so it’s kind of
their own musical and technical skills and only then thought about giving the next step. Assemblent
to find a band that took some extra time to mature
is a Portuguese band with almost no exposition ‘till now when they signed a record deal with the also Portuguese label Nemesis and released
“Equilibrium”, their debut album, 8 years after its formation and with a special help on one song from Fernando Ribeiro of Moonspell.
journalist: Nuno Santos

Assemblent started back in 1998 as a cover band and under But it doesn't mean that you will hear a bit of everything... album and it was him who chose "Silent Cries". I remember
the banner Dawn. What lead you to take the next step and "Equililibrium" has more my influences on the surface because him saying that "Silent Cries" had something special... maybe
turn the band into something more serious? all the songs and lyrics were written by me.” it was the relation to a Moonspell song, I don't know. This
“The main reason to start making something ours was that we Since you were the main writer on the band, how the track has a different approach than Moonspell itself but the
felt that we needed to express our ideas with something truly process of composition took place when creating structure of the music, the atmosphere, reinforced with
ours. After four years playing covers we reached a point that "Equilibrium"? Fernando's voice, made the Moonspell legacy come fourth.”
we were mature enough to make our own songs and people “"Equilibrium" born totally from guitar riffs. At home I com- We all know that the Portuguese metal scenario isn't one of
that went to our gigs were always asking when we were doing posed a song, and then rehearsed with our drummer to define the most prolific; however you ended up getting signed with
our music... so we also made their will. (laughs)” tempos. Afterwards the rest of the guys completed with their one of the few Portuguese metal labels, Nemesis Musica.
Do you think that those first years were necessary to gain personal touch and instrument. Meanwhile I have already writ- How did it happen?
experience and at the same time shape your own sound? ten the lyric and discuss with Sergio the best approach to “We spent 2005 sending promos to foreign labels, but beside
“Definitely. Not only musically but also to get used to playing singing it. With a lot of rehearsals, when everyone was ready the good feedback that we add we didn't get any real propos-
live and establish that connection between us as a band and to play their part each song of "Equilibrium" took form.” al. So we tried here in Portugal and Simão from Nemesis
the band with the audience.” Would you say that you have found the Assemblent sound showed great interest on working with us and we thought that
One of the things that I would like to ask you is; looking to with "Equilibrium"? I mean we all know that bands progress it was a good starting point so we decided for Nemesis.”
the final product do you believe that Miguel Fonseca was during the years, musicians get skilled, new influences The introductory words of Grammaton Cleric were taken
the right choice to produce and record "Equilibrium"? He come... however now that several months passed since you from the movie Equilibrium. Was this song and the whole
has a metal background since he already played in recorded "Equilibrium" would you add or take out anything? album totally inspired in it?
Thormentor several years ago yet his current bands wander “I think "Equilibrium" has the basic formula for our sound. The “This song and the intro "Equilibrium" are directly related to
in different realms... next album will definitely be a maturation of this one and some- the movie, but not the whole album. "Equilibrium" stands for a
“Miguel is the best producer that any band should have to pro- thing else. When you listen to a song too many times you can search for a balanced emotional state.”
duce a first album. He is a very creative person and has a glob- have a glimpse on alternative parts but we are very sure that Talking about influences in the lyrical and musical side of
al vision of music, and its various forms. Although nowadays we wanted to be like this and very happy with the final result. the band, is there any predefined themes that fits more the
not connected to metal directly he keeps his origins with him. Now we let different approaches to our live shows so that the concept of the band?
Bands like Bathory and Carcass are some of his reference audience can have a unique experience live and not hear only “"Equilibrium" talks certain aspects about human nature that
points so he brought his remembrance from that days to our the tracks as they were listening to the cd at home.” I'm attracted to, impossible love, irrational hate and loneli-
sound and mix them with his creativity and what he likes to do By the way the song Silent Cries has the participation of ness. There are no predefined themes for Assemblent but the
now so he was the perfect person to materialize our sound... Fernando Ribeiro from Moonspell on the vocals. How did ones we choose are definitely related.”
raw metal riffs with dark modern environments.” Fernando end up singing on that song? The song title Heartwork is in any your tribute to Carcass? I
On the other hand you crossed the ocean to master the disc. “We really like very much of Moonspell. When we were play- know that one of your influences is that particular band!
Colin Davis, member of the US Death Metal band Vile, was ing covers as "Dawn" the first time we really feel something “Heartwork" is my tribute to Carcass legacy. When I wrote it I
the person chosen to give the final touches! How did you special playing together was when we played for the first time was very into the "Heartwork" and "Swansong" albums but at the
end up in the US mastering the disc? "Midnight Ride". They are a Portuguese band that strived hard time I didn't knew that they had a song called "Heartwork". So I
“Colin was a proposal from our label Nemesis. We talked with to be unique and establish something special not only here but decided that this song was to be named "Heartwork" has their
him, and he seemed a very competent person, with a great will also in the foreign. So to pay our respects and honour their album because the guitar riffs always reminded me of them.”
to work with us. He has been in metal world for a long time, is work we invited Fernando to participate on our album. Luckily You have filmed a video clip for this very same song that
a master axeman so he was the right person for the job.” he liked what we were doing and gladly accepted our invita- appears on the CD. What can you tell us about it and why
Do you believe that Assemblent is a clear mixture of the tion. This was a dream come true...” did you choose this particular song?
musical influences that each band members has? I gave a One of the things that are curious in that track is that it could “Well, the video simulates a live performance. It was a Do It
quick look at your website and saw bands like Tool, Marilyn easily be a Moonspell song. Did he also had any participa- Yourself production, because Sergio, he directed it, has a
Manson, Carcass, Dimmu Borgir, Anathema, At The Gates, tion on the composition of that song or it was chosen that degree on image treatment. So we took a chance on making
Doors, Black Sabbath just to mention a few... one due to that? I mean it is the closest one to the the video, and I think in the end it turned alright. We chose
“You took a look on our profiles... This is what which one of Moonspell legacy! "Heartwork" because we all like that song very much was the
us really likes and motivates us to do something of our own. “No, Fernando just sang the track. He listened to the whole one that had more feedback from people in general, besides
"Silent Cries".”
You are taking an extra care with the visual side of the band.
To support my statement there is also the killer dark cover
artwork that adorns "Equilibrium". What can you unveil
about it?
“The cover was designed by our producer Miguel, he is a
designer also. He was involved with the album and he really
able to pass our music into paper. Rui Pilão, our designer took
care of the rest of the layout, lettering and logos and did and
excellent job. Visual speaking it's a great (he)artwork.”
Recently you played at the side of killer Thrash Metal band
Exodus. What can you tell us about that experience?
“It was a strange experience. The line-up of the festival was so
apart, with the intensive thrash of Exodus and the goth of
To/Die/For and Beseech that the audience was real different. On
one hand we had the goths on the other hand we had the old
school-thrashers, somewhere between there was us... tough
crowd! We left the stage without knowing if the audience enjoyed
the show but the five of us had a good time. We played a differ-
ent set, the more aggressive one till now. I had the feeling that
most of them were for the first time in touch with our music.”
Will you start playing live more regularly in order to pro-
mote your debut album?
“It’s on our plans to do so. We want to show our album to as
many people as we can. We believe that we achieved some-
thing special with “Equilibrium” and we also want to help the
metal genre to grow better and stronger here in Portugal.”
Well its time to end. Any last comments?
“Thank you very much for this highlighted spot on Ancient
Ceremonies. “Equilibrium” is out now and I really hope that it
can replenish the souls of the ones who listen to it as it replen-
ishes ours by sharing it...”

- [Link] m -

14 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
THE TOUR BUS DRIVER FROM HELL with members of Akercocke and Blood Red Throne assisting It charted somewhat briefly as well (laughs). I don't really pay
So how do you feel? Still very tired from the tour? Mortician in the bass guitar and vocals, right? much attention to those things.”
“Yeah, more or less. I think it's gonna take more than a cou- “Yeah, that's correct. I mean, we expected the tour to be can- In my opinion, this new record embodies the greatest pro-
ple of days to get back to full strength, back to the real world celled once we learned that Will got himself into trouble, but for gression ever in your career. Do you agree?
and normal life.” various reasons it was decided to continue with the tour, and “I don't know, we really don't think about it that much. It's very
I didn't knew that Mortician were big enough in Europe to so we just helped the way we could. We took turns to playing much an intuitive thing for us. We didn't sit down and said -
the point of being headliners. bass and doing vocals. Roger (Beaujard, guitar) taught us the let's try to take some sort of big step. We just said - let's try to
“Yeah they are. I think they have very dedicated followers.” songs very quickly and we just did the best we could.” keep things interesting; let's just move forward. We would hate
So, can you enlighten us about the events that took place in You did the vocals? to make the same record twice, as that would be totally unin-
Poland? Specifically with Will Rahmer (bass, vocals) from “Not all, but about half the set. Vald from Blood Red Throne teresting for us as songwriters and as players. So it's always
Mortician. did the other half. I did also a few tracks on bass and Matt just been about trying to keep things interesting amongst our-
(Jason pauses and changes his tone a bit) “Well it's very dif- (Wilcock) our guitar player, and Pete (Theobalds) our bassist, selves, and in that sense I suppose it will always go somewhere
ficult... It's very very difficult... (he seems to hesitate). All I can helped as well. So you know, we shared the learning of the different from the last release. But it wasn't really a controlled
say is that we had the worst bus driver in the world, and no songs because it was impossible for one person to learn decision to trying to push the envelope that much.”
one could sleep on the bus because he was driving so badly. overnight all the bass and vocals for 22 songs.” Anyway, you would agree this is the first record that fea-
So, because Will wasn't getting any sleep he started to feel tures so many non-extreme and even light elements, so
sick, and decided to take some medicine to get better. I think "WORDS..." IN WORDS uncommon until now, that, I'm sure, caught most of your
he probably had a bad reaction to this medicine. Anyone who Ok, let's get down to other stuff now, namely your new fans by surprise.
knows Will, knows he's a health and fitness fanatic. Usually he record. So how is the collective feeling inside the band about “Sure, but that's a good thing for us! We listen to lots and lots
doesn't take any medication, he doesn't use drugs, and he this new album, after more than a month from its release? of different music, so I guess it was just a matter of time before
doesn't really drink or smoke either. He's a health freak. So we “Pretty good. It's obviously very pleasing that the record has it started to reflect most strongly in the music we make.”
think he had a bad reaction to some medicine he was taking been so well received in all courses, so we feel pretty good Yeah, up until a few days ago I didn't knew you were fans of
and some of the body building things he takes, combined with about it. It was nice to go out and play some shows, though Rush. I guess the song "Shelter from the sand" is the one
no sleep and very little food. As a consequence he just flipped we didn't play as much material from the new record as per- that reflects the most that influence.
out. It was a very scary and a very unpleasant thing for every- haps we would have liked, but we are working on that. These “Sure! I'm a massive Rush fan. I think I got into Rush when I
one who was there. He suddenly disappeared in a fit of para- were still early dates. We got a show coming up with Opeth in went to secondary school and I was about 11 years old. It was
noia which I'm convinced was entirely brought up by the med- about a week in London which we look forward to it. We'll try about 1981. Now I've got pretty much the entire Rush collec-
ication he was taking. The last time I saw Will he was running to play a few more songs from the new album there. On the tion. And I'm one of these weird people that, contrary to most
off into the night and being chased by Sam (Inzerra, whole the feeling within the band is pretty good right now.” Rush fans that like only their 70's or 80's stuff, I like it all, I
Mortician's drummer) in a middle of a completely paranoid Your live set on this tour was, say, about 50% of the new like the 90's stuff as well. So, again, it was only a matter of
episode, and then he got into a taxi. But at this point I know album? time before that sort of stuff started to manifest a little bit
he wasn't himself anymore and he didn't really know what he “No, it was less. It was about 30% of the new album, something more in our music.”
was doing. (apparently, Will Rahmer injured the taxi driver). I like 3 or 4 songs. We played something from each of the four Considering these substantial new strange influences that
think you will find the reports in the polish media extremely records. It was a supporting set, we played for about 40 min..” make "Words..." a bit more accessible, I guess you would
inflated and I'll be very surprised if they bear much resem- "Words..." has already entered at least two album charts in not be surprised if someone accused you now of selling out.
blance to the real facts. I can only hope that the polish author- the UK, right? Was this the first time you hit the charts? “Yeah, but I don't really care, you know. The bottom line is this
ities manage to resolve this thing soon because he's a very “No, we did it with "Choronzon" as well when it was released. - if you listen to it, it still is a fucking weird record. So selling
good men and he certainly shouldn't be in jail for something out... What is that? Does that mean you might sell like 300
that ultimately was a consequence of sickness.” more copies? Really... I'm not under any illusion that sudden-
After these unfortunate events it seems that the tour went on ly we gonna start selling bucket loads of records and making

In a mere seven years Akercocke has done more for extreme music than many veteran bands in their whole careers. Starting with a
self-release that already hinted at greater things to come, the London-based outfit evolved with giant steps in the following records,
developing in the process their very own concept of intelligent extremity. The highly praised "Choronzon" released in 2003 was their
first real crowning achievement bringing the sharp-suited gentleman to the underground spotlights. Two years later, fuelled by the sim-
ply motivation to keep things interesting mainly to themselves, Akercocke progressed further on and expanded their demonic brutality
with the most daring progressive elements, creating "Words that go Unspoken, Deeds that go Undone", their most ambitious album to
date that can very well place the band at the same groundbreaking level as death metal wonders Opeth and Nile.
In the next day after they returned from a rather turbulent 18-date European tour in mid November with Blood Red Throne and headliners
Mortician, front/axe-man Jason Mendonça called us from is home for an update on the latest events around Akercocke, namely the
tour, the recent line-up changes and off course the new album. Because it's not everyday you get the chance to speak with someone
involved seriously in Satanism, this was also an opportunity to shed some light on the issues of the dark one.
journalist: Ernesto Martins

16 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
TV appearances. We're still just the little old Akercocke from
London who make weird records to amuse ourselves. And if AKERCOCKE : WORDS THAT GO UNSPOKEN, DEEDS THAT
people wanna call me a sell-out I don't really care. Fuck'em! GO UNDONE
Whatever... They obviously got their heads too stuck up their [EARACHE RECORDS]

asses... Or too much time on their hands to even be consid- After the entry of Matt Wilcock (ex. The Berzerker) to fill the
ered idiots like us!” gap left by guitarist Paul Scanlan most of you were probably
Well if you wanna know my personal opinion, I think that expecting a much brutal album... think not cause “Words That
Akercocke together with other notables such as Nile and Go Unspoken, Deeds That Go Undone” marks a new era for
Opeth are a blessing in this stagnated music scene of today.
the british quartet, Akercocke. Besides the familiar aspects of
Basically you belong to that small group of bands that took
all previous albums these guys managed to insert in the same
extreme metal to a new level and are keeping things inter-
esting. So what do you think of all this? Do you follow the dose experimentalism, more dynamism and even a constant
metal scene in particular these other bands that, like progressive edge. The result is the most diverse and well com-
Akercocke, are pushing the boundaries of extreme music? posed album so far by Akercocke. I bet that these guys will not
“Well first, thank you men. I don't really follow the metal scene stay like this, they will for sure expand this formula! I just
very much, but I think it's healthy what they are doing. I mean, hope that they do not ignore the sheer brutality aspect that
it's great and I respect what they do. The Nile guys and the also helped to form the success that this project is!
Opeth guys, they're all really good musicians, and I respect Working again with Neil Kernon (Nevermore, Macabre, Death
that very much even if I don't buy their records. I like the SS, Cannibal Corpse, Deicide) proved to be an excellent deci-
extremity of Nile. I think they've taken it to a whole new
sion ‘cause he managed to grab perfectly Akercocke’s essence
dimension while maintaining a high level of intensity. Nile have
succeeded beyond all others' attempts, specially with their last into disc. When first playing “Words That Go Unspoken,
record, which is so relentlessly brutal. Opeth I don't really Deeds That Go Undone” have in mind that you will probably
know, but from what I've heard I find it very interesting. I pre- need several listenings to get used to some insane passages,
fer their acoustic stuff more than their heavier stuff. But again, some clean vocals by frontman Jason Mendonca or the extra
I respect the fact they're obviously not afraid to draw upon dose of keyboards. Akercocke marks their presence on the
their influences, and that's great, that's wholly encouraging. metal scene by their reckless, dynamic and versatile posture!
So in essence I support both of what those bands do even if [9] NUNO SANTOS
I'm not particularly familiar with their catalogues.”
You will get to know more about Opeth in the next London
show, right? viously played and recorded by Dave in a laptop, which is a bit to be an anti-christian.”
“Yeah, I'm very interested to hear the material from their last boring. Actually it's much more fun to do it live 'cause then we Have you ever had problems in any country because of your
album because everyone is saying it's so good, you know. I'm can play as fast as we like, and if it is on the laptop the speed satanic ideologies?
just very intrigued to listen to that.” is pre-programmed.” “Fortunately not yet. There have been a couple of isolated inci-
Is this a one off gig or the beginning of another tour? dents with the local nutcases objecting to us being around,
“Yeah it's a one off gig unfortunately. It would be really good to A LESSON IN TRUE SATANISM but we managed to avoid anything that disrupted any gig or
go out on the road with Opeth, they have a very good reputa- Ok, let's talk now a bit about the lyrics. I know that what you anything like that. We went to the deep South America last
tion and I'm sure they are all cool guys. But right now I think write usually concerns Satanism in one way or another, but year and played there, and when we went to some of their
we just pushed our bosses’ favours far too much to be able to what do you write about exactly? Is it your viewpoints on states we thought - where are we going?... - But fortunately
go again on tour (laughing). So we will get back to work now.” various issues as practicing Satanists? there was not trouble at all.”
So, tell me more about the creation of "Words...". Is there “David writes most of the lyrics. He wrote the previous three This may be a bit of a cliché, but I cannot help to ask about
a main creative core in Akercocke, or basically everyone albums in its entirety. I contributed with lyrics for two songs the way you dress. Does it have any connection with your
has a say during the writing process? on this record. From a subjective viewpoint the lyrics are ideology?
“Yeah pretty much, it tends to work as a group, everyone has essentially satanic, but they weren't written with any particu- “In a sense it has. I mean, you have to be quite disciplined to
an input in the songwriting. But this time, just for reasons of lar satanic intent. They come from a person with a satanic live by any set of ethics, and so you can say that the way we
deadlines, I actually wrote quite a lot of the material myself viewpoint, but I don't think they are directly satanic songs. As dress is a refection of that. But at the same time I just prefer
just because we were running out of time. When we write col- for David's lyrics, he falls into all sorts of areas, again writing to look a certain way, and this is probably an equally valid
lectively it tends to be a bit of a slower process, but that's from a satanic perspective. He wrote the lyrics for "Shelter answer, and that's all there is to it. If you see the band live next
always the preferred way of doing songs. But everybody has from the sand" which is entirely about John the Baptiste. time in Portugal, we don't actually wear the full suits anymore
certainly an input even into the songs I essentially wrote the Some of the other songs he wrote have been influenced by the just because it's not practical. We are saving them for special
music for. I mean, when it came to the recording Matt and legends of the knights’ templars. So, he covers lots of differ- occasions. But we still dress very smartly...”
Dave (Gray, drums) had their say in the production, so every- ent territory, but, essentially, his lyrics have always been life- But not jeans...
one's input went in other ways, if you see what I mean.” affirming and about celebrating life through sex, through “No, definitely not. No jeans at all.”
Did Matthew contributed also a bit in songwriting? excesses and enjoyment. So it's funny when people often say Isn't it possible that this unusual look you have for an
“Mathew came in when we had the album almost complete, - your music is depressing or it's unhappy or whatever... I extreme metal band, may have caused a bit of a hype
but he wrote pretty much the song "Penance". He just turned resent that, I think our music is quite uplifting really, because around the band in the beginning and eventually gave the
up to band practice one day and said - I've written a song. And the lyrical themes of living one's life to the full, having a lot of band an additional push to the front of the underground?
we went - Have you? Ok let's hear it. And he played about 80% sex and drinking, and enjoying life 110%, are about celebra- “Yeah maybe, but I don't really give a fuck you know. And ulti-
of "Penance". So we went - Uau! that's great. Ok, we'll run with tion. And that is what life's all about.” mately what's wrong in being original? Satanism is about
that then. So that was fantastic we were really pleased about So what the hell do you mean when you say you are "blast- originality, is about celebrating the unique, is about standing
that. But Matt's talent is reflected also in his lead guitar work, ing for Satan"? It seems you are in some kind of mission on aside from the pack. This is why we don't respect organiza-
which, I think you'll agree, is phenomenal.” his behalf. tions like the Church of Satan that promote some sort of
Yes, it sure is! And what can you tell us about Paul Scanlan? (Jason laughs loudly).”It's off course all tongue in cheek... cheap-like mentality, in that you all must subscribe to a certain
Why isn’t he in the band anymore? Yeah, I suppose so, I will love to go along with that (Jason code and pay 200 dollars. It's exactly like being a christian,
“Well, I'll be the first to say that it was a very difficult decision uses a sarcastic tone here). It would make so much better you must go to church every sunday. And who says that just
to break the original line-up after eight or nine years of reading for your magazine if I convince you I was wholly moti- because I'm on a death metal band I've got to wear a Slayer
Akercocke, but at the end of the day we couldn't communicate vated by visions of the dark lord, his satanic majesty with his shirt and tight black jeans? That's just non-sense! I'm too old
with Paul anymore, and I don't know from his side why that horns and all... In a sense we are...” for that sort of thinking.”
was. More or less as a consequence, the band suddenly came From the little culture I have on this subject, I guess being
to a halt. We've written, I think, three and a half songs for a Satanist has to do with a philosophy of life, a set of codes THE PORTUGUESE CONNECTION
"Words..." and then nothing more happened. Whenever we tried to live by. Is this what it is really? Ok Jason think this is it. Would you like to leave any final
to write new stuff we just weren't getting anywhere, and it was “Broadly speaking, yes. All it means to me is that I am putting words to our readers?
very difficult to communicate with him. It was like he didn't myself in the centre of my own universe, and ensuring my hap- “Stay original and stay brutal.”
want to participate anymore. He got us to a point where we said piness is paramount. Also, it's not taking any shit from anybody Before you go let me just clear one final thing: your family
- well, either we finish the band now and just call it a day, or we and putting myself first. It’s a very pragmatic and a very sensi- name, Mendonça, is...
cut the cancer out. So Pete, David and I discussed it for a long ble set of satanic ethics, which is often greatly misunderstood.” “... portuguese!”
long time, and we decided we weren't ready to quit just yet, so Yeah, people tend to mistake the view of Satanism as a phi- Ok, great! I was already kind of suspicious about that.
unfortunately Paul had to leave. It was a hard decision to make.” losophy with Satanism as a cult or religion with everything “My full name is Jason dos Santos Mendonça. I'm of the
So basically Paul lost interest in the music. bad that comes with it like dogmas and deities. saints my friend!” (we both laugh)
“No, I don't think so! But honestly I couldn't tell you what his “Yeah, but that's maybe for lunatics, I don't know. That's So, you have portuguese ancestors.
agenda is. Paul is a guitar-obsessive and a phenomenal gui- organized religion like the Church of Satan and that's certain- “Yeah, my father is from Cascais and my mother is english.
tarist. I think he has an amazing talent, and he's such an ly not for me. I've got nothing to do with those people what- I'm half portuguese.”
abstract off-the-wall player with a great style, but he just was- soever, or any other similar groups. They are just as bad as...” Cool!
n't working with us anymore.” ... as any other religion. “And for the portuguese readers I just wanna send a big
And what about Daniel Reeves (keyboards), is he a perma- “Yeah! Certainly.” respect to Ricardo and Tiago Veiga of Steel Warriors
nent member in the band? One last question on this subject - probably a stupid one: To Rebellion, the Barroselas Metalfest. It's amazing, it's my
“No, not at all. Never has been. He helped us out but he's part be a practicing Satanist it means you are necessarily an favourite festival in Europe!”
of a London band called Ted Maul.” anti-christian? How many times have you played there?
So how do you manage with all the keyboard parts of the “No! Non-sense. It's not a stupid question at all. I'm far from “We've played it twice and it was fantastic. I love Viana do
new record in a live set? anti-christian. Actually I've got nothing against christians. And Castelo, it's a beautiful place, and the Steel Warriors Rebellion
“Yeah right, that's when Daniel comes in. Sometimes when we I've got nothing against muslims, followers of judaism or is the best in Europe. In my opinion it is organized by good
play the more involved stuff, if he's available he comes and whatever. I leave the anti-christian ideas to guys like Deicide. people and it's like a big family party for grindcore and death
plays live with us, if not the keyboard backing tracks are pre- I'm too fond of religious art and the architecture of churches metal freaks, and that's my kind of party.”

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 17
8 FOOT SATIVA : SEASON FOR ASSAULT release from a great band. I hope to see Aborted playing this cent Gothic Dark Metal atmospheric sound. Not constitut- speakers. One thing I could deal without is all the audio
[BLACK MARK RECORDS] album in a gig soon. [8] NUNO CARVALHO ing a newly, or a metal ‘Theatre of Tragedy’ reminiscence, clip sampling before songs, but at least the clips they
This band should apparently be New Zealand’s best answer they are able to create a smooth, sweet melodic atmos- chose were tasteful. I have a feeling that a great future
to an international player on the metal scene, and this ABSCESS : DAMNED AND MUMMIFIED phere, developing a very nice listening set-songs with an awaits this group after hearing these four songs. I eagerly
album that Black Mark has released onto the European [RED STREAM RECORDS] own distinctive musical personality. ‘Abstract Senses’ is a await more. Definitely worth picking up for the 4 Inert
fields, should be the band’s best effort so far. We are in the If you do not know who Abscess is or if you never listened tranquil and comfortable piece of music, maybe to velvety songs, After the Last Sky isn’t shabby, but not really my
style of metalcore, with a thrashy and somewhat more to Autopsy before, then you definitely have a problem. some times. Concerning the negatives aspects, because thing. [5.5] MAX RODRIGUEZ
heavy and brutal approach than so many other bands with- Oldschool death metal with punk and doom influences, raw they exist in this young French band, I can say, the guitars
in the genre. dirty and real. This is what death metal is and should be. This sound a little flat, instead, they could be more uneven, AGE OF SILENCE : ACCELERATION
The base is laid upon thrashy and groovy blueprints, is the band you should worship if you ever happened to like more belligerent for together with Céline performance bal- [THE END RECORDS]
spiced with many melodies and good lead here and there. Entombed or Dismember, or actually 90% of the Swedish ance more the melody between the ‘beast’ and the ‘beauty’ What would you expect from a band consisting of 3/4 of the
The bass is audible and is pumping out of the highway, death metal scene of the 90s. This is sadly an underrated loading on emotion and melancholy. Another downside is current line-up of Winds (Andy Winter, Hellhammer and
often with a funky touch to it. The guitar riffs are heavy, band and the lack of publicity or ‘hype’ around this album the drummer part. That’s the most awful section. Not in Lars Eric Si), Borknagar’s Lars Nedland, and two other rel-
and not that interesting, there is of course the occasional could make it an underrated gem as well. If you need me to terms of performance or drum-writing, but in terms of atively unknown members? While black metal is the obvi-
good riff, but mostly the play seems uninspired. The com- tell you about the subtleties of the studio production, the production sound quality. That’s A.V.A. soul ripper, leaving ous common denominator between most of these person-
positions on the other hand are pretty good, the different songwriting sensibilities, the virtuoso qualities of the musi- the ensemble depravedness. More, veil Céline perform- alities, this isn’t definitely the right answer. The new
elements are worked well into each other, and there is a cians or the poetic nature of the lyrics then you better fuck ance not allowing her to ‘breath’ properly, and therefore, Norwegian project which goes by the name of 4ge of
nice flow on the album. The pace is punishing without off and go buy whatever the crap you consider to be heavy ‘Abstract Senses’ is not bless with character, have not S1l3nce plays an avantgard-ish prog metal which may draw
being fast, though it paces the songs forward and gives a and cool. Abscess is not for you! [8] ERIC MASSICOTE more down heart deep feeling, more darkness, more emo- comparisons to the above mentioned Winds as well as
nice momentum to the material, which once on a while tions. That’s pity because all the rest is there. Nevertheless, Arcturus. When put against the first of these bands, AoS
seems like an out of control steam train. The vocals are ABSENTIA LUNAE : MARCHING UPON FORGOT- this is a very good and straightforward proposal, suffering comes across as more dynamic and not as classically-ori-
varied between a scream that doesn’t hit my taste and a TEN ASHES from the first albums sound-production common problem, ented as “The Imaginary Direction of Time”. It features also
deeper spoken nu-metal vocal, not that interesting either, [SELF-RELEASED] a production that not venture the some time present artis- some string arrangements here and there, but it’s more
but the variation of the two vocals do work well. Getting straight to the point, Absentia Lunae have one tic quality, musical and lyrical, being always resolve in progressive in the true sense of the word. In addition, it
If it wasn’t for the massive production the album has got- good characteristic that lifts them up above the base future albums with other production-means put at the hints slightly at the same musical weirdness and psyche-
ten, I think I would have lost interest in this album very ground of underground metal, even from acts whose bands disposal, making us aftermath nostalgia on this delia of Arcturus’ “La Masquerade Infernale”, but is not as
fast. Though due to the crushing sound that pushes the music is officially released by labels. In general, they firsts albums. [7] CARLOS FILIPE heavy as “The Sham Mirrors”. More than any of Winds and
music out of the speakers and gives the music quite an achieved an exceptional atmosphere that transforms their, Arcturus, A.O.S. displays a fair amount of 70’s prog influ-
impact, it is listenable for a while. Looking aside the sound otherwise, “nothing-new” black metal into an item that will ADOLF SATAN : ADOLF SATAN ences particularly from the likes of Yes and Jethro Tull.
and on the music, I don’t find it that lasting to be honest, I partly satisfy your thirst for innovation in extreme music. [BESTIAL ONSLAUGHT PRODUCTIONS] “Acceleration”, the band’s debut album, is very much cen-
grew bored of it pretty quick, due to the fact that’s so easy Their trick is the melodious parts that appear in a few Judging by the name I expected some Anal Cunt style of tred both on Winter’s impressive keyboard/piano passages
to predict the songs progression. I guess this album will hit songs which cast the album with a lyrical and melancholic music. The singer of this band is none other than Larry as well as on the excellent all-clean vocal performance of
it at the nu-metal audience and make them jump a bit. I feel raising the interest of the listener (and the reviewer as Lifeless of Upsidedown Cross, and three other guys, all of Nedland. In some tracks his singing is backed up by Eric Si
need my metal a bit more sophisticated, darker or evil, this well) who decides to pay close attention to the album till its whom were at some point in AC. Larry is responsible for and enhanced with harmonizing effects, resulting in some
just doesn’t cut it as a good and long lasting album for me. last seconds. It’s not only a ‘catchy’ melody on guitars and these tortured vocals, but the music is pure sludgecore! truly mesmerizing moments. The music leaves plenty of
[5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN keyboards. That wouldn’t say much. The specialty of the Razor riffs, and not a very good production. When I listen to room for Hellhammer to show off is ever-expanding drum-
sound lies in the complete alternation of the musical sce- albums like this one, all I want to do is try and understand ming skills, which is always something worth checking out.
AARDI : BATHOS nario from aggressive, pitch-black metal to, as if a lethal what they say. Things are gloomy and the vocals are painful. Lyrically “Acceleration” is a surreal journey through busi-
[FIREDOOM MUSIC] black veil covers the song suddenly for a few seconds, dis- Always deranged and tormented vocals are PERFECT for ness buildings of concrete and glass, offices, paperwork,
The Avantgarde movement is quite diverse, weird and it mal and bleak, ethereal ambiences that cannot but leave sludgecore. But that’s not my preference. There’s no other and the stressful rush of everyday life activity, exposing in
supports lots of musical structures and styles. Who was- you astonished. Gracefully for the band, who expresses way to put it for a music that’s so repetitive. Recommended a rather interesting way funny patterns of human behaviour.
n’t surprised with Arcturus, Ram-Zet or Fantômas? I those mentioned alternations, in an attempt to produce only for sludgecore fans. [4.5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS Tracks 2 to 7 (all penned by Winter) comprise the record’s
believe everyone was having a hard time to find a word to pagan feelings, with brilliant melodic singing, riffing and finest moments, while the remaining songs seem a bit less
define those bands’ sound. Nevertheless, bands like those majestic background keys over multi-layered composi- AFTER THE LAST SKY / INERT : THE ESSENCE OF accomplished. Acceleration” may not be necessarily a
are still hard to label them in one word/one genre (Death, tions, the transformation takes place in an eloquent OUR ART IS HATRED / THE 3:00AM CONSPIRACIES groundbreaking album, but it surely is relevant in today’s
Black...Noise...hum, nahhh). Some bands simply don’t method that doesn’t cause any eye-brow to raise. [CIRCUS OF THE MACABRE RECORDS] metal scene. Recommended for the open-minded only.
wanna follow any trend, or wanna be very rich and suc- Unfortunately, if, hypothetically, someone takes those dis- This album jumps right into the fray. I didn’t really get a [8.5] ERNESTO MARTINS
cessful. Instead, they bet on experimentalism and spend - tinguishable moments away from the album, it would be chance to get in the mood of what I was about to hear
sometimes - years improving “that riff”, “that voice”, every just like taking all bullets from AL’s gun-belt, leaving them before my ears were being slammed with a washed out hi- AHRIMAN : KODKIN OSVENY - MISTPAIN PATH
single little detail. They want it to sound perfect. void of ammo. How are they, then, going to kill listener’s hat. After the Last Sky failed to impress me with this [TERRANIS PRODUCTIONS]
So, Aardi is this Finnish one-man-band formed by Master boredom? Well, I am politely trying to say that the back- release. Their musical approach is welcomed, blending Melodic Black Metal from Hungary is on offer here. And I
Warjomaa, who explores different textures and styles on bone of this self-released debut inhabits in the “typical- black/death metal elements with standard metalcore - but was pleasantly surprised with this band as their lyrics about
this first album. Aardi plays a very weird sound: some- black-metal” neighbourhood that so many bands have I feel that they failed to fully explore its potential before shamanism and naturalistic ideology are quite original and
times it plays Doom, sometimes Medieval Folk, other already visited, times and times already. But we shall not releasing the tracks on this album. impressive. They start off with a mixture of medieval
times is experimenting Viking vocals and pure Ambient base our conclusions on hypothesis, only real facts count This EP definitely turns around right at track number four sounds and Black metal that works perfectly! Well, it seems
cleaned sound. It’s impossible to define Aardi’s sound, but and reality has granted those musicians with a skill, they for me though. Inert executes a punishing audio assault. Ahriman have been on the scene for twelve years now. They
some parts remind me of Bathory’s Viking era should take more advantage of. Honestly, from the other Track 5, Oblivious To the Threat is a unbridled circle mosh mainly released demo tapes since ‘94 and in ‘01 they
(“Kivijumala”), for instance. The whole CD is very, very moments of “Marching...” only some mid-tempo aggres- song to the core. This band bleeds violence through your released their first full-lenght “Naturegate”. So this is only
calm, so it’s not recommended for Deathsters or any other sive parts have gained my sympathy, while some other the 2nd release of this seven-member band and it was
extreme music fans. “Bathos” is a unique experience, any songs left me indifferent. Nevertheless, I sensed a group recorded Studio 440 in Erd, December ‘04. Most tracks
of my words is not enough to describe everything. I can’t that has something to say, something new to offer for our seem to be in Hungarian but they still manage to be catchy
say if this is Avantgarde or Ambient, due to its total exper- aural pleasure and so I salute them! [6.5] JOHN ZIKOS and cool. Lambert Ledeczy’s vocals are very seductive and
imentalism and slow tempos. I think that it is recommend- Zoltan’s and Istvan’s guitar playing impresses anyone!
ed for people who like to lay on bed in a very dark room ABYSSIC HATE : A DECADE OF HATE There are lots of rhythm variations so you won’t get the
and taste the beautiful melody. Sigur Rós might also be [NO COLOURS RECORDS] same blast beats over and over again and the keyboards
considered as a reference, or at least S. Rós fans will enjoy This is something that I wouldn’t think of from a band with give the music a ferocity of its own. [7,5] SÓNIA FONSECA
this CD very much. [8] SIMÃO FONSECA only a debut album released! This is even stranger
because this do not gather all the ten years of Abyssic ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY : RIVER CITY REVIVAL
ABOMINATOR : THE ETERNAL CONFLAGRATION Hate’ existence into a CD, but rather their first ‘94 demo [RELAPSE RECORDS]
[DISPLEASED RECORDS] “Cleansing of and Ancient Race”, their ‘97 Mcd “Eternal A.T.’s whiskey drenched, Southern tasting doom rock is
I’ve been following Abominator since their debut Damnation” and the song ‘Betrayed’ featured on the “No infused with an originality I can’t quite put my finger on.
“Damnations’s Prophecy” released back in ‘99 under the Colours Volume 2 Compilation” Cd. What about the stuff in There’s no doubt that the standard Black Sabbath influence
now defunct label, Necropolis Records. During the years between? The title “A Decade of Hate” would definitely is present in the guitar stylings, but it’s not just another
the band has developed their primitive sonority however make sense if all stuff was featured ‘till their excellent traditional doom metal band (though there’s nothing at all
this is the type of bands that can release a bunch of albums debut “Suicidal Emotions”! But Shane Rout has always wrong with those). There’s a white heat at the center of the
and probably any of them will be a highlight on the metal had a particular “fuck it” attitude... circular riffage jamming hard and heavy from the amps of
scene. Their extremely raw, straight forward and insane This shows the development of this one man controversial A.T. (Ampabama Thunderpussy) out of which exudes the
music can delight some headbangers, especially fans of band, and I guess this might be a valuable item for all black stoner sludge thickness that I can’t quite identify.
bands like Sadistik Exekution, Angelcorpse or Bestial metal suicidal fanatics! [5] NUNO SANTOS Something tenebrous yet relentlessly heavy that burns like
Warlust but will surely pass aside the rest. heated metal but smashes like darkness embodied.
Production wise “The Eternal Conflagration” has a few AD HOMINEM : CLIMAX OF HATRED Categorically, this is stoner metal, pure and simple. But it’s
photo: Alex Kuehr

minor flaws, the bass is constantly behind the wall of [AVANTGARDE MUSIC] not so simple. It’s as if the members of the band have
“noise” and sometimes only the guitar and the bass drum The French Black Metal scene is a strong one and has been found a way to inject that nebulous something-or-other
are audible. I guess this doesn’t help Abominator at all, I delivering quality-bands, there’s no doubt about that! that constitutes the human soul. These are men on fire -
mean when having such intense and fast bands where its Bands like Antaeus, Nehemah, Deathcode of the Abyss, the passion of the music states as much, and blatantly -
essential to keep track of every aspect of the music in Blut Aus Nord, and Deathspell Omega (I could go on for a and they have somehow managed to cram the fight in their
order to maintain a high level of interest we get a slight flat while!) show us that there’s more to France than good spirit into the thick center of their hardy, sludged out
production. On the other hand this is their best album, the wine and smelly cheese. It’s also a place where Satan man- riffage. There’s truly a sense of individuality and identity
years pass by and their songs turn more and more coher- ifests quite actively through his servants. AMON AMARTH : FATE OF NORNS afoot in the music of Alabama Thunderpussy; but narrow-
ent and enthusiastic with a few stand out points. One of the Ad Hominem also belongs to the aforementioned list, I [METAL BLADE RECORDS] ing it down to something definable is problematic at best.
things that has turned refined during the years is Chris could tell only by knowing them in theory (or should I say What’s the secret? I could say, what’s their secret identity?
In true Viking tradition, Amon Amarth return with one
Volcano’ vocals which changed from a quite primitive ‘him’, since it’s practically a one-man’s band?). Anyway, I But speaking of identity, what’s important is how A.T.’s dis-
growling approach to a more solid rawer kind of voice, yet had heard some music of Ad Hominem before, but never of their most brutal, and best, efforts, yet. The epic tinctive sound preserves its identity. Maybe that’s why this
he his far better behind the skins of his drum. with enough attention I guess. On “Climax of Hatred” I get opener “An Ancient Sign of Coming Storm” sets the band has been around a while to keep doomsters shaking
I guess “The Eternal Conflagration” would shine way more confronted with a band that knows what its doing and, as scene for all that follow, preparing these mighty war- their fists in the air. With such bulging, muscular grooves
with a better production where all details of this insane far as I’m concerned, is here to stay and crush! rippling like steroid injected biceps at the world’s best gym
riors for battle, with their death march (with some of
band could be clearly heard. This is strictly for fans of fast This is Ad Hominem’s 3rd full-length album and, besides and swinging like a drunken, Irish barfight, the listener is
and intense black death metal music. [6] NUNO SANTOS one demo, they’ve released 5 splits. That’s quite a good Fredrik Anderson’s excellent drumming and Olavi left with no choice but to submit. [8.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
discography for a band created in ‘98 I must say! But then, Mikkonen and Johan Soderberg’s rhythm guitar
ABORTED : THE ARCHAIC ABATTOIR at the same time, it explains the maturity of the songs on work); the relentless, onslaught, of the well-narrated, ALARUM : EVENTUALITY
[LISTENABLE RECORDS] the new album, 10 in total, from which one is a very well [EARACHE RECORDS]
title track, that builds, to a brutal thrashing, at it’s
First of all, when I heard the Haematobic EP I was immedi- achieved cover of Mysticum’s “Crypt of Fear”! This Australian band has been on the lips of followers of
ately curious to hear what it would be the fifth coming The sound on this CD is really good and it fits the cold bru- finale, is their call to Oden, God on high, to seek Cynic and the like-explorers of highly progressive death
release. The perfect sound quality of the album is the first tality of the music perfectly. It’s awesome how Ad vengeance, and avenge them; the saga continues, on metal infused with jazz. This album, the band’s second full
thing to notice. Every instrument is played in its best way, Hominem manages to do this, I mean, it’s quite difficult to “The Pursuit of Vikings”, that contains their heaviest length has received a lot of praise down under, and was
Gilles Delecroix, the drummer, has everything to make this end up with a good production, but without losing the riffs, yet, as they set sail on stormy seas, with both named the best Australian metal release of 2004. It is now
album one of the most brutal and heavy in drums part. The harsh Black Metal integrity! Ad Hominem succeeded flaw- available in Europe after a small detour to the US via
heads, and weapons, held high, that none shall defy;
bass composition is constantly following the drums, which lessly! Check this album out! [8] TARAS VAN DIJK Willowtip Records.
makes a big difference between many death metal releases the pace quickens, and congealing blood thickens, as As written the band takes off in technical jazzy death metal,
nowadays. The guitars, although more into melodic scene, AD VITAM AETERNAM : ABSTRACT SENSES “The Beheading of a King” takes place, through an act even though the death metal elements aren’t that many. It
they still also have the brutal death metal parts. Sven voice [KARMAGEDDON MEDIA] is more built upon groovy technical pieces, nicely weaved
of treason, and features Fredrik’s best drumming on
is more versatile in “The Archaic Abattoir” than in the other For all of you who like old Theatre of Tragedy, Tristania, into each other. There are many breaks, though it is sel-
the album; closing the contract, that “Once Sealed in
full-length Aborted releases, which makes it the biggest trail of Tears and After forever, I can say you have a new dom that the ruins the flow, they are worked greatly into
value of this album and probably will add some fans to reason to smile. Going at the well know old, but always Blood” cannot be broken, bonds these brothers in the songs and it flows nicely. The songs seem to have been
Aborted. We can notice that they all grow up as musicians, modern ‘beauty and the beast’ aesthetic musicality, Ad arms, forever more, to not break the oath. Blending worked really through, the arrangements works, and the
a big evolution since ‘95. Many songs remind me Vitam Aeternam don’t stand out a millimetre from that Unleashed’s brutal vocal style and sound, with band has some great ideas, that unfold pretty good. There
“Heartwork” release from Carcass, in some instrumental swollen line, conjugating Fabien Longeot death like grunts Manowar’s concepts of war, Amon Amarth are this are a lot of good guitar work on the album, great riffs, good
parts. The Lyrics are still the same, rotten and gore, as usual. with Céline de Kerliviou angelical voice in a soprano man- melodic leads and great solos. The ever present bass is
“The Archaic Abattoir” counts with guest appearances from ner like she is, giving us the most enchanting band ele- decades defenders of true, warrior, Metal, all others delivering nice and funky lines all the way through the
the vocalists of Illdisposed, Mnemic and Hatesphere. A good ment, followed by keyboard-partition that gives a magnifi- can die by their swords! [9] CHRIS HORTON album, and is a treat for bass fetishists. The bass has a lot

18 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
of place in the good and clean cut production. All the Venom and the like! “Steel Inferno” has always been my lyrical rhymes, in a recipe for success. The “Warbird” takes 19th century European battlefields through to future cyber-
instruments have, they all have all the place they need to favourite from the day that tape version fell into my hands Metal to the max, pushing the limits of both speed, and space realms. Very surrealistic indeed. The band is flexible
unfold themselves on, and that’s quite a plus, when there as it sounds very close to the aforementioned kults. In fact, sound, albeit repetitiously, it had me banging midway enough to move through various styles that extend from
at times is going a lot on, on the same time. Though at music wise it has some songs those bands would only through, then it took a Korn turn, and Nu-vocalist Dave Iron Maiden to Iced Earth, Nightwish and Slayer. Tight and
other times when the music quiets down, it seems like wish to be able to create nowadays. Just listen to tracks Padden shows how long he can hold a note. The moody, with musical experimentations that intrigue the listener,
there is a big distance between the instruments, and that such as “Vengeance Command” and “Black Candles”! atmospheric, “Too Far Gone” once again tests the limits, Antiquus is a band that you need to scratch the surface and
makes the output rather thin, though that doesn’t happen Pure fucking class!! Only disadvantage for this side of the this time lyrically, at a steady pace, with lots of power, it reveal their deeper meanings and messages. I know it’s not
that often. The drumming on the album is good as well, disc is the overall low volume levels as it has obviously not reminds me a bit of Metallica. Oddly enough, Jeff is still easy nowadays but I guarantee you that if you dig a little
very varied, at times hard hitting and straight forward, at been re-mastered hence sounding quite weak. On the using ideas that first surfaced 20 years ago, on various deeper you’ll probably find that they have a lot to offer. They
other times more like percussion. The vocals are varied as other hand “Mass Suicide” (which was recorded back in demos, like “Word Salad”, including the album’s title itself, seem creative as they have shown interest in writing musi-
well, it differs between a growl that reminds me of a raw 2000 - a couple of years after “Steel Inferno”) despite and select riffs. [5] CHRIS HORTON cal themes for films and video games if they find the chance.
and not as good as the early days of Chuck Schuldiner and being influenced by the masters of 80s black / thrash also It’s really been a while, possibly since the Cloven Hoof “A
a clean, pretty good vocal, that contains a lot of passion. sounds (at least to my ears) a bit close to very early Sigh ANTHRAX : THE GREATER OF TWO EVILS Sultan’s Ransom”, which I have listened so closely to an
This is quite an album to digest, if you’re into technical yet without the avantgarde elements. Actually the whole [NUCLEAR BLAST] album. I suggest you do the same. [5.5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
metal with a touch of death, thrash and jazz, this is for you. material sounds very early Sigh due to Count Czar Yang`s Anthrax has always been a band about the fans. This album
Great musicians and good song writers, make it all work decaying voice (could this be Mirai by any chance?!?!). was released for their 20th anniversary and it was made by ARISE : THE BEAUTIFUL NEW WORLD
into a higher wholesome, and the result is quite listenable, And if that was not enough at the end of the disc, one will fans for the fans through their website voting process. This [SPIKEFARM RECORDS]
even though it takes some listens to get it to hang on. be able to listen to 3 tracks from a 2004 studio session. is Anthrax focused on crushing everything in their path. I remember watching these guys in a Vader tour some
Though I wonder about the hidden track that appears after Ammit is probably one of the best Chilean hordes in “The Greater of Two Evils” is a thrash dynamite and a tes- years ago and thinking that they were quite a promising
many many minutes of silence, I have understood the today’s scene, sticking to what they can do best... per- tament to how great they are. None of these songs sound band. After that, a couple of listens to their “Kings of the
meaning of such, and for me that ruins the entire atmos- forming 80s black / thrash metal holocaust in the South outdated, but fresh and exciting. The tracks are mainly Cloned Generation” record proved me my first impressions
phere of the album. [8] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN American way! [8] ALEX ANTONIOU from their earlier records, when Joey Belladonna and Neil were right. The new record “The Beautiful New World” fol-
Turbin were in the band. The current line-up of Scott Ian, lows the path of its predecessor, building upon its founda-
ALGHAZANTH : THE POLARITY AXIOM AMORPHIS : ELEGY Charlie Benante, Frank Bello, John Bush and Rob Caggiano tions, and outgrowing it by far. Soundwise, this is great, but
[WOODCUT RECORDS] [RELAPSE RECORDS] rip into these songs. The outcome is a total of 70 minutes it is the ability for making songs that sets Arise apart from
This release is the 4th of the Finnish outfit Alghazanth and This band was a big revelation when they released “The madness! If you are an old time fanatic thrasher then take the competition. This is obvious from the starting line “How
it’s also the 4th under the Woodcut banner. This 6-piece Karelian Isthmus”, so “Elegy” was a huge surprise as it the chance. [9] KOSTAS ANTONATOS long can you pretend”, a tack that features a great chorus
band strikes again performing their majestic and melodic was one of the most experimental Death Metal albums and a guitar solo from the Andreas Kisser school. These
Black Metal in the same vein of their previous album back in the mid nineties. “Elegy” was an experiment that ANTIQUUS : RAMAYANA guys have an ear for a good riff or melody and take full
“Osíris...”. The 3rd album granted them the recognition sighted forwardness and it all reflects in the music. By [SELF PRODUCED] advantage on it by structuring their songs around it. There’s
they deserved and they finally proved to be worth noticing. composing and recording songs like “Against Widows”, Yet another ambitious effort from a Canadian band. Have some healthy dosage of At The Gates throughout the
So the follow up to “Osiris” would be a kind of test to them “The Orphan” and “My Kantele”, the band had proven you ever before met some historical and cultural record, but they treat it with personality, adding to the mix
and I think I can firmly say that they passed the test with themselves musically. Highly open minded and colourful, researchers playing metal? Moving from India’s bazaars, to tons of staccato riffing, like on the groovy “King of yester-
“The Polarity Axiom” because though nothing much
changed, this is their best album so far. “The Polarity
Axiom” features eight heavy tracks with strong, impressive ANAAL NATHRAKH : DOMINE NON ES DIGNUS
lyrics and the chemistry is definitely here. My personal [SEASON OF MIST]
favourite tracks include “Soulquake”, “The Herald For
Reason” and “With Black Aureoles”. This is not an out- “Anaal Nathrakh is the soundtrack to the Armageddon” - this is how the press release of this album starts and I totally
standing release but it’s quite a good listen so you better agree! Since day one, this duo (who’s also individual and collectively related with other pearls of nowadays extreme
check it out. “I can sense the intensity of their hunger to music such as Frost or Mistress) has played the most claustrophobic, sick, twisted and necro black metal ever. And let’s
consume what is still left of me”... [7] SÓNIA FONSECA face it: when two guys with Radiohead shirts have managed to re-create and achieve that Mayhem’s purulent and unique
ALL SHALL PERISH : [Link] feeling of De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas, which thousands of other bands have unsuccessful tried for a decade, they totally
[NUCLEAR BLAST RECORDS] deserve our respect. Anaal’s first album (The Codex Necro) was received in shock: it was a really nihilistic approach with
In a time where Bay Area is completely split up, would you a lot of grim, distorted ambiences and it gave them the title of “the angriest band on earth”. I can only speak for myself,
expect what? Thrash metal bands?... I would think twice if who can hardly give a fuck about bands with programmed drums, but in this particular case there was something
I were you. The Bay Area scene has changed quite a lot,
appealing in this album: its disturbing sense! After the re-release of some demos, we now have in hands their second
indeed, and nowadays you find two kinds of music: the
hardcore and the metal. So, where does All Shall Perish fit album and my first impression was that it wasn’t as violent and sick compared to The Codex Necro but, after listening to
in the middle of this division? In the middle. That’s where it a few times, the music starts to “grow” and equals (or even surpasses) the quality of their first album. Irrumator is
they fit in. Five different minds have gathered together to playing great riffs where we can perceive some death metal hints and the drum-machine work is more intense and full of
form one of the most interesting metalcore bands of the
great details. This new album shows a new range of influences/references: I must point out some reminiscences of
moment in the US. They have the fucking balls to mix the
NYHC scene with the most devastating American death Emperor, due to some high-pitch voices (yeah, that “Rob Halford effect”) but the majority of the vocals’ work is really
metal bands, such as Suffocation or Dying Fetus, and more sick and depraved than ever, screaming anti-human and apocalyptic themes. Imagine that V.I.T.R.I.O.L. (who is
unlike 80% of the metalcore bands, you won’t find any now the vocalist in Benediction) is suffering some kind of Leng Tch’e penalty inside an abandoned factory and is
trace of Swedish influence here. “Fresh air”, some of you screaming his guts out in pain! All very mechanic (yeah, the lack of human drummer helps the feeling), chaotic and with
may think.
Fresh air, indeed. I confess I was getting a little bit bored a perfect production. One of 2004 best metal releases! [9] GUILHERMINO MARTINS
with the whole Killswitch Engage clones, and it sure felt
good to play this entire record on my stereo. For once I
wasn’t listening to a KSE clone, I was actually listening to with some very nice oriental sound flirtations. It doesn’t day, slave of today” or the aggressive “Profit from the
a combination of moshcore alike break downs and that sound like a Death Metal record, but still it can be original. weak”. In fact, despite the catchy choruses (and here that
cool & groovy down-tuned US brutal death riffage. For Some of the more “Metal” tracks are the melodic “Against is a good thing, I think), Arise manage to balance every-
fuck’s sake, this is THE SHIT! The brutal Craig Betit’s voice Widows” and the Folkish “On Rich And Poor”. Tomi´s thing between melody and aggression, like on the
alongside with two good guitar players (Beniko Orum and growls don’t always sound perfect but are clean. Slayeresque “Misery”. These guys certainly have some-
Caysen Russo) and two rhythm machines: one on the Polished keyboards and other weird stuff like tambourines thing good going on for them, so I’ll keep my eye on them...
bass, one on the machine gun drumming style. They have and sitars are present as well. They mostly focus on we never know when they might come up with something
shared stages with a lot of god-like bands (Hate Eternal, Finnish literature and poems. Finally I’d say “Elegy” is a to actually might rival with “Slaughter of the soul”! A final
Suffocation, Dying Fetus, Six Feet Under...) and the “Hate cool example for someone who explores their music for note to “Tribute to the flesh”, a song that could have come
Machine” won’t stop until they conquer Europe, that’s the first time. [8] KOSTAS ANTONATOS out from the recording sessions to Carcass’ “Heartwork”: I
what I think. “[Link]” is a hybridization of haven’t read anything on this, but that voice really, really
the heavy fucking music we love, and as a band, All Shall ANAL VOMIT : DEMONIAC FLAGELLATIONS sounds like Jeff Walker... [7.5] MIGUEL SOUSA
Perish continues to destroy the stage while bringing [DISPLEASED RECORDS]
together the various scenes of heavy music to head bang, Along with acts like (earliest) Sepultura, Sarcofago, ARKHON INFAUSTUS : PERDITION INSANABILIS
spin kick, circle pit, two step, you name it...you will find Pentagram, Mortem or Ammit, Anal Vomit appears to be [OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS]
them at an All Shall Perish show. Give these guys some quite an eloquent proof that sonic extremity, in its sheerest Two years after the excellent “The Filth Catalyst”, Arkhon
time and they’ll find their true sound in a next album, but form, dwells in South America and nowhere else! Infaustus returns with a Death Black Metal attack. The
check this shit out first! [8] SIMÃO FONSECA “Demoniac Flagellations” is the first ever full-length from band are definitely testing the limits of Black Metal and the
these Peruvians and the 11 tracks on it are definitely going vocals are guttural. There is a great variation of riffs that
ALLFATHER : WEAPON OF ASCENSION to wipe even the toughest headbanger out! In other words, together with the vocals of D. Deviant and 666 Torturer
[INVICTUS PRODUCTIONS] what you should prepare your poor eardrums for is outra- ARCANA : LE SERPENT ROUGE result in a massive attack of brutality. Both vocalists work
From the outside Canada looks like a nice and quiet country, geous Death / Black Metal structured by vertiginously [DISPLEASED RECORDS] very well and manage to mix guttural vocals with shrieks
though when judging on much of the music from up there, rapid drum attacks, insanely howling leads, thick riffs and in a superb way! The lyrics are awesome and the black and
Never has a band sounded so close to the glorious
one should think that the country is in an eternal battle with vocals puking poisonous hatred with the inexorable dedi- white cover is cool and I bet it would turn out to be a great
about everything possible. The one after the other aggres- cation of a hired assassin! An album not to be missed for Dead Can Dance than Arcana! Will they be able to tattoo... (something I’ll have in consideration for sure!
sive and brutal battle metal album are descending from up sure, and those of you who enjoy listening to cover ver- reach that climax once again with this latest effort of Heheh). Arkhon Infaustus are for sure one of the best
there, whether it is with its base in black or death metal. sions would most probably love to hear Anal Vomit’s inter- theirs? Will “Le Serpent Rouge” be their new extreme acts in the scene today. Over 41 minutes of a mix
Allfather has their base in black metal, thought there are a pretations of Sepultura’s “Antichrist” (CD version) or “Serpent’s Egg” or not? One can only find out by sim- of grinding death metal and extreme black metal with 9
heavy dose of chaotic threads of thrash here and there. “Troops of Doom” (LP version). [7.5] VANYA MARINOVA tracks all named after Greek letters namely Alpha, Beta,
The compositions are as such very alike, brutal and relent- ply purchasing and inserting this new disc of theirs Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta, Eta, Theta and Omega. Best
less pieces of anger and frustration. The blend of a rasped ANHKREHG : AGAINST YOU ALL... into the cd player. Funny enough, this new album tracks in here are definitely, in my opinion of course,
and screamed vocal is ear piercing and haunting, it makes [GALY RECORDS] sees Arcana changing from their dark medieval sound “Theta - Whirlwind Journey” and “Delta - Six Seals
its mark very fast. The guitar riffs are spewed forth in a Anhkrehg is a blasting bash of black metal touched by and drifting towards the Arabian mysticism with the Salvation”. The closing track “Omega - Absurd Omega
pretty chaotic manner, the riffs are weaving in an out of death and touching you with a sledgehammer of unrelent- Revelation” is a sinister instrumental. Great album indeed!
use of percussion and other exotic instruments such
each other and creates a good amount of havoc and are ing and unforgiving brutality. Like an out of control freight Get hold of it! [8.5] SÓNIA FONSECA
worthy of many listen, even though it might not be the train with horrible, jagged spikes along the side that comes as the duduk. But they still captivate that Dead Can
most original riffs being used. The drumming is good as crashing off the rails and down the street and into your Dance feeling that can be found in the Eastern / ARSIS : A CELEBRATION OF GUILT
well, pretty varied and ranging from slow blastbeats to house and through your mutilated body - well, you get the [EARACHE RECORDS]
Egyptian inspired “Spiritchaser”, and a very dark one
lightening speed blasting, just check out a track like ‘Fight picture. The percussion slams into your helpless self with In musical terms Arsis is meaning silence, though in terms
that is. The percussion can be heard all throughout
Into Exile’ and enjoy how the drummer speeds up the the force of machine gun rivets while the guitar riffs act as of this American band, it means the direct opposite,
blasting in the end of the song, good work. The production acid-dipped whips to remove the filthy flesh from your bed- the album, repetitive like a gathering of nomads that because there isn’t much silence about the band’s first full
is as expected, raw with a lot of nerve and character. The immed bones. Hammering and unforgiving, concussive travel through a desert without stopping and with no length effort “A Celebration Of Guilt”. Melodic death metal
sound is getting through and the chaotic mix adds atmos- and hard-hitting, “Against You All” comes off as exactly sense of direction; and this is where the difference is spiced up with black metal elements and a lot of furious
phere and nerve to the hate fuelled war metal attack. that, a war manifesto against the world. The war has begun; to “Spiritchaser”. Not only it is darker and more mys- musical bursts. The compositions are mature and consists
After the demise of killer bands as Bestial Warlust, Angel the band marches. All should beware. And take note, the of a good amount of different elements are varied very
Corpse and the likes and Deströyer 666 going more thrash cannon fire will come not from guns but from music from tical but it is also “dry”, repetitive and more hypnotic well. There is a red thread trough out the album, you are
lately, Allfather is applying to the throne of this chaotic Hades’ outer reaches with enough force to drive you into with less female vocals. In fact female vocals can only not in doubt of you’re listening to Arsis, after having given
genre, crossbreeding all the good and lethal elements from dust. This music is an attack on the senses and drives obvi- be heard on seldom occasions and are always the album a couple of spins, and there some good hooks
black, thrash and death into one chaotic battle field, this ously from the hearts of those who hate the world but love drowned in Arcana`s trademark background strings. here and there, which makes the songs stick to the mem-
shall be heard. [8] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN their goddam metal. [7.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN ory. Arsis has somewhat managed to create their own
This is the PERFECT soundtrack of one being stuck in
sound and style, and I’m sure they’ll stick to this trademark
AMMIT : MASS SUICIDE / STEEL INFERNO ANNIHILATOR : SCHIZO DELUXE the desert during the evening time and not being able through out their career. The swirling disharmonic melod-
[FROM BEYOND PRODUCTIONS] [AFM RECORDS] to figure which direction the Hanging Gardens of ic leads on top of pounding double bass drums, a loud and
What a great Chilean horde this one. True to their cause Underrated guitar virtuoso Jeff Waters returns with a new Babylon is! The soundtrack to a long and painfully mean bass and the raspy growled scream from James
and low profiled for over a decade now, this reminds me of release, crafted by well-honed hands in the art of Metal, Malone. The music is quite technical with out getting too
dry death! Invest in one of Arcana`s most inspiring
something!? This split release consists o both their early with an added sense of humour, delivered with precision. much, due to the good hooks and good and heavy base.
full lengths and contains some 70 min. of dirty fuzzy old The opener “Maximum Satan” is interesting, in that it albums in a while! [9] ALEX ANTONIOU Production-wise the album is well executed, just as the
school black / thrash in the vein of Sodom, Hellhammer, blends radio edits, with demon growls, catchy riffs, and music there on. A heavy and raw sound, clear in the right

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 19
 ARCKANUM : THE 11 YEAR ANNIVERSARY ALBUM hear music from all eras of this great band. There is (Carpathian Forest, Nattefrost) and Fenriz (Darkthrone)
[CARNAL RECORDS] also the band’s only video production to date, included add vocal contributions to this thrashing fest and soon
on the CD version, the video to the track ‘Gava Fran enough you’ll find yourself hitting repeat in order to enjoy
The legendary Swedish one man black metal band again this album. Hoping for Aggressor’s full recovery...
Arckanum lead by Shamaatae celebrated the 11th year Trulen’, a decent but very raw video, taped in the great [8] ERIC MASSICOTTE
anniversary of the band last year, with the release of this Swedish forest. Act fast the CD version is limited to
album, displaying track from the band’s career, from the 3000, the LP version to 1000 copies and the picture AUTUMN TEARS : ECLIPSE
[DARK SYMPHONIES]
earliest recordings, to the latest, together with the track disc version to 200 copies. And it is somewhat of a
A very beautiful album! Autumn Tears’ music nicely
‘þæn vredhgadi svarti loghin’ from the hard to find split 7” treat to read the liner notes from Shamaatae as well, a
evolves in a poetic-like manner as the album creates slow-
with Contamino and the 2 tracks from the “Boka Vm Kaos” very complete release. [9] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN ly, song by song, an elegiac, lyric atmosphere which cap-
7” EP. A treat for fans of the band and a good place to tivates you, in the same way that reading great literature
start for people who wants to check out the band. ARCKANUM : TRULEN does! You’ll agree with me and feel my words, when lis-
[CARNAL RECORDS] tening this beauty. Every song plays its role in this ten-
Raw and straight forward chaos-gnostic black metal, very
track album since they altogether (each one with different
bleak and dark with the misanthropy shining through the Originally released back in ‘94 in tape format “Trulen” tools and means) construct a memorable, unique and
enchanted and captivating compositions. The main base of only corroborates my theory that Arckanum even at an refreshing for our ears (in spite of -or even due to- its vin-
the music is raw and quite simple, and catches quick on, early demo stage was a “fearful” entity to have in con- tage connotations) ambience that makes this album an
though the more time one spend on listening to the music, sideration. Inside you get the first songs strictly done item that all lovers of good, quality music should sought
after. If the band’s previous albums bored you, due to their
the more layers show themselves and one is sucked deep- by Shamaatae that probably only gave him more force
grand neo-classical keyboard parts and the, certain times,
er into the universe of Arckanum. The music has a grand to walk the music path alone... Some of the songs fea- ineffective long operatic vocalisms, a fact quite under-
spiritual touch, and the listener will get the full output after tured here were after part of the debut album “Fran standable for someone not familiar with neo-classical/
continuous listens to the material, on a dark night, in a Marder” under the Necropolis Records banner in ‘95. heavenly music, like many of our readers, please, don’t let
In “Trulen” you get more than 50 minutes of pagan this impression of yours distract you from “Eclipse”. The
dark room with dim candle lights as the only light source,
difference lies in the experience Autumn Tears’ have
this is music for a spiritual travel into the inner sanctum of black metal where the main inspiration is the master of
gained after all these years dealing with this singular
the soul. Made of old school sounding cold guitar riffs, nature, the lord of trolls, Pan. This is an essential crumb of sound they are involved to. Especially after com-
blasting double bass drumming, a nice use of an open hi- release to all black metal worshippers, an excellent tes- pleting, with their last album, the concept trilogy “Love
hat and a good fill here and there, to break the monotony. timony of the starting period of a great band. This is of Poems For Dying Children”, they have gathered the appro-
course not the best work done by Shamaatae (I would priate skills to left-over the weak parts of their sound (even
The riffing is quite good, melodic and it adds a lot of dark
if I doubt them being plenty this time) and excel in the spe-
and mysterious atmosphere to the overall output. The recommend the superb “kampen” album) neither the cial characteristics that made them distinguishable, in the
harsh and cold scream is very fitting to the music. It pos- better produced, still it contains an essential intrinsic first place, into the whole of the underground. They have
sesses a lot of emotion and it can be felt that Shamaatae is essence that unfortunately lacks in many so called reached perfection so to say. Symphonic keyboard sound-
into what he sings. And the use of arcane Swedish adds to dark releases. Raw, simple, sometimes too basic yet scapes, escorted by sad melodies and supported by mys-
tic percussions, with heavenly voices guiding the soul of
the aesthetical side of band and adds atmosphere. As writ- powerful as a punch in the face!
the listener into surreal, nostalgic and moonlit worlds!
ten earlier this is a great album to get hold of for existing As a bonus you get three unreleased versions of ‘Gava Just great! [8.5] JOHN ZIKOS
fans of Arckanum, due to the hard to find material on here. Fan Trulen’, ‘Yvir Min Diupe Marder’ and ‘Svinna’.
As well as it is a good start for new fans, due to getting to Please, learn with the masters... [6] NUNO SANTOS AVERSE SEFIRA : TETRAGRAMMATICAL ASTYGMATA
[EVIL HORDE RECORDS]
The ten songs of this release show that the Texan trio
Averse Sefira are in great form. The band play a mixture of
places, as the guitar sound. It has a good punch, the music Portuguese metal band Thormentor and active member of enced elements, which makes the card house collapse. As Norwegian Black metal with American death metal which
is pushed out of the speakers, without sounding forced. the band Bizarra Locomotiva). All instruments are wisely such it seems like the band has some good ideas, and some results in this bombastic “Tetragrammatical Astygmata”.
The instruments are well-weighed in the overall mix and layered and with the help of a fat production the music has of the music does sound good and makes one want to head- After the introduction “Exordium”, kicker song
have good positions. an extra punch that impresses! Probably Colin Davis from bang. But other tracks makes me sitting back, wondering: “Detonation” is a blast and from then on, the rush doesn’t
“A Celebration Of Guilt” seems to be the beginning of an the extreme US Death Metal band Vile had something to do “What went wrong!?!”, just take a listen to the track stop and the adrenaline keeps flowing. Songs such as
interesting acquaintance, Arsis has delivered a powerful with it, since he mastered “Equilibrium”. ‘Structure Of Emptiness’, which introduces dance beats, “Cremation of Ideologies” and “Decapitation of Sigils” with
and hard hitting album, made clever and catchy without On the other hand musically Assemblent still have to smooth small intriguing electronic elements, sounding very pop-like their Death Metal riffs mingled with Black Metal result in
loosing brutality or progression. If they keep up the good some rough edges, sometimes the music tends to be a bit and dance friendly, there are some heavy guitar parts on the awesome tracks. The titles of the songs are quite com-
work and keeps on developing their niche, they’ll write predictable. Nevertheless the band manages to keep the lis- track, and some of the vocal performance ugly and repul- plex... “Plagabraha”, “Sonnance Inumbrate”, just to name
metal history in time. [8.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN tener interested with the details and variations that they insert sive, but the track is a pop-song in disguise. That is the a few. Moreover one gets lost in the middle of it all con-
during the songs, and I guess this is what differentiates bad clearest example, others are more subtle and more blended sidering that there’s always a wall of sound that doesn’t
ASSASSIN : THE CLUB from good albums. Fernando Ribeiro helps the band with his with extreme elements. Though there are good tracks like even allow us to think and that gets a bit too tiring. Plus,
[AGD RECORDS] participation on the melodic song ‘Silent Cries’ which could the opener ‘Code Word (Personal) Cold World’, which has the lyrics use very complicated words such as “lexiphan-
German Thrash legends, and veterans, Assassin, probably easily be taken from a Moonspell album. This song appears some nice Carcass sounding riffs, melodies and vocals ic”, “equipollence”... are we suppose to understand them
one of the earliest of Europe’s bands to tackle this particular placed where we start getting the feeling that Assemblent are reminding of Danish Withering Surface, but still a good at all?! Hehe! Just kidding! Nevertheless, this completely
style (and were not to become quite as well-known as trapped inside their own music and its like a recharging of track. That is one of the other problems I faces, when find- dominates you! [7] SÓNIA FONSECA
Destruction, Kreator, and Sodom) return with the follow-up batteries for ‘Grammaton Cleric’. As a bonus you get a DVD ing a good song on this album, there are many elements I
to “Interstellar Experience”, that was 17 years in the making! track with the videoclip of the song ‘Heartwork’. “Equilibrium” can place on other albums etc. and that’s a shame. AZAGHAL : CODEX ANTITHEUS
Upon first hearing “The Club” title, I was eagerly anticipat- is an honest album with no false pretensions, a good debut Considering the good ideas the band has. Too bad they don’t [AVANTGARDE MUSIC]
ing a live CD, but was let down to discover that it was not. from a Portuguese band with potential. I only wish that more have the song writing abilities to make them happen 100%. This is Black Metal in its most brutal and rawer form.
Highlights include Michael Hoffmann and Scholli Scholz’ labels would bet on Portuguese bands, gladly we have I’m sure that if Atrophia Red Sun had kept on going, they Second in and second out Azaghal fill our ears with hell-
killer, rhythm, hooks, on “No Fear”, that’s an angry anthem Nemesis for that. [7] NUNO SANTOS would have made some good and crushing albums in the made noise. If you are interested and motivated to listen to
for Assassin, with atmosphere and mood, showcasing every future, there are good elements on this album. The musi- old style Black Metal, then this is definitely for you. Kicker
members talent, superbly; the moshing, mayhem, of the ATARAXIA & AUTUNNA ET SA ROSE : LA VIA cians know their instruments and deliver some nice song has a powerful and intense refrain “Agios O
Thrashing “Bushwhackers” had me slamming around the VERSO IL CIELSO sounding music and the band seems tight. The song writ- Baphometh” that immediately catches your attention.
house, having a grand, ole, time, filled with youthful memo- [EQUILIBRIUM MUSIC] ing skills are their biggest problem, or were, as I see it, but Track number four, “Kumarra Petoa”, is a kind of homage
ries; the epic “Psycho Terror” builds to a fevered pitch, then CD1 (Strange Lights): Ataraxia have always fascinated me that is one of the things that can be worked on and to thrash metal... those initial screams kinda remind me of
explodes in Robert Gonnella’s raging scream, from a rather and this output is as great as all of their masterpieces. improved. If you are into industrial induced death metal the mighty Rob Halford but I’m not sure all fans of this
basic foundation; the concept behind the eclectic “The Price Ataraxia sounds medieval and somewhat classical. with a great deal of melodies, this is an album you should Finnish outfit will appreciate this “experimentation” but...
Of Power” would make for an interesting video, and takes Francesca’s powerful voice is always impressive. check out, but beware its different, which always isn’t that we must give them a chance considering that Azaghal are
me back to “The Upcoming Terror” debut; the busy “Jin Tien This acoustic release features songs from all releases of positive a feature, but there are some enjoyable tracks on one of the best of their genre. In the 43 minutes of this
Shen Huo” is very Maidenesque, complete with it’s Ataraxia and it is a fine example of the band’s excellence! here. [4] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN release, Azaghal have diversity spread throughout the
Dickinson style vocals, and even a bass solo, from new CD2 (Logos): What is this? I had never heard of Autunna album and once again proved they’re not here just for the
recruit Ufo Walter, to boot! [4] CHRIS HORTON et sa Rose before but I think I haven’t missed much real- AURA NOIR : THE MERCILESS fun of it. [7.5] SÓNIA FONSECA
ly... these songs are one of the most disharmonic ones I [TYRANT SYNDICATE]
ASSEMBLENT : EQUILIBRIUM have heard in my entire life... and the male vocals send You either like or dislike Aura Noir’s Black Thrash Metal BARATHRUM : ANNO ASPERA
[NEMESIS MUSICA] shivers down my spine but in the bad sense of the word. I and this far in their career, the band is surely not looking [SPINEFARM RECORDS]
The history is similar to many others... a bunch of friends truly have no idea what else to say so I better stop here... to expand their market or please a new audience. What Having created a name for themselves in the cult satanic
get together to jam ‘till one day they decide its time to play [4.5] SÓNIA FONSECA will strike the listener at first is the stripped down and movement since 1998, the Finns produce yet another
their own material, Assemblent is born! really organic production. Everything sounds real when album of blackened heavy metal. No matter what you are
The opener ‘Equilibrium’ don’t really show what to expect ATROPHIA RED SUN : TWISTED LOGIC compared to the bulk of sterile and clinical recordings looking for, this album can give you a re-washed re-
inside... a spacy keyboard (á la Jean-Michel Jarre) sets the [ADIPOCERE RECORDS] coming out these days. Apollyon and Aggressor still chewed re-generated dose of Hellhammer-Venomish
mood for the melodic Thrash Death assault to come. A few This album from this, now disbanded, Polish band is quite a share the vocal and drums duties while this time ideas, sadly lacking the synthetic cleverness of their ances-
minutes later “Heartwork” blows out from the speakers tough one to get through, they delivers a weird blend of Blasphemer (Mayhem) take care of the guitars. The tors. Despite the fact that their previous releases, such as
and the first thing we notice is the production done by melodic death metal, more straight forward pieces and songs blend in many references to the oldschool yet they the “Legions of Perkele” 1998 debut, actually gave some-
Miguel Fonseca (guitarist and vocalist of the now defunct industrial elements, and some more techno-dance influ- all bear enough identity to stand on their own. Nattefrost thing decent to the fans, “Anno Aspera” moves into much

ABUSED MAJESTY : SERPENTHRONE ANOREXIA NERVOSA : REDEMPTION PROCESS material, I wonder if this compilation is a worthy BALATONIZER : OCCLUSED IN OTTUSITY BLOODY SIGN : VANA VIGALA LOÏTS
[ADIPOCERE RECORDS] [LISTENABLE RECORDS] addition to the Aura Noir discography. This [THIS DARK REIGN RECORDINGS] [IBEX MOON RECORDS]
If this album was released like 5 years ago I Anorexia Nervosa is a band that have always might be a good place to start with if you never Italian grindcore with 32 tracks in 25 minutes. Raw, angry, and excellent, Bloody Sign comes
would have most probably given it a 10 with surprised me. “Redemption Process” is the heard of this band but surely not an essential Lousy recording and they sound like they’re straight out of their corner with a brutal melee
no hesitation, but it’s basically stuff since ‘87 / last album featuring Hreidmarr and I guess it piece if you already own a good part of their ripping off old school Cannibal Corpse. They of energetic emotive guitar work and grinding
94 that I’ve been digging out lately, so I on the will be the band’s loss... wonder if they will back catalogue. I would recommend anyone use a drum machine but even though the pro- vocals. Drums are (for once) very present but
whole appear to be slightly deaf for albums find a suitable vocalist?! Well, this is a bom- interested to get a copy of their latest album gramming is good, the sound is very thin. The not overbearing. The vocals on this are filtered
with a more contemporary sound... Abused bastic album for sure but it’s still very pre- “The Merciless” instead of helping Karmageddon end result is a really noisy mix. The nice in a manner that makes them sound very omi-
Majesty exists since ‘98, “Serpenthrone” is dictable. The songs are filled with rhythmic Media cashing in again on this material. Note things I can say is the gory logo and the great nous and frightening, and I really can’t get
their full-length debut and what it is about is changes and it definitely never gets boring but that the low ranking is questioning the worthi- booklet which is like a comic. Maybe with a enough of the guitar tone of this album.
morose Black / Death Metal. An album meant it’s not easy to pick up any highlights but the ness of this release, not the quality of the band’s clearer sound they’ll have more to offer to the Something about this album is very sinister -
to corroborate for maybe the thousand time song “Codex Veritas” is indeed one of my material featured. [4] ERIC MASSICOTTE fans of this style, if of course this trio can find proceed with caution. [7.5] MAX RODRIGUEZ
that mother Poland keeps giving life to really fave. It’s common mid-paced Black Metal that a decent label. [3] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
talented musicians. will please most fans... [7] SÓNIA FONSECA AXIS OF ADVANCE : OBEY CRISIS : LIKE SHEEP LED TO SLAUGHTER
[7.5] VANYA MARINOVA [OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS] BLOOD STAINED DUSK : CONTINUANCE OF EVIL [BLACKEND / PHD]
ATHEIST : ELEMENTS Chaotic Death Metal with no concern for the [BLACK FLAME RECORDS] Haunting, ominous, prophecies, by Crisis, her-
ABYSMAL GATES : DIVINE DECEPTION [RELAPSE RECORDS] modern tendencies to quantize and over-pro- I haven’t come across Alabama’s Blood ald their rather busy, musical return, in this
[BLACK FLAME RECORDS] Elements is the last and final Atheist album. duce everything put on hard-disk. “Obey” could Stained Dusk’s “Dirge of Death’s Silence” eerie, apocalyptic, foray, into the nether-
What I wrote in my review for BloodStained The songwriting isn’t as strong as in the past, easily be described as being Death Metal’s (released via Baphomet in 2000), but the 5 regions, and beyond the grave. The weird and
Dusk can be referred to Abysmal Gates to a but this is because we’re talking about a much “Battles in the North” (Immortal) for its unre- tracks on “Continuance of Evil” turned out to wonderful “Waking the Dead” does just that, in
great extent too, with the difference that the 4 different direction than their previous efforts. lenting pace and furiousness. Half of the mate- deal with mid 90’s influenced Black Metal. a chorus of vengeful voices; the building, inten-
tracks from New Jersey’s four-piece can be They’ve been experimenting a lot but definitely rial benefits from this approach while the other With all the extras, like rapid drumming, dis- sity, of “Blood Burden” sees the dogs of war
distinguished for their greater amount of ver- it’s successful. Will there ever be a reunion for half of it loose some of its impact for the same mal synth melodies and slower passages have their day; their “Study in Cancer” is a
satility construction-wise, and I could addition- this great band? [7] KOSTAS ANTONATOS reasons. It might be my need to experience a inserted here and there. Not bad, but when malignant entity, that eats away at the temporal
ally discern slight Death Metal influences there. little more dynamics when listening to Death you have heard tones of albums like that, you fabric of society, itself. This CD has 2 things
Otherwise, Abysmal Gates were formed in AURA NOIR : DEEP DREAMS OF HELL Metal but if bands like Revenge and Conqueror start losing interest little by little... Check the going for it: 1: Original. 2. Well-varied. That’s
2000 and “Divine Deception” is the 3rd item in [KARMAGEDDON MEDIA] suit your requests, this album should already album out though, you might enjoy it more. about it. [4] CHRIS HORTON
their discography thus far. [6] VANYA MARINOVA More or less a re-release of already re-released be on your list. [6] ERIC MASSICOTTE [5.5] VANYA MARINOVA

20 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
duller directions not easily appreciated. has faced over its time. Back to the album now, Beatrik What most people will ignore then is that Bethlehem is still
“2003 years since the bastard’s birth”, as the Barathrum have something in their black metal. Something good. a great band releasing great music. Mein Weig is their lat-
cliché goes, we would expect to see some clever song- More particularly, a macabre voice steering our sensations est album and probably among their best so far, delivering
writing from everyone into the music business including over a darkly, misty forest; mid-low paces providing the catchy songs benefiting from a clear and punchy produc-
the bands whose sole purpose is to keep the still wor- rhythm in what resembles to a funeral procession and, tion. Top notch varied and clean vocals from a vocalist who
shiped 80’s metal decadence alive at all costs. Thus, it is lastly, melancholic melodies casting the blackest shadows can sing properly (note: this is a change from most impro-
hard nowadays to understand and appreciate a song such to our hearts. Not a jolly picture, but what did you wish vised ‘singers’ out there!) ornaments songs which covers
as “Grave Desecration”, having a chorus that’s shouting for? There’s an eerie feeling generated by this dark music a wide range of musical genres. I know that many readers
monotonously “Grave Desecration!” 5 to 6 times, or a and we must blame the guitars for this. A Burzum-ish will pass them over again and truly this is their loss. Go
song like “Angelraper” with a screaming chorus shouting ‘cold’ melancholy is distinguishable, a fact that will make buy another kvlt bedroom black metal demo instead or try
“Angelraper!” 9 to 12 times non-stop. this item desirable to a few (or many?), while the doom to get your head out of your bottoms and realize how good
The album is a classic Barathrum release, from sound and parts, not only add to the atmosphere, but furthermore this band still is! [8] ERIC MASSICOTTE
production to the vocals and guitar riffs. However, the help the songs to evolve in all their grandeur and dark
impression that stays in the end is that the band, although majesty! And, now, what’s there to loathe in Beatrik? I BEYON-D-LUSION : FIRST STEP TO THE SOURCE
possessing the so called old black metal flame, needs to mean, otherwise, this sounds extraordinarily perfect! The [ADIPOCERE RECORDS]
freshen up their synthetic abilities in order to make things duration of the album is a rather long one, and at times you A new gothic rock/metal act has risen from the dark
slightly more interesting for themselves, the fans, and the sense that it gets out of the band’s hand, sticking too much France; this is the duo’s first release, a mini album con-
poor reviewers as well. [4] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS to the doom-repetitive aspect of their sound, but magical- taining 4 tracks of dark atmospheres driving music.
ly they save it all before it becomes worse. So, truly, this is The compositions are built upon heavy guitar riffs, simple
BARCODE : SHOWDOWN close to perfect. With this type of black metal finding its power chords painting a dark bottom. The scenery is
[NUCLEAR BLAST]
way to our speakers lately, dear unholy animals, we may spiced up with synths, which at times are more annoying
If you’re into old school hardcore, with a good twist of New sleep in peace. The time of hunting for the truest among than fitting. It does happen that the keyboard hits the right
York, then you should read on, because this Danish band the scene is long gone. We now have some music to talk spot, and creates a dark and suiting atmosphere, though I
have balls of the size of an Abrams M1 and they are just as about. [8.5] JOHN ZIKOS often find it annoying, together with the used violin, both
head hitting and crushing. Straight ahead hardcore with a elements are up front in the sound picture, and have high
captivating crunchy sound, catchy hooks, memorable BEHOLDER : LETHAL INJECTION peaks, which removes the flow from the songs, if there
moments and an ace vocal performance. [DRAGONHEART] ever was one. A nice feature is the slow “marching” sam-
I have never been much of a hardcore aficionado, but this It appears that “Wish for Destruction”, the second album ple used in the last track ‘Orions (Ruins And Rise)’, even
album took me by surprise, and I have grown fond of the by this Milan band, got a lot of praise for not sounding like though it invokes more of an industrial and doomy atmos-
band. Check out tracks as ‘Make My Day’, catchy riffs, typical Italian power metal and, therefore, being quite BRUCE DICKINSON : TYRANNY OF SOULS phere, not hitting it quite off with the rest of the track.
crushing and a good sing along chorus, the same goes for [MAYAN RECORDS]
“original”. The problem is that Beholder bought a first edi- The vocals are female, and powerful. Alexandra Bernhard
the last track on the album ‘I’m A Rebel’, straight in your tion copy of The Finnish Guide to Power Metal by Well it seems that the wine gets better as it gets has a huge voice, and she can sing even though she at
face, and lets us all sing along. Barcode has flair for writing Stratovarius and memorised it! To get things worse, the times sounds a bit rough, and not that fitting to this mate-
older. The vocalist of Iron Maiden returns with a thun-
good songs, they guitar parts are catchy and you’ll remem- more atmospheric moments reek of Evanescence! So rial. Especially when she screams at full power, she almost
ber them after a couple of listens. The rhythm section is derous new cd. As they say “the good day shows
much for originality! Now, writing songs inspired by breaks out of the sound picture and mix and goes too
tight and pushing the music forward with a steady, yet Stephen King might be a good idea, but not when you illus- from the dawn”. After a small intro the cd begins with much in front, to it is good. It seems like the producer have
crushing drive, mid paced but very effective. The vocals on trate them with childish lyrics, tons of pianos and the the pompous “Abduction” The full metal sound is had some trouble getting the instruments and vocals lev-
top of the music, rules the show, it is, like the music, in pseudo-theatrical use of male and female vocals. All this obvious with heavy riffs and virtuosi guitar by Roy Z. elled, when mixing the music together. The band has some
your face and is not easy to get rid off. Raw and direct, spit- wrapped up in one of the worst covers ever! potential, especially when considering the force of the
ting bile everywhere you look, hitting lyrics which are Modern crystal clear songs and many different
I must say to Beholder’s credit that they can actually cre- vocals. But there is needed some improvement on the song
burned into the mind of the listener. On top of the good ate some nice sing-along choruses, but that is part of the themes and lyrics. Speedy drums in connection with writing side. The songs are very straight forward, and the
songs, the production of the album is good as well. The problem, with the final result lacking weight and being the familiar magic voice of Bruce, combines a fantas- mix of the instruments make the release sound out of bal-
guitars are crisp and there is a lot of power behind them. overall too poppy! If ‘eyeliner boys with electric toys’ is tic outcome. I never thought that after the controver- ance, and I don’t really feel the gothic dark atmosphere that
The bass is noisy and audible, and drums sound as they your thing, please go ahead and buy this. If not, avoid often. Often I get associations to driven hard rock, instead
sial “Tattooed Millionaire” and especially “Accident Of
should, pounding and direct. The mix is nice as well, with Beholder like the plague! [2.5] MIGUEL SOUSA of melancholic soundscapes, and I’m pretty sure that was-
the instruments well weighed and the vocals on top of it. So Birth”, Bruce could come up with such great ideas. n’t the intention with this release. And at times it seems like
if hardcore is your game, then this is an album for you. It BELPHEGOR : GOATREICH FLESHCULT Every single track has its own identity, keeping the they are trying to incorporate nu-metal elements, as groovy
has impressed me, and has gotten some heavy rotation [NAPALM RECORDS] listener fully satisfied. My top preference is the bal- breaks and the driven guitar into their world, and that does-
around here. And the best part is that when the disc stops There are some bands from which you know what to n’t quite work. Gothic has never been my favourite style of
lad-like “Navigate The Seas Of The Sun”. A gloomy
spinning, the beats, catchy riffs and memorable choruses expect. When “Goatreich-Fleshcult” was in stores it was music, but considering the appearance of Where Angels
will resound in your head. [8] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN melodic song that lets the feelings flow. Looks like
certain that what was coming up would be nothing less Fall on this scene as well, Beyon D Lusion have to get going
than a pandemonium of uncompromised speeding black- when the Maiden people go separate ways for a while to prove their worth. [3] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
BAZZAH : KINGDOM OF THE DEAD ened brutality. “Lucifer Incestus” in 2003 promoted the until their next album, they are very creative. You real-
[FROM BEYOND PRODUCTIONS]
band another league towards the top. “Goatreich- ly got to listen to it to understand how good it is. Its BLACK WITCHERY : UPHEAVAL OF SATANIC MIGHT
Malaysia and Singapore has spawned some classic cults Fleshcult” to the surprise of many gives not only the natu- [OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS]
such as As Sahar, Sil Khannaz, Langsuir, Impiety and breath taking and it’ll win you from the start, just like
ral evolution but something unique and exceptional. Sometime during the last years, the eyes of the black metal
Abhorer... Bazzah is and at the same time isn’t one of them. The production is more polished than ever, and the any great album does. [10] KOSTAS ANTONATOS community turned their attention into the North American
Bazzah is a cult because they were created sometime in album’s synthesis resembles a passage from black to & Canadian scene. After the (now considered classic) split
`93 and isn’t a cult because thus far they have yet not been death metal, without losing one bit of their focused rage. Hellstorm of Evil Vengeance with Conqueror back in 1998
able to prove themselves worthy to the aforementioned The guitar work is remarkable and the riffs are catchy with- is doomy and bleak as hell, anger and frustration is and the first album Desecration of the Holy Kingdom, this
hordes, at least not with their `99 debut full length “Death out being dull nor repeating themselves. The title track is a spewed forth as a scream seldom tears the heaven apart group gathered a “kvlt” status around fans and press.
is all I See...”. This is their second album and I have to say grand example of successful song writing. “Sepulture of as a lightening strike on a clear day. The scream is chilling, Upheaval of Satanic Might is their second full-length and
it is much more interesting an effort than anything they’ve Hypocrisy” is actually a song with lowered tempos, show- reminding me of Varg Vikernes on “Hvis Lyset Tar Oss”, it maintains their reputation practicing some furious and
created before. Basically it is plain straight forward black ing that the band can stray from their beloved hyper fits very well into the overall atmosphere on this output. At intense black metal. With some Blasphemy references in
metal with typical Malay guitar riffs and solos (in the vein speeds and still sound intense as ever. other times the sparse vocals are more guttural, like a their sound (for some reason in 2000 Black Witchery were
of old Bathory!) in each song. I specifically like the The production is not boosted up to Spinal Tap’s eleven, growled whisper. invited to open for that Canadian band in one of their rare
unearthly vocals on this album that sound like a mixture of but it is sweet and clean allowing listening at maximum The force and weakness of this album is the twisted and live gigs), this group has short songs (the album has 9
underwater / cave growls drowned in reverb. The main volumes. “Goatreich Fleshcult” is the most diverse dark compositions, they are hard to get into, and that’ll themes and less than 30 minutes) of satanic, underground
problem to be found in “Kingdom of the Dead” is the over- Belphegor album to-date. The general feeling gives a pic- keep many from it. On the other side the intrigue compo- and distorted black metal. After a sinister intro, the first
all plastic monotonous sound production. It might be raw ture of a band rejoicing in its own magnificent talents, let- sitions adds length to the album, and it can be enjoyed theme evolves to a ultra fast song with vocal lines spitting
but it is too digitized and lacks of character... for instance ting everyone out there know by releasing albums such as again and again, and one can still find new elements, the total annihilation of human race with teeth grinding
you can hardly hear the snare drum and the guitars. this one. [8] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS expressions and shifts in the atmosphere. The guitar tone despair and that’s the way the album goes until its end
However it comes a long way from their past releases and and sound is good and forces itself on the listener, the (with the exception of short interludes/intros).The melody
it definitely comes a long way from what Malaysia has to BENIGHTED LEAMS : FERLY CENTESMS drums, which are programmed are at times really weak is really slight and is brought in the mix by the bass lines,
offer to the black metal scene at present as most of the [SUPERNAL MUSIC] sounding and at other times quite fitting into the material. since the guitar has a really nasty sound. Perhaps they
previously mentioned acts have seized to exist. Maybe the Of all the strange music I once in a while am presented for, The sparse synth work that are used now and then, are intended it this way! I mean, they deliberately used few
fact that being signed on a European label such as this might take the leading spot. As it often is with differ- good and adds to the atmosphere, even though it is very resources, in order to obtain this primitive feeling towards
Displeased will help in opening doors to them, who ent musical approaches, it takes a while for the listener to simplistic. If you are willing to go on a travel into yourself their music! However, the problem is that old school black
knows? [6] ALEX ANTONIOU get into the music, and that is for sure a fact about and discover the darkest corners of your soul and mind, metal productions are often confused with bad sound
Benighted Leams. I have spent quite some time on this then this album and band are the perfect companions. recording and mix - there can’t be low-fi without hi-fi and
BEATRIK : REQUIEM OF DECEMBER album, and trying to dig beneath the surface and find what Though do not expect to get anything out of the album the people are always misinterpreting this. The drum sound is
[AVANTGARDE MUSIC]
is hidden in the belly of the beast, and has shown that all first 10 listens, it is a hard nut to crack, but when it first also very poor and undistinguished: blast-beats from
Indeed, a Requiem Of December, this album. A piece of the time have been well-invested. opens up it becomes rather good and inspiring. If hell was beginning to end (at least when we’re capable to listen to
work that joins the traditional and fundamental character- At the surface we have cold and minimalistic black metal, a sound, Benighted Leams would without a doubt be its it clearly, because, with the exception of the cymbals, the
istics of black metal with new forms and sets, through a simple and noisy guitar riffs paints the surface with bleak manifestation. [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN sound is really fucked up). Sometimes I even feel like I’m
unique, bleak concept and way of working. Having bands and atmospheric riffs, very much droning and leaving an listening to this album in a very old and used tape, since
like Watain, Nortt, Grey and Beatrik as well writing music, ambient impression. The disharmonic noisy sphere is BETHLEHEM : MEIN WEG its equalization is really bad. To my ears this is just boring
someone can only be certain that the curse feeling of the present through out the album, and will for sure keep a lot [RED STREAM RECORDS] and uncreative. Maybe this is what one may call “trve”
primordial black metal warriors is still alive, despite the of people away from the album, after half a listen, which is Many people deserted this band because they went away black metal. [6.5] GUILHERMINO MARTINS
various formations (or manipulations) this musical style actually a shame. Beneath the first appearance, the music from the more Black Metal roots they began with. Typical.

DREAMTALE : DIFFERENCE This is with no doubt one of the top class case you are also unaware of this band and Don’t say Flesh Made Sin is just another GODS OF FIRE : WRATH OF THE GODS
[SPINEFARM RECORDS] bands in the genre. [8] KURT VAN CAMP have not come across any of their demos and thrash band in the vein of Kreator and [BLACK THIRTEEN RECORDS]
Finnish power metal. Nothing more nothing split albums with acts like Luror Dunkelgraven Destruction, although it’s simply the truth. The name “Gods Of Fire” intrigued my curiosi-
less. Greatly played, invoking feelings of both ESOTERIC : SUBCONSCIOUS DISSOLUTION or Wolfsmond, I will then tell you that killer This band is far from original, but damn, they ty. I thought I would have to deal with an epic
melody and speed. With the aid of Timo Tolkki INTO THE CONTINUUM Black Metal in the vein of the 90’s first half is fuckin’ thrash like hell. It seems this young band, but then I found out that they came
they manage to write another chapter in the [SEASON OF MIST] what you should be prepared for! Grimly band listened very carefully to the old records from NYC playing shows alongside metal
metal scene of their country. Classical speci- How much doom can you handle? How heavy devoid of keyboard effusions, the 9 tracks on of the German thrash monsters and then tried bands as well as hipsters. Those things don’t
men of uptempo beats and catchy refrains, that can it push on you before you crumble? Eternity’s CD additionally delight the ear with to create such a record themselves. Well, they match, even if they were well received in all
as easily they can be listened to, as easily they Esoteric surely wants to test you with their their straightforward structures and lugubri- succeed in every way. Great riffs, aggressive shows. They have epic imagery and themes
can be forgotten afterwards. They don’t make new album. Esoteric offers psychedelic-influ- ous moods. And the vocals are exactly my vocal lines, thundering drums... fine songs like but also female dancers called “The Fire-ettes”
the difference as their cd title claims, but no enced, snail-paced Doom Metal of the finest type - no senile shrieks, just pure laryngeal “Crowned In Torment”, “Possess The Flesh” on stage when playing. Even though they are
one can say that they are ignorants to music. class and this new album could easily serve as hate! [8] VANYA MARINOVA or the title track will break the neck of every melodic and sometimes their tunes are catchy,
Moving forward! [5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS a template for new bands aspiring to the genre. thrash metal fan around. In the lowlands they they seem to lack orientation. The American
The band crafts long moody songs alternating FAR BEYOND : AN ANGEL’S REQUIEM are a big success, so let’s hope Europe fol- power metal wave has died 25 years
EDENBRIDGE : SHINE between sublime and ethereal moments to tor- [SOURCE OF DELUGE RECORDS] lows! [8] KURT VAN CAMP ago...period! [4] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
[MASSACRE RECORDS] turous and abysmal dirges where long instru- Despite of my huge respect for one-man
You have gothic metal and fantasy metal, and mental passages leaves place for guttural, cav- bands in general, I will have to say that Far GLORIA MORTI : LIFESTREAM CORROSION GORGUTS : AND THEN COMES LIVIDITY /
Edenbridge makes the bridge between the ernous rumbles and high pitched screams. A Beyond’s guardian left me far from intrigued [WORLDCHAOS PRODUCTION] DEMO ANTHOLOGY
two. Fantastic choir and female vocal lines, fine piece of deadly Doom that, if not an easy with his debut! It’s just that adjusting the We’re dealing with a six-piece band from [GALY RECORDS]
combined with the great guitar playing of one to start with, should be added to any self- “melodic” term to Black Metal is something Finland. They vary from thrash/speed metal to Gorguts are local heroes for me. Being among
Lanvall makes the band deliver a great record respecting collection. [8] ERIC MASSICOTTE that I’ll may never agree with! Many will most a typical black/death approach. They are kinda the first few bands being able to conquer audi-
again. And although the surprise of previous certainly like “An Angel’s Requiem” for its atmospheric but they can’t escape what’s ences abroad and get signed to a big label
records such as “Sunrise In Eden” or “Arcana” ETERNITY : ...AND THE GRUESOME RETURNS take-me-on-the-wings-of-night-and-show-me- already played a million times by bands like (Voivod being first), Gorguts where also
has disappeared, this still stays a very enjoy- WITH EVERY NIGHT the-truth atmosphere though. I see darkness Dimmu Borgir or Cradle Of Filth. Quite wide among the first Canadian bands to make the
able record. Also a lot of progressive influ- [W.T.C. PRODUCTIONS] in music elsewhere. [4] VANYA MARINOVA range of vocals and an amazing production transition from Thrash to Death Metal. This
ences have been added to the bands sound Eternity exist since 1994, but still “And the are their zenith. So if you dig another extreme demo anthology covers the whole career of
and make songs like “Move Along Home” or Gruesome…” is the first ever item that I’m FLESH MADE SIN : DAWN OF THE STILLBORN Scandinavian band the choice is yours. the band, from its early beginnings to their
“And The Road Goes On” rather interesting. hearing from these German guys. Thus, in [KARMAGGEDDON MEDIA] [5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS accomplished Obscura album. Being demos

22 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
BLACK WITCHERY / CONQUEROR : HELLSTORM gender as long this gender stays update in Metal, getting BLOODSHOTEYE : WITHOUT ANY REMORSE some consider it as metalcore, but fuck no... it ain’t metal-
OF EVIL VENGEANCE certainly their fan-base group easily. From America with [GALY RECORDS] core! Combining the old NYHC school (Agnostic Front,
[DARK HORIZON RECORDS] Metalcore, I give you Bleed The Sky. [6] CARLOS FILIPE My first introduction of Bloodshoteye was live, and I was Madball, Biohazard) with some thrash (sometimes death)
Yet again another chapter of depraved and nihilistic black mostly impressed by what sounds came out of those small riffage, Hatebreed since early contributed to the creation of
metal, this time brought by USA’s Black Witchery and BLODSRIT : HELVETESHYMNER pipes of singer JeSicka. I mean, that girls can belt out this genre. Born From Pain are from The Netherlands and
Canada’s Conqueror (RIP). The association of these bands [OAKEN SHIELD] screams with the best of them. The music on the other they deliver us a fucking fist full of anger, frustration, per-
on this split results in a vehement mark on the war metal For me this is a total newcomer. I might have heard or read side is pretty standard issue deathcore in the God Forbid severance and discipline. If you’re searching from tech-
field, although musically speaking there isn’t that much about this band before, but I really can’t tell... It amazes me mold while with the uniqueness of their vocalist certainly nique, guitar heroes...etc, etc, this is not definitely your
merit in here. First things first, Black Witchery’s side has 4 though, for what I have in front of me is one Hell of a fuck- give them a sound of their own. What is probably most record. Groovy riffs, “tough guy” voice and fucking double
songs of the usual negative, ugly and dirty ambience and ing great piece of Black Metal! This is the kind of Black impressive in this record is they do the mid tempo break- bass drumming though the whole record, along with those
it’s very easy to find their Blasphemy influences, plus Metal I can listen to for days, over and over again! It flows down that is so standard with these bands but they traditional hardcore breaks are the served dish in here.
some Beherit and Sarcofago connections. Talking about into my ears like cold beer into my throat on a hot after- approach it from different angles than your typical hard- Born From Pain tries to inject, occasionally, some melody
Blasphemy, there’s even a cover of the song “Demoniac” noon (or at any moment for all I care!). This is already the core band. Another band that is afflicted by the crappy trig- to the songs, but we really don’t notice that very much,
here and, by the way, it results as the best song in the split. third full-length album for this Swedish trio, which means gered double bass drum sound, these are still very techni- trust me (no clean voices, don’t worry!). After successful
Black Witchery is all about hyper speed and brutal black I’ve got 2 CD’s to check out in a very near future! cally played along with all guitars. If that interest anybody, festival appearances last year (e.g. With Full Force,
metal and strangely (or maybe not considering that this The Black Metal Blodsrit plays could be described as Lamb of God vocalist [Link] Blythe guests on a couple Pressure Fest, Fury Fest), tours with Hatebreed, Madball
time the guys worked with some producer/technical assis- prominently fast, melodic (yet with modesty), pretty of songs to great effect, giving texture to the vocal per- and the Eastpak Resistance tour, and US and Japan tours
tant) it is perfectly clear that this release has a better sound catchy, and with a lot of variety. The drums are really tight formance that is very interesting. This is, once again, a in support of their last full-length album “Sands Of Time”,
than their second opus Upheaval of Satanic Might (also and perfectly in place; the guitars are awesome! They real- quality Galy release, a local label, for me, that constantly Born From Pain are now gearing up to take everything a
reviewed on these pages). The guitar and drums are really ly carry that Northern gene, both melodically as concern- release the highest quality music. [7] SIMON THIBAUDEAU step further. With a new worldwide deal on Metal Blade
more “in the game” on this split. Then comes Conqueror’s ing the distortion... The distortion... Goddamn, the distor- Records and a busy tour schedule backing the April 2005
side with 5 themes that maintain the insanity, led by some tion fucking rules!! Blodsrit somehow found out how to BODIES IN THE GEARS OF THE APPARATUS : release of their new full-length “In Love with the End”, the
oppressive and destructive guitar work and very simple transpose Dismember’s heavy groove into Black Metal, SIMIAN HYBRID PROTOTYPE band is more than ever ready to conquer Europe, the US
song structures. All very violent, loud and bad mixed, I and it really fits in! This “constant” massive wall of groove [THE SPEW RECORDS] and the rest of the world. If you like Hatebreed/Cataract
have to say. There’s like tons of reverb here and that brings is often interjected with cool and varied breaks, for exam- This is a re-release of this apparently highly regarded mini acts, you’ll enjoy this act. [7.5] SIMÃO FONSECA
us to the old story of the thin line between sounding aton- ple with one guitar playing a strange riff and with a differ- album from this New Jersey band. On top of the original
al or evil in extreme metal. Ok, there’s some sense of ent distortion (as for example on “Horns”). There are even release, there are added 5 bonus tracks to make it more BRODEQUIN : METHODS OF EXECUTION
melody on the guitars and a lot more variety compared some clean choirs on one track (“Illdjarn”), and I must say attractive, this time around. [UNMATCHED BRUTALITY]
with Black Witchery but a better production couldn’t bring they’re well achieved! Really, if you like Black Metal, and The music is hard driven grindcore with quite a technical With a name based on the ancient French Inquisition tor-
any harm, right? This now-defunct Canadian group especially if you also dig Dismember, then what the Hell and insane approach, the similarities to the Relapse ture instruments you can surely know what kind of
showed us some very visible thrash metal influences, par- are you waiting for? [8.5] TARAS VAN DIJK Records wave are many, though I sometime miss a catchy sound these guys practice. Yes, that’s right... brutal
ticularly from Slayer (check out, for instance, the first sec- drive in these songs and sometimes it goes too fast and Death/grind!!
onds of “Chaos Domination” or the Kerry King look-alike BLOOD RITUAL : BLACK GRIMOIRE gets too insane to keep up with the music. Though the “Methods Of Execution” is the latest effort of Brodequin,
solo on “Ross Bay Damnation”). Also the voices have dif- [MORIBUND RECORDS] compositions are good and the band can for sure keep up and are there any new elements that distinguish this
ferent dynamics and help to draw the necro paint. The Blood Ritual is a death metal band with Floridian origins with their own shenanigans. They must be quite good band from the whole underground/mainstream brutal
sound doesn’t help and it’s all very simplistic, yet quite comprised entirely by one man called Tim Bishop. With musicians to keep the riffs flowing as fast as do, to keep death? No, I’m afraid not. The insane raw drumming...
enjoyable to tell you the truth. [7] GUILHERMINO MARTINS titles such as “Invocation to Satan” or “Destruction Ritual” the insane drumming running and delivering the neck the guitars with the loudest and most brutal riffs... it’s all
the band’s flyers might as well be distributed along with breaking breaks, that pops in here and there. kinda “dejà vu”, you know. When you wanna buy a death
BLEED THE SKY : PARADIGM IN ENTROPY the Anton LaVey’s works of art. The screamed vocals are as such okay, though I haven’t metal record what do you search for (excluding the old
[NUCLEAR BLAST] The focusing element of this piece of work is the way- really gotten into it as such. The variation of the frenzy school bands)? Spawn Of Possession? Severe Torture?
‘Paradigm in Entropy’ is Bleed the Sky first album release too-low-in-quality guitar sound, plus the out of focus screaming and the deeper growls are pretty well. The pro- Hell yeah... and these mentioned bands have usually one
by Nuclear Blast. This even tells us immediately that we are snare drum that sounds as if it jumped in from a differ- duction is to the thin side and not that fitting, I would have thing that is lacking on Brodequin: different rhythms and
in presence of a well-produce album, well-made and good ent recording. Some ideas in there are listenable, for preferred some more weight behind the instruments and a cleaner production. The blast beats are here all the
enough. That’s Nuclear blast quality standard. Bleed The example the dark ‘n slow “Ritual of Lust” and other that would have provided some more punch behind the time, the insane voice (with high distortion) is also pres-
Sky’s ‘Paradigm in Entropy’ doesn’t stand apart this stan- scraped parts grasped from bits and pieces out of the music as well. If you’re looking for a quick grindcore fix, this ent, but you get to the fourth song and you’re already
dard-line. Playing a Metal/Hardcore, e.g. Metalcore, well album here and there make the overall impression echo- will for sure give you the needed kick, a listen or 2 is great, with a small feeling of disappointment (eager to the end
achieved, not forsaking their American origins without lead ing valuable. The guitar solos are apparently a bonus and though after that I am starting to get a bit bored to be hon- of the cd, in some cases)... some variety on the songs
astray from the American Metalcore path; fluctuating thus many of the otherwise stagnant songs wear a veil of est, a lot of the material on here sounds a lot reminiscent. would be very welcome, otherwise let’s see: all songs
between a more melodious Metal style side and a more paranoid character that many ancient death metal freaks The cover of S.O.D’s ‘Fuck The Middleeast’ is delivered okay, last for two minutes and half, they all sound the same
brutal Hardcore, Bleed The Sky manage to conjugate two might enjoy. Also worth mentioning is the epic “Ur but not far off the original, the vocalist even sings deeper, and there are no great technical solos (hum, are there
opposite sides into one musical entity. To achievement this Song”. Occult references in music can act as a powerful instead of screaming his lungs out. And the other 4 bonus any normal solos at all??)... I listen first to their debut
high standard surely is the vocal performance of Noah ally, as long as they are well hidden in meanings and used tracks are from the band’s first demo session, there must be and after that I listen to this “Methods Of execution”, and
Robinson within his hysterical scream singing. Welcome in discretion. Blood Ritual is a band that is absolutely a reason why they haven’t been used before now. Though an I wonder “where the fuck are the differences?!”. Maybe
to the world of Metalcore! None of the ten songs run from drenched with straight forward titles and imagery from interesting band, that could become one of players within a I’m asking the guys too much, and considering that they
this eclectic equilibrium, balancing between, the peaceful occult groups and this regretfully produces a more unin- couple of years. [6.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN deliver furious death/grind I can’t ask for some acoustic
and melodic with clear voices and no distortion; and the spired than daring result. Moreover the music is yet to be guitars or pianos! But the thing is the market is full of
more hardcore with vehement screams and slashing gui- brought to levels able to produce the equivalent feeling. BORN FROM PAIN : IN LOVE WITH THE END this kind of sound. If you appreciate insane death/grind
tars. Not adding anything new to the world of Metalcore, To end, “Black Grimoire” is not a failure, but not a suc- [METAL BLADE RECORDS] with no variations you have yourself a good record, oth-
Bleed the Sky will be another one to succeed in Metalcore cess either. [6] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS Moshcore. Does anyone know what this genre is? Well, erwise... [6] SIMÃO FONSECA
CALLISTO : TRUE NATURE UNFOLDS with the rest of the material. The bass crushes and crunch- Hollywood in general this could easily be the soundtrack for
[EARACHE RECORDS] es all entering the sub level, a noisy fucker that rumbles almost any Tim Burton movie. A compliment and a negative
This is being a particularly turbulent year for hardcore in away. The guitar sound is quite funny and cold, and I had at the same time for yours truly. There is a magnificent
general, like a blink of an eye, the word “core” has been a hard time getting used to it, there is some okay guitar structure behind these compositions with grand layers of
part of every metal magazine in the last three/four years, work here and there. To be honest the riffs are quite choir / orchestra and general darkness. These reasons are
and nowadays the consumer must consult a good maga- rehashed and boring, but there are a good solo or 2 on the enough to make your purchase of this release (if thou art
zine or listen to the whole record before buying it... you album, and some nice leads as well. The vocals are sense- interested in music composition and soundtracks) a worthy
don’t wanna buy an emocore record, do you? “’core’ this, less growls, running in the same line almost all the time task, as there is a lot of talent and effort to be found beyond
‘core’ that” you guys might be wondering why are hard- through the album, varied by some not that good scream- the music itself. However I doubt if any generic metalhead
core records doing on an underground metal magazine as ing, it doesn’t really do that much for me. The messy and would appreciate this album, apart from Septic Flesh fans,
Ancient Ceremonies is. Well, first of all, hardcore/punk has muddy production isn’t that fitting for the music in my the music to be found here could just be too much for
always been part of metal as well as both sides listeners; opinion, and it isn’t always that tight. This might satisfy the someone that is not into neoclassical material. Not your
second, without punk there would be no heavy or thrash most brutality and senseless straight out of the road death typical Cold Meat Industry package here but following his
metal, right?; and last, but not least, in this magazine we metal heads, but I miss something that makes me say: own path and way of expressionism. [8] ALEX ANTONIOU
try to review the “good” hardcore, and Callisto are a true “Hey, damn this sounds good and makes me wanna listen
must on the scene nowadays. This is Callisto’s debut to it again, and tell people about this band”. But I can’t find CHUCK SCHULDINER : ZERO TOLERANCE II
album, and it’s a memorable experience that you won’t for- such moments in these 4 tracks, and that is kinda disap- [KARMAGEDDON MEDIA]
get after listening to this masterpiece. Desolation, cold, pointing. But I guess Carnal Lust is satisfied with their A gathering of unreleased demo material and live record-
dispair, melancholy... and these feelings will haunt you in niche, since they keep on crushing away in it, which has to ings this is probably as essential as it comes for hardcore
such an emotional way that you will feel numb after a be respected. [3] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN Death fans - and not only! On these second disc one will
while... weren’t Callisto a Scandinavian band, of course. come across several low profile recordings with Control
The band is composed by Johannes Nygård-guitar, Juho CARPATHIAN FOREST : SKJEND HANS LIK Denied, the classic mid 80s Death demos “Infernal Death”
Niemelä-bass, Ariel Björklund-drums, Markus [SEASON OF MIST] and “Mutilation” and numerous hellishly produced live
Myllykangas-vocal/guitar, and... Nasum-vocalist/guitarist Carpathian Forest is the new shit these days. While most recordings. In other words, the very same tracks that have
Mieszko Talarczyk (R.I.P.) recorded and produced the people passed over them when they were making their shaped this revolutionary and in times controversial form
album at his own Soundlab Studios in Örebro, Sweden, debuts, now everyone owns one of their CD and claim high CODE : NOUVEAU GLOAMING of extreme metal. Being on the verge of an official release
with the assistance of Jonas Olsson, who had been doing how they are the hot shit (fitting quite well to their lyrical [SPIKEFARM RECORDS] and a bootleg, this release still consists of some rare to get
the preliminary work and pre-production in Finland before themes). I will agree that the band had a string of really Code features members from the UK and Norway’s hold - off material. Anyone who expects a highly polished
entering the studio. The finishing touches were put to the good releases lately but, sadly, this ‘new’ one hardly remastered sound quality should turn his back as this is as
metal scene, including guys from Ulver and Ved
album by the master of masts, Peter In de Betou (Dimmu impress. We’re getting the re-issue of their ‘92 Bloodlust underground as it gets sound wise. Dirty, fuzzy and with a
Borgir, Meshuggah, Entombed etc.). Occasional violins, and perversion demo (which most of you already have Buens End and all people aware of the quality of the constant hiss, Chuck’s classic tracks such as “Evil Dead”,
screaming guitars, desperate voice and epic structures downloaded off the web anyway) along some unreleased mentioned bands should expect a great album in here “Zombie Ritual” and “Mutilation” never sounded more
make “True Nature Unfolds” one of the most impressive (and bad) songs, live material and alternate mix of ‘Skjend and they’ll find... a great album indeed! I’ve heard underground! I only wish this was released prior to his
sludgecore debuts ever. Doomsters will also appreciate Hans Lik’. The bonus video track is probably also on your people complain about this but I don’t agree with death, at a time were maybe the profits would have helped
this record very much. Impressive. [9] SIMÃO FONSECA hard drive and is surely not the reason why anyone would Chuck survive... R.I.P. [8] ALEX ANTONIOU
buy this. It might have some value as a gap-filling release them at all. Opener “The Cotton Optic” is a killer and
CANDLEMASS : CANDLEMASS and for die-hards of the band but I wouldn’t spend many from then one the band experiments as much as they CIANIDE : HELL’S REBIRTH
[NUCLEAR BLAST] bucks on it in a shop. Hopefully the next album will take up can, mixing all kinds of elements with shrieking [FROM BEYOND PRODUCTIONS]
The veteran, kings of Doom Metal (who rank right up there where ‘Strange Old Brew’ hinted. [4] ERIC MASSICOTTE vocals... it’s brilliant indeed! Maybe it’s hard to put Chicago underground veterans Cianide have been around
with Black Sabbath and Trouble-having been around since ‘88 and although they haven’t released that many
them into one simple category but I totally appreciate
almost as long) return with a self-titled, heavy, opus, that’s CARPTICON : MASTER MORALITY albums, they have steadily moved forward, evolving but
sure to please both old, and new, fans alike. This appears [BLACKSEED PRODUCTIONS] bands that don’t jump into bandwagons. They’re sim- always remaining true to their roots. Their fifth opus, “Hell’s
to be a concept album, about darkness and light. Opener Do you miss the early 90s Norwegian black metal scene? ply themselves and that’s what makes Code so fuck- Rebirth”, is pure Death Metal that relies preferably in low
“Black Dwarf” combines energy, with classic riffs, a wide Tired of bad produced black metal albums or bands that ing special! I am so speechless that I will quote their end of the scale tunes to create its heavy and punishing
vocal range, and definite talent, getting things off on the hide themselves behind the raw sonority to disguise their anthems of brutality. And when I say heavy, I mean HEAVY
label Spikefarm: “Code is progression and regression.
right track. The catchy, melodies, and percussive lack of ability to play or compose interesting songs? If yes indeed, because Cianide don’t fall for the easy blast beat or
“Assassin Of The Light” is an amazing, moody, epic, with Carpticon will surely awake the black flame in you with No limits. Where cold, grim Black Metal and the for the technical bravado American death metal is known
feeling delivered straight from the heart. The title “The Man “Master Morality”! Not overproduced as some might think, avant-garde meet in a new and strange direction, for. Actually, there’s something very thrashy about these
Who Fell From The Sky” suits this repetitious, yet still Carpticon turned out a good surprise with their razorsharp devoid of superficial trappings.” Closer track “Ghost guys’ death metal, possibly due to their musical roots: the
effective, instrumental, offering. The crunching, churning, debut album. Simple black metal influenced by the early Phormula” is awesome! Well, better check it out press release mentions Venom and Hellhammer and I’d say
“Born In A Tank” is a veritable Houdini (R.I.P.) horror, works of the nineties but with a contemporaneous fat pro- Possessed too! Just listen to “Sickened to Behold” and to
that’s musically orchestrated, to create just the right duction, probably for fans of bands like Satyricon, yourself! [9] SÓNIA FONSECA the groovy death metal hymn “Death Metal Maniac”!
atmosphere. Closing the book on a high note, “Mars and Gorgoroth or even Dimmu Borgir. Anyway, there’s plenty of variety here, with songs ranging
Volcanos” is fast-paced, signalling that “life goes on”, and “Master Morality” can’t be pointed as a mark of originality from the fast opening blast beat driven “Age of hell’s rebirth”
hopefully, that applies to Candlemass, as well?! The cover cause that isn’t what the band aims for, but more like a is brilliant! Another ear-catching song is “Iced Over” which to the torturously slow “Wormfeast” which apparently clos-
art is kept basic, with the band’s logo, and a cross, as it’s good opus of well thought black metal with enough varia- results wonderfully. I think all the songs are great and I es the album. I say apparently because there’s a hidden track
what’s inside that counts (the music). Probably bigger in tion (the songs wander between the fast to mid tempo truly advise “Winternight Tragedies” to al the fans of metal, in the end, none other that classic neck breaker “Infernal
Europe, than they ever will be in North America, speeds) to keep everybody in misery. The band features especially the ones interested in melodic Black Metal. Death”, taken out of Death’s debut “Scream Bloody Gore”
Candlemass are definitely cult legends. [7] CHRIS HORTON members of Vidsyn and Nebular Mystic and also a guest Follow us, the heart of darkness. [8] SÓNIA FONSECA and given the Cianide treatment! This pretty much shows
appearance of Erik Tiwaz “Tyr” (Emperor, Satyricon, where these three guys come from, summing up their musi-
CAPHARNAUM : FRACTURED Borknagar) on one of the songs. CATARACT : WITH TRIUMPH COMES LOSS cal attitude quite well. Personally, I would love to see this
[EARACHE RECORDS] [METAL BLADE]
The lyrics are based on dark themes, and take form by material performed live, since these songs have a strong
We deal with a bunch of youngsters who started playing Volund’s hateful vociferations. His vocals are a mix of gut- Like a vinyl record, this CD snaps with pent-up aggression, ‘live’ feeling, but with the present impossibility of that, I’ll
music at the ages of 9 and 14. Regrouped in Florida they tural and highpitched grunts layered on a powerful drum and brute force, as Cataract come across like Pantera keep on playing Hell’s Rebirth”, definitely the strongest
have already one Cd called “Reality Only Fantasized” since work (in my opinion in a few moments just slightly over (R.I.P.) on steroids. Here we have yet another of Metal metal Cianide has delivered to date! [8] MIGUEL SOUSA
1997. They play American death metal in the vein of the top on the mixture), a twin guitar attack and an intense Blade’s roster of environmentally, conscious, acts, who
Obituary and old Sacred Reich. Of course Sacred Reich bass. “Master Morality” continues the work of the ‘05 also tackle the topics of religion and war. Greg and Simon’s CIRCLE II CIRCLE : THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE
were never a death metal band but I used them as exam- praised demo tape “Occularis Infernum” (even includes 4 razorsharp, guitar, riffage, on opener “Killing Tool” maims, [AFM RECORDS]
ple to show the weight of Capharnaum’s music compared re-recorded songs of it) and confirms that Norwegian is tortures, then destroys it’s hapless victims, in swift, clean, ‘Middle of Nowhere’ is the second release from US band
to Sacred Reich’s “Ignorance” days. Now their new still on the black path... [7.5] NUNO SANTOS sweeps, like the grim reaper, with it’s scythe. Ricki’s brutal Circle II Circle, a band formed in the fall of 2002 by
attempt “Fractured” is on the shelves. It’s well written and pounding of his drum kit, on the well-executed “Vanished Zachary Stevens, the legendary vocalist of Savatage in the
catchy, but forgive me for saying so, it’s not my best. They CATAMENIA : WINTERNIGHT TRAGEDIES in the Dark”, caused my head to bang so hard, it fell off, 90’s who has accomplished the unique greatness of fol-
seem very technical though and they indeed have a clear [MASSACRE RECORDS] beheaded by their guillotine. The sudden attack of “Skies lowing the charismatic and vocally incomparable Jon Oliva
sound. Google ‘em for more info. [4] KOSTAS ANTONATOS The 6th album from the Finns Catamenia is a masterpiece. Grow Black” is the looming threat (of war) on the horizon, with great applause from every Savatage fan base.
From the opening riff on, one gets entangled in the web growing, building, and blotting out any hope of salvation. Listening to Middle of Nowhere’s first song ‘In This Life’
CARNAL LUST : REBIRTH IN HATE knitted by this talented outfit. Absolutely brilliant!! I can The raging torment, of the rather short, yet still impacting we are consecrated by Savatage influence leading to a
[DIAMOND PRODUCTIONS] honestly say that I haven’t been this excited about an “Reborn From Fire” releases a horde of serpents, to devour Zachary Stevens Savatage, but this is not a burden, au
The brutal death metal mongers from the French band album for quite a long while now... that’s a shame surely all mankind. The eerie, title track sums it all up, in one contraire, it sounds as a tribute to a great progressive
Carnal Lust is now ready with the follow up to 2003’s full but Catamenia have restored my faith on metal again! song, perfectly. [6] CHRIS HORTON power metal band that shaped Zak in the skilled musician
length album “Whore Of Violence”, which as such was an Well, the line-up changes didn’t affect the band’s integrity he became, while developing this talented and promising
okay piece of utter brutality and blasting death metal, and talent and the new vocalist O.J. Mustonen and bassist CHAOSTAR : THE SCARLET QUEEN band which CIIC is nowadays. Although this Savatage feel-
[HOLY RECORDS]
though it got a tad boring in the length. “Rebirth In Hate” Mikko Hepo-oja are indeed valuable. The new songs are ing can be sensed all the way through the ten songs that
is a 4 track mini album, offering hateful and brutal as raw and still maintain the Black Metal flame alive. Opener As far as soundtracks are concerned, I have to confess that make up ‘Middle of Nowhere’, (most of the time without
always death metal. “The Heart of Darkness” is addictive and presents lots of I am more in favour to those that are of a “direct” / repeti- the intensity that is instantly recognizable in this first
The band doesn’t work with refined elements to fine tune variation of rhythms and blastbeats which is always cool. tive approach (e.g. Basil Poledouris, Hans Zimmer etc.) or track), it bears also a distinct sound of its own that will
their music, they pick out some riffs, fires them away, the “Verikansa” is the 2nd track and is definitely the best one in to the ones that have an unusual and more unique sound make CIIC recognizable in a split second listening. In addi-
drums follows up and delivers pace shifts, often from fast here. It’s in Finnish but the melody and vocals are so catchy and structure to offer (e.g. Thomas Newman). Chaostar`s tion, the songwriting is very good and the production is of
to faster, not that interesting drumming, it delivers the that one can’t help but being completely seduced by it. third album is not classified in the above and is not much the highest level making CIIC’s ‘Middle of Nowhere’ one of
beats and that’s about that, we are getting served some “Verikansa” is a mixture of Black metal and Viking Metal... different than their previous two albums, at least structure the best 2005 releases. After learning with his mentors
fills and off beat breaks, but they doesn’t work that well in fact, it’s a mixture of this and that... in the end, the result wise. Very much inspired by Elfman, classical music and Paul O´Neill, Jon Oliva and guitarist Chris Caffery, that has

and pre-productions, you get a rougher 2005, when its debut CD has been unleashed! JENNIE TEBLER : SILVERWING MASSMURDER : SLAUGHTERED FOR SNUFF METSATOLL : HIIEKODA
recording (and slightly different versions in What Human Ground has for you is 12 tracks [BLACK MARK RECORDS] [UNMATCHED BRUTALITY RECORDS] [NAILBOARD RECORDS]
some case) of the material available on their of tight, solid Death Metal in the Swedish vein Jennie Tebler was known for her performanc- This album is pretty brutal, I don’t really know Please... for crying out loud! Estonian folklore
albums. A live track is closing the CD. Being aesthetically diversified by entrancingly melan- es in Lake Of Tears albums. In early 2004 she how much of a lasting replay value it will hold epic metal in native language?? Change your
so, this might only appeal to established fans cholic guitar tunes woven here and there. Each collaborated with Quorthon for a solo project over the years in your collection. But I’ll say it attitude guys and become European. Take a
of the band, not really being a good place to single riff and drum hit is in its proper place, but even though the songs were done, holds more than initial shock value. 8 tracks step forward! You’ve been around since 1990!
start with. [6] ERIC MASSICOTTE and one can’t help thinking that Valm and Co Quorthon died and the album wasn’t released. clocking in at just about 22 min., this record Your music has got potential. You are inven-
are self-reliant enough that not to feel the des- Finally she decided to let it out saying: ”For lyrically and sonically will leave you feeling dirty. tive in many ways and you manage in many
HELLFIRE : REQUIEM FOR MY BRIDE perate necessity of attracting the masses’ the love of Quorthon, his hordes and music”. One thing I can compliment is the bright drum songs to put together fantastic tunes that with
[SONIC AGE RECORDS] attention with cheap tricks on the performance It’s a 2 song release named “Silverwing” with work used that cuts through the madness with the right production can boost you forward.
Hellfire hail from Poland and, ever since they level. Way to go! [8] VANYA MARINOVA a same name song and a cover version of the some great cymbal work. Although these guys But for god’s sake start singing in English. We
have started it all (1999), this album appears majestic “Song To Hall Up High”. I don’t really are very talented musicians and possess great want to be able to understand whatever mes-
as their second. It offers 9 power / speed IN BATTLE : WELCOME TO THE BATTLEFIELD like her voice that much, but only for technical skill, I’m going to say it’s nothing that sages you wanna send to us. Break that freak-
tracks filled to the brim with energy and mys- [METAL BLADE RECORDS] Quorthon’s musical genius I give it a 6. RIP will change your life. [5.5] MAX RODRIGUEZ ing glass! Cheers! Music 6/10 - Vocals...
teriousness. As I have stated in another review The Swedish demons hit us again with fast my friend and hail your warmates in Valhalla. below zero. [6] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
here, I have never been into acts referred to Viking Black Metal without polishing. The cur- [6] KOSTAS ANTONATOS MAY RESULT : SVETOGRDJE (THE BLASPHEMY)
the aforementioned blend, but still I shall rent album “Welcome To The Battlefield” was [ROCK EXPRESS RECORDS] MINDRIPPER : KAHOS HUMANA
admit that the songs on the CD shine with the released via Metal Blade and it’s super-fast, KIUAS : THE SPIRIT OF UKKO May Result are a band that I’ve come to know a [ADIPOCERE RECORDS]
remarkable ease and assuredness they have though quite technical, too. They sound a bit [SPINEFARM RECORDS] few years ago... and they’re quite ok. The 8 This French act was formed in ‘99, “Kahos
been performed with. Some people have defi- like US bands in some parts mostly because What Finland’s Kiuas (formed in 2000) offer tracks on “Svetogrdje” are all in the Serbian Humana” is their first album ever and calling it
nitely not wasted their time through the years. the mix was done in Tampa, Florida. A kick with their debut cd is rhythmic Thrash / Death language so don’t expect to understand what groundbreaking would mean to tell you a lie.
[7] VANYA MARINOVA ass high level playing though that doesn’t lack in the vein of The Haunted adorned with typical- they’re saying. Basically you can only appreci- What I’m listening to right now sounds like
variation as well. Strange riffs, sometimes ly Power / Progressive solos and discreet synth ate the music and melodies and I can say they’ll one of those standard Black Metal releases
HUMAN GROUND : HUMAN GROUND melodic. They are well balanced between pure parts here and there. Something that I could say surprise you with their talent. Great tracks in that remind you of at least 10 bands born
[NAILBOARD RECORDS] hatred music, brutality and technique. It’s a in the guys’ favour is that the 8 tracks they have here but track one exceeds the 11 minute mark. circa 1996 and the moment you try recalling
I will have to admit that the Estonian bands dream come true for brutality classy fans. come up with are very well constructed. I doubt They have gone one step forward with their tra- any concrete name(s) you meet fog! “Kahos
I’m aware of are quite few. This one, at any [7.5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS that I’ll ever get back to “The Spirit of Ukko” ditional Black Metal. This album is a tribute to Humana” will be certainly praised by many
case, must have turned a lot of heads in May though. [6] VANYA MARINOVA the Serbian culture. [6.5] SÓNIA FONSECA though, as the Mindripper are not bereft of

24 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
co-written with Zak the songs of CIIC debut album and Trouble. This is true classy/classic doom metal most er. ‘The Torment Continues’ forecast us to a world of mas- metal. To be honest the band hasn’t gotten new inspira-
‘Watching in Silence’, Zak Stevens takes another step of the time, and with so much half-assed power metal sive savage destruction where rein harmonically belliger- tional sources since then, the music is still symphonic
ahead with Middle of Nowhere showing off his skills even flooding the market these days, it’s damn refreshing to ent distortion. That’s the feeling emanated by Corpus black metal with a heavy scent of Emperor. Crionics even
more intensively. This evolution is highly present in the ten hear something as heavy, as metal, and as honest as this. Christii and translated into songs that demonstrating a cover Emperor’s “The Loss And Curse Of Reverence” from
magnificent songs on display, balancing between fast A must for all doom and really HEAVY metal fans. Doom or raw, dirty low-level production craft detonating some lack “Anthems To The Welkin At Dusk” on this album.
songs like ‘Psycho Motor’ to the calmly melodic last be doomed! [9] MIGUEL SOUSA of ambition. Why Corpus Christii hadn’t bet in something The songs are well written, there is a nice drive to them.
songs ‘Faces in The Dark’ and ‘Lost’; fleeting through more superior? More tangible that can be able to embody There are some good riffs and melodies here and there,
majestic power metal songs like ‘Cynical Ride’, ‘Open CONTINUO RENACER : CONTINUO RENACER and shape satanic Black Metal gender? ‘The Torment even though many sounds like the have been heard before.
Season’, ‘Holding On’ and ‘Hollow’ where the guitar riff [INDAR PRODUCTIONS] Continues’ is an insufferable album at any level except for There are some nice technical breaks both from the guitars
dominates, giving them power composition contrasting Continuo Renacer is truly enlightenment for metal ears. the musical essence and manage atmosphere inherit, the and drums. Though they at times appear to be a bit too
with the more soothing and melodic aspects of the pro- Employing a great degree of intelligence in the crafting of sharpen guitar sound and the vocal performance. All the chaotic, and once in a while they break the momentum of
gressive power metal pieces like ‘All that Remains’ and the these songs, with their unusual textures and compelling rest is forgettable. First of all, the album soul ripper, the the songs, instead of giving them a kick. I noted it espe-
title track ‘The Middle of Nowhere’. CIIC gives us an excel- rhythms and quirky melodies, this disc is by far one of the production, slaying the drum part and making ‘The cially in the track ‘Black Manifest (The Sermon To The
lent and promising second album, which will certainly put most standout metal albums to take aim at my ears lately. Torment Continues’ even more disinteresting than it is Masses)’, where at a point there are many breaks, which
Zak Stevens and crew in the frontline of melodic power Sure to be one of the top heavy metal CDs of the year, CR’s already. For who want 80’s revivalisms could learn with the destroys the atmosphere of the song. A shame though,
metal. [8.5] CARLOS FILIPE stunning math-prog metal is totally engaging and easily masters of Black metal, the ones that still out there today because the song is actually good, and I like the way the
something an intelligent metal freak could get inside of, giving excellent cards. Corpus Christii could present a band incorporates pieces of one of Verdi’s (or at least I
CIRITH GORGOR : FIRESTORM APOCALYPSE jagged-but-precision riffage and all. In fact, it’s this angu- more daring and foreseen work and less underground. think it is by Verdi, feel free to correct me if not) operas
[KETZER RECORDS] lar, sharp rhythmic sensibility, fuelled by an irresistible Looking to their press release, it jumps to my eyes the into it. The variation between fast and more midpaced
Being their third full-length, Cirith Gorgor are quickly desire to explore the sonic palette, which makes Continuo most revealing phrase about their ambition and most com- moments are also nice, and the midpaced sections are
becoming black metal veterans and their music clearly Renacer’s music as fascinating and ever-curiosity-induc- promising. The next statement: ‘Not expected to be a turn needed at times, after the runs with hyperfast drumming
shows it with their fast and relentless black metal coming ing as it is. This band refuses to rest on its laurels and pro- point in the Black metal scene but to be one more contri- and riffing etc… The vocals are varied from a evil rasp, to
across more vicious than ever. I could lament that sound- duce standard metal compositions; indeed, it demands bution…’ Please, true Satanic Black metal doesn’t need a lower dramatic scream and some tries with clean singing
wise this is not as powerful as their Osmose albums, but I more than just a moshing thrash groove or grinding, one more contribution! True satanic Black metal need new like in the track ‘Disconnected Minds’, the result is not the
will not do so, because the production manages to leave churning guitar sickness a la grindcore. Instead, the band comers that will push Black Metal a little further into the best, but it is listenable.
every instrument just at the right level. Besides, this is couples the darkness and heaviness of metal to intricate excellence. [5.5] CARLOS FILIPE This isn’t a groundbreaking album of any sorts, it’s a
classic early 90ies black metal (with no keyboards), so I progressions and surprising layers of instrument lines. decent symphonic black metal album which delivers the
imagine that sound shouldn’t really be a major concern to The production and mixing of the sound is also a signifi- CREMASTER : BOLETUS SATANAS deal, but not much more. A listen to “Armageddon’s
Cirith Gorgor’s public. Anyway, the technical abilities of the cant point in CR’s originality. The noticeable bass line [CONQUER RECORDS] Evolution” now and then is good, but it can’t be denied that
musicians are the main focus here, with guitars (bass (bass lines are underappreciated) help add an extra ele- I still keep good memories of Poland’s Conquer for having Crionics is close to Emperor, their moods and ways of
included) matching up the excellent extra-fast drumming ment to the band’s compelling audio landscape and often signed with such killer acts like Hell-Born or Immemorial. arranging the music. So if you like Emperor and misses
in precision and intensity. The down side to “Firestorm bring a sort of jazz influence to the proceedings. This The band the CD I’m spinning of right now has definitely new material by them, you should check this out, even
Apocalypse” (there had to be one, otherwise they would Funkified focus on the bass almost makes you think of managed to call the smile on my face! Style-wise I’m apt though this doesn’t posses the musical brilliancy Emperor
possibly still be in Osmose) is the lengthy and not too var- what Primus would achieve if there was more seriousness of defining the debut CD of Poland’s Cremaster as Metal / was known for. On a side note I should mention that the
ied songs: although there’s some well constructed speed applied to the compositions. Of course, that’s just the Core related basically. A real metal / core vortex decorated work of the keyboards on this album is pretty good, nice
changes, I must say that stylistically every song sounds bassline; CR sounds nothing like Primus. The guitar lines with tones of amusing moments calling associations with spheres, good and atmosphere invoking, often subtle and
pretty much the same, with only “Perishing Nights” also shoot for more complication in songwriting texture involvements in gazillions of situations ridiculous enough not too dominating. I think there is a future ahead of
sounding different because of the guitar solo. than you might otherwise expect, and they move with the that to lead you to acquiring the ability of meeting your Crionics, if they move outside the Emperor box and get
This is a good album, but at almost one hour long (seven constant sense of trying to keep the sound refreshing from everyday troubles with laughter approaching the hysteria their own identity. [5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
songs and an interlude), this becomes too thick to be fully riff to riff. There are times where the band will threaten to borders! And all that expressed with enviable skill and
enjoyed. Still, I bet this might make many a black metaller veer into extreme territories (often the work of the excel- vitality! That’s something that does impress me, as CRITERION : THE DOMINANT
happy with its ferocious velocity and dark atmosphere. lent drummer’s abrupt tempo/rhythm changes) before “Boletus Satanas” turned out to be Cremaster’s first full- [MORBID RECORDS]
[6.5] MIGUEL SOUSA steering back leftward into infrequently explored but length ever! Check this CD out, in case you’re into more This rather new Norwegian band only needed one demo to
rewarding musical realms, the sort of exploration Continuo humorous stuff! [8] VANYA MARINOVA convince the German label Morbid Records about that they
COMMUNIC : CONSPIRACY IN MIND Renacer seems to prefer. [9] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN should pick them up, and release their debut full length
[NUCLEAR BLAST] CRIONICS : ARMAGEDDON’S EVOLUTION “The Dominant”. Quite a wise choice of Morbid Records,
Since I happen to belong to those who have been consid- CORPUS CHRISTII : THE TORMENT CONTINUES [CANDLELIGHT RECORDS] due to “The Dominant” being some of the most captivat-
ering Nuclear Blast as a latex-clad love Metal stars breed- [UNDERCOVER RECORDS] This album has now seen its release in Europe, after ing, ugly and brutal, yet technical death metal to come out
ing house lately, it was quite natural for me to feel biased The present release ‘The Torment Continues’, constitutes Empire Records released it in Poland last year. This is the of Norway the latter years.
towards the CD from Norway’s Communic (featuring for- Corpus Christii second opus of an announced trilogy start- Polish black metal band’s second full length album, their The music has its roots in the old European scene with a
mer Scariot members). Eventually, although I really doubt ed with ‘Tormented Belief’. That’s the way Corpus Christii first was “Human Error - Ways To Selfdestruction” from heavy and groovy foundation, with some good melodic
that I’ll keep spinning “Conspiracy in Mind” once I finish has found to say hail to every satanic Black Metal support- 2002, which offered Emperor inspired symphonic black leads here and there, and many straight forward mid-
writing this review, I am far from apt of calling this album tempo double bass drum drives. That is spiced very much
really bad. Basically Power / Progressive directed, the 7 up with technical extravaganza from the US death metal
tracks on the CD shine with their top-notch sound and scene, where disharmonic leads and off beat rhythm pat-
simply faultless constructions. Some melancholically terns are dominant. Especially American bands as Morbid
deliberate passages inserted here and there contribute to Angel, Immolation and Incantation are among the players
the bigger diversity of “Conspiracy in Mind”. Then again, here, especially Morbid Angel being very influential for the
Communic are not for me: give me the bread, keep the singer, just check out the vocals on the title track.
croissants. [6] VANYA MARINOVA The musicianship on the album is excellent, there are lots
of technical goodies from the guitars, the bass and the
CONFESSOR : UNRAVELED drums, killer leads and melodies, especially all the dishar-
[SEASON OF MIST] monic stuff is great. The breaks from the drums are great
After the tragic demise of guitarist Ivan Colon in 2002, as well, and the drummer knows how to vary his play, and
Confessor thought that the best way to pay tribute to him, keep it from being boring. The compositions are well writ-
was to reform. Now, many people might not have heard of ten, they are technical, brutal and very disharmonic at
this band before, but their Confessor’s debut album times, but possess great hooks, so the listener doesn’t get
“Condemned” surely was one hell of a record, with brilliant lost in the audio frenzy attacking from the speakers.
songs like “Collapse into despair” and the title track being A good and effective debut album from Criterion, a band
truly unforgettable. that we will hear much more of in the future, no doubt
Their slow and tortuous doom metal crossed with techni- about that. Great song writing skills, good musicians and
cal thrash raised many eyebrows and paved their way into CRAFT : FUCK THE UNIVERSE a good dark and heavy production, a good start for a band
the Gods of Grind tour. And then, when no one expected, [CARNAL RECORDS] and their first label release. If dark, technical death metal
they evaporated into thin air. I feel lucky to have found and follow this Swedish outfit for the past years and I must say that they have become a with a disharmonic touch is your style, this album will rock
Now, more than a decade after “Condemned”, Confessor your world. [9] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
serious project on the black metal movement and above all a band that knows how to grab a listener by the balls and
deliver its successor in the shape of “Unraveled”. And has
it been worth waiting all these years? Hell, yes! One minute put him in front of the speakers drooling like a retarded. Slow riffing demented tortuous black metal is what Craft are CROSSBOW : BREAK THE ICE
into “Cross the bar” and I’m in doom metal heaven: heavy shredding the humans with. Forget all the new stuff you are hearing lately cause the new Craft album is already out, [SOURCE OF DELUGE RECORDS]
slow monolithic chords, the wondrous vocals of Scott meaning on the dark uncrowded side streets! “Fuck The Universe” continues the legacy left by “Terror Propaganda” I’m a sucker for heavy metal, so when the first tones left
Jeffreys (sounding better than ever) and a sound to die and adds a bit of rock’n’rollish feeling to the songs. Similar to what Carpathian Forest, Satyricon and even the speaker when I pressed play with this album in the
for! But it is track 2 “Until tomorrow” which really delivers player, I started to get exalted. I didn’t know the band, but
the goods here thanks to an awesome usage of double Darkthrone are making but with their own special hunting vicious slow touch! found out it was a German quintet, which lost 2 members
vocals, pounding double bass work that makes the song The songwriting is of top notch, versatile, full of tempo changes and layered by a clear powerful yet raw production after the release of this album, and that “Break The Ice”
extra heavy and a mid section that is classic Confessor to emphasize the dark atmosphere! Nox’ vocals sound even more frightening than last time, Joakim and John’s gui- was Crossbow’s second album.
with its complex rhythms and structures. Songs like “The tar work is superb sounding like possessed riffing freaks with constant pace changes and Daniel’s drumming is pre- This is pretty straight forward heavy metal with an epic aura
downside” and “Hibernation” also deliver great technical surrounding the music. The musicians seems like they have
cise and cutting like a meticulous surgeon! Sometimes its doom, sometimes its dark, even rock’n’rollish but always
passages in the old style, showing just how brilliant is the their instruments under full control, there are bits and
rhythmic section of bassist Cary Rorvells and drummer hateful black metal. When some try to conquer, Craft has already a flag in it for some time! Warning: I guess you pieces there are good, but I can’t help to feel like I have
Steve Shelton. However, the key word here is doom, with won’t come out from home ‘till your daily dose of Craft... vicious stuff inside! [9] NUNO SANTOS heard most of the musical expressions before. The only
the guitar work echoing classic names such as Saint Vitus more or less unique thing is the vocal, but that takes some

skill and the wintrily morose ambience their right in the face of fans of bands like Unearth playing is “wishful thinking”. They are clean, Then the atmosphere changes from gothic to allers, yet annoying and stressful. The shitty
material emits will definitely bring them new etc. Merciless headbang and meaningless I polished even aggressive where it’s needed but metallic riffs, moody tracks and a heavy guitar production comes on top of it and the drum-
fans. [6.5] VANYA MARINOVA might add. Metalcore to rip you apart and tear they don’t persuade me that they can be origi- flavour here and there. Underlying synthesiz- mer seems to play another song sometimes
your flesh from bone. Only for grindcore nal at some point. You can’t easily categorise ers are present as well. There is always space than the rest. Actually this isn’t a cd which
MOONSHINE : SONGS OF REQUIEM fanatics that are used to making it out of their style and that’s a downside, since you for improvement though, since according to you can suggest to someone to listen to. If
[DOPE ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC] onslaughts alive! [3] KOSTAS ANTONATOS can’t tag them as Death Metal, like they claim. my ears there’s something missing in general. you like searching for new gems feel free to
When the hell will I learn that a band coming Typical example of another band that probably There aren’t any songs standing out but the check them out, but I personally didn’t find
not from Europe or the US doesn’t necessarily NOUMENA : ABSENCE needs a lot of work before they make their outcome is easily listenable and your time much good stuff in this production.
offer something different! Moonshine are from [SPIKEFARM RECORDS] paveway to greatness. [4] KOSTAS ANTONATOS passes quite nice. [6] KOSTAS ANTONATOS [2.5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
Korea anyway, they were formed back in ‘93 “Absence” is the first longplayer of this 7-year
as Deathrasher (Korea’s first ever Death Metal old outfit from Finland, and what I can basical- PROFANATION : DEAD BODY FUCK SALACIOUS GODS : PIENE SETHERY : KHOLERA
band, as they claim themselves), and “Songs ly say is that this CD, as soon as being [SELF RELEASE] [FOLTER RECORDS] [WOODCUT RECORDS]
of Requiem” is their second longplayer. reviewed, is going to be placed in my oblivion For a fan of brutal/death/grind style metal, this Some of the most energetic and powerful Sethery, a Finnish band formed in ‘98, has
Although mid 90’s Black Metal related, the 11 bin for all eternity! Although not bereft of band suits a need. Other than that they have sounding black metal I’ve heard of late, finally released their first album in 2004. And
tracks still keep the echoes of the Deathrasher good performances, these 9 melodic Death memorable song structures, but there’s not Salacious Gods is a group definitely out to what a release! “Kholera” brings you 40 min-
times in some moments, and this definitely Metal tracks sound totally predictable con- really much I can say for a cd that I didn’t make an impression. Originally formed in utes of melodic brutality thanks to powerful
contributes to the bigger diversity of the struction-wise, and if “predictable” is not quite like in conclusion. The closest approach 1994, this band has a great attitude to make guitar riffs, fast drums, symphonic keyboards
album itself. The atmosphere, on its turn, another word for “tedious”, then I don’t know I can give is that they mostly sound like melodic metal while keeping a grim atmos- and that good old fashion black metal voice.
attracts with its obscurity. But still we have what it is! Heh, need I also mention that the “Waco Jesus” or bands of that idiom. phere and never losing any energy. It’s very “Kholera” is one of those albums in which you
heard that before... [6] VANYA MARINOVA vocal parts here are based upon the good old [3.5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS likely to get a bad case of whiplash if you get really don’t know what to say, you have to lis-
grunting / melodic male and female singing the chance to check out this act live. Fans of ten to it. It’s a hell of an album with a remark-
MY SON MY EXECUTIONER : IN BETWEEN interaction? I bet not... [5] VANYA MARINOVA SAINTS OF EDEN : OVERLOAD aggressive, raw black metal, look no further. able production that manages to keep melody
HEAVEN AND HELL [METECH RECORDINGS] [7] MAX RODRIGUEZ unspoiled despite of the power and brutality of
[DOLL HOUSE RECORDINGS] PLASTIC EARTH : S.E.A.M. 01 It had been a while since I heard an industrial the whole piece. And it will probably remind
Execute me now please! Such brutality and [WORLDCHAOS PRODUCTION] metal band. This style burned out quite fast. SAURON : FOR A DEAD RACE you of Dimmu Borgir when you listen to it. A
song molesting deserves a few lines. A bunch The music of this band sounds like In Flames With vocals ranging from rough and [NEUROTIC RECORDS] must have for any melodic black metal fan.
of guys scratching their musical instruments and Dark Tranquillity. But the band is Japanese processed to clean and ethereal, the title track Sauron (even though I really dig the name) [8] SUSANA FERNANDES
not knowing the reason why, deliver a blow and to expect anything else than digitized great opens the album, presenting a nice groove. are very furious and aggressive black met-

26 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
time to get used to, it is rather distinct, but I have grown to ten as a cow corpse in the middle of a salt desert, and the
like it, I really hated it from the start. The compositions are production is screaming “do not buy me!”. I may not be
rather boring at times, and seldom consists of layers, so the biggest grind/death metal fan but believe me I know
they seems thin and not finished, like demo tracks or pre- how to judge something good from something awful. And
recordings. The thin and bad production doesn’t help this this is awful. Seriously, get a fucken grip (so said the
matter, there isn’t any punch behind the guitars or the bass, Lord). [2] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS
the vocals doesn’t get blown out of the speakers, as it
should do, its seems like all the instruments are recorded DECEASED : LEGIONS OF ARRGGGHHHH
from their amps and not processed very much, and that [TRAUMA RECORDS]
does give a bad and rather misleading result of the actual Man, I’ve been a fan of Deceased for quite a while, the band
material tries to present. If I bought this album as a demo, never seem to let their fans down with their own unique
I would be satisfied, but if I had to pay the same for this as brand of heavy metal and speed induced thrash. They have
for an instance, the new U.D.O. album “Mission X”, I would their classic heavy and raw trademark sound, together with
be severely disappointed. The song writing and skills of the good and effective guitar work, straight to the bone drum-
musicians aren’t on the same height of course, but that ming, hooking bass lines and the distinctive vocal from
can’t be expected. But the production is too weak, com- King Fowley. This release is not presenting us for any new
pared to “normal” releases, no punch and the production material, even though that statement is a bit wrong.
lack energy and focus. I have grown to like the material and D’EVIL LEECH PROJECT : BLEED YOUR MIND “Legions Of Arrggghhh” is a collection of Deceased’s
the band, and I believe if the music some day was re- [RAGINGPLANET] demos for the ‘97 album “Fearless Undead Machines” and
recorded and produced properly, it would kick serious ass, How to describe what this young Portuguese band is about and define what they play, it’s a tough job, complicated ‘99’s “Supernatural Addiction”, together with those 2
but for now heavy metal maniacs with a taste for bands in demos there are added 3, so far unreleased Deceased
the vein of Manilla Road should try to check it out... but and ambiguous because of their transversal originality. Nobody ever heard something so entrancing. Since their tracks, recorded live in 3 different venues from ‘90 to ‘92.
consider yourself warned. [3] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN beginning in 1994 as Devileech, they became D’Evil Leech Project in 2003 and release ‘Bleed Your Mind’ in the same Let’s start with the “Fearless Undead Machine” demo,
year. I am astonished by the energy present and blazed with the brutality of their music delivering an experience which has a quite raw sound due to it being recorded on
CRUX CAELIFERA : AD LUCIFER AETERNAM GLORIAM beyond imagination enhanced with Alfred’s grunted and brutal voice from beginning to end preaching sexual perver- an 8 track recorder. Even though the recording isn’t the
[SOMBER MUSIC] best, the tracks does unfolds as pure Deceased material,
sion surrounded by a cyber world atmospherically created by these four men. I have the opportunity to listening the
Hailing from Brazil, Crux Caelifera is a 5-piece band origi- and it’s great to hear the band playing the early renditions
nally formed in 1996 as the “cult” band Desmodus excellent predecessor album ‘Leechtron’ and I surely can say that ‘Bleed Your Mind’ is a step forward in their career, of 5 of the tracks, which later ended up on the real album,
Rotundus, so says the biography. I still haven’t figured out revealer of all D’Evil Leech’s impending metal band. By this time you may ask: ‘What’s after all D’Evil Leech?’ D’Evil with a somewhat better production. If you know the album,
what is so “cult” about a band I’ve never previously heard Leech is the combination of Death Grind Metal blend with Industrial Metal and a cybernetic atmosphere emotionally you’ll know that the material on it, was where Deceased
about, but anyway, it’s definitely not the first (and it won’t progressed more or less, into the more rock n’ roll straight
dismissed delivered followed by ambiguous scenery. ‘Bleed Your Mind’ is a well-produce album, very aesthetic musi-
be the last) time that I’ve seen this word being misplaced forward style, they do nowadays, without loosing the mad-
in such a manner. What I also don’t understand is what the cally and visually prove by the art cover, not leaving a single moment for us to breathe in a true demonstration of ness from “The Blueprints Of Madness” album.
use is for mentioning on the press-sheet all the bands and strength, aggression, visceral singing and powerful performance on playing. For those who like to know all about The next 5 demo tracks are songs that later would end up
side-projects Crux Caelifera’s members take part in. Thus D’Evil Leech must know the fact that there is no drummer. This sound ridiculous, lets say flawless and who have on “Supernatural Addiction”, this recorded on a 16 track
we have Mythological Cold Towers (the only one I’ve experience their music must be astonish. They have opted from early days for the coldness of a sequencer instead of recorder, and that results in a not so thin and more full
vaguely heard about), Miasthenia, Spell Forest, Vulturine, sound, compared to the previous demo. Again a great pre-
Cruor Cultum, Roba El-Khaliyeh... Come on! Who cares?? a real drum set, providing a very organic human’s aggression, transforming the duality of both elements, organic and view at some of the songs that ended up on “Supernatural
I don’t even know these bands! electronic, in an demolish tie. One last note: I known, I known, Sometimes we feel we are listening Cannibal Addiction”, the songs here sound very done, and have the
Having taken a look through the booklet before actually lis- Corpse... but they constitute their supreme influence, praying religions to them. [9] CARLOS FILIPE full mysterious and catchy atmosphere, that made the
tening to the CD itself I got the idea I was dealing with yet album one of the best Deceased albums. The song writing
another Dimmu Borgir wannabe-clone here... Fortunately is clever and the musicians deliver a hell of a job, espe-
this is not the case. Still, Crux Caelifera belong to the wave ing this stuff. Moreover, it takes a great deal of courage to Storm music. Unfortunately, the underproduction feeling cially the guitar work is killer.
of tidy so-called Black Metal bands, who don’t seem to write a review on them. Still, Damnation have been around in ‘Infernal Tyrant’ doesn’t let Butcher’s drum part to be The live tracks are raw and noisy, and sets one straight back
have much affinity with indecent and putrid layouts; the since 1989, so the interest might as well be increased one more asset to add in. The drums, which are played to the early 90ties. The tracks are ‘A Tolerance For Horror’,
type of band that insists in using well got-up and perfectly accordingly. according to the Hell&Earth philosophy, sound a little flat. ‘Terrifying Spectres’ and ‘Industrial Tumors’. As such good
symmetric corpsepaint, etc. I guess you could call this Ignore the intros and cover songs and you have 6 songs ‘Infernal Tyrant’ goes away like an infernal massacre of tracks, in the vein of the “Luck Of The Corpse” style thrashy
Metrosexual Black Metal, hehe! One thing is for sure, with to deal with, thus perhaps this review should be in the obscure darkness merging within dark Storm ideology and death metal the band delivered back then. It is also quite
such mentality you can’t expect aggressive and genuine demo section. No originality, not that we were expecting imaginary. Dark Storm’s ‘IT’ do not constitutes a BM funny to hear King’s vocals drenched in reverb, as on ‘A
Black Metal as a result! And so this goes for Crux Caelifera, any, production and sound as weak as a starving imposing release and even less a new BM sound approach, Tolerance For Horror’, to be honest not the strongest vocal
even though they’re not necessarily bad musicians. During Ethiopian, and lengths of 7 minutes -per- song are the but still quiet good enough album to get everybody’s atten- performance from him. Though a good varied track, with
the first minutes of listening I realised that there was no elements that might make you snap. Decent riffs are hid- tion, specially the pure black metal ones. [7] CARLOS FILIPE the later to come trademark dark atmosphere, and on a side
power in the music. For a moment I thought I was listen- den within “Insulter of Jesus Christ” and “Bloody note, one of the tracks where the band uses lightening
ing to a long kind of intro, but the song had actually start- Vengeance”. The fun part is that, this album presents an DARKWELL : METATRON speed blast beats. It’s interesting to hear the band at that
ed already. It became clear to me that the guitar-sound was overall sincere effort from a band that cannot impress [NAPALM RECORDS] stage, and cool to have some not before released tracks, but
at a very low frequency and that the synth was dominating but can sure do anti-popular black metal well. If you are The first highlight listening Darkwell, for the good and the this is a pure fan thing. As the entire release of course is, all
together with both vocals and drums. the kind of person that despises anything that even worst, is Stephanie Luze’s voice. Her singing quality and the demo tracks can be found on the respective albums, but
Another negative point is that there are no highlights on remotely touches modern musicianship, Damnation are distinctive voice tone makes Darkwell’s tuneful character- as a fan it is always cool to hear the songs in early stages
this CD; it’s like I’m listening to a constant bridge (in the your boys. Yet many of you will think that if some inspi- izer element. Everything else is crammed of a painful and settings, or at least I think so. This is quite and enjoy-
musical sense) of uninteresting slow riffs. After having ration could be bought down at the super market, Cds banality that makes ‘Metatron’ a general unevenness and able album, with killer Deceased tracks as ‘The Silent
heard the CD for 3 times I still can’t remember any riff! I such as this one would never be recorded in the first boringness, making it a perfect candidate to be putted on Creature’, ‘The Premonition’, ‘Dark Chilling Heartbeat’,
just feel very sleepy... [5] TARAS VAN DIJK place. [6] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS the shelf after the first listening of so boring it is. Darkwell ‘Night Of The Deceased’ and many more, a pure goody bag
plays Dark Gothic Metal loaded with sensuality full of bit- for Deceased fans, but act fast the release is limited to 500
tersweets desires - as the band name - and supported by copies. [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
Luze’s vocal skills to celebrate ‘Dark sensualism’, like
declared in the first statement. This mixture reveals a fail- DECEIVER : RIDING WITH THE REAPER
ure album in the whole concept. Otherwise, the most [IRON FIST PRODUCTIONS]
prominent Darkwell’s aspect is at the same time the most Swedes have more than often proved their ability to resur-
dreadful, not by Luze’s fault, or even less, lack of skills, but rect old metal. Bewitched, for example, were responsible for
by her voice timbre seems to be not the best one for bringing thrash back to the masses. Other examples could
Darwell music, surely fitting better in another musical be mentioned, but lets just say that there’s some strange
audience outside Metal. ‘Metatron’ is a sufferable album thing in Sweden that generates a healthy interest for all
with a set of songs, undoubtedly Dark Gothic, that pre- things classic and, why not, classy! “Riding with the
tends to make reverence to the feminine magic of Gothic Reaper” is pure and unquestionable love for the old school,
Metal without craft it by lack of ambition, creativity, bold and when I say old school, I mean the likes of Mercyful Fate,
and sensuality. [5.5] CARLOS FILIPE Venom, Motörhead, Iron Maiden and “Kill’em All” Metallica.
In fact, this is a strange brew of NWOBHM with Motörhead
DAWN OF RELIC : NIGHT ON EARTH and early thrash that totally rocks! As a matter of fact,
[SEASON OF MIST] Deceiver are pretty damn good at what they do, specially
Fade in: an a typical intro named ‘Evenfall’ comes from because they cook their influences their own way, creating
silence with a well-sustained riff till at the first chords of a final product which sounds as exciting as it sounds per-
‘Serpent Tongues’ the hostility break through settling sonal. Expect moody passages and some excellent dual gui-
immediately the sound of Dawn of Relic: Thrash Metal tar work (by Pete Flesh, formerly of Maze of Torment). Also
Obituary like with a singing taken from Death Metal world the bass is left quite audible in the mix, thus adding extra
CULT OF LUNA : SALVATION reminding us Pestilence days, jointly with guitar solos very power to the songs; this is of course courtesy of a Tommy
[EARACHE RECORDS / MEGAMUSICA] heavy/speed/thrash and a melodic part like Metalcore as Tagtgren production at The Abyss. Tunes like the sing-along
Sweden band Soilwork does. ‘Night on Earth’ is Finnish “Riding with the Ripper” and “God of Dead” make for a hell
“Such is the way with Cult of Luna, based in Umea in the cold far north of Sweden, far removed from the more fash- Dawn of Relic third album that blends genders all over the of a ride to the good old glory days of metal, but just check
ionable centres of Stockholm and Gothenburg. The culture of Umea has always thrived around the youth of the city, eight songs with a fusion full of strength and energy, but out the dual vocal work in “She - Ghost”, reminiscent of the
principally the university but also the arts and political scene. Naturally merging thought and art, the music scene unfortunately, without constituting any kind of newly, that “St. Valentines Day Massacre” EP which teamed up
has built a reputation for confronting, questioning and searching new ways to express the feelings of a population is, it’s not drinking from different sources, getting a little of Motorhead and Girlschool: recommended for those of you
a particular gender and mingle all together in a ‘Metal’ tired of angelic soprano vocals, cause this lady here sings
that is cut off from much of what outsiders traditionally imagine when they think of Sweden. Life in Umea is tinged the rock n’roll way! Considering that Deceiver were formed
mixer, press tree times and take it into hell to baking, that
with darkness and hostility, and the music emerging from the town reflects this - Meshuggah, Refused, Naglfar - all will obtain a newly with plenty of originality. To achieve that, in January 2004, have recorded an MCD shortly after and
are distinct and diverse, but all have one thing common - a grim individuality. Cult of Luna reflect this distinct per- every wannabe band has to define what to play very care- now deliver this hell of a debut, I just wonder where they are
sonality trait - they don’t sound like anybody else, they don’t claim influence from anybody else, and yet they know fully and then have a good idea and forget all done till that going with this creative intensity! [7.5] MIGUEL SOUSA
day, and then, the wall of fame will bend it at thy foots for-
where they are headed. Clarity of purpose indeed.”
ever. But for that they have to get a higher level. Dawn to DECEIVER : HOLOV POSEN TRO MAY TROT
This was the press release, from Earache Records, and They couldn’t be righter. Cult Of Luna are, definitely, one of Relic manage a high solid work full of great splendid pure [IRON FIST PRODUCTIONS]
the weirdest and hottest bands of the Hardcore scene. Creating a claustrophobic, desolating and emotional environ- metal moments in form of riffs and solos in the most tradi- After a few moments of the starter ‘Ancient God’ we know
ment, C.O.L. are one of the very finest examples that if you want to sound heavy there’s no need to use maximum tional way, but always update, not seen in metal for a while. that Deceiver is a bit changed. First thing we notice, com-
To prove that, listen to ‘Night on Earth’ highlights: ‘Serpent pared to “Riding With The Reaper” we have a fatter more
distortion. “Salvation” is a fine example of how you can write beautiful and abstract music without Death Metal
Tongues’, ‘Birth’, ‘Sinbred City’, ‘Nemesis’ and ‘The Room in your face trashing production still done by Tommy
riffage: sometimes calm and simple chords sound great. In “Salvation”, C.O.L. have pushed the envelope, in what of Paintings’. Not constituting a great album, ‘Night on Tagtgren on the well known Abyss Studios. Secondly we
concerns to their fabulous album “The Beyond”: the structures sound much more connected, they evolved a lot as Earth’ presents himself with a set of powerful and consis- notice a vocal style change since their singer Destormo left
song composers, as well as the ability of creating a desolating feeling that consumes your mind and heart. tent songs like the good old Thrash Metal style from the the band to focus on their other projects, Serpent Obscene
They say that they have no musical influences, but I disagree a bit with that. They have emerged from the so called 80’s update to 2005; Dawn of Relic assume itself as the and Maze Of Torment. Now guitarist Pete Flesh handles
most purist vein of Metal true essence. [8] CARLOS FILIPE also the vocals and his style is more like thrash/death
“Post Hardcore” movement, whose laws were established in the early 90’s. So if you like Callisto don’t miss this dark grunts fitting the Deceiver raging style but in my opinion
masterpiece. It’s Epic, It’s calm and intense. It’s modern Sludge at its best. [9] SIMÃO FONSECA DEATHGUY : CONCENTRATE THE ANIHILATION not at the same rock’n’rollish level as their old singer
[VRYKOBLAST PRODUCTIONS] Destormo. Thirdly, instrumentally they are far more furious
And what’s this? These guys look like suicide bombers. than on their prior release yet a bit repetitive sometimes
DAMNATION : DESTRUCTO EVANGELIA DARK STORM : INFERNAL TYRANT How cool is that... I reckon I have a pretty good idea what’s which for me is not entirely a bad thing. What I miss more
[THREEMAN RECORDINGS] [AGONIA RECORDS] in here... Extreme Brutal Death Metal from Thailand! The is the shredding sound of the guitars and the beer chorus-
The rotten-in-every-way cover art may also act as an indi- Dark Storm is pure raw Black metal played by Butcher, things that stand out are naturally the shocking images of es that the “Ripping With The Reaper” was so abundant at.
cation of what’s to discover in Damnation’s debut disc. Astaroth, Vlad Blasphemer (my favourite name of all Black penises (is anybody shocked yet?) and chopped hands All in all a band that still likes to bang at the sound of their
Don’t ask why, but Destructo Evangelia stinks heavily of Metal musicians) and Devilish. Not being so brutal as we and legs and also... Oh screw it I am not a meat salesman. idols like Motorhead, Metallica, Venom and that stick to
Black metal a-la Bathory and Darkthrone only simpler and can imagine from this names, ‘Infernal Tyrant’ lays into They should probably consider the profession though. old winner formulas! They have for sure changed a bit but
more decadent. Judging by current standards it takes a Black metal aesthetic with a raw slash vocal performance 9 songs in total and not one stands out. And I mean not still know how to thrash till death on a hot summer day
great deal of effort nowadays to impress anyone by play- and drifting edges guitars pacing like Hell and Earth, Dark one. The vocals are simply growls, the guitars are as rot- with a few beers! [7.5] NUNO SANTOS

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 27
DELUGE : DILUVIAL SORCERY potential. Of course that the good songs (let me add To give these dudes some credit, I have to say that at times ance of Novy (for not writing again about the bass), the
[HAMMER & ANVIL RECORDS] “Conqueror’s Supremacy” and “Ghouls to Strike” to the Devastator manage to pull out some fairly competent black riffty guitars by Hiro and Mauser along with Doc’s drum.
For a band hailing from the Land of Oz, symphonic black first two I mentioned) balance things up and make metal, but when they do so they manage to sink it right Definitely Dies Irae drinks from different kind of Death
metallers Deluge have fewer points in common with fellow “Angelwhore” a worthy effort, but they don’t hide the fact under a long boring excuse for a song. [4] MIGUEL SOUSA Metal bands where Dies irae members came from, to com-
countrymen Destroyer 666 and Gospel Of The Horns then that quality is a bit below Desaster’s standard of excellence! pose adding individual parts and contributions to put
with Norway’s Dimmu Borgir or Borknagar. Ambience is Tunes like “Past, Present, Forever” and “Nekropolis DEVILYN : 11 together ‘Sculpture of Stone’ and make an album like
the key note here, with the six members of the band mak- Karthago” would eat most of these songs alive. But no rea- [CONQUER RECORDS] Polish Death Metal bands do, in their unique and original
ing proficient use of their instruments (vocals included) son to worry! A few Bitburgers and a bit more inspiration What a strange name to a Brutal Death Metal band? Isn’t it? way. The best song of all, is all that music that is between
throughout the six tracks of “Diluvial Sorcery”. Three of should be enough for Desaster to get back on their creative Sometimes a name express unequivocally what we are the xylophone partitions. Brutal, powerful, gargantuan, ter-
these actually score above the 7 minute mark, which is peak!! [7] MIGUEL SOUSA about to listen, what a band want to transmitted musically rorizing, Dies Irae. [7.5] CARLOS FILIPE
noteworthy and, in this particular case, not a bad thing! to the listener. In Devilyn case, I never suspect founding a
The excellent axe work intertwined with pompous key- DESENSITISED / PEACH-HER : BOUGHT BEAUTY band that flows in the same vein as Cannibal Corpse or DISINTER : AS WE BURN
boards keeps things flowing and interesting, though not / GASTROPHOBIA Morbid Angel. Defining their last release ‘11’, it’s defining [MORBID RECORDS]
necessarily very unique. [GRODHAISN PRODUCTION] Brutal death metal itself. ‘11’ could be an honest nice tem- 4 minutes into Disinter’s “As We Burn” and already two
Although I don’t blame bands for not being original, I I miss splits. There were so many in the past but now only plate, well, one involving a melodious atmosphere. This last songs have burst out of the speakers, one of which being
would have expected good musicians such as these grind and old school hardcore bands seem inclined to do hint is the main aspect of Devilyn music express all over under 2 minutes long. Benefiting from excellent sound and
Aussies to have crafted a more personalized effort. In the them. But I always thought it was a great promotion idea, get ‘11’ and the one who shape the sound, giving it a personal- production, these two fast and brutal fuckers end up being
midst of all the references to other keyboard prominent a band different from yours to participate and you are auto- ity of their own equalizing brutality with melody. To com- too short for their own good! Fortunately, track three
metal bands (the aforementioned Dimmu Borgir and matically promoted to their audience. Dutch Desensitised plete the devastating blast is at the helm, the gargantuan “Black Seas of Infinity” kicks in and finally shows what
Limbonic Art, for example) there ends up being not too and French Peach Her understood and joined forces for a voice of Michael. Turning down ‘11’ we found it downside. these Chicago dudes can do when giving the music its own
many space left to leave a personal mark. This record split of old-school death/grind and deathcore. On The common Death Metal bands’ problems: A very repeti- time to grow, i.e., tight Death Metal which, whilst not being
might have been a classic if released back in the heyday of Desensitised’s side of things, the five song presented are a tive sound that make always the album a little flat and technical, displays excellent technique (if you know what I
symphonic black metal, but to stand above the competi- decent mix of old-school death and a bit of grind that remind- demonstrating a songwriting drain of imagination, making mean). “Born to Darkness” confirms the previous suspi-
tion these days you have to try harder. But be ware: ed me of an old local favourite Traumatism. The main prob- all the songs sounding like the same. Devilyn don’t escape cion, with Disinter writing some fine material that sounds
“Diluvial Sorcery” displays some fine musicianship and I lem with this band is crappy vocals, just awful vocals that from this so kind Death Metal setback. Only the most tech- strangely European. But what makes “As We Burn” a
wouldn’t be surprised if in a near future Deluge actually deprive the listener of any enjoyment so annoying they are. nical and skilled bands, like the ones I mentioned above, pleasurable experience is these guys capacity to keep
deliver what they promise! [6.5] MIGUEL SOUSA Peach Her on the other hand are fine with their vocalist but can reach avoiding this setback. It’s not Devilyn fault, no, things varied as they shift tempos in the six minute sur-
the music truly doesn’t go anywhere. Patchwork of riffs it’s the difficulty of doing, playing and writing Brutal death prisingly melodic and heavy “Dig me no Grave” and pres-
DEMONLORD : HELLTRUST without any kind of care taken in transitions you have metal, even when you add (and an applause for that) ent some groovy guitars in “A Curse of Pain and Hate”.
[SOURCE OF DELUGE RECORDS] incredibly uneven songs that seems like they were just melody. Devilyn’s ‘11’ manage the impossible: Make a With the pointless acoustic reprise of “As We Burn” clos-
Almost twenty years have passed since Helloween thrown together. While I respect that include sounds that are melodious extreme album. [6.5] CARLOS FILIPE ing a record that almost fails to hit the 30 minute mark, I’m
unleashed their speed/power metal classic “Walls of not often found on metal record, like slap bass and a little left with the feeling that this album could have been excel-
Jericho” and bad tempered bangers like me would say that country-western interlude, when it doesn’t make sense as a DIES IRAE : SCULPURE OF STONE lent if it had some more material in the vein of the afore-
its influence is finally waning under the pressure of today’s whole, it just does not make an appealing prospect. Peach [METAL MIND RECORDS] mentioned “Dig me no Grave”, a song which is given its
commercial acceptable power metal formulas. In the wake Her just need time to refine this sound that could very well In first place, Dies’s Irae isn’t about their Death Metal own space to mature. “As We Burn” ends up being an
of the new millennium band photos have become more be interesting once it is done. [5] SIMON THIBAUDEAU music or the fact of being around since 1992, but yes, of album like its first two songs: too short for its own good.
important than the actual music, which in turn accompa- Anyway, there are still twenty something minutes of excel-
nied the tendency for artificiality by becoming more and lent Death Metal to enjoy, so check this out and make your
more poppy! Cynics will of course deny this, saying that it own mind about it! [6.5] MIGUEL SOUSA
is the price of evolution and blah blah blah... but we all
know what I’m talking about, don’t we? DISSIMULATION : PRAKEIKIMAS
Fortunately some bands are honourable exceptions to the [LEDO TAKAS RECORDS]
rule and Demonlord are such a case. Opening track “Quo Lithuanian Dissimulation has been around since 1993,
Vadis” owes as much to Helloween as it does to Rhapsody though is just now ready with its second full length album
(just check out the epic sounding chorus!) and “Ruins in the “Prakeikimas”. Their first full length “Maras” was released
Dark” is classic Heavy Metal with some dual guitars that are in 2002, also by Ledo Takas Records, which also is the
reminiscent of KK Downing and Glenn Tipton. From then label behind this release. I haven’t heard the first full
on we are presented with a parade of heavy metal hymns length, the only of the band’s earlier material I have heard,
that takes us right back to the second half of the 80ies. If the is the quite good “Miglose” 7” EP from 2000.
Italian influence never really disappears, it is nonetheless old The band has matured quite a bit within the last 5 years,
Helloween and Rage circa “Perfect Man” that set the pattern but the sound and approach are still reminiscent from the
here. Hell, even the singer sounds like Mr. Hansen some- 7”, though it’s much more thrashy now and the song writ-
times (or even Peavey!) and I’ll be damned if that’s a bad ing is somewhat better and catchy. With an approach in old
thing! Mid-paced “Poisoned Souls” and the anthemic styled violent black metal, the band weaves in harsh thrash
“Overture to the End”, are the living proof of this! and paces up the compositions. There is a good amount of
But Demonlord are no clones either. This Hungarian bunch
DETONATION : PORTALS TO UPHOBIA pace shifts involved, as well as many good variations of
[OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS]
has been around since 1997 and this is their second album the used riffs. The band mixes up quite a few genres, and
(the first was self-released). “Helltrust” shows that they Not really being released by a band that’s impressively named, “Portals to Uphobia” is released by Osmose produc- touches atmospheric black and folk metal more than once,
know their metal and clearly have the ear to take the best tions. Stay with me on this one. A darkly brilliant little masterpiece is one way to put it. The other way would be that and the shifts from the aggressive thrash/black to the
advantage of good heavy metal tunes! If quality power more atmospheric parts, work great as ‘Karo Ugnys/I
this disc is the second best album of Dark Tranquility that strangely disappeared after the release of “Mind’s Eye” and
metal is your thing then Demon Lord are definitely worth Dausas’, even though the last part of that track, the elec-
investing your hard earned money on! [8] MIGUEL SOUSA was re-discovered by Detonation in year 2005. Good for them things are much simpler than that. tronic ambient ending, gets a bit too much for me.
Resemblance is one thing, and ferocious copying is another. This album resembles all that was good about that The production of the album is very good, much better
DESASTER : ANGELWHORE Gothenburg metal school. The guitar solos are stimulating, the songs professionally arranged and presented in a than expected. There are a lot of punch behind the music,
[METAL BLADE RECORDS] it’s heavy and gets thrown aggressively out of the speak-
flawless aura of metallic essence stripped to absolute melancholia.
Metal troopers Desaster have built a strong reputation ers, carrying one away in frenzy, just to be taken down to
across the underground cemented with albums such as “A Although the general idea is, sad melodies wrapped up in the cruelty of heavy metal craftsmanship, the elements of earth by an atmospheric passage. The members of the
Touch of Medieval Darkness” and “Tyrants of the “hard ‘n heavy” are too deeply carved here to be lost, keeping the mood of the fans steadily to happy-and-smiling band are also handling their instruments very well, there
Netherworld”. New opus “Angelwhore” is their fifth full levels. Whether you are an Opeth/Dark Tranquility loyalist or not, what you’ll find here is a record not easily ignored are good guitar parts, and the drumming is quite satisfy-
length and their first for Metal Blade. even if you wanted to. Great work gentlemen. [9] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS ing as well. This is without a doubt an album to check out
The metallic wonders resulting from the fortunate marriage with dark blackened hordes are on the normal playing
of thrash and medievalesque melodies have been schedule in your cave, good and healthy old school black
Desaster’s trademark for over a decade, and again the metal influences, and even healthier old school thrashing,
German horde applies the winning formula. The traditional DEVASTATOR : THE END being a super-Polish-group featuring musicians known and the very Hellhammer sounding start of ‘Suteikim
intro sets the atmosphere till “The Blessed Pestilence” kicks [REGIMENTAL RECORDS] from Vader, Sceptic, Decapitated and Devilyn. ‘Sculpture of Jiems Kancia’ is amazing nostalgic. This is one of the more
in. This is possibly the album’s best song (together with the Devastator’s choice of name for their debut album is a Stone’ constitutes their third release for Metal Blade and surprising albums this year... do you really wanna miss
massive epic “Nihilistic Overture”) featuring some cool curious irony, for “The End” doesn’t ever seem to end! don’t throw some stones against it at the first seconds of this? [8.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
bass work by Odin. Dark sounding and raw, this record is With a running time of 72 minutes and with six songs out ‘Sculpture’. That unworkable and annoying xylophone
the most brutal Desaster release to date, with Tormentor’s of seven being over the 9 minute mark, this album is guar- noise sound, looks like a calling to the beginning of Dies’s DIVERCIA : CYCLE OF ZERO
drums pounding the way for Infernal’s six string onslaught. anteed to either overwhelm your seared heart with black Irae hostilities till the very ending seconds. Meanwhile, [KARMAGEDDON MEDIA]
By now I should be totally familiarised with Sataniac’s harsh metal hell or bore you to death! With tracks like “The call Dies Irae craves to eternity ‘Sculpture of Stones’ with a Divercia’s atmospheric power metal-infused death thrash
vocals, but I firmly believe that Okkulto’s style favoured to war” aiming solely to deliver 13 minutes (!!!) of blast strong Death Metal album full of aggression at any level. sends you reeling with its proud, regal display of metal
Desaster’s subtleties better. Now, with the abundant thrash- beats and second rate old school black metal, I go for the Leaving apart the tiny xylophone weakness, Dies Irae deliv- prowess. It’s heavy and headbanging and the kind of thing
ing rage generously displayed throughout the album every second option. You see, there’s neither dynamics nor aes- ers a powerful Polish-death Metal like, engraving their a metalhead can wrap his hornfingered grip around, but it’s
Desaster fan should be blissfully banging their hands with thetics to save this. Instead you find the same drum pat- ‘stone’ ornamentally where the bass will promise to shiver also imbued with melodic sensibilities the heavier stuff
a massive shit-eating grin on their faces! But this fan here terns repeated over and over again! Not even the occa- the ground and blow off your speakers. Listen Novy’s bass doesn’t always embrace. There’s so much focus on beau-
is not entirely pleased. Good tracks alternate with less sional outburst of retro thrash manages to refresh the lis- and feel his might and potent lower frequency vibration! ty in songwriting, even going so far as to include lush key-
inspired tunes: title track “Angelwhore” lacks dynamics and tener. Vomiting sentences like “Holocaust!!! Endless pain, All Sculpture’s songs are high level standard production, boards to buoy up the already glorious guitar lines, and so
so does a couple of other songs. Sodom-esque “Revelation sacrifice!!! Exterminate, the human race, sodomize. songwriting and very well pace, making it a very cohesive much in the way of power metal passages, you can’t deny
Genocide” promises but never actually delivers its full Genocide, total death, this is the end...” doesn’t help either. release. All of them sound great. The huge vocal perform- that the band owes as much to the power genre as it does

SIX REASONS TO KILL : REBORN TODAY IS THE DAY : KISS THE PIG TWYSTER : XPLODE VOCIFERIAN : UNIVERSAL HATE DECADES around since the guitars are shredding
[BASTARDIZED RECORDINGS] [RELAPSE RECORDS] [MASSACRE RECORDS] ULTIMATUM everything in their way. Bloody and gory art-
“Reborn” is the first album that I’m hearing Today Is The Day stands on a ground very This German act was devised in ‘95, “Xplode” [INFERNUS REX RECORDS] work (that I like very much) and brilliant
from Germany’s Six Reasons To Kill (formed few people dare step upon these days. “Kiss is their 4th full-length so far and the first ever Vociferian has created one of the grimmest lyrics are their strong point and they earned
in ‘99) and it’s actually their second (after the pig” is a grim-sounding creature assem- I’m coming across. And hopefully the last that and bleak atmospheres I’ve ever heard on a my respect for it. Crazy madmen playing
“Kiss the Demon” since 2000). What we bled upon a noise-coated grind skeleton I’m giving a listen to! Not that the guys (and record. This is absolutely some of the most metal at an extreme speed. If you like it don’t
have here is 10 tracks fully complied with the with a roomy and authentic production job the girl - Kordula “Coco” VoB on vocals) are relentless black metal ever made. hesitate! [5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
Metal / Core blend. No more, no less. In the holding it all together. Often sounding like a that bad musicians, it’s merely that I’ve never The recording is a bit fuzzier than most, but
performance field the guys have done a great japa-noise D.R.I. cover band snorting been into Power / Speed / Heavy stuff... All the sound quality still maintains enough to ZABURON : SIC BELLUM LUCIPIT
job, the sound quality is also high above the mescaline lost a voivodian craze, Today is that pathos on-dragon-wings is something make it listenable. As a one-man outfit, a [SELF RELEASED]

average level, but when you have heard too the day is not for everyone and probably not that I have always felt abhorred by!! great deal of talent is shown in Universal The band was formed in 1999 and they are
many bands like that, you’ll need imagination for me either, or maybe they are? I am a lit- [4.5] VANYA MARINOVA Hate - even real drums are played rather Antonello D’Aguanno (bass guitars),
really vivid to write a review longer than tle destabilized here... but I can’t say I don’t than just using the easy-out drum machine Christian Togni (drums), Luca Zanardi (gui-
mine is. [6] VANYA MARINOVA like it. [6] ERIC MASSICOTTE VISIONS OF ATLANTIS : CAST AWAY method that so many bands take the route tars) and Davide “Satras” Ricciuti on vocals.
[NAPALM RECORDS] of these days. Well worth a listen, check So far, Zaburon has issued a 2001 three-
SKYFORGER : SEMIGALLS WARCHANT TO/DIE/FOR : IV Unlike Edenbridge, Visions Of Atlantis (also out all five tracks of sheer brutality. The song promo only. For the new recording
[FOLTER RECORDS] [SPINEFARM RECORDS] form Austria) is a rather new band in the goth- tracks are weaved into an interesting mael- they decided to offer the best production
“Semigalls Warchant” was the first demo of I’ve been a fan of this band for awhile, and ic/power metal genre. With “Cast Away” they strom of sound, keeping me interested all possible. So the mastering was done at the
Skyforger, re-released now by Folter Records. this, while definitely not their finest work is a deliver a good, yet not really strong record. the way through. [6.5] MAX RODRIGUEZ “New Sin Recording Studio” (Eldritch,
A little far away from their earlier albums, very good, pleasant album for fans of a more Their music isn’t that original and although Labyrinth). The band is inspired by Sodom,
“Semigalls Warchant” has fewer elements of melodic goth-rock style. The piano on this songs like “Send Me A Light” and “Cast Away” WATCHMAKER : [Link] Kreator, etc. and they try to find their way
folkloric music and relies more on traditional album is very present but with taste and pur- are very enjoyable, other tracks can be rather [EARACHE RECORDS] through that and present their own style.
Black Metal. This re-issue comes with new pose, accenting driving anthems. The cover of boring. This means the band has some pro- Nineteen tracks in 29 minutes is not some- They show aggressive vocals, technical
tracks specially created for this re-release. I “New Year’s Day” on here is amazing too. gression to make to create a better next thing I honestly could listen to easily. No bridges and good memorable riffs. These
definitely prefer their later albums but I think Check out some of their older stuff if you record, but somehow I believe they can man- song is bigger than 2 minutes. They are Italians didn’t wait much and started work-
that this is a good way to see where the band haven’t already, this band is a pretty choice. age it. A nice bonus for the fans is the video insane, chaotic, maniac. Speed that can drive ing on a new album, due spring 2006.
came from initially. [6] ERIC MASSICOTTE 11 Tracks of the melancholy and lovelorn, this track of “Lost”, which is added to the record. you crazy and intense screaming vocals. I [6] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
album is worth picking up. [7] MAX RODRIGUEZ [5.5] KURT VAN CAMP feel that when they play it’s a mess all

28 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
to the more extreme styles. However, there’s no real short- and keeps grinding away at you with blackest intent.) going on. I detect a definite Soundgarden influence, as instead of walking on one steady road, they lose their way
age of vocal grind and ongoing speed to appease those of Beauty and harshness join hands in hellish matrimony on well, but the whole grungy biker-rock idea isn’t pulled off on the various crossroads that appear in front of them.
you that like a little extremity in your melodic metal. While “Anamorphosis.” It’s always nice to hear a band that can nearly as well. Most of the riffs present are bland and Moreover, the lyrics are rather simplistic for native
I do think the power vocals are a mite weaker than the bring its ferocity unharmed to the table yet do it with a touch repetitive, like eating an overcooked porterhouse without English-speakers (exception to the rule the poetry of
death/thrash side, I can’t criticize them too much for the of melody. Often bands do one or the other, but here both any sauce. “Bad Brains” has a weird UFO sound effect ‘Wallow’), a deliberate decision I suppose that doesn’t
energetic hybrid metal they so enthusiastically churn out. are present, and it’s a solid effort. [8] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN thing out of nowhere too, which weirds me out. favor them. Fans of melancholic, atmospheric metal will
[6] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN This was a decent attempt to create something that hasn’t love this, but I have to mention the existence of other
DROWNED : BY THE GRACE OF EVIL been touched on much in the past few years, but I think bands, oddly or not from Australia as well, that have made
[COGUMELO RECORDS] they need to give it another try or two. [4] MAX RODRIGUEZ more successful attempts in combining symphonic music
Drowned is a band from Brazil and “By the Grace of Evil” with black and doom metal. Once there was a Virgin and
is their latest release. A CD characterised as the passage ECITON : OPPRESSED she was Black... [6] JOHN ZIKOS
from heavy to thrash/death metal coming from Brazil may [ADIPOCERE RECORDS]
sound exotic. Grammar mistakes are there, not that I care As I could read in the bio of this Danish act, it was formed in ELIS : DARK CLOUDS IN A PERFECT SKY
too much but it is funny to see them to such an extent in 2000, “Oppressed” is their debut, as well as that the Eciton [NAPALM RECORDS]
an official release. The general layout is nice, lots of cheesy members have been involved in numerous bands before in Sometimes there is a few albums quiet good enough to be
graphic work here and there and it looks cool, in a way. the last 12 years. And I could definitely sense that the guys heard and purchase without constituting a newly in the
The production sounds old. Really old. As in, did-some- are far from devoid of routine, but calling their music melod- metal scene, a desolation or less a sub-product, or even
one-built-a-time-machine-and-turned-time-as-back-as-the ic Death Metal, now this I could not accept! These dudes do less in the other side of the metal scale, a masterpiece
underground-scene-of-the-90’s kind of old. Nope. This is play Death Metal, yeah, but I really wonder where the one (10/10). These albums are just like that: very good. Elis’s
2005. And what you will listen to here is Maiden-ish who composed the Eciton info sheet found melodiousness, 2004 proposal, ‘Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky’, is one of
melodies with guitars that could be easily better recorded if we bear in mind that the 8 tracks on “Oppressed” are theses releases. Since the opening song ‘Der Letzte Tag’ till
by using your home computer and a cheap Washburn notable for their extremely grinding riffs, thick sound and the last song ‘Ballade’, we are exalted with Sabine
amplifier. The vocals remind me of... god damn it. I can’t grunts sounding like coming from 3 feet below! The only Duenser’s exquisite voice and a balanced equilibrium
even begin to remember what they remind me of. The reasonable explanation that I’m coming up with is that the between guitars riffs, keyboard and drums to grant us a
drums are miscounting, with the guitar solo parts not real- guy must be a meanest Grind Core sounds admirer to call beautiful and honest Gothic Metal. At Elis production head
ly impressive but plainly ok. Riffs are too simple and done Eciton melodic... Otherwise, I do not tend to enjoy what the is the well known Alexander Krull from Atrocity and
before, thus inspiration nears zero. Sorry guys but bore- band have done as I’ve never been a diehard Death Metal fan. Leave’s Eyes, influencing Elis music with his production-
dom here is too great to ignore. We needed to listen to But if you are then check this CD out! What I can mention in skills, pushing it far beyond the Gothic Metal component
DOLORIAN : VOIDWARDS something more impressive. “By the Grace of Evil was Eciton’s favour is that in 2003 they entered the Danish Melo- and pushing Sabine performance to a level, where some-
[WOUNDED LOVE RECORDS] recorded without using keyboards of course. Evil shall be Death Metal Grand Prix (the biggest Scandinavian competi- times I ask my self if I’m not listening Leave’s Eyes and Liv
It’s impressive how dark a sonority can turn out... with you for ever!”. This is found written within the cd lay- tion in Scandinavia for unsigned bands) in 2003 and Kristine. Beside this musical pro quo, Elis do not setting a
out. I mean common. Come fucking on! Either these guys obtained the first place. [6.5] VANYA MARINOVA millimetre apart the Gothic Metal vein produce in ours
Dolorian are masters in creating slow, tortuous and are less than 10 years old, or they should probably start days, delivering us with ‘Dark Clouds in a Perfect Sky’ a
spatial dark doom metal like nobody else! If you think using keyboards to improve the overall interest factor in EIKIND : VARGTIME EP skilfully, well-play, well-written and produce musical piece
their music. I can give some positive points for enthusi- [VICIOUS RECORDINGS] that will seduce, in special, all Gothic Metal lovers and in
you have already entered in the deepest sides of the
human mind think twice cause Dolorian not only reach asm, these people believe in what they are doing, but I If you like your black metal raw then you’ve come to the general all metal listeners! [8] CARLOS FILIPE
conclude that what they play is dead. As in D.E.A.D. I right place. Black metal like it used to be (and still is if you
them but creates an own universe in that remote little
remember European bands doing something similar in mid know where to look) is what you’ll find when you slam this ELITE : BEKMØRKT
dark zone of your brain. “Voidwards” is a long 65 90’s but again it was a slightly more inspired retro effort. one into your hungry CD player. Polish-seekers beware. [NO COLOURS RECORDS]

minute journey of impressive hypnotic rhythms and Keeping the old style song-writing alive at all costs is This is the kind of instance where unpolished production I know many that have been waiting anxiously on new
murmuring words! After almost a five year break they proven as futile. Listen to “By the Grace of Evil” and you (or at least production meant to sound that way) only adds material from Norwegian Elite, since the release of the
will probably agree with me. Oh boy do I need some to the horror of the proceedings. The sheer, blaring crunch great debut full length “Kampen”. Good old school black
enter again in Tico-Tico studios and return to continue
Behemoth after listening to this. [4] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS. and DIY production are a spirited punch of hell. The vocals metal, not leaving much left to be wished for, and togeth-
from their self titled second opus. I guess I miss a bit seem to emanate from the smallness of space and remind er with the harsh music, the lyrics are sung in Norwegian
the more angry side of the early “When All The DROWNED IN BLOOD : THE WARFARE CONTINUES you of your eternal doom. Summoned from the darkness which adds a good slap of atmosphere and aesthetics to
[AMERICAN LINE PRODUCTIONS] the music swells around you, the vox are the vox of a the game. This is not a new full length album from the
Laughter Has Gone” period where they used more the
blackened grim vocal effect. But even so they are able A new Mexican force has risen and are ready to take over demon distantly heard with a message all too clear - you’re Norwegians though, but an EP limited to a 1000 copies.
the world. American Line Productions has many times damned! Withering guitar lines and painful percussiveness Grim and harsh metal is flowing from the speakers as soon
to keep the same hypnotic raging dark feeling that shown their flair for finding good and brutal, yet talented create a soundscape for your own personal apocalypse. as the album starts, 4 tracks of frustrations and hate are
they always had and if we put side by side the three bands, and Drowned In Blood is yet a band fitting into that Surprisingly, this band is also inclined toward presenting pushing the listener against the wall and making him/her
opus we can hardly see much differences, which is for category. Drowned In Blood delivers a lethal strike of bru- some surprisingly (for black metal) groove-oriented stuff. taking a stand. Either with or against the band, there isn’t
sure a good thing! Its comforting to see that they still tal and grinding death metal, the band doesn’t show much In fact, I’d say there’s a strong tinge of death metal here left room for compromises. The monotonous guitar is
originality, they steamrolls over the barren wastelands and and about. This seems to be the only real concession to delivering good and cold melodies, making cold shivers
create their art without neglecting any essential ele-
shows no mercy in their effort to blast the listeners of their “accessibility”; the fact that it doesn’t override the rawness appear and thought towards old Darkthrone and Burzum
ment from the past. Dolorian belongs to that sector of first album into oblivion. of the proceedings is a tribute to the band’s ability to add come forth. Together with simple but very effective drum
bands that is peremptory to be in a certain state of As written earlier there aren’t much new thinking included subtlety to their sound and still be the old, unsubtle black work, going from mid-paced to a not too fast blastbeat
mind to fully appreciate their void styled music, like on this album, if there are any at all. The compositions are metal. Eikind’s personality has some distinctiveness to it again and again, together with a few good fills. The cold
straight forward, a guitar riff is driving the music forth, and fans of the old, black stuff will be pleased. and grim raspy scream, fits perfectly into this context and
Esoteric for instance. [8.5] NUNO SANTOS
there aren’t used that many riffs or variations of them, but [8] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN adds even more coldness and eeriness into the music.
it is effective and the music grinds away. The drumming is The compositions are very mature and atmospheric, Elite is
acceptable, the speed is okay, it doesn’t seem as tight all EKTOMORF : INSTINCT following the path they choose early on and do not stride
DRACONIAN : ARCANE RAIN FELL the way through, though there are some good breaks and [NUCLEAR BLAST] from it. They are making something new of an old recipe,
[NAPALM RECORDS] the drummer has the ability to speed up his drumming lit- Not bad. But how much further this tribal ethnic metal something they can call their own, a thing many newer
These Swedes left a good impression with their debut tle by little, without it sounding forced. The vocals are a thing can go, I wonder. It is common knowledge that black metal bands can’t. The laidback quite thin production
album “Where Lovers Mourn”, released at the end of 2003, deep and guttural growl, fitting very well into the context, Ektomorf sound a lot like Soulfly or Sepultura’s “Roots”. do also fit very well to this release, and makes it seem older
despite the obvious leanings towards the old style of and okay effort without being exceptional. Though the “Instinct” is a good effort of an album, but still an imita-
Theatre of Tragedy and other well-known gothic/doom vocalist screaming his guts out on this album, Jorge, has tion. Zoltán Farkas, the vocalist of Ektomorf, probably has
bands. With their sophomore full-length, “Arcane Rain since the release of the album been replaced by a guy a statue of Max Cavalera in his front yard. The vocals are,
Fell”, the band now ventures seriously into harder doom named Alejandro, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can as you may have assumed, identical to Soulfly.
territory, while still retaining a good share of their Goth keep the intensity and brutally up. Many bands lack originality but shouldn’t be exactly con-
roots. The first half of the record features the heavier and “The Warfare Continues” is for sure a good start for this demned to the chair. Ektomorf’s style can be much to any-
doomier material on offer, and contains also probably the Mexican band, it shows which direction they wanna take one’s taste. The interesting mid tempo fills in “Burn” or
best music Draconian has ever recorded. Sorrowful off in, and gives them a solid backbone for people getting songs like “Until the End” or “I Break You” are somewhat
melodies driven by crushing guitar notes and a discreet into them. Brutal very straight ahead death metal with a different than the general overused formula and raise the
backing keyboard (no violins this time) carry the dwelling few technical elements here and there. Though the band album’s value steadily. However, despite the heavy doses
vox duet of Andreas Jacobsson and Lisa Johansson. The might use some more time to learn how to work their sam- of headbanging mid-tempo tribal metal, the interesting
male vocals sound always very heartfelt varying between ples into the songs, in a more natural way, the few movie solos and the angry choruses, the debate on Ektomorf is
death growls, desperate, and spoken parts. This later vari- samples that are present on here, goes in and out very yet to be intensified. The band shows to have possibilities
ety appears more frequently than on “Where Lovers abrupt and that’s a shame. But still a good album all you but if they keep walking the same path, it will be like charg-
Mourn”, and adds a great deal to the overall emotion. The death metal heads should check out, this could become ing into a losing war. [6] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS
vocals of Lisa are not specially remarkable (she sounded one of the band’s we will hear much more from in the
better on the previous record), and fortunately her solo future. [6] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN ELEGEION : THE LAST MOMENT
singing on this part of “Arcane Rain Fell” is limited. After [DARK SYMPHONIES]
this half of the record (first 3 tracks) a nice spoken inter- EARTH : STAR CONDEMN’D My only problem with Elegeion’s third album is to discov-
lude (“Expostulation”) courtesy of Ryan Henry of Necare, [IRON FIST PRODUCTIONS] er and understand their goals; to realize where their musi-
gives way to the songs where the gothic/doom elements of Behold, Earth (not to be confused with the doom-drone cal path is leading to. This Australian group, primarily con-
“Where Lovers Mourn” can be found. Included in this set entity of the same name). Yes, truthfully, I was initially star- sisting of three musicians, with the assistance of various EVOKEN : ANTITHESIS OF LIGHT
is a re-recording of “Death come near me”, a 15-minute tled because I assumed (idiot that I am) that I was dealing session members created the lamenting “The Last [AVANTGARDE MUSIC]
epic originally demo-ed in 2002, and the most website with the doomsters here. So imagine my surprise when Moment”. A record benefited by the fact that certain excep- The obscure doors of darkness have been open.
requested song by Draconian fans. Although the level of death metal began to use me as a punching bag as it came tional features of its music shine through, immediately
composition remains as good as in the doomier songs, the running violently out of my speakers. Here is a band that is after the first spin. Though, generally speaking, the excite- Death, surrounding by an army of thousand dead
same lack of originality that plagued “Where Lovers right down your alley if you want some slick but heavy and ment doesn’t last long enough after the album’s time is souls doomed forever, walk through the glittering val-
Mourn” is still to be found here, in particular the similari- fairly atmospheric death metal with Goth overtones. Gee, I over. Indeed, the voice of Dieudonnee (female) is enchant- ley’s trench. The gloomy walking burden grieve the
ties with the aforementioned Norwegians. To make things kinda reviewed the whole CD in one sentence. But so as not ing whilst some guitar melodies that appear along the way soldier’s skeletal faces, slowing them their pace, mak-
worse the vocals of Andreas remind me very often of to cheat our readers, I’ll elaborate a tad for ya. are truly black-hearted and, therefore, consistent with the
ing it more and more slowly and heavy, till the thresh-
Raymond Rohonyi’s growls. Moreover in the doom sec- Drawing from modern trends in the genre, Earth maintains dark, doom-y and classical atmosphere that the band
tion, the influence of My Dying Bride (“The apostasy canti- the heavy-hitting aspects death metal fans have a right to wishes to achieve. “Success” one may shout in rejoice, but old where the dead-souls reach a hypnotically cathar-
cle”) is overly obvious to pass unnoticed. Originality aside, expect, but expand the sonic palette by moving past dis- I cannot say that I’ll fall for his words. From a band at its sis. Night rein over their helmets and he, Death, writes
however, this has all the ingredients to make it an excellent cordant grind as its method of presentation. Instead, the third album already, you expect more lucid full-lengths and the Antithesis of Light! If you have read these last
and enjoyable album. In the end Draconian prove once band embraces the melodic death metal subgenre popular- songs that share the same soul and principals in order to
words, now you are prepared to listening to Evoken,
again, and better than before, their ability to thrive in this ized by bands like In Flames, etc., and applies a tad of the constructively build the psyche of the band. To give you an
darker branch of metal. Yet, up to this point in their career, technicality some of the Gothenburg artists exhibit. The example of what I’m saying, the first song starts with and to submerge inside a hypnotic and dismal atmos-
they didn’t managed to carve a niche of their own. But I still band demonstrates that death metal need not be entirely melodic guitars and while it evolves into a symphonic phere transmitted in an extreme, slowness, hypnotical-
have high hopes for the next record. [8] ERNESTO MARTINS devoid of melody. In fact, the music almost seems to like black metal hymn adorned by extreme singing, a melan- ly and magisterial way. ‘Antithesis of Light’ put Evoken
gothic metal as tinges of that inform the songwriting. The cholic melody breaks in and the song ends with some in the frontline of the most extreme Doom Metal, that
DROTTNAR : ANAMORPHOSIS guitar lines on “Condemned” are crunchy and conscien- chanting of the female member. The second track is a
[MOMENTUM SCANDINAVIA] tious, recognizing the need for both heaviness and song- piano ballad for the loveless catching your attention at to all of us means playing with maximal slowness
The nearly relentless forward drive at high power of writing skill. Speaking of the songwriting, it’s got some once. Just like any other ballad it surprises you with its laden with deep emotions, but to Evoken that means
Drottnar’s pretty but punishing black metal onslaught will dynamics to it; rather than barrelling ahead with a relent- direct impact, striking your most sensitive chords, espe- transmitting a draconian emotion instead of a melan-
surely get Black Metal fans into a whipped up frenzy of less but simpleminded groove, it makes an effort to go cially when found in an album that has black metal refer- cholically one, singularizing from the others in these
antichrist fury. The propulsion of the music and the extrem- places, shift, look around, not languish in one vein through ences! On the long-run however, it seems to be out of
way. Evoken plays a unique Doom Metal, a kind of
ity of its sound will no doubt be welcome with open arms the course of the whole album. A seamless blend of death place. No reason for the band to convince us of its pop
and greeted with screaming corpse-painted faces. Drottnar and gothic considerations. [7] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN potential. The next song continues from where the open- lethargic trance coming from the confiding places of
pulls no punches and takes no prisoners - this music is ing one stopped. ‘Taste’, the next number, is composed the Earth struggling against himself to escape from the
uncompromised and has no purpose but the execution of EAST TRADING WANG : FAVELA YAYO CAIPIRINHA upon a completely acoustic environment, with the female darkness to the light. After a short intro, we enter
potent metal. This is music that looks you dead in the eye [NAILBOARD RECORDS] voice playing key-role (everything is built around her vocal
Evoken world with five uncompromising pieces of
and lets you know what you’re in for. (Though there is a sur- I’m usually pretty open minded about all genres and styles lines) that discloses a different method of writing music,
prise slab of gothic metal tossed into the midst of the CD, of music, but this album really gets on my nerves after a than what the rest songs follow. The final tracks give more more than ten minutes long each, leading us through
just to keep you off guard... and, perhaps, to make you that track or two. The vocals are pushed pretty far in the back- truth to the label’s remarks of ‘black doom metal’, with the path of the Antithesis of Light! [9] CARLOS FILIPE
much less prepared for when the beast returns to full force ground which makes me really strain to hear what’s even romantic moments I would add. After all you realize that

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 29
than it actually is, it could have as well been recorded and a fusion of genres looks easy on the surface but you have
released in ‘93, and not in ‘05 as we write now. to somehow master both genres, or at least partially.
Fans of the band are most likely in ecstasy over the 4 great Eradykate have the problem of not mastering the different
tracks on this release, it is a pure old school feast, even genres they include in the music for dramatic effects, like
though it’s not as powerful and hard hitting as the full length jazz and classic rock. The result is a decent death-grind
release from the band, here I am thinking of the production, with god-awful interludes of crappy bass and pseudo-
the song writing is still as good, though not as captivating improve by guys that clearly have no idea of what they are
as the material on “Kampen”, but not far off and if this is a doing. The death and the grind are quite fine, it is all the
preview of the forth coming full length album, there are a other attempts at sounding weird or fun that fall way (way)
great deal to look forward to. [8] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN off the mark. I am sure they think they have mastered their
sound perfectly but they obviously don’t. A band like
ELVIRA MADIGAN : ANGELIS DEMONAE - WIC- Behold the Arctopus navigate the same waters but actual-
CAN AFTERMATH ly know their shit and the result is a hell of a lot more con-
[BLACK LODGE] cise and homogeneous than this. This is a nice attempt but
Angelis Demonae is the third release by Elvira Madigan’s it certainly needs more work. Noticed how weird it is that
sole member Marcus Hammarstrom, and it should be con- jazz musicians like Fred Frith, Joey Baron and Bill Frisell
sidered as a tribute album in fact, for it features Marcus’ are entirely capable of doing grind and Eradykate aren’t
interpretations of some of his favourite works, among which able to pull off 2 minutes of jazz over an entire CD. Take
[Link]’ “Iieee”, Scorpions’ “Alien Nation”, Chris De Burgh’s that as you wish. [4] SIMON THIBAUDEAU
“Spanish Train” and even Y. Mitsuda’s “Chrono Cross” from
the best-selling Japanese Playstation RPG with the same ESTUARY : TO EXIST AND ENDURE
name! As this Swedish artist writes in his bio, “this album [IBEX MOON RECORDS]
HATE ETERNAL : I, MONARCH
was to be filled by tracks that sound as if they were Elvira The first thing that catches our attention in this album is [EARACHE RECORDS]
Madigan originals or it wouldn’t be recorded at all”. Well, he the fact that the lead vocals are accomplished (perfectly)
definitely made it - if you are not familiar with any of the by a woman: Zdenka Prado. Her voice is deep, strong and “I, Monarch” is Hate Eternal’s third release. As many good bands nowadays, this one wasn’t taken seriously in the
artists the songs Marcus has done covers of, you would be faultless throughout the album. I mean, this chick totally beginning, mainly because people saw them as a parallel project of ex-Morbid Angel’s guitarist Eric Rutan. As Morbid
easily deluded that he has come up with a very good Dark sounds like a guy! And I’m talking about the fat hairy type! Angel was dying in terms of creativity and popularity, Rutan took the chance and ceased it very well. Hate Eternal are
Metal CD that most of all attracts with its remarkably mys- She easily overcomes the additional vocals, which are
one of the most respected Death Metal bands of today, and I would say they’ve beaten M.A. in terms of originality.
terious, nocturnal eeriness edged ambiences. I personally brought to you by a man, the also guitar player Ash
recognized solely “Alien Nation”! [7.5] VANYA MARINOVA Thomas. Mixing thrash and death metal styles, the guitar “King Of All Kings” was a solid and highly technical record, but Hate Eternal knew they could do a lot better. They
riffs are original and captivating, combining power and didn’t want to be the AC/DC band of Death Metal, because for that we already have Cannibal Corpse, don’t we?
ENDLESS WAR : TRIUMPHANT HATE & BLOODY melody. The bass and drums are also very good and com- Despite the work as a producer that Rutan develops, he’s never put aside Hate Eternal’s goal: to become a stronger
SWORDS plete perfectly what makes a great band formation. band and one of the most important ones in the American scene. In this record the band has spread his horizons.
[EVIL HORDE RECORDS] “To Exist and Endure” is a promising first album by this
Endless War is as abrasive, destructive and skull shearing American band whose energy will make you crave for a live They’ve used instruments such as Tibetan drums, tabla and didgeridoo, contributing to a more open minded Death
as you might expect from a band dubbed “Endless War.” If show after you listen to it. [8] SUSANA FERNANDES Metal act. The album starts with the blast beated song “Two Demons”: insane guitar riffs, technical solos, groovy
you consider that the black metal genre has traditionally bass and a true violent drumming discharge by Mr. Roddy. You can see that they’ve evolved very much, and are try-
been a riotous statement against Christianity and the evils EVILWAR : EVILWAR ing to define new laws on Death Metal combat field. On this record, Rutan’s gotten all for himself the lyrics. Hate
that extend therefrom, you can easily see why a band such [SOMBER MUSIC]
Eternal never sounded as furious and evil as they do now that Rutan writes all the lyrics. The anti religion issue is
as this would embrace such a moniker. And if you also con- Not even the fact that former member of Murder Rape are
sider that as a purveyor of modern-roots-style black metal part of this band will make this album any better. The prob- still the main motto, but some words have also been dedicated to obscure powers and spiritual strength (check out
(i.e. Mayhem era roots as opposed to Venom era roots), lem with albums like these is that whilst listening to them, “Behold Judas” and “The Victorious Reign”). Due to Jared Anderson’s drug problems, H.E. obtained a new bassist,
then you’ll understand a certain audio allegory at work in the only thing one will gain is 40 minutes of well played yet and his name is Randy Piro. I must tell you that I admire a lot Anderson’s bass style, but weirdly I don’t even
the name, as well. This is destructive, harsh music and as boring black metal. There is hardly any direction or any-
remember the guy when I listen this CD. I guess that Piro has integrated the band very well and quickly, so I hope
such could be seen as musically paralleling the violence thing new in this album and for a Brazilian horde I would
and chaos of war. Also, nihilism is thematically common in rather listen to something more occult or even rawer. he’s here to stay. The first single is named “I, Monarch”, and with the (good) video playing on MTV2, H.E. want to
extreme metal and here is a name that concisely expresses Instead I am listening to a “C” grade black metal clone that expose themselves to a more wide audience. The song is very catchy and the drumming is perfect, but I wonder how
the cynicism with which this musical realm is rife. The has been heard several times before. All songs in “Evilwar” Rutan manages to play the very complex structure of the song, since he’s the only guitarist... you gotta listen to the
band’s blackened descent into sick and slashing evil metal sound the same with the lead guitar and the drums on the song, the guys couldn’t have chosen a better single as this one. Nevertheless, don’t think that just because they have
is a taste treat delight for fans of black metal’s raw roots. foreground. There are hardly any intelligent layers in the
The band hammers ahead with drum abusing tempo while songs themselves making this experience totally unmem- a video on MTV, the song is easy to absorb by the MTV generation. Fuck no!
twisted black metal guitars speed-ladle unholy guitarwork orable. Sometimes it is better for South Americans to stick Ending the album you get that cherry on the top of the cake. “Faceless One” is a not a song very vulgar to be fea-
across the top of this. The throat lozenge rasp of the vocal- in what they can do best and not try to sound too mod- tured on such an extreme band as Hate Eternal: on this totally instrumental song, the trio delivers to us a special
ist is equally raw, and appealing for being so. Occasionally, ernized in order to “cater” for the European market. bonus. Rutan’s interest on Tibet is shown on this track, so if you don’t like ethnical music you won’t like the song.
the vocals switch to a deeper, grittier and clean by com- Albums from Ammit and so forth have much more to offer
Otherwise you’ll put Hate Eternal on the top of your favourite albums. “I, Monarch” is one of the most thrilling, open
parison style that’s almost reminiscent of old school hard- than “Evilwar” so I hope their new album will follow a more
core. At any rate, this music is perfect for fans of old interesting path than this one. [5.5] ALEX ANTONIOU minded and technical releases of 2005... [9] SIMÃO FONSECA
school black metal and the band conjures just enough
unique personality not to be another dark name on a long EVILWAR : BLEEDING IN THE SHADES OF BAPHOMET
list of underground bands. [8.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN [MUTILATION RECORDS] hard fan of industrial/electronic-oriented metal, I just found left a little offkilter feeling by some of OWM’s power metal
If Evilwar’s second album failed redundantly mostly due to the approach developed by this James Fogarty character procession. At other times I was underwhelmed.
ENOCHIAN CRESCENT : BLACK CHURCH their inability to compose good memorable songs and also quite refreshing and innovative. So, it was with some antic- Sometimes a band comes along that you can tell isn’t a
[WOODCUT RECORDS] due to the weak production, this third opus “Bleeding In ipation that I checked “Conspiritus”, the newest full-length, poor band, but they simply fail to connect with you. A sit-
Half a decade after the release of the second album The Shades Of Baphomet” marks definitely a new era in and to tell you the truth the record didn’t lived to my expec- uation such as that provides difficulty for the reviewer who
“Omega Telocvovim” these controversial Finns return with this Brazilian trio. This new chapter is marked by changes tations. The problem is that all the elements that I found the desires to be as fair as possible, and I try to be fair, often
another dose of black metal served in silver plates! The on the band, the vocalist Sabatan gladly left the band and most appealing in “R. I.” are now something of the past. to a fault. This isn’t bad stuff or anything, as I said, but I
Black Church picks up where their previous albums left, Halphas replaced comfortably the spot giving more For instance, that characteristic dry electronic percussion just think it’s strictly for fans of power metal. Power metal
and they still manage to crush us with some melodic most- dynamism and personality to the vocal side of the band. that pervaded in “R. I.” is nowhere to be heard in can be a bit of a misunderstood genre for those outside the
ly mid-tempo black metal tunes. This new album shows a Production wise this third opus is well layered and has a “Conspiritus”. The death vocals are also completely gone. field of fans, for those who don’t get or appreciate the
band in its peak where they deliver some intense songs full very powerful yet realistic sound. All instruments are audi- Instead, most of the songs feature now an annoying key- genre’s indulgences. With Eyefear, the vocalist isn’t bad, he
of different influences without sounding too much forced ble and not over the top like the last time. The tight drums board sound that has more to do with dance music and just didn’t seem to offer anything for me. Don’t get me
or progressive. Everything is kept simple even if its full of ([Link] which already played on Murder Rape knows what derivatives than with hard industrial. So, while the new wrong; he can sing. And I happen to be one of those who
different rhythmn changes and patterns layered behind he is doing), sharp guitar and rasping type of vocals are record is by no means a complete waste, it’s a new sonic understands and appreciates power metal. But the vox on
some intense riffing, double blasts and scratching vocals. equally levelled and the music gains a new dimension that incarnation of Ewigkeit that’s not particularly interesting for this one just don’t reach out and grab me, unfortunately.
One of the charms on this album is that you find little never had before. The bass like most black metal releases a metal/extreme audience. Being stripped of most hard- The instrumental execution is just fine, it’s just that at
details in all songs that really make them stand out in a way is slightly behind the mix and the scattered keyboard gives sounding elements, it’s not surprising also that many cuts times it seemed pedestrian. Again, all is played compe-
or another, a simple beer drinking wicked chorus, a guitar an extra dimension to Evilwar when its used, gladly is in “Conspiritus” turned out too much uplifting and even tently and I can’t really fault the band, but - to me, at least
killer solo, some tribal percurssion tunes, intense blasting mostly intro based type of synths. On the composition happy. I guess this may have hurted the overall emotional - it lacks spark, it needs flair. Then, there is the off-kilter
á la Death Metal, whispered melodic vocals, a viking side, the songs are simplistic yet interesting from the first depth which I lack in many songs. Besides all the depar- bit, which wasn’t meant to read as insult. It’s actually one
atmosphere, you name it! Enochian Crescent have always to the last seconds with plenty of memorable details, tures from “R. I.”, it must be said that the new Ewigkeit pre- of the highlights of the music. There are some rhythmic
progressed in each album and till this moment without something that lacked on the previous efforts. Lyrically the serves many of the tribal, psychedelic and ambient aspects structures herein that are a tad offbeat, I think, for tradi-
neglecting their black metal roots, and they have reached a band demonstrates all its hatred towards christianity by of the previous record and even features some remarkable tional power metal, and so it gives things a slight math-
point of well composed and mature songs where the lis- their satanic related texts. “Bleeding In The Shades Of moments as exemplified by the tracks “Transcend the prog feel. And the more you listen, the more initial reac-
tener is bombed with the key element in their sound: diver- Baphomet” is a quality album that can easily cross the senses” and “The nightmare institution”, but unfortunately tions fade away as you realize exactly what you’ve got
sity! A good album for all those who prefer well produced Atlantic sea and be a successful release on the European these are not enough to save the day. Finally, if the parallels here. While on one hand, it’s not terribly original, in other
and thought black metal songs with enough influences black metal market, just give them an opportunity and they some critics have drawn between “R. I.” and Dark Side of ways, its subtlety original. So it is and it isn’t. At the very
from other styles. [7] NUNO SANTOS will for sure conquer your black hearts! [7.5] NUNO SANTOS the Moon in terms of impact in the respective music least, it’s competently executed and does make for an
scenes, sounded overtly exaggerated, then any possible interesting listen if you want to try something a tad differ-
EQUILIBRIUM : TURIS FRATYR EVOCATION : EVOCATION parallel seen between present day Ewigkeit and Pink Floyd, ent for your power metal meal. [6.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
[BLACK ATTAKK RECORDS] [BREATH OF NIGHT RECORDS] is simply ridiculous. [5.5] ERNESTO MARTINS
Coming from Bavaria in Germany, Equilibrium begin their Evocation’s sound is pleasantly schizophrenic. By pleas- EZRA STONE : VOLUME I
hostilities in a summer Metal-fest in 2001 were was ask to ant, I mean in a this-feels-good-if-you-like-extreme-metal EXCELSIS : THE LEGACY OF SEMPACH [SELF RELEASE]
the guitarist René Berthiaume to play cover-songs of way. By schizophrenic, I mean there are dramatic shifts in [SELF RELEASE] I have to say that upon first listen I was not impressed by
known bands as Dimmu Borgir, Hypocrisy and Cryptic the music. (OK, I know schizophrenia technically has noth- Power goth with a sideways glance hint of doom and, uh, this album. First of all bear in mind that this is power metal
Wintermoon. ‘Turis Fratyr’ is their first release after a 2003 ing to do with multiple personalities but it just sounds monkish chanting? Well, yeah. So, let’s say this is an orig- and as far as power metal is concerned, if it is not epic like
demo, under the direction of Tommy Hermann of cool, so fuck off.) By pleasantly schizophrenic, I mean to inal band, eh? Strangely original and a witch’s brew, genre- Kamelot / Blind Guardian and the voice is not serious
Darkseed. Nowadays all wannabe bands try to bring some- say that the style shifts are blatantly deliberate and com- bending mixture, Excelsis certainly know how to write enough like Warlord / Crimson Glory then I’m afraid it
thing new to the metal scene, starting with a great defini- posed and certainly a part of the band’s personality. It’s music that doesn’t sound like the rest of the crowd, and, won’t do it to me. Fortunately for the band, they have
tion of themselves in hope to get people’ attention. After what makes them a little bit more than just another freakin’ hey, isn’t that what you want? Of course, many will criticize somewhat of an epic approach to their music with mid
hearing their proposal carefully, I always think good vibes, death metal band. Let’s face it, a lot of death metal bands the excesses of both the goth and power genres, but in this tempo tracks such as “Nightcaller” and the killer “Time
good quality sound (some times), good things of this sound roughly the same. Same song, different band. case, both of those styles are brought to bear in a way that Alone”. Great melodic epic power material reminding of
wannabe, but, I feel we have listened that concept before in Super fast, super sick, super heavy, growl-a-lot and voila! emphasizes their strengths, not their weaknesses, and the the best moments of Savatage and Warlord respectively!!
a better way. Equilibrium don’t step aside this rule. They’re You’ve got a death metal band. Not so Evocation. Here is a strange brew that is the end result is certainly interesting However these great moments are accompanied by some
defined as an Epic Melodic Pagan Metal band and sound band that utilizes pseudomathy non sequitur to lurch mad- and not run-of-the-mill. The overwhelming atmosphere of strange nu-metal vocals in some of the other tracks which
like Bal-Sagoth and have a vocal approach too close to deningly from fine-tuned death sheen to rugged surfaced “The Legacy of Sempach” is that of goth, but not with some totally baffles me and the whole direction of the album. Is
Shagrath of Dimmu Borgir. Settling that down, although, I sickgrind. There are sonically chaotic stretches in the fluffy, generic chick vocals. (As I said, this isn’t exactly sta- it to attract a vaster market or is this a new music genre?
can say they’re able to establish a sound-like their defini- music where it seems Evocation is reaching for total ple goth metal and the female operatic approach seems to As far as the majestic power metal moments are con-
tion supported by Germanic mythology and fantasy, cacophony; madness unleashed translates into a psychot- be the latest trend in that subgenre.) Instead, it’s a robust, cerned, Ezra Stone has a lot to offer and who knows, they
appealing to Pagan Metal lovers and all who like Epic metal. ic display of metal fury. Then there are spots - also brutal, chest-deep male vocal approach with multi-voiced backup could one day be seen next to their country mates
For all of you, Equilibrium as written ten songs that will but different - where it seems Evocation is shooting for vox. This makes for interesting vocal textures, whether Kamelot`s gloriousness. However they still need work in
mash Christianity aesthetic delivering a fast percussion more technical, studied music. The alteration of the two you’re talking about power metal, or goth metal. And getting a more powerful sound, especially on the vocals.
beating overwhelming by a Black Metal Shagrath-vocal and allows the band to create music that keeps moving and besides these two influences - and the slight doominess - I Bear in mind that credit goes to the fact that the album is
seasoning by an Epic Melodic Pagan Metal keyboard part doesn’t stand still (which a lot of heavy bands can do, no can detect a hint of folk or traditional music in Excelsis’ self released, at least it shows dedication and potential.
bringer of a musicality altogether. [7] CARLOS FILIPE matter how fast they’re moving). [7] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN proud music. Finally, there’s that monk-like chanting. Good luck to them! [6] ALEX ANTONIOU
Dunno what to tell you about that except that it’s quite the
ERADYKATE : REKTALIATION EWIGKEIT : CONSPIRITUS capper to an unusual CD. [7.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN FECULENT GORE TOMB / AMOEBIC DYSEN-
[GALY RECORDS] [EARACHE RECORDS] TERY / DISGUSTING / TARTOPOIL : 4-WAY SPLIT
Death metal and porn, nobody ever thought of that! In a First I should start by saying that I elected the previous EYEFEAR : 9 ELEMENTS OF INNER VISION [ROTTEN FOETUS PROD. / DERANGED FOR LEFTOVERS PROD.]
more serious note, Eradykate are very competent musi- effort from Ewigkeit, “Radio Ixtlan”, as one of my favourite [MASSACRE RECORDS] Hum, 55 tracks within 53 minutes... that can be only Grind
cians that think they are better than they really are. Doing records of 2004. And I am not what you would call a die- For reasons I don’t think I can adequately describe, I was Core and nothing else! Ok, here we go... Brazil’s F.G.T.

30 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
 It took nearly five years to have a new AG lot of patience, is always happy and is great to
album... however you are one of the busiest work with. And we know what he can do in his
bands on the planet! In between you released studio with his equipment. So why change
a bunch of split Eps, Compilations, re-releas- this? Most other studios are pushing you
es, gigs and so on. Although we know that a around, are asking too much money and are
new album has a different symbolism, so just copying the sound of bands which are a
how do you feel to be “back”? hype at the moment. We don’t need that shit.”
“How do I feel to be back? I never had the feel- Do you think there are too many bands
ing that we were gone or something. But it is around sounding all the same? Or this is sim-
nice to have done a new full album again after ply a matter of trends where bands come and
quite some time. It would be nice to make a full go according to the latest musical sensation?
Alive for more than 20 years by now, Agathocles remain in these days as album more often, but by getting older, our “Bands come and go all the time. Right now,
one of the oldest grindcore (aka Mince core as Jan likes to call it) bands lives are getting more hectic. Anyway, the new this extreme death/grind thing with gory lyrics
still among us. Many of us followers of the career of this Belgian act feel full album is done, and more (split) releases is a big trend. Just look around and see how
are waiting to be released.” bands jump on this bandwagon. But 90% if
that they haven’t had so far the necessary exposition to all metal fans, You are around for more than twenty years them will disappear and form a new band play-
remaining buried deep into the grindcore movement (like many other and helped in the creation of a music style. ing the next trendy music. Look what happened
Do you consider yourself as one of the fathers with old school death metal in the late 80’s,
bands). Its time to change that and fortunately their newest album of Grindcore? black metal in the early 90’s... Trends come and
“Mincer” was released by the well known label Displeased Records who “No, I don’t consider AG as one of the fathers go, music business sucks it dry to cash in and
can certainly push them a bit further. As we suspected Jan AG revealed of grindcore. The pioneers of grindcore can be bands change their musical direction just to fit
found in extreme noise hardcore/punk bands in. And about studios, yes, too many bands
to be a friendly talkative person with strong beliefs and concerns about such as Cyanamid (usa), Wretched (Ita), Larm record in the same studio with the same pro-
the world we all live in. Just for that even if you don’t like the band or (Hol), Revenge Of The Whores (Ger), Kuolema ducer (who the fuck needs a producer) and
(Fin), Sekunda (Fin) and many more. Maybe we sound the fucking same. Boring! Remember all
whatever we guarantee an interesting reading...
are one of the first to start using the term those Morrisound studio sounding death metal
journalist: Nuno Santos | photos: Michel Oversteyns Grindcore and Mince Core.” bands from the late 80’s?”
I know that you never wanted to be tamed by Yeah sure it was big thing back then.
a big label or anything but since you started Everybody wanted to record there!
at the same time (and earlier) as bands like “And now some Swedish studio is the latest
NAPALM DEATH, BRUTAL TRUTH, CARCASS hype to record techno death/grind... Where the
and so on, don't you have the feeling that you fuck can you find any identity in those bands?”
were left behind? How do you see this? I guess you are right! We all know that AG is
“I surely don’t feel left behind, in contrary. We the type of band that points all sorts of prob-
have chosen another way, far away from money lems in our societies. However how do you
grabbing labels trying to milk out the fashion get inspiration to write about particular top-
that grindcore was at that time. Gindcore is ics, do you need big exposure events by the
about DO IT YOURSELF, social and political media? Like for instance on the new album,
awareness, creating good working alternatives the CIA death squads on El Salvador
against mainstream commercial bollocks, set- (“Matadores Del Libertad”), the bureaucracy
ting up a network of worldwide friends who are behind social security systems (“Maze Of
sharing the same ideals. That is what AG was papers”) or the Big Brother fever by our gov-
and still is about. Surely our aim is not to be the ernments (“Archives and Files”)...
fastest, most selling grindband and having our “As a protest band, there’s inspiration enough to
faces in every magazine. Fuck that.” sing about. Listen to the news, read a newspa-
Explain to me how a band can put out around per and you already have tons of topics to write
140 releases (Eps, Splits, Lps, Cds, Dvd) in about. Lyrics are very important for us, but we
around 20 years... What's the formula to be all know that our lyrics will not overthrow gov-
always so active and why? ernments and all. To create big change, move-
“It’s simple. Just believe in what you stand for, ments of people are needed. And maybe our
create a large network of friends who share the lyrics can persuade people to join certain move-
same ideals and there you already have a great ments like an ecological organisation, peace
soil on which you can release your stuff. You movement, anti racist action group!”
do not need managers, booking agencies, big Still there is another side where you bring
labels... all needed is a network of friends who themes like masturbation (“Forced To
are willing to build up an alternative.” Masturbate”) or the nerds at gigs (“Pricks at
Yet it’s definitely not very common. Do you Gigs”) where we get a more “unserious” side
think this also due to the different attitude on of the band!
the grindcore movement compared to other “It’s really strange that many people think that
extreme styles of music? “Forced To Masturbate” is a “fun” song. It is
“Yes, I do think that this has a lot to do with the not a fun song. The lyrics of “Forced To
ideals from the old grind-movement. Ideals Masturbate” are sarcastic and cynical, but they
such as DO IT YOURSELF, creating a network of deal with the fact that many people are being
friends, creating an alternative circuit to record, put in psychiatric institutions just because they
release and distribute records... These ideals go disagree with the policy a government is mak-
back to the early days of anarcho-punk in the ing. There’s this story of a guy which was put
1970’s, with bands such as Crass who record- in a closed psychiatric facility for over 30
ed, released and distributed their own records years, but he was totally sane, no psychiatric
and set up their own gigs and festivals. By disorder at all... He was just locked away
doing things this way, they could keep the because he did not agree with what the state
prices of their records and gigs fair and cheap. stood for. As for “Pricks At Gigs”, this song is
These ideals can also be found in old school not about nerds, it’s about macho assholes
grindcore movement, because grindcore for me playing in bands just to pick up girls, earn a lot
is an extreme kind of anarcho-punk mixed with of money, hang out the rockstar...”
some raw metal-elements. This way of doing Do you believe there are certain groups of
things can also be found in other kinds of individuals connected for instance by a mutu-
extreme music, but mostly in grind, mince, al music taste that are more aware of what
noise-core and anarcho-punk.” happens around or it simply depends on the
“Mincer” is your new album, how do you see individual? What I’m trying to know is that if
it now after been out for a few weeks? Would just by the fact of been a grindcore, hardcore
you change anything? or a punk fan you are more aware to all soci-
“It is a good album, 21 brand new songs in 35 ety problems than for instance a Death, Black
minutes. I like the sound and songs and art- or heavy metal fan?
work. Hmm, if I could change something? Well, “It depends on the individual of course. But cer-
it would make it sound more raw and noisy. tain kinds of socially and politically aware music
That’s all, I think.” can make others aware of things happening
Do you remain happy with what your long around the world. When I was young and just
time producer, Frans is doing at Soundshape got started with extreme music, lyrics of bands
Studio? This fixation can be seen as fear of surely had in impact on my way of thinking and
putting your music into someone's hands? acting. I discovered things like DO IT YOUR-
“Frans is a very nice and friendly guy. He has a SELF, writing letters to people, making your

32 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
own tape releases and zines... Fact is that in the old school One band was a grind band, the other one a doom metal band It were good times them? Would you change anything if you
grind movement and anarcho punk movement, people are still and the last one a space rock band or something. Anyway, had the opportunity?
very much into spreading their stuff by trading tapes (or CDrs), Roel joined in summer 2002 and he still beats the skins for us “No, I would not change anything. Those times were great,
trading your own releases for other bands releases. I experi- and in Fahrenheit AGX, another band I am in.” relaxed, fun and spontaneous. We were 13 years old when we
ence that in the metal scene, it’s mostly about “buying” new Tell us a bit more about FAHRENHEIT AGX. I only know it’s started the band. We were the youngest fucks at gigs in those
releases... But what the hell, how can you expect that someone a fastcore band... days... and listening and playing the most extreme kind of
from Bulgaria buys a new CD in Western Europe for 20 Euros “Fahrenheit AGX or FAGX is indeed a fastcore band, inspired by music at that time. The older punks and metalheads were
if they only have 150 Euros each month to live from. In that 1980’s fastcore bands such as Larm, Revenge Of The Whores, laughing with us. We liked that. We felt strong and happy that
way, I do think that grinders and punks are more socially and Deep Wound, Straight Ahead. The members are Roel AG on we were doing something different. That was our aim. We did
politically aware than metalheads. But hey, I know metalheads drums, me on guitar and vocals and Tony on bass. Tony is the not get much respect from the older people in the scene at that
who set up festivals against racism and fascism, so it’s not a singer of Belgian noise core band Permanent Death. Until now, time... The help and respect came later. I loved those days!”
“grind or punk” only thing.” we have done around 6 gigs and have released Fagx / Agathocles During your musician career you already worked with
This protest attitude that AG has is only seen on the music split CD in Bulgaria and Fagx / Industrial Noise split 7”EP in dozens of labels. Can you point the ones who had a serious
or is also extended with other sort of activities that you are Brazil. Another release, the Fagx / Muculords split CD will be impact on the spread of Agathocles' message and the ones
connected with? released in summer 2006. Fagx play short, fast songs, around 30 who were simply dragging you down?
“There are also other activities besides the music part, but I am seconds to 1 minute. And NO metal riffs in it. (laughs)” “All labels and individuals have done their part to spread the
not gonna tell too much about these things. These activities are Burt besides been the drummer marked the AG history in ‘01 noise of AG all around the world. So far, AG has released records
about anti racism, anti fascism, ecology, social security...” by releasing in his label Uxicon Records your previous album on labels from countries such as USA, France, Spain, Belgium,
Like I said you have a strong concern to transmit a message “Superiority Overdose” as well as the ‘94 album “Black Holland, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria,
with real daily facts in your lyrics. So my next question Clouds Determinate”. Did you guys around that time tried to England, Japan, Brazil, Italy, Austria, Peru, Canada, Switzerland,
would be what's your reaction when reading lyrics from take full control of AG? I mean also the business side of it? Sweden, Malaysia, Finland... and some other countries, I think.
bands from other styles of music, like Death, Thrash, Black “Black Clouds Determinate” was first released by the Dutch There’s one label that fucking ripped us off and that is Wiggy
metal or whatever? label Cyber Music, who also released AG/Smegma split 7”EP Records from USA. They released an AG 7”EP and never send
“I don’t mind reading other kinds of lyrics, as long as they (‘90), “Theatric Symbolisation Of Life” album (1991) and us a single copy. We had to buy our own copies. Shit happens.
don’t preach racism, homophobia, nazism... And these “Razor Sharp Daggers” album (1995). We still release AG stuff But the other labels have treated us fair to very very fair.”
themes seem to have become famous in some extreme right by ourselves but we know we can use the help of other labels Finally you have a DVD out which was released last year
winged death/grind circles. About gore lyrics and all that, I and individuals to get our music spread. And as for gigs, we called “Cd-Release Party Superiority Overdose 2002” by
don’t take the time to read that, it’s so boring... except the old arrange all AG gigs ourselves. Mostly Roel, our drummer, is Tumult Productions. Was this a dream come true?
lyrics of Dead Infection, I like the way they are written. They taking care of that and he is doing a great job at it.” “Not really a dream come true for me. I even don’t have a
are like short stories. And I also like cryptic lyrics such the I know that the deal you had with Morbid Records gave total DVD-player at my home. Anyway, this DVD was released by
Hellhammer lyrics. Their lyrics rule. Listen to this “Was it freedom to do whatever you wanted and when you wanted, our guitar player Dirk. It’s nicely done, it has good sound,
tomorrow? Or will it be yesterday?”... Fantastic! And it was Uxicon were Burt's label... so what about the deal now with many songs on it. He still has copies of it, so if you are inter-
written in 1983! Classic!” Displeased Records? In what formats have you inked it? ested, drop him a line.”
Are you serious with that HELLHAMMER comment or just “I know Ron from Displeased Records since end of the 80’s. Talking about the visual side of the band, can you explain us
been ironic? I guess we must place things in their time and We had some talks with Displeased Records for a possible the meaning of the front cover of “Mincer” and how did the
also when they wrote Hellhammer songs they had around new AG studio album and it turned out that they have released idea appeared?
17 years old... the “Mincer” album. The deal works out really well. It seems “It is a very simple idea. The front cover of the “Mincer” album
“No, no, I am serious about this Hellhammer lyric. Can’t you feel the “Mincer” album has a very good distribution which is is a photo of an old “Mincer”. You know, a meatgrinder. A min-
the DADA-esk, surrealistic feeling of “was it tomorrow...”? I like always nice. And the price of the album is being kept low so cer is a meatgrinder.”
their lyrics. They are not cliché, like a lot of black metal bands. that’s a really good thing. So far, all things are going well, in Yeah I know about that. My grandmother still has a machine
Old black metal lyrics were fun, I think. Old Venom, Arsenic, No friendship and honesty. Meanwhile, we will keep releasing exactly like the one on the cover!
Mental Effort, Voor... but the Hellhammer lyrics were great. And other AG stuff by ourselves or on other labels.” “The idea came from our drummer Roel, to keep everything
I just love all recordings from Hellhammer. They can do no You are aware that many nowadays Grindcore bands state on the album very simple. If you read the lyrics of the song
wrong. Hellhammer makes Celtic Frost sound like impotent AG as their influences and pay tribute to the band by making “Mincer”, you will understand for what we wanna use “our”
wimps! And Tom Warrior should show a lot more respect for cover songs. What's the sensation of been quoted by other mincer for. It’s not to grind meat (laughs).
his old band Hellhammer than he does in his book “Are you musicians as an important influence of what they are today? Well Jan it was a pleasure talking with you. Any last words?
morbid?”. He says he hates and laughs with Hellhammer. Dear “For sure it makes me feel proud and happy, I guess that is a “Obrigada (ed. thanks) Nuno, for your interest and for doing
ol’ poor Tom... He’s getting soft.” (both laugh) normal reaction. It is great to see that many other bands are this interview. I hope you enjoyed it a bit.”
You have made your position concerning bands that uses playing AG songs and all that. It is always nice to know that Yes it was very cool chatting with you!
gore / snuff photos on their records in the song “Goredom - there are people out there that appreciate the things you are “Thanks for all people taking the time to read this. And hey,
Boredom”. While a large percentage of these photos may doing, being it musically or lyrically.” keep your eyes open and start doing something to make this
be real, we know that another huge amount is simply photo By the way what influenced you to become a musician and world a better place for everyone. Listening to music is sheer
manipulations. Should an artist be limited by moral codes start playing? luxury. People are still dying each day because they don’t have
or dogmas in the creation of his art? Shouldn't we be able “I started doing zines at the age of 11, zines of extreme punk food, clean water... Everybody can help to stop this by making
to express ourselves freely? and metal. At the age of 13, I got my first guitar so I immedi- other people aware and put pressure on governments to take
“Snuff is no way to express yourself. You know, Snuff, the ately started the band. There was no time to waste, only time actions. Anyway, if you want to contact us, write me at: Jan
filming and taking photos of real murders, real rape... and sell- to make noise (laughs). It just turned out that way, and with Frederickx, Asberg 8, 2400 Mol, Belgium. No emails to me.
ing that for big money. This has nothing to do with art. Fuck Erwin, the first AG drummer, we started recording and finding Paper mail rules. Or check our website to find the addresses
all people who support and spread snuff. Feed them to the other members to complete the band. We just wanted to cre- of the other AG members.”
lions. I know that photo manipulations are used for artwork, ate noise, to say fuck off to commercial music business. We MINCE CORE FOR PASSION, NOT FOR FASHION!
and of course that is no problem at all. But Snuff, no way! did not care about our musical abilities because we did not
What would you do if you see a band using a photo of your had them, (laughs). And I guess we did not want them.” - [Link] -
sister being gangbanged and killed? Would you still think
“Shouldn’t we be able to express ourselves freely?”?
AGATHOCLES : MINCER
Gladly I don’t have a sister. But yes this is a serious issue [DISPLEASED RECORDS]
and when I said that, I was referring to photo manipula-
These guys exist for more than 20 years by now and they def-
tions! But hey aren’t equally criminals the ones who print
that stuff, the ones who distribute and so on...? initely know what they are doing! They remain faithful to their
“Of course the distributors of Snuff are criminals. Same as roots and to what lead them to create a band.
with kiddie porn, etc... With this internet thing, rubbish like I don’t remember any other band having spit out around 140
this gets spread very easily, one of the bad sides of the inter- releases, but these guys who remain proudly inside the crust
net. And the internet makes all so anonymous. I do know it will grind circle have! “Mincer” is their newest album after almost
be hard to trace the makers of Snuff but for sure we all can five years of split Eps, Compilations, DVD and so on, so this
speak out against people, bands, distributors who use real new album was eagerly expected and it fills everybody’ expec-
Snuff for their fucking releases. How sick can you fucking be? tations, like any other AGATHOCLES release! Simple yet effec-
Still hard for me to understand. Sick twisted people. Hear this tive mincing crust punk groovy grind in its purest form.
story: at one of our gigs, some twisted fuck came to me and As before the band is pointing the finger to some important
asked if we had records out with real mutilated dead bodies as rotten themes of our societies on the lyrics. Jan and Dirk
“artwork” on the cover. He said he only liked bands with such
materializes the words with grunting, growling and raw high-
photos on their releases (NO photo manipulations!!). It turned
pitched vocals in a constant duet battle.
him on. I told him to fuck off. The sick motherfucker.”
Instrumentally don’t expect the grinding furious brutality sim-
During the whole Agathocles career the band suffered many
line-up changes but since 1990 you had a steady drummer, ilar to the bands of the genre but more a groovy almost danc-
Burt. Then in 2002 when no one expected Burt left the band ing form of political grind, with lots of variation, as expected.
to be replaced by the current drummer, Roel. What lead Production wise this is far from excellent (recorded in
your long time companion to left the band? Soundshape Studios), there is a constant fuzzy (especially on
“Burt wanted AG to choose another way of working and Dirk the bass) aspect on the songs which in the end it gives a per-
and I did not agree with that. Also some musical differences sonal groovy touch to the album.
made his departure happen. He was very much into this dub Another good release of mince core by this Belgium cult act.
reggae thing, stoner rock and space rock. So he left the band. [8] NUNO SANTOS
After his departure, he played in 4 different bands but left all.

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 33
 Halphas: “The audience was satisfied with the new song sand
with the show. We received positives comments. Rotting Christ
played lots of old songs which are more appreciated by the
Brazilian fans.”
From all shows you played with well known bands which were
the most memorable for the better and for the worst? Halphas:
“All of them were very important, we were in touch with bands
that we used to enjoy. There were not the best or the worst
because all of them were important.”
Any of those bands have disappointed you by any means?
Sometimes we create high expectations just for the fact they are
well recognized bands but in the end they turn to be assholes as
persons or their shows did not meet our expectations...
“The assholes take part of small and big bands. We were concen-
trated at Evilwar’s work, and we had no problems with the bands, at
least with the bands we had more contact. Many shows were hurry
up, so that we hadn’t had time to talk to the other groups’ members.”
Bleeding in the Shades of Baphomet is also your debut album
for the Brazilian label Mutilation Records. Previous to that you
were signed to Somber Music, so what lead this change?
Somber Music wasn’t interested to renew your contract or it
was time to move on?
Halphas: “We were not interested in continuing with somber music,
we needed a label that helped us better. We knew about mutilation’s
honesty concerning the bands, and we opted for Mutilation. For the
new album, Bleeding in the Shades of Baphomet, we had from the
label Perish in Light from Germany an appointment, which was our
first contact with a European label.”
And why haven’t you reached an agreement with them, wasn’t
this a chance to conquer the European soil?
“When people from perish light talked to us, we had already got
an agreement with Mutilation, thus we firmed what we had com-
bined. This did not cause any problem to us, we kept the contact
with Perish in Light, so that the label was the first European one
to receive the copies of the new album.”
Can you already give us a realistic feedback about Mutilation
Records’ job compared to Somber Music?
“The main difference between the two labels is that mutilation
wants their bands growing, what makes the growing of the label
too. Not only taking advantage of the bands, and this happens I
Brazil because the bands need more the labels than vice-versa.
There are many bands in Brazil, but the labels don’t care about
them because they know that there are bothers bringing them
their material without any cost.”
Once again you have chosen Clinica-Pro Studio, in Curitiba
Brazilian bands usually do not cross the Atlantic sea to reach the European shores... during the last 30 (Brasil) to record this new opus. Do you have there all the nec-
years there were just three or four bands that sailed successfully to this part of the world like essary conditions to record or its more like a budget issue?
Sepultura, Ratos De Porão and Sarcofago. There are a dozen more on the immensity of the under- “We recorded all the albums at Clinica-pro Music, which has all
the conditions concerning equipment. This album was recorded
ground scene that achieved some success like Murder Rape, Mystifier, Overdose and so on, but in by the producer, Murillo da Rós, the owner of the studio. We are
general they remain totally unknown. We had the opportunity to check the latest album from Evilwar very satisfied with the results.”
“Bleeding In The Shades Of Baphomet” that disclosed a highly competent black metal band leading to It’s a studio more directed to the Brazilian Metal bands or they
record and produce other styles of music?
a enjoyable talk with long time drummer Ichthys Niger and guitarist/vocalist Halphas. “This studio is very experienced in metal, at least in Curitiba. Almost
journalist: Nuno Santos all the extreme metal bands have already recorded there; the studio
has worked with Black, Death metal since 1992.”
One of the things that changed on Evilwar’s music is that nowa-
days the songs have more feeling than before! Many bands fail to
I. Niger you are the only former member of Evilwar from the drums, the formally bassist had no contribution, even though create good albums cause in the end, the result is simply hard
original 4 piece line-up. How do you see the path that he was free to do it. Nowadays all the members contribute.” work to create original compositions or play the fastest or darkest
Evilwar have forged ‘till now? Do you think that you are Halphas handles now both guitar and vocal duties. Did you or whatever, forgetting one of the key elements, Feeling. One of
stronger and more united as a band than ever even with all searched for a vocalist without success or Halphas was the the things that separate today’s metal bands from the past ones is
line-up changes? first and only choice? I must say that he fits perfectly the attitude and feeling on the records!
“We worked a lot since the beginning of Evilwar, and as the time Sabatan’s place. Halphas: “This can be faced as a positive point of evilwar after
passed we overcome the problems, continuing the profane “Initially, Typhon Seth (ex bassist) was interested in doing a many changes. In this new album we showed more the feelings
march. Evilwar never changed, people changed their aims of liv- test, we thought he was the right guy, but in the first rehearse of the melodies and the lyrics, not giving only importance to the
ing and so they were replaced, now days we are three warriors we noticed that he was not. We had a show and Halphas speed of the songs, what cause sometimes the songs straight and
with the same aims, so I believe that this is the right and decided to do the vocals, till we find a vocalist, but Halphas non sense.”
strongest formation, and things are flowing better so we intend very quickly adapted to play the guitar and the vocals at the You are a veteran in matters of playing music... for the ones not
to keep this formation. Certainly the bands that keep the classi- same time.” aware you were the drummer on Murder Rape and recorded the
cal formation since the beginning are stronger, for the fans do Did he have any experience as vocalist from past bands? first 2 albums (“Celebration of Supreme Evil” and “And Evil
not worry whether the changes of the members would influence “We played in a band called Thormentor in 1990, he played Returns”). Do think you still have the same strength and enthu-
negativity or not. Evilwar has already had some changes, but the guitar and the vocals, but it was nothing serious and the siasm to play music compared to those days?
this happened to guarantee our ideas.” band stopped in 1991, he quit playing for a while and I con- “At that time the enthusiasms were more important than the
After the release of your second work, Sabatan (vocalist) tinued on my way, and today we are together at evilwar.” strength, but I intend to play black metal, because is my life.”
left the band. I know that he had an important role in the As a 3 piece band do you find it more easily to create new You released a DVD called “Underworld Of Black Goat” which
creation of the songs/lyrics, so my obvious question would songs, playing live, rehearse... if I’m not mistaken is not an official/professional release. What
be; his left had any major negative impact on Evilwar and “Certainly, everything is quicker.” is your aim with it and what contains?
why did he left? Do you see the new album as a sort of new page on “This is not an official DVD, we just wanted to register what had
“It happened the opposite, the impact was positive, Sabatan Evilwar’s career? I mean between your previous work and passed with the band since the beginning, and this material was
did not worry about growing as vocalist, this deficiencies were the new album several changes occurred, starting from a spoiling in the VHS, so when we changed to DVD we thought we
perceived alive and in the CDs. With Sabatan we could not new logo, new band members and new label! could do some compilations, but we didn’t sell them.
escape from the stereotype of a death/black metal band, cause “We made a new logo, our idea was to begin a new era. Now We just wanted to show how underground were without any pre-
his death metal characteristics were evident. He cooperated days our music represents better our lyrics and our ideologies. tension. On this DVD you can see some scenes with Enthroned,
with the lyrics, for he was the guy that was more in tune with Now with the support of Mutilation, things are happening.” the show with Dark Funeral in Curitiba, the first rehearsal of evil-
our ideology. He left because of interferences of his particular Do you think that by playing at the side of bands like war with the first formation, while we were composing Unholy
life inside evilwar. Now a days the lyrics and are done by the Marduk, Enthroned, Rotting Christ, Desaster, Dark Funeral March songs.”
three members.” and Gorgoroth gave you the necessary experience to Well it was a pleasure talking with both of you. Any last words?
You referred that now the songs are composed by the three develop as a live band and musicians? “Certainly it is our pleasure. We are much thanked; it is our first
of you, what about the composition process? It changed “We acquired more experience playing besides big bands. time making an interview with a European magazine. We hope
also due to the line-up changes or the formula is basically Everything was faced professional and seriously on the tours.” playing in Europe in the beginning of ‘07. We hope to make some
the same but with different persons? Your most recent live experience was with Rotting Christ contacts with producers booking some dates. Hail Satan!”
“The lyrics were done by myself and Sabatan, and the songs just a few days ago. How was the reaction from the public
were composed by the guitarist and some parts with the to the new line-up and songs? What about Rotting Christ? - [Link] -

34 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
 COMPILATION CD

BEYOND TERROR BEYOND GRACE

MERCILESS CRUCIFIXION
DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS

FOREVER MOURNING
HALO OF KNIVES
INFERNAL WAR

ASSEMBLENT
TAUNUSHEIM
CARPTICON

OBEISANCE
RIVENDELL
SILOVANJE

RIMTHURS
DECEIVER

AZAGHAL
EVILWAR
THORON

VEMOTH
ORENDA

HYDRA

EBOLIE
CRAFT

LOITS
01. CRAFT - Demonspeed 02. THORON - Return To 03. INFERNAL WAR - Dead

13
from “Fuck The Universe” CD Dust Head’s Empire

issue
[Link] from “Return To Dust” CD from “Terrorfront” CD
[Link] [Link]

COMPIL ATION VOL . 10

- featured in ancient ceremonies issue 13 -
04. DECEIVER - Ancient God 05. LOITS - Aeg Argata 06. VEMOTH - Domen
from “Holov Posen Tro May from “Vere Kutse Kohustab” from “Kottkroksvals” CD
Trot” CD CD [Link]-
[Link] [Link] [Link]

ANCIENT CEREMONIES
07. ORENDA - Back To The 08. CARPTICON - Master Of 09. SILOVANJE - I Raped A
Grave Mind And Flesh Rapist
from “Back To The Grave” CD from “Master Morality” CD from “Taste Of Death” CD
[Link] [Link] [Link]

NO COVER AVAILABLE

ANCIENT CEREMONIES MAGAZINE #13 . COMPILATION Vol.10

10. TAUNUSHEIM - Sleipnir 11. EVILWAR - Deluge Of Blood 12. HYDRA - Head Of

w w w. a n c i e n t c e r e m o n i e s . c o m / a n c i e n t . c e r @ n e t c a b o . p t
from “Nebelkampfe” CD from “Bleeding in the Shades Medusa
18. MERCILESS CRUCIFIXION “Supreme Blasphemous

20. BEYOND TERROR BEYOND GRACE “Living A Lie”

[Link] of Baphomet” CD from “Head Of Medusa” Demo
16. HALO OF KNIVES “Watch The Red Devils Burn”

[Link] [Link]-
.br [Link]
17. FOREVER MOURNING “Innocence Fades”
14. DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS “Crowned To Be

Apartado 60334, 2701-904 Amadora, Portugal

15. ASSEMBLENT “Heartwork”

(courtesy of Temple Of Darkness Records)

23. EBOLIE “Rape Of Sanity”

19. RIVENDELL “Rivendell”
(courtesy of Black Seed Productions)

(courtesy of Black Seed Productions)

22. OBEISANCE “Caligula”
21. RIMTHURS “Ur Kaos”
(courtesy of Grindhead Records)

(courtesy of Grindhead Records)

(courtesy of Grindhead Records)

13. AZAGHAL “Tuhoaja”

13. AZAGHAL - Tuhoaja 14. DEVILISH IMPRESSIONS - 15. ASSEMBLENT -

(courtesy of Avantgarde Music)

(courtesy of Forever Mourning)

(courtesy of Conquer Records)

(courtesy of Nemesis Musica)

(courtesy of Perverted Taste)

from “Luciferin Valo” CD Crowned To Be Crucified Heartwork

[Link] from “Plurima Mortis Imago” from “Equilibrium” CD
CD [Link]
[Link]
Crucified”

Outbreak”

NO COVER AVAILABLE

16. HALO OF KNIVES - 17. FOREVER MOURNING - 18. MERCILESS CRUCIFIXION

Watch The Red Devils Burn Innocence Fades - Supreme Blasphemous
from “Eat God” MCD from upcoming album Outbreak
08. CARPTICON “Master Of Mind And Flesh”

[Link] [Link] from “Airesis” MCD

03. INFERNAL WAR “Dead Head’s Empire”

[Link]
09. SILOVANJE “I Raped A Rapist”
07. ORENDA “Back In The Grave”

11. EVILWAR “Deluge Of Blood”

12. HYDRA “Head Of Medusa”

(courtesy of Temple Of Darkness Records)

(courtesy of Temple Of Darkness Records)

02. THORON “Return To Dust”

04. DECEIVER “Ancient God”

10. TAUNUSHEIM “Sleipnir”

(courtesy of Black Seed Productions)
01. CRAFT “Demonspeed”

(courtesy of Schwarzdorn Records)

(courtesy of Iron Fist Productions)
(courtesy of No Colours Records)

(courtesy of No Colours Records)

(courtesy of Grindhead Records)

(courtesy of Mutilation Records)

05. LOITS “Aeg Argata”

06. VEMOTH “Domen”

(courtesy of Agonia Records)
(courtesy of Carnal Records)

19. RIVENDELL - Rivendell 20. BEYOND TERROR 21. RIMTHURS - Ur Kaos

from “Farewell - The Last BEYOND GRACE - Living A Lie from “Ur Kaos” MCD
(courtesy of Loits)

Dawn” CD from “Still Human, Still [Link]-

[Link] Humane?” EP [Link]
[Link]

BANDS / LABELS
INTERESTED IN
HAVING YOUR
SONG(S) FEATURED ANCIENT CEREMONIES MAGAZINE #13 . COMPILATION Vol.10
ON THE UPCOMING

Instead of cutting this page you can download the above CD front and back covers at:
22. OBEISANCE - Caligula 23. EBOLIE - Rape Of Sanity SAMPLER CD.

[Link]/magazine/downloads/issue13_cd.jpg
from “Unholy, Unwholesome from “Elevation Into GET IN TOUCH
And Evil” CD Disintegration” MCD
[Link] [Link] NOW!
 First of all let me just congratulate you guys for this great
Bolt Thrower album, and so I start by asking you about how
is the collective feeling inside the band these days concern-
ing this brand new release?
“Perfect! We have now Karl (Willetts) back in the band, not that
anything was wrong with Dave (Ingram) being in the band at
all, it's just nice to have a friendly face you've known before
coming as a replacement for Dave. Karl has been out of the
band for a while now, even though he came back in 1998 to do
the "Mercenary" album he's been out of the band gigging-wise
for over ten years, so it's nice having a bit of a spark back into
the band, and I think that is reflected in the album as well.”
From our perspective, the recording and release of this new
record seems to have taken an eternity. As I recall, Karl
rejoined the band about a year ago, when you had most of
the songs, if not all the songs, already ready to record. So
Bolt Thrower is a band that needs almost no introduction. Their history mingles itself with the
why did it took almost a full year to have the new record out?
one of death metal, a genre in which they remain to this day one of the most influential. Now on “Well, first it was all down to the fact that Dave left the band. The
the verge of completing its 20th anniversary, the war-obsessed five-piece from Birmingham songs, yeah, you are quite right, we did have a lot of songs actu-
ally finished and ready to record. However in that meantime
releases Those Once Loyal, a record which took more than the usual time in the making due to when we had to get a new vocalist until Karl rejoined, we took a
the departure in 2004 of ex-Benediction frontman Dave Ingram, who left his mark on the highly look at the songs we had and thought - we don't need to record
acclaimed previous album Honour, Valour, Pride. Finding someone to fill on Dave's shoes could right now, so let's just take a bit of a timeout, look again at the
songs we've got, and make sure they are right. We only want to
have been a hell of a task. Luckily, and much to the joy of the fans, original growler Karl Willetts release the best we can do, so after reflecting over the songs we
was available and willing to return on a permanent basis to the band he abandoned ten years just thought there was a bit more work needed on them...”
There was no hurry then...
before, regrouping again the legendary line-up core. “No, not really. I mean, we always tour in January around
Those Once Loyal their 8th studio output, is an album that follows closely the trademark of Bolt northern Europe which is our favourite time to go out, and we
Thrower's three previous releases - simple in structure, few but very good riffs, and a devastating missed that slot this year. So we ended with more time to work
on the songs, even though we went really close to the deadline
wall of sound. Put simply, there are no surprises here. Just an album that stands shoulder to for recording and nearly missed the release date, but we even-
shoulder with the best these brits did in the past. As guitar player Barry Thompson told us a few tually made it on time.”
After the album was recorded the release date was post-
weeks prior to the album release, this is how Bolt Thrower will always be. It's not just a matter of
poned two or three times, right?
loyalty to the fans, but of genuine band integrity. “Yeah that's right. Metal Blade told us initially we were sup-
journalist: Ernesto Martins
posed to have the masters ready no latter than the first or sec-
ond week of August. Later we replied that we could be over that
time, so we asked them to give us the last two weeks in August.
They said ok, but no latter than that. By the deadline they gave
us, we were still struggling in the studio getting it down right
and mixing it properly, so they gave us two additional weeks
until the middle of September, and we just made it on time.”
This time you recorded with Andy Faulkner. Was it the first
time with him?
“No, we did "Honour Valour Pride" with Andy. He's been a
friend of the band for many years even before that album, so it
seemed natural to go to him again.”
And are you completely satisfied with the end result?
“Oh, we are never satisfied! Never satisfied, but happy with it.
There are always things you want to do better, and maybe in the
future we probably take those ideas on board and do it in the
next album. But it's something that keeps going on and we never
been totally happy with any album, and I honestly would like to
continue this way so we have always something to strive for.”
I don't know, but it seems to me that the sound in this record
is just slightly cleaner, not as harsh as on the other records.
What do you think?
“Yeah, I think that's probably a fair judgment. We spent a lot
more time working on this album than on any other album we
ever recorded. We probably let Andy have a little bit more say-
ing on the guitar sound we have been using, and the harshness
was one of the areas we discussed. We tried to loose a bit of it
off the guitars while keeping basically the same sound. We got
rid of some of that harshness by keeping instruments in their
proper frequency range - bass guitar in the bass frequencies,
guitars in the mid-range and so on. So the result is that the
drums are very clear, the bass is very clear and the guitars are
very clear as well, but we didn't lose any of the sound in the
process. I think we accomplished very well.”
Yeah, it's still typical Bolt Thrower! These ten songs in the
CD (nine plus the bonus track) are all you recorded, or did
you left something out?
“We recorded again the drum track for an older song of ours
called "In battle there is no law", but we didn't finish it. We will
probably go back to it again and release it around our 20th
anniversary. Other than that we didn't recorded any other
tracks even though we had on demo probably about another 40
to 50 rough songs, but since we don't like to record in the stu-
dio anything we think it's not strong enough, they were left out.
Probably we will just take the best bits out for another album.”
One thing that I always found fascinating in your music, is
that despite your punk and grind roots you now play a brand
of death metal which is extremely organized and structured
as opposed to chaotic; and I mean structured in a way that is
easy enough for the listener to follow and headbang to it.
What do you think?
“Yeah, I agree with that totally. You gotta be able to just listen
to a song and enjoy it. You don't wanna search for stuff in the
song to find it interesting. You just want to put it on, and listen
to the song! Probably our older songs were maybe a bit too
long but that's our own self critical point of view. We could
have made some of them simpler, like not going back into that
first verse there... So while writing for this album, if a song

36 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
sounded right we didn't searched for something else into it. It what Karl wrote about in particular? vocally inactive for a number of years, so to get him into the
was always like - if it sounds interesting there's no need to “Karl can't give off course first hand experiences of war, but he spirit of things we just re-recorded "Honour Valour Pride" And
repeat that first riff or whatever.... So we tried to make the as written generally about personal stories of war, the history of it came out very well even though we've only demoed it, but I
songs as simple but as interesting as possible. For example the war and his own perspective of the future of warfare. And on this don't see us actually releasing it. Maybe we will give it away
song "Anti-tank (dead armour)" is build on only three riffs but album he has taken these subjects through different decades as free or something like that, maybe an occasional track here and
is still a killer!” opposed to what we did in the past where we stuck to a certain there. I think that releasing it officially would be unfair to Dave.
... and that is a general paradigm in Bolt Thrower, isn't it? I era. So he went from the first world war days right up to futuris- After all he's part of our history, Dave was in the band for quite
mean, little but killer riffs! tic warfare, but always focusing on personal drama and human a few years, so I certainly wouldn't want to do that to him.”
“Yeah, but it takes a long time to come up with that riffs! You loss. That's pretty much what this album is generally about.” By the way, did Dave abandon music completely?
have no idea of the number of riffs that are thrown away and Has he wrote about any contemporary war issue like for “I don't know really. I guess he's involved with bands in
don't make it to the recording. It's unbelievable! Maybe we instance terrorism? Denmark but I don't know if he's gonna do anything seriously
should release them on the website as the ones that didn't “No he hasn't. Karl was pretty much given free reign about again. It's a shame for Dave. Obviously I don't wanna go into
make it (laughs).” what to write about. So, just like the music, we stuck to the the reasons why he left because they are personal to him. He
This record has that unmistakable Bolt Thrower sound and same kind of lyrics we used in the past. And I think that a lot of did leave for personal reasons and nothing else really. He's a
style which you have been using for many years now. Didn't the album can be summed up by the words Those Once Loyal, nice bloke and I just wish him all the best.”
you ever felt the need to evolve a bit from this tried and test- which is a kind of tribute to the people directly involved in all You mentioned already a few times your 20th anniversary
ed formula? those past conflicts.” which is to be completed in 2006. So what are the plans to
“No, never. And the reason for that is quite simple to explain. Where have you got that album cover from? Is that a picture commemorate that? Will we see a DVD release finally?
The fact is all our favourite bands from years ago went all bad. from some monument? “No, I don't think so. That's one of those things we tried a cou-
I mean, at some point they stopped producing as good materi- “Yes it is. It's in Horse Guards Parade in London. Actually the ple of times to do, I mean live stuff, and it never really captured
al as they used to, because they were trying to play to a mar- cover was going to be different, but we settled on this one. We the whole sound...”
ket. When we first started up the idea was to play music the gave a rough picture of this monument to an artist and then he ... you could try it on the upcoming tour.
way we like and hopefully the fans would like too. When we went back to the place, took a set of photographs and gave “Yeah, I'm sure we will record it. We did it last time during so
came round to doing more and more albums, it became impor- them the colour treatment we wanted. Fortunately it came out many gigs. Not just off the PA system, I mean a proper record-
tant for us to keep all our fan base. So, putting ourselves in the perfect. We also took off our stained glass around our logo and ing with the appropriate equipment and everything. But when
position of Bolt Thrower fans, we thought that what they would made it fit in with the actual monument stone and it turned out we got back it just didn't sounded right, so we didn't bothered
really like is to have another album like the last album the band well. I think this cover is a nice transition from our last album in mixing it properly because it didn't had what we were look-
did. It's like if you are a fan of Slayer, you would like to have - you can't have every album cover being a Real of Chaos-type ing for. At one time we thought we had it, I mean the sound was
another record similar to "Reign in Blood". A fan of Discharge cover, so we had to change it a bit. Our last "Honour Valour right, the views were perfect and everything, but for some rea-
would love to have another "Hear nothing, see nothing, say Pride" cover was great, but you can't have another one like it...” son we didn't have Dave's vocals on the recording (laughs). I
nothing". So what we tried to do is to go down that line and play What about the return of Karl? Is he back for good this time? think it was maybe a sign that wasn't yet the right time to do it.”
the music our fans are expecting to hear, hopefully picking up “Yes, that's right. When we did "Mercenary" with Karl it wasn't Now you have a major headlining European tour lined up for
more listeners on the way. And at the same time we're still the right time for him to come back because there was some the beginning of 2006, right?
playing the music we were always into.” many things he wanted to do personally, he was going to uni- “Yeah, that's right. With Malevolent Creation, Nightrage and
But probably you would need to introduce new elements in versity and so forth. But this time when we asked him to came Necrophagist.”
the music if Bolt Thrower were releasing records more often, back and do this album, we said it was up to him to whether I have no memory of you guys ever had played in Portugal?
say every one to two years, don't you think? just do the album, or come back full-time. And he just didn't Did you ever?
“No, I don't think so. We would just write the songs the way we hesitate, he decided to return full-time. And we are very “No, we've never been in Portugal, but it's obviously a place I
have just done. When we first started out and death metal did- pleased about that because I think it will be great to go out on would like to go. At the moment we are in negotiations with a
n't existed - it was a genre that they gave to us after labelling our 20th anniversary tour with most of the original line-up.” portuguese promoter to do a festival.”
us as grindcore - we've always been playing the same sort of I know that you re-recorded some songs from "Honour Valour That's good news!
music. Off course we evolved individually as we became better Pride" with Karl on vocals ("K-Machine" is available for “Yeah, it's something that the band always wanted to do - going
musicians and we naturally progressed our own sound, but download from the band's website). Do you intend to release to Spain and Portugal - for a number of years, but either it's never
we've always sounded as Bolt Thrower and we always will.” that sometime? been right for us or never been right for the promoters. So this
Still about the record, but now more on the side of the lyrics, “No. Not at present because I think it would be a bit unfair on time I guess we will come to do some dates in Portugal which
I know that the main topic is off course war, but do you know Dave. We did it as a kind of trial run on Karl as he has been should be hopefully around next April. We'll have to wait and see.”
 What inspired you to write "The Adversary"?
“Well, I had in it the back of my mind that I would do a solo album ever since the pre-
Emperor because I've always done some solo work... so it was a good time to do it on
my own I think.”
This is very Ihsahn against the world. What revolts you so much about our society?
“Well, it's a bit too wide a topic to go into details... but the general ignorance and will-
ingness to see things for what they are, to ignore the problems that we are all facing.
And also the very closed society that is really not that open to the outer boundaries, it's
Talented musicians can’t stay much time without doing anything, simply laying just very focused on the middle, it's getting around mediocrity and the outer sides of
things so to speak. I guess these are classic scenes nowadays...”
around at home watching TV, drinking, fishing or whatever. At some point the lit- It seems to be common thinking that "The Adversary" is a mixing pot of elements
tle bug will start to grow and become a wild famished beast. When someone is from Emperor and Peccatum. Would you agree?
good at something it’s evident that he shouldn’t stop and Ihsahn already proved “To the extent that I've been a creative part of both bands. Musically it's part of my musi-
cal history and it's part of my musical learning so... Of course there are elements there
years ago is musical skills. Every black metal fan speculates if someday Emperor that were inspired by those periods. More similarities to Emperor, but on the other hand
will return... its clear that the little bug is inside Emperor members since they especially in the later years of Emperor I wrote the majority of the material so I guess
similarities there are not really that strange. It was not my intention with this album to
have played a couple of shows this year, but that’s another story!
really go into something totally new. I just wanted to continue my work within the metal
The solo album of mastermind Ihsahn, is entitled “The Adversary” and it’s a hymn genre.”
of well layered compositions blended with all influential elements from all peri- Yes, but I read a review and at some point the reviewer said "there's also the man's
desire to step out from the long shadow looking forward and desirous of being seen
ods/stages of his background been the most prominent... Emperor. as an entity on its own". Do you have any comments?
Variation and improvement was the trademark of the last Emperor albums and “I guess that at this point with this album which is very much my own expression and
“The Adversary” pushes even further this aspect without been tied to a particular also in some respect to the way Emperor has been perceived especially, being constantly
judged or reviewed on that behalf, which of course is natural. But I think maybe sub-
style, its epic, powerful, extreme, orchestral... consciously the result of this whole album is so clear and so direct probably because I
journalist: Sónia Fonseca really want to set an example of this is what I stand for, this is what I do without getting
it too mixed up with all the preconceptions. I wanted a very clean and clear expression.”
The influence of King Diamond is quite evident. How much of an impact did he have
on you?
“Well, especially the "Them" and "Conspiracy" have meant a great deal to me. Into this
day when hearing I know both albums by heart so to speak. And Mikkey Dee has been
a favourite drummer of mine from his period in King Diamond and Andy LaRocque's
solo playing especially is one of my great favourites. So I guess the choice of tone and
the whole melodic feel of King Diamond which is kind of... King Diamond is, musically,
I suppose more progressive and an extension of the typical elements of early Heavy
Metal, like Judas Priest, Iron Maiden. I suppose I do metal music as an extension of that
again but, of course, I came in later. But, yes, among my early heroes King Diamond is
definitely one of them.”
Yes, but I was mainly referring to the vocals...
“The vocals? Ok. I think it is more the result of trying to... because when it comes to
straight Heavy Metal vocals, all of my attempts to sing like Rob Halford eventually end
up sounding like King Diamond. But I need to say that some of the vocals parts on IX
Equilibrium and the direct influence on some songs where I sing in falsetto was an
attempt for me to scream like Rob Halford and it ends up sounding like a milder version
of King Diamond.”
Because those vocals mustn't be easy…
“Well, it all depends. I think it's technically... sound wise are probably, at least in the con-
text I use them, are less revealing than the more quiet voice. Personally I find the more
quiet parts like the beginning of "The Pain is Still Mine" much more challenging vocals
to do.”
Does this solo album mark a new era for you as an individual and as a musician?
“Both yes and no. I suppose it is a statement for myself and I suppose it marks a dif-
ference because this album has a very different audience and a different reach so in that
respect, yes. But for me personally it's not that much of a difference. I think I'm just con-
tinuing to make music I feel like doing. So, my personal situation hasn't changed that
much.”
How do you feel about being a kind of "God" in the metal world? Is it a big responsi-
bility?
“Well, to some extent, yes. I think it's a big responsibility but, more importantly, I think
that my view on my role in that respect is more important. When on tour, I meet people
who may act towards me as if I am something else than I am. I recognise the feeling
from going to shows and meeting some of my heroes. I have invested so much of my
own emotions to it, to their product. I've listened to their albums and all the mental
images that are built up around music... they represent so much and especially from an
early age. When you're a teenager, you connect all that is happening to the music that
you're listening to at the time and I think that it's important... Earlier on I would try to
level myself down in their eyes because I was uncomfortable being given that role
because my reality is very different than theirs and their situation but on the other hand
I'd rather they kept the illusion because it's not about me, it is what they represent me
with, what I represent to them. It's nothing to do with me at all. It's just how they relate
to my music. I think it's a great point because it means my music has become some-
thing greater than myself and I think, as an artist, that's something we all wish to
achieve. That's my view anyway.”
But have you changed your behaviour just because you're a role model or do you act
naturally?
“I try to be as natural as I can, you know? I think when meeting people I'm just trying
to... I appreciate what we did with Emperor now in Easter on the show we did in Oslo
and people were very appreciative and we all in Emperor we appreciate them coming...
it's kind of a very mutual thing I think it's important. In all relations, if you're in an artist
relation or in a private basis, it's important to treat people with a deserved respect.”
Is this solo project a substitute of Thou Shalt Suffer or will you keep on working under
that monicker?
“At the time I did Thou Shalt Suffer that was kind of a side project because I was doing
metal in Emperor but for now I don't see any use for that kind of side project. Though I
hope to do similar projects again with orchestral music and exploring that part more but
it's not under that name I think... I'm quite finished with what I did with Thou Shalt Suffer.”
Because an album like "Somnium" is quite pleasant to listen when we are trying to
read something, because there's only music, there are no vocals to distract us...

38 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
“For me that album is more like a learning experience because Yeah! Are you intending to promote this album live in the fans alike so it was a great pleasure that they all responded so
I didn't have access to all the great samples or anything, it's future when you find session musicians? well. So now we're looking forward to the next ones.”
done with very simple means and very simple equipment. It “Yes, in the future I hope... At this point, with all the Emperor Where will the next ones be?
was my try out orchestral music and it was a very valuable les- shows and all the rehearsing for that, and for the fact that I “Next ones will be in mid July, we're playing 2 shows in New
son for me. All albums I do I see as a kind of learning but that only have one album to pick from. I'd rather wait and see after York and 2 shows in Los Angeles. Then we're headlining
album in particular for me it's something that I'll appreciate the second album and see where it goes and if I can find good Wacken at the beginning of August and after that we'll just
more for what I learned from it than the actual music.” session musicians and do it live. You know, it's very playable have to see.”
You played all the instruments on this album, except for the live because I had it on the back of my mind when writing it. How's your fanbase in the US?
drums. Why did you choose Asgeir? But not at this point, I'll reconsider after the second album.” “Well, it's getting quite well I think. I don't know the numbers
“Actually he chose me... (laughs). He heard I was doing a solo Okay, you'll have more songs to choose from... yet but it seems that so far the American market picked up the
album and he kinda offered his services because that's what “Yes, definitely.” album just as much as the European market so that is very
he does. He's a session drummer amongst many other things, According to you, once you release an album you don't lis- positive and I'm getting a lot of positive feedback from the US
he's very talented in many areas. Before he contacted me I had ten to it for quite some time... when you end up listening to market. That's something new, you know? America is kind of
him in mind for potential session drummer and, really it again, what do you think about it? behind Europe when it comes to extreme metal in many ways
because I knew his work from Borknagar and I knew he could “I think I can review it more objectively and this album I've lis- but things seem to be evening up somewhat.”
do all the extreme metal parts. I knew his work from Spiral tened to songs here and songs there but ever since I mastered Yes, some bands that are big in Europe are still unknown in
Architect so I knew he could do all the progressive parts. And it I haven't had one full listen all in one go. I listen to different the US. It's like a different world, isn't it?
when we talked on the phone he said he also loves Mikkey Dee songs from time to time, playing songs to friends and stuff “Yes, yeah. But I guess it's like that the other way around too.
as a drummer... he's been wonderful for this album. I sent him like that. But when you spend over a year working on those A lot of bands that are big in America haven't really been heard
the pre-production and he's done a very nice live version of songs, it's very good to take some time off from it.” of here. Different continents.”
what I pre-programmed. Always being constructive and being Do you discover new things? I know you have recently entered your 30's. Do you feel any
creative where I wanted him to be creative. He's done won- “Nah, not really. Well, sometimes when the album is getting different? I read you say you think you are arrogant...
derful recordings. It was very practical because we run a sim- really old I may be surprised that I don't really remember the “No, that was in Terrorizer I suppose. That's not what I meant,
ilar studio and we run the same software so we could more or full order of the songs but it usually gets back to me in a few that was taken out of context. But I don't think I'm very arro-
less work over the Internet.” seconds when the riffs start coming, so it's stored some- gant but it's just that I don't really care how people perceive
You use the Internet a lot these days in order to produce where. It's hard to keep track of all the songs I've released. I me and I guess that's something that comes with age and
your albums? have released some songs until now so it's hard to keep track experience... you're more comfortable and more at ease with
“Oh no, not really. That's the only one... (laughs)! It's more of them all.” who you are. So, if people don't like that, it doesn't really mat-
that he's very good with computers so he'd just upload the Do you have a life motto like "Live and let die", something ter.” (laughs)
files from the net instead of sending things in the mail. like that? (laughs) Yeah but in a magazine like Terrorizer when you
It's easier, definitely easier! “Nothing so... I have many slogans that I really like and that read those capital letters you have to read the whole inter-
“He set up a server because parts of songs are not something really appeal to me but nothing in particular that I could just view because it really catches people's attention.
you send over email.” voice out. I really like that Mnemosyne slogan we have “It gets people's attention so I guess that's the point of put-
Why did you choose "Invocation" to be the promotional "Hungered, slaughtered, godless" which is a quote that I also ting on big letters like that!” (laughs)
video? used in one of the lyrics.” Apart from music, what else do you appreciate?
“Well, it's the opening track and, from the moment I wrote it, Why did you and your wife ventured yourselves in the music “I appreciate my close family, my wife and child, I enjoy
I knew it would be the opening track so... it's just very good business? What kind of label is Mnemosyne? movies and stuff like that. But I don't have a hobby in life. I like
head-start for what the album is about. It has a rather catchy “Well, it's really just a gathering umbrella for our musical reading stuff, some philosophy, I like some martial arts but
rhythm. The album has much easier songs to get into, say for work. Its home to our own musical creations and it's home to not to the extent that I would consider something that I go
example "Astera ton proinon" which is more, what can I say? a studio we own and a second studio that we partly own. So very deep into, it's more on a private level... music takes up so
It's a very different song. I suppose it's a very quick repre- we are looking for new artists and hope to be using our expe- much of my time.”
sentation of what the album is about and that's what a video rience and our network and forces to continue bringing out Yes, but what kind of hobbies do you have when you're not
is for... to give people an insight into what it is.” dark music, hopefully of great quality and that includes things dealing with music?
Is the video being aired on TV? we want to do ourselves in the future and also producing other “It's really all the time. Sometimes I read philosophy, some-
“Yes, it's getting there. I'm not sure on which stations but it's bands. We are not aiming to have loads and loads of releases, times I read some music theory or sometimes I read a regu-
distributed round to different people. I know that the TV com- we're aiming more to cooperate with new artists.” lar magazine. I can watch old classic movies or follow up in
mercial for the album is based on the video and is being aired Have any signed artists? the latest movies or read the newspaper but very much my
several times on American MTV. So, it's getting there.” “We have some bands that we've looked at and that we've time goes to music... speaking of time… I'm supposed to be
The album has been out for a few weeks. How is it being been interested in and we're having a dialog but it's nothing in at a concert of a pupil of mine in 15 minutes so I need to go.
accepted by the fans? Do you have any idea? concrete, it's not something we can reveal.” Thank you for the support!! Talk to you after the second
“Well, I have got a myspace profile as well as the regular web- I know you just did your premiere show with Emperor this album, ok? Bye.”
site so I'm getting lots of positive feedback and very flattering year. How did it go?
from a lot of fans. I'm very happy about that people catch up “It went surprisingly well, actually. We're very pleased that - [Link] -
and follow to my work. People have been really appreciative we've been given lots of positive feedback from the press and
and I really appreciate that too.”
So, how important are the fans to you?
“Obviously it's them who make this into a living. I am in a very IHSAHN : THE ADVERSARY
privileged position because a lot of people are interested in [CANDLELIGHT RECORDS]

what I do and take pleasure in it. I'm very humble about the I guess most of us were missing the compositions of Ihsahn...
fact that people add their own feelings to what I do hopefully “The Adversary” is the first solo album of the man behind the
and give meaning to it. Having been part of music creations well known Norwegian black metal cult horde Emperor. Is this
that people really invest much in I think it's a very nice somehow similar with it? Well yes and no! Let me explain, this
achievement as an artist, of course. But, at the same time, I is certainly not as black metal oriented than any Emperor
don't want to go on tour and go everywhere to meet fans and release, neither so aggressive yet there are bits that could cer-
all that. I'm more private than that I suppose... it's not that I tainly be used in any Emperor song. First and foremost you
don't care, that's how I am. (laughs)! have Ihsahn’s vocals that are quite diverse and wander
Do you keep any regular contact with fans? If you get any
between several patterns (from raging black metal fury to
email, do you answer?
melodic and gentle Opeth styled, to soprano or even Kind
“I usually don't because I get a lot of requests and if I start
Diamond alike) however its hard not to think of Emperor two
answering some emails, I'd feel obliged to answer everybody
or three times in each song.
else's too and it would be too much work. I try to respond
Instrumentally Ihsahn creates a constant fusion of diverse
generally... most people who contact me will get an answer
but I do not have the time or opportunity to go into personal sonorities, like black metal, death metal, rock, classical music
mail dialogs with fans even though I am flattered that people but always with a clear progressive epic edge, similar to the
would but it's just a matter of capacity really.” last works of Emperor mixed with Peccatum, Opeth and
But in your early days, when everything did you write back? Arcturus. With such a vibrant and undeniable talent nothing
“I tried to do all this tape-trading and penpal stuff but I was else could we expect than a meticulous journey through
horrible at it. Samoth received 10 to 30 letters a day and I labyrinthic compositions. Ihsahn wrote and played every bit of
never got the hang of it. I was just more the nerd doing the “The Adversary” with the exception of the drums, which are
music, I've never been good at corresponding.” executed by Asgeir Mickelson (Borknagar, Spiral Architect)
Okay. Since we're talking about fans I want to ask you if you and a guest vocal participation on the song “Homecoming” by
have any funny or strange story involving fans. Garm (Ulver, Arcturus).
“Not that I can think of right now. (laughs)! Well, we just This is certainly an album for all Emperor fans (I still think that
recently met one of our fans in Oslo. A guy from Ireland I one day they will return) that keeps growing on you with every
think! He turned up to get signed a huge Emperor icon "E" ban- note, every phrase, every riff and its impossible to dissect it
ner and that was the banner that we've been looking for years song by song or simply select one or two highlights simply
because it was stolen from a show in London Astoria 2 in because I feel everything is related. Simply genius!
London in 1999 and he had bought it on ebay. So, I guess [9] NUNO SANTOS
that's funny!”

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 39
 You have just released your fifth album entitled “Ääniä
Yössä”. One of the things that are curious on this album is
that it was composed and recorded solely by Shatraug and
Corvus. What lead this to happen?
“Hails. I and Corvus created the album quite far to be a sepa-
rate project at first. As it is we kept the recording almost 2
years to ourselves until it was noticed that Horna will go
entirely towards a similar direction musically. Instead of re-
recording the album was released in its original attraction.”
The fact of only Shatraug and Corvus participated on the
creation of this fifth opus do you think that compared to your
previous albums has any major differences?
“Not really. Since the beginning Horna has always been my
vision and everyone else has been under command more or
less. Since our recent drummer problems we have turned a
new page here as well and in the future nobody will see a solo
creation of Shatraug under the name Horna, we are now a full
band with each member bringing their passion in it. The first
sign of this can be heard on the coming split LP with Sacrificia
Mortuorum.”
What is even more enigmatic is that the four songs featured
in it are older than the stuff recorded in “Envaatnags Eflos
Solf Esgantaavne”?! How can this be possible?
“Very simple. I don’t feel any rush to release everything that’s
recorded and created. A lot of material can stay in notebooks
or demo versions for a long time. Some are never released,
For quite some time that Horna are acclaimed as a raging force inside the underground Black some end up changed, some directly manifested as they are.
It’s all just a part of how the time at hand fits these creations.
Metal circle by the fans of the genre. Even on their early period when they were signed with
I am one of the most creative persons around (and this is
Solistitium Records the fuzz was already immense after the release of the first albums from other people) - I just can’t keep my hands off the guitar
but create almost everyday.”
“Hiidentorni” and “Kohti Yhdeksän Nousua”. Nowadays the competition is higher, there are a
The album is based on the Black Plague that occurred on the
countless number of bands playing Black Metal however Horna remain faithful to their earlier 14th century caused by the Yersinia Pestis bacteria and
primitive principles. In the imminence of the release of the sixth album entitled “Ääniä Yössä” killed one third of the European population. What is Horna’
vision of this period?
there was the opportunity to talk with Shatraug, guitarist and former member of the band. “The dance of death, with fevered visions and apocalyptic
journalist: Nuno Santos signs. A nature’s way to tell humans they are worthless in most
cases... I can’t really go more in depth here as major part of the
lyrics were written by Corvus and he’s not at hand to answer
this. From my point of view he deals with a more perverse and
tormented vision of Black Plague here, a praise of Satan.”
Many already have said that the world is in need of a simi-
lar plague. Do you foresee a similar bacteriological virus on
the coming years? I mean we live in a period where animals
are infecting humans with all sorts of virus…
“I am quite sure that it will happen. Whether it’s a mutation of a
virus already existing in nature or a creation in laboratories
unleashed by man with intent or by accident, that I do not know.
HIV is already one good example of this. Mankind’s frustrating
fight to cure all diseases is senseless though... we deserve to
die in most places and there would be a lot less problems if all
nations were just left on their own to deal with their circum-
stances. Take for example South-America or Africa... the tribes
would be happy hunting and gathering without white man. They
would have no hunger problem either... just eat each other!”
Graphically the concept of the album was masterly passed
to paper by Benjamin Koenig. Did you had any previous con-
tact with him and how have you decided to choose him to
illustrate “Ääniä Yössä”?
“I met him by chance at last year’s Misanthropic Violence fes-
tival and later on learned that he was very skilled on painting
and had, in my opinion, a great sense of colours for example.
I asked if he wanted to do the cover and the result is there to
see. He did a perfect job.”
You had always a tendency to compose a few long songs
during the years with running times around 6 – 7 minutes,
but this time you have taken things to an extreme and
recorded a 21 minutes track. What do you think of the final
result, is it as hypnotic and destructive as you planned?
“The song was probably the hardest ever for me to record.
Even during creation it was hard to not loose my mind in the
hypnosis of the riffs, always forgetting what comes, how long
and what ever... In the end I did all by feeling and chance, a bit
experimenting and improvising. The final song is definitely
what I sought for... morbid ambience without normal “ambi-
ent” instruments but pure Black Metal sound. I’m not at all
sure if I could do this again with Horna or if I even want to but
that is sure that our future looks as bleak as this album.”
The release date of the new album was supposed to be on
06.06.06, however as far as I know the CDs arrived at the
label totally fucked up and the release date was postponed.
Was an error made in the manufacturing or what?
“Before the CDs were delivered there were already problems
with cover artwork files that needed to be corrected. What was
wrong on the final pressing was not asked to be corrected so
I suspect that they overlooked this issue instead of getting it
right. In the end the errors are not that big but enough to both-
er the hell out of us.”

40 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
On the beginning of the year you signed a two album record out this conspiracy behind our backs. It was one final nail to that genre has... nothing but posers really. Fuck off forever.”
deal with Debemur Morti Productions. Been Horna already the coffin of Woodcut. A lot of talk but empty words flow...” Returning to Horna, are you preparing yourself to hit the
a cult black metal band I supposed you had a bunch of Have you consider releasing a Horna album under your own road and promote “Ääniä Yössä”? Do you have any gigs
labels interested in signing you, am I right? Why have you label Grievantee Productions? Having full control of all sides booked for the next months or is anything in preparation?
decided for the French ones? Was a decision based on their of your music isn’t something that attracts you at this point? “We are planning some touring for the end of the year but
work on your gatefold split EP with Tenebrae In Perpetuum? “I thought of this at first but in the end I want to put all my that’s it for now, details will be revealed when time is right. For
“The whole decision to sign with Debemur Morti is based on effort and finance in supporting other bands. It’s too easy to now we take things easy and rehearse.”
two things. The manager Void has been a good friend for me neglect my own work and keep it secondary on the schedules. Latest news refer that Ravenum (who replaced Gorthaur)
for a couple years before this, and, he convinced his devotion I also know that Debemur Morti can and will promote Horna had to leave the band. What lead this decision?
to the label and his promises on the Behexen tour where I was much better than I would do. I’m just into the underground, I “He injured his arm and could not play anymore. He could still
playing bass for them. It’s rare to find labels and persons who don’t see the commercial aspect that would be needed from record but he can never perform full live sets with the risk of
deal 100% honesty and keep their word no matter the cost in real “business” even if that’s not the main thing here either.” loosing all ability to use his arm. We can’t allow him to take
the underground anymore. This is by far a good enough rea- You have just released the Blood Red Fog self titled album. this risk, it’s just not worth it.”
son to sign.” What can you tell us about this band? Have you found a proper replacement behind the drums?
The split between you and Behexen will also be re-released “One of the best newcoming bands from Finland. Cold, “Yes, he is called Vainaja, also known from a newer desecrat-
by them. Do you believe that this particular split wasn’t prop- depressive, often slow Black Metal with tormented howls. Fits ing horde Vitsaus.”
erly distributed and thus the decision to release it again? Will under the wings of Grievantee perfectly.” During the years you had already your own share of people
it have any differences from the original pressing? This is not the first time you venture yourself on the realms coming and going. Why do you believe is it so difficult to
“The CD version of this split which Autistiartili released was of releasing material, I remember you had a project called maintain a steady line-up in a band but more precisely in
practically impossible to get for a long time. The guy just quit Warmoon Records a few years ago and released the Horna?
his label, had no more interest in Black Metal or to spread out Sargeist demos. Can you go back in time and tell us about “I keep quite a tight focus on what to do and if time and moti-
his releases. It took a while before Morbid Moon Records that project? vation is not right, off you go. To replace Gorthaur was in the
bought all his stock but it was still soon sold out and the “It was just a half-serious tape label with simple things, that’s it. end necessary as he just didn’t come to rehearsals enough.
repress comes. There’s not much difference in the repress but I took things one step further and started Grievantee soon after.” We could not slow down and let all the material just disappear
some artworks have been done all over again and there are I have already pointed a few of your activities, like Horna or in the wind... The line-up changes often happen when people
lyrics included, as much from Behexen as was possible to Grievantee Productions but you are also active in other bands no longer have the same passion or vision for the band.”
make out since Torog had accidentally lost his only existing like Sargeist or Blutschrei. Tell us how is a typical Shatraug More than 10 years already passed since you formed the
sheets which were handwritten...” day? How do you find time to coordinate everything? band, do you feel you have changed during the years? I
I know that you regret having released the Ouroboros gate- “Typical day... work, mails, packing, composing, being a father mean in the way you saw the black metal movement back in
fold split 7”EP under the banner Lookinglassblack Records. among all things. There’s nothing typical in any day really, with early nineties and now!
What happened with this deal? Did you have any other bad small children there’s a surprise for each dawn.” “Yes, there’s been some change within myself... natural growth
episodes with labels on the Horna discography, perhaps Black metal is not solely your main musical interest. During is of no mention here but I have a lot more insight and devotion
Solistitium Records? the years you have had also other projects related to other for Black Metal than I had 10 years ago. It has crept into my soul
“This Lookinglassblack thing is just history... I don’t want to musical styles like Death metal or goregrind. Some are still to forever haunt there. This is one of the things that I saw in
think of that anymore. The guy turned out nothing like he pre- active others don’t. In my opinion is healthy to not focus other members missing... they just started taking Black Metal as
tended to be, just a poser and that’s that. There are always only in one particular style but aren’t you afraid that some music, nothing else and that was sad.”
some shits happening with split releases so there will be only narrow minded persons would see you as “traitor”? My final question is, everything you have thought for the
few in the coming ages anymore.” “No fear of that. I have never taken part in anything that I band was accomplished and is there anything that you now
What was going on with the US license deal with The End would not take 100% serious and never will either. For me would like to modify or do?
Records that was cancelled by you? doing music is always serious and I stand behind it. “No changes. I will always have another vision for tomorrow
“The license deal was made by our ex-label Woodcut without Death/grind projects have also been something totally fit for and face the dawn with a sinister grin.”
consulting us first at all. I had already spoken with Moribund the time and my vision, as fucking perverse and horrid those
about possible licensing but that lead nowhere when we found days have been. It was a shame to notice how many posers - [Link]-horna.c o m -
My first question is related to what lead you to form Zyklon;
I mean you were part of one of the most successful metal
bands, Emperor. Weren't you satisfied at a musical level,
didn't Emperor fulfilled completely your artistic needs?
“I believe this is already well-documented and old news.
Anyway, at one point it became more and more clear that
Emperor were coming to an end. Basically the creative forces
in the band were pulling in different directions and rather than
making too many compromises, we decided to end the band
while the spirit was still there you know. The last show we did
for "IX-Equilibrium" was in Poland in the end of 1999, and that
became the last Emperor show of that era. "Prometheus" was
purely a studio effort and was not really made as a collective The third album from this Death metal force is already on the streets! This time the rest of the
band unit as previous Emperor albums. During that time I laid
down the groundwork for the Zyklon debut album, and made Emperor team (Samoth & Trim) together with Destructhor and Secthdamon (both on Myrkskog)
plans to build this new band.” refined their brutal formula and composed their best album entitled “Disintegrate”.
Back then your intentions were simply to create a band and
just have fun playing or did you aimed to put Zyklon at the Released again under the British label Candlelight Records (like also Ihsahn and Myrkskog)
same "status" as Emperor for instance? this third chapter will not disappoint the fans of the band in fact they will solidify even more
“I was definitely serious about forming a new band, and we
have worked hard to set Zyklon on the map as a real band and the growing legion of fans. Based on the “Aeon” technical yet straight forward formula they
not only as "Samoth's project" in the shadow of Emperor or managed to enrich it with more dynamic vocals, a superb twin guitar riffing, mind blowing
whatever. I think we've done pretty good with that, but to ever
reach a status like Emperor was never really the aim, and I solos, precise brutal drum patterns... For sure “Disintegrate” can be among the highlights of
think it would be a bit naïve to think so as well.” 2006 and it will be considered a must for all fans of technical death metal.
How do you see the success and cult status that Emperor journalist: Nuno Santos
had and still has? At any time were you afraid that the black
metal community with all its dark fervour used Emperor for
instance as a killing tool?
“Emperor means a lot to all of us, it's been a big part of our
lives and even who we are today, and it has also leaded us to
many possibilities. But this success and status didn't happen
overnight, you know. We kept Emperor going for over a
decade and we had many ups and downs along the way, and
I think we always managed to stay really grounded. We always
did our thing and wasn't lead by record labels, hypes, or what-
ever.”
Now that you are older and wiser (laughs) how do you see
the killings and church burnings?
“It's not really something that I think much about, as it's hard-
ly relevant for who I am and what I do today. It's more like yes-
terdays news really. I'm a bit bored of people wanting to do all
kinds of documentaries, books, articles, etc. about the early
Norwegian black metal scene. Of course, I can see the "true
crime" factor and that the story will fascinate people. Though
I feel sometimes that some people make too much out of it.
Then again, I was in the middle of it all and that's almost 15
years ago, so I'm bound to view it differently than someone
reading "Lords of Chaos" for the first time and hearing about a
crazy obscure scene way over in little exotic Norway. It was a
very unique scene, which also spawned a lot of unique bands
that actually ignited a whole new worldwide music scene. It
was also a lot of darkness and mystery surrounding the scene,
and with the true dedication of music and action this scene
was bound to become kind of mythic I guess.”
I know you are a father like me, so what would you say to
your daughter when she questions you about those episodes
and your imprisonment?
“(laughs) Good question! My daughter is already 9 years old,
so it's coming up shortly I guess. She knows me well and
whatever I might have done in my teens won't affect who I am
and how she sees me as a father.”
Returning to Zyklon, the selection of Trym as drummer is
completely understandable since he already played with
you in Emperor but what about Destructhor and afterwards
Secthdamon? How have you select them?
“Well, I was quite good friends with Grim of Myrkskog, who
sang and played bass on their "Deathmachine" album, and
through him I met the other guys. I also knew Secthdamon a
bit through his old band Odium, as they released an album on
Nocturnal Art in 1998. Anyway, Myrkskog shared rehearsal
room with Emperor for a while and I checked out some
rehearsals and got to see Destructhor's awesome talent.
When Trym and I looked for a lead guitarist he was one of our
first choices. Destructhor was up for it and that was the first
real Zyklon line-up, Trym, Destructhor and myself.
Secthdamon joined a bit later, in 2001, right before the US
tour with Deicide and Morbid Angel. Basically Daemon, who
sang on the debut album wasn't up for all the touring, and we
really wanted someone who could handle both vocals and
bass anyway. Secthdamon is a multitalented musician and I
was pretty sure he would be up for the task. I was a bit hesi-
tant as we already had one Myrkskog member, but anyway we
tried it out for the US tour, and it worked well, so he became
a permanent member. Secthdamon's first vocal job for Zyklon
was actually during the "World ov Worms" session where he
laid down the vocals for the "Dominate" cover track we did for
a Morbid Angel tribute CD. It wasn't until a year later that he
actually got the offer to audition for us for the US tour.”

42 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
There is a "fifth element" in ZYKLON which is Bård "Faust" “It's never been a secret that there's been a Morbid Angel imagery on the front cover is from a Japanese temple in Kyoto
Eithun who creates the lyrical concept of Zyklon. Did he influence in Zyklon. Since I first heard the "Thy Kingdom that I went to see when I was in Japan a few years back. It had
had/has complete freedom to write the lyrics or you trans- Come" demo and "Altars of Madness" album I've been a big a really special feeling. The rest of the artwork portrays dark
mit your ideas and he passes them to lyrics? Morbid Angel fan. They are the Slayer of Death Metal in my obscure nature elements mixed with some of the ugly inter-
“More or less, yeah. He writes very freely, but of course with- opinion and have definitely been a great inspiration for me and ference of the modern world. I really like such imagery. I love
in the framework that he knows will fit Zyklon. Sometimes I'll for Zyklon in the beginning. But even though you might find the atmosphere of dark desolate nature and at the same time
give him ideas or tell him to change something, but overall it's inspirations of Morbid Angel in a few Zyklon tracks, we've I can find the look of an old rusty pipe really appealing.”
been a pretty relaxed co-operation I feel.” never sounded like a clone band or anything. We've always There are already a few gigs booked for a UK mini tour in
Before the new album you release a DVD called "Storm worked towards an individual style. It's hard for new bands to September, where you will play with your countryman
Detonation Live". The concept used in it is somehow simi- come up with something fresh and original in today's scene. ENSLAVED, 1349 and KEEP OF KALESSIN. What do you
lar to all music DVDs, a live gig, some photos, bios, clips… However, being totally original is not necessarily a good thing expect from those dates and from touring in general?
Are you satisfied with the end result and would you call either, but a band definitely needs their own individuality. “That's right. There's talk about a European tour as well. I
"Storm Detonation Live" a perfect DVD release? Some half-way plagiarism just won't do.” expect good times and a lot of hilarious moments, which are
“I don't know if I would call it a perfect DVD release. You Trym: “I think it's hard for any bands to not be compared to to be expected touring with Enslaved (laughs)! Touring is
know, it's not a huge production or anything, but I think it other bands that might be similar in certain ways. As long as quite stressful at times and it fucks up the everyday agenda,
turned out to be a good underground release, and a good the description is of positive art, I guess we should be happy.” but it's usually cool. I think this specific tour is a really cool
package for fans of Zyklon.” "Disintegrate" is certainly a fitting title for a band with a underground package and I'm excited about it.”
Sound wise "Storm Detonation Live" has an incredible name like ZYKLON. In which content should the word Destructhor has left a huge mark on "Disintegrate" with its
sound. How did you captured it and was it affected by any Disintegrate be inserted? War? Cannibalistic? lightning speed fast solos, shredding leads and technique.
post-production? Meteorological? I wonder why you haven't set that task to yourself! This
“It was professionally recorded, so we did mix the sound “Partly sociological and fictional is probably more correct. The means he his the guitar hero on Zyklon, (laughs)?
afterwards and it also went through a mastering process, as title and lyrical concept of the album basically reflects upon on “Hell yeah, he's the fucking shred master! I guess I should
any official audio production should.” the world today and how a lot of things seem to fall to a part. have started practicing earlier in my younger days. I spent too
How did you select Germany and Party San Festival to Generally, the topics on "Disintegrate" are exploring around the much time on my typewriter networking in all the corners of
record the gig for the inclusion on the DVD? It was a deci- same topics we've introduced on earlier albums, such as various the world (laughs)! I'm happy being the "visionary", while
sion based on past live experiences? aspects of religion, apocalyptic thoughts and revelations, man Destructhor rapes his guitar.”
“Party San filmed everything for their own festival DVD. So vs. nature, modern world apathy, how humanity often seem to Besides Zyklon you still have time to dedicate to Scum (that
basically they had a good recording of the show and fall into their own trap of self-destructiveness, etc. It's all put into released recently a debut album) and your label Nocturnal
Candlelight really wanted to make a DVD, so we chose this an apocalyptic frame with a fair blend of fiction and reality.” Art Productions. Are you the type of person that must be
recording. Simple as that!” It's the third time you go to Akkerhaugen Lydstudio to record related to Metal Music 24 hours a day?
Do you find any major differences between Zyklon and a ZYKLON album. Why this Akkerhaugen fixation? Is this the “Well, it has sort of become what I do you know, and after all
Emperor live crowds? best studio you came across? these years I still enjoy it. I like being creative and being a part
“No, it's pretty much the same crowd, but obviously with the “Akkerhaugen is a local studio, so that makes it a very com- of active bands, managing, A&R, record label biz, etc keeps
Emperor reunion we pull bigger and more ecstatic crowds fortable recording situation for us. Sometimes maybe a little me active and creative. But I've also taken up some school
(laughs)! bit too comfortable (laughs)! Anyway, it allows us to still do courses in the last couple of years as well, and am actually
By the way Emperor returned to make a few live appear- our everyday stuff and other things we're involved with, which looking into studying philosophy in the fall. We'll see if I can
ances. Did you had the feeling you said goodbye to your also allows us to work over a longer stretch in the studio. It's make it all happen (laughs)!
fans without a proper farewell or can we expect anything been working well, so we've kind of stuck with it. Though, Now that you are also part of the enemy (laughs)… mean-
more? since "Aeon" we've decided to take the mix elsewhere. It ing you are a label owner. Do you have a different vision of
“As we've stated many times now, there are no plans for a new became important for us to have another input after a while, the metal business than back on the period where you just
Emperor album. Never say never I guess, but no such plans as and the decision to use Fredman Studios in Sweden has created your art?
of today anyway. We are quite comfortable with the current worked out really well.” “Yeah, I've learnt a lot from having a label of my own. I've
situation, Zyklon is doing well, Ihsahn is also doing really well Like on "Aeon" you cooperate with Stephen O'Malley for the always been interested in the business and networking aspect
with his solo album and other projects, and we're truly enjoy- design of the front cover. How this interest for his art of the music scene, and it's been very beneficial for me in the
ing the Emperor reunion shows.” appeared and do you have an active role on the creation of context of my bands. In the beginning we knew fuck all, but
What's your opinion about the re-release versions of the the Zyklon covers? The new one is quite intriguing!! you learn a long the way. Also, running a professional band
Emperor albums on vinyl by Candlelight Records? Many “Thanks, I'm really happy with it. I've worked with Stephen it's not just enough to be artistic and creative, but you need
fans see them as just a utilization of the Emperor' name to O'Malley for many projects over the years and really like his some sort of organisation to all make it happen, you know.”
make easy money. How do you react on that? style. For Zyklon we've used other designers too though. We Samoth, thanks a lot for your precious time! It was an hon-
“I see what you mean. Basically, there's still a demand for our used a Swede named Johan Hammarman for "World ov our talking with you. If you want to tell us something more
complete back catalogue, so I don't think it's such a big prob- Worms", and for "Disintegrate" we've also used Killustrations feel free to!
lem that the catalogue is being made available for everybody from Germany for everything except for the front cover. I usu- “Thanks for the support, Nuno. Hopefully Zyklon will make it
who wants it. The reality is, Candlelight is a business and they ally work very closely with the designers, and usually have a down to Portugal this time. Stay fucking metal!”
want to sell records and with Emperor being their best selling quite clear vision of what I want to have. For "Disintegrate" we
act ever they will always make sure our catalogue is on the wanted portray something very striking and iconic. The actual - [Link] m -
market.”
The musical progression from your debut "World ov Worms"
to "Aeon" was undeniable and when probably most people
expected a third album with a new dose of development, ZYKLON : DISINTEGRATE
you return with a refined formula of "Aeon". Have Zyklon [CANDLELIGHT RECORDS]

found its personal formula? The new opus from Samoth & “company” is settled in the win-
“I definitely think we have perfected the sound more with ning formula of their previous effort “Aeon”, so that means we
"Disintegrate". I feel that the overall quality is better this time get 45 minutes of intense technical death metal riffing, fast
around, with generally stronger, more diverse and dynamic tempo changes, intense rasp death/black vocals courtesy of
song writing. I think there's still room to push things even fur- Secthdamon, tight brutal drum patterns by Trym, mind blow-
ther. We're always open to try out other things and new ele- ing solos by Destructhor and even some Emperor subtle influ-
ments. But I guess it's fair to say that we have found the basis ences. Now you may ask, the team is still the same, the for-
of our sound with this album.” mula also, so what changed? Sticking to something that was
Trym: “We have worked more on making the arrangements world widely acclaimed isn’t necessary a bad thing and even
within the songs better, and not been afraid to do changes that less when the machine is better oiled.
might be different from what we have done before. I think that “Disintegrate” is with no doubts the best Zyklon album so far,
this album is representing more what Zyklon's music is all everything was elevated, like for instance Secthdamon’s
about.” vocals are now more dynamic and pushed upfront in the mix
One of the differences from Aeon is Secthdamon' vocals like they should be. The twin guitar effect reaches thundering
which are more diversified. Was this a conscious thing, you proportions and the occasional shredding wicked solos gives
felt you had to create more dynamism in them? the necessary “je ne sais quois” that some bands are so afraid
“Totally! We have used more of what we refer to as "industri- off. Zyklon combines perfectly undeniable technical skills,
al vocals". I've wanted this type of vocals in Zyklon since the brutality, wicked atmospheres, fierceness with a slight touch
beginning, and we've tried some with Daemon on the first of progression without sounding over-layered or hard to fol-
album. On "Aeon" we did experiment a bit as well, but the gen- low. With such a lethal instrumental tornado what more could
eral vibe is quite death metal. On "Disintegrate" we worked a we ask? Probably only a great production, but that is exactly
lot more on the vocal production and really tried to push what they have. Recorded again in Akkerhaugen Lydstudio
Secthdamon more in different directions. I think he did a great with mixing duties by Fredrik Nordstrom at Studio Fredman
job and he will suffer for it on stage (laughs)!” they managed to obtain a well balanced record with a modern
Fans and even metal journalist state names like Morbid sound for old and new death black metal bastards.
Angel when describing Zyklon's music. Do you find it hard Songs like ‘In Hindsight’, ‘Wrenched’, ‘Vulture’, ‘Disintegrate’,
for new bands to distance themselves from the names who ‘Subversive Faith’ will remain in you hear for weeks!!
built a certain style? We all know that plagiarism and influ- [8.5] NUNO SANTOS
ence are words separated by a very thin line...

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 43
 Rise and attack... is this your personal and second album out and playing gigs?
band philosophy, like the word Adorior states? “To create evil to defy the universe! To play Metal
To obliterate the fans with total old school to crush the weak! To fuck chicks, drink alcohol
aggression!! and twist my fucking brain until it explodes and
“Sounds about fucking right! But also to obliter- to rape family values!”
ate faggots face’s with a broken whiskey bottle But you are now more motivated to play live
while you are drunk and stinking of pussy juice! and compose new material than before?
Thats fucking Adorior!” “We are certainly more motivated to start playing
After the release of your 96 debut demo, you live more now. I think it just feels like the right
got signed with Metalion’s own label Head Not time for our type of shit to rise out of the gutter
Found to see the debut “Like Cutting The sleep- and show its cock off! The writing process will
Seven years after the release of their ing” out 2 years after in 98. However after that not change, we like to take a long time and play
debut album “Like Cutting The Sleeping” this Adorior entered in a total void ‘til the split with the fuck out of riffs until we know it is impossible
Witchmaster in 2004. What happened in for them to become boring, also many off our
British blackened Thrash metal band returns with between and what went wrong? best ideas for improving tracks come after play-
the second opus “Author Of Incest”. Previous to “Our original drummer was deep into Satanism ing them for a couple of years.”
that in 2004 they shared a vinyl edition with and decided to leave the band to concentrate on Recently you played at the side of the mighty
that. We simply couldn’t find anyone to replace Nifelheim and Desaster. Are you nowadays
Witchmaster which initiated their cooperation him for a long time, as we are many peoples playing more often live?
with the polish label Agonia Records. worst nightmare both personally and musically. “That was the first show that we have done for
This new piece of... using the band’s own words: So nobody was either talented enough or fucked two years, so the answer would have to be no.
in the head enough to want to join. I just spent This gig was a real fucking metal night, and soon
“FIST METAL” is a provocative and blasphemous most of the time drinking everyday, doing drugs we will do more. Our next show is the Steel
piece of music, certainly a delight to all fans of and fucking wenches. It was all great inspiration Warriors Rebellion Fest in Portugal at the end of
for writing “Author Of Incest” it took a long time April. We will have Shrapnel from Destroyer666
the genre. Not to mention that they have a power-
but in the end was worth it.” standing in for [Link] on guitar at that show, as
ful vocalist called Melissa that can easily leave I heard that you were actually the first non [Link] fucked up his hand while pissed at a fes-
all distrustful metalheads on their knees; such is Norwegian band that Head Not Found got tival last year and now has had to have an oper-
released. I believe that Metalion at first only ation on it that will stop him from wanking for the
the power of her voice!
wanted to release stuff from his country... next couple of months. Then I think we will do
The bassist Chris Nunravager left his busy drink- Looking back do you feel honoured by that? the Tyrants Festival in Holland, a show in Sweden
ing day to answer our questions “That’s not true, there were other non Norwegian and a couple in Germany. If we are still alive we
bands on Head Not Found before us. I’ve heard plan to do a tour before the end of the year, as I
journalist: Nuno Santos
this story before but I don’t know where it came need some fresh cunt!”
from. It was not Metalion that only wanted If you are still alive... I noticed also this kind of
Norwegian bands on the label, it was Voices Of comments by Melissa on the booklet of the CD.
Wonder (who paid for everything) who said this Are you expecting the end of the world or some-
and they obviously wanted to cash in on the thing (laughs)?
cheesy black metal that Norway is so fond of pro- “We are surrounded by chaos, so I never know
ducing. We were honoured that Metalion stood what to expect, but I’ll give you a simple exam-
up to his pay masters on our behalf. Anyway, ple. Four of us went to the Open Hell Festival last
being on that label turned out to be a waste of year and by the end of it three of us ended up in
everyone’s time.” hospital (laughs). It is only the start of March
Are you still in contact with Metalion? Have he now and I have already been in hospital twice
told you his opinion about Adorior nowadays? with broken bones and as I said before [Link] is
“I have not seen or heard from the filthy fuck for also out of action because of hospital treatment.
years, but Mellisa still has some contact with I think you get the message.”
him. From what I’ve been told he is very much What are your expectations for the Steel
into our new shit!” Warriors Rebellion Festival that you will play
I read somewhere that the split Lp with here in Portugal?
Witchmaster was supposed to be out under “I hope for some crazy fucking drinking, a audi-
another label? Something called Circle of the ence full of lunatics and lots of pretty girls! None
Tyrants? of us have been to Portugal before, so we have
“Yeah it was originally supposed to come out on no idea what to expect, but of course we hope it
Circle Of the Tyrants, but that label collapsed will be great! Anyway I look forward to it and
after all its funds were ploughed into alcohol and promise to deliver the word of FIST METAL to all
hookers! (laughs)” that bang there fucking heads for us! With the
You don’t look too much mad about it! Aren’t line up I think we kind of an odd band out, so it
you tired of liars? will be interesting to see what kind of reaction we
“(laughs)! I can’t really be pissed off about it, as receive. No matter what, we will crush!”
I was involved in the fun myself! But of course I How did you get signed with Agonia Records by
am pissed off with all the liars in the metal world, the way? Was something like a forced decision
it seems a major fucking problem that no-one to see the split with Witchmaster out or did you
can be fucking straight about simple business. had other options?
Also it’s the bands that constantly get fucked and “After the split with Witchmaster, Agonia
practically never get paid! There are many cunts Records offered us a deal, but there was nothing
making money out of metal, but if your actually forced about it. I think we were offered about
making metal you will be the last to see cash. It’s nine others but Agonia had the best deal, at least
not that I’m out to make money, but I also don’t on paper. So we took it.”
want to be some fucking label or promoter free You had offers based on spoken promises?
meal ticket. So we will do nothing for nothing!” Anything extraordinary and by any mainstream
During your musicians career you were also label?
active in Demoniac. Can you elucidate us on that? “Some offers were verbal, others were offers just
“I just played as a session bassist for them for sent to us by e-mail and to be honest we didn’t
one tour. They needed a bass player and I need- really take much notice of them as we had never
ed free alcohol.” heard too much about these labels. There were a
What about now? Anyone has any side proj- couple from slightly bigger labels, but nothing
ects? even close to the mainstream. We are not a main-
“I have played in Razor Of Occam for the past stream band and a label like that couldn’t handle
few years, but have recently quit (not without our shit or even understand it. In that situation I
some regret) to put all my hatred into Adorior. think they would always be out to censor us, and
Slut Sodomiser (guitar) played in Throne of Nails that will never happen!”
for a while, before the band split. He and [Link] Returning to the main topic, your new album
(guitar) have a project that fucking rules called “Author Of Incest”! How are people accepting it?
Whore Licker, they should have a demo out soon “They accept it like catching AIDS! At first they
and [Link] (drums) plays in Goat Molestor.” can’t believe it happened to them, next they feel
What’s the motivation inside the band with the filthy and tainted, then they realise the only way

44 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
to go on is to take loads of drugs to prolong the suffer- him if there is any sort of parody there, but I do know
ing while passing it on to others for fun until they die! him to be an admirer of Bosch.”
The reaction has been great! If someone is a real fuck- What about the nude photo of Slut Sodomizer inside
ing metal demon they cannot help but worship it!” the booklet...
What’s your opinion about the newer metal fans? Do “On a drunk’in fucking evening his photo was taken, he
you think they have the same feeling about metal was stupid and drunk enough to let us take photos of
than the old bastard who listens to Thrash all day him while he was naked! That’s all, just a perfectly nor-
long? mal metal pass time. Anyway we wanted to give some-
“For along time I felt that most of them were wimps, thing back to the girls that have given us so much!
but in the last couple of years I’ve seen more and more (laughs)”
embracing the real spirit of metal with hard drinking, Adorior has the tendency to write long songs. Don’t
fornication, drugs and headbanging! Instead of wor- you find it difficult to maintain the listener interested ADORIOR : AUTHOR OF INCEST
[AGONIA RECORDS]
shiping the moon or acting like some depressed fuck- both musically and lyrically?
ing poof gothic. It may be different for them to listen to “We make things as long as feels necessary and I think Insane blackened thrash metal
the old bands the way I would as I grew up through all our longest ever track “Birth Of Disease” is our best are the words that cross my
the different styles of metal, but I’ve seen for myself one ever. If they bore you, turn them off and listen to mind when hearing “Author Of
some learn to worship with the same passion! This way some three minute pop music! We don’t give a fuck!” Incest”. Let me introduce this
Metal will never die!” When can we expect a third album? Are you already sick british quintet... First and
Do you see major differences on the crowds and how composing new songs? foremost you have the pos-
the fans nowadays respond to the music compared to “Who fucking knows! We have started to write some sessed Melissa “Jadelungs” furi-
when you started? new stuff, but we will not rush it, and if the shit is great ous vocal attack that can simply
“We have only played about ten shows since we start- enough we may do one in a couple of years. But if we smash anyone ahead, then you
ed, so we don’t have a very wide reference point, but I are not sure that we do a better Lp than “Author Of have Molestor with his pile of
have to say we have received great support in recent Incest” we will never make another! There are too many skulls beating like a mental
years from crazy fucking audiences of metal monsters, fucking wimpy bands drowning the metal scene with deranged. Tony “Slut Sodomizer”
so this has really inspired us to play more! We hate weak releases! We will not!” and [Link] shreds with their non driven guitar riffs/solos and to end the
boring wanker audiences. We need to see a wall of Do you feel that “Author Of Incest” is the perfect heavy pounding Chris Nunravager bass and you have a winner team.
banging fists and heads in a sea of blood and broken album? Would you change anything now? This second opus features nine songs where two of them (‘Ritualized
bones! It makes me fucking hard!” “If I thought that it was perfect I would have stopped Combat’ and ‘Vitriolic Megalomaniac’) already appeared on the 2004
What about concerning Melissa? I believe that nowa- playing as soon as it was recorded, but we are very split LP with the polish act Witchmaster. Unfortunately I’m not able to
days people are more receptive to female vocalists proud of how it turned out and I think the quality of it compare this with their ‘98 debut “Like Cutting the Sleeping” but who
than 12 years ago!! justifies the length of time it took to compose. I spent cares about it, in here you get 55 minutes of pure raging blasphemy in
“Melissa being a wench has never been of any concern two years getting one of the tracks right. The only the form of a unique black thrash blend. Its like a mixture of the per-
for us or anyone else as far as I know. Her voice and things that I would change are that we mixed it in only verted essence of Hellhammer with the brutality of Angelcorpse and the
attitude stench like the bog of eternal filth and I think all four hours and I would rather have spent four days geniality of Slayer. “Author Of Incest” is adorned by a Hieronymus Bosch
know that.” doing it, and some small touches here and there got left inspired painting done by Paul McCarroll who already worked with the
The front cover of “Author Of Incest” looks like a par- out. Both of these small problems arose because we band on their debut album.
ody to Hieronymus Bosch’ paintings. Was him an were so fucking drunk the whole time, so what can you! Untill now Adorior was a completely unknown name to most head-
inspiration? Stopping the piss-up is not an option, it would be an bangers, including myself, so I guess “Author Of Incest” will open some
closed doors to the band. Adorior was a hidden old school rude gem
“The basic content for the cover and gatefold cover are insult to all that is fucking metal!”
that the British underground scene had hidden for more than ten
my ideas, I just passed them on to the artist, Paul Mc It’s time to end. Thank you for existing (laughs)
years. I must agree with these guys when they shoot out “Fist
Carroll, who is an old drinking partner of mine and let “Cheers fucker! I think you should send me some of
Metal rules!”. Fuck yeah! [8] NUNO SANTOS
his sick fucking mind run wild! You would have to ask your mothers used underwear for this! FIST METAL!!”
Vemoth is composed by elements that each other. Thereafter we helped each others time friends of Vemoth and understood exact- Behemoth, Arckanum, Satyricon, Carpathian
already had played together previously in out to complete the lyrics. We have similar ly what we wanted to say with the pictures and Forest and other bands we listen to. It's hard
other bands. Why have you decided to get ideas but we see it in different ways and we artwork. We decided early in the process that not being influenced from things you like.”
together and form Vemoth? completed each other on this matter.” we would take all photos for the artwork in an Melody is one key factor on Vemoth' sound.
“It all really started in spring 2004 when I had There is a strange vocal effect throughout old butcher house to be able to create that Most songs are played in mid tempo with
to leave my previous band because we dis- the entire album which looks like there are feeling those pictures have. All ideas for the their share of fast elements. Even if key-
agreed in how the band should develop. In two elements of the band singing at the artwork came at the same time as we decided boards are used in a few occasions, the
June or July 2004 Behemiron, Adimirion and same time. Is Behemiron simply possessed that “Köttkroksvals” (Meat Hook Waltz) would melodic touches aren't brought by that
Amatis heard of me while searching to form a or there is really another band member on be the title for the album.” instrument but by well constructed guitar
black/death squadron so they called me and I the background? By the way how the deal with Temple Of riffs! Do you plan to use more the keyboard
came and played with them and got stuck... The first one is Behemiron's normal voice and Darkness Records did come across? in the future and do you think that some
When Draugald told me that he also jumped the other voice is a pitched dub that lays a bit “By the will of our dark gods they surfed around bands fail to release a coherent product due
of the same band as I left earlier and felt for lower then his “normal” voice, all to create a on the Internet and listened to new bands and to their afraid of using melodies?
playing black metal, instead of the crap our demonic effect at the vocals. It sounds cool came across our homepage where we had “Keyboards will not be more used in the
previous band had created the last few but has its drawbacks while it makes the some clips and full songs. After they had lis- future what it seems like right now. But it will
months he was in that band. The same week vocals sound a bit monotone. The plans for tened to the songs, Temple of Darkness still be used as an atmosphere building com-
Draugald showed up at the rehearsal place in the future albums are to use as little effects as Records took contact and wondered if we ponent. The aim is to use it only where it's
Amatis’ basement and we wrote some new possible to get the vocals more dynamic. would like to sign with them for the release of needed or would make the whole a lot better.
stuff together and off we were. 2 weeks later Behemiron has become a much better vocal- our debut album. We already had the album I guess we all got tired of using keyboards
we took Vemoth as our name.” ist since last recording so it will be really cool ready at that time except for the artwork that after playing in our previous bands.”
And what means Vemoth by the way? to see how the results will be for the next visit was in the making. So we signed as the deal You have just played at the side of Carnal Forge
“Vemoth is a modification of the Swedish word we'll do in the studio.” was good and we would not have any problems and Corporation 187 at the Dead Generation
vemod and would in English be melancholy.” Will you be able to make the same effect making sure we would release a quality album.” festival. So how the experience was and what
Bands give several explanations for the fact also in the live environment? I know that besides a CD version the new importance do you give to live gigs?
of writing and singing on their mother “Live everyone except me is doing vocals at sev- album was released also in a limited Picture “We put in much energy to be a good live act. As
tongue. Can you share with us why have you eral parts of the songs to get that demonic effect. LP edition of 500 copies. For a band that does- musicians it's a valuable thing to perform live
decided to express yourselves in Swedish? As it sounded the last two concerts I thought the n't have their name widely spread, Temple of because first there you get the appreciation you
For instance 10 - 15 years ago no one was mental erection I got from hearing the vocals Darkness is betting strongly in Vemoth! deserve. Anyone can record a decent record
using any other language besides English! would never wear off. It's a quite magical experi- “Yeah! It was incredible to be able to release a these days if it’s not totally retarded but playing
“The Swedish bit came natural to us while ence hearing our material live I guess.” PIC LP that soon in our pretty short career as live and being good at it demands hard work and
expressing oneself in one owns language is What do you think is Vemoth' trademark? In Vemoth. Temple Of Darkness Records is real- determination. As far as that festival goes I can't
much easier. We will always be able to write a period where there are hundreds of bands ly supportive and has this far showed that tell... Most of us got drunk and went home
much better lyrics in Swedish. Writing in sounding much alike what separates you they believe in Vemoth. Our name is pretty because of too many worthless bands before the
English would make us have to use dictionar- from the rest? known in Sweden what it seems now because good ones... I guess our playtime sucked as it
ies and such tools. The only bad part with “We are killer at creating good fucking songs of the massive promotional work we did was the opener for Saturday. So there weren’t
using Swedish is that not all who listen to it or that will penetrate your mind if not gentle. The releasing our demo “Blodregn”, but in the rest many persons there to see us. The whole festi-
read it will understand the lyrics. We have title for our debut album describes it pretty of the world not many know of us I guess. val was lacking audience and Corporation 187
thought of translating them so the fans can good. Our hooks will penetrate your flesh and That will definitely change with this release.” cancelled their gig at Friday night because the
read what the lyrics are all about. We'll see bones and invite to a morbid dance to salute About your “Blodregn” demo... The debut play scheme got too much delayed.”
when and if it will happen.” the dark gods that will be hard to get away album features all the songs of that demo- I know that you still haven’t played many
For that reason can you give us a brief from. We are not doing anything new or any- tape. It's a common decision from bands to gigs but as a band how do you react when
insight of what consists lyrically Vemoth? thing like that; we only do it better then many feature on the debut album songs from their playing to really small crowds?
“The lyrics are mostly about visions and mes- of the other bands of today.” demo tapes; still I would like to have your “Small crowds are no big problem for us, but
sages given from the dark gods. Most of the One of the things that really impressed me comments regarding this. of course we have been disappointed a few
lyrics at Köttkroksvals are about killing the was the concern you and Temple of Darkness “The reason was that we thought the songs times when only a few has showed up. But as
weak and to destroy this world as we know it. had to produce a highly professional package, where to good to stay only at the demo along soon as we go on stage we are the only thing
The “weak” that we speak of are not related to especially the photos (you guys suspended by with us not having money enough to record 3 important as we do this for our own sake. A
skin colour that some newspapers back here butcher hooks). Do you think it's important to new songs instead of only rerecording the big crowd makes us feel better doing what we
where we live think. When we say weak we mark by the difference and where did you vocals at the demo songs.” do, but we play like we have 10000 persons
mean people doing as cattle; following others came across with the whole idea? “Köttkroksvals” is a mixture of styles been lending us their ears no matter what.”
without thinking and understanding. People “The artwork for an album should reflect the the more prominent the Death and Black Its time to end, take care and good luck.
with this kind of mentality do not have a place music on the disc. It should heighten the metal ones. So my next question would be “Thanks for the interview and best of luck with
in the coming tide.” experience of listening to the album while how important are those particular styles to the Ancient Ceremony Magazine. Hopefully
You and Draugald are the main lyric writers looking inside the booklet. It was no question the band members and if you had to state a we will be able to do some gigs in your area
on the debut album “Kottkroksvals”. How is that we wanted that feeling we had playing the few band names that influenced you guys as to spread the plague in the future. Until then -
the writing process made? songs should be transferred also to the listen- musicians what would those names be? visit us at the web and buy our music!”
“The creation of most of the lyrics for er. And the artwork is a powerful instrument “We listen to most genres of metal, even if most
“Köttkroksvals” took place first in mine and so we contacted 42 Media who were willing to of us mainly listen to black and death metal. I - [Link] -
Draugald's minds and we presented them for help out. The guys at 42 Media are since long guess we are a lot influenced by Dissection,

Young Swedes Vemoth have just release their debut album through Temple Of Darkness Records
entitled “Köttkroksvals”, meaning Meat Hook Waltz. The strength of this four piece act is based on
strong guitar riffing melodies and compositions crafted to satisfy all your Death and Black metal
needs. Founding member Toxal, the man behind the skins, was the one who cursed us!
journalist: Nuno Santos

46 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
turned out being surprisingly good for my ears even, if we musical influences, I can hear strong affinity with bands
take into account that I am not a Grindcore admirer. Their like (old) Burzum, Manes, Katatonia, and perhaps even
tracks are strongly Death / Punk influenced too, I’m actual- Shining. Just like with these bands the songs are mainly
ly calling them good musicians with no hesitation, as much slow, heavy, and built upon a very dark core. The vocals
as the grindcore involved allow a definition like this. What are a bit alike Varg’s, and a lot of guitar-riffs are totally
additionally diversifies the picture here is the eerie movie Katatonia - really melancholic yet somehow beautiful (I
samples taken most certainly from F.G.T.’s members’ private hate to use this word, but I just couldn’t put it any other
collections. Plus, the sound quality is totally decent! Check way!), and sounding as distant as the latter. That kind of
these dudes out! Amoebic Dysentery from the US play Grind distortion really has something majestic... Sometimes the
Core again and the sound is pretty good here as well, but atmosphere turns a bit Summoning-like, but concerning
one can barely hear the vocals. Nice done though. Looks like certain passages only, and mainly due to the vocals.
we are sinking in the very depths of the grindcore bog now The bass really has a key-role within Forgotten Tomb, as it
- sensibly more primitive than the previous two bands. firmly pounds a negative force into the songs and incon-
Disgusting deserve their name definitely! I could sense that spicuously keeps one’s mind grasped to the music.
they are not on the scene since yesterday though. It’s mere- The overall atmosphere is one of sadness, insalubrious
ly that they seem to find pleasure in being more brutal and beauty and total negativity worshipping. This is definitely
chaotic on the performance level at least. I believe Amoebic an album I’ll be listening more often, and I advise you all
Dysentery will bring plenty of fans very soon anyway! to check out this masterpiece! [8.5] TARAS VAN DIJK
Tartopoil: the more you’re digging, the wormer it becomes!
Time stops in the world above and, as long as you have the FORLORN LEGACY : PATHS OF INSANITY
ears to hear, it continues running beneath by means of [METALSOUND RECORDS]
grunts sounding like coming from a soil-stuck throat and First and foremost, let me say that I’m sincerely impressed
decapitating riffs adorned with the obligatory horror movie IN SOLITUDE : NETHERGOD by the vocals on this album. It seems that everyone who tries
excerpts. Now that I heard the 4 bands: it was hell of a trip, [RECITAL RECORDS] to create melodic death metal with un-garbled vocals these
and Feculent Gore Tomb ended up being my doubtless days just ends up sounding horrible, but that’s definitely not
After the intro reminding us the adventures of Mr. Frodo and Aragon, setting the mood for the upcoming bursts of
favourites here! [7.5] VANYA MARINOVA the case with vocalists Darko Etinger and Mario Romanic.
metal in form of songs, we are completely dive in a very well-made Power Heavy power Metal, making In Solitude a Croatian accents just sound sweet anyway I guess. Anyone
FENRIZ : FENRIZ PRESENTS... THE BEST OF OLD bringer of enchantment, wrath, melody and muscle. The title-song, ‘The nethergod’, show us In Solitude’s maximum who enjoys melodic metal of any flavour should definitely
SCHOOL BLACK METAL exponent where they reveal all their skills as songwriters, players and performers. ‘Children of the dark’ as found his give these guys a listen. They’re not too heavy or too light in
[PEACEVILLE RECORDS] any respect. With calculated riffing and generous flashy gui-
contender! ‘Nethergod’ is In Solitude’s maturation album. Listening the album thirteen songs, we are transported to
In this record, the Black metal legend named Fenriz makes tar work without being overly-dramatic, this may be one of
a compilation of bands that have made an incredible a grandiose universe of powerful Heavy Power Metal polished with a very discreet keyboard partition, but always the better albums to come out of 2004. Track 10, “Numb”
impact on the extreme metal scene, from Celtic Frost to present, where every song try surmount the predecessor in hope the successor will not make face, song after song deserves particular attention for the beautiful solo reminis-
Bathory, Mercyful Fate and Mayhem, among others. This is till the last one, in a cohesion manner, homogeneous; with highs and lows moments levelled at the high-level stan- cent of a bygone era of metal. All in all, this is about an hour’s
an easy way for Peaceville to cash some money in and I bet dards. ‘Nethergod’ is an album not seen for a while in the metal scene; giving us a musical experience filled of worth of musical bliss. Very tasteful, very interesting and def-
it will be very useful for newcomers to the Black metal initely worth a listen. [8.5] MAX RODRIGUEZ
straight and loaded with energy, which on stage, live, get a much more greatness and dimension as I have the
scene who are eager to know more about the origins of
this genre. This release is all about primitive, raw and Hate opportunity to experience. [8.5] CARLOS FILIPE FOSCOR : ENTRANCE TO THE SHADOWS’ VILLAGE
Black Metal! It kicks off with ‘Winds Of The Black Godz’ by [SACRAL RECORDS]
Blasphemy. Then we can find other Black metal gems such Ohhh man! Beautiful. Beautiful in a sick way, of course.
as “Slut of Hell” by Nattefrost, “Burst Command Til War” impress through a combination of inspired song writing, Fighting man’ suffers from the second-album syndrome. Saintliness of sickness, if you will. Embrace at sickness in
by Sodom, “Dawn of Meggido” by Celtic Frost, “Black production, performance and some basic balls, and anoth- After a first one very good and very sound defining, it’s your soul - and also that which resides in the bowels of
Unity” by Aura Noir and the final song is “Dies Irae” by er thing to produce a sugar coated album as an excuse to hard to overtake it. But apart this step back, ‘The Fighting Foscor, a dark, vicious beauty that fills the air around your
Bathory. This is a great compilation featuring great songs bring your talent forward. Because that’s all you’ll ever find man’ still a very honest album where Forefather denotes bleakened spirit with despairing and grim black metal hell-
being my particular favourite “Into the Pentagram” by the here. An exceptional guitarist. The rest is just a sample of yet a crucial evolution. The vocals are not anymore scratch ishness. Like some Cthuluian rift in the depths of space
mighty Swiss godz Samael. It takes us back to the late a genre long dead. [5] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS (no more Black Metal think) and Forefather introduce more spilling out the bile of the darkest realms of the universe,
80’s, early 90’s. Definitely a cool selection of 16 tracks by melody, more medieval folk giving it a stronger heart, but Foscor’s enshrouded in darkness music marches forth like
the master Fenriz. [7] SÓNIA FONSECA FLAME : INTO THE AGE OF FIRE alas not a better album. ‘The Fighting man’ is the natural frostbitten Hell on a tirade against the known universe.
[IRON PEGASUS] evolution album between two great ones that precedence Rooted in the old ways and eschewing the more polished
FIREWIND : FORGED BY FIRE A black metal band consisting of 2 ex-members of and proceeds, and will culminate in the best of all and out evolution of black metal’s current state, Foscor provides a
[CENTURY MEDIA] Barathrum and Urn and a currently Urn member make the of this review scoop, ‘Ours is the Kingdom’. That powerful, immediate fix for the Black Metal fiend who
Gus G. and the rest of the “warriors of steel” that comprise sweet taste of blood sweeter and the expectations to a Forefather philosophy: One step each time. The best songs needs to ride the metal elevator to Hell. There’re no efforts
Firewind released this album back in 2004. The music is grim straight forward black metal album go high. The band in this second release are the instrumental ‘The call to at 100-piece orchestras or anything of the like. This is
power metal, surprise surprise. This album might be char- does also pull off grim black metal, giving other Finnish Arms’, ‘Out of Darkness’ and ‘The paths of Yesterdays’. satanic potency distilled to its purist essence. Foscor will
acterised as a sale-success for a variety of reasons. The hordes something to be aware of. In the blend, the band Finally there is the best of the three: ‘Engla Tocyme’. After envelope you in its evil. Atmosphere drips from the walls
rising young super-guitarist Gus G. is a reason for this has also thrown a great dose of thrash which rounds of the the big step from ‘Deep’ to ‘Fighting’, Forefather does a and ceiling like some kind of black, black ectoplasm. And
album to sell wild on its own. The guitar playing is phe- ugly feel and atmosphere. tiny one with ‘Engla’. We are puffed with better production you - you welcome its calling unto thee... Like the hymnal
nomenal but the riffs are sadly not far away from being The vocals are cruel and cold, possessing emotions of hate increasing the music quality, more Forefather presence to for ancient, anti-God religion, older even than Satan him-
characterised as a series of clones taken from a bunch of and anger, it is drenched with reverb, which can become too reach excellency. Forefather future will be crossing the self, Foscor’s tunes will serve as siren song for the lover of
bands too forgotten to mention. Apparently that didn’t stop much of the good once in a while, but also adds more punch castle of majesty, but till that day arrival we have to listen all things black and the listener will sink with pungent
the album from selling good to the somewhat gullible to it and makes it bigger and more haunting. The music is waiting patiently the four previous albums. ‘Engla Tocyme’ sweetness into the offerings. [8] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
masses of Japan, yet I fear that we “western” fans possess old school black metal, spiced very much up with thrash, is the last but one and it’s not the best one of all Forefather
a greater deal of awareness. As many of you may already killer riffs and good solos here and there. There isn’t any- albums because there is ‘Ours’. Forefather show to every FROSTHARDR : MAKTESLOS
know, the album was mixed in famous Studio Fredman and thing new about, but it sure works. Much of the guitar work one in the metal world how to evolve from one good idea [MOMENTUM SCANDINAVIA]
James Murphy kicks in a solo on “The Forgotten Memory”. is very catchy, and one does often catch oneself in head- without compromise the music created at the career There’s a pretty decent amount of dynamics and variety
The sound and production reaches perfection, naturally, banging like a madman, while listening to this album. The beginning. Forefather has created a distinguish sonority moving through Frosthardr’s slightly goth and doom tinged
but plain old self respect may keep you from characterising drumming is okay as well, it seems somewhat untight at recognizable immediately, providing Viking Metal Kingdom black metal proceedings. The band indulges heavily in the
this album as “decent” by simply taking these facts into times, though that doesn’t really matter a lot, it adds to the with the supreme King: Forefather. [8] deep into time; [7] demonic darkness that’s the hallmark of traditional harsh
account. The smell of cheese in the air cannot be ignored pure raw and relentless old school aura surrounding the the fighting man; [8.5] engla tocyme CARLOS FILIPE black metal. Soft but sinister stretches of thin but razor
after the 1st listening of “Forged by Fire”. Add this to the album. This album will speak to all fans of grim black metal sharp, deliberately paced guitar lines that easily churn your
fact that a guy named “Chity” (a slice of emmental any- and thrash, old school as hell, the composition are taken FOREST OF SHADOWS : DEPARTURE brain to gooey madness like a whisk made of razor wire
one?) is behind the microphone singing in classic hyper- directly out of the 80ties and are delivered with passion and [FIREDOOM MUSIC] slide menacingly across the middle of the soundscape, cre-
romantic power metal patterns and hunks of cheese may energy, very catchy and hard to let go of. The dirty and The Firebox Records imprint Firedoom Music has a flair for ating an eerie ambience. This can give way to rambunctious
actually start melting off your CD player. But let’s conclude. untight sound is great and very fitting, it blasts the music off signing some of the heaviest and doomiest bands around, black metal assaultings, out of which spring the vocal hiss,
Usually when a heavy band tries to adopt commercialism, and works on the listener all the way through the album. Forest Of Shadows are one those bands, even though the produced to sound as if it is coming to you from within the
the bad criticism from the cruel die hard metal sweethearts This is a very interesting new horde from Finland, and if they one man force doesn’t deliver funeral doom, the settings hollow shadows of darkness. The percussion acts as the
is always there by default. Fitting into that category isn’t can keep up the energy and passion, they’ll release many are still heavy and bleak, a desolate landscape of melan- club-to-skull beating shifted to high speeds as it punches
really my style. However, it is one thing for someone to great albums in the future. [7.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN choly and longing, dim stars gets through the thick fog, like bullets. The vocals match the harshness of the rest of
that flows out of the speakers, the fog that envelops the lis- the surrounding sounds and serve as the warning that
FOREFATHER : DEEP INTO TIME / THE FIGHTING tener in the atmosphere of the last hours. you’ve entered reamls verboten, the place that should not
MAN / ENGLA TOCYME The compositions on this album have been written and be. The music can shift from interludesque passages to
[KARMAGEDDON MEDIA] developed trough 4 years, and they do carry the mark of pressing-forward black metal speed. Gothic overtones eddy
Having discover Forefather with their acclaim fourth album being very thought through. The different elements steps in and out of the music, but referencing that subgenre with
and last one, ‘Ours is the Kingdom’, it’s now time to me to in, when they are needed and even at times when they sufficient obliqueness not to override the dripping black
discover forefather’s debuts albums re-release, the ones aren’t expected. As the noisy bombastic and aggressive heart of Frosthardr’s audio intent. There’s also an expan-
who has shape Forefather as a great Viking Pagan band part of the first track ‘Sleeping Death’, which appears after sive, atmospheric and also subtle hint that some doom
like no other in ours days. The brothers Athelstan and 8 minutes. Until then the track has been slow, displaying metal got listened to while this album was being written. A
Wulfstan in 1997 established Forefather defining then a bleak and melancholic, almost doomy rock and suddenly it sense of bleakness hints at this personality infusion. Of
unique sound from day one, a medieval one, loaded with explodes and shakes the earth. course, it’s always possible I’m imagining things. What
Epic Viking metal taken from the Anglo-Saxon imaginary. The musically output is very atmospheric, not the usual truly matters is that Frosthardr’s dread sound is appealing
Now, the three first Forefather albums, ‘Deep into Time’ doom-atmosphere, where everything is being crushed and melodic in an old school way. Very good stuff. Or
from 1999, ‘The fighting man’ from 2000 and ‘Engla under the cloven hoofs of destruction. There are a lot of should that be, very evil stuff? [8] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
Tocyme’ from 2002, are re-release with bonus-material melodies on this album, and melancholic rock metal,
and a re-mastered sound, praising religions to Viking would perhaps be a better term than melodic doom. Even GARWALL : BLACK BEAST
Metal, as well Black Metal (for Deep into Time) and trans- though there are trademarks from traditional doom here [HOLY RECORDS]
versally garnish with Heavy Metal. The times of under- and there, the final outcome is way more bleak and at Garwall’s “Black Beast” CD seems to be a fairly even blend
ground are gone forever for them. Hail to the forefront times it moves into the death/doom area and crushes all, of thrash and black metal. The argument could be made
Viking Metal cos a new king is there to rein along the metal even though the growls on this album aren’t many, they are that black metal is by definition really fucking fast (like
kingdom! In the far year of 1998 Forefather release ´Deep present at times. It is quite an album Forest Of Shadows thrash), but there’s a distinguishable groove-oriented riff-
INFERNUM : FAREWELL Into Time’, having record it in August 1998 in their own here has created, a huge bite to swallow and digest, but for ness that has as much in common with thrash as it does
[NO COLOURS RECORDS] home-studio and having release it themselves in early the grey and cloudy Northern winter days, it is very fitting. with black metal. If you tried to decide only one of these
1999, ‘Deep Into Time’ has being a well receive album, at Looking at the clouds going across the sky and looking at categories to lump the band into (which would be unfair, of
Simply take Graveland`s best material and turn it into
that time, in the underground scene. Listening ‘Deep Into the candlelight’s flame, while listening to this album makes course), your brain would waiver mercilessly back and
something more acoustic, more pagan and more Time’, we are taken into the heart of Forefather. The the thoughts wander off. Melancholic and bleak, yet beau- forth between the two. There’s gobs of riveting, heavy
melancholic and you will get this “Farewell” of a mas- scratch voice and the astonishing guitar sounding give an tiful compositions are what we get with this album, and the speed propulsions through this release, and all the extrem-
terpiece! A more calmed down version of their past Epic Metal personality to the Viking Metal attack, confiding album is somewhat a treat for people into this world of ity has got some strong metal melody pumped into it. The
to ‘Deep Into Time’ a raw sound making us remember the darkness. [7.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN vocals range from traditional black metal skin-ripping to
recordings, I still think this is probably their best
firsts Bathory releases. But don’t mistake it. The atmos- deathly growls, just to keep things lively and varied.
material with just five lengthy tracks that sum up phere of Forefather is a mediaeval one, not a demoniac FORGOTTEN TOMB : LOVE’S BURIAL GROUND Extreme thrash and melodic black metal find a conver-
Poland’s mid 90’s glorious scene! There is a distinc- one! An Anglo-Saxon medieval atmosphere, a Middle-age [ADIPOCERE RECORDS] gence in the sound of Garwall. Others may hear this same
tive Graveland aftertaste due to the repetition and the honnorability! One thing is certain; this musical feeling will From what I had read about this Italian band I understood album and come to entirely different conclusions or may
simplicity but this is what makes this release so truly be always inherent proving the four Forefather releases till they played some kind of depressive Black Metal, but it even think I’m full of shit. But sometimes there’s some-
now. All ‘deep into Time’ sound great despite the home was only when I found out they had signed a deal with thing that moves beyond mere technical analysis of the
awesome. An album filled with pagan pride and a made production; delivering a set of great Epic Viking Selbstmord Services from Sweden that I concluded I most material at hand and resides more in personality. And I can
sound reminiscent of the true black metal spirit of Metal songs with Black Metal flavour, where I point enthu- certainly would dig this band! Thus (not surprisingly) truly hear the music as having a shred of pan-genre tran-
what once was. For Infernum fans this is a must - siastically ‘Dusk to Down’ and ‘the ornamented Sword’. when, with “Love’s burial ground”, I for the first time heard scendence. I mean, this isn’t any myriad-genre-hybrid-
earpiece of an album. I wouldn’t like to comment or Continuing on the same track, Forefather second album, Forgotten Tomb, they right away got themselves a new style-bender, per se, but the argument could be made that
‘The Fighting man’, is the one that follows, showing the devoted fan! This is Forgotten Tomb’s third full-length thrash and black metal met in a sick lover’s embrace and
compare this to the new Infernum as I haven’t heard
natural evolution. On the other hand, besides having a bet- album (the 2nd for Adipocere Records), and it is really out popped this from the womb. And at the same time,
it yet. [9] ALEX ANTONIOU ter production, it stays a step behind ‘Deep Into Time’. ‘The interesting stuff! Just like the press-sheet mentions as beyond personality and back to technicality, there are

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 47
 hyperspeed world of Gorezone. The band uses hyperspeed Black Metal labels for differences of beliefs, like Osmose,
riffing once in a while, and that isn’t exactly my cup of tea, Nuclear Blast etc. This attempt proves that these guys at
I don’t like the way it crushes all hope to hear what’s going least ain’t false. They stand up for what they have to say,
on, but luckily there are more down to earth riffs as well. creating feelings of doom and chaos, based on old Bathory
The bass is abused in great manner, and are pretty audible style that can drive a metalhead totally insane. Nothing
most of the way through this release. The drumming is as commercial, just pure hatred towards Judeo-Christianity,
we can expect within this genre, a blend of crushing blast- that has failed mankind and slowly withers and dies. The
ing, double bass drum abuse and the slower mid-tempo choice is yours... [5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
paces. The pace shifts are many and well executed, and
there are some good, both guitar and drum breaks. The GRAVEN : THE SHADOWS ETERNAL CALL
vocals are guttural as hell, and a real joy for me, it has been [UNDERCOVER RECORDS]
a while since I’ve heard such a brutal and guttural attack, I really don’t have anything against bands when they use
a brutal rendition of Chris Barnes in the Cannibal Corpse the same formula to create quality music. Inside you get
days, though we aren’t offered much variation from the old school Black metal in the vein of old Drakthrone,
vocals. This is as such a good death/grind album Gorezone Immortal or Bathory like we have heard so many times
has made here, though I can’t help to think that I’ve heard before but “The Shadows Eternal Call” is so wisely crafted
this and that, many times before. The Germans are on the that I guess all this is put aside with no problems at all.
right path, no doubt about that, they are delivering 11 skull This second opus follows the same path covered by
crushing attacks on this album. Though some better and “Perished And Forgotten”, yet I find this new work better
more “unique” song writing would do the trick, and I’m produced however maintaining the same grim rawness (so
LEAVES’ EYES : VINLAND SAGA sure that’ll come in time, but Gorezone will for sure be an forget the note on the debut album that said: “This is
[NAPALM RECORDS]
exciting band to follow, I have for one enjoyed listening to Graven’s final recording in that kind of too clear and unraw
this album. [6] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN sound. Definitely our future releases will be again more
After “Lovelorn”, Leaves’ Eyes - the project that united Liv Kristine (ex vocals in Theatre of Tragedy) and members of grim and hateful”). Vargsang has left the band (to develop
Atrocity - have now released their latest album. “Vinlad Saga” is a satisfactory sequel that won’t disappoint the fans. GRAVE FLOWERS : INCARCERATED SORROWS a solo project) and the three year break was necessary to
[FIREBOX RECORDS] find new members. There is Vronth from the original line
Sticking to the same melodic, atmospheric lines, as well as Liv Kristine’s remarkable vocals, this album takes us in a
Visiting the band’s website we may see a man’s arm up behind the drumkit and you have Mardar on the guitars
journey through Nature, the four elements and the circle of life and death. This is accomplished not only by the
embellished with a tattoo of My Dying Bride’s logo. It and Zingultus (Graupel, ex. Nagelfar) who delivers some
lyrics, constantly focusing on the theme, but also by the music itself: its epic and folk character reminds us of the appears to be Grave Flowers’ main-man right upper limb. wicked grim screams! If you are looking for innovative
power and greatness of the forces of Nature. Enough said, don’t you think? black metal please go look somewhere else cause inside
“Vinlad Saga” has indeed a feeling of “grand” to it, capable of raising the hair on the back of your neck. However, Well, actually not. “Incarcerated Sorrows” isn’t the sound you get the stuff that makes your chest hairs to grow... raw
you might get the general feeling that this album isn’t as heavy as the previous. Alexander Krull (male vocals) sings proof of Matte Andersson’s commitment to the British high-pitched vocals, icy cold guitar riffs and a straight for-
doom legends. Not even a cheap attempt to pay tribute to ward killer drumming. All in all mingled with mid to fast
in three songs “Solemn Sea”, “The Thorn” and “New Found Land” creating that great guttural/clean contrast with Liv the genre-innovators. Apart from sporadic appearances of passages and enough diversity to keep you interested all
we got familiar with since “Lovelorn”. But the guitars are cleaner and the drums softer in many songs, and the the said-band influences, that, let’s face it, all gothic-doom the way! Great! [7] NUNO SANTOS
album even contains a calm instrumental piece “Amhrán (Song of the Winds)” revealing its strong folk influences. claimers of the throne enclose to their sound, the duo
In spite of that, the album doesn’t lose any of its strength or feeling. Liv Kristine’s impressive vocals along with the behind GF has worked hard to forge a distinctive sound. GREY : THE FIRST SHADE OF...
Points must be given to the two-member band for com- [AVANTGARDE MUSIC]
rest of the band’s performance create an enviable balance, only surpassed by the songs in which Alexander also
pletely basing their music on guitars as well as for the sur- With lot of pleasure I embrace the latest operations of
sings. For the lovers of early Theatre of Tragedy albums, “Vinlad Saga” is a must-hear, as all Leaves’ Eyes work has prising emerges of a few solos (a part of music particular- Avantgarde Music, whose release schedule over the last
been so far. [8.5] SUSANA FERNANDES ly forgotten by the youth of metal bands, nowadays). months is keen on suicidal or funereal black metal. Despite
Additionally, deliberate, I presume, choice must be the these being among my most preferable branches of Black
long duration of the songs. The time-limits of each, range Metal as of late, there’s (at least in my estimation) a
objective elements that make me interpret this way. If I did- shows some good mid tempo parts. I do have the impres- between (approximately) 5 and 7:30 minutes and even if catholic approval of such releases by the metal press.
n’t waver so much between which sides of the fence the sion that the album grows stronger towards the end. this fact does no harm to the compositions themselves, it Especially when the albums deserve every word of praise
music seems inclined to land on, I might be more apt to Musically I can distinguish a mix of black and heavy/thrash results into a sixty minute musical escapade that, unfortu- they receive, like the case with Beatrik (of the same label)
say, this is such-and-such with such-and-such influences. metal. Black metal is noticed in the beginning of the disk, nately, the listener bears with difficulty. Even though the and this French act, the enthusiasm grows even wider.
But as it stands, there seems a pretty even blend at work concluding to heavier patterns in the end. I can’t say I was singer’s voice suits the songs, it constantly remains on the Grey, a man’s sole venture, is for sure a “band” that should
here. [7] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN greatly interested but it sure was a listen that wasn’t bad. same level, on the same tone without any variations in its be brought to the ears of the metal crowd across the world.
Better songwriting is needed to boost up that god damned expressions whatsoever, a fact somehow connected with There’s a macabre and blood-stained soul inside those
GIGANTIC BRAIN : THE INVASION DISCOGRAPHY “interest” factor. [6] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS. the general absence of stirring moments. Lastly, their three-concept (divided in smaller) tracks, drowned in a lake
[RAZORBACK RECORDS] obsession to sound melancholic and sad sometimes make of melancholy and desperation, only to be picked up and
Here is something entertaining for sure. Although I am not GOAT OF MENDES : A BOOK OF SHADOWS them lose the objective (to write good songs) and contin- brought to safe ground by enormous, white-dressed
exactly certain how serious any of this is, it is awfully fun [SOURCE OF DELUGE RECORDS] uously walk again and again over the same old dark & angels of despair, on a scenery painted by the most evil
to listen to. Gigantic Brain is a drum machine-based grind Founded in 1995, Goat of Mendes releases their fourth full- gloomy road! I suppose, in case the music was driven to a colours of the moonlight. Bringing in the mind and soul of
project that resembles what Agoraphobic Nosebleed used length album, ‘A Book of Shadows’. I’m amazed with this more lightened avenue, it might have cast a different shad- the listener, emotions and notions that the generators of
to sound on those first demos and 7” but taking into fact. Listening to a fourth release, even without listening ow to the album, in other words, a different face; a more Black Metal firstly ever spawned, the music of this unholy
account some better grasp of the technology and less gui- any of the predecessor albums, I assume in first place, a favourable outcome. As all wise men say... there’s no light lad cannot but automatically be inputted among the most
tars. There are plenty of the songs that entirely machine certain quality at any level acquire in the three albums without darkness! In an attempt to reverse this proverb, promising ones. I fail to find something to dislike here. If
based and used effects on the vocals to sound as evil as before. With Goat of Mendes my presupposing his wrong! there’s no real dark music without, even a small, tiny, Forgotten Tomb’s albums were items you cherished, and
you could sound. In fact if you thought nobody could gur- Their lack of quality is felt in every sense. I can’t tell about bright hope shining at the very background. [6] JOHN ZIKOS you can accept your black metal slowed down to -even-
gle like Will Rahmer well here comes technology to the their musical evolution, but I can say about this album, doom paces, ‘The First Shade Of...’ won’t simply be a sat-
rescue. This would be even better if there were actually that is inexistent or is manifestly insufficient. Playing a GRAVELAND : DAWN OF IRON BLADES isfactory purchase, but an album you will look upon as a
more than 5 or six audible and/or good riffs on the whole merge Black/Death/Thrash metal interleave with paganism [NO COLOURS RECORDS] fine example of 21st century black metal. [8] JOHN ZIKOS
63 tracks this record has. I love the way this is going but ideology, devoid of skills and originality, GOM is the per- The Polish band from hell strikes again. Born out of fire
unfortunately the whole package isn’t there yet but most of fect example of what Metal should not be in our days. If and blood, staying true to their pagan, right wing, aryan GRIND INC. : EXECUTED
the parts are there to create some great music. Anyhow, where living in the 80’s underground Black Metal scene, beliefs (to which I stay indifferent because I only care for [MORBID RECORDS]

any grind freak will like this, provided he is open to differ- maybe, and I say it again, maybe GOM would have some music). Middle ages atmosphere, dark setting and tunes Innovative and going new ways is 2 terms that doesn’t fit
ent approaches. [7] SIMON THIBAUDEAU expression! But releasing metal sub-products, flat like straight from the mouth of hell. You know what awaits you. on Germany’s Grind Inc. They are going their own way
these one, without appropriate production (and I remain Graveland exist since 1992. They fought with all major alright, though following an old path of crushing
GLASS CASKET : WE ARE GATHERED HERE TODAY... just in this rung); G.O.M. like in ‘A Book of Shadow’ is a death/grind, punishing and relentless, leaving the listener
[BASTARDIZED RECORDINGS] disposable Black metal artist as so disinteresting he back without breath and with a sore neck.
I threw this disc in the player without knowing what would becomes and so deprived of quality he shows. For a fourth Catchy straight forward guitar riffs are delivered in a fine
hit me, when I pressed play. Though it didn’t take many full-length it sounds like a demo! But you know something, tuned maelstrom, churning the listener down into a vortex
seconds before I realized I was dealing with a metalcore it’s not their fault. It’s Metal fault! Of having from long time of brutality and ecstasy, it isn’t the most original riffs that
outfit. The chugging riffs, massive hardcore style bass and put the quality lath so high that only the best ones, the are used, though they are effective and the solos in this
breakbeat style drum breaks, gave it all away. Heavy hard- most capable and audacious, achieve to conquer it. At the game aren’t that good to be honest, but they are there and
core laced with technical to melodic death metal and a lath-base are wannabe bands like Goat of Mendes. Not that is positive. The drumming is like a hammer to the
ferocious scream, is what Glass Casket offer in their debut changing their attitude and improving their skills and get a forehead. Pummelling double bass drumming, a blasting
full length. better production, they will never conquer Metal high- snare drum and good use of the cymbals. There are many
The music is pretty varied, and blazes from extreme hard- lights. Find a bigger pole and make it good as you can, many drum breaks and the drumming is quite technical
core moments, to blasting death metal attacks, to more very flexible to not crash it at middle way, and you will con- and good, it is interesting to follow the drummer going
technical parts, though the way the compositions are quer that lath Goat of Mendes! [3.5] CARLOS FILIPE berserk and a joy to let the hair flow to the changing
made, it doesn’t always seems like an entity, and it’s easy rhythm patterns. The growl is guttural and all over the
to loose track of the madness. It also seems like the band GOD DETHRONED : THE LAIR OF THE WHITE WORM place, a perfect companion to the brutality of the music.
doesn’t really know which direction to take it, its cool with [METAL BLADE RECORDS] This is good old death/grind with emphasis on death
some variation and various influences, as long as the band God Dethroned return once again, to reconquer the throne, metal, heavy, brutal and churning, leaving no prisoners.
can keep it on track and keep it interesting, and Glass via venomous assault, blending Maiden style guitar har- Old Suffocation, Pyrexia and the likes brought into the new
Casket fails at that a bit too often. Like in the opening track monies, with the brute force of bands like Immolation and century with German scent of brutality and no sense for
‘Pencil Lead Syringe’, where we are offered all from brutal Incantation. They’ve successfully unleashed their queen, to mercy. If you like your death metal fast, but varied with a
technical grind, to nu-metal break downs, a vicious growl ravage the world, in this crowning achievement. Their iron- technical touch in form of many breaks and with a low gut-
and a Zack De La Roca frustrated vocal attack. And the like ic, play-on-words, with “Sigma Enigma”, discusses a LEVIATHAN : TENTACLES OF WHORROR tural vocal, this is for sure your band. This is a release that
goes on the rest of the track, with other clear influences, criminal mind “opening doors”, and is also eye opening [MORIBUND RECORDS] I enjoy a lot and hell Grind Inc. must be an awesome live
without the listener clearly knows what is head and tails. (as much of their controversial material is), that keeps a It seems to be a good year to be an American black band, gotta catch them someday so they can destroy my
I’ve been listening quite a lot to this album, and been won- steady, followable, pace, is midrange, and very addictive, neck completely, been a while since I’ve heard music this
metal band. The States have never been so “powerful”
dering why the press material is as positive as it is, and at the same time. Picture a slightly, faster, Kreator, from suitable for headbanging. [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
why it has pressed as many positive reviews of the album their “Coma of Souls” era, and you have “Loyal to the in its entire black metal history and it seems to be
as it has. Because when “We Are Gathered Here Today” is Crown of God Dethroned”, a blasphemous testament to similar to what Norway was in the mid 90s. Leviathan HAEMOTH : KONTAMINATION
done, I am left with an empty feeling. There are good ele- the band’s beliefs. Finally, the negativity released by the [DEBEMUR MORTI PRODUCTIONS]
has managed to create a nightmare of an album, a
ments on the album, though not a single track as I would vengeful, spiteful, “Last Zip of Spit”, based on the movie journey through the unknown. Combining both ele- Quite an intense experience we have here!! French black
classify as great, and I doubt that I will pick this album up “Kill Bill”, is ejected in a facial stream, blinding the eyes of metal scene is gaining more and more recognition over the
ments from black metal and dark ambient noise
again, when this review is done. Metalcore has never been the beholder, that they may no longer bear witness to all of years due to the amount of good bands that come from
my favourite style, and an album like this doesn’t help it. mankind’s pain and suffering. Having always been a fan of soundscapes this effort truly pushes the boundaries of there, Antaeus, Mutiillation, Arkhon Infaustus, Deathspell
Chaos and variation for the sake of it, seems to be Glass both snakes, and mythology, I was quite impressed with music to another dimension. A milestone of an album Omega just to name a few. Haemoth is certainly not for the
Casket’s motto. [4] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN the cover art. This, unfortunately, did not include the 50 filled with unorthodox compositions, the way black mainstream part of the scene but more for the fans of
minute bonus DVD, that I was so looking forward to. REALLY raw and cruel black metal. In fact for me there are
metal should sound... pure and unexpectedly uncon-
GLOOMY GRIM : THE GRAND HAMMERING [6] CHRIS HORTON two or three aspects that do not let me fully appreciate this
[HOLY RECORDS] ventional crushing the expectations of the “mass” and MCD. Firstly we have the too chaotic (non)production
This French band released “The Grand Hammering” in the GOREZONE : HATE, PEACE & UNDERSTANDING avoiding the creation of a stereotypical market. While which even if it was a conscious thing from the band (the
beginning of 2005. It was supposedly released along with [CHAINSAW FISTING RECORDS] most of its black metal compositions brings in mind creation of the most cruel, raw and extreme piece of
a DVD I didn’t have the chance of watching. I will try and A death/grind assault of the more merciless kind, is what ye older Norwegian scene, for me some of the ulti- music) sometimes everything just sound like a big raw
keep this short. this German band delivers. Even though the band is from mess. Then we have the annoying synths in a few
mate highlights include the abyssal ambient moments
The music is supposed to be satanic black metal with extra Germany, it isn’t exactly the German/European death metal moments of Kontamination that simply do not have any-
atmosphere. It kind of touches occult standards during the style that has inspired the band, they have looked across that can be found throughout this album, possibly thing to do with the rest. And to end the painful vocals are
first few songs, however childish some of the titles/lyrics the sea, towards America and jumped on the wave of explaining the reason why mainman Wrest can also be levelled with the rest of the instruments (drums) and
may seem. Extra points go to the back cover art, seems to death/grind with a hardcore touch. found as a guest in SunnO))) for sometime now. Not sometimes the buried effect even if quite effective in the
be a smart idea showing a large fish eating a smaller one. The music is pushed forward by raw and fast riffing, the achievement of a wicked atmosphere (there is no doubt on
only is this album the best Leviathan assault to pres-
However, when I hear “corps of doom! attack! -gunfire fol- compositions are pretty technical and often fast, though it that) could have an extra savage impact on the listener if it
lows-” as a song intro, I can’t help but laugh heavily. does happen more than once, that we are served mid- ent but it is also one of the top ten best American has a bit more in front and had more variation.
Positive marks go to the “Nothing but Hate” song that tempo moshing. Nice with such breaks, in the otherwise black metal albums ever recorded. [9] ALEX ANTONIOU Still I can recognize that for the fans of extremely raw and

48 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
filthy black metal, Kontamination will give an impact that sub-gender and less constitute a new one! The closest I rate. And they rage from within the confines of this deeply BROKEN HEARTED : BROKEN HEARTED
probably no other record had in them. If you thought old found his Apocalyptica, where the unique similarity is the old school black metal furiousness, blazing as it does with This time the name of the band is not just indicative of the
Darkthrone, Immortal, Satyricon were raw then you should use of an acoustic string instrument. As a soundtrack the gritty, underproduced glee of underground BM. Like music found on this demo but, honestly, a profound
listen to Haemoth cause it will decimate (in rawness) those movie Hermann Kopp’s ‘Nekronology’ is an 8 point rating taking a cheese grater to your face as entertainment, description of the whole! What's that? Unholy, old-school,
old dusty (yet cult) records! [6] NUNO SANTOS worthy album, but as a Metal item... [1] CARLOS FILIPE Hordes of the Lunar Eclipse cast their spell of stiletto to the traditional, evil and raw Norse black metal! Just kidding,
gut, eviscerating music, with its oxymoronic melody of the just kidding….take it easy. Mirko, Roby and Simone, a
HELLKULT : THE COLLECTION HIGH ON FIRE : BLESSED BLACK WINGS dirtiest variety, parlayed with ear-twisting illness sure to group of friends from Italy, made an effort (with the
[REGIMENTAL RECORDS] [RELAPSE RECORDS] cause brain leakage in your parents’ skulls. It’s this brutal invaluable help of Roberta Staccuneddu of Evenfall) in
My eyes went wide with unholy wonder as these dreadful- I happen to be a reviewer of High On Fire’s previous intensity and vocal quirk that bring to Hordes the kind of recording 5 songs on a demo, sharing the ambition of
ly diabolical sounds began to claw at me from my harried “Surrounded by Thieves” CD too (even if for another zine), elite appeal that you’d expect to come out of your speak- introducing, this way, their selves to the world of metal!
speakers. A demon of such shredding classicism rising up so this act from San Diego is not unknown to me. Still, I ers after popping into your disc player a CD with a band Obviously, the music can't be anything else (as the 'down-
from the depths of the extreme metal universe to blaze my couldn’t prevent myself from goggling eyes when I gave name such as this gracing the cover. Raw and ready to kill, hearted' name suggests) than atmospheric melodic metal,
flesh and crush my soul. This black metal is so goddam “Blessed Black Wings” a very first listen! The thing is that Hordes of the Lunar Eclipse are prepared to challenge the with exclusive female singing (apart from one small part
brutal in its punishing, raw grit that I nearly felt the sweep the guys turned out sticking to their Neanderthal-ponderous world and its holy ways. An occultist haze will surely sur-
where a man interferes), keyboards and sad-driven
of time travel as I fancied myself projected backward into Stoner riffs on the one hand and turned out to have gener- round you, fog your brain, rape your soul, chew you up,
arrangements. The second track, namely "For You", the
the dark regions of black metals rise from its shadowy ously injected moods typical for the earliest Pantera albums flay your skin ... in short, do all sorts of evil metal shit to
most interesting of them all, was written after the tragic
birthing place. Imagine, I could have been transported to on the other! In the first moment I was ready to denigrate you. [8] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
death of a man who was tied with friendly bonds with the
Norway in the early 90s, to the land of Mayhem and the High On Fire’s latest effort as a complete screw up as I want-
members of Broken Hearted, and for this very occasion a
like. Raw, evil and cold! Fans of Cradle of Filth, Dimmu ed my mellow Stoner atmospheres back, goddammit, but I HORNED ALMIGHTY : BLACK METAL JESUS
Borgir, etc., will have to look otherwise for appeasement. gradually got to like “Blessed Black Wings” for proving to be [INFERNUS REX] few other musicians contribute to the song, as a tribute to
This will provide none of the symphonic or overtly melod- such a killer combination of straightforward extremity and The Danish black metal band lead by Soth, Smerte and his memory. The voice of Roberta has a unique accent,
ic black metal purveyed by Cradle of Filth or Dimmu Borgir. incredible musicianship! These dudes must rip on stage! Harm is now ready with their first full length album “Black sweet and 'refreshing' for our ears and, as a matter of
This is for those with purist tastes (or at least those who, Nice cover artwork, too. [8.5] VANYA MARINOVA Metal Jesus” a nice and offensive album title, there for fact, her participation gives a tremendous boost to the
like me, can appreciate both sides of the spectrum ... but sure will gain some attention. Blackened thrash, heavy and demo. They should really buy her a big present! About the
if you don’t have a love for the raw horror of underground HIGHLORD : MEDUSA’S COIL grinding slowly away in mid-tempo manner, with some arrangements now, I can admit that I am fairly surprised
black metal... then begin to tremble, I say... as for myself, [ARISE RECORDS] upbeat pace shifts now and then, grim and necro as such for them being concrete, without any lousy parts that
I’ll tremble, but with orgasmic shudders of joy!) Hellkult If you like the Italian power metal sound in the vein of music is supposed to be. might have been caused by the band's inexperience.
presents its lovely (drool, drool) odes of black metal bile, Rhapsody etc. then this band is definitely for you. Following The music is slowly moving forward, grinding the listener However, there's not a moment in this 5-song sampler
an assault on the ears, a lawnmower on the eardrums. that wave of bands they play perfectly balanced power into the universe of blackened thrash. The raw and thrashy that grasps the listener's attention or fulfil his hearts with
Blood! Noise! Glory! [8.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN speed metal. All Italian musicians are truly educated in the riffs from the guitars are driving force of the music, keep- emotions. In other words, apart from the general satisfac-
classic forms, so whatever they attempt always proves they ing the wheels moving at all times. There are some good tory taste that the demo leaves you after the first contact,
HEMNUR : SATANIC HELLRIDE know how to do it. They started out in 1996 and have riffs here and there, and some acceptable, but all in all, this there's no apparent reason why to listen this again. And
[INFERNUS REX] already released 4 albums. The progress they have achieved is material worth of a good amount of headbanging, the this fact raises question marks regarding BH's future.
I don’t really know what to say about this album other than is obvious. Even though they have gone through a lot of band will for sure do good live. The compositions are good Unless they find a formula that will manage to create a
that it totally kicks ass. My mind was blown for all 9 tracks. changes, their music has evolved to what the industry of and catch fairly quickly on to the listener. There are good certain feeling, without disrupting their theoretically
This is dirty, no frills brutality at its finest. Raw, groovy metal really likes. Polished, clear songs with catchy tunes hooks in most of the songs, and melodies as in the track approved (but cold) musicianship, they will stay behind
mid-paced black metal that’ll leave you with something to and melodies, around 5-6 minutes each. Excuse me if I ‘Exit Planet Earth’ is keeping the album together and is the rest metal bands that might not have the same musi-
think about. One of the definite perks about this to me is sound controversial, but from one hand we have a flawless interesting, together with creating a good and cold to eerie cal skills like them but do know how to make strong emo-
the fact that the production is incredibly warm and present. playing band and from the other we haven’t got what dis- atmosphere. The vocals from Vrede are great and well-pro- tions paint the world of the listener! Perhaps a full-length
nounced, it is more or less always possible to follow the will do more justice to their music. For the moment, these
abominations from his mouth, which perfectly goes along few tracks desperately want something to lift them up.
with the music. It is by far not the most groundbreaking [5] JOHN ZIKOS
album the Danes here have made, but a good solid slap of
old school black metal with a healthy dose of grim thrash, CARNAL RAPTURE : PROMO 2004
not technical in any way, or showing off hyperspeed activ- It's funny that a band formed twelve years ago couldn't be
ity. It all moves forward in a nice and comfortable pace, able to release more than two promos, especially if we're
grinding the bones of the weak and leaving no mercy
talking about a band that is very good. The guys are from
behind. Very recommendable for fans of such grimness in
Italy and I don't think that any of them is part of a know
these days of polished and technical metal. And if you act
band. This promo CD consists of two songs only, but very
fast and get a copy of the vinyl, which is of course very
good songs: "Next Darkest Dream" and "Collecting Scars",
recommendable, you’ll get a killer cover version of
respectively.
Burzum’s ‘War’, a really well-delivered piece of black
Well, there's not much to talk about a release with two
metal. [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
songs, but let me try to define you what these guys play:
HUGI : SOLARLIOD Technical Death Metal at it's best! Oh, it reminds me so
[REGIMENTAL RECORDS] much Cynic's "Focus", or those tech Atheist albums. This
I guess you all are familiar with the feeling of listening to trio really knows how to handle an instrument and how to
an album, disliking it, kicking it away... And then later to teach any guitarist wannabe. I can imagine if some Korn
pick it up and find it interesting and to some extent capti- guitarist took some guitar lessons with Emilio Trilló, and I
vating and hard to put away again. This is exactly how I felt bet that the Nu Metaller poser would say "uau, so a guitar
about “Solarliod” at first and later, and now it has grown to has six strings and a riff is made of more than two notes?
be a steady companion of mine, when I enter the dark and I gotta review my notion of playing guitar...".
bleak corners of my mind. I already have some water inside my mouth... I hope these
At first the music and compositions seem a bit thin and guys find a good label and release an album as soon as
LOITS : VERE KUTSE KOHUSTAB weak, though as time passes by. The riffs works onto one possible! [8.5] SIMÃO FONSECA
[LEDO TAKAS RECORDS] and the cold melodies is burned into the mind and starts
Goddamn, what a masterpiece!! If this isn’t a revelation, I don’t know what is! Formed in 1996, the Estonian horde of haunting. The first thing that sprung to my mind was that DEAD TROOPER : SPIRITUAL FUNERAL
the musical output reminded me of the bastard son of a This is heavy, somewhat heavier than I remember the ear-
Loits has been abroad the scene, but due to some misfortunes (labels suddenly ending their activities, a guitarist
meeting between early Burzum and Darkthtrone era lier material from Norwegian Dead Trooper to be. The
dying...) they’ve never seemed to properly make their voice heard, at least this is my impression. I hope I come to “Panzerfaust”. Though there is more depth to it than that. band has always had their base in thrash, but this time
change that with this review, once and for all! Black Metal scene, meet Loits! Stick this name into your heads! You’ll The atmosphere Hugi invokes is mesmerizing and a big around they have added some heaviness, a bit of groove
be forever thankful, trust me on this. part of this album is successful. Cold and bleak, but at and straight ahead death metal brutality, and some good
same time majestic... like lying in a forest on a winter night, melody here and there.
Loits called my attention after I read an interview in Terrorizer magazine. Their imago showed to be really one of a
surrounded by snow and looking up at the frost-cold sky, Fierce riffing, powerful chords and a good crunchy drive,
kind: all dressed-up in 2nd World War military gear, but staged really professionally, and making great action-pic- displaying all its stars and thinking back to ancient times. is what first hits you when the music starts flowing out of
tures (not the sort of crap-pictures like Graveland!). Logically, a band that invests in such professionalism must have Musically the album isn’t the biggest treat. There are some the speakers. Flowing is to put it mildly, the heavy and
something special to offer on a musical level as well, I thought. I’m so glad I was right! This is easily the best album good riffs once in a while, even though the most of the gui- very direct production of the music throws it out of the
I’ve heard in 2005. tar work sounds like it has been heard a couple of times speakers, and into the living room with brute force.
before. There are some nicely placed breaks, which indi- There's no where to hide, the pounding tones from Dead
Loits combine a lot of different kinds of structures within their songs. Where I was expecting some new sort of War- cates the band has used some time on writing the songs, Trooper will catch up with you and leave you for dead. The
Metal, I got amazingly good Black Metal instead! By times a bit experimental, it sounds to me as an original mixture and not just have thrown them together. The cold and evil
drumming is hard hitting, varied pretty good and interest-
between bands like Khold, Satyricon, Darkthrone, Ved Buens Ende...(!!), and Isvind (especially concerning the vocals are good as well, a cold and frustrated scream,
ing most of the way through, especially the double bass
bonus-track on “Dark Waters Stir”!). “Vere Kutse Kohustab” is an album you can easily hear every day without ever which is enchanting and quite powerful in its own way.
drums attack do good, but the merciless snare drum and
What I started out to think was an annoyance, has turned
getting fed-up with it. The songs are really varied and superbly well performed. The drums just totally kick ass. The razorsharp cymbal work is great as well.
out to be a nice acquaintance, which has haunted me for
guitars create perfectly directed structures that sooner or later just had to be invented, cause the world is a lesser The vocals are a form for growled scream, pronounced
many hours, when I think back. The cold spheres of dark-
place without ‘em. Another credit goes to the vocalist, which obviously understood the picture and knows what to do ness and melancholy. The raw sound and the pounding slowly and well, great and raw vocals. It is at times alter-
double bass drumming, together with the hollow snare nated with a clean kind of vocal, which actually fit the
with his voice! Nothing in these tracks gives evidence of anything less than perfection. I am so amazed. With also a
drum and icing guitar melodies, makes a strong debut music very well, but doesn't sound that good, to be hon-
perfect production, there is really nothing I don’t like on this album. I just don’t give it a 10 because that mark is est. The good vocals, together with the good guitar work
album for this German band. I highly recommend you
reserved for the Devil himself. [9.5] TARAS VAN DIJK check out the album, if you somehow have felt intrigued by and good compositions are keeping these 5 tracks going
what you just have read! [7.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN for a long time. The Norwegians have hit something right
on this release, that's for sure. If there is any justice left in
The audio is all pushed to where you feel like you’re sitting tinguish a band among the others: the true identity! They IMPALED NAZARENE : DEATH COMES IN 26 this world, Dead Trooper should soon be picked up by a
in the room watching the madness ensue. play things that have already been played a thousand times CAREFULLY SELECTED PIECES label and get a full length on the streets. It's about time
Harsh vocals present thoughtful, interesting lyrics that add around. They include 2-3 great songs but again they can’t [OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS] we get to hear them on a record, with a top notch produc-
a lot to the overall atmosphere. Eerie ambiance is created easily make an experienced listener look deeper in their cre- It’s been a while since we first heard of this live album. tion, they have the compositions and ideas ready, this is
throughout with (tasteful) synths and some sound effect ations. Maybe I’m just grouchy, but that’s the feeling I get. After countless delays and various problems it’s finally yet a band of the future awaiting the chance to bloom for
work mixed in. Great album, definitely something all black To give you an example...I was a fool for the first 2 albums available. This release suffers from the same problem real. [7.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
metal fans need to check out. [8.5] MAX RODRIGUEZ of Drakkar...remember them? Well, when the 3rd album plaguing most live documentations, namely the lack of
was released all the raw feeling and the small mistakes of visual footage. While there is nothing wrong on this audio DEATHEVOKATION : BLOOD DEMO 2005
HERMANN KOPP : NEKRONOLOGY the youngsters were absent, leaving me almost indifferent. recording, I really think this would have been the perfect When listening to bands like Deathevokation, things are
[RED STREAM RECORDS] Anyway, the band has already got a good name in Italy and DVD for the band. The sound is good, the performance is pretty straight forward.
Hermann Kopp is an unorthodox violin player, releasing they have toured a lot in their homeland. Moreover they tight and the song selection is almost perfect, sampling The band is said to be influenced by Bolt Thrower,
from his instruments a large range of groans, shrill and took part in Helloween’s tribute in 2002 along with other the band’s whole catalogue. Since it was recorded in the Unleashed, Entombed, Autopsy and Dismember. Mix that
strange sounds to combine with a moog synthesizer and bands. These are important steps and if you add their band’s native Finland, you will (most probably) not under- with the "revival of old school death metal" cliché punch-
create the perfect atmospheric ambience to a movie score, superb choirs one should listen to their effort harder and stand Mika’s rant in between songs but it’s surely not a line and you've got Deathevokation.
or better to underground splatter and ultra violent movies. more thorough than I did. [6] KOSTAS ANTONATOS major problem. If they’d managed to release the same con- The music is stale although even a monkey could see that
‘Nekronology’ is a compilation of Hermann Kopp’s work to cert on a DVD, I guess this would have been perfect. As for the guys are trying hard. The sound and production need
the mournful musical selection from German director film- HORDES OF THE LUNAR ECLIPSE : DANCING now, enjoy the audio version of it. [8] ERIC MASSICOTTE some boost if there are any ambitions what so ever. There
maker Jorg Buttgereit’s infamous, outraged and shocking DEMONS IN THE GREY-LIT GLADE are 2 intros and 3 songs in this demo, two of which last
films, like Nekromantik, Nekromantik 2, Der Todesking [DARK HORIZON RECORDS] IMPERIAL SODOMY : DEMOLISHED for 7 or 8 minutes in total. A basic suggestion would be:
Kind; weird, gore, and ultra violent German movies banned Kinda weird vocals (I’m not going to try to describe them [DIAMOND PRODUCTIONS]
fewer intros and smaller songs. (duh!). Some of the ideas
from a hand full of countries because of such scenes like other than to say their like traditional, yet weird, yet ...). I On “Demolished,” Imperial Sodomy produces all the
in there aren't bad, yet the "interest" factor is lost if one is
bath tub suicide, a rabbit being skinned alive or necrophil- mean, I hate to leave you uncertain of what they sound explosive grind the band name - and CD title - promise.
to see this recording as a whole.
ia sequences. ‘Nekronology gives the musical bodily to like, but describing them is beyond me at the moment. All Extremely guttural vocals mixed with a snarlier variety
The fact that the "blood demo" is supposed to be distrib-
Buttgereit’s eccentric universe creating a dense and drea- this makes it sound as though they’re something really come crushing out of the gate as song structures shift
uted on tape further complicates things. The revival of
ry, bizarre atmosphere through a raw ritualistic sound. strange or distinctive, when it’s not that at all. As I said, wildly and frantically and dizzyingly in the best grind tradi-
past musical concepts should rely on the amount of musi-
Now you ask me: What a hell this has to do with Metal? they’re essentially traditional black metal vox, only there’s tion. It’s a boiling, roiling, surging, crushing mass of metal
cal intelligence present, rather than tape-made crusades.
Nothing. Hermann Kopp doesn’t fit in any Metal gender or a slight something ... who knows? They’re cool, at any madness stomping under foot all who get in its way. In the

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 49
midst of all this seeming chaos, though, you can detect in the sound picture, as well as the keyboard sounding a bit
musicians at ease with their instruments, confidently dis- weak, though that’s probably more the keyboarders choice
charging their duties as purveyors of extreme music for of sound, than the actual production. This is by far not a
skullcrushing. Talent and skill are obviously at the heart of groundbreaking album by any means. Though there are
the seeming audio destruction and you can tell it if you lis- interesting moments on it, and to it is the band’s first effort,
ten closely. Instrumental prowess makes tight this bull- the chances for In Memorium getting a style of their own
dozer on speed. Grind, grinding away with all the vigour on an upcoming opus would be big. The musicians are tal-
their dark hearts can muster, the members of Imperial ented, they need a bit of practice in writing powerful songs
Sodomy here produce a death blow to the head with their all the way through, something that usually comes with
harrowing death grind. [5.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN time. The vocalist is also good, a nice cold and ear piercing
scream, I’m sure there is a good future ahead of the band,
IMPERIUM DEKADENZ : UND DIE WELT WARD and if you’re into symphonic black metal, this is an album
KALT UND LEER you need to check out. [5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
[PERVERTED TASTE]
There are certain bands that really grab our attention even IN TORMENTATA QUIETE : IN TORMENTATA QUIETE
if the style of music they play is one of the most popular [DAWN OF SADNESS]
KILL THE THRILL : TELLURIQUE
ones, like Black Metal still is. What is noticed on this This self-titled album is quite an interesting release from [SEASON OF MIST]
Germanic duet on the first listening of their debut album is this Italian outfit that has more members than most bands
a great passion for the black arts which is clearly denoted I know! For a debut album it sounds quite alright and the Claustrophobic industrial rock, is a thing that French Kill The Thrill is very good at delivering, the music on this
on their music by a tremendous dark, raw yet simple mixture of gothic influences with Black Metal and neofolk release becomes soon claustrophobic and messes quite good with the listeners head, expanding the boundaries of
atmosphere (a winning formula). Vespasian and Horaz use is quite amazing. I can’t say the vocals are the best but what’s sane and not, opening views to new worlds and dimension.
simple yet catching arrangements to conquer the hearts of they are okay... in a band with 3 vocalists I guess they
The compositions are very well made, during the first listen the album seems kinda dull and non saying, though as
the fans, especially the ones placed on the beginning of the could explore the vocal side a bit more, however, the
nineties where Norway was sitting on a big golden throne. female vocals are quite cool and add a nice touch to the soon as the second listen commences, the listener is sucked into the void known as K.T.T. Smothering tunes, droning
Said this its obvious that their musical influences travel songs. All lyrics are in Italian and six of the nine tracks in guitar riffs, out of this world cold and eerie industrial effects, always driving the music forward and keeping the atten-
back in time, to bands like Darkthone, Immortal, Satyricon. here have a running time that exceeds the 5-minute mark! tion held in an iron grip. Effective but very simple drum patters are delivered from the drum machine, the drumming is
They have drunk the blood of the ancients and in trance I appreciate albums that bring me that “touch” of surprise
complimenting the music well and adds a cold void atmosphere to the imagery the music creates. The slow, almost
summoned an entity consisted of an infernal blend of sev- and this one did exactly that as it has this “etterno mis-
eral demons. Their songs are a mix of slow and semi-fast antropico dolore” feeling... The cover is quite cosmic and spoken vocal fits the dark and cold universe of Kill The Thrill very well. It might be an obstacle to some, due to the
tempos drowned in a pit of melodic icy riffing depression the booklet contains some interesting pictures, namely of monotonous and quite distinctive tone, but give it some time, it is really fitting, and at times it reminds me of Bono to
and cruel ritualized English and German words. In a few a doll which quite reminds me of Chuck’s Bride... hehe! be honest. The music almost moves in cycles, up and down all the time, taking the mood of the listener with it. The
occasions (like on For Those Who Sleep Eternally, Weine Horns up for In Tormentata Quiete! [8] SÓNIA FONSECA band hits the right nerve almost each time, and takes it as far as they can, without overdoing it. That is quite impres-
Reise Durch Die Zeit or the ending track “...Und Die Welt
Ward Kalt Und Leer) they put aside the traditional instru- INFERNAL LEGION : YOUR PRAYERS MEAN NOTHING sive when thinking of how simple the music actually is, simple but very hard hitting and gripping, a perfect example of
ments to use some synths, acoustic guitar and even piano [MORIBUND RECORDS] more is less. This new album from the French band is an impressive effort that is very addictive, it wants more and you
parts that enrich even more the music. “...Und Die Welt You lie tied to the rails, you feel the ground shiver, as you want to listen to it more, due to each you give it a spin, it’ll take you deeper into the world of K.T.T. There is a lot of
Ward Kalt Und Leer” is composed of ten dark hymns that see the freight train roll towards you, grinding the rails, nerve in this industrial post rock adventure, and that nerve is striking and doesn’t just as such loosen its grip in its vic-
will surely please most of the fans of this style of music, inch by inch, until it tramples over you. That’s more or less
tims. Give the album a chance if you dare, it soon becomes amazing and mesmerizing. [9] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
hateful, raging, furious yet depressive tortuous black the feeling and blow to the head you get when the music
metal. Indeed, a really nice surprise! [8] NUNO SANTOS on this album starts to play. Heavy and pummelling death
metal, mid-paced and crushing. The band has an old
IMPIOUS : BORN TO SUFFER school feel, without sounding outdated on any way, the music. The most expressive part we found is the drum IVORY KNIGHT : UNCONSCIENCE
[KARMAGEDDON MEDIA] music is fresh and hard hitting, without loosing the roots part. Brutal, frenetically brilliant, very fast, take it to [SELF RELEASED]
Some might say that pressing demos onto CD is most of in the satanic and crushing death metal of the late 80ties extreme, making us reminding a continuous machine gun I have repeatedly stated that Canada is one of my favourite
the times rather, well, superfluous, but fans and bands and early 90ties. blast that devastated all ‘TerrorFront’ songs and giving countries when it comes to metal. What and who to
seem to like it. The first have the chance to find some rare It’s hard not to get gripped by the driving force of Infernal them a warrior bound. Because of being this manner it remember first? Anvil, Exciter, Razor etc.? Great bands
documents and unreleased stuff, the latter rest assured Legion, the drive to the music is going straight to the neck ended unfortunately to be the weak point at the same time. that have left their mark in metal with golden letters, and
knowing that thirty years from now, when the original and forces it to move. The riffs are pretty simple, and the The drums make ‘TerrorFront’ a repetitious album, pre- some still do! One more very good band, hidden in the
tapes have turned dust, they’ll have a nice CD to recollect band doesn’t use that many different riffs in the songs, but dictable and tedious. ‘TerrorFront’ do not constituting mist of mediocrity that surrounds the other side of the
old memories! Impious’ “Born to Suffer” digs up their the riffs they use are effective and gripping, raw as hell and something really new as a Black Metal product, but Infernal Atlantic for some years now, is Ivory Knight. They’ve been
demo 96, a three track affair that blends death metal (both captivating. There are some good melodic leads now and War brings a new sound approach, warlike, exquisite and here since 1980, reaching their peak in 2004 when select-
Swedish and non-Swedish) and black metal, with lots of then, and they serve as refreshers and a good spice to the unique, making right to their band name, and could be seen ed among many to open for WASP in a show that was
blast beats and some eerie atmospheric moments. The fair heavy tunes. The growl is very mentionable, deep and gut- as a new Black metal sub-gender. Welcome to Infernal war, finally cancelled. They didn’t quit though and the result is
sound quality adds to the historical (?) interest of the tural, and it possesses evil emotions and adds to the dark Welcome to Satanic Black War Metal! [7] CARLOS FILIPE a brand new album, mixed and mastered by Jeff Waters of
piece, which is put here on comparison with the four atmosphere, invoked by the compositions and guitar work. Annihilator. The result is sympathetic to the ears of those
tracks of their promo 2001, a much more thrashy effort. In There isn’t that much to say about this release, if you’re IUVENES : TOWARDS SOURCES OF HONOUR who seek low profile power metal bands of old style. You
fact, the less informed listener would have some trouble into old school death metal, and like the mysterious and AND PRIDE won’t be disappointed. [5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
discovering that it is the same band playing on both dark hateful atmosphere Morbid Angel invoked with [NO COLOURS RECORDS]
demos! Anyway, the 53 minutes of music available here “Altars Of Madness” and the distorted disharmonic mad- I honestly don’t know how to “categorise” Iuvenes since IVORY NIGHT : 7 - DAWN OF THE NIGHT
are completed with 6 cover songs from the likes of ness Immolation presents, then you’ll dig this album as they’re such a unique band which blends several character- [SELF RELEASED]
Possessed, Metallica (2), Running Wild, Sepultura and well. Those are the 2 closest references I can come up istics... it’s not that they need a tag but some people like The instrumentals of Ivory Night are strong and sleek and
Motley Crüe, whose “Live Wire” is given a pretty amusing with, though there is a deal of Acheron present as well, due them. “Towards Sources of Honour and Pride” is the 5th fuelled by a thrash-consciousness that really add some
rendition! Superfluous? Perhaps so, but not a bad release, to the style of the vocal and the topics touched. Though full-length by this Polish act and surprisingly contains only infectiousness to the music. This is power metal with mus-
though. [5.5] MIGUEL SOUSA Infernal Legion has their own style and message, and it 5 tracks whose titles would be very suitable for a war film. cle, a Camero of metal goodness shooting by. Fans of
won’t be long before they show their evil mark of legion If you have a hard time believing my words, read this power metal will find, I think, that the tunes here are a
IMPIOUS : HELLUCINATE throughout the world, this album is a very good start for “Blood, Steel and Temper of Spirit”, “Songs of Brave Heart” fusion of old school power metal, and new. There’s a teflon
[METAL BLADE RECORDS] the band. [7.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN (quite nice for a sequel to Braveheart, don’t you think?!), quality to the music that points forward but an overall atti-
I must confess I got quite worried once I looked at the “When our swords hit their shields”, “Banner Pulled about tude to the sound that looks to the glories of the past and
results from Impious’ photo-sessions for their latest offer- INFERNAL WAR : TERRORFRONT by gale” and the title track of course which is in fact the brings them to the present. There’s definitely a mien here
ing “Hellucinate”. Some dude with dreadlocks and baggy [AGONIA RECORDS] opener for this album. As the titles are quite explicit, it’s of the metal of days gone by (ah, he nostalgia) but there’s
pants surrounded by 4 guys wearing fishnet isn’t exactly There are two things that come to me immediately listen- easy to conclude that the lyrics are based in war and pagan- also a gripping speed and precision that marks more
my idea of a band that claims to be hard on their thrash! ing Infernal War. A visual one and an auditory one. First: ism. Iuvenes have, once again, delighted me with their recent entries in the genre. The instrumental aspect of this
In fact, I could have nightmares if these guys music The visual. Infernal War ‘TerrorFront’ art cover settling work. “Towards Sources of Honour and Pride” includes music is quite tight. The only weakness, and it’s not a
matched their looks! instantly the perfect mood to what we will listening, prais- acoustic parts, mainly in the initial part of the songs and it major one, is that I feel the vocalist is, occasionally, not
Fortunately, and for the sake of my sanity, things aren’t that ing religions to the band name, Infernal War. ‘TerrorFront’ does kick ass. It’s a fine listen on gloomy days! I can point QUITE strong enough to pull off the demands of the power
bad! Impious might have stripped off their leather jackets, cover shows us an upside down inferno, a futuristic hell out “Song of Braveheart” as my favourite. All songs exceed wail. He’s pretty good so don’t get me wrong. There are
but they still know how to make noise! Music wise, every- like, replacing Dante’s Inferno description. We are about to the 5 minute limit. I honestly predict that the line “we’ll see just bits here and there where I get the feeling he’s strain-
thing ranges from modern sounding thrash to Swedish enter a devastated world, a war zone, a holy war against the victory’s sign on our flags” from their song “When our ing to pull it off right. Overall, though, he pulls through a
metal. The first corresponds to the more aggressive Christianity. Looking to ‘TerrorFront’ cover we are taken swords hit their shields” will become true because Iuvenes solid job of vocal delivery. The slight weakness is so
moments of hyperspeed drumming and thrashy riffing. As into their music world, Satanic Black Metal. Second: the are about to become BIG! [7.5] SÓNIA FONSECA minute as to be almost noticeable. And I’m inclined to say
for the second, the Swedish metal element, I’d say that a it may be just an individual voice quality thing that’s sub-
comparison with fellow countrymen The Crown would not be jective and has little to do with actual ability. At any rate,
out of place here, but they sure remind me of Dark Ivory Night isn’t shaking up the genre, but they’re present-
Tranquillity’s ear for melody. It is this last factor that ulti- ing a solid example of it. [7] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
mately makes their songs quite catchy, with the choruses
sticking to your memory like super-glue. The musicianship is KAPEL MAISTER : INTO SALVATION
far above average and “Hellucinate” sure makes a joyful ride, [ICARUS MUSIC]
but I feel that something is missing in order to create a more Argentina is not a country of great metal tradition in all gen-
lasting impression that would make me want to spin this res from folk to black and death metal. Kapel Maister is no
piece of plastic in my CD-player for days in a row! Still, this exception to the rule of all modern bands playing power
is a worthy listening experience, especially if Svensk metal is metal. I think that if for the vast part of your existence you
your thing! Yes, Impious look like fashionable wimps. No, play mostly Stratovarius cover songs, you can’t easily
their music is actually quite OK. [7] MIGUEL SOUSA escape from that vein. Formed in 2000 they released their
debut LP in 2005. A new thing they introduce is the female
IN MEMORIUM : FROMMISERY...COMESDARKNESS vocals by two ladies, which you can’t really tell apart, as
[MORIBUND RECORDS] they both surely have served some opera time in studies. I
Atmospheric symphonic metal from Seattle, is what we get can’t say it’s bad but sometimes it gets boring to hear high
from In Memorium. “From Misery... Comes Pain” is the octaves all the time in almost every song. Those ladies
band’s self released debut full length from 2003, which the sound a lot like the one and only Tarja from Nightwish and
American label Moribund Records has chosen to release the comparison is inevitable. I’d prefer it much better if
now, after the band is getting into gears, after having been there was more music and less vocals, because from musi-
quiet for a couple of years. The compositions are as cal side they sound really good with a mixture of fast and
expected, there are good catchy moments, good atmos- slow songs, played significantly well, since all the guys have
pheric pieces and straight ahead more brutal parts. The KULT OV AZAZEL : THE WORLD, THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL studied a lot. In fact their career seems to have taken a
approach reminds me a lot of the earlier works from Cradle [ARCTIC MUSIC GROUP / CRASH MUSIC] boost after they opened for Nightwish in Argentina in 2004.
Of Filth, era the second and third album. Many ups and Your time passes cheerfully when you listen to their cd but
The “Kult” return with their third release “The World, The Flesh and the Devil”. Florida has given birth to many strong
downs, bombastic moments, at times breathtaking at oth- don’t expect any shooting stars. [5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
ers too romantic or too simple to be good. The musicians black/death metal bands and this we all know. Kult Ov Azazel though, may actually be that one step beyond. Get
seems to be good, they deliver some good work here and ready boys and girls. We are talking some non stop flow of energy here. KAWIR : EPOPTIA
there. There are many good guitar melodies, not the most Certain things in life never change. The classic BM formula is present in this release as it always has, but if you [STORM RECORDS]
original ones, but the work and induces both coldness and assumed that this album would be forgotten in a matter of months, you were plainly wrong. The ultra-fast BM tempos This is the re-release of the same album released in 1999, this
atmosphere. The drumming is okay, even though I’m not time by Storm Records, including to remixed songs in bonus.
too fond of the drum sound. The keys which are used here are kicked into melodically inspired guitar elements and riffs that can easily electrify your spine, reaching epic propor-
Kawir plays a form of pagan Black Metal that is traditional,
and there, are mostly okay, mostly subtle and fitting and tions. Each song has that certain moment that will put a smile on every corpse painted face out there. with some Mediterranean and Eastern feel to their melodies.
adds to the atmosphere. It is apparent that the band has gained a dose of elegance and greatness-through-experience from their last albums as Relying on keyboards in a way Master’s Hammer used to
The production on the album is quite good, and fits the the riffs are ever so imposing and focused. To sum up, this album will be immediately characterised as their best yet, work, Kawir is not to be confused with the later incarnation of
music very well. There are some power behind the music what we are fed with being labelled symphonic Black Metal
but the interesting part will be to see if the “Kult” will be able to surpass the walls they themselves have built through
and the instruments stands pretty clear in the overall sound these days. Alternating from fast to mid-tempo sections, the
picture. The drums do at times sound too weak, and at the greatness of this album. Shouldn’t we all feel lucky we live in a world where songs about Satan never become out band relies a lot on the vocals and the whole ambience creat-
other times the double kick drum attack is too dominating of style? Sure we should. Albums such as this are proudly the proof. Top of its kind. [9] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS ed by the guitars and the keyboards. As a good alternative to

50 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
the Nordic genre, interested people should also check out for guitar lines and creating a dramatic and mysterious effect. KRAGENS : DYING IN A DESERT You can't really fight an F-15 war aircraft by using an old
their new album, which might be even more interesting than At some points their role is enhanced but without ever [MANITOU MUSIC] WWII Spitfire nowadays can you? The effort is appreciated
this re-release. [6] ERIC MASSICOTTE becoming the driving element in the songs or turning out Kragens is a French band that is a mix of Testament, Iced but the demo standards are nowadays tremendously high.
cheesy. As a result the aggression comes across a bit pol- Earth and King Diamond, falsetto included thank you very [5] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS
KILL : HORNED HOLOCAUST ished but without losing all the intensity. Besides all this much, if that makes any sense. These guys have chops, a
[INVICTUS PRODUCTIONS] keyboard thing, what constitutes really the backbone of lots of it, including and singer that is actually quite com- DELIRIUM X TREMENS : CYBERHUMAN
There’s something going on in Sweden again, after years Killing Spree is a pair of competently played downtuned petent, something that is hard to find in Power Metal. The This is a 5 piece band from Italy releasing their first demo.
and years with the hyperspeed melodic black metal bands guitars and an energetic frontman who growls in a tone main problem I have is that every song sounds like some- The death metal they struggle to get their hands on is far
dominating the scene, the dark and grim underground is that reminds Dave Ingram or Vader’s Piotr Wiwczarek. In thing I have heard before, not in a general sense but in a from melodic. Floridian influences are present with certain
on its rise. Kill is one of the dark and grim black metal fact it must be said that all members of this German outfit rather specific sense. In fact, song after song I was certain thrash formulas harmonically yet over-simplistically inject-
bands hailing from Sweden, simplistic compositions of are experienced musicians with careers spanning over 15 I had heard that chord progression or that riff or that ed. The vocals stand out as brutalised growls touching at
hate and evil is tossed out of our speakers and makes the years, despite this being their debut album as Killing Spree. melody on a Nevermore or Iced Earth album, and that is times a sewer-level of performance.
light of day dark and eerie. Slow and grinding guitar riffs “Choose and Decide” features a set of memorable songs not a good feeling. There is a way to respect your influ- If you're smart enough to judge things by being what they
drives the music forward, not the most original riffs like for example “The discovery”, “Star soldiers” and “Keep ences, even do a tribute to your influences but straight rip- are, this is a rather interesting effort of a debut demo.
around, but they fit the context of kill and once in a while the war”. It’s a pity that the riffs and the songwriting in ping them off is not the way to go. There are few good However as years pass the music scene is homogenised
brilliance is shown in its most simple way, like the melod- about 40 to 50% of the album do not match the level of songs on there that don’t rip anybody off but they are too
more and more, bringing instant comparisons to the best,
ic, cold and eerie middle part of ‘The Devil’, the cold and these tracks, resulting in cuts which are merely passable. It few and far between to have any kind of impact.
even from the very first steps a band takes. Delirium X
horror-like atmosphere the band creates with the guitars seems that the gods of inspiration weren’t enough gener- And that King Diamond falsetto has to disappear.
Tremens gave us at least something to wonder about with
there are extremely well executed and effective. The drum- ous with them. Maybe next time. If you care for a taste of Seriously. I am not kidding! [3] SIMON THIBAUDEAU
this release, but the overall result cannot escape mediocrity
ming is simple as the rest of the music, but well varied both death metal with a different flavour, then you may want to
if compared to other full length similar acts. The standout
regarding pace and rhythm patterns, there isn’t a boring give this one a try. [6.5] ERNESTO MARTINS KRIEG : BLUE MIASMA
[NO COLOURS RECORDS] track would have to be "Inside Me". Waiting for the album..
moment to be found on “Horned Holocaust”. The low raspy
growl is good as well, intoxicating and captivating, even KORPIKLAANI : VOICE OF WILDERNESS As a goodbye gift for all Krieg fans, “Blue Miasma” ends [6] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS
though it is mixed very low, the drive of it and the pronun- [NAPALM RECORDS] up with a forced smile on the face and a whispered: thanks.
ciation hits a nerve and the ears are drawn towards it. I remember what a startling and enlightening thing it was Krieg has a legacy of uncompromising fast black metal DODSFERD : KRUZIFIXXION OF HUMAN DISGUST
The horror feel gets completed on the last track ‘Fields Of to behold the music of Korpiklaani for the first time. To records played on the old tradition and “Blue Miasma” is Dodsferd's "Kruzifixxion of Human Disgust" is, if you'll
Devastation’, and the effects and cold and chilling guitar encounter such an unexpected yet surprisingly well put- probably the only that truly escapes that (I don’t have them allow the odd hybridist term, doomish ambient black metal
lead in that track works perfectly and induces a feeling that together fusion of such disparate styles. To think that all but only the mighty “Rise Of The Imperial Hordes”, - at least a fair amount of the time. The guitars seem slug-
only old Necrophagia has done to me before. Kill has something as classic and acoustically oriented could be “Destruction Ritual” and “The Black House”), I wonder gish for black metal standards and a metallish ethereal is
matured quite a bit from their demo and there is more welded so effortlessly with something so modern day and why Imperial decided to go this way now! created, from the bleak centre of which springs the
coherence in the material and it catches better on. The pro- electric like metal, especially death metal. Korpiklaani’s Please don’t be fooled with my words, “Blue Miasma” is a demon's scratchthroat snarl, full of sinful ideas to corrupt
duction is raw and a bit muddy, but that doesn’t matter at folk/death blend doesn’t sound like something that would good record, but just different from what we are all used the hearts of the innocent and further cement the black-
all, the music comes greatly through. The only thing with work, but it does, a fact I appreciated fully the first time I to. It doesn’t have the typical black metal production where ened, cold state of the already converted (deconverted?).
the sound is, that it is incredible low, but that can be fixed heard it. Well, this CD represents the second time I’ve been the guitars are in front of the rest of the instruments nei- But the drums can kick in with a fast ferocity that shows
with the volume button, even though that opens up for exposed to their music and it’s the same unique pleasure ther it has that grim violent sound, but more a balanced how much of a difference in style the drums can make. The
some white noise from background. But still a very rec- greeting my eardrums. Korpiklaani deftly does what would version of Krieg where all instruments are loud and clear thickly atmospheric aura so prevalent much of the time can
ommendable album for all you metalheads who like your seem impossible and hybridizes the traditional, organic and a more filled sound. Imperial also slows down the kick over into more straightforward black metal (of the old
black metal not too fast, darker than black and spiced up folk flavours of Scandinavia with grinding thrash progres- infernal horses and present us a slow, melodic and more school). Whatever the case, Dodsferd is a magnificently
with horror atmospheres. [8] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN sions. Flavours of old are used smartly to weave into what structured version of Krieg! “Blue Miasma” gathers a few entertaining BM artist. [6] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
otherwise would be plain ol’ thrash-grooved death metal metal influences most likely due to the several guest
KILLING SPREE : CHOOSE AND DECIDE and make a new being entirely. K isn’t alone in the world appearances from band members of Nyktalgia, Satanic ENRAGED : RESIST OR SERVE
[MORBID RECORDS] for doing this (Finntroll comes to mind) but they’re cer- Warmaster and Nachtmystium! We have thrashy moments Holland's Enraged are as un-polite as Extreme Metal gets,
This one caught my attention almost immediately due to tainly an excellent purveyor of such metal goodness. The like on the song 6 (No Colours Records once again hasn’t with vomiting vocals, blast beats and sick riffing incorporat-
the unusual way this band uses the keyboards in an other- blend is startling but absolutely surprising in how well it sent any info together with the CD), some Death Metal ed as some sort of torture kit to the maximization of the lis-
wise almost standard thrash/death metal framework. The meshes. The final product is guaranteed to make you for- parts but always based on Black Metal. Inexplicably the tener's masochist pleasure. So, if intense and brutal Death
label advertises “Choose and Decide” as ‘atmospheric get whatever else you were listening to at the moment. last songs return to the old Krieg formula with the use of Metal is your thing, you might find something to delight
death metal’, a tag which describes quite fittingly how the Such vital energy and staunch creativity is rarely to be raging sharp speed guitars, fast drumming, grim atmos- your ears in this 4 track promo. Though I am not too sure if
band sounds. I know the use of keyboards in death metal found and it should be embraced and encouraged. Metal is phere... For an album this long it lacks highlights, memo- this is good enough to catapult Enraged to a record deal,
has been pioneered by others a few years ago and is not a too often derivative and lacking in originality (as are most rable parts, and homogenous style and quality from the there's still some potential in their music that is worth of
novelty anymore. However there is something of innovative other genres, so don’t get mad at me) and Korpiklaani cer- first to the last second and this is probably what corrupts
some development, namely, their extremely aggressive
in the approach used by Killing Spree. For the most part the tainly deserves to be cited as one of the metal world’s tal- “Blue Miasma”. [6.5] NUNO SANTOS
delivery. If their music is allowed maturing and growth
keyboards just stay in the background interacting with the ented examples. [8] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
while keeping its raging and violent pulse, then they might
KROHM : A WORLD THROUGH DEAD EYES
[VICIOUS RECORDINGS] surprise us one of these days. [6.5] MIGUEL SOUSA
Being released by the defunct Selbstmord Services / Vicious
Recordings, I wouldn’t expect anything less than an album EXTINCTION AGENDA : EXTINCTION AGENDA
filled with self mutilating suicidal depressing black metal An all out old school thrash metal attack is what this
anthems. At least that was the case with that label’s other American force offers us. The band is a new horde, so far
signings which include the Katatonia influenced Forgotten only consisting of 2 members, and while hunting for more,
Tomb and even The Shinning. And so it is, like these bands, they decided to record 3 tracks and release them as the
this act follows a similar direction yet with a more low key "Extinction Agenda" demo to let us all have a taste of their
guitar sound in times reminiscent of the early Ved Buens wrath. The first thing I thought when I saw the album cover,
Ende guitar atonalities, yet in a less annoying context if you was Venom due to the design of the logo, that was far good
know what I mean. The riffs through this album are indeed enough, Extinction Agenda do have some of Venom's
breathtakingly crafted and very depressing like the title itself. straight ahead "here we come" attitude.
“A World Through Dead Eyes” is an exceptional album pick- The band has found their motivation to form this band
ing up on where it left with the “Crown of the Ancients” mini, when listening to their favourite albums from the middle of
not a long time ago. With bands like Krohm it is good to be the 80ties to the very early 90ties. There is a nice old
a black metal band from the Americas! Too bad it has been school smell, yes smell, over this album, it reeks of vintage
released on such an unreliable label... the ones with their thrash with a bit of old death metal mixed into it. Though
noses deep in the underground, know what I’m talking without at any point sounding outdated. The sound is raw
about! [8.5] ALEX ANTONIOU and straight in your face, a tad muddy, but it works well
with the ripping riffs and the pounding drums and the raw
LED ASTRAY : DENYING THE INEVITABLE and bone breaking vocals. The voice is raw and drills
[SELF RELEASED]
through skin and bones, and attaches itself to the dark side
Left, right, up or down, at every direction you move your of the mind.
eyes in this review section you’ll find a band walking on a This is for sure a good demo, which soon clings itself to
parallel line with the Dutch Led Astray. A death metal band ones "have to hear each day" list and I'm sure it won't go
MANEGARM : VREDENS TID seems to be out of this world. Really good song writing at its first steps, just what this magazine is void of! away soon. Good riffing, killer leads, good mosh parts,
[DISPLEASED RECORDS] with catchy tunes and a lot of details, which makes the Nonetheless, still, in this endless sea of extreme metal out- driving drumming and insane vocals. A good recipe for
All I remember to have heard by this Swedish band album more and more interesting together with the fits, there are some “musical axioms”, if we may use such thrash metal, the band does have a sound of their own,
a phrase, that we should look up, appreciate and when we even though this isn't the most original release I have heard
prior to this, their album, is a track on an old amount of spins it gets. This is classy as hell and
have the chance, applaud and congratulate with passion a
Displeased sampler, a track that must not have said a “Vredens Tid” should mean the breakthrough of this to date. But if you are into thrash from the period of time I
band that works under the influence of those. For instance,
lot to me, since I didn’t check the band further out, band. [9.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN penned down earlier, the 3 tracks on this release will please
Led Astray do know how to play the guitar (important
back then. Though that might have been a mistake, if you and your neck, this is a band we soon will hear more
axiom, right?). They do know how to write death metal (of
their old material is as good and well-written as the MANEGARM : URMINNES HAVD secondary importance axiom, but still). They have techni-
from, that's should be a hard hitting fact!
music on “Vredens Tid”. [DISPLEASED RECORDS] [7.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
cality, but not in the sense of producing a sound with pro-
First off, the album oozes of atmosphere, when listen- This is for sure a very ambitious project from this gressive tendencies, but in the one of composing excel-
ing to the music, it’s like being put back in time. vikings which had been cocking in their minds for sev- lent, correct, ‘professional’ guitar chords and if metal is the FOREVER SLAVE : RESURRECTION
Melancholic spheres are working their way into the eral years... a strictly folk music release. I have my case, this is the most important thing of all. Furthermore, Forever Slave start "Resurrection" with a nice intro,
mind of the listener, while the music is blasting away. doubts if a Manegarm fan will buy this if in beforehand it’s not a, briefly described, ‘well-performed’ self-financed "Overture: The Dark Secret Mysteries in Carpathians", creat-
Heavy metal done with a black metal approach, togeth- know what to expect or if a metal fan after checking Mcd but a collection of nicely arranged tracks that were ing the mood for what the rest of this gothic-metal demo
er with many folk elements to spice it up and to create one or two songs will run to the nearest shop to buy forged under the will of creating something good and will be.
the perfect viking metal atmosphere, a thing Månegarm “Urminnes Havd”. Imagine Manegarm undressed of all inspirational for the scene. At least, this is how I perceive The second track gives us the first taste of the female
does more or less to perfection. We are presented with regular instruments, guitar, bass, drums, metal vocals the sort of variety to be found on the vocals. Good thing for vocals: pretty decent opera-like singing that merges
violin en masse and it sounds really good and gives a and to fill those empty spots they add a female vocalist a three year old band, that wishes to surpass the usual English, Latin and Spanish lyrics about vampiric lust, death
lot to the arcane atmosphere. The guitars are great as (she has an incredible voice), some male vocals, then borders of this music, not forgetting though the axioms we and Satan worship. The guitars and drums do their job but
well, and drive the music nicely forward. The drums are they double the already present folk elements on told. The challenge now, is to work hard for a full-length in are nothing extraordinary, enjoying the typical help of violin
straight forward and punishing with a lot of double kick Manegarm with the addition of cowdrum, djembe, vio- order to check if the group’s stamina is full and ready to and keyboards to complete the atmosphere.
drum work, at first the very direct and kinda brutal lin (interesting work by Janne Liljekvist where in several produce some cool death riffs. I think they are not a long The female vocals are combined with clean male vocals in
drum work seems out of context, but the more spins moments takes the lead of the songs), acoustic guitars way far from a quality album. It might come tomorrow, in songs like "Ophelia's Eyes", but they don't have quite the
the album gets it is very appropriate. At other times, and so on... the result is a folk based work which cer- three or even five years but the talent seems to lay there. same effect as the combination clean/growl would have.
when the music slows down and drives on the atmos- tainly can open the eyes of many metal fans for a style Even if you have to sell you souls to Satan, don’t change Nevertheless, the demo is pretty good, creating the dark
phere, the drums are working as percussion. The of music that they probably never thought they would guitar players! [7] JOHN ZIKOS gothic mood we would expect from a tribute to Elizabeth
vocals, going from a great clean, very melancholic hear or buy. I really like the fast moments of “Urminnes Bathory.
vocal, to the grim rasp, to the great choirs and the frag- Havd” where they manage to mix several layers of
LILITU : THE DELORES LESION The demo closes with the requiem "Funeral of the Lost
[THE END RECORDS]
ile female vocal, all goes hand in hand with the concept instruments and create a vision in someone’s mind of Soul", but they have already released their first full-length
Much more polished and a bit lighter of a sound, Lilitu album, "Alice's Inferno", and if you're into dark gothic metal
of the band and music, and fits perfectly into the uni- been actually in a medieval tavern and singing along the returns on The End records with “The Delores Lesion”
verse of Manegarm and makes the experience even bet- words: Hey, Hey, Hey! maybe you should check it out. [7] SUSANA FERNANDES
While vocals maintain a passionate, middle of the road
ter. The music works in itself, but the vocals are the One of the highlights on this record is definitely the vio- midrange level with a great deal of passion, I feel a lot of GHASTLY : A MORBID DEMO
icing on the cake. The recording and production of the lin parts of the long time Manegarm’s partner Janne the songwriting, although very precise, seems somewhat Only 5 tracks here from which one is an intro and the other
album, done in Studio Underground with Pelle Säther is Liljekvist which give an extra soul to this Mcd as well forced in several places on this recording. a Running Wild cover of the classic "Black Demon". Not
also great and very fitting. The sound is powerful, a bit the beautiful voice of Umer Mossige-Morheim which The synths are a bit drawn from the mix and detract some much to bother about apart from the fact that Aussies
raw, but still as clean so the instruments get through sings on the folk Swedish band Tva Fisk Och En Flask. attention from the progression of the song. Overall this Ghastly manage to instantly deliver some excellently per-
the soundwall and shows all details. This is quite and My last thought on this would be, I wonder what the record gets a bit boring to me with many of the same twist-
formed old school eerie black metal. Upon first listen this
impressive album that stunned me upon the first listen Folk scene thinks about “Urminnes Havd”? If they like, ing and pinch harmonic laden parts prominent throughout.
will not sound like something breathtaking but only after a
and it got better and better. Atmospheric yet metallic Manegarm have hit the jackpot, otherwise... Lilitu has progressed much as a band, but I feel that per-
while the brilliance of this recording will surface! Sounding
viking metal with an arcane and melancholic feel, which [7] NUNO SANTOS haps in another album or two they will realize their top

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 51
form. Fans of a cleaner, or more melodic metal are likely to why they aren’t that high on the final mix), although we can MANTICORA : 8 DEADLY SINS song) with their fast riffing, brutality and diversity (they go
enjoy this album for a few listens, but don’t go out of your perceive a good work here in terms of speed and dynam- [MASSACRE RECORDS] from bone crushing brutality to slow and tortuous doom
way to snag a copy. [5] MAX RODRIGUEZ ics. However, the overall production is better than the Struggling in the competitive and complex world of Metal, guitar chunks, like on ‘Predominate In Sacrilege’). I will be
usual, really above the average in the black metal scene. Danish Manticora band lead by Kristian Larsen has man- waiting with curiosity what these Greeks will do next, cause
LOSA : THE PERFECT MOMENT Therefore, it’s clear that Lux Ferre support their philosophy aged releasing in their early years (1992-95) 3 demos tapes they have achieved something quite powerful in here!
[METAL BLADE RECORDS] and aesthetics with a strong concern with their music and Unfortunately this is just a small aperitif! [6] NUNO SANTOS
catching the Old bay area Thrash wave and give it a touch
What first comes to my mind is that the debut album of that’s something to praise! Also their songs’ structures of Germanic Power Metal. Till ours days with three full-
this band from Dallas, Texas is meant to be from one of show us that these guys have some maturity and consid- length albums in hand ‘Roots of Eternity’, ‘darkness with MERRIMACK : OBSECRATIONS TO THE HORNED
those releases about which some (including myself) would erable concerns about the quality of each song. This [MORIBUND RECORDS]
tales to tell’ and ‘Hyperion’, Manticora has developed his
conclude that they simply have their own pulse that no one Portuguese group has some old Satyricon influences (lis- own melodic Power Metal style embracing a more progres- More of a gathering of their best material than an actual full
in the world can take! After hearing the opening riffs on the ten to the repeated riff on “Achtung! The Devil’s Garden”) sive way. That’s the music of their last release ‘8 Deadly length, this is a 19 track sampler from this mid 90s French
CD you might contentedly smile that you have heard that and one can hear some hints of Setherial and Marduk here Sins’. Interleave by an intro and an outro are Manticora’s black metal horde. Their gig in London a couple of years
before - “yeah, this is Death Metal, what else”. But only in (in this last case, maybe it’s due to the “war” concept). No, eight deadly sins. By sound of thunder and power the eight ago left me a bit sour with their Watain copied sound and
the next second you end up being thrown in the heavy they’re not breaking new ground but definitely are one of deadly sins committed all over the album are a so fresh attitude, despite their quality performance. However this
waters of saturnine Doom passages, and the moment that the best and most violent black metal bands coming from POWER Metal that take us to an EFICIENT musical world, album sounds like it was dug out of the mid 90s era and so
you start thinking that you “have learned to swim” you Portugal. A promising first album and a fine piece of dark where Lars F. Larsen sings plenary engaged with force and it is as every other song is a pre 2000 recording. Notice the
meet a tidal Core wave so uncompromisingly huge that art! [7.5] GUILHERMINO MARTINS vividness offering one splendid vocal MELODY. A PRO- change of sound from the early synth material (don’t forget
you eventually give in... Angst and internal contradictions GRESSIVE hint crease ‘8’ taking us in a timeless journey it’s mid 90s soothe use of synth is allowed!?) to the new
is what Losa’s CD emits in my opinion; judging from the MAGISTER DIXIT : INFERNAL MARTYRISM where ORIGINALITY reins. The rhythm imposed balances tracks towards the end of the cd that sound closer to Watain
tracks, the guys should face many perfect moments very [GALY RECORDS] and Marduk. Don’t get me wrong, I do like Watain but for
between slow and fast creating a unique ATMOSPHERE to
soon. Moments that to make them watch on themselves as Magister Dixit’s vicious rant against all the good whole- tell the STORY written as lyrics, completing the eight COM- that reason only I shall listen to Watain and not a clone. For
individuals totally opposite to the name they have given some people out there seethes and speeds with hateful and PLEX musical pieces. All the concept works in perfection, a band that exists since the mid 90s and has changed direc-
their band to! [8] VANYA MARINOVA evil tone. Waves of wickedness fly off the music and into conjugating straight firm hand Lars vocal-skills with com- tion a handful of times Merrimack is not doing a very good
the listener’s ears like sweat flaying off the thrashing body plex songwriting and a very melodic and progressive key- job. Will their new full length sound like orthodox religious
LOST SOUL : CHAOSSTREAM of a mosh pit zombie. At first it seems that you’re hearing boards and powerful drums giving ‘8 Deadly Sins’ a magic black metal crap or will it have a Merrimack trademark?
[WICKED WORLD / EARACHE RECORDS] fairly standard (but very well done) old school black metal. When will bands understand that it is of no importance to
of it own and to Manticora a truly Power Metal album, that
I was fairly impressed by this Polish band’s last release The guitars shoot along with an infernal blaze, producing unfortunately, could be taken further adding musical-skills cater for the mass? I just hope the band will find its own
“Übermensch” from 2002, aggressive, fast, brutal, but var- that kind of distort vileness and gut-wrench melodies that complexity and therefore making it more progressive. direction with their new material instead of following trends,
ied death metal from this veteran, but very much over- stand as time-honoured staples of the genre’s in its purest Maybe that was asking too much to this young band and after all they have been around longer than the rest. For the
looked band. They have now been picked up by the Earache form. The drums, of course, provide the rhythms of speed demanding the impossible. Let’s wait and see. Hail to time being, if one would like to listen to this quality mid 90s
imprint Wicked World and are ready with their new album daemons fucking at unholy rates of speed, barrelling along Power metal! Hail to Manticora! [8.5] CARLOS FILIPE black metal material which derives from their early demos
“Chaosstream”, and there are streams of chaos and crush- at a pace that makes you think the percussionist’s arms will
ing death metal awaiting, when this album starts playing. surely fly off his shoulders in a gory spray. Messages of
A wall of extremely well played death metal is thrown out dire foreboding slice across your face with a wicked
of the speakers, the blasting snare drum is punishing, the scrape, as all that’s “good” and “holy” is withered in the
bass drums get a good beating, and the cymbals are mak- face of true, unabashed “evil.” However, keep listening, let
ing noise. Razor sharp guitar solos and leads, whirls in and the music sink in ... take note of the extra layers you won’t
out, below and on top of the crushing riffs. The bass is find in just any old traditional black metal albums. There
pounding right behind the guitar-armageddon. The growl are surprising, open-minded regions in the album’s geog-
on top of the music is mean and raw, it compliments the raphy in which the listener encounters something of a less
music and the overall atmosphere really good. abrasive but just as bleak nature. Expanding the depth and
Even though Lost Soul is a merchant for brutal and fast dimension of the songs is a layered, non-grinding sung
death metal, they incorporate a nice deal of technicality vocal attack that smoothly moves in, insinuating itself into
into the music, well thought breaks, good technical details the overall sound. This new level in the metal almost
and some progressiveness once in a while. The band has seems to be hinting at a goth/power metal combo being
been in the game since 1991, but is for sure not lost back sewn into the fabric of the angel-pounding black metal
then, they have progressed all along the way, and are per- phalanx. It’s an unexpected approach, given the genre’s
haps a step or 2 in front of their actual time. There’s also a reputation for elitist artistic sensibilities (at least among
nice amount of thrash and black metal present, and that is old-scholars). It’s going to be strictly a personal preference
giving some to the overall dark atmosphere. The music is on whether or not this added element alienates or ingrati-
also receiving a boost from the powerful production. ates the listener. Purists may balk at bringing in genres that
This is a really good death metal album, which seems last- are often derided by those outside said genres’ fandom.
ing. The material is hard hitting, without being overpower- However, those who happen to appreciate black metal in its
ing and with a healthy dose of needed variation, both musi- early format but also approve of experimentation will like-
cally and pace-wise. This is a sure buy for death metal ly find this an interesting listening that steps aside from the
fiends, and an album that hopefully will put Lost Soul on run-of-the-mill stuff. And, even with/despite the unusual
the death metal map, and give them the recognition they direction, M.D. never strays from its diabolical diatribe of
deserve. [9] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN indignation. [7.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
MASTODON : LEVIATHAN
[RELAPSE RECORDS]
LUNA AD NOCTUM : SEMPITERNAL CONSECRATION MALEVOLENT CREATION : CONQUERING SOUTH
[METAL MIND RECORDS] AMERICA With “Remission” winning both critics and fans Mastodon had to deliver with this new album, and let me tell you,
Well, I had never heard of this band... and I apologise for [BLACKEND / PHD]
they do. Mixing many influences, the band manages to craft great memorable songs, often helping us to forget the
my ignorance! However, Polish band Luna Ad Noctum It seems like everyone is recording live albums, these
skills displayed and let us go with the steady balance of hard and more atmospheric riffs. All this sits comfortably
have surprised me because they’re the typical Black Metal days, and Death Metal acts are no exception, what with
band but they have a “je ne sais quoi” that drew my atten- the success of Six Feet Under’s live discs. Thus, Buffalo, over the backbone of the drums which are simply everywhere. The display of musical talent is tremendous and it’s
tion. Overall, “Sempiternal Consecration” is not an out- NY bred Malevolent Creation have logically chosen to fol- not wonder why the hype around this band transcended the Metal genre. Wrapped in a luxurious packaging display-
standing album but it’s a rather pleasant listen. I especial- low suit, recording 15 tracks, for the very first time in 10 ing great artwork, “Leviathan” might either be your new classic or this album you’ll love to hate. Either ways, the
ly appreciated the cover of Samael’s “Into the Pentagram” years, in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, that capture the band at
future looks bright for Mastodon and they truly deserve it. [9] ERIC MASSICOTTE
at the end but I don’t think it added anything special or new their peak. Just check out the double bass drum work,
to the original... well, mind you, it’s not easy over doing and infinite vocal screams, during “Multiple Stab
Samael considering that they’re so great! Wounds”, when they induce pit action; the brutal “Blood
For fans of Black Metal with lots of variation, Luna Ad Brothers” is dedicated to their fans, and speaking of, since MAZE OF TORMENT : HAMMERS OF TORMENT and split with Hirilorn then go ahead. The only problem with
Noctum are just in for you but for the more demanding lis- no merchandise was available at this particular show, [BLACK LODGE RECORDS] samplers like these is that it does not justify the band 100%.
teners, this band is only average. [6.5] SÓNIA FONSECA their vocalist offered up the shirt off his back, to the “sick- The Swedish old school thrash worshippers Maze Of Everything sounds dissimilar as it is taken from different
est motherfucker out there, who I see fit, that’s gonna Torment is now ready with their new strike of ripping eras hence sounding more of a compilation of different
LUNAR AURORA : ARS MORIENDI fucking kill in the Goddamn pit; the death march, sees a thrash-mania “Hammers Of Torment”, and the album does French black metal bands than a compilation of
[SUPERNAL MUSIC] “Rebirth of Terror”, in one of my personal favourites, and indeed hammer the message into the head of the listener. Merrimack`s best works. [7] ALEX ANTONIOU
The masters of sophisticated black metal are back with a I’m sure lots of headbanging, and moshing, as well; then, The guitars spews forth crushing riffs, it is very hard not to
re-release of their sold out 2001 album, this time on the uncontrollable “Monster” is unleashed, upon the hap- be carried away by the drive and punch behind the riffs. MESS AGE : CRUSHED INSIDE
Supernal Music. And what an album this is!!! It made a less South American victims; the controversial, yet There are some nice melodies involved as well, and that [METAL MIND RECORDS]
great impression on me 6 years ago when I first got it on catchy, “Alliance of War” asks the commanding question serves as the needed variation. There are couple of good Mess Age, despite one of the worst name in the history of
Ars Metalli Records but still sounds fresh after all these “Are you ready to get some?” and they certainly deliver; harmonies involved as well, and it works well too, like the music, actually play some decent thrash. Somehow
years. One knows that it could not have been more sophis- ending it all, with the track that inspired their name, and on in the start of ‘Into The Bloodswarm’. The backbone of sounding like a hybrid of the Haunted, second-generation
ticated than this if it takes a minimum of 10 times to com- yet another favourite “Malevolent Creation” cannot be the band, the heavy pummelling bass and the smashing Testament and the Crown, they churn out some pretty
prehend what has struck you in the face! Not far away from destroyed, but is the destroyer, and South America is drums works well, and are tight. There are good rhythms good riffs and a decent amount of energy. The bad thing is
the sound of early Emperor this album does indeed smell finally conquered! [8.5] CHRIS HORTON and the play is varied a bit, and doesn’t get boring. The that there is not an ounce of forward thinking in there.
mid 90s all way through it. Razor - sharp guitars and sick vocals are straight in your face, the main vocal being a raw They are more than happy to repeat old riffs and tired old
low profiled vocals in the vein of Ihsahn bring classics such MANTAS : ZERO TOLERANCE thrashy scream, piercing both skin and bones, alternated rhythms. The work is honest but the results are mediocre.
as “In the Nightside Eclipse” straight into consideration. [DEMOLITION RECORDS] with a growl. It would be a lie to say that there were much What is even less appealing is the vocals that are beyond
And when the eerie synths come forth out of nowhere, Jeff Dunn and Tony Dolan are two of my best friends. new under the sun on this album. Maze Of Torment knows and have no power nor express any kind of conviction.
Mortiis of the early Emperor era can also be seen giving his Having spent a lot of time with both of them, I’ve discov- their roots and are proud to continue the thrash legacy, with Once again, I am sure they are well intentioned but the fact
regards! Not a clone band and not a clone album if this is ered that they are very cultured and open minded people base in especially the German wave. The Swedes are good remains that it is just run of the mill mediocre music.
what you think but the stuff here is so timeless and sophis- with interests that go way beyond music. So when I first at blending in death metal influences as well, which gives [4] SIMON THIBAUDEAU
ticated that the only band that I can compare it to is early heard Jeff’s decision to assemble a new band for his more depth and bottom to some of the tracks, which works
Emperor. Just listen to the third track “Kaltetod” with its Mantas project, I couldn’t wait to hear the result. He first great as well. On this album they also have included a good MIASTHENIA : BATALHA RITUAL
majestic riff that sums up the whole albums grandeur! The sent me a very nice demo with 3 songs “Zero Tolerance”, and heavy version of Venom’s ‘In League With Satan’, a [SOMBER MUSIC]
“scene” desperately needs more bands like Lunar Aurora! “Rage” and “Kill It”, with a booklet to show all the new track it’s hard to get enough of, even though Maze Of For the ones that are aware of their mid 90s underground
Bands that create timeless masterpieces and ignore any members and a bunch of info. I can assure you that it was Torment doesn’t twist it much, but still good work. If you’re black metal, the Miasthenia / Songe D`Enfer split album
trends that infest the true meaning of black metal! Excellent the heaviest material I’ve heard since Venom’s looking for something to fill the void when you aren’t lis- had caused quite an impression. At least for me, that
and necessary to get hold off re-release! [9] ALEX ANTONIOU “Resurrection”. Nothing conventional. Just pure fuckin’ tening to early Kreator, Destruction and Sodom albums, this album was one of the best, most innovative releases
hatred right in the face of everyone. A seriously deranged is your album... a good punch in the face, delivered with spawned from these lands at that particular time frame.
LUX FERRE : ANTICHRISTIAN WAR PROPAGANDA singer, a 17 year old girl in the drums sounding like Dave today’s technique and sound. [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN Heavily based on synths but in a more occult / dark
[KETZER RECORDS] Lombardo in crescendo, a second guitarist outta hell and approach and not of the Dimmu Borgir school that infest-
After some demos and splits, Lux Ferre has managed to the supreme presence of Jeff and Tony D. When I finally MERCILESS CRUCIFIXION : AIPESIS ed most of the scene back then it was definitely a highly
conquer the interest of a quite good label with a precious received the full album it was like a true nightmare. As if [BLACK SEED PRODUCTIONS] recommendable split assault from the South Americas
black metal catalogue: Ketzer Records, home of bands like the war between heaven and hell is still raging, the band There is nothing worse than a bad intro... “Aipesis” starts with a difference! There was another album in between
Pest, Cirith Gorgor or Vinterriket. So, as you can imagine, moves from hardcore to industrial to heavy to thrash to with an annoying crossover from a Japanese b-movie that infamous split and “Batalha Ritual” so I can’t com-
Antichristian War Propaganda is another piece of satanic metal sound, so easily you couldn’t believe. The feeling is soundtrack with some religious chants giving you the wish ment on what the band has been up to in between those
art and I’m sure it won’t disappoint anyone. Memorable supported by the loud and pompous production and the to simply take it off or forward to the next song. Then it two releases. However, this album sees the band taking
grim riffs, great leads and a sometimes epic feeling is what clever intros in most songs by sounds of drills, screams, pumps a massive dose of Black Death Metal chaos in the over from where they have left. Still sounding mystifying
this album offers. All is backed up by an intense drum newsmen etc. This album is way better than the Mantas form of ‘Supreme Blasphemous Outbreak’ that judging for and with the synths taking the upper hand, Miasthenia this
work and a hellish voice (cold as fuck and with strong con- solo works of the past (remember the hairdo?) In fact it’s the first seconds of the intro ‘Aeshma-deva’ was surely not time explores the mysticism of ancient and extinct civiliza-
viction) screaming about hate, self-destruction and war. a completely different band. I hated it when I heard that the expected. These guys are certainly not newbie’s (two of the tions through the Portuguese tongue. The guitars are tak-
“Next to Satan” (the fourth track) is a fine good example of band is reforming again. Tony D’s out and the killer lady three members play in Enshadowed, Burial Hordes or Vomit ing a secondary role on this one hence reminding me of a
this, with the lead guitar harmony creating a great ambi- drummer Cherisse as well. But I’m confident that Jeff will Church) and know how to create old school massive songs harder version of Polish Profanum`s `98 masterpiece
ence within the song. The guitar sound is sharp and “au be on top of things again, cause he’s talented and he in the vein of Sarcofago, Blasphemy, Autopsy! They even “Profanum Aeternum”. For the ones that are into black
point” taking into account that we’re talking about a home- knows how to pick musicians to support his never ending cover the classic song ‘I.N.R.I.’ from Sarcofago on this metal with an occult Eastern feeling in the vein of
production. As for the drums - played by Brazilian Lord destruction tendency. Just don’t take too long brother ok? short (too much for my liking) 18 minute Mcd. I guess as a Melechesh but with the presence of synths like Profanum,
Mantus - , they were recorded in a “real” studio but they Cheers! [7.5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS first introduction Merciless Crucifixion impresses any old then this album will do it for you. A great effort from this
didn’t come out with the best equalization (maybe that’s Death Metal bastard (more if they hadn’t an intro to every remarkable horde! [8] ALEX ANTONIOU

52 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
MISERICORDIA : DECHRISTIANIZE energy that a new band would be jealous off, to reign “They Can’t Tame the Devil”. This could have been indeed MUTILATION : CONFLICT INSIDE
[DOWNFALL RECORDS] supreme. Songs are fast and also midtempo, slow paced the album Quorthon always wanted to record after the [ADIPOCERE RECORDS]
“Dechristianize” is the first full-length from Swedish met- sometimes and then raging. Beautiful cover artwork as “Twilight of the Gods” or even “Blood on Ice” albums. Poland’s Mutilation were founded in ‘91 and, if I judge
allers Misericordia who play “Pure Dechristianizing always and a breath of northern winter. They earned their Powerful Viking black metal with a marching mid tempo from the “Mutilation” track the guys have joined a cover of,
Blackmetal” and it was delayed a few months due to some appearances in Wacken and Bang Your Head festivals in drum all the way through to the end accompanied by flaw- the band must have been named after the song originally
problems in printing. Well, shit happens all the time, doesn’t 2005 and their aggression and raw power is all back. less clean / Viking vocal works and crystal clear acoustic featured on Death’s cult “Scream Bloody Gore” album.
it? Yet I still think that Misericordia are a band that truly Invest in them without regrets. [7.5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS guitar moments. This is by far the most perfectly assembled Respectively, one who is yet to hear Mutilation will be
shows no mercy (Misericordia!) because they kick in so bru- Morrigan work to date and there is a lot of effort put through hardly surprised to read that their “Conflict Inside” CD is
tally that it will make your ears bleed. This is not a band that MORGENSTERN : FUEGO it in order to achieve accuracy in all levels. Of course there firmly oldschool Death Metal oriented. In the last 5 years I
pleases me at all (and nor does the other French band named [NAPALM RECORDS] will be disapproval from some as this is a 100% Bathory got the impression that the Polish Metal Scene literally
Misericordia. I wonder if it has anything to do with their I have seen a certain Morgenstern live in some obscure worship and disgust by others as it does not contain many teams really talented musicians, and Mutilation only cor-
name?! hehe) so I must be honest and say that place in France a year ago and my impressions where fast black metal moments but all these people can simply roborates my observations! What the 9 tracks on their CD
“Dechristianize” didn’t make it to the top of my “Must Listen” absolutely awe inspiring! They summoned a very electric “fuck off and die”. There is a time and a place for everything offer is maximum extremity on one hand and vertiginous-
list of albums but I can add that it is in the same vein of their dark ambient noise of a trance, if words can describe their and after Quorthon`s demise, this album speaks by itself as ly brilliant musicianship on the other. These dudes do
mini album “Erase The Skies” released back in 2002. This is music! So very anxious was I in getting hold of this album the ultimate tribute. Invest... [9] ALEX ANTONIOU know what they’re doing, you know! It is hard to believe
brutal and raw as Black Metal is supposed to be, though it which apparently belongs to another band with the same
may be more melodic in the end than you’d expect it to but name. The music unfortunately is not what I had expected.
still don’t look for mercy in here. This album was recorded in What we have here is a bad copy of In Extremo’s impres-
the Endarker Studios under the supervision of ex-Marduk sive debut album. Not really a poor man's In Extremo but
member Magnus Devo Andersson. This material turns out to still a bad copy because the bagpipes sound slightly out of
be more technical than their previous stuff and the vocalist tune, the voice is powerless and there is too much varia-
has improved his vocal abilities a thousand times alternating tion in the music. Apart from the usual folk / nu-metal
because death metal growling and black metal screams. Of tracks one will also come across some happy - clappy
all the ten tracks, the title track “Dechristianize” does stand tunes with saxophone, tracks with mediocre female vocals
out along with “Euphony of Our triumph” and “I love them and so forth. Track 7 "Kinderspiel" is definitely the highlight
dead”. Enough said... [4] SÓNIA FONSECA of the album and closest to In Extremo’s early and finest
works. If only all songs sounded like this we would be talk-
MISTRESS : IN DISGUST WE TRUST ing about an 8/10 of an album. For the time being, I just
[EARACHE RECORDS] give it a... [4.5] ALEX ANTONIOU
The hyper blast sewer masters are back to indulge another
cup of filthy sludge and grindcore. Mixing the best of their MORGUL : ALL DEAD HERE...
first two releases (the self-titled first album and The [SEASON OF MIST]
Chronivisor) with their natural tendency to be rude (check Following the footsteps of previous records, the new album
the song’s names) and adding even more groove to the for- from Norway’s Morgul is an exercise in what we can shortly
mula, In Disgust We Trust turns itself into an intense piece describe as a kind of symphonic black metal with gothic ele-
of heavy and angry music. Coming from the birthplace of ments. For the most part the material on offer includes catchy
metal (Birmingham, England), Mistress has the courage to orchestral/synth arrangements intertwined with shredding
combine elements that were previously used and abused black metal sections. The melodies are usually dementia laden
by metal icons like Napalm Death (for some reason there’s (in harmony with what appears to be the lyrical content of the
a rumour out there about Mick Kenny - yeah, the master- album) and seem to induce a constant feeling of tension. MORS PRINCIPIUM EST : THE UNBORN
mind behind Anaal Nathrakh and Frost - joining Napalm Vocals are sometimes clean, a la Simen Hestnaes, sometimes [LISTENABLE RECORDS]
Death to replace Jesse Pintado’s spot), Extreme Noise deep and haunting, but most often consist of a typical black After the great "Inhumanity" released in 2003, the Finnish Mors Principium Est have returned with an even greater
Terror or Brutal Truth, improving the mess with a strong metal rasp. The violin, masterfully executed by Sirenia’s Pete
release titled "The Unborn". They have taken a step forward in quality, both music and production wise. Their melodic
disrespectful personality and good songwriting. Therefore, Johansen, and also the piano, are key instruments in the over-
don’t expect a mere band tribute since sometimes this all soundscape portrayed in “All Dead Here...”. The violin parts Death Metal is quite astonishing and really surprised me because they use keyboards in an aesthetic way that gives a
group comes up with even better themes. There’s a mix of enhance the sinister atmosphere and sometimes appear bril- new edge to all the guitar leads, riffs and rhythm. An album like this is always exciting because it's filled with so
crust, grind and death metal and it’s easy to imagine how liantly in the form of short leads such as in the title track, in many rhythmic changes that one never gets tired of listening to it. Opener "Pure" is indeed pure with its enigmatic
the songs will work live: tons of violence in the mosh pit! “Hategrinder” (the only cut incorporating blast beats) and also female vocals and all the other nine tracks manage to entrance you too. The ten tracks here don't grab you immedi-
The album has also a strong consistency with the vocal in “Sanctus perversum”. This last track starts with a beautiful
lines adding the “diversity” element to each song. Dave piano sequence that is recurrent throughout the whole song ately, you have to take a few listens before being completely overwhelmed by the mightiness of these Finns. Their
Cunt’s work (also in Benediction and Anaal Nathrakh) is and is probably the record’s finest moment. A subtle industri- lyrics are simply amazing and are quite representative of the talent and charisma of these guys! So allow yourself to
great from the singing chorus on “Static” to the unortho- al background touch can also be found in opener “The mask be captivated and this it will grow on you as it did on me! I must add that the limited edition includes a cover of
dox effect on “Whiskey Tastes Better” and (my favourite) of sanity”, but this is more an exception in the whole record "Blood of Heroes" from the legendary Megadeth. Mors Principium Est will definitely mark the Finnish metal history
“Me Ves Y Sufres”, which makes me picture a group of rather than the norm. All in all ADH features a handful of very
with this release. [9] SÓNIA FONSECA
drunk English hooligans running towards the other team’s well crafted songs, some of them even excellent, that may
supporters to start a fight after a football match! All ten provide you a long-term enjoyment, particularly if the sonic
tunes have a remarkable rock’n’roll (death n’roll?) feeling equivalent of the description above seems relatively new to
and the production is wonderful: despite its roughness, all you. If that is not your case, then you will probably discover, MORTEM : DE NATURA DAEMONUM that I, the non-Death Metal fan, am typing this: if I ever get
instruments sound crystal clear. And what about the CD’s as I did, that there isn’t much novelty to be found in this fifth [IRON PEGASUS RECORDS] the opportunity to attend a Mutilation concert, I’d gladly go
front cover with photo collages? Yeah, that old Earache studio output of Morgul. In fact, after the impact of the first Since Mortem’s previous “Decomposed by Possession” for it! [7.5] VANYA MARINOVA
vibe is alive here! A final comment to all Brutal Truth fans few spins, the record leaves an impression of redundancy, as release (2000) keeps growing in me, it was quite natural to
that are feeling a little orphan since the end of that out- it brings to mind the bands that originally stretched the bound- ask Nuno (the director of Ancient Ceremonies) to send the MY COLD EMBRACE : KATHARSIS
standing band: this is the closest to the guts of Brutal Truth aries of black metal to symphonic heights with far superior band’s latest CD to me. And what I have to say is that it [SELF RELEASED]
you will get in years. [9] GUILHERMINO MARTINS results. [6.5] ERNESTO MARTINS looks like the punches of time have been felt like feather Certainly the name gives you the wrong impression.
slaps by some people - these Peruvians are going to cele- Although the title put things in the right order, the band's
brate their 20th anniversary as a band in 2006, and it’s all moniker might confuse and mislead you. In case you want
to their credit that they keep sounding as dedicated and to come to terms with My Cold Embrace then put aside any
enthusiastic as they must have been in that moment far concepts of melancholic melodies, lyrics about loves that
behind, when they have met with the intent to place their never flourished and covers of dark colours and woe! This
own skills in front of the altar of Metal one day. For those is death core/metal wrapped in a shroud of sheer brutality,
who are yet to hear Mortem I will elucidate that this band so give us a break, you pathetic lovebirds! But to be (just
is strictly Death / Black related. Hail the South American like the music) brutally honest, our German fellows here,
scene, extreme! [8.5] VANYA MARINOVA want to enclose melodic guitar riffs to their sound maybe
in an effort to adorn their steady death metal. So basically,
MORTIIS : THE GRUDGE you get a band that knows, first of all, how to reach a
[EARACHE RECORDS] favourable status of extremity and, secondly, a band that
Still relying heavily on mood and percussion, ex-Emperor (not quite successfully) plays around with melodies. In
bassist, and primary songwriter Mortiis, returns with “The other words, it's just like mixing in the same bottle water
Grudge”, his follow-up to “Stargate”, I believe! The and oil. No matter what you do, they will always stay sep-
strength and perseverance of “Way Too Wicked” screams arated. It's not that M.C.E. experiment is totally disastrous.
in the face of authority, and doubt, and is perhaps the best In any case, they do have a couple of years on their back,
solo track of his career. The aggression and energy live experiences and many appearances in compilation
expressed by “Decadent and Desperate” caught my atten- albums. They have found a formula that I personally do not
tion, immediately, and is sure to go over well, live. The entirely enjoy. To me, their most triumphant moments of
honesty, and integrity, of “Le Petit Cochon Sordide” is both this album are the brutal parts of it. With a concept similar
eye opening, and awe inspiring, and is the final gem of to all politically-(in)correct grind bands, a clever front-
“The Grudge”. The disturbing cover art features a lone cover, an excellent sound quality for a self-released album,
troll, in the solitude of some Norwegian forest, baring the the only thing the band needs to do is to diminish, in the
scars of life’s sorrows. Overall, this needs more punch in smallest dosage possible, the melodies on the guitar and
MOONSORROW : VERISAKEET the mix, to make it more affective, and appealing, at the specialize in groovy, hardcore and straight death metal
[SPIKEFARM RECORDS]
same time. [4] CHRIS HORTON songs. What's the point in listening to the sound of some-
one pissing on the intro? Maybe a representation of some
New album from one of my all time favourite Viking black metal inspired bands, celestially named Moonsorrow. MORTUARY DRAPE : BURIED IN TIME physical, "nature-calls" type of Katharsis? Useless, neither
Since their legendary "Tama Ikuinen Talvi" demo, this Enslaved vs. Bathory worshiping horde always had shown the [AVANTGARDE MUSIC] way. [5.5] JOHN ZIKOS
potential of being destined for greatness! Unlike Mithotyn who kicked off with some powerful material but their latest Considering that Mortuary Drape are supposed to be con-
efforts turning out into "sour cream", Moonsorrow keeps recording massive releases one after the other with
sidered a cult black metal band, the sound of this album NAE’BLIS : BEYOND THE LIGHT
came as a tiny shock. The cover art seemed strangely [NO COLOURS RECORDS]
"Verisakeet" possibly being their most powerful and Grande album to date! Nothing much has changed if you are ideal, and by just a look at the general layout I could tell Suicidal and depressive metal from Germany, my curiosity
already aware of their musical abilities, but the songs are spanning to a majestic 15 min. each and the sound is even that something has evolved. Inspiration is one thing, and had already been lighted at that point. When I received this
more superb than ever. All accompanied by Bathory`s acoustic guitars, Thyrfing`s folk elements, old Enslaved`s strength is another. "Buried In Time" seems to possess a album, I only knew of Nae’Blis by name, and that it was a
harshness and the typical Moonsorrow track - structure that keeps the listener focused on the music solely. There greater deal of the second element. Yet frankly, this is one man band from Germany. Quite an active band I have
everything I could ever expect from this band. to say, it was formed in 2004, released its first demo in ‘04,
are only 5 tracks on this one but they are all trademark classics with a capital TM. Songs with a proper structure that The sound is nothing impressive but it is exactly what this got signed and released this full length album all within the
are able to balance the aforementioned elements. Songs with prospect and direction evoking images of Scandinavian album needs. Cutting edge riffs that are aggressive yet same year, which is quite impressive I have to say. When I
vast lands and bloodied battlefields. Viking metal is not dead, at least not with acts such as Moonsorrow! This is one questionably melodic. Simple guitar work and a really nice find it impressive, it is because the music is actually pret-
of the best samples of this form of art I have heard in recent times and also one of Finland's finest who instead of general production that's not perfect but is designed to do ty good and captivating, it hit some certain emotions with-
its job with more action and less talk. There is not one in the listener, or at least within me, that makes me relate
following typical black metal stereotypes choose to follow their very own sad path since day one. [9] ALEX ANTONIOU
song that will not make your neck start moving back and to the atmosphere and emotions in the music.
forth. The title here is: Heavy. This is a really heavy black The music is pretty simple, but very effective as well. Cold
metal album. Binding to the old metal euphoria found in haunting melodic guitar leads, raw and dark riffing at times,
MORGANA LEFAY : GRAND MATERIA MORRIGAN : HEADCULT their guitars, are the slightly modernized drums and com- and computer generated drums rating from acceptable to
[BLACK MARK RECORDS] [UNDERCOVER RECORDS] binations of thrash - mid - slow tempos making the songs pretty bad and boring. The guitars paints a picturesque and
After a period of experimentation and name change to It is of no importance what people think but at least with sound desirable. Count one in for the retro-based guitar melancholic scenery, and all who have had dark thoughts
plain Lefay, here we deal with a band that one cannot eas- bands like Morrigan we can rest assured that the spirit of solos especially in "Deep Void". "Ectoplasm" is a highlight should be able to relate to the atmospheres invoked by
ily label. The musical style and genre of Morgana Lefay Quorthon will live forever. “Headcult” features the typical of a song indeed. There is nothing throughout this Cd to Magnus Wohlfart. If you can look besides the rather weak
waves between metal oceans of sometimes doomy feel- Morrigan sound and songwriting but this time it is fully provoke negativity, yet above all it's just a gathering of sound, and pretty simple music you will get an album you
ings and others of speed uptempo ones. The fantastic matured. The structure of the songs gives out more of a slightly revived old metal ideas plus the songs seem to will enjoy, or one there will hunt you on dark lonely trips to
voice can lead you to travel in various mystical ways with Morrigan trademark than anything else and apart from the lose strength as the album progresses to closure. To con- a darker place. The music is composition-wise well made,
a veil of uncertainty crawling upon you. Highly lyrical and Viking Bathory - era elements one will also come across tra- clude, "Buried in Time" came in as a nice surprise. there are good hooks, the atmospheric keyboards are
with the original line up once again, they emerge with an ditional power metal elements such as Manowar in the song [7] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS placed in the right places, and the few riff changes and pace

54 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
shifts are well placed as well. The track ‘Serene Fury’ which tracks in “Terrorist” are very twisted stuff, well, a crime throughout the years, though the sound that became like it has been recorded in a cave this is a brilliant mix of
I at first had spotted as the weakest track, due to some fast really!! But Nattefrost deserves some credit for engaging Neuraxis' trademark they have kept intact from the first filthy old school black metal with a very spine chilling
and not that good sounding drum programming and the in this one-man project... [4] SÓNIA FONSECA years, until now. The progression from the first album to sound and cold riffs that bring in mind "A Blaze in the
length of it and lack of memorable pieces, was actually the the third is remarkable as well. From very brutal on the first Northern Sky", early Sigh (especially the damn fine vocals
track which one time after the other pulled me down and NAUMACHIA : WRATHORN album, to more technical and melodic on the second, to which sound like old Mirai aaarghh!) and even melodic
into the universe of Nae’Blis when I listened to the album [ADIPOCERE RECORDS] the third where it all are mixed into the superb wholeness Beherit in times!? A very strange mixture but it works
on “autopilot”. The album is really strong it is own sense, Polish Death Metal band released “Wrathorn” which is a which shows a mature band. And despite the line-up effectively and comes far from the stereotypical neo -
but beware it is not an album for all, either you will like the mixture of symphonic black metal with touches of death changes through the years, the goal and sound of the band European black metal movement of today. Honestly this is
thin production and the dark depressive atmosphere or you metal. Well, as it is tradition in Polish metal bands, quality has never been compromised. one of the most refreshing (funny to say considering their
will dislike it. But I suggest you try to check the album out stands... yet, there are some exceptions! Naumachia fall in This is a release death metal heads can't be without, old school influences) pieces of black metal that I have
if you feel the least intrigued by the writings above, I spent that camp but their music is not thaaaaaat bad. The lyrics whether it's the technical side, the brutal side or the met- come across to lately. Even the Running Wild cover is per-
the needed amount of time with “Beyond The Light” and I are too childish and stupid, to say the least, and that is def- alcore part, Neuraxis delivers it all. And this package, fectly performed bringing back some good old memories!
got pulled into it and are now dwelling in darkness. initely a minus point to them. They use keyboard through- where you get all 3 albums, 2 bonus tracks and a video The material here can be found on their split cd with the
[7.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN out the album and results in quite cool melodies... the gui- pretty cheap, it would be stupid not to hit the music store. Finns Flame out now on Asphyxiate Records. Get it for
tar solos reveal talent from the band members. Some The band hasn't received its real breakthrough yet, though Ghastly`s sake! [8] ALEX ANTONIOU
tracks are quite nice and Naumachia may have a brilliant they are about ready with their new album "Trilateral
future in the metal scene if they decide to change their Progression", which already has been released in North

DEMO OF THE ISSUE

lyrics a bit. The intro is a symphonic piece that prepares us America, and I'm sure that's the album which will make the
for what is to come. The vocals are what I’d call Black band well known all around. [8] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
Metal. [5] SÓNIA FONSECA
NIHILIST : NIHILIST 1987-1989
NAUSEOUS SURGERY : IMMORTAL WARRIORS [THREEMAN RECORDINGS]
[GENOCIDE PRODUCTIONS] A collative, collection, comprised of 14 cuts, taken from 4
Painfully mediocre death metal is what Nauseous Surgery different demos, spanning a 2 year period, this Swedish act
brings to the world. Despite having almost 15 years of were from the same era that brought us Obituary and
death metal behind them, this Brazilian band manage like Suffocation, and spawned the legends Entombed and
a pale copy of what made Floridian death metal any good Unleashed. This is a must for any diehard Death Metal fan.
without any kind of forward thinking in the songwriting. I From 88's "Premature Autopsy" demo, comes "Supposed to
understand that not every band wants to create something Rot", with some of the catchiest riffs and melodies of the
new but if you are going to rehash something that has entire Death Metal genre, delivered by Alex Hellid and Ulf
been perfected fifteen years ago at least put some passion Cederlund, it's just too bad that it's also the shortest on this HORRICANE : THE LYNCH-LAWYERS’ DEATH SQUAD
into it. Nauseous Surgery just seem to go with the motions compilation. On to the familiar "Carnal Leftovers", from the Let me say right in this first sentence that these 6 Estonians
and never let anything bring them forward. I am not ask- same demo, it follows a steady, pace, with downtrodden,
have made a hell of an impressive demo! And I'm not only
ing for melodic leads or electronics here, simply show me killer, rhythms, and also proves to be a highlight. Then they
talking about sound and production (yes, they're great for a
something, anything, that will have me pick up the record got progressively heavier, and faster, on "Only Shreds
demo), which are things that money can buy, but about the
NAPALM DEATH : THE CODE IS RED... LONG from the shelf. I find nothing of interest here and I doubt Remain", especially evident on "Revel in Flesh", that reminds
anybody could. [2] SIMON THIBAUDEAU me of early Unleashed, circa "Where No Life Dwells". On to actual music. Horricane have not only the talent but also a
LIVE THE CODE creative intelligence (not available in your local hardware
[CENTURY MEDIA]
88's "Drowned" demo, where they became more technical,
NECROPHAGIA : HARVEST RITUAL VOL. 1 skilled, musicians, as evident on the epic "Severe Burns", shop) that turns these 5 songs into a joyride. You see,
When they first started playing Discharge covers, they [SEASON OF MIST] with its amazing guitar licks. Finally, we have 89's "But Life "Coup de grace" starts off with heavy slow Morbid Angel
didn't know they would practically define a new punk Having not heard anything from Killjoy and company, since Goes On" demo, when they reached the pinnacle of their style riffing with, somewhere during the song, some weird
genre, Grindcore. Although this may be questionable their classic “Season of the Dead” opus, “Harvest Ritual Vol. career, and climaxed with the fast and furious "Shreds of keyboards peering through in the background to good
(some say Extreme Noise Terror were the pioneers...), 1” was an interesting, and welcomed, listen. Pioneers and Life". Coincidentally, I also possess a few of these same effect. These keyboards become more audible in "Fraction
purveyors of all that is death and gore related, they’ve demos on audio cassette, but nowhere near this quality, in your eyes" and then quite dominant in the more mid-
Napalm Death wrote some of the best extreme music become more of an Industrial, Death, machine, through 22 albeit raw (the way it should be). [6.5] CHRIS HORTON paced title track, helping create atmospheres which are
records ever. "Scum" and "From Enslavement To years of metamorphosis. Taking samples from Clive more creditable to some Norwegian post-black metal! But
Obliteration" were the first releases, but after that the Barker’s “Night Breed”, experimenting with weird sounds, NOCTURNAL : ARRIVAL OF THE CARNIVORE note that this is not your average emulation of pianos and
off-tune strings, fabricated radio frequencies, combining it [DISPLEASED RECORDS]
band changed completely their sound, and started to strings, this is an original and sometimes discordant work
with a Satanic concept, Necrophagia push the limits of the Here is a band that I was really curious to check out after
play US Death Metal with new vocalist (Mark "Barney" which fits the death metal structures pretty well and con-
genre to all, new, extremes. I hear elements of Godflesh, reading so many superlatives... And I was definitely not
Greenway), but changes weren't over. In the middle Malhavoc, Skinlab, and, of course, Rob Zombie, creeping misled! Germany's Nocturnal have been around since tributes heavily to the almost cinematic aesthetics of the
90s they've tried new things and experiences, with under their skin, and burrowing into their songs. The insan- 2000 and after several demos, split releases (with Toxic record. In fact, this almost like watching a movie, with it all
the release of "Inside The Torn Apart", for instance. ity of “Dead Skin Slave” is bludgeoning, brutal, skull-crush- Holocaust, Vomitor and Bestial Mockery) and a mini album coming full circle in the last song "Nitro burst turmoil",
ing, to a bloody pulp. The haunting “Cadavera X” chilled me since 2002, "Arrival of the Carnivore" appears being their evolving with those monstrous slow death riffs into a keys-
After some troubles with Earache Records, they've
to the bone, as it rose from the grave, to feast on flesh, and first full-length. Recorded at the Toxomusic Studio driven climatic ending.
released an album that was "Napalm" sound, entitled
it actually has a groove to it, believe it or not?! The evil, (Decayed, Metalucifer, Desaster) it features 10 tracks of Now, I'm not really moved by the lyrics, but I like the art-
"Order Of The Leech", and now, with a new contract unleashed by the title track, summons the beast, in a bar- oldschool Thrash Metal certainly capable of making every work, which makes me think of the 1930's and 1940's noir
with Century Media, they deliver us "The Code Is rage of chants, invocations, and Congo drums, all in the 80's alcoholised mourner starting to drink even more as a films - something that quite fits that cinematic aesthetics of
Red... Long Live The Code". Once again focused on name of Satan. The cover represents everything Killjoy result of his inability to move 20 years back. On the other this demo. I heard these guys were signed by Black Mark,
holds dear, to his own black heart, and is sure to capture the hand, the Nocturnal crew should be regarded as quite gen- so I'm looking forward to hearing their debut!
political issues, Napalm Death signs one great come-
attention of both fans, and critics, alike... [5] CHRIS HORTON erous compensators for time's missing function of run-
back with their old fans and, at the same time, writes [8.5] MIGUEL SOUSA
ning retrograde, as "Arrival of the Carnivore", at least in my
one of the best 2005 albums. They also invited Jello NEURAXIS : IMAGERY - A PASSAGE INTO FORLORN opinion, is meant to be an eloquent proof that you don't
Biafra (ex. Dead Kennedys), Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) [GALY RECORDS] need to be 20 in '86 at any cost in order to come up with
and Jeff Walker (ex. Carcass) into three demolishing A lengthy split (2 albums on one) release, reminiscent of decent Thrash Metal releases. You are either born to play INFERNAL KINGDOM - Frozen empire
Massacre, Death (R.I.P.), and early Kreator. "Open your Thrash Metal or you aren't! [7.5] VANYA MARINOVA After some live gigs in the North of Portugal, this young
songs. After twenty years of extreme music, Napalm
mind" to "Oscillated to Intelligence", a manic, moshable, group has released its first demo-CD. Frozen Empire is a
Death has nothing to prove to anyone. The songs are Thrasher, that's quite versatile, for this brutal a style; Rob NOISECORE FREAK : MY MOTHER THE ANARCHIST fine effort of fast and brutal black metal. Based on an
great, and I'd like to underline the following ones: Milley's wicked, guitar, riffs, give new meaning to [DEADSIX COMMUNICATIONS] intense guitar work of freezing melodies with a good skilled
"Elements Of Persuasion", "Pledge Yourself", "Silence "Reasons of Being", and make "death" almost worthwhile; This Mcd was first released on the "Welcome To The approach, Infernal Kingdom proves to have some maturity
Is Deafening", among others. it's a good thing there's instrumentals, like the devastating Stichface Scar Sitter Experience" CD in 1999, now it was towards composition, since there's diversity and good
"Atmospheric Holocaust", to help break up the bad, from extensively remixed and remastered. Noisecore Freak is a arrangements in their songs. By this way, there's no chance
This album is a unique intense experience that must- the good, otherwise this would have practically no merit, one-man-band, Chris Stepniewski, and it is a total chaotic for the listener to get bored and the small intros full of dark
n't be ignored by anyone. Napalm Death's actual whatsoever; Rob's mystical and serene, Classical guitar noisecore band. You'll find the most exotic and weird nois- ambiences also help the dynamics of the demo. There's a
sound could be described as Crust mixed with piece "A Drift..." is the calm before the storm; the missing es on this record: screwdrivers, glasses being broken, bunch of good ideas along the 6 themes and the Immortal
Thrash/Death, or Crossover with some power vio- "Link" is a busy, barrage, of bombarding, blastbeats; then machine guns... you name it! This guy, Chris, must really alike vocals bring an even colder ambience to the work.
we have the creative "In Silence", which is probably the be fucked up in the head, because he creates the most Remarkable is the fact that the voices are spitted by a
lence influences, but who cares? The code is red...
highlight of this conceptual release, containing, by far, experimental/chaotic/weird records of all times. There isn't female vocalist and that's something you don't see that
so, long live the code!! [9] SIMÃO FONSECA their best songwriting skills, as a band; finally, we have much to say on a noisecore Mcd with thirteen tracks, let's much. Naamah Satana uses her grim trademark and some-
BW&BK David Perry interviewing Rob Milley, who states just say this shit is weird and brutal as hell, just like The times she tries some grunts as a complement of the main
that their "music was simplistic, Death/Grind", that Berzerker or Agoraphobic Nosebleed. This record is for lines. As for the drums, I can only say they perfectly back
NARGAROTH : PROSATANICA SHOOTING ANGELS "evolved", in the heart of Montreal, where they have to keep open minded people and it isn't as fast as Agoraphobic up the guitar lines and, together with the good production,
[NO COLOURS RECORDS] their music "quality", with future "hopes for a new album Nosebleed, it is much more harsh-noise actually, just like
bring this material to a higher level. All in here sounds clear
Kanwulf is always ready to surprise us and he has done so and tours." The main problem with this, is their vocals Merzbow are doing it nowadays. Don't even try to under-
and we can really follow the musicians' work with no diffi-
in this new release. The intro “Love is always over with (Chris Alsop and Ian Campbell), which are incomprehensi- stand what the guy is screaming about, you won't get it at
culty. It's a good demo and creates promising expectations
ejaculation” (do you really think so?!) starts with the ble, at the best of times, and terrible, for the rest. all! Noise, noise, noise, and more noise! A very weird
for the future. [7] GUILHERMINO MARTINS
words “Spread your legs” and is followed by a woman Unfortunately, they have had numerous line-up changes, album for noisecore freaks!! [7.5] SIMÃO FONSECA
moaning, moaning... oh man, this is something “outra- over their 10 year career, thus have not been a very cohe-
ISRATHOUM : BLACK SCENERY AVATAR
geous”! Haha! From then on, this release leads us into a sive unit. [3] CHRIS HORTON NOKTURNAL MORTUM : WELTANSCHAUUNG [SEVERELY ALCOHOLIC RETAILING SATANISTS]
world of old school Black metal recorded in a raw way. The [NO COLOURS RECORDS]
lyrics deal with hatred, war and misanthropy, Nargaroth’s NEURAXIS : TRUTH BEYOND... The new album by the Ukrainian outfit Nokturnal Mortum Two years after the release of “The Art Of Malice”,
main interests and they are very angry towards society, [EARACHE RECORDS] could have been the perfect soundtrack for the trilogy Israthoum returns with a brand new work following the
having reflexive and interesting meanings. For example, More metal to the European people due to the cooperation “Lord of the Rings” considering it’s such a majestic epic same traced path, symphonic Black Metal. This new work is
the lyrics for “Satan Industries” are a enumeration of all between the American label Willowtip Records and English piece of metal. It starts off with the sound of a battlefield better produced (still with a few flaws) than the last one
the bad “things” on our planet these days (Air Pollution, V8 Earache Records. Even though Neauraxis' third album and from then on one gets impressed by the truly amazing and the keyboard passages (sometimes too much in front
Power, Gatling Gun, Napalm Fire, Agent Orange, cumming "Truth Beyond..." already once has been released in Europe themes. There are fourteen songs on this album: six are on the mix) are more varied and sinister, in some moments
Shotgun, H.I.V., Body count, Child Abuse, etc, etc). Great by Morbid Records back in 2002, when it initially was “real” songs but the remaining eight tracks consist of folk- they even have a grandiose feeling, like the first seconds of
release for fans of “erotic” Black metal. As Nargaroth, or released upon the world. Though this re-release is quite a ish and epic melodies between the songs. Tracks such as ‘Dimensions’. This is probably one of the highlights of
better, Kanwulf says “I will hide my mortal Spirit inside goodie, since it also contains the band's 2 first album “The New Era of Swords”, “A Taste of Victory”, “I Feel The “Black Scenery Avatar”, this songs denotes a good balance
Black and Blasphemic Death Metal”. [7] SÓNIA FONSECA "Imagery" from 1999 and "Passage Into Forlorn" from Breath Of Ragnarok”, “Weltanschauung” ,”Hailed Be The on the melodic keyboard side with some savage guitar riff-
2001, both released by Neoblast Records. So now the Heroes” are absolutely fabulous and I bet all fans of Aryan ing and tempo changes. However the six songs featured on
NATTEFROST : TERRORIST entire band's material is available again, so we hungry Black Metal will be extremely pleased with this release. I this demo tend to have slightly different vibes according to
[SEASON OF MIST] metalheads can get our thirst for metal satisfied. have been listening to this album on a non-stop basis and the member who compose them. That could have been a
Nattefrost’s “Terrorist” is in the same vein of his latest out- It is very interesting to follow the Canadian band from its I’m still not tired of it... I need to find another cd to listen tremendous positive thing since it would create more diver-
put “Blood And Vomit” and is as provocative as hell. It first release to its third, and hear how the band has devel- to before this one wears off (hehe)! If you have some extra sity to the songs, but that’s not entirely truth. We have dif-
seems almost impossible that a guy that plays in a band as oped throughout the years, without leaving the roots and money from xmas you could well spend it on this master- ferent guitar riffings and ideas and sometimes Israthoum
great as Carpathian Forest, can release an album as awful path they started out with. They have the base in heavy, piece! Take my advice and you won’t regret it! This one is simply look like a driver in a drunken night... out of the
as this. The album sleeve also contains some of the most groovy thrashy death metal, which is spiced up with stel- definitely on my “priority album” list! [9] SÓNIA FONSECA road in some curves!
disgusting pictures ever seen but it turns out to be awe- lar technique. The musicians in the band really know how They have a great potential and they probably already have
some because it reminds me of the covers of yore. I won- to use their instruments, they are killer musicians and they NOSTRADAMEUS : HELLBOUND good material for a debut album, so I guess its just a mat-
der… maybe all the awful songs that Carpathian Forest show it all the time. There are great riffs, amazing leads [AFM RECORDS]
ter of finding a steady line-up and tracing a path to follow!
dismisses, Nattefrost uses to play in this project?! This is and breathtaking solos. The bass work is excellent to a bit This is the 4th release of Swedish band Nostradameus. [7.5] NUNO SANTOS
absolutely painful, awful, incoherent Black Metal. The track anonymous at times. The drumming is straight ahead and They play power metal and, therefore I don’t know any of
list will probably give you a slight idea of the lyrics of some brutal yet very technical. There are some killer and twisted their previous releases so I don’t know whether they LUPARA : PROMO
songs, especially “Nekronaut (Cunt Cunt Gimme More)”, breaks, wicked pace shifts and amazing details all the time, evolved or not. So, after listening to the ten tracks of This is, without too many words, above-average death
“Black Metal Suicide (Claws Of Perdition), “Satan Is again and again. And seldom does the music loose its “Hellbound”, I can say that this is something that doesn’t metal. The second promo-demo from Lupara is most cer-
Endless, Satan is Timeless”, among others. The last track momentum, it keeps on steamrolling forward, like a run- please me at all. To be honest, it isn’t bad at all but this is
tainly crafted with the appropriate "know-how" on the art of
on the album “The Death Of Nattefrost (Still Reaching for away freight train. A guttural and grim growl, to a fiercer not my kind of thing. “Hellbound” includes tracks that
creating US death metal! Its exceptionally good production
Hell Part II)” seems to be somewhat out of place as it and ear piercing scream, a vocal presentation with a lot of make you feel joyful. Opener track “Never Turning Back”
makes the impact of the demo rather strong and at the
sounds too rocky... what the hell was he thinking?! The 13 emotion and passion. The band has progressed steadily makes your spirit lift when you feel down. Some tracks

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 55
have very rocky riffs and clean vocals and you can actual- face of its unholy glare. This is almost definitive classic, phases (since, at the moment, we cannot do progressive)? first album that comes to my mind is Satyricon's
ly understand the lyrics when first listening to it... that’s underground black metal, yet I can't entirely get into it. But Some will get excited, others will nod indifferently and oth- "Volcano", or Immortal's last releases, but Phazm explore
new to me because being I mostly listen to Black Metal and I can't entirely dismiss it, either, come to think of it. Let's ers will swear the God of metal! Music always divides peo- better the dark side of old Rock.
those vocals aren’t that easy to understand at first. haha! just chalk this up to a matter of taste (my tastes can occa- ple’s opinion, and that’s one good thing! I cannot say that The first track "Inchaos", is one of the best ones of the CD,
But then again, some tracks have a Death metal feeling... sionally betray me) and end this up here with the assur- this is bad music. I will lie if I do so. Even if “Truth which combines everything I've mentioned so far: grim
it’s very surprising... I bet this will please fans of Power ances that fans of the old sickness can find their fix here. I Inside...” makes me believe that Persefone can produce an feelings, despair Motorhead and that "slow, wait, it's get-
Metal. [6] SÓNIA FONSECA really don't know why it's not jumping out at me. In the interesting album in the future, this debut gets drowned in ting faster now... no it's gotten slower again!" beat! Very
end, my brief protest of "I'm not digging it" is overridden its own attempt to find a unique musical identity. The influ- good indeed. But it gets better, check out the next track
NUMEN : BASOAREN SEMEAK by everything I've said before, which screams, "If you dig ences, which are very recognizable, are getting mixed up "What a Wonderful Death (!) and see what these guys were
[GOIMUSIC] the mean shit, here it is". [7] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN frequently disorienting the vision of this, the first band to smoking at the time they recorded "Hate At First Seed".
Numen's black metal sound should find some fans on both ever emerge from Andorra! Separately, each song can Great Rock solos and a furious oriented beat. A true hymn
general sides of the BM fence. The genre has gone through ORDER OF THE EBON HAND : XV - THE DEVIL stand on its own (a positive fact), however, at the end, to hatred, my friends!. The rest of the album drinks the
a lot of changes since its Scandinavian underground [SEASON OF MIST] you’re left with a peculiar taste, mainly due to their inabili- same water, so it's useless to comment every song indi-
explosion of deliberately scraping, brusque music to the Being the band that was more mature to anything else ty to amalgamate into a distinguishable sound their influ- vidually. So, Phazm likes trees, Rock n' Roll, Black Metal
times of orchestral approach of bands like Dimmu Borgir Hellas has ever produced, one should excuse their ambi- ences with their own music. Many listeners will get enthu- and weird shit. It's worthy that you, at least, check out a
and Cradle of Filth. While Numen rests largely on the early tious expectations, modern sound and avant-garde siastic about this right from start, most likely because of few songs. If you like fast and narrow-minded Black, get
side of the genre, it's that variety of old school sounds that imagery. It has always been part of the group and in this its surprising musicianship and quality production, but I the fuck away from "Hate At First Seed", if not, the record
incorporates a dark, withering loveliness into its music. On second album of theirs (could have been their 3rd one if challenge the guys (that’s why I put a low and a bit unfair is a must to your collection. [8] SIMÃO FONSECA
one hand, the band is thick with raw, atmospheric grit: they had not totally scrapped that unreleased 2nd strike of mark) to tingle them hoping they will try harder in their fol-
brutal, ugly guitar burn and demonic melody and grim theirs!!) it grows even more. Upon first listen, one could be lowing opuses. Only because it’s obvious they can do bet- PIG DESTROYER : TERRIFYER
atmosphere. On the other hand, that ugly and brutal guitar baffled by the numerous riffs and samples accumulated on ter. They are lucky to have the support of a label like [RELAPSE RECORDS]
slash is pretty in its destructive way. And remember that this album but this opinion will eventually be altered. All Adipocere. Hand-in-hand, they can produce a good piece Grindcore isn't anymore what it used to be. The true grind-
word a minute ago: melody. Numen pulls together the tracks have a powerful structure and one can see why it of metal. [5.5] JOHN ZIKOS core was "metalless", non-violent and political oriented, but
roots of black metal - dark and menacing - and fuses (but took them 8 years or whatever to complete this piece of art now times have changed and grindcore is mostly often
not to the degree that it vanquishes "pure" black metal, if both musically and lyrically. However there will be times PEST : IN TOTAL CONTEMPT considered a metal sub-genre... but who cares anyway? It
you want to call it that) some of the precision and melod- that the overall product will seem slightly over the top like [NO COLOURS RECORDS] sounds quite more metal than in the beginning, but it still
ic elements that have cropped up in black metal's evolution an epic Americanized Hollywood franchise but still, the This third full-length of one of the best bands of Raw Black cativates the listener, right?
from its early, primordial days and its current era, where it atmosphere is there and what the band wants to portray (in metal from Sweden was expected by many fans because in So, Pig Destroyer returns with "Terrifyer", the long await-
has found surprising acceptance outside the core, elite this case fantasy battles through fine lyrical craftsmanship) one hand the last Pest album was out in '03, in other hand, ed full-length follow up to its critically acclaimed previous
black metal scene. Purists will still be the biggest audience is being achieved! Fans of mid 90s inspired majestic black everyone was expecting one album more powerful than CD "Prowler In The Yard", and it is a totally mind blower,
for this album, no doubt, but I think the melodic element metal with grand atmospheres of the Emperor / Limbonic the last Pest EP, "Black Thorns". I clearly noticed a lot of old trust me. Pig Destroyer have taken some more risks, and
will perhaps help non-initiates of the raw side of things Art vein will drown in this 50 minutes album. One will also Darkthrone influences in the entire album. A great feeling no wonder they've injected some more punk rock rhythm
start to understand the appeal of more primitive black come across "Spellbound", a cover of Siouxsie And The and power in all the songs, even so the production are the ("Gravedancer") to their suffocating sound, along with the
metal. In this way, Numen may very well function as a Banshees which no matter how well performed, kind of typical raw black metal band production. A bigger influ- thrashy/death riffs used in their previous work. It's quite
bridge band. [8] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN spoils the overall album concept. A cover of the timeless ence of European Thrash metal, mainly in the song "Cold uncomfortable for me to criticize a grind act, it sure is,
Bathory would do better in this case but apparently this is Stare" where we can hear an old school solo. Necro, vocal- because you usually get the same from the beginning to
NYKTALGIA : NYKTALGIA already on the way in the form of a tribute split 7" with ist, guitarist and drummer, shows a lot of hatred in all the the end of the record... and Pig Destroyer is no exception
[NO COLOURS RECORDS] Macabre Omen. XAIPE! [7] ALEX ANTONIOU songs of "In Total Contempt", wish is something that nowa- to the rule. Nevertheless, P.D. has fallen the steps of the
Ok, this is not the most original release but it is still a fuck- days nobody seems to care a lot. All the guitar composi- last acts from the Swedish mad grinders Nasum, so no
ing awesome piece of black metal art, very close to what PACTUM : STAINING THE WHITE VEILS OF CHRIS- tions are very well composed and performed. surprise at all when you listen to down-tuned death metal
black metal sounded back in the mid 90's when it had a TIANITY WITH THE BLOOD OF DECAPITATED LAMB Equimanthorn, who plays bass and guitars in league with mixed with the traditional groovy Napalm Death's riffs
more focused direction. In fact, this album could have [SOMBER MUSIC] Necro, compose a great harmonious work in "In Total alongside with some punky vibes.
been part of the mid 90's European black metal wave when I can't tell you how much this unapologetically vile and sick- Contempt", we can listen a well composed bass in every The lyrics still fall upon violence and black humour in case
bands like Marduk, Enslaved, Dissection and Burzum ruled ening slice of black metal makes me a happy man. But since song even in most aggressive parts. About the lyrics, deep you wanna know what these guys are screaming about!
the world (...gone a bit over the top here!)! With just 4 I'm a music reviewer, I suppose it's my job to share and as always, Pest continue to attack in a vein of hatred and "Terrifyer" features 32 minutes of insane grind as well as
tracks and a spanning time of a perfect 40 min this is a expound upon that information, so here goes. First off, the misanthropy and approach the most varied subjects relat- the 37 minutes bonus audio DVD "Natasha" mixed in 5.1
highly recommended album in what seems today as an era backbone of this music is traditional evil black metal, with ed with death. "In Total Contempt" is a full-length that if it surround sound. All these ingredients are more than
where bands either want to re-invent themselves or get flesh-flaying instrumentals and rasping throat work (partic- was released ten years earlier it would be a Black metal enough to make you go buy the CD. [8.5] SIMÃO FONSECA
inspired by what is in demand for the mass. Nyktalgia ularly raspy here), that creates a bleak and horrific frost on masterpiece nowadays. [8.5] NUNO CARVALHO
instead, choose to get inspired by what once was and they your brain. Such arctic ambience and frozen audio land- PITCH BLACK : THRASH KILLING MACHINE
do it very well with a lot of feeling both on the music and scape is ambrosia to those who dwell in the darkness, and PHAZM : HATE AT FIRST SEED [RECITAL RECORDS]
on the vocal department which is very Varg influenced. The Pactum does a fine job of executing the grim, utter bleak- [OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS] With such a record-title, one should know what to expect
whole album actually reminds something of Burzum`s ness the genre at its roots demands. But there are hints of When Black Metal was born nobody would say it would be from this Portuguese bunch. Yeah, you guessed it, this is
"Hvys Lysset Tar Oss" but it has been done with such a pro- groove here at times that add an element of depth to the so popular or it would last for so many years, but Black thrash metal alright. Recorded in 2002 and mixed in 2003,
fessional / accurate manner that it doesn't end up being a music, without risking ruining the raw (a alliterative phrase Metal was there to stay and kiss ass. Churches burned, this might not be the best testimony of what Pitch Black do
pest, if you know what I mean. There is nothing much to I ought to remember) by way of too much polish, some- christian people got beat up and a lot of inverted crosses these days, but still it is a positive effort.
say here apart from the fact that Nyktalgia is a German act thing that's taken black metal in a direction many lament. were spread within each black misanthropic release. Most of the material on display here is mid-paced with
for the lookout and one of No Colours` best recent releas- Personally, it's not an issue to me; I just prefer the beauti- As a matter of fact, the definition of "Black Metal" comes some incursions into faster territory, and some good struc-
es. [8] ALEX ANTONIOU fully ugly shit. But it is nice to encounter a touch of polish from the early 80's - when bands such as Bathory, Celtic tured songs like the opener "Disturbing the peace". It
(note I said TOUCH) in the music to give things an energetic Frost, Venom or Merciful Fate - picked up the dirty Brit seems to me that there's something very Sepulturesque
OBEISANCE : UNHOLY, UNWHOLESOME & EVIL drive. And as I noted, there's no lack of purity to this face- Hardcore Punk and added Speed Metal to the sound, or haunting this record, so this is definitely not that type of
[BLACK SEED PRODUCTIONS] raking black metal bludgeoning. So take the plunge, sacri- simply played Heavy Metal with a very dark/anti-christian Euro-thrash founded by the big-three of Deutsche pride
Having in consideration the praised previous work "Lucifer fice your soul to Satan and get those horn fingers in the air. feeling. Well, the movement gained a lot of fans and this (Sodom, Destruction, Kreator), despite the Knarrenheinz
Master" released on Utterly Somber Records in 2002, this Prepare to be immersed in the bottomless pit of metallic evil new genre started drinking some faster and raw influ- clone on the cover! In fact, with their use of staccato gui-
could have turned out much better! Just hear the sound of that is none other than Pactum. [8] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN ences, and this is when Mayhem and, a bit later, tar and hardcorish vocals Pitch Black at times come across
this drum and you can't simple end up thinking when we a bit too... well, hardcore for my liking. If "Thrash Killing
all used our mother’s pans to party with our childhood Machine" had a more crunching and dense sound and
friends or simply train our beating capabilities! Don't mat- more vocal variation, it might actually cause some victims.
ter what adjectives some might use to disguise this, for me As it is, though, it does little more than to wet the listener's
unfortunately this simply sounds like bad produced un- appetite for Pitch Black's next effort. [6.5] MIGUEL SOUSA
aggressive drums. They were using Daniel Corchado (from
the mighty Centopath, The Chasm) to produce their releas- POSTNUCLEAR DEATHMASS : GENERATION DOOM
es and the change to C.J. Holguin (Reign Of Terror) was [SELF RELEASE]
certainly not a nice move. Postnuclear Deathmass brings some quality, absolutely
Said that lets explore a bit the universe created by the crushing old-school death metal to the table. This album is
American (Texas) band Obeisance... they play a mix of old drenched with thrashy mid-tempo riffs that are carefully
school fast thrashing Speed / Black / Death Metal chaos placed in a moderately progressive, and very interesting
were the songs are based in fast drum, guitar tempos lay- manner. I’d love to see more bands return to this formula
ered in speedy spoken raw vocals of Martin Von Fah-Q as some of the acts coming out these days pass up some
(founding member). The opener 'Caligula' truly reveals all of their heritage for sheer brutality. Although this album
that we can expect from this band, old school music! isn’t going to change your life, it’s a really fun listen, with
All in all "Unholy, Unwholesome & Evil" has some great some great humour thrown in (such as the chorus to “Dr.
moments which can't be entirely appreciated due to an un- Dan”). Aggression, antagonism, and a taste for the melan-
aggressive production. [3.5] NUNO SANTOS choly are all encompassed in approximately 25 minutes of
tasteful and memorable metal. Definitely worth a listen.
OPERA IX : ANPHISBENA [6.5] MAX RODRIGUEZ
[AVANTGARDE MUSIC]
Italian outfit Opera IX have always delighted us with pure PENTACLE : UNDER THE BLACK CROSS PRIMORDIAL : DARK ROMANTICISM
Black Metal and now they’ve come back with a deep and [KARMAGEDDON MEDIA]
[IRON PEGASUS RECORDS]
extra worked lyrical concept “Anphisbena”... the cult of the After listening to “The gathering wilderness” I am not quite
Bi-headed serpent, which is an hymn to Paganism and the Concept albums have a life of their own that derives from their unifying thematic. Critics have loved to hate these sure what to say about this release. Its obviously a throw
Ancient religion. The production of this 5th album has intricate pieces that tend to epic grandeur, like on "Seventh Son of a Seventh Son", for example. Truth is, whatever back at the band’s beginnings (their 4 track demo) and you
improved and the song-writing also has taken a step for- the central theme might be, composing music and lyrics for a conceptual album is in itself an epic task! Note that can smell the Bathory influence which, although less pres-
ward. Long and complex songs very rich in language and the music should actually help in the telling of the story instead of just being a support for verses: think again of Iron ent these days, definitely is a major one on Primordial (and
meaning are featured in “Anphisbena” and I must point out you get a live version of Total Destruction). Much Blacker
Maiden and how the aforementioned album evolves. Paradigmatic, isn't it?
some highlights such as the cover of Bathory’s “One Rode in essence than later material, “Dark Romanticism” reminds
To Asa Bay” which is a great and fine piece in the memory "Under the Black Cross" is another chapter in the Pentacle saga and, you guessed it, it's a concept album. Wannes us that Primordial really started as a Black Metal band (you
of the late Quorthon. The band vary as much as they can (bassist, vocalist), feeling it was about time to combine his interest in the Second World War and Pentacle's music, also get a live Darkthrone cover to attest that). Raw, unpol-
by using female vocals, pipes, flute, cello, harp and an decided to write the lyrics that describe, as closely as possible to the historical accounts, the events that occurred in ished and, well, 11 years old, this demo re-release is inter-
intense use of keyboards, yet they manage to be extreme- esting to listen to, if not really a mandatory buy. You also get
1942 under the moniker of 'Operation Chariot'. And what a fortunate meeting this is! Pentacle's music is as warlike
ly epic and sensational. [7] SÓNIA FONSECA a DVD of their San Open Air concert from August ‘03 as a
as it gets, with their guitar ensemble often resembling the continuous rattling of machine gun fire. In fact, the music bonus, which is not bad. [6] ERIC MASSICOTTE
OPERATION WINTER MIST : WINTER WARFARE II accompanies the storyline so well that it actually creates visual sensations on the mind of the listener, like on the
[REGIMENTAL RECORDS]
instrumental "March of the Campletown", a crunching piece that illustrates the arrival of HMS Campletown. All those PRIMORDIAL : THE GATHERING WILDERNESS
I don't know if it's just that I've listened to too much black [METAL BLADE RECORDS]
familiar with Pentacle already know their obsession with old Black/Death Metal and bands like Celtic Frost, Venom or
metal today, or if this just doesn't quite do it for me. No matter how good Primordial may be, in my opinion,
Generally, I'm pretty sympathetic to the black metal genre Possessed, and though they have never been clones, in "Under the Black Cross" there is a whole different colour and they’ll never do another album as good as “Imrama”.
and find it on the whole, one of the more palatable (for me) meaning to their music, possibly because of this visual dimension. Whether they're blasting the listener with fast and Maybe you’ll think I’m insane (and that’s not false at all!)
genres in the realm of extreme metal. Oddly, it's the crusti- furious tunes like "Into the Fiery Jaws", crushing bones in the slower mid-section of "A Devil's Shooting Gallery", or but “Imrama” had that Black Metal feeling that Primordial
est, most old school stuff that I find most enjoyable - the thrashing with the fistbanger "The Last Fight (ML 306's Stand)", Pentacle manage to keep everything intense and mil- have lost along the way. Nemtheanga and company are still
least "accessible" stuff. But, unfortunately, I'm not really fine musicians yet all the seven songs in “The Gathering
itarily precise. And all this packed up with magnificent artwork to give the fans extra value for their hard earned
quite getting into what O.W.M. has to offer, which is Wilderness” are too melancholic and soft for me.
strange. I certainly like old school black metal, which this money! The old flame is still alive, and these Dutch commandos are the living proof of that! [9] MIGUEL SOUSA Primordial are once again not worrying about criticisms or
is. There's no denying that this is straight out of the pages anyone’s personal opinion and are following their own very
of classic nasty black metal. I like my black metal pretty special path... the Celtic and pagan elements are all still
raw, which this is. This band totally eschews the super- PERSEFONE : TRUTH INSIDE THE SHADES Darkthrone join the scene. Actually, these two titans played here and this release may not be easily appreciated but it
polish of some acts operating in the black metal scene [ADIPOCERE RECORDS] Death Metal at first, but that's a long story... starts growing on you the more you listen to it.
today. I like it harshly aggressive, which this is. It's a nasty What about a Children of Bodom song-structure method, Phazm is a highly influenced band by early Bathory and The lyrics are very mature and the contract with the new
little beast waving its claws, ready to take your face off. I a bit of Cradle of Filth breaks and some spicy Opeth-like Darkthrone. Formed in 2003, these dark minds distil a label, Metal Blade, seems to have given more confidence
like it evil and sick, which this is. Christians will fall in the calm melodic passages, along with some power metal raw/post Black Metal with high rock n' roll influences. The to the band. Songs such as “The Soul Must Sleep” and

56 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
“The Coffin Ships” can prove that!! Maybe you’ll enjoy this RAPTURE : SILENT STAGE a metal band. With Requiem Aeternam, I can add one a good use of the different cymbals. Especially when the
release... or maybe you won’t but I hope you at least give [SPIKEFARM RECORDS] more: Dialectical Metal. That's how Requiem Aeternam drummer slowly churns up the speed on the kick drums and
this album a chance! [7.5] SÓNIA FONSECA A strange blend this Finnish band delivers, melodic death defines themselves, supported by their contrasts sound, snare, a little by little sounds killer. This is not an album
metal the Swedish way, blended with gothic rock sounding oppositions and inequalities. Listening 'Philosopher', their that'll speak to all metalheads, I guess you need to enjoy
PRO-PAIN : PROPHETS OF DOOM moments and at other times more death/doomish ele- second album, surpasses immediately an interleaving of wicked old school material, to be able to get into this album,
[RAWHEAD / SOULFOOD MUSIC] ments. It seems like the band doesn't really know which influences (System of a Down, Death and Opeth and was- and I am also pretty sure that the first listen will leave some-
Picture, if you can, entering an old-fashioned home, and way to go or perhaps they are just in a transition. n't that for Martin Lopes and Martin Mendez in the original what a bad impression, due to the vocals. Though give the
seeing this album cover, embroidered, hanging on a wall. The compositions on this album are pretty good, they line-up in 1995) and styles as Nu-metal, Death Metal and album some time and let the vocals work on your mind and
That’s the style, but not the (idea) l. It appears to contain catch fairly quickly on and leave and impression. There are Thrash Metal; without blending them altogether to present it'll start to fit. Musically the album is really good, good riffs,
references to ward off evil. Hard-core heroes Pro-pain a lot of dark and bleak atmospheres involved in the music us something unusual and original like this Uruguayan trio good melodies and good drumming and pretty clever song
(with various members featured in other supergroups) are and that is what drives the music and makes it interesting. has establish for metal definition. Instead, we have time writing. [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
back, with their most energetic, effort, yet! The in-your- The music is more or less heard before, the guitar riffs are slots of every metal influence and band in every song,
face, moshable, “Neocon” is sure to see frantic pit action, okay, but kind of boring and not that innovative, and often song after song, constituting 'Philosopher' a homoge- RIMFROST : A JOURNEY TO A GREATER END
when they hit the road in support; this continues on the it feels like it has been heard before. The drumming is neous piece, and good enough to pay attention and com- [NO COLOURS RECORDS]
Thrasher “UnAmerican” that lays it on the line, at the fore- okay, but again not that interesting, there are good breaks pose by well-play set of songs. Unfortunately, they carry a I've seen bands struggling for years without much success
front, preparing this troop of doom for an all-out assault; and pace shifts here and there, but pretty standard rhythm sound heard before in others lands, like North America, to reach the sort of quality that we get in "A Journey To A
the building up, of the primarily instrumental “Getting patterns. The bass gets a lot of space in the sound picture, South America or Norwegian and without the Spanish Greater End" and these 18 year old boys simply hit it in
Over”, sees them moving on, and getting on with life, after and there are delivered some good bass lines from it, so accent every time José Romero sings with a clean voice. their first compact disc strike.
a scourge of death, takes it’s toll; the suitably titled “Torn” that is more than justified. A good feature is the electron- That's a little annoying. For this musical approach-type, This Mcd is composed by three long tracks of blasting
lives up to it’s name, as a life is lead, and blood is shed, in ic, almost ambient industrial elements in the track 'The certainly has contributed the production of Joe Pedulla and Black metal blended with an extra dose of Thrash and Death
the names of glory and respect; the killer riffs, combined Times We Bleed (Closure)', they spice up the track and Arun Venkatesh (Overkill) and mastering of Tom Hutten metal elements which give an extra brutal punch and
with the lyrical concept, of “The Prisoner”, breaks free of adds a good angle to the melodic gothic rock in that track (Iggy Pop; Foo Fighters). Certainly a risky move on getting aggressiveness to the music. Not to mention the fact that it
the ties that bind, providing the perfect recipe for success! and makes it seem more bleak. every one's attention that can maybe lead to no one was recorded at Black Lounge Studios with the help of well
Excellent! [8] CHRIS HORTON The best feature on the album is the vocals, a good mix appealing. Otherwise, Requiem Aeternam never forsake know producer Jonas Kjellgren (Centinex, Carnal Forge,
between a fragile clean vocal and the grim growl, the their Latin origins, although they flew to New York City Scar Symmetry, Dellamorte), which already worked with
PROJECT: FAILING FLESH : A BEAUTIFUL SICKNESS classic combination, if look beside that both vocals on (USA) to settling down in 2002 (especially RA singer and bands like Steel Attack, Katatonia, Constructdead,
[KARMAGEDDON MEDIA] here are male and that the growl isn't used that much, front man José Romero), singing some lines in Spanish in Incapacity, Facebreaker just to name a few. The end result
While everybody raved about E-Force, I one of the few that which I find a shame. Production-wise the album is quite songs like 'Desperation'. Requiem Aeternam's was already stated by many as a version of the latest
thought that it just was mediocre, and that’s being positive. good, a well-weighed heavy production, which leaves a 'Philosopher' is a good and honest proposal, living open a Immortal works and I must totally disagree with that
Eric Forrest new endeavor, he pretty much lets the song- lot of room for each instrument, something which the bright future ahead for this young band as soon as they because Rimfrost have much more Death and Thrash metal
writing part of the deal out and concentrate on wailing like bass especially is gaining a lot from, it is really good found their right vein to follow in. One last written to the elements than Immortal on any of the latest records,
he can, exactly what he was doing in Voivod. To be honest, sounding and adds heaviness yet something ugly but lyrics theme witches José Romero based to make this "Damned In Black", "Sons of Northern Darkness" you name
that suits him perfectly. Kevin 131 and Tim Gutierrez have beautiful to the atmosphere. The band has so far album. Each of the 'Philosopher' song's lyric is based on it. Not to mention that Hravn's vocals tend to be much more
enough chops and talent to carry this whole thing on their received some good reviews on all of their albums, and the work of a specific philosopher and on Romero's book influenced by the Swedish blackened death metal scenes.
shoulders and Kevin 131’s production is one of the best I I believe this one will get some praise on the way as well. 'Forbidden Writings'. [6.5] CARLOS FILIPE All in all the more I listen to this the more it looks like a
heard in metal for a while. Thrash in the vein of what the Though I'm not sure of how impressed I am, the music thrashy death metal album with strong black metal influ-
Haunted have been doing for a while, the musical men is well written and there are some good moments here RESUSCITATOR : A WARRIOR’S DEATH ences. This was certainly a nice kick off by this young band
behind this project throw arrangements curve balls all over and there, but when the band is best, it either sounds like [DISPLEASED RECORDS] that will see their debut album recorded soon, lets wait to
this record with piano, organ and viola lines that enhance Katatonia or My Dying Bride. Though this is a mandato- Yet an old American death/black metal band getting into see if they manage to surpass this Mcd! [7] NUNO SANTOS
the listening experience beyond belief. This is a very well ry band to check out of you are into melodic doom with gears and starting to move faster and faster. Californian
and crushingly powerful record that I urge every thrash fan tendencies towards a more rock-sound and approach. Resuscitator was formed back in 1992, but haven't RIVENDELL : FAREWELL THE LAST DAWN
to pick up as soon as possible. [7] SIMON THIBAUDEAU [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN released that much through out the years, but in the latter [PERVERTED TASTE]
years that has started to happen a lot and the band seems Its impossible to have an idea on how many bands are
very much active nowadays. playing metal these days, I mean the depths of the world-
Raw and grim death metal with a good dose of black metal wide underground scenes are to immense that some are
mixed into the melting pot is what the band delivers. It is only known to a few selected persons, usually friends. I
ugly as hell, the guitar tone is raw, the production is sim- can't say Rivendell is an unknown act since they have
ple and straight to the bone, everything is as it should be. already released two albums prior to "Farewell" but still I'm
The compositions are pretty simple and straight ahead sure most of you fans of bands like Finntroll or Falkenbach
with some good breaks and pace shifts, the band are also never heard of this one man band hailing from Austria and
incorporating some good twisted melodies into the battle, you don't know what you are missing!! "Farewell" marks
and they work well, keeps the music interesting and serves Rivendell's history as the first album for the German label
as hooks, so one can remember the tracks. Perverted Taste after two titles on Skaldic Art Productions
At first the vocals are a hard lump to swallow, they are very (label of Vratyas Vakyas, the man behind Falkenbach),
slow, almost regurgitated at times, a raw rasp, moving "Elven Tears" in 2003 and the debut "The Ancient Glory" in
slowly forward, about half the speed of the music, which 2000. Unfortunately I was also among those who never
makes it twisted at first, but with time it starts to work out heard of the talented Falagar before, so these two albums
for the better and gives the final output quite a special passed aside me and I can say much about the progress of
atmosphere. The speed of the music is interesting, it goes the band. Still its easy to enter and be astonished by the
up and down all the time, especially the drum work is excel- dreamy Tolkienish world created by Falagar on "Farewell"...
lent, a blasting snare drum and kick drum extravaganza and with strong Folk influences this metal record has the abili-
ty to travel through time to distinct historical periods from
the bravery of the Viking era to the exotism of the Eastern
countries and then back to middle age. This third opus has
a constant melodic pulse in all songs, even the more
aggressive parts (like on the black metal styled song 'Back
To Lands We Once Did Know') are harmonious. All songs
PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT : EMBALMED MADNESS were written and played by Falagar and besides the usual
[UNMATCHED BRUTALITY RECORDS] guitars, drums, vocals (mostly clean folk-styled) we also
I first heard this Dutch band upon the release of their second album "Deeds Of Derangement" which was released in have traditional instruments like flute, violin, accordion,
2003 by Morbid Records. This is the band's debut album which has been re-released by Unmatched Brutality. The mandolin or the Indian Sitar that gives the necessary vibe
in Rivendell. This is for sure a precious gem that the
original release was made by Dismemberment Records in 2001 and limited to 500 copies, so that one has been gone Austrian scene was hiding for too long! [7.5] NUNO SANTOS
for a while. Though now it's available again together with 5 bonus tracks, the songs from the band's "Disfigure"
demo from 2000, so a real treat we get here. It was also made a new cover artwork for this release, even though it SABATON : PRIMO VICTORIA
[BLACK LODGE]
pictures the same as the original artwork, it's not as offensive here, due to it being a pure illustration.
With song titles like "Panzer Batallion" and "Stalingrad", one
Heavy and down tuned gore/grind death metal is what the nice Dutchmen delivers. Heavy and catchy main riffs, very
might mistake Sabaton for another WWII obsessed black
captivating while dragging the listener into the tracks. Extreme and blasting drumming, not much rest for neither the metal band. But, fortunately or unfortunately (according to
kick drums nor the snare. An extreme heavy and pumping bass, rumbling away, keeping the rhythm in awe. A killer one's personal tastes), these Swedes are not on Marduk's
growl, guttural as fuck, at times turned into a wicked scream, but the growl takes the price. Relentless, ugly and side of the bunker, rather on Hammerfall's! Yes, this is
more than competent heavy/power metal fronted by a
grim as hell. The production is raw, but pretty good and fitting, considered the music it is supporting. There are
REVENGE : [Link] singer lower than most. In fact, most of my interest on this
some white noise here and there, but the music is blasted out of the speakers, the drums sound okay, though a bit [OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS] record was motivated by the capacity that this band has for
artificial here and there, I suspect it to be programmed drums, but they do actually sound pretty good and fitting and variation, and the vocals certainly suit that. At least it sure
The decay of the western world has been object of
adds brutality to the whole bloody scenery. makes a change from Cans and Co. and I'm sure fans of
philosophical debate for a couple of centuries, and it this type of music will find this a pleasurable listen.
This is the display of the start of this band's glorious career, Prostitute Disfigurement has just released their 3rd
was only a matter of time for extreme metal artists to Still, despite the excellent sound (after all, this is an Abyss
album and haven't strayed from the path they laid clear on this first album, and their demo. If you are into death product!) and the musicianship on display here, I find my
start sucking inspiration from the 'ways of the world'.
metal, this is a mandatory album and the band will soon go into the history and become as important as Cannibal curiosity decaying as the record goes on, perhaps because
But if Satyricon's Post-Black Metal opus "Rebel
Corpse, Suffocation and the likes! [9] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN the first four songs are possibly the strongest, with the
Extravaganza" raved in the gloomy pleasures of decay opening one "Primo Victoria" being a real heavy metal
to good aesthetical effect, Revenge is altogether punch with an epic feel that sticks to your ear.
PSYOPUS : IDEAS OF REFERENCE REPUGNANT : EPITOME OF DARKNESS something else. Something camouflaged beyond a Power metal is obviously a not very innovative style of
[REFLECTIONS RECORDS] [SOULSELLER RECORDS] music, but this is well performed and varied enough for a
wall of extreme sonic violence. J. Read (ex-Conqueror)
Another "core"... another strike! Oh yeah, baby! Mathcore There are albums not meant to be heard by the new breed good mark. And, like I said, I like the vocals and the dra-
has gotten itself a new interesting hyper-tech band. of metal fans simply because they will most likely not and Pete Helmkamp (ex-Order From Chaos and matic treatment they give some of the tracks, with the full
Sometimes it gets boring to review CDs where you know understand or appreciate. "Epitome Of Darkness" belongs Angelcorpse) have teamed up to create a machine of choruses and keyboards. And check out that lovely accent
what you'll find and you know for sure that it will be painful to that "category" and should certainly be placed in a shelf pure and utter cosmic destruction and, I daresay, they on the chorus of "Panzer Batallion"! [7] MIGUEL SOUSA
to do the critic, but when I get good "core" CDs the scenario along with the smelly late eighties, early nineties death have succeeded! No traces of melody are to be found
changes completely. There's a whole new movement - which metal vinyl records that any proud headbanger should
in this raw and unpolished celebration of extreme
SACRIVERSUM : SIGMA DRACONIS
started like 10 years ago approximately - that is totally possess in their collections. Unfortunately it's their first [METAL MIND RECORDS]
impossible to get indifferent with; we're getting hit by these and last album since this Swedish band split-up after it. musical brutality where guitar and bass smother the If you like driven, power-tinged gothic metal, then I've got
new American bands, and some of you are really pissed off Gladly for all of us they still had time to bomb us with 10 unaware listener to a relentless succession of hyper- a treat to tell you about. Too much Goth out there is just
about Metalcore and Emocore. But this is no Metalcore, songs of well crafted old school death metal in the vein of speed drumming! "Iron Intolerance" is pure blastbeat same old, same old. How much can you take? Well, maybe
O.K.? This is the SHIT. I tell you what: get drunk really bad, old Entombed/Nihilist. In fact this is more a gathering of a little bit more once you get your paws on this disc. While
mania, with "Traitor Crucifixion" guaranteeing total
take some acids and go to a strip tease bar. During that trip selected songs from all their demos and Eps, starting from Sacriversum does anchor itself in the standard lovely
get your hear phones plugged into your ears and put "Spawn of Pure Malevolence" '98 Demo to the "Premature neural annihilation. "Hate Oath" might be a bit more female vocals and powerish, melodic metal songwriting, it
Psyopus' "Ideas Of Reference" playing. The result? You Burial" '04 Ep released also by Soulseller Records. So this moderate speed wise, but doubles the heaviness and doesn't stick with merely that. The band chose to go
won't be able to tell. Maybe you'll feel dead and numb, but means that for a Repugnant fan most of the material is the distorted intensity of Read and Helmkamp's instru- beyond the mere staples of conventional Goth metal trap-
still, you won't tell a thing about what struck you in the head. already known with the exception of 3 songs 'Hungry Are ments. But more than musical extremism, "Victory. pings to do something to distinguish itself, always the
So, I wasn't talking about Limp Bizkit. I can't quite describe The Damned', 'Eating From A Coffin' and 'Another Vision'. mark of a good band. The music has also incorporated ele-
exactly what goes on the minds of Pysopus guys, but they While most bands nowadays seek a great production it's Intolerance. Mastery" is a brilliant aesthetic achieve- ments of thrash at times and grinding vocals also figure
love jazz, Cynic and The Dillinger Escape Plan. Both guitar incredible to see that others, like Repugnant can recreate a ment fuelled and inspired by a decay that demands into the textures of the music. Sometimes just blending
works are out of descriptive words, as well as the drums sound used 15-20 years ago. This is a memory arouser annihilation, not revel. That is why this is such a heavy and pretty doesn't work; it's an obvious ploy to be
blasting (beats) breaks; add some harsh hardcore vocals, tool to all old death metal bastards! [8] NUNO SANTOS severe opus, the musical encoding of a categorical "dynamic." But sometimes it does, indeed, work. Here's a
abstract lyrics, and cook it during 43.17 minutes: dinner is case of the latter. It is beauty-and-the-beast metal (a term
denial of weakness and an apology of strength. The
served. Forget the trendy goth and emocore wave; crush'em REQUIEM AETERNAM : PHILOSOPHER I lifted from [Link], dunno where they got it), an
all and listen to "Ideas Of Reference". I'm sure you'll run to [ICORP] post-modern mankind is moribund, Revenge are here increasingly popular flavour these days. But something
your nearest records store and buy it. [9.5] SIMÃO FONSECA Until now I have found over 250 different ways to classify to collect the spoils. [9] MIGUEL SOUSA that gives this an edge in its possibly small but still over-

58 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
 Aggression" doesn't represent a major breakthrough when same time, gives them a great advantage against the rest of
it comes to originality, Scenteria is a band that appears to death metallers that strive for recognition and/or a contract.
have a lot to offer in the future so we'll have to keep an eye Members of this death combo have previously offered their
on them. [7.5] SUSANA FERNANDES services to respected ensembles, like Broken Hope, a fact
that makes perfect sense. Otherwise, these concrete
SCHIZO : MAIN FRAME COLLAPSE arrangements and solid metal riffs would seem to have
[AVANTGARDE MUSIC]
come out of the blue. For some strange reasons (even my
First time ever released on CD this 1988 classic album shrink can't scientifically justify), good death metal always
remains for many as a hidden jewel straight from the makes my day! No matter the worries, no matter the taxes
depths of the not so much prolific Italian Thrash Metal and the unpaid bills, a piece of well-performed death metal
movement. Together with Bulldozer and Necrodeath they music will magically solve all of my problems! At least I
lead the scene however like their two country fellows they think so. And imagine that I am not quite the most lunatic
never achieved a big success compared to bands like fan of this genre. Therefore, witnessing extreme musicians
Slayer, Kreator, Sodom or Metallica most likely due to a not letting their passion for music run dry, even if their for-
bad promoted album, weak distribution channels... mer bands demise, and still wish to unleash death
"Main Frame Collapse" is their debut and only album, it
"assaults" not only makes my day, but also springs promis-
shows a simple and rawer Thrash metal influenced by
es for the future. My only objection goes to the ambient,
bands like Sodom, Hellhammer or Venom. Prior to this
introductory to each song, passages that appear here, since
record Ingo of Necrodeath entered the band to handle the
I fail to find a reason that will accurately explain their exis-
vocals and marked the path of the band with a more Trashy
tence. With a notch of grind spreading here and there, this
styled musical approach, clearly present on "Main Frame
promo sums up, to my ears, all the qualities that modern
Collapse". I wonder if the fact that the band nowadays is
looking for a label to release their 2nd opus entitled day death metal squads should carry along. It may not
"Cicatriz Black" has anything to do with the timing for this bring fresh air, but it strengthens the quality rates of the
RITUAL CARNAGE : I, INFIDEL re-release, nevertheless this is a essential piece of work for scene. As a matter of fact, who needs 'fresh' air, in 'death'
[OSMOSE PRODUCTIONS] metal? Dear label owners and A&R personnel's, I'm not
all old bastards into Thrash Metal that do not possess the
With this fourth album for Osmose, the Japanese / American Thrash Metal leviathan Ritual Carnage continue to sur- vinyl version! [7] NUNO SANTOS writing their address for nothing... [7] JOHN ZIKOS
prise with their musical growth. "I, Infidel" is as menacing as the awesome front cover by Joe Petagno (he of
Motörhead fame) suggests, with the band reaching new heights of technical excellence as displayed on the tremen-
SERIAL BUTCHER : GENOCIDE LANDSCAPE MARTIAL BARRAGE : HAIL THE VALKELION
[DEEPSEND RECORDS] These Canadians’ demo has certainly come to the wrong
dous "Do Not Resuscitate", a sombre track with lyrics influenced by Edgar Allan Poe. It is clear that Ritual Carnage This new Belgian band, which partly is being promoted reviewer! What I mean is that I never got to love Death /
know where they are going and exploring their instruments is a priority in that path, with the band often venturing featuring a Leng Tch'e member, which of course is natural Grind stuff (well, with quite a few exceptions), so the 4
into the techno-thrash territory where both guitarists (Eddie and Wataru) give wings to their creativity. These considering the popularity that band lately has got. It is songs on “Hail the Valkelion” just speak nothing to me!
moments offer some wondrous guitar duelling to the listener's pleasure, like on the savage "Axion". Ritual Carnage Leng Tch'e bassist Nicolas, who here is handling the gui- Quite impartially, I can note that the demo must be taken
tar, and he is joined by drummer and guitarist Nico and for a sign that Martial Barrage have reached the moment
move farther and farther from the retro thrash tag to which they might have been associated, thus evolving from vocalist Steven. when they got skilled enough that to think of releasing a
their Slayer and Kreator roots to create their own brand of quality Thrash. Danny has left the bass playing to new Serial Butcher, gotta love that name, is delivering brutal as studio album. And such one is already a reality actually - it
man Hiroyuki so he can fully concentrate on vocals, and this is possibly why he has delivered his best vocal per- fuck death/grind with a good slap of gore in the mix. The calls “Call of the Serapeum” and can be ordered from
formance to date (we're talking about the Vio-lence school of vocals here). grinding guitar work is catchy and heavy maelstrom after Sinister Sounds. [5] VANYA MARINOVA
maelstrom of poisonous riffs are being spewed forth, bru-
Anyway, after listening to "I, Infidel" a few times, it still amazes me how these lunatics can spit forth tune after tune
tally without mercy of any kind only disrupted by a noisy MIND-A-STRAY : SIGN OF VICTORY
of the most vicious and venomous thrash metal available in these days. Glorious! [8.5] MIGUEL SOUSA lead here and there. The drumming is merciless as well, After some demos, a couple line-up and name changes, in
pounding kick drums, a punishing snare drum, effective 2000, Tiihonen (rhythm guitar, back-vocals) decided to start
fills and crashing cymbals. The vocals are guttural and just Mind-A-Stray with a solid line-up of Ilvonen (vocals),
populated (in my opinion) genre is a certain spark to the tional necro black metal played with hints of Pagan Metal as brutal and relentless as the rest of the recording and Hoffrén (bass, back vocals, keys), Lappalainen (solo guitar)
frontlady's vocals that give her a little more personality elements, mainman Werwolf also showcase here stronger growled with a small variation consisting of some inhu- and Lehtosaari (drums), who entered in Mind-A-Stray after
than some run of the mill, operatic Goth metal power songwriting skills. Alternating between more melodic pas- mane screams, causing shivers down the back. the demo record.
chick. I hate to say it, but there are a lot of pretty voices out sages to rockier moments and relentless blast sections, the Composition-wise the songs are pretty standard within the This self released demo with 3 tracks of a classic
there in the Goth metal scene - most of them quite nice - music benefits from the minimalistic (yet really good) 4- genre with signs of brilliancy here and there, like in heavy/thrash metal with hardrock influences differs nothing
but it all starts to run together at some point. Fortunately, track production. I'll end claiming that beyond the futile 'Cum/Gut/Expulsion', where the band goes into a atmos-
from any other classic heavy metal band. The sound is
between the successful fusion of disparate musical ele- political reserves some may have concerning Satanic pheric and quite slow part where the riffing is an obvious
good, very well produced and played with a versatile voice.
ments and the quality of the female singer's voice, this act Warmaster, we have here a great album of non-commercial, tribute to Cannibal Corpse, before going into a nice solo
Mind-A-Stray have the quality in their songs like any other
stands out. All told, a strong entry in the gothic metal underground Black Metal. Advice: get the great-looking LP and back into the main riff.
finish band. Finland is really full of bands with great pro-
scene. [7.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN version of this album if you can! [8] ERIC MASSICOTTE For fans of utter brutality, this is one of the best releases
ductions. However there is nothing new in this demo, it's
right now, I got very surprised by this band and the way
SAPROGENIC : THE WET SOUND OF FLESH ON SATUREYE : WHERE FLESH AND DIVINITY COLLIDE they plough through the masses of brutality and leaves good but it lacks originality. I guess that with some innova-
CONCRETE [KARMAGEDDON MEDIA] back an enormous impact and lust for more. There are tion it could be better. Mind-A-Stray's demo ends with
[DEEPSEND RECORDS] The violent forces of death metal and thrash meet head-on many promising death metal bands on the scene right now, some different parts of the whole that they could explore
American Saprogenic is one of the bands that has been in a crushingly destructive force known as Satureye. "Where and this one has just got into that list, it is going to be great more in some future releases. [6.5] NUNO CARVALHO
talked quite a bit about in the underground death metal Flesh and Divinity Collide" boasts incredibly charging to hear more material from this slaying Belgian trio, they
scene, I've heard a bit about them as well, but have to thrash-it-up grooves providing the super killer overdrive to have what it takes. [8.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN OF INFINITY : THE ESSENCE OF INFINITY
admit that this is my first encounter with their music. this revved up, tachometer-blowing metal rave-on. The Of Infinity was born in 1999, gathering its members from
Brutal and heavy death metal with pummelling bass drums sheer energy is blistering and whooshes past like a subway SERPENTIA : NAILS ENIGMA distant states of America - Texas, New Jersey and
and a guttural growl beyond belief is how Saprogenic pres- train going way too damn fast. The thrash-isn't-dead [METAL MIND RECORDS] Arkansas. Their first Cd, "The Essence of Infinity" was
ent their variation of death metal. propulsion serves as the sturdy skeleton to Satureye's pro- The opening track on Serpentia's "Nails Enigma" is mis- released last year, with only 3 tracks and a length of 17
There is a great flow in the music, and it more or less ficient slab of extremity. Death metal also adds its intensity leading but in a reasonably artistically legitimate way. If you minutes. Despite the shortness of the Cd, they've success-
immediately carry the listener away on a wave of head- to the merciless beating inflicted upon the unwitting listen- heard only the initial instrumental number on this CD, with fully created an appealing mood with the gothic sonority of
banging and maniacal moshing, it is damn hard to sit still er. Building around the breathtaking speed and grooves, its downright folk-inspired flavour that blooms into what keyboards and violin, accompanied by the heavier touch of
while listening to this album. There is a heavy groove pres- death adds its intensity and heaviness, cementing promises to be a sweetly powerful power metal set list, drums and guitars.
ent through all the songs, and together with some good Satureye's qualification as a band that knows how to pro- you'd expect, um, power metal (how many times can I use The only thing that doesn't seem to go along with the
hooking guitar riffs, it is easy to get into the music. The low duce solid hard metal. Occasionally you'll hear such drivel a form of the word power in one fucking sentence, any- whole is the female vocals, which aren't that impressive.
guttural and ultra brutal growl adds a lot of darkness and as this: "Thrash is dead." Just remember, these people are way?). The truth of the matter is that this gorgeous open- Alessandra Zinicola, lead singer, states as her influences
evilness to the final output. It is also mixed low in the sound liars and not to be trusted, not musically, anyway. While ing track is the setup for your being being crushed (repet- bands like Nightwish or Theatre of Tragedy, but her voice
picture, a nice effect, which isn't used that much anymore, Satureye's molten metal might not be, strictly speaking, itive today, ain't!?) by a blackish death attack. Lighter relates more easily to The Gathering, although in a weaker
but I really like the darkness that it invokes. The composi- thrash - there's just as much death abounding in what's (that's relatively speaking, you understand) segments of level.
tions are well made and built very reasonable, the band going on here - there is still plenty of the ol' mosh energy of song achieve almost progressive metal structures, but this Anyway, "The Essence of Infinity" is definitely a release to
knows what they are capable of, and does it and execute it thrash. Listen to this CD and tell me if you don't want to get can at a moment's notice surge into chunky death crunch. enjoy, and it gives us a glimpse of the quality this project
well. There are some good breaks and many pace shifts, so to writhing around like a seizure patient on crystal meth. Go But the death growl isn't the only oral outpouring here. may have to offer in the future. [6.5] SUSANA FERNANDES
even if the final output isn't neck breaking technically, they ahead, I dare you. Can you take it? [7] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN Solid baritone clean singing finds its way into the mix at
know how to make the music interesting and varied. This is times, as well. All told, there's a respectable dynamism SABATAN : LIKE A BULLET IN THE BRAIN
a stellar example of good skull crushing death metal, heavy SCAVENGER : METHOD TO OUR MADNESS here, proving that competent songwriting rules the day Here come the Spaniards again. In 2000 I had reviewed
and devastating, it simply moves forward and relentlessly [SENTINEL RECORDS] more than uncontrolled mayhem. [6] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN their first demo called "Metal Louder". It was just what you
crushes all that comes in the way. The production is nice In a power metal scene often overcrowded with cheesy
can call brilliant. Raw metal in the vein of old great bands.
and dark and the instruments sound good and are well- bandwagon jumper acts more concerned with how they SETH : ERA DECAY So I was eagerly expecting their follow up which was very
placed in the mix. The variation of blasting parts and mid- look in promo pictures than with their music, Scavenger [AVANTGARDE MUSIC]
much delayed (end of 2003), due to the change of singer
tempo crushers are good and the overall musical perform- are certainly a breath of fresh air with their peculiar brand "Era Decay" is Seth's fourth full-length album and it gives
Miguel Pulido. He was replaced by Miguel Corte-Real, com-
ance is very acceptable, together with the good composi- of Heavy Metal that owes more to the NWOBHM than to proof of strong and mature band. My impression is that
ing from a rock band called Arya. After listening to their
tions. And all fans of guttural and low vocals will dig the the current legion of continental power metal worshipers. especially with their third album "Divine-X", Seth took a
vocal in this album, that's for sure. This is a very enjoyable I am sure that the fact that "Method to our Madness" is an new 4 track demo called "Like A Bullet In The Brain" I got
more defined course within the Black Metal übergenre. It
album that all death metal fans should get into, the deeds Emerald Island export has something to do with this. is a mixture of melodic, fast, technical, sometimes a bit the exact same feeling as the title. It was just like someone
of old school American death metal, fused together with Besides, the Stuart Anstis (Ex-Cradle Of Filth) might have experimental (for example on the instrumental song shot me in the head from a close range. A totally different
newer and more technical atrocity, a nice slap of gore also contributed to the album's British atmosphere! "Ascention"), but also somehow controlled, thus with no sound with rhythmless songs, not well tied together and
straight into the living rooms. [8] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN Anyway, this is pretty damn good for a debut since it dis- place for flaws. This is enhanced by the professional pro- with a voice trying to imitate David Coverdale in a lot of
plays quite a lot of personalised musical maturity, which duction by the well-known Excess Studio from Rotterdam. moments. The old horse pounding riffs were absent, a
SATAN’S HOST : BURNING THE BORN... (A NEW means that Maiden and Priest influences are recycled with This is where I think some rawness got lost. The produc- clearly polished sound for the masses and a lack of inspira-
PHILOSOPHY) good consequences for the metal environment! The sound tion is so well done that it all tends to get a bit too clinical tion, originality or even a mainstream metal beat. I barely
[SELF RELEASED] quality deserves improvement, but that doesn't affect my (here I am for example referring to the triggered sound of listened to the end of the Cd and I don't think their effort to
I admit that I asked to review this album out of pure curios- opinion that Scavenger know how to let a song flow, the base-drum). Of course I understand that for a band like find a decent company contract will soon be rewarded. I
ity. I've been searching for years for an original LP copy of rejecting the fast n'cheesy power metal choruses in favour Seth it is important to hear every instrument properly on sincerely expected more from a band that opened for the
"Metal From Hell" but always it goes too high in prices. of a sober combination of healthy doses of melody and the CD, since the music leans on a lot of small details and mighty Saxon in the past. [3.5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
When I had listened to it, my opinion wasn't very good, but Megadeth style thrashy riffing, like on the 9 minute long technical structures which, on their turn, would pass
I had a lousy sound copy. We deal with a black metal band "Prisoner Of Time". The more recent Rage albums also unnoticed with an inferior production. Therefore I think SIRIAKAL : NIGHT N’ LIGHT
in a Norwegian vein. All the standards are present. Corpse spring to mind, with Scavenger adopting a similar musical there should be more of a balance between these ele- Siriakal released their first demo in 2004, entitled "Night n'
paint, fast and furious drumming, growling vocals and attitude. It is no wonder Sentinel Records thought "Method ments, but at the same time I know how fucking difficult it Light", composed of four black metal tracks in what, I must
satanic titles. The difference is that all these elements are to our Madness" to be worth releasing! is to achieve this. say, with a terrible production. I mean, the production is so
neatly put together with a very careful introduction of All in all, these Irish boys might well be on the way of mak- But I definitely don't want to mislead you into thinking this bad that it leaves little room to try to understand the quality
melody underlying in most of the tracks. A very hon- ing a name for themselves if the music business is in the is not a good album. It is! Seth is a very interesting band, of the musicians itself.
ourable effort indeed, which can capture one's ears even if mood for it! [7] MIGUEL SOUSA yet with originality an untrained ear might not notice The guitars don't sound that bad (sometimes), but the bass
black metal isn't your favourite genre. The general feeling immediately! For example the last track "The blade upon is way too loud and the drums aren't powerful enough. Not
that the 4 crazy Americans create is hell in all its magni- SCENTERIA : ART OF AGGRESSION mankind"... There are some parts here which are dark and to mention the voice: a failed attempt at growling some-
tude. A fiery front cover comes to support the hellish [NEW AEON MEDIA] twisted in a very uncommon fashion, ending up creating thing with a Spanish accent that I can't decode without the
music and the mystical surrounding. All Satan's Host "Art of Aggression" is the first album by the Swedish band quite eerie atmospheres. Heimoth (the main composer) help of a lyrics sheet, which is inexistent by the way. The
legions worldwide won't be disappointed from the band's Scenteria, formed in 2002. After three successful demos, has quite a unique way of creating these atmospheres and chorus on the third track, "War in the Vulture Land", actually
attempt to re-write history. [6.5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS the band caught the eye of a couple of record labels and only sporadically he turns to the synthesizer for this pur- made me laugh...
ended up signing with the New Aeon Media, which pose. But when he does, he does it right, and with the In spite of not wanting to condemn this project to eternal
SATANIC WARMASTER : CARELIAN SATANIST released the album in 2004. proper modesty. As for the guitars, they project a much obscurity, I must confess it needs some serious changes if
MADNESS In a Death/Thrash style, the 9 tracks of the album offer us studied way of riffing, wherein both guitars intertwine each
they wish to make it in the real world. Finding a new guy
[NO COLOURS RECORDS] 40 minutes of melodic riffs, powerful drum action and other and end up flowing together as rather technical har-
for the vocals and a decent production would definitely be a
"Carelian Satanist madness" is most probably the best vocals, in a quality production that will surely pump loads monies. The bass (played by Helldryk) also has an impor-
start. [2] SUSANA FERNANDES
album from Satanic Warmaster so far. Offering the tradi- of energy into your blood stream. Although "Art of tant role, sometimes even carrying the main melody (just

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 59
listen to the track "A Pallbearer's Gloom"!). be) solo in the end. 'Invocation' slows down turning into a "Confrontation", and the instrumental "Another Cheap beats. This time they didn't went that far testing new ideas
One thing is for sure, if you liked the "Divine-X" album, boring riffing song with an even more tedious drum Brand of Luck" adds a touch of Southern charm and hos- - at least compared with their other records -, since Red
you'll probably like "Era-Decay" more! [8] TARAS VAN DIJK machine. This ends with 'Waste Of The Coldest Soul' pitality, to all the chaos that's surrounding it. The fiery for Fire is a conscious return to their Viking roots and so,
where he manage to create some interesting guitar pas- cover art, featuring an armour clad warrior, in full battle less focused on the experimentation. Perhaps in a time
sages that not only enrich the song but gives the neces- gear, is a far cry from the usual feminine, who adorns their where the motto "avant-garde" lost its total significance
sary variation not to end in mediocrity. All in all let's not covers. [7] CHRIS HORTON and it's often confused with the "hey-look-at-me-I'm-dif-
forget that it's only a demo, yet better sounding than many ferent!!" attitude, these guys decided to take a step back
black metal records... it only lacks originality, soul and SOLACE IN THE SHADOWS : THE SCREAMING and explored another vision of their music, more straight-
dynamism. [4] NUNO SANTOS TO SURVIVE EP forward and focused but maintaining all those trademarks
[RED CANDLE RECORDS] we know - and like - about them (the sax on the first song
SINCE THE DAY : EL MENSAJERO NO ES The black thrash attack of S.I.T.S. is technically proficient makes us immediately remember their previous album In
IMPORTANTE in instrumental execution and blends speed aggression Harmonia Universali). Also their epic feeling continues
[BASTARDIZED RECORDINGS] with melodic considerations on the songwriting end of truly untouchable and the common use of female vocals in
The metalcore scene is really blooming these days, new things and grounds it all (or, rather, does anything but tie the album plus the good production help to maintain their
bands seem to pop up from everywhere, especially in it down to the ground!) with a hooky groove that snatches sound fresh. Perhaps this album will take them to a wider
America, but Germany has also been a steady deliverer of you nearly from the beginning and carries you to bullet spectre of public recognition in opposition to their cult sta-
metalcore bands through some years. One of the new acts speed with a quickness. Stabbing forward with devilish tus on the post-black metal area. Nonetheless, this CD has
on the German scene is Since The Day, which now are pacing, utilizing the ultra groove that's the heartbeat of a problem that a band with five albums should have
ready with their first full length album. thrash but executing it with the utmost modern style. On learned to fix: its inconsistency - all in all, the album still
This is one of the more hardcore driven bands I have laid display here is accomplished control of instruments, solid has a melting pot effect on the listener. However, the best
ears to in a while. A harsh and direct hardcore bottom, playing and tight structuring. This is extreme metal that parts on it should maintain the will to press the play but-
spiced up with melodic leads, behind the heavy guitar wall, embraces the speed and the heaviness and sounds like a ton over and over again. At least it worked that way with
we have a rumbling bass, and the drums… the drum work good example of what the European metal scene has been me. [7.5] GUILHERMINO MARTINS
isn't that exciting, but it keeps the rhythm and gives us a offering on its platter for a while. For personality's sake,
SHAARIMOTH : CURRENT 11 bit of off beat extravaganza here and there. The rhythm there's just a hint of blackness to this teflon rush of metal SOTAJUMALA : DEATH METAL FINLAND
[CARNAL RECORDS] section seems tight as well. Though the song writing intensity, a slice of the dark side (as if metal this heavy isn't [WOODCUT RECORDS]
seems a bit uninspired at times, I do once in a while catch already the product of the shadow inside!). The only com- This Finnish quartet plays the kind of technical death metal
Once in a while appears a band from nowhere and
myself in being bored while listening to this album. At plaint I would offer is strictly one of a personal nature - that many used to favour about ten years ago. Floridian
reveals to the world their ability to compose good times it seems like the music doesn't move forward, but there's nothing wrong with the execution whatsoever. It's death with hints of the Scandinavian sound are found
songs. The members of Shaarimoth are not newcom- stands still, and some of the songs are built upon the same just that sometimes this technical extreme metal that throughout and not much in terms trying to find an identi-
ers, in fact some may know Rune Andreassen and blueprint, of an ear catching beginning, a groove part, a somehow hampers (for me) the overall organic tone. ty in this mud. I'll admit that I am not a fan of most of the
Frode Ramsland by playing in Disiplin. However this soft or aggressive middle part and more groove. The high There is a certain sterility to the sound (this is a thing I influences I hear in there (Cannibal Corpse, Malevolent
guitar tone on some of the leads tends to be annoying as have with stuff that seems somehow too clinically techni- Creation etc) but I just can't see the point in rehashing this
is a total new story, "Current 11" is an intense death well, but it keeps me from dozing totally off though. cal, so it's probably just me) but what disadvantage there stuff up if you are not going to even try to find a sound for
metal journey through the occult depths of Sumerian Another annoying factor on this album is the vocals, the is, is mostly overridden by the sheer power and drive of yourself. I'll admit that they can play and that the drummer
mythology, where the listener is ritualistic pushed main scream is flat out hideous, it keeps on grinding away SitS's music. And, really, that's a critique of the whole sub- is mostly tight throughout, but they really need a hefty dose
straight to the dark abyss! in a monotonous tone, raw and raspy, which have fitted genre, not the band. If this is the brand of metal you enjoy, of Drumagog for those triggered bass drums, it sounds like
more in a black metal band, if hidden a bit more in the mix. then I think you'll find that Solace in the Shadows will give a drum machine that has faulty power input. What bothers
These Norwegians are blending bits of Morbid Angel,
The vocal are on top of the mix most of the time, and that you what you want. [7] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN me even more is how linear and predictable the production
Incantation, Behemoth, Nile and Deicide to create doesn't make it better. Some more variation than the clean and playing of these death bands have become. I don't
their own brutal style not to mention an uncommon nu-metal "whining" that the band uses on e.g. 'Lunar SOLDIER : SINS OF THE WARRIOR expect these guys to revolutionize things, just be a little for-
Eclipse' and 'Mascara Eyes' would have been nice. A harsh [HEAVY METAL RECORDS] ward thinking would be nice. [5] SIMON THIBAUDEAU
production that gives an incredible strength to the
hardcore base, melodies and a raspy vocal is this album Whoever is involved with the NWOBHM era surely knows
instruments. Just hear the first seconds of 'Flood The
summed up, this didn't wake something in me, rather the of "Sheralee", the infamous 7" that is sold in really high SOUL REAPER : LIFE RAZER
Cosmic Gates' and don't tell me that this isn't proba- opposite. [4] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN prices when found original. The band was formed in 1979 [KARMAGEDDON MEDIA]
bly one of the most intense songs you have ever but they couldn't find a steady line up nor a good contract, This band was formed from what was left of Dissection,
heard, brutal drumming, intense fast guitar riffs and a SINISTER : CREATIVE KILLINGS so in 1983 they split. Through the raging wave of recent and "Life Razer" was released in 2004 by Karmageddon
[KARMAGEDDON MEDIA] old band reunions, they have decided to reform in 2002 media. "A more brutal way of doing death metal in the
growling that makes David Vincent blush. One of the
This fifth full length is the only Sinister's album recorded with mostly original members. The material was there, Gothenburg area" they claim, and they are very much right.
things that I really like in Shaarimoth is that they for another label besides Nuclear Blast Records. The label waiting to be released, so they recorded that old stuff. The The cover art is primitive, but strangely appealing and the
manage to write brutal technical songs without was Hammerheart Records, in 2001. This release was the dark riffs and great power vocals have returned, proving general CD layout is not bad either. The music kicks in with
sounding too much complex at all. They look simple first Sinister work with Rachel on vocals and... I like it! Of that these old buzzards still got it. The outcome is a very "Godless Reaper of Souls" a fast death metal piece of work,
yet extremely dynamic and versatile, sometimes com- course Mike was really great as a vocalist but Rachel is nice album which was delayed for almost 20 years. Do leaving no disappointments to the dedicated fans whatso-
good too. Nice guitar compositions, with twisted details they have a chance to do something more or they just try ever. The production is a plus, a very good job in general
parable with old Morbid Angel. The material featured
and great riffs, sound somewhat like Cannibal Corpse. The to make some extra bucks for their pockets? The future yet nothing too overwhelming.
in "Current 11" is a bit old, recorded back in 2002 and drums have got enough power to sound like any other will show. But for all of us, lovers of that certain era, it's a The songwriting is steady and solid. The songs stand right
I just hope they are able to maintain the same quality Sinister release but... The major problem about "Creative must! [7] KOSTAS ANTONATOS between each other and even when viewed as a global.
on future releases. A record that will please all death Killings" is the bass. I cannot say if the bass is good or bad, Despite the obvious musical integrity present, the interest
metal maniacs since the band managed to grab all
I just can't hear it. Creative Killings ends with a Possessed SOLEFALD : RED FOR FIRE (AN ICELANDIC is lost at some point since not many monumental ideas are
cover, Storm in my mind, well executed. This ODYSSEY PART I) found in here.
death metal aspects that make a killer album, starting Karmageddon Media release includes the legendary [SEASON OF MIST] The title track "Liverazer" however is indeed impressive.
with interesting tempo changes, good vocals, extreme Sinister's "Perpetual Damnation" demo from '90 and a The one thing I always recall while listening to Solefald is The kick-ass named "the Devil's speech" is also a highlight.
drumming, you name it! Before you buy it I feel I Slayer cover, Praise of Death. Perpetual Damnation was the fact that these guys took the clean vocal's work very The riff work is found to be very good in certain parts of
totally remastered to get in this release but, if you know seriously since day one. Evolving from an already twisted the record here and there and this just might bring shivers
must warn you that this record has the ability to be
this cult demo, you're not gonna notice any big difference. black metal vision back in the early days to a current pro- down your spine. Soul Reaper existed more or less to fill
constantly in your stereo! [8.5] NUNO SANTOS Including "Perpetual Damnation" in this release is half way gressive mood, one will always know to expect the unex- in the gap left by Dissection. "Life Razer" is an album that
to compare Rachel to Mike voices. Sinister reformed in pected from each of their albums. Lazare and Cornelius are fully supports the band's existence, and although it may
middle 2005 due to letters from the many fans around the back with this Red for Fire, which is the first part of a saga not be the ultimate death metal breakthrough, it is worth
SHADOWSPHERE : DARKLANDS world. A newcomer drummer Paul, former bassist Alex about the Viking mythology and history. The second Cd noticing for many reasons. Take a look at the band mem-
[SELF RELEASED] Paul will move to guitar and drummer Aad moves to called Black for Death will be released in middle 2006. The bers for starters. [7] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS
What we're dealing with here is a really promising band Vocals. I wait anxiously for new work as good as the oth- album starts with an epic, quite melancholic and peaceful
from Portugal. In 2001 they had recorded a demo called ers. [6.5] NUNO CARVALHO tune "Sun I Call" with great female vocals and glorious SOULGRIND : THE ORIGINS OF THE PAGAN BLOOD
"Death And Dreaming". It was a great demo with a lousy aeons. The following tracks will take us back to the com- [HOLY RECORDS]
sound. Brutal vocals, right in your face, blackthrash metal. SKYCLAD : A SEMBLANCE OF NORMALITY mon Solefald sound with harsh and clean male vocals (of Finnish weirdoes Soulgrind are by now an experienced and
The greatest moment is the breath taking song "Forever". [DEMOLITION RECORDS] various kinds), heavy riffing and (mainly) mid tempo drum more than competent bunch, and if you're looking for the
2004 finds them, after suffering a lot of line up changes, What can I say about this band? One of the most influen-
with their first full length album called "DarkLands". It tial folklore metal bands that ever existed. A low profile
includes their first demo and a lot of new songs. A really compilation of excellent musicians that always gave their
professional attempt, illustrated cover and booklet, excel- absolute best to their fans. Political lyrics that kick ass and
lent lyrics dealing with their obsession for Bram Stoker's the violin as the trademark of their homeland tradition. Add
Dracula. The vocals remain brutal but this time the sound the excellent voice of Martin Walkyier and his aggressive
really supports their image, leading them to success. Full tempo and you have the glorious albums of their past with
compulsive songs that prove the band knows exactly what "Prince Of The Poverty Line" as their zenith, in my opinion.
they want. Again in the Swedish Death Metal vein, but But...all good things come to an end eventually. Martin had
influenced by old school thrash, these guys are gonna to step down due to financial problems. You see, Skyclad
make it! They deserve a shot to the top and I truly hope was never a rich band. After many experimentations the
they get it! Keep it going brothers! [7] KOSTAS ANTONATOS band decided to continue without him, having Kevin Ridley
take care of the vocals. That's where the whole salad gone
SHINING : IV / THE EERIE COLD bad. Even though the lyrics are still in top shape and
[AVANTGARDE MUSIC] Georgina Biddle's violin carries on, the metal sound is
I do not cut my wrist and bleed for my sins or feel guilty absent. It's like you hear the old tunes with a polished talk-
for my miserable existence and think 24/7 about suicide. ing-not singing voice in a dolby noise reduction environ-
Still, I can reckon that Shining is among the best bands in ment. On top of it, the logo of the band has changed as
the 'suicidal' genre. They have the cold and sterile sound, well, to my disappointment. The "Semblance Of Normality"
the clean production and the musicians to provide a solid isn't simply Skyclad. It's not even close to Folkemon (what
performance. Everything here is surrounded in a bleak a stupid name) for crying out loud. There are only a cou-
aura and the vocal delivery surely helps to drag in the lis- ple of songs still justifying their existence, like "Ten Little
tener. Having heard the earlier version of this album, I think Kingdoms" storying the division of Great Britain into sev-
the spoken word introduction was omitted from the final eral autonomous kingdoms in the past. I honestly see no STROMMOUSSHELD : HALFDECADANCE
retail version (but I am not sure). If I ever need to get lost reason for them to continue and become a bad image of [METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS]
in suicide-mania I would take Bethlehem's 'Dictius Te their exquisite past. [3] KOSTAS ANTONATOS
Before starting writing the present review, to be completely honest, I have to declare that my wave his not Industrial
Necare' anytime over any of the Shining albums but I think
that this new one is probably their best so far. Now let that SOILENT GREEN : CONFRONTATION Metal (besides a few old Fear Factory records that I like a lot) and ever lesser Electronic Metal, and aware the fact
dirty blood of yours stain you stereo. [8] ERIC MASSICOTTE [RELAPSE RECORDS] that Strommoussheld merge theses two styles in one joining some obscurity and mystery to it, to perform a Dark
Racing into oblivion, the winner is, Grindcore gurus Industrial Electronic Metal, at first instance, I easily could look to this album scarcely with indifference and not being
SIGILLUM DIABOLI : SIGILLUM DIABOLI Soilent Green (a band I've heard so much about, thus was
the perfect appraiser for it. But no, far from it, much on the contrary! I am marvellous with Strommoussheld! There
[BLASPHEMOUS UNDERGROUND PRODUCTIONS] curious to hear, first-hand, for myself). Blending Tommy
Typical cold and grim Norwegian black metal, simple as Buckley's blast beats, and infinite time and tempo is no other like 'Halfdecadance'. We are taken to another dimension, another Universe, a mysterious one, cybernetic,
that! Sigillum Diaboli is a Russian one man project creat- changes, with the Phil Anselmo style, vocal, attack of Ben avant-garde, dark; where we breathe an industrial atmosphere in an electronic futuristic Era, melting metal with flesh
ed by Taedium Vitae in 2003 and this is their demo (origi- Falgoust, and the monster, Sabbath, riffs of Brian Patton in a perfect symbiosis men-machine full of ambiguous sensation and emotional contradictions. Strommoussheld's
nally released by Orthodox Productions) pressed in CD. and Tony White, the killer "Leaves of Three" is a definitive, Halfdecadance looks like the world of Stanislaw Lem's Solaris, where a single planet, a single being, awake and
This has all the elements of a decent black metal album, icy lesson in violence, digging the meathook in, pulling out
cold riffing, ritualistic drumming (sometimes too monoto- bodily organs, and leaving entrails in its wake. The irony of change the emotions of the surrounding livings beings metaphysically. Like in Solaris, in Halfdecadance the same
nous for me) and summoning alike vocalisation (probably "Forgive and Regret" is that it won't, combining a Punk events take place. 'Halfdecadance' is an EP establishing a bridge between 'Behind the Curtain' and the forthcoming
the best part on Sigillum Diaboli). This short 19 minute mentality, with hints of Black Sabbath creeping in. "Pretty full-length that will come this year, and looking to the present record, I only can remain curious about or even anx-
Mcd opens with organ alike synths and explodes with Smiles & Shattered Teeth" is pretty much self-explanatory, ious. A standing ovation to Strommoussheld for their originality, their contribution to expand metal far beyond imag-
'There Darkness Rules Over Light', a fast drum machine with similar results, akin to being punched in the face by a
ine, providing us, and certainly to the world of Metal, a perfect combination between metal, industrial and electronic,
alike black metal song with sharp one dimensional riffing, steel fist. Once again Sab influenced, "Theory of Pride in
then follows 'Inquisition Delight' in the same path, Tragedy" is a moshers dream come true, that's sure to go never leaving to be a Metal item. And what to say about that vocal touch giver of all the dark side against the impres-
'Wandering' is slightly more dynamic with a guitar (wanna over well live, and is one of my personal favourites on siveness of light? [9] CARLOS FILIPE

60 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
mid-term between Emperor and The Gathering, you prob- metal ideas. The heavy factor is mixed extensively with a of European power metal, but has enough thick, organic year pause "Nebelkampfe" is clearly a continuation of their
ably will find it in "The Origins of the Pagan Blood". In other shiny -yet- frozen sound production. There are many mem- presence (but not so thick as to weigh down the stratos- '98 "Ilmarsj" demo tape with more mature arrangements
words, the pastoral love for melody of the authors of orable moments able to keep us all focused, giving this pheric soaring of the music) to avoid my distaste. Sort of like and a better production. [7.5] NUNO SANTOS
"Nighttime Birds" and the symphonic complexities of the effort a high standard grade and very well done. "Sturmgeist it's got the proficiency of Euro and modern metal but with a
Norwegian black metallers are both here, constituting, as a is for all the party in man.". [8] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS taste of classic metal's approachability. It's a perfect blend. TENEBRAE IN PERPETUUM : ANTICO MISTICISMO
whole, a well crafted dark metal piece that could only come It's not too much on either side of the scale, for the most [DEBEMUR MORTI PRODUCTIONS]
from Finland! Yes, there's something very Finnish-sound- SUFFOCATION : HUMAN WASTE (RE-ISSUE) part. Guitars and keys resonate with engaging melodies and Due to the huge amount of black metal bands that prolific
ing in this 6 member band' music! The said fusion [RELAPSE RECORDS] there's even just enough sprinkling of 80s metal flavour to the metal scene it's almost impossible for a band to release
between melody and complex guitar and synth arrange- The first CD ever released on Relapse records has been spice things up a bit. [6] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN something original or even just unique in these days! Still
ments contributes to the dual mood of the record, with remastered and it comes with one deluxe bonus: two this Italian duet has managed to create not something orig-
catchy tunes like "The valley" and "Northlander" (songs with bonus tracks from the demo "Reincremation" available for SYSTEM SHOCK : ARCTIC INSIDE inal but quite impressive and even unmatched in its own
harsh black-metallish vocals in the verses and female the first time on CD. Suffocation was, maybe, the creator [KARMAGGEDON MEDIA] dark way! This is my first introduction to this band and I
singing in the choruses) parading side by side with haunt- of the brutal death metal genre, as we know it today, and Melodic death metal is somewhat of a misnomer because must say that they stand on their own feet, clearly not try-
ing tracks like "Red river" and "Circle of pain and glory". The no wonder that many brutal bands quote Suffocation as the minute a band is melodic it isn't death metal anymore, ing to merely copy what others have made so well but aim-
dual vocals and the keyboard laden songs are the definitive one as their most influential bands. Originally released in isn't it? Anyhow, System Shock is an early Dark Tranquility ing to compose songs that would transmit the feeling of
make-up of this record, but I particularly like the space left 1991, "Human Waste" was very likely, the beginning of the rip off that actually has some decent songs here and there total icy darkness and this is where many have failed.
for some classic metal soloing along the way, which helps "down-tuned death metal", combining high technical but doesn't have one original idea to its name. This CD is Simplicity is one of the strong points in Tenebrae In
keep things tight. Although this is definitely not my cup of riffage with the speed/demolishing "slayeresque" drum- quite enjoyable on a very superficial basis but as soon as Perpetuum but exhibited in a icy grim cold way that its hard
tea, I do admire Soulgrind's songwriting abilities, and I ming, not to mention the technical bass. Check out the you start listening closely you feel that this is the type of to even imagine. The furious varied guitar riffs, fast drum
believe "The Origins..." should definitely leave their fans classics "Jesus Wept" and "Human Waste" if you're not band that owes way too much to its predecessors to even work and a reverbed voice coming straight from the pits of
more than pleased when played in those dark rainy autumn familiar with the band, so that you have an idea of how qualify as good. While the bands that started this move- hell are the tools that "Antico Misticismo" uses to summon
days. [6.5] MIGUEL SOUSA important Suffocation was to the extreme metal scene. ment in the middle 90's try to do something different, to demons that are totally unknown for us, humans.
Enjoy "Involuntary Slaughter" and "Reincremation" from varying results I admit, these guys play the nostalgia game The crisp production makes all instruments take another
SPLATTERHOUSE : THE HOUSE THAT DEATH BUILT the hyper rare demo "Reincremation". The only flaw I've in an era where you have to push the envelope, one way or shape compared to other Black metal albums, this is cer-
[RAZORBACK RECORDS] found is the drums, because they're still very raw and with another, to actually have something interesting to say musi- tainly a plus in here still sometimes I wish the sound was a
These guys have taste, simple as that. I mean, covering a nowadays production it would sound much less like cally. This simply sucks the big one. [3] SIMON THIBAUDEAU bit more rawer and slightly less thin. What makes this an
Dahmer is a sign of good taste beyond belief. Dahmer is Slayer and less raw. I was expecting some "Souls To Deny" excellent release is the fact that the band manages to cre-
one of those bands that deserved a lot more credit that they production... [8] SIMÃO FONSECA TAUNUSHEIM : NEBELKAMPFE ate diverse riffing blended with constant tempo changes,
were given and to toil as long as they did in a completely [SCHWARZDORN PRODUCTION] where its impossible for the listener to ever think in words
dead scene is commendable. Unfortunately, good taste I guess that when mixing folk, pagan music with Black like boredom, annoyance, irritation or tedium. For all grim
doesn't necessarily mean that you can write good music. metal its hard not to end up sounding like Finntroll for icy cold black metal freaks! [8] NUNO SANTOS
Splatterhouse actually find themselves in the middle instance, however this Germanic band not only have
ground between the mediocre and the classic, like Dahmer. accomplished that but also released a debut album that TENEBROSUS : LOST AND FORGOTTEN
Their mid-tempo Gore-Metal is actually quite good but in immediately grabs the attention of the listener. [METAL MIND RECORDS]
the age of the Exhumed and Pig Destroyers of the world it Taunusheim is influenced by ancient Nordic sagas and glo- I got to know this Polish black metal horde through the
seems to me that they should up the tempo and little more rious battles that many bands have also sung about, still passion I have for the Finnish band Angmar, I once pur-
often because their mid-pace stuff is awesome. The high they transmit that period to their songs with varied mostly chased a mini CD with Angmar to check them out, and I
tempo grind that they manage to include here is simply slow to mid paced material. "Nebelkampfe" is a sublime found them good. Afterwards I tracked down a split tape
sub-par and doesn't have the low-end "thump" required to combination of folk with pagan metal hymns, the band with Angmar and Tenebrosus and liked what I heard from
catch my attention for too long. This is a band that actually uses here and there traditional instruments (like mouth Tenebrosus as well. Fast and furious black metal, in the
pulls off some incredible section of songs only to bore me harp, keyboard, flute or foghor) that gives the necessary vein many Swedish bands are known for. I later got the
for the rest of it. Consistency is the important word here folk atmosphere without turning the songs too much first full length album with Tenebrosus entitled "The Fall Of
and Splatterhouse simply doesn't have it right now. This is adorned. This is probably one of the things that set them Worthless Morals", which also turned out to be a good slap
a promising record though and I'll be keeping my ears open apart with acts like Finntroll, they turn out more dark and brutal yet melodic black metal.
to more from these guys. [6] SIMON THIBAUDEAU grim and less "happy" Viking sounding. The band has now unleashed it's second full length and yet
The band managed to insert their own heritage by singing again brutal full speed ahead black metal is what we gets.
STALAGGH : PROJEKT TERROR mostly in German and let me say that Erik the main vocal- The obvious influence is still the Swedish scene, though
[NEW ERA PRODUCTIONS] ist does a great job putting enough variation on his voice the band is getting closer on their own style, no doubt
I will hereby introduce you to the strangest and one of the to produce different moods, like for instance on about that. There is still melody upon melody, but the
sickest projects to arise from the Dutch (and Belgian?) SUI GENERIS UMBRA : AMOK 'Taunusheim". In this particular song there is a English melodies are good almost all the way through the album,
Black Metal underground. I haven't yet been able to check [METAL MIND RECORDS] introduction where speaks in a vampiric accent reminding and mostly fitting into the context of the music. The pace
out their first album "Projekt Nihil", but it looks like at least Dracula, then the shredding guitars and he transforms is still lightening fast and blazing all the time, there aren't
on one point Stalaggh hasn't changed: nobody still seems Wow. Weird, wild and wonderful. You might almost himself in a raging harsh black metal vocalist then some many pace shifts to the slower side, if there are pace shifts,
to know who are the disturbed minds behind this project (I call this minimalist experimental industrial doom sing along lines with his brother Patrick. Ilona (keyboard, it's usually from fast to faster. The drummer must have a
mean projekt). All that exist are speculations... An old blackness. Or something thereabouts, anyway. This flute) also adds some vocal lines and some might know stamina out of this world, with the work he pulls off, good
Stalaggh-flyer states that everything has been recorded isn't the sort of thing you're apt to hear coming out of her in her other project called Carved In Stone. Variation is drumming that's for sure. Even though some slower parts
under the influence of extreme self-mutilation and being something that the band clearly tries to introduce in all would have been a nice variation at times. The vocals are
the result of "real mental illness". This is pretty much the your radio. Nor is it the sort of thing you're going to
songs, and the listener faces several tempo changes, from as always in context with Tenebrosus aggressive and
same concept as Abruptum was built upon, and which they encounter playing over the speakers at your local slow to fast rhythms then back to mid tempos, but always direct as hell, brutal, straight in your face and very fitting
stated on the promo of the CD "Obscuritatem Advoco record store. This is some way out stuff, dark and with strong fury even when the keyboard is put aside to to the aggressive aura that surrounds the music.
Amplectere Me". I guess not only conceptually, but also menacing and gothic in a way that's, well, REALLY create some atmospheric/folkish moments. After a seven The production on this album is quite a step forward com-
"musically" speaking Stalaggh approaches this same
gothic, though that's not the best description because
atmosphere, although Abruptum managed to be far more
musical. This is really sick stuff. There is noise from the it conjures the wrong image. There is a strong root of
beginning to the end, screams of pure despair, more noise, electronic industrial with a heavy inclination toward
some distant guitars (?) with distortion, sometimes traces experimentation. By heavy inclination toward experi-
of drumming, assisted by even more noise... It all
mentation I mean that this isn't standard techno
debouches into a thick wall of sonic pain and hellish suf-
fering. If there's not coming a 3rd album for Stalaggh, this trance electro-industrial; this isn't the EBM rocking
might be due to the persons involved having died during out in the clubs. Not at all. This is more exploratory
the recordings of "Projekt Terror", or maybe they've just and spacey, with spartan but infectious textures. This
been institutionalised soon after... is all presented in such an oppressive manner that,
Now comes the hardest part. How the hell am I to give this
a grade? It's an impossible task. I mean, was Apator just a even minus the riffage of some industrial, there's a
sick fuck or was he a genius? Well, I guess he was both, feel of doomness here and there. It's just so bleak
thus the same goes for Stalaggh! [?] TARAS VAN DIJK (but utterly beautiful in its bleakness) and dripping
with shadows. Also, in places, you can detect almost
STRIBORG : EMBITTERED DARKNESS / ISLE DE the aura of black metal's horror, it's that grim. But the
MORTS
[DISPLEASED RECORDS] consistent personality here is the experimental indus-
This was probably one of the hardest tasks I have commit- trial heaviness that manages to be minimal yet a
ted myself of doing... hearing this from the first to the last monolithic presence. It shows the artistry behind the
minute! This is dull, plain, uninteresting, badly produced
band that such minimalism can be used to conjure
raw and zzzzz black metal. The first 5 songs entitled
such massive aura. [8.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
THANATOSCHIZO : TURBULENCE
"Embittered Darkness" are new songs recorded in 2006, [MISDEED RECORDS]
while "Isle De Morts" is the old 1997 demo when the band
was called Kathaaria. Don't get me wrong I have "bad pro- Situated in Trás-os-Montes, Portugal, Thanatoschizo is one of the Portuguese bands that have played more gigs in
duced" albums like "Transilvanian Hunger" as cult releases SUPERCHRIST : HEAVY METAL TONIGHT the last four years. Always putting a lot of effort on their music, the band early started to play a Death/Black Metal
on my vinyl collection but the whole fast fuzzy repetitive [BESTIAL ONSLAUGHT PRODUCTIONS] with slightly doomy influences, and later evolved into a Progressive Dark Doom. Thanatoschizo are not a band that
atmosphere and unhearthless drums drives me crazy in After three self-produced and self-released albums, broke through the underground thanks to "idols" shows or because of having one female member on the team. This
Striborg. I really don't see much people hearing this on a Chicago's Superchrist finally releases something through a
is not Evanescence, O.K.? Patrícia doesn't sing badly as Amy Lee, nor does she appears on every magazine cover in
daily basis since almost all songs sound indistinguishable! record label. Curious enough, it's a live album and a funny
Not to mention that some tracks sound like improvisations one too. You see, this was recorded in one of those small posing positions (!). "InsomniousNightLift" marked the change of an "innocent" debut sound into a more "serious"
during the recordings. As I said I like cruel grim, icy cold, gigs where the crowd is almost onstage with the band. Of project. I'm not saying that "Schizo Level" was a bad release, fuck no. "Schizo Level" was a funny album, with good
minimalistic black metal, but it most have a soul, be well course, this reeks of beer and sweat, and the crowd scream- ideas waiting to be improved, to become more adult and personal. Still, it was a good CD filled with a very ironic lyri-
played, furious, interesting, dark... This whole buzzzz pro- ing and shouting really adds to the live feeling of "Heavy
cal theme focused on what Heavy Metal is today and about those "evil bands", like Cradle Of Filth".
duction simply sounds as an excuse to be the most grim, Metal Tonight". As for the music, you get 13 tracks of solid
cruel black metal band around these days! [3] NUNO SANTOS good old... well... Motörhead!! Yes, these guys are as So, with "InsomniousNightLift", Thanatoschizo injected some prog ideas that worked very well among the fans and
Lemmy and co. as it gets and don't even bother to hide it. the Portuguese critics, in spite of losing some fans that "were there because of the raw Black songs and Death riffs".
STURMGEIST : MEISTER MEPHISTO Of course you shouldn't expect this to be "Ace Of Spades" or With the success of their second album Thanatoschizo needed to risk and give a good firm step if they wanted to
[SEASON OF MIST] any of the classic Motörhead albums, but Superchrist are continue on evolving and stepping aside from the mediocre Portuguese Metal underground. And that's what they
Never judge a book by its cover, they say, but I sure liked still good crowd pleasers! In fact, this is just the kind of cool
this cover right here as hell! Sturmgeist is a solo band by shit you'd play in your car stereo when you're driving with did. "Turbulence" marks the best Portuguese records released so far, in my opinion, not wanting to provoke other
Terje Refsnes. He combines Norwegian "Black Metal" with your friends to one of those small pub local gigs where bands. "Turbulence" has incredible Avant-Garde songs with a deep emotional feeling, and that's what captivates me
"Viking virtues". What I see, is a mixture of hyper fast plas- everyone gets pissed on not-so-cheap beer (everyone but as a fan of their music. For instance, "Sweet Suicidal Serenade" almost could be a single because it sounds so catchy
tic drums, black-goth-like vocals and melodic guitars, lead- the conscious drivers, of course!). This would surely get and melodic... yet, dark and with a clean/guttural voice from Eduardo on the vocals. After the first listening I found
ing to a musical plethora that aims straight to your balls. everyone in the mood for a night of good old headbangin',
myself singing "Sweet Suicidal Serenade" within my head! The keyboards that seem not very important play a very
"Shock and Awe" is perhaps the first song to highlight. The but I must confess that I wouldn't play "Heavy Metal Tonight"
basic riff is epic and heavy, that is, of the nicest kind. Keep too much at home. [6] MIGUEL SOUSA critical role in the songs' structure. I wanna salute the two vocalists for their improvement as singers, because they
in mind that there is an electronic feeling throughout the inject a desperate (yet positive) feeling on every song, and sometimes that's what misses on some interesting
album so if you are a "truest of the true" metal fan then stop SUPREME MAJESTY : ELEMENTS OF CREATION Portuguese bands: the feeling.
reading please. This song was written as a comment on US [MASSACRE RECORDS]
Thanatoschizo also explored the ethnic territory, just like as The Firstborn have recently done, and "Void" is one hell
invasion of Iraq, although the commoner cannot see that by A lot of too-technical power metal strikes me, for some rea-
naked eye. "Army of Odin" is a fine peace of art. Heavy riffs son, as too clinical and sterile, lacking somehow in an of a fabulous song. African/Asian melodies, melodic keyboards along with a constant tribal beat on the drums.
and mid tempo powerful drumming with a snare drum that organic quality needed to prevent me from being disinter- Actually, this is THE SONG that proves I'm serious when I say these guys are totally Avant-Garde: the structure starts
slices and dices anything in its way. Smart riffs and fine lyric ested in a second listen. There's just something about the with a very simple rhythm but it develops into a more complex guitar work (G. Martins also has improved as a gui-
set-up is what many will notice. Highly sophisticated, yet meatier, earthier power metal that has more appeal to me tarist) with - in the end - a quick smell of that good ol' 80's Sepultura thrashing mad spirit.
easily listened to. A strange feeling indeed. "Meister sometimes. I must observe, however, that Supreme
Mephisto" presents a collection of mentally strange Majesty's sound is lush and, well, majestic, and represents Globally this is a fantastic release from a band that must deserve all of your respect and credit. Bands like these
melodies, bound within epic northern feelings and black a quality level of power metal that has all the technical flair don't come everyday. Progressive Doom at it's best. [9] SIMÃO FONSECA

62 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
pared to the earlier material from the band. It is heavier THE GODDAMNED : DAMNED
and has a much better bottom, the music is thundering out 4 song EP for these purveyors of heavy rock in the up-
of the speakers with an immense and captivating power, tempo stoner type. A lot of this is pretty damn good and
and that is really suiting to this attack on all things chris- catchy and those four songs are toe tapers. In fact this
tian. This is a nice reunion with this Polish horde. All on demo reminds me of a time where Soil were a good band
this album is hard hitting and brutal, it might not the most that didn't fancy themselves as Load-era Metallica. Singer
original piece of black metal ever made, but it is well made has good powerful voice, the musicianship well up to par
and is delivered with energy, passion and a brutal punch. for this type of music, leads are decent, there is nothing in
A sure buy for fans of Dark Funeral, Marduk and the likes. there to hate. Except if you don't like this genre to begin
Though do not expect much variation on this album, there with. [7] SIMON THIBAUDEAU
is one way and that is forward in a blazing and breathtak-
ing pace! [7.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN

HIGHLIGHT
TENEBRUM INFECTUS : TENEBRUM INFECTUS
[ADIPOCERE RECORDS]
Chunk blowing madness befalls you!! Beware to be con-
sumed by the heady pieces of vomited gristle about to rain
down upon your head (which will be eaten by your stomach
acid). But I stretch the analogy. I speak of the utterly sick and
just as utterly heavy and thick grindcore bruising of ye old
Tenebrum Infectus. With a name like that, you might expect THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER : MIASMA
black metal, but you'd be wrong. This is, instead, dense and [METAL BLADE RECORDS]
pile driving grind (with a smidgeon of doomness to the
riffage but maybe no more than you might typically expect to "Unhallowed" has shown in 2003 how melodic metalcore should sound like, and nothing else would be expected than
find in a thick-ass grind band like this... guess it's all the dis- a more powerful comeback two years later. Their second record sounds much more technical and faster than their TO-MERA : DEMO 2005
tortion going to my head, huh?). Intestine-wringing metal debut record, and that could be a result of their intense tours with different bands, such as Arch Enemy, Napalm This band came as a surprise for me, especially when I
onslaught, grinding as sick as Ebola, death awaits you. All I found out who the singer was. It is Julie Kiss, who used
Death, The Red Cord or Terror... whatever has happened to these North-American guys, it has been a good thing!
can tell you is that you'd better expect a beating before you to sing for the great Bulgarian band Without Face, which
go and put this in your CD player, because once you hit play, I must confess that the metalcore thing has begun falling in disgrace since the labels found out about the scene, has released the extremely good albums "Deep Inside"
its one way trip down the gullet of a monster. Loud and which is a pity, but that fact could be positive. Well, you may be wondering "why"? Well, it's very positive because now and "Astronomicon". She has now left that band, a thing I
bashing, ready to crush your bones to powder, prepared to only the strong will survive in this competitive market (where every band that plays some Swedish riffage along with didn't know, I must have been sleeping in class again.
decimate your skull. If you like grind you've come to the right some "hardcore" screams is automatically considered "metalcore"), and there will be no room left for those pseudo- But now she is ready in this new band, which has its base
place. [7] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN in England, and contains the following members, Tom
metalcore bands (Thrice, The Used, Thursday, Avenged Sevenfold...). But let's return to what "Miasma" is about. This
CD is really gonna kick your ass, from the moment you press play button 'till the end of it, you'll find a very good McLean, Akos Pirisi and Lee Barret. This demo is the
THE AMENTA : OCCASUS band's first release.
[LISTENABLE RECORDS] sense of melody combined with fast/blast-beating drumming, cutting riffs (33.32 minutes) and shredding vocals. This
I had heard about that release in 2004 and back then some As it was in Without Face, the compositions here are also
represents the "next step" the guys needed, and don't judge them by their look... they may not look "evil", wear boots built up around the amazing voice of Julie. Her voice is
friends' reviews had left me with the impression that The
or spikes, but they write sick lyrics and sound much more "evil" than many death metal bands you may know. Are you really captivating, and drags the listener into the world of
Amenta was supposed to be Australia's answer to Anaal
Nathrakh or The Axis Of Perdition. Well, if you take into a fan of Dark Tranquillity's "The Gallery" or At The Gates' "The Red Sky Is Ours"? Now add some hardcore vocals and her lyrics and atmospheres. The picture here which is
account the Industrial touches here and there that would- breaks and you'll find yourself one of the best 2005 records! [8.5] SIMÃO FONSECA painted by the vocals is huge and enchanting, it is hard to
n't be far from the truth so much... On the other hand, The let go of this demo, due to the great vocal work. The
Amenta's full-length debut proved to have its own aura - vocals are smooth and go up and down, very emotional
basically Death Metal oriented, it will have certainly one the highest calibre. Great original and busy riffs build a new ground. I'm pretty sure The Old Dead Tree will grow and follow the moods in the music perfectly. The music is
appealed to all those for whom trying their eardrums' a solid thrashing structure where half-growled, throaty a lot more over the next years. Some words about the melodic progressive metal with a scent of gothic metal, it
endurance remains prior hobby. I personally found vocals deciphering the abominations are fleshing out booklet of this album: really unique, making it look like a is quite atmospheric and catchy, and possesses a great
"Occasus" strong enough that to allow The Amenta being dynamic songs. Everything benefits from the reasonable book: The Perpetual Motion book and its soundtrack.
deal of technical features. There are some good breaks,
viewed as an act less promising! Suicidal extreme and and clear recording, avoiding over-producing this edge Definitely, there's something happening on the French
some nice keys used in the right places, so they add the
incredibly apocalyptic atmosphere-wise, these 10 tracks and urgency which helps The Chasm stands above the metal scene... [8] GUILHERMINO MARTINS
right scent to the atmosphere, there are also some nice
appeared to be vivid enough to fill your head with 10 I-see- triggered and clinical acts littering the genre these days.
future-in-black scenarios, as long as your mind is bravely Now if they can link themselves with a decent cover artist, THE RED CHORD : CLIENTS keyboard leads. The guitar riffs and melodies seems rec-
open enough that to let fluids like that in! In addition, the this band could offer the ultimate death/thrash album of [METAL BLADE RECORDS] ognizable and not that interesting again, but the do work
"Occasus" release features a Cd-Rom including band bio, next year. [8] ERIC MASSICOTTE Following the successful album "Fused Together in well in this context. Both the drumming and the bass are
interviews, photos, lyrics, etc. By the way, it was a huge Revolving Doors", "Clients" is the 2005 comeback from The audible and deliver some good details now and then.
surprise to find out that The Amenta's message board at THE LAST ACT : NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED Red Chord. "Fused Together..." was a very good album, I This demo is a very interesting release that shows a good
their website was done by people hailing from my own [SELF RELEASED] must confess, so I had high expectations on what the band band on their way, this should without a doubt get them a
country (Bulgaria)! [8] VANYA MARINOVA I was reading a review the other day in a Greek music mag- would do after that wonderful release. deal right away, so I guess it won't be long before we see
azine (I am from Greece, you see) and the reviewer was Well, "Clients" isn't what I expected... not at all. Well, To Mera's full length debut album in the stores. If you feel
THE AXIS OF PERDITION : DELETED SCENES ending his essay saying something like "this album gets 1 somehow, the recognized brutality on The Red Chord lacks intrigued by the above writings, you shouldn't hesitate to
FROM THE TRANSITION HOSPITAL for my tastes but, if we want to be objective, a 7 for its qual- very much. Instead they tried to combine more Jazz with check out this band. [8] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
[CODE666] ity". Even though such a way of handling reviews would be Mathcore techniques, but the result is far from being as
Axis of Perdition sound is deranged. Quite fitting with the of substantial help, in several occasions, I've never made good as some Converge, for instance. The guitar riffs and
album title, the music is a collage of complex riff patterns, use of it! So, before you get this introduction all too wrong, bass lines are still as good on the previous CD, but the
dark ambient passages and demented vocals. Chaotic, dis- my intention when writing so, was to explain that often one drums aren't that good. I don't know what happened, but VOICES OF DECAY - Doing maximum
cordant and sinister, the sounds available here could easi- gets to review a band's latest offering whose music might this album has its ups and BIG downs. We get very good This Italian Gothic Metal outfit actually released a debut CD
ly serve as the soundtrack for some film noir depicting the exceed his field of musical knowledge and liking. What do songs, like "Fixation On Plastics" - the first song - but right entitled "Nocturnal Domain in 1999, but since some difficul-
atrocities happening between ill residents of this transition we do then? Personally, I am not used to giving two marks. after this track you find a generic track, that any regular ties emerged, they are back to the demo scene. This is a
hospital the band refers to. This is the kind of music that But the fact remains the same. The Last Act perform a Metalcore band would be able to write... It's quite frustrat- three track affair that lines with what bands like Crematory
would definitely benefit from a cinematic treatment, fitting branch of rock/metal that isn't completely unknown to me, ing. The violent Grind parts are missing here a lot. Were have produced in the past. In fact, were this given a
more on film than on tape. Everything is gathered togeth- but it rests far away from my personal broadband of taste they trying to sound more like Burst or Mastodon? If they stronger production and full sound, it might actually com-
er by a digital-heavy production that will either delight you and (I guess) from the interest of a big part of A.C. readers. were, they've completely missed the train, because no way pete with some German gothic metal but not with the best.
or leave you cringing for this good old and warm tape pro- On the other hand, I am sure that each and every one of us they sound 50% as good as Mastodon. Overall, this is kind The grunted vocals suit the music well but everything here
duction you're so much used to. Is it good or not, I am still share the appropriate musical background, in order to enjoy of a mediocre CD, and if you loved the first one you will not is too dependent on keyboards, with the guitars staying in
asking myself the question but the band surely gains a few a good ol' hard rock album. This is plainly what The Last Act be pleased with this second effort. [5] SIMÃO FONSECA the background. Keyboardist Chris is actually quite in love
points for the destabilizing effect their latest album offers. have prepared for us and there's a rare feeling surrounding with The Gathering's pre-Anneke albums, using his instru-
[7] ERIC MASSICOTTE the music here that, in all honesty, makes me cheerful. The THE SOUNDBYTE : RIVERS OF BROKEN GLASS ment in a way that immediately harks back to the
second album of our dear Canadian friends grows the [AURAL MUSIC]
Doom/Death classic "Always...". Just listen to "Breaking the
THE AXIS OF PERDITION : PHYSICAL ILLUCI- impression that they had (while at the studio) the time of The Soundbyte is the solo project of Third and the Mortal circle" or "In a web", with the latter sounding like old The
NATIONS IN THE SEWER OF XUCHILBARA... their lives! It's just so refreshing to meet a band that is able main composer Norwegian Trond Engum. He presents us Gathering with a weak gothic rock chorus. Still, don't be
[CODE666] to bring a smile to your face for this very reason. As you his own conception of musicality world definition surround- fooled by these references, since this is nowhere close to
The Axis of Perdition is a Middlesbrough duo specialized may realize it's not a matter of reaching success, setting ing by industrial lethargic sound, one characterize as mas-
the quality of the aforementioned record. This is a bit
in a strange form of noisy and cinematic dark ambience new standards in hard rock or anything but having fun! And sive, cutting and cold; providing the listener a non-pre-
monotonous and, to be honest, Crematory (though far from
combined with pieces of industrial black metal. This 30- that's the most mature choice for a group to make, in total dictable single innovating experience. 'Rivers of broken
being brilliant) did all this much better. [5] MIGUEL SOUSA
minute-piece released by avant-garde Italian label contradiction with all those black metallers who take them- Glass' merge influences from different places and metal
Code666 is the sound representation of a nightmare trip, selves all too seriously (pretending maturity and dedication) universes, like Industrial, Gothic, Electronic, to reveal a
ZYMOSIS : DISHARMONICAL SYMPHONY OF BLACK DIMENSIONS
full of insanity and surreal images. All in here is ugly, and burn down churches. Final words: "No good deed..." is exquisite sheer music involved into a smooth dense pleas- [DARK MATTER KREATIONS]
involved in desolation with the aim to represent the decay reminiscent of good old-school hard rock, with its splendid ant atmosphere voided of Humanity and fulfil with rusty
arrangements; its calmer ballad moments; its progressive industrial machinery, making the pace of The Soundbyte In Portugal, it is common to be confronted with speeches
of contemporary urban society. Some may describe The
7-9 min adventures; its joyful feeling! [8] JOHN ZIKOS music. Listening 'Rivers of broken Glass' make us thinking about how people should help and support the metal scene
Axis of Perdition as "horrifying black metal" but for me it's
really hard to limit this band in terms of categorization, we are visiting alone a forsaken drift ship or that we are in our country, no matter what. Honestly this is something I
since (almost) all in here is unconventional. However, we THE OLD DEAD TREE : THE PERPETUAL MOTION enter a old abandoned industrial factory; where the place have never agreed, since, from my point of view, one should
can point out some parallels with bands like Anaal [SEASON OF MIST] inside still breathing after years of inactivity, making the support the bands he/she likes or, at least, the ones he/she
Nathrakh (the frantic driven drum machine similar to the The Old Dead Tree have jumped to the second wagon of dusty air dirty by the metal rustiness that involve the inner believes that have quality. The Portuguese Metal scene has
pre-Codex Necro era and with an even more inhuman beat, the European metal scene since their debut The Nameless dense monotone atmosphere, deprived of Human life, mak- good and bad bands like any other country and there's no
creating a creepy landscape) or Aborym (all the morbid, Disease. With their mix of Death Metal grunts, pop-rock ing the massive metal structure looking to and fearing the difference between a good band from Portugal and a good
post-apocalyptic ambience). Screams of pain and disgust structures and a "petit je ne sais quois" of the current visitor, us. The most metal close band I found to relate with band from Singapure (the same goes to the bad bands). Now
that ended up in the mix with really strange effects (some- Katatonia's atmosphere, they started to be a reference for The Soundbyte is Tiamat. They share the same type of talking about Zymosis... The first contact I had with this band
times it looks like thousands of voices invade the speakers fans of this particular musical spectre. Nothing new, it's musicality, a smooth dense dark gothic electronic metal that occurred while viewing their pictures and they didn't inspire
coming from many bizarre places) as well as samples from true, since there's a bunch of metal bands nowadays lives in the same Universe but in their own lethargic distinct me good things. I immediately remembered Luciferian
horror games, intend to create an unpleasant journey for exploring these territories (Thine, Klimt 1918, Rain Paint worlds. Trond Engum experience various different concrete Dementia, another black metal act from Azores. "Oh no,
the listener. The filthy guitars are the element we can relate or Crowhead) but this French band has something that sounds adding a sheer transparent vocal enhanced by the another Cradle of Filth clones" crossed my mind. And right
more with black metal, although they have an original turns the spotlights towards them: Manuel Munoz's voice. contribution of Rune Hoemsnes, Arild Folstad and Berit after seeing this release's name I thought about Dimmu
approach (almost mathematic) and not the usual tremolo And what a voice! Now that he's (almost) rid of that Sternsland; redefining The Soundbyte music to ensemble Borgir. Definitely, it wasn't a good start! Then came the
picking and power chord riffing. The production is very unpleasant French accent (he sings in English), the power its own personal identity. [8] CARLOS FILIPE music and I can't lie about this: the keyboard's intro took all
coherent taking in mind that we're talking about a painful of his harmonies is really astonishing. I mean, by the sec- my doubts away, since it immediately brings up the COF
catharsis that's really pushing the black metal boundaries. ond audition of the CD you can sing-a-long all the song's THUNDERBOLT : INHUMAN RITUAL MASSACRE influence. Zymosis hasn't got bad players: they can handle
And, of course, don't expect to hear "songs" for Physical chorus and the will to listen the album again and again [AGONIA RECORDS]
their instruments. However the production here is quite weak
Illucinations in the Sewer of Xuchilbara... works as a whole grows. Don't fool yourself: The Old Dead Tree has its pow- Previously a part of Poland's NSBM scene, this new album is and this becomes really obvious while listening to the drums'
piece like a soundtrack of a horror movie, in which the erful "metal" moments with grunted voices, almost death far away from their early days. Now delivering the blows sound, because you feel like losing the drum kit on the
main character is lost and starts to become paranoic about metal riffing and guitar leads but the highlights of each based on a Marduk-meets-Death Metal aesthetic, the band speakers in the fastest parts. All in all I can't avoid associat-
the environment of the dark labyrinth he's in. It's a "love or song are the great singing lines on the chorus and bridges. follows a path similar to fellow Behemoth and the likes. ing Zymosis with that middle 90's wave of gothic black metal
hate it" band and definitely not suitable for the common It's really hard to point out one song, since all of them are Keeping some similarities to their older material, the major bands that rose everywhere and were influenced by the UK
black metal fan. [8] GUILHERMINO MARTINS very well composed and it's not that usual to see a band changes are in the drum department and the overall produc- group previously mentioned. I really expect Zymosis to
with only two full-length albums have this kind of maturi- tion. Everything is faster and definitely hitting harder. I would evolve and mature their ideas into something more credible,
THE CHASM : THE SPELL OF RETRIBUTION ty and sensibility. Once again (very well) produced by Andy openly say that I prefer the band's more mid-tempo dynamic
because I have serious doubts that this way they'll get any
[EARACHE RECORDS] Classen, this album (with the exception of the first song) sections than their hyper-blasting ones as there is some tasty
praise as a black metal band. Azores has a strong tradition in
Under one of the worst cover art available right now hides is divided into three chapters with songs lyrical and musi- riffs to feast upon there. Anyway, the main idea here is not to
terms of quality metal (Morbid Death or Prophecy of Death
some great Death Metal courtesy of the infernal south cally connected. If you're into Anathema, Paradise Lost or impress with subtleties but to aim fast and hit the jugular,
are good examples) but unfortunately this demo won't be
American trio The Chasm. We get treated here with old- Katatonia, I'm sure this is the perfect album for your taste leaving an oozing pulp of human meat and moving to the next
remembered for much time. [4.5] GUILHERMINO MARTINS
school, epic, heavy-metal-influenced Metal of Death, of but the point about this band is that they bring the style to target. Thunderbolt does it real well. [8] ERIC MASSICOTTE

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 63
 death metal. While the reasons behind this lack of popular- that's exactly what you get in "Ihmisvihan Eliitti", an
ity can be manifold, I would attribute this fact, at least in extremely well layered album where all instruments are
part, to their poor editorial activity during the first fifteen audible even the bass which isn't very common in a Black
years of the band's existence that resulted in only three Metal band. Definitely an album that after the shock on the
studio albums which, to make things even worse, didn't first listening will grow in you!! [8] NUNO SANTOS
benefited from the best production and distribution. In
their previous releases, namely "Daimonion" (1998) and UNEARTH : THE ONCOMING STORM
"Suffocated in Slumber" (2000), the polish outfit had [METAL BLADE RECORDS]
already shown some intelligent and unique ideas, but to Place this CD into your Cd-Rom drive, and a "RUN_ME", hi-
some extent their talent wasn't yet fully uncovered, so this resolution, graphic screen, with the Metal Blade logo in the
time around I was eager to hear the new developments centre, "ENTER" in the upper right hand corner, and "EXIT"
brought about by "Imperfect Like God". And yes, there are in the lower left, appears. Click on "ENTER", and immedi-
many good things to look for. First up the band has evolved ately their intense, dark, live video for "Black Hearts Now
into a death metal style more of their own. The songwriting Reign" kicks in, combining black and white, and colour,
has also improved considerably without sacrificing a single footage, with lots of energy, in a small club setting, with a
bit on the aggressiveness. Although incorporating a big lot of focus on their vocalist, guitarists, and most impor-
share of punishing blast beats, ILG is based on much more tantly, the crowd! Click on "WEBLINKS" which brings up
than that. It features structured songs with lots of variety, the insert band promotional picture, with both band, and
a tight and virtuous execution of all the instruments and a label sites, below, and "BACK", to return to the previous
handful of fresh details that will grab your attention at all screen. "EXIT" shows both "Made with Macromedia" and
times. Proof of the above is most easily found on tracks "Quicktime" logos, simultaneously. Recorded at a much
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN : MISS MACHINE such as "The madness here" and "Beyond the perception". lower volume, than anticipated, "The Oncoming Storm" is
[RELAPSE RECORDS] The mixing and production is finally as good as the band definitely a case of a negative release, creating a positive
deserves so, with all the instruments sounding upfront and result, where the busy "Failure" features some of Buz
There are some bands that just don't wanna sound like everyone else, or simply like to be creative and to push the very alive. In a nutshell, this is classy death metal that sim- McGrath and Ken Susi's catchiest, guitar, harmonies, that
envelope on what concerns to originality; and one of the latest cases is called The Dillinger Escape Plan. The band start- ply blows away the endless pounding played by many well I've ever heard; the mechanized "Black Hearts Now Reign"
ed playing some ten years ago, very influenced with the Noise and underground scene, they decided to mix Noisecore established bands. So, it seems that finally Trauma is real- showcases the incomparable talents of drummer Mike
with Proggy Jazz, and built one brutally technical machine! Along with Converge and As The Sun Sets, T.D.E.P. created ly firing in all cylinders with a bright future ahead of them. Justian (the key to the success of any band, is their drum-
I just heard the band is about to release the successor of mer, and he is a fine one, indeed); the low end, Corrosion
a new Hardcore genre, named "Mathcore". Well, they mention Math because their rhythms, beats and tempos, that are ILG, so you have to excuse me 'cause I have some hunting of Conformity (circa "Wiseblood")/Black Sabbath
like Math: they must be perfect and synchronized. And that's what they do: they write mathematical extreme music. to do. [8] ERNESTO MARTINS ("Technical Ecstasy" era) influenced "Lie to Purify" has
The CD opens with the demolishing "Panasonic Youth" and "Sunshine The Werewolf" songs, which sound totally chaot- some interesting, moshable, tempo changes, that add to
ic and weird. The two guitarists' dear to defy the rules of hard riffing, the bass sounds beautiful and the drummer is TURBO : IDENTITY the overall intensity of the track, itself; the ironically titled
[METAL MIND PRODUCTIONS] "Predetermined Sky", based on what occurs below it, is a
on my favourite top ten drummers. They abuse on dissonant chords and forget all the Death Metal techniques, using
If you haven't ever noticed this Polish band in the past it's manic, Thrasher, that's sure to go over well, live, and also
Jazzy ones, instead. Mike Patton participated on their last CD and you notice that on "Miss Machine". "Miss Machine" probably because they never gained the recognition they makes fine use of guitar hammer-ons. The cover art
isn't as raw and intense as their debut, for they tried new experiences that you might find on Fantômas, for instance. I deserved. Finally, after ages, Metal Mind Productions reminds me of the wake of 9-11. Overall, for a new band, I
think that if it wasn't because of Death and Cynic, extreme music would not be as technical and innovative as it is achieved to provide a descent worldwide promotion for can see them going places, all they need is the right push.
this great band. Don't expect to hear any innovative and [6.5] CHRIS HORTON
now, and The Dillinger Escape Plan would never see the light of the day. So, "Setting Fire To Sleeping Giants" and
progressive songs. They deliver magnificent traditional old
"Unpetrofied" are two calm songs. The first one explores better their rock side, the second one is much more ambient time classic metal right in your face. After 25 years they UTUK XUL : GOAT OF BLACK POSSESSION
and darker. I must warn you that the lyrics are very weird and don't seem to make much sense, so don't ask me their sound perfect. A mix of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, sup- [FROM BEYOND PRODUCTIONS]

meaning (I even wonder the concept behind the title "Miss Machine"). If you thought that hardcore was just about port performances to many huge bands as Sepultura, This Colombian outfit with a name taken from Lovecraft's
Grindcore you'll hit with your face right on the wall. This CD is for people who like extreme and original songs without Vader, Kreator etc., have managed to list them among my work that translates into "Evil Spirit" plays blasting Black
favourites. A mainstream metal fan won't be disappointed. Metal in the old vein and the lyrics are evidently satanic.
having dressed in black guys playing'em. It is PERFECT. [10] SIMÃO FONSECA Tight song writing, metal voice and cool rhythm section The sound and production are raw and I bet this will please
will bring satisfaction to your ears. Turbo seem to have fans of pure raw and primitive Black Metal. "Goat Of Black
found their own true identity. [7] KOSTAS ANTONATOS Possession" is the band's first full-length even though
THUNDERSTONE : TOOLS OF DESTRUCTION guitar riffs, hiding far down in the mix. A heavy and noisy they've been around for over a decade and features seven
[NUCLEAR BLAST] bass driving the songs forth, in a slow and crushing pace. TYMAH : TRANSYLVANIAN DREAMS tracks. "Snake of the abyss" and "Vision of fire" can become
Somehow Finland is the birthplace of the most exciting Sparse drumming, working as percussion and a dark and [NO COLOURS RECORDS] a bit too tiring considering that both are over 10 minutes
metal bands nowadays. Nobody can ignore bands like low whisper, sounding like wheels in a big machine setting Beware... This is for sure a blood thirsty BEAST!! Forget long and having full speed for 10 minutes in a row can be
Amorphis, Stratovarius or Children Of Bodom. Another off. Evil and eerie atmospheres, making a cold and dark the cliché title "Transylvanian Dreams" or the clear Mayhem a little too much. The intro is over 3 minutes and is an orig-
band that could end up in this list is Thunderstone. 'Tools night, even colder and darker. That is how the music of "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" / Darkthrone "Transylvanian inal recording of Anton Szandor Lavey performing a ritual
Of Destruction' is already their third record. The strong Torture Wheel affects a soul not knowing what to expect, Hunger" influences and you end up with a killer old school and is, evidently, evoking Lord Satan. The lyrical concept
predecessor made it hard for the band to do better. when the music starts to flow from the speakers. Torture Black Metal album not very common in year 2005. I miss behind Utk Xul is in fact based in Satanism and Lucifer
Nevertheless they succeeded. The record starts strong with Wheel is an American one-man project made off E.M. Hearst the energy and dark atmospheres that the early 90's black throughout the whole album, but the band manages to
"Tool Of The Devil" and they continue on the same level with from Wraith Of The Ropes, and this is the man's debut Mcd, metal albums had and this Hungarian band was one of the write interesting lyrics not falling in repetition. The album
tracks such as "Without Wings" or the memorable "I Will even though it clocks 45 minutes and consist of 4 long and few newcomers that could actually transmit at some ends with Anton Szandor LaVey again saying "Viva Satan,
Come Again". All the ingredients of the previous records are breathtaking tracks. The song writing is quite skilled, even extend all these feelings! Viva Satan" and I guess it's hard to be more explicit than
there again and give the band a very recognizable sound. though simplicity is the way. There aren't that many ele- First they have a tremendous vocalist named Dim that can that! Well, if this album had been released in the early 90's,
The great guitar and keyboard parts mix very well with the ments in the songs, few and effective tracks, good backed embarrass any competent male black metal singer. Her it would become a success. Yet, it's still nice to remember
cool drum fills... The last track "Land Of Innocence" is just up by the synth work, which always add the last piece of voice can for sure awake the dead with a style being a mix- the good old days of the Black Metal scene... it was Utuk
great! Again the band has grown, so hopefully they step out seduction and atmosphere, to keep it all going smooth. The ture of Burzum / Mayhem and she even plays powerful Xul's main intention for sure! [7] SÓNIA FONSECA
of the shadow of big brother Stratovarius and get the darkness and coldness are created by the simple and noisy hypnotic guitar riffs at the same time. Then we have Gelal
respect they deserve! [7.5] KURT VAN CAMP guitar riffs, the industrial synth work and effects and the on drums which produces a cutting and dynamic drum- V.E.G.A. : COCAINE
vocals, which often are lying really low, and at other times ming with some double blast beats sounding like roars of Debemur Morti Productions
TO SEPARATE THE FLESH FROM THE BONES more visible, and that is when they are most chilling and cannons (just hear the almost 12 minute song 'Holdlény' Behold the effects of too much cocaine use... warp speed
: UTOPIA SADISTICA scary, like in the title track. or the 8 minute muscled 'Oregmocsár'... he remains tight Black metal!! V.E.G.A. which stands for Vaccum Era Gelid
[SPIKEFARM RECORDS] This is not an album for the ordinary Joe, this is quite spe- from the first 'till the last seconds of each one and let me Atmosphere recorded in 2002 ten tracks that would be on
I listened this release a few times and my first opinion was cial and one have to be a fan of dark and droning doom to tell you that with the raging speed that both songs have its the shelf 'till the moment that Debemur Morti from France
"What a great band! Really cool grind/brutal death. Just the appreciate this, otherwise I'm sure it will seem quite boring not for all) and then the pounding bass of Shadow. now releases it on 2006 on CD format (nevertheless
way I like it!" After some minutes of internet investigation and un-appealing. But for fans of the darkest and slowest of This isn't anything new neither the band aims for that, already had a limited vinyl version of 300 copies). As they
about this band I read this: "Members like to keep their doom metal, this will be a good and lasting album, supply- however if you are looking for the old raw nostalgia when say with aged wine... the longer the wait, better it will
identities a mystery, but this is a side-project of members ing a lot of hours of depressions and thoughts of elimina- hearing songs like "Funeral Fog", Tymah can for sure pro- taste! Unfortunately this isn't entirely true with V.E.G.A.
of HIM and Amorphis." I couldn't believe it. It seems that tion. And as a quite strange thing that I have noticed, the duce a similar atmosphere... but the ultimate darkness can since there are two or three aspects that could have been
HIM drummer knows how to make good music in drums! album and music, make the time fly by… the album is over only be produced by the cult releases!! [8.5] NUNO SANTOS better, like for instance the vocals. They have an industrial
This is a great album, one of the best of 2004 in their style almost before you get settled with it, even though it clocks edge that in a few occasions doesn't have the necessary
(which are not many of them). The short songs of this bru- 45 minutes, which must be a sign of great song writing TYRANT : GRIMOIRES dark aura for this type of music, looking like just a strong
tal grindgore band sounds great and show us what I used skills and great compositions. [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN [WORLDCHAOS PRODUCTION] fuzzy noise (like on the opener 'Lilja...'). The production
to call destruction speed ("Amputated Whore", "Absolute Yet another Japanese band but very different from what could have been more muscled giving more space for the
Holocaust", "Bare your Wounds for Me" are the best exam- TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION : COMPACT I've heard lately. They sound like an uptempo King instruments to take its own place instead of just equalizing
ples). The old-school influences in every song, the well DISC VERSION 1 Diamond, much harder and blackened. Should I really them at the same level (the guitars sound a bit thin). This
[BONES BRIGADE] mention the excellent - state of the art- production? This cd could have helped on another aspect... since all songs tend
heard and played bass (like in the intro of Meretricious
Murderess, track #6), nice drums intros and all the drum Noisy grindcore, great style made up of thrash and punk, could easily be a soundtrack for a thriller movie because to have really fast tempos giving no time for the listener to
execution is well played. The extreme voices and guitars delivered to its full extent by these Americans in Total the satanic vocals buried here and there keep standing out. fully appreciate it I end up after several lines of "Cocaine'
sounds like old Carcass (Jeff Walker of Carcass makes a Fucking Destruction. This isn't the long awaited full length, They have a guy called Z3 which is an excellent guitar play- with a feeling of nothingness. None of the songs stick in
special appearance in this release). All the production of the fans of the band have been waiting for, the day the band er, when showing his part, since the band prefers to blend the head like glue except perhaps the hypnotic effect on
"Utopia Sadistica" is great. This album is full of technique delivers a full length will be the day, though I doubt it ever him with the rest of the music in order to create the right 'Beton#2' where the listener is pushed back on his chair
and great musicians. This second release from T.S.T.F.F.T.B. will happen. This release is a compilation of the band's 3 feeling. The downside is that all the songs sound the same with repetitive drum and guitar work waiting for the mas-
makes me want to listen to their Mcd ("For Those about to first demos and a bunch of live tracks as bonus. The music and it's like listening to one huge track. So the musician sive musical explosion that never occurs! But do not be
Rot") and watch them live. Only suitable for extreme ears, on this album does only speak to fans of harsh and relent- ship comes in second place. [5] KOSTAS ANTONATOS deceived with my remarks 'cause "Cocaine" is an intense
this is fast and painful grindgore. [7.5] NUNO CARVALHO less grindcore, there aren't any golden in betweens here, experience of (triggered drums) fast black metal that will
this is pure noisy grinding metallic punk all the way through. UHRILEHTO : IHMISVIHAN ELIITTI most likely feed your dark needs! [5.5] NUNO SANTOS
TODTGELICHTER : WAS BLEIBT... The guitar riffs are good and raw and as such pretty catchy. [SCHWARZDORN PRODUCTION]
[FOLTER RECORDS] The drumming straight forward, pretty simple, but very Fourth album from this Finnish Black/Death metal band. I VARATHRON : CROWSREIGN
Todtgelichter is a black metal band born in 2002 in Germany effective and it supplies a good backbone for the music. The wouldn't say that it's their best to date but rather their [BLACK LOTUS RECORDS]

that has released their second album last year, called "Was vocals are an insane scream, fierce and aggressive enough most diverse and complete... in other words probably their How many times have you been driving your car and taken
Bleibt...". Apart from some melodies achieved by keyboards, to make small children piss themselves and grown men cry. best, hehe. The only thing I would like to underline in a turn on a junction that is usually the wrong one as you
like on "Erinnerungen eines Wolfes", this album is an angry The messages the band have gets delivered as a 10 ton "Ihmisvihan Eliitti" is that in the anxiety of creating some- were unsure whether to turn left or right? Well this is the
discharge of blast beats and furious German vocals in a hammer in the forehead, being it the serious songs or the thing unique and original they sometimes tend to combine case with this album, Varathron have taken the wrong turn.
style that transmits decay and desperation. However, thanks more humorous ones. The demos show the band's devel- too much strange elements, like some synths á la Deep Gone are the occult mid tempo guitar riffs and the decaying
to the terrible production (that I can't be sure wasn't delib- opment, which really isn't that big. They have found their Purple on the song 'Vitutuksen Viitoittama Vuosikymmen', vocals. These are replaced by a power metal guitar sound,
erate, in order to create the rotten atmosphere of the style and they crush with that without thinking of the day or some funky oriented tempos on 'Kolmen Minuutin numerous piano rolls and technicalities of various sorts.
album), "Was Bleibt..." loses points: the drums are barely tomorrow. The tracks are quite varied, and there isn't left Armopala', or some labyrinthic progressive brutal tempo Still better than the incomplete "Lament of the Gods" mini,
audible when both guitars are playing. Along with the bad room for a single second of boredom through the almost an changes on 'Huoranpenikat Ja Huijarikuninkaat' or even this album features once again a totally new line - up hence
production, after a while the voice starts to sound a little too hour this disc lasts. The live part is wicked as the studio some clap hands on 'Vasaroin Ja Taltoin'. All these little a totally different sound; a sound closer to Greek mysteri-
desperate and even... annoying. "Wunden", is a good exam- tracks, the sound is rawer, but good quality, if you like a live details make you like or dislike the nine songs featured in ous power metal than black metal occultism. Still
ple: the man basically starts to cry. In whole, the album is recording sounding live, as I do. When the first round of the here. I must say in their defence (if they need) that the "Crowreign" NEEDS to be played for a minimum of 10 times
noisy, not very original and poorly produced. Of course that blitzkrieg this album is has settled, and you gets used to the details, combination of elements and diversity in here is before coming to a respectable conclusion. It is the most
if you're into this style of decadent black metal you might sound and insanity of the band, the real treat opens up and something that doesn't happen that often in Black / Death technical Varathron album to date, filled with numerous riffs
enjoy this album, but for me it was just an easy way to give brings the one blasting killer track after the other. I didn't metal bands and they surely have this in their advantage. and layers and some very clever musicianship. Some amaz-
myself a headache. [3] SUSANA FERNANDES react that positive to my first listen to this album, but as time The foundations of the Uhrilehto's sound are still Black ing songs on this 11 track assault with "The Sign of Eternal
went by and I got more into it, it showed to be one hell of a Metal but during the years they have blended it with other Curse" and "Angel of Revenge" as ultimate highlights remi-
TORTURE WHEEL : CRUSHED UNDER... mind-explosion. [8.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN elements, like Death Metal, some Rock and even niscent to old Varathron. Surprises do not end there, just
[FIREDOOM MUSIC] Progressive parts. All this mixtured with some diverse listen to the instrumental tracks or even "Creation of Satan"
Bleak droning landscapes, emotive and melancholic sounds TRAUMA : IMPERFECT LIKE GOD vocal lines by Nidhogg, where he manages to cover all the with that Eastern mysterious feel to it half way through the
[ADIPOCERE RECORDS] metal spectre, from the rasp Black Metal tunes to growling song. All in all, the album is not bad for what it is but this is
from a forgotten realm, captivating and dangerous. The lis-
tener gets pulled into the universe of Torture Wheel and it Trauma is probably one of the most underrated bands alike Death Metal vocals, spoken parts, clean ones, you the last thing I expected from a band like Varathron. I
can be hard to get away again. Simple song structures, dark coming from the land with the highest talent density for name it. These elements required a good production and expected an evolution in sound, not a change of musical

64 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
 Black Death metal, than Vemoth is certainly a nice catch! compiled in "Fons Immortalis" (songs from the "Phoenix Of pounding double bass drumming and noisy bass. The
Mixing influences from bands like Dissection, Naglfar or The Creation" '96 demo plus from a rehearsal tape of the drumming is quite and varied, from the straight ahead
Satyricon this quartet present us a good debut of coherent, same year) because in my opinion Charles Keller (the man classic death metal style, to more noisy and alternated
rightly correct furious black metal. Do not expect any sort behind Order From Chaos) reaches its climax in Vulpecula beats, there are quite some pace shifts as well, and that
of strange improvisations cause these guys play black with that particular release. "In Dusk Apparition" shows a adds to the whole. The guitars are good, there are deliv-
metal in the old Swedish tradition, raw, aggressive, side of Vulpecula that was never explored... long songs ered some nice and catchy riffs and some good solos now
intense, from mid to fast tempos, diverse and with a clean with running times between 7 to almost 8 minutes. and then. The vocals are good as well, a well pronounced
fat production that allows all instruments to shine on their Composing long songs isn't an easy task but they do it so and deep growl, delivered slowly upon our helpless ears,
own! The only comment I can have on "Kottkroksvals" is naturally that is almost creepy. The music is a strange mix so we get the accounts of violent abuse of the sluts print-
that Behemiron tend to use the same sort of raspy wicked of mid tempo Dark Death Metal with some scattered spa- ed on our retinas. The tales of horror are well painted and
vocals without much variation giving a nostalgic feeling tial tunes and low grunted whispered vocals. entertaining as they should be.
towards the end. Still this is overstepped with a tight The only note I have with the material in here is that is If gore-grind is something up your alley then this album is
instrumental side where the dark atmospheres are built on mostly drum driven... meaning that the drums are slightly a sure buy, well crafted tunes of demented sex, violence
melodic aggressive riffs and superb intense drumming. on top of the other instruments; still he can hear clearly the and gore is what Whore is about, together with the grind-
Highly competent in what they are playing Vemoth can bass lines and the guitar (during the solos the guitar is per- ing, blasting death metal. The influences from speed and
with no doubts become bigger if they manage to insert a fectly heard however during the riffing it could be a little thrash metal supplies the necessary alternation, together
more personal touch in their compositions instead of grab- upfront). Nevertheless it gives a strange intense refined with the great pace shifts. The sound is raw and natural, no
bing bits of this and that to make the whole. Songs like the feeling to the songs that probably only Vulpecula can annoying over-triggered drums or sterile guitars, and it's
brutal fast opener 'Morka Drommar', the riffing 'Smidas Pa accomplish! I have the feeling that sooner or later the offi- straight ahead in an organic and spell-binding manner.
Nytt', the melodious 'Manskligt Avskrade' or the mighty cially defunct band will return... [7] NUNO SANTOS Weak and righteous souls might find the multiple horrors
THE FIRSTBORN : THE UNCLENCHING OF FISTS thundering drumming of 'Domen' are not easily forgetful. and porn influenced intros quite offensive, together with
[PROCON MEDIA] [7] NUNO SANTOS WAPENSPRAAK & DRINKGELAG / GARMEN- the lyrics, the song titles and artwork, but this is offensive
HORD : DE STRIJDLUST VAN HET ZWIJN metal, the way offensive metal is meant to be… And
Initially known as Firstborn Evil, The Firstborn used to VESANIA : GOD THE LUX [LUGBÚRZ PRODUCTIONS] death/grind fused together with speed metal works, just
be one of the most respected bands in the [NAPALM RECORDS] The first band on this split-CD is Wapenspraak & check out 'Goddamn You're Ugly' and the more pure
Portuguese underground scene. Under the name of This is definitely more like it. Poland's Vesania are not to Drinkgelag (which in Flemish means something like speedster 'Shocker', and if you want the full treat take it
Firstborn Evil they released "Rebirth of Evil" and "From be considered as a project band although they include Weapon speech & Drinking laughter), and as you can from the top. Though be aware that the album gets a bit
members Daray from Vader (drums) and Orion from expect from a band with such a name, they indeed play repetitive towards the end, many monotonous sounding
the Past Yet to Come", two albums that received very Behemoth as the guitar/vocalist. Now here is something pagan Metal (with strong Black Metal influences), and riffs and compositions drags the album out, and the outro
good reviews. Their initial sound was Black Metal many of you may not know. Vesania were formed up in obviously they sing in their own tongue which, by the way, is quite annoying as well. But when that is said, the album
mixed with some Death Metal clichés, but - apparent- 1997, a great deal of time before either specialists had sounds really good! It definitely creates the same grim is very enjoyable. [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
ly - they wanted to take a huge conceptual step, and joined the later Polish super bands, fact that makes harshness the Scandinavian languages use to do!
Vesania even more respectable to the naked eye. "God the The folky instrumental guitar/flute intro gave me the WIGRID : DIE ASCHE EINES LEVENS
right after "From the Past Yet to Come" (in 2000) they Lux" is their second release after the "Firestorm Arcanum" impression that the musical quality wouldn't really be of a [NO COLOURS RECORDS]
put their effort on some spiritual and innovative influ- released in 2003. You will find no monotony here. This is high level, since it sounded quite simple and corny. I was Cold, melancholic and droning black metal is what we get
ences. Drinking a whole inspiration on Tibet's history, nothing less to expect from a band where Daray and Orion wrong though, and I apologize for this, but I was misled by from Wigrid. Atmospheric long tunes, displaying solitude
the band leaves here a total hymn to the Oriental cul- meet the keyboards of Siegmar and the 4 strings of bassist its (actually suitable) simplicity! I must admit this is a real- and longing for something not available, frustrations and
Heirich. Keyboarder Siegmar has written an orchestration ly good-sounding band! In five powerful tracks they prove anger are being let out through the speakers, as the almost
ture. The Black Metal structure has been left behind nearly at the same standards of Dimmu Borgir's excel- to have all the qualities a good band within this Metal- ambient music moves slowly forward.
almost totally, and instead, we get much more Death lence, although the melodies do not sound so up front as genre should! Even the live-recorded track "Puur Heidens The compositions are almost standing to still at times, not
Metal oriented riffs and blast beats. Everything here is the above mentioned band. Binding this with a totally bril- Krijgsmetaal" kicks bloody ass, and therefore isn't a mere offering enough interesting elements to keep it interesting.
almost perfect and "fresh", because there aren't much liant performance of darkened music, what we have here is cheap filling of recording-time. The typical pagan feeling is The guitar is cold and distant, almost lifeless, adding a lot
impressive. The keys also provide brief spaces between there, like we know it from bands like Kampfar, Isengard, of the atmosphere in the music. The kind of atmosphere
clichés, you know. "Voyage" is this amazing track, or the songs, giving an even greater complete image of an and in some extent Finntroll, but still W & D stand for orig- that keeps Wigrid alive and the music interesting. The riffs
"Fire Channels". You will recognize some Nile, album. Yet, those of you that go after easy chill out listen- inality, and (in all humbleness) they kick Kampfar's ass aren't many and the variation isn't that big either, some of
Emperor or, for instance, Sepultura parts, especially ing will be sadly disappointed. This album needs to be easily! But I guess this is not really a surprise if you take the melodies are good, others to the weaker side. The
on tracks like "Movement for Practising the Way" or drained rather than simply listened to. in consideration the fact that the band assembles mem- drumming is sparse, it works more or less as percussion
Daray's drumming sounds heavy and brutal, reminding bers from Aguynguerran, Enthroned and Gotmoor... all the way through, it works okay and the variation of it is
"Golden Libation" - true Epic and beautiful moments
perhaps his other band, and providing a cutting edge The quartet Garmenhord (featuring 4 songs + a live video- quite good as well. The vocals, a scream from beyond the
to be consumed with a total peaceful mind. But don't steady foundation for Orion's guitars and Siegmars' keys recording) also shares the same pagan bloodline, but grave, cold and frustrated, it fits the musical output per-
think the album is all calm, far from that, my friends. that touches perfection. The vocals are mixed in a medi- musically they have a different approach... fectly and is good. It reminds me a lot of Burzum's early
The album has very brutal songs ("To Roam the um volume. All that black metal lyric vomiting is more like The opening track "De Val van Raepenburg" convinced me vocal work, as well as the music does, there are many
following the music than making a stand by itself. If this is immediately that this was also fucking good shit though! It resemblances to Burzum and Ulfhednir is obviously draw-
Endless Plains") that only a very few Portuguese
a minus or a plus, you can judge by yourselves. all starts really grimly, with an Arckanumish atmosphere, ing many references from the Norwegian band into his
bands would dare to write. The Firstborn has, per- The beauty about this CD is that not a single track stands but with some awesome intertwined bass lines resembling own music. Black metal bands displaying solitude, depres-
haps, the best Portuguese drummer: Rolando Barros, out of the total. This album is one unique piece of work, all to the earlier Burzum releases. I really have been spinning sion and death are becoming many and many of them are
from Grog, Sacred Sin, Neoplasmah, etc. That's why together and undivided. It may not be the great break- this track over and over again! This is the stuff alright! good, and it seems like they have received recognition in
through for its genre, but the combination of the polish Generally the songs are mid-tempo (by times reminding the underground fairly quickly. Perhaps they have touched
the drum parts were recorded so well. The whole CD
death metal school with that sweet orchestral aristocratic me a bit of Tumulus, even though I'm not quite sure in issues many can relate to and by that it is easy to identify
has a very nice production (not common on feeling is a must-hear result. [8] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS what way exactly), with some faster parts here and there, oneself with the atmospheres and anger expressed
Portuguese records...). "The Unclenching Of Fists" is and with the main focus on somewhat epic, medieval and through the music and vocals. This is a quite good album,
one of the greatest Avant Garde albums recorded VREID : KRAFT folky atmospheres. For this Garmenhord used pagan "sing- which as these albums often do, a bit of time and spins to
[TABU RECORDINGS] along" choirs and refrains, ending up having created really open up for real. Though the simplistic ambient title track
ever, thus, you can't miss it. [9] SIMÃO FONSECA
The band that rose out of the ashes of Windir, and I don't catchy songs which stick in your head for hours (of course is too long, simple and boring for a pure electronic track,
have count on how many reviews I've seen dealing with a especially if you understand Flemish!). Both bands are especially when the 4 other tracks are as good and capti-
comparison of the 2 bands, instead of dealing with the musically and vocally really good, and also the production vating as they are. [7] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN
direction. The latter should result in a change of band name actual music Vreid has made, there are some compar- is totally appropriate. Therefore I can only conclude this is
if anything. I seriously struggle to figure out who this album isons, but not that many. Vreid is much for straight for- without any doubt a very successful release, and definite- WILLOW WISP : INCINERATOR BOUND
is applying to as dedicated Varathron fans would not be able ward, a thrash band incorporating black metal influences ly a trophy to be held high for the Flemish Metal scene! I [SELF RELEASED]
to welcome this one. [7] ALEX ANTONIOU into their music, is a pretty good way to put it. can't wait to see both bands live! [8.5] TARAS VAN DIJK So, this release isn't anything to write home about really.
Catchy thrashy riffs are thrown out of the speakers, often The synths used are set on probably the most annoying
VARGSANG : THRONE OF THE FORGOTTEN in a mid-paced manner, the riffs are thought through and WELTBRAND : RADIANCE OF A THOUSAND SUNS sound I've ever heard loaded on a keyboard. A mix
[UNDERCOVER RECORDS] makes an impact on the listener, and hooks the ear, so to [NEW ERA PRODUCTIONS] between Marilyn Manson-esque low melancholy clean
This is Vargsang's second and final release. Having praised say. Simple, but effective guitar work. The compositions This is an interesting, and in my honest opinion one of the vocals with shrill black metal styled vocals. I thought that
his black metal ideals with a band named Graven in the are well made as well, well-weighed song writing with most promising bands to emerge from the Netherlands all this neo-goth stuff had died out by now but I guess not.
past, Vargsang apparently made a name for himself in the focus on the song, instead of different wicked details, and lately. The Black Metal-sound Weltbrand stands for (and by I did a little research and saw that these guys are from
cult BM genre, although he now apparently hates the latest it's nice to hear such music once in a while. The variation themselves described as "Nihilistic Assault Metal") com- Hollywood, though, and that's where anything is possible
evolution (...) of the scene and has decided to call it quits. is nice as well, and makes the album somewhat long last- bines a lot of sheer violence with dark industrial atmos- in the realm of finding genuinely bad music.
Buying 46 minutes of non stop Misanthropic Black Metal ing. There is the direct thrashy mid-tempo opener 'Wrath pheres and results in quite an original-sounding band I I think this band has a long way to go, but I guess I could
may not sound so desirable to many of you, yet it is under- Of Mine', with snarled vocals, well pronounced so we can must say! The riffs within Weltbrand aren't necessarily see someone who's into this sort of stuff liking it a lot.
stood that the aim of musical outcasts such as this one is follow the lyrical wrath and bile. We have a song as the epic complex or too melodic, nor is the drumming necessarily So... if you like Cradle of Filth and Marilyn Manson, check
not to be heard, nor sell, only to exist and be discovered by and very black metallish 'Songen Åt Fangen', cold and epic, technical, but for some reason I get an overall feeling of them out I guess. [3.5] MAX RODRIGUEZ
those few sick individuals. nice cold guitars and a good atmospheric solo and quite professionalism, and especially conviction! Weltbrand is
The riffs are as dry as they could possibly be, minimalistic speeded up compared to the most of the album, and good an oiled machine in motion, a fresh blast of energy into the WINTER OF APOKALYPSE: SOLITARYWINTERNIGHT
in their own nature and simple as one-two-three. As Fenriz rasping vocals, this track isn't far of Windir. The semi- Dutch scene! "Radiance of a Thousand Suns" was first [MORIBUND RECORDS]
from Darkthrone used to say, the drums in Black Metal acoustic 'Empty', which almost has a Pink Floyd feel to it, released as a Mcd limited to 250 copies, which New Era Self-entitled as the true heritors of the great Norwegian
should "just be there" and so they are. Within the ferocious dreamy and melancholic, with psychedelic sub harmonics, Productions decided to re-release, adding 6 new tracks Black Metal wave, Winter of Apokalypse introduce them-
glacial chemistry of Vargsang's doings, a frozen black a thing which is present more than once on this album. (from which on is a Carnivore-cover), ending up in a total selves as the natural successors of bands like Dissection,
metal aesthetic is mastered carefully but with such sim- At first I didn't get into this album, but as time has passed of 17 tracks! I think New Era made a smart move bringing Mayhem, Morbid Angel, Destroyer, Bathory, Venom and
plicity in all aspects that makes you wonder why you are and I have gotten more familiar with it, and the music has out this release, for it shows itself worthy to be listened by others. Being known before as Thy Infernal in the previous
still interested in listening to this after the first total play. had some time to work on me, it have made quite an much more than a mere 250 souls! [7.5] TARAS VAN DIJK two albums, they have abandoned this name in 2004 to
Strangely enough, circumstances being what they are, this impact, and I am left impressed behind. There is an enor- Winter of Apokalypse and release in 2005 'Solitary Winter
shit ain't bad. Far from producing a masterpiece, a break- mous impact by the music, it is captivating. It contains WETWORK : SYNOD Night', their third release. Musically speaking, WoA is a
through of its kind or a total failure, Vargsang's second good melodies and great riffs. The bass is always audible [KRANKENHAUS RECORDS] straight-forward pure Black Metal band. If they are or not
album is located somewhere in between those three con- and is sounding good. The drumming is precise and The first thing I noticed about these Canadians is their the heritors of old Black Metal I cannot say it, but I can say
clusions. Try and avoid listening in overdose. The hypno- straight in your face. The music and performances from bassist, Chay McMullen, who played for Infernal Majesty, they sound as the above mentioned bands, the great ones,
tising effects and deep sadness it produces within might the musicians are great and very varied. The vocals are so I thought I knew what I should expect out of Wetwork's the ones that as embody Black Metal and have evolved
be difficult to cast away. [7] THANOS KALLIANIOTIS raw, and again nicely alternated, and are pretty catchy, cd. How wrong I was! There's not much that you can do themselves... It will be that Black Metal needs revivalisms?
when one gets beneath the raw cover. Grab this album, and when you get hit by a female that Hell itself denied! Kristen I think not. Black Metal, as any other Metal gender, dis-
VARIOUS : CHOOSING DEATH let it work on you, it will be worth the time, I have used a Parker is a demon of the dark past. She is so scary you penses any old reminiscence. He needs yes, new gender
[RELAPSE RECORDS] long period of time to get into, and now when I have been can't believe. She doesn't imitate noone and she's defi- bringers, new innovators who bring something 'outra-
This is the companion CD compilation coinciding with the taken away by it, it shows to be a damn good musical nitely out of this world. I never thought I could survive her geous' to a gender, as CoF have did it in middle 90's or Nile
release of Albert Mudrian's book "Choosing Death: The adventure. [8.5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN bestial malevolence to the end. Even though they claim to is doing today for Death Metal, and therefore perpetuating
Improbable History of Death Metal & Grindcore". Beyond all be technical death metal they sound more like extreme Metal in time. Putting aside the philosophic questions, and
the fuss around the release of this book, what you get here VULPECULA : IN DUSK APPARITION thrashers. An overall great effort and since Canada is one looking to what I have in hands, WoA's 'Solitary Winter
is an easy, thrown together compilation released more in [INVICTUS PRODUCTIONS] of my favourite metal countries I suggest you give them a Night' is a good suggestion of pure Black Metal, essential
order to cash in with the book than to document anything I got in touch with Vulpecula back in '96 when they chance without much thought. [8] KOSTAS ANTONATOS to the purist fans. To the lesser purist only remains waiting
properly. As if adding demo versions of tracks from Nihilist released their "Phoenix Of The Creation" and I was one of to WoA evolution, such as happened with many Black
(pre-Entombed) or live soundboard recordings from the lucky bastards who grabbed one of the vinyl copies of WHORE : DOING IT FOR THE KIDS Metal bands. To sustain my opinion I point Dimmu Borgir.
napalm Death would have people running to buy this. I will that demo. The year after Merciless Records releases the [MORIBUND RECORDS] Look to 'Far All Tid' and 'Death Cult Armageddon' (the first
not debate the book's content as I have not read it but this Ep "Fons Immortalis", then a complete silence 'til now! The Prejudice kind of took over when I saw the title and the and the last) and you'll see what I'm talking about! 'Solitary
'original soundtrack' is surely not worth to get. If you real- four tracks featured here (plus a cover song of 'Major Tom cover artwork for this album. Though that is always a good Winter Night' is to WoA what 'Far All Tid' is to Dimmu
ly need the material here, get yourself a high speed con- (Coming Home)', originally recorded by Peter Schilling start, it means that the expectations to the release aren't Borgir. It only remains us all to wait to WoA's musical evo-
nection and sample the P2P listings out there. You'll get a and only available on a limited edition compilation cas- too high, and like that it's easier to get surprised positive- lution because all the rest is there. [7.5] CARLOS FILIPE
wider sample and won't help people to cash in on some sette) were supposed to be out on the debut album entitled ly. And I indeed did, instead of the awaited lo-fi porn-grind
past glories which are not their own. [1] ERIC MASSICOTTE "Down Among Them". These songs were extracted from assault, Whore surprised with some well-weighed WITCHKRIEG : DARK MY WAY
tapes that were only pre-production exercises for the death/grind with a healthy amount of speedy thrash metal [REDE & RITE RECORDS]
VEMOTH : KOTTKROKSVALS album that was supposed to come so don't expect a included. The compositions are well made, and pretty There's almost a punkishness, though it's anything but
[TEMPLE OF DARKNESS RECORDS] tremendous studio quality! catchy, even though the music is pretty brutal and straight punk. A lot of that may just have to do with the obvious
If you are one of those not yet tired of intense Swedish Its hard for me to put this material aside with the stuff they forward with its grinding guitar riffs, and loud cymbals, DIY element afoot here. Nothing wrong with that, in case

66 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
 that the band is very technical, and might have the math- TWP, is really on par with the remaining material. Finally
core label attached to them as well. there's no way to deny that the record reveals obvious
The music kicks of full throttle and straight into warp speed, influences both from old and contemporary prog leaders,
it doesn't stay in that pace through out the album though, but I guess I tend to undervalue this issue in view of a
the release are pretty varied and we are presented for a fair debut record of this fine quality. [8.5] ERNESTO MARTINS
deal of pace shifts. The guitars are insane, there a tons of
riffs and variations of them, right as you find ease with one, WYKKED WYTCH : NEFRET
it gets changed into the next and it is like that the whole way [DEMOLITION RECORDS]
through "In The Midst Of Bloodied Soil". I don't mind tech- Whether or not you can say I liked or didn't like Wykked
nical music and tons of riffs, though I'd like a decent hook Wytch's music would depend on which particular passage
once in a while, something which makes me remember I'm hearing at the moment. During the band's straightfor-
which song I am listening to, and I can't quite find that on ward black metal passages, it's pretty groovy. It's a little
this album. The compositions are like tornadoes of riffs, more of the technically proficient, precision-performed
melodies, beats, killer bass lines and a wicked rasping variety, chock full of speed but also melodic songwriting
growl, thrown in the air and transforming into a unit of some tendencies, almost at times modern melodic thrash but
kind, before it hits ones ears. There are bits and pieces of with black metal vocals and aura. That's great. There are
melodies which make me think of the catchier In also rawer, but equally as appealing punkish death metal
Flames/Dark Tranquillity material, parts resembling of segments that I find quite enjoyable. But when the band
death/grind, and weird over the top technical parts, making slips over into the clean-voxed Goth side, I just don't like
USURPER : CRYPTOBEAST one think of mathcore, a nice mix up of a lot. There are good it as much. I give them much credit for the largely suc-
tendencies in the band, but I can't quite get into this, and cessful attempts at variety and anti-boredom tune writing,
[EARACHE RECORDS]
suddenly in the middle of it all, an instrumental intermezzo but somehow those gothic stretches just don't quite cut it
Ten years ago being 'over the top' was something quite tasteless and unfashionable. You will possibly remember track with some nice dark gothic-like synth work, I miss a for me. Overall, though, this is a strong band and it's pret-
trend-setter Max Cavalera and a few trend-following VIPs (I bet every country had at least a couple of these anti-OTT pattern and something I can relate too. When the disc stops, ty terrific to hear such a strong-voiced woman shred
activists) campaigning militantly against all things traditionally metal! Sign of the times or maybe not, the truth is I have forgotten what I listened to, and when I press start through death, hardcore-ish and black metal vocal
again, I can't tell the tracks a part, and that's good once in a stylings. [5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
that metal's death was proclaimed in the US to everyone's rejoice. Praise the lord! I must add that, with all the crap
while, though it gets very tiring in the long run. But a band
labelled as 'metal' that spawned from across the Atlantic in these last few years, metal had better remained 'dead'!! with a lot of potential and some damn good musicians when WYNJARA : HUMAN PLAGUE
Ten years forward in time, the leather clad headbangers known as Usurper produce their most recent masterpiece, judging on this album. [5] ANDERS PETER JØRGENSEN [NOCTURNAL ART PRODUCTIONS]

"Cryptobeast", and folks, it doesn't get much more OTT than this. Being so scandalously metal is a matter of honour Wynjara's grindingly brutal but lushly melodic death metal
for these guys, and the music reflects that crystal clear. "Cryptobeast" is a potent and menacing slab of highly per-
WOLVERINE : THE WINDOW PURPOSE reveals an admirable degree of maturity informing the music
[ELITIST / EARACHE RECORDS] at a core creative level. Murderous onslaught isn't hard to
sonalised metal. Production, sound and musical execution are all near perfection, and you just know from metal Originally released by a small label in 2001, this is find as the music rages on and the guttural death roar of the
hymn number one "Bones of my enemies" that you're in for a treat! Awesome choruses, brilliant tempo changes, Wolverine's debut album reissued in a fully remastered vocals stomp you into headbanger's submission. Metal
incredible dynamics and variety, it is all here! From the thrashing viciousness and velocity of "Return of the werewolf" version featuring new artwork and an additional track. You fiends will easily find the blasting assault their masochistic
may have already heard about these Swedish devotees of little ears so greedily desire (yum, yum). But wrapped inex-
to the amazingly intense and atmospheric "Wrath of god", Usurper knows no weaknesses. They can even afford to
progressive metal in the context of their latest release tricably about all this blisteringness is a highly developed
compose an interlude like "Ectoplasm", which sounds like the more introspective Agent Steel moments on their "Cold Light of Monday", so this is your chance to check out sense of melody, bordering at times on the sort of beauty
"Unstoppable Force" album, and to deliver a die-hard fist in the face of every baggy panty/spiky hairy poser wimp in how the band sounded in their formative stages. I bet you you only expect metal to produce in, say, the power metal
the shape of "Kill for metal", a real thrash banger complete with lovely verses such as "Bringing the demise of this won't be disappointed. "The Window Purpose" is an hour sector. It's a nice way to expand the death metal sound and
mainstream shit / Skulls will be broken, throats will be slit / Shitting on the posers, making them pay / Bringing back plus of great music played both with heart and technical give it some extra meat and appeal. The get-together of such
proficiency. The songs go through diverse moods and thrashy heaviness and rich loveliness is heady stuff and
the true metal ways". Usurper are pure metallic bliss in 2005, with "Cryptobeast" sounding as old-school as it gets generally excel in the long instrumental breaks with amaz- promises a growing fan base. [6.5] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN
and, at the same time, unbelievably refreshing!! OTT? No, just pure fucking metal!! [10] MIGUEL SOUSA ing leads and clever arrangements. And while these breaks
may be at times really complex and intricate they merge XASTHUR : TELEPATHIC WITH THE DECEASED
seamlessly in the overall structure of the songs, making [MORIBUND RECORDS]
you think I'm implying such, just noting what I hear. At any death adds intensity and the thrash, well, speed of course. them relatively easy to get into. But what surprised me the Many of you are ecstatic when referring to what I simply
rate, as I said, it's NOT punk. There's a certain black metal The music is alive with thick guitar chords and groovy per- most in "The Window Purpose" was the quality consisten- consider "miserable bedroom black metal". Maybe it's just
(old school) rawness to this, but it's not really black metal. cussion while the vocal chores move sweetly between a cy kept throughout its eleven cuts, which is quite remark- me getting fed-up beyond endurance of the dreadful drum
I can tell that the members of this songwriting team have solid death growl and aggro-female singing. There's a able for a debut album. Also, this first Wolverine long-play- machines, the moaning and intelligible vocals or the
digested their share of black metal and that it has definite- fused diversity here that brings to Witchkrieg's sound a er still features the occasional appearance of the growled excessive use of reverberation but I truly despise this kind
ly had an influence in their tonnage, but black metal isn't. dose of originality that helps them shine a bit in the metal vocals of Marcus Losbjer (the only reminiscence of the of music these days. I can't take it anymore and I feel like
More than anything, it's a trinity of gothic metal, thrash underground. [7] KRISTOPHER UPJOHN band's death metal past), which creates an unexpected it's not only a matter of free-form bashing. It's repetitive
and death, but these other influences are there in the most and unique contrast with the band's 'clean' sound. As for without being trance-inducing, badly produced and truly
oblique of fashions. Their presence as influences aren't WITH PASSION : IN THE MIDST OF BLOODIED SOIL the main voice in the band, I must admit that it took me a miserable to a point of exhaustion. We've heard it all
overt or blatant necessarily, but the trained ear, as it were, [EARACHE RECORDS] while to get used to the way Stefan Zell sings, as he before elsewhere and to be honest I would recommend
can pick up on these things. Or maybe I just overanalyze. This is a pretty new American metalcore band, as their sounds sometimes a bit too naive. Contrary to what usual- anyone to spare the few bucks required to buy this and
Who knows? Whatever the case, it makes for a relatively record label, labels them. Though there are more to it than ly happens with bonus tracks in album reissues, the spend it on a good set of earplugs. I might be cruel or
unique listen, and yet one that is accessible for any metal that. Yes we do have the melodic death metal inspirations almost 10 minute epic "Again!" (originally released on their maybe just no longer interested but whatever... Now get a
fan. The Goth element adds delicious atmosphere, the and a healthy dose of hardcore in the picture, but besides "Fervent Dream" EP) re-recorded for this new edition of life! [1] ERIC MASSICOTTE
 for the problems in the past, it seems that they are exactly
that: past, and Keeler was quite ready to leave those pains
behind, “He’s a true gentleman, he would have had good rea-
son to have taken issue with the way in which he was treated
prior to the release of ‘Sanity’, but has chosen to concentrate
on the here and now.”
Hurray for that! With the line-up complete, the new millenni-
um Onslaught were ready to hit the rehearsal room. It must
have been exciting to play the new songs again. But the
bassist has a different perspective. “Nerve-wracking for sure.
And crap. We sounded dreadful!!”. And what was the first
song you played? “First on the butcher’s block was Metal
Forces. Fortunately things started to improve fairly quickly!”.
Did you immediately started coming up with new ideas for
songs, or you focussed solely (at an earlier stage) in just play-
ing the old songs back to shape?
“Bit of both. I think it took us a good four months to work out
the style of music that was coming from our hearts, ignoring
the cultural filters to find that Onslaught sound again. In that
period we did work on songs like ‘Shellshock’ and ‘Sanity’
[interviewer’s note: songs from the third album, ‘In Search of
Sanity] - it was good to hear Sy’s vocal takes on them. The
new songs we were coming out with at this stage were, in ret-
rospect, a stepping stone to the new vein of creativity we seem
to have struck of late. Not much of the material from this time
remains in the new songs!!”
With an album due to 2006, old fans are certainly wondering
how do the new songs sound like. I ask the friendly bassist if
there are any conscious influences from one of the previous
albums and if fans can rest assured that Onslaught will deliv-
er the same fury and intensity they can find in the awesome
‘The Force’. “Absolutely”, he replies enthusiastically. “That
Yes, it is true, Onslaught have reformed! Few possibly imagined this reunion would ever happen, but album represents the high water mark of the band’s career to
the fact is that the finest English thrashers are back to the front. No rest for the wicked, hum? With a date. That said, we certainly haven’t copied the ideas from the
new album on that forge and Sy Keeler again filling the frontman’s shoes, Ancient Ceremonies tracked album - I think there are elements of ‘Sanity’ in the new mate-
rial, for example - but, as you say, we have aimed to capture
down bassist Jim Hinder to get the whole story... that album’s inherent brutality and lack of compromise. No
journalist: Miguel Sousa acoustic guitar or bullshit intros on this one…”.
Yes! Now that’s the answer I wanted to hear! Despite having
been released 20 years ago, ‘The Force’ still sounds unbeliev-
ably vicious and threatening. Just listen to those neck-breaking
anthems of brutality like ‘Let there be death’ or ‘Fight with the
Onslaught might be a name unknown to some (if not most) of our rights to those albums and don’t get a penny for them. Hinder beast’, with Sy Keeler excelling on those great Cronos-school
readers, but back in the days when long hair and leather jackets sighs: “We should get something, of that I’m fairly certain. vocals intermingled with his trademark high pitched scream-
ruled, these British lunatics certainly have delivered the goods. We’re investigating the situation as we speak”. ing. With a laugh, Jim Hinder informs me that Sy still manages
Formed in 1983 by Nige Rockett (guitar) and Steve Grice With legal matters on their way to being clarified, our friendly to hit the right notes. “Yup, he flexes the larynx appropriately”.
(drums), Onslaught started in the hardcore/punk scene, hav- interlocutor fills the time gap between the break-up and the And he leaves a threatening remark, “I actually think his
ing for reference bands like Discharge, The Exploited and reunion and tells Ancient Ceremonies where new guitarist singing is much more angry and vehement these days...”
GBH. However, the metal demon grew on the young band, and Alan Jordan came from. Wow! Now that’s something I want to hear! With a comment
when their storming debut ‘Power From Hell’ hit the stores in “Steve and Nige formed a band called Frankenstein shortly like that, one might think that the new lyrics might have some-
1985 there was no doubt that some massive injections early after Onslaught’s demise, which lasted for a few years. Steve thing to do with that. What’s on Onslaught’s minds these
thrash had made an effect on the young band’s sound. In the eventually left and Nige ended up forming the Power Junkies, days? “We’re not going to revisit the overt satanic themes of
following year, with new vocalist Sy Keeler (who would which also lasted from a while before disbanding. Sy had been the first album - much more to concentrate on man’s unpleas-
become a fan favourite) fronting the Bristol boys, Under One fronting Mirror Mirror at the end of the 80s and that continued antness to man. That said, we certainly are utilising the
Flag released the thrash metal classic ‘The Force’, a bold and for a while into the 90s. Alan Jordan, our “new” guitarist imagery - I think in a much more allegorical context.”
fierce opus that earned the band the tag of “Europe’s answer (who’s been in the band for a year now!) played in all three of Jim’s sentence sure says a lot about his band’s classic concept,
to Slayer”. But then some changes occurred, with Keeler leav- the aforementioned acts. From my own perspective I didn’t so it seems only natural that some of the satanic imagery had
ing the band during the recordings of their third album due to play the bass for over ten years!” to remain, if filtered through the form of allegories. Despite the
label pressures. Packed with new vocalist Steve Grimmett , a On a personal level, what are the motivations for playing metal metallic edge ‘Power from Hell’ displayed, it were those lyrics
bag full of power metal tunes and a less aggressive produc- again? Living the good old days again? “We all had our reasons and aesthetics that really defined Onslaught to the crowd.
tion (read polished) and attitude, 1989’s ‘In Search of Sanity’ for reforming. Nige and Steve in particular wanted to record the “At that time, absolutely”, he agrees. “It was a phase the band
found some commercial success, but disappointment soon album that Sanity never was - the brutal culmination of the ideas went through - no-one took the practices of what was preached
followed, with an identity crisis a record label no willing to promulgated on the first two albums.” As for himself, Jim has the seriously - and it certainly touched a nerve with the metal public”.
renew the band’s contract being definitive blows on the band’s best of motives for someone who hasn’t played his instrument for Yes, imagine how important that was for a band coming out of
aspirations. The break-up soon followed. a decade, “I wanted to play some gigs again!!”, he laughs. the punk scene. Jim explains how Onslaught shifted into a
Over a decade later, Onslaught’s return is as real as it is unex- When I heard about the reforming, my first thought was about metal outfit. “Nige and Steve were first-generation punk rock-
pected. To everyone’s surprise, the old beast is reformed and the identity of the vocalist. Surely Sy Keeler had to be in ers of the old school who gravitated to the harder sounds of
it already has a new album on the forge baptised ‘Killing Onslaught again. Not only because he is the fans favourite, but the likes of Discharge and The Exploited. As the first wave of
Peace’. Rockett and Grice, this time joined by bassist Jim also because the reforming might not make sense without Metallicas and Slayers appeared they found themselves drawn
Hinder (responsible for the 4 strings on ‘In Search of Sanity’), him. But personal differences due to the unfriendly sacking to that sound”. And how about himself, being a later addition
new man guitarist Alan Jordan and, of course, charismatic could make Sy’s return difficult. “There was no question that to the band? “I was metal through and through. First albums
Simon Keeler on vocals, are ready to kick ass again. Simon is the only person who could have been involved with (bought by my brother in 1982) were Let There Be Rock (no
Jim Hinder tells the story: “Steve and Nige had remained the reformation”, reckons Hinder, “without him the project joke) and Number of the Beast. Hearing Ride the Lightning in
friends through the non-Onslaught years. Steve received a would not have worked and I wouldn’t have been involved”. As 1984ish just about changed my view of the world and a cou-
royalty cheque for sales of the re-released ‘Power from Hell’
and ‘The Force’ CDs... in the princely sum of 20 pence [!!] or
so... this got the guys thinking that someone, somewhere,
was capitalising on the band's former success. This occur-
rence was the catalyst - Steve and Nige got to thinking “what
if..?”. Matters moved forward when Steve rang me and asked
if I’d be interested. I said yes, I would! Similarly with Sy”.
So the new editions of the first two albums had a major role
in the re-forming?
“Absolutely. We spoke to the distribution company the other day
and were pleasantly surprised to hear that we’d sold some 7000
copies of the two albums over the last couple of years. All we have
to do now is track down who’s got our share of the royalties!”
I see... This appears to be quite a common situation amongst
eighties bands. I suspect that Onslaught might have no legal

68 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
ple of years later I found myself in Onslaught”.
And then came ‘In Search of Sanity’, a record that carried
great expectations (sic). Do you think Onslaught might have
become as big as Slayer with that record? “Had ‘Sanity’ been
what it might have been sans watered-down hair metal pro- Hard Club, Gaia, Portugal, 1.11.2005
duction and change of line-up, who knows...”. So what do you
believe was the main problem with said record? Steve For the second time, Epica’s fans had the opportunity to see (or see again) live, one of the best Gothic Metal bands in
Grimmet’s vocals? The polished sound? Were the songs not ours days, in a night performance full of sensuality and enchantment, presence and musical embody, angelically and
as strong as those in the previous record? “Latter two,
demonically moments, in the best Oporto’s venue, the Hard Club. I will talk about Epica’s performance ahead on this
methinks”, considers Hinder. “Don’t get me wrong - Steve
review, because first as ascend to the stage 2005 European Tour Epica’s supporting Band: Oceans of Sadness. They sur-
Grimmett has the finest pure metal voice to ever come out of
prise everybody that night. The more or less 1200 people that fulfil Hard club and thirsty for Epica, were astonished. All
the UK, period. But juxtaposed in a thrash context, it was all
1200 souls have hold back certainly this name: Oceans of Sadness from Belgium. No, no, that’s not what you are think-
a hideous mismatch. I can understand why we used Stephan
Galfas to produce the album - very knowledgeable guy, very ing about: this band name looks like another female Gothic Metal band as Epica! Au contraire, Oceans of Sadness are a
experienced - but his background was entirely wrong, and it very powerful band that plays a Death/Metalcore metal and they have enraptured all the audience in the night of the day
showed when it came to the final product. The songs are of the dead in Portugal. Starting with less than half of the people that finally was in the Hard Club, Oceans of Sadness
strong, if overlong... dirty ‘em up, like we’ve done at the recent deliver on stage a pure demonstration of domineering brutality in a monumental and professional way. There are no
shows, and they hold their own more than competently versus words to describe the sextet performance lead by their highest flame and venue arson, Oceans’s vocalist: Tijs Vanneste.
the first two LPs. Apart from Let There Be fucking Rock...”. The lesson of power and rituality began ten minutes before nine p.m., supported mostly by their last release ‘Send in
Okay, lets just ignore that misfortunate cover. Onslaught have the Clowns’ with eight expressive revelations of pure visceral Metal, with song like ‘Wild Mystery’, ‘Eyes Like Fire’ or the
kicked a few heads on their day, and now they are doing it ending song ‘Hope is One’ to close the act fifty minutes after beginning. As you see by know the entire contagious ener-
again as they oil the machine for the new record. Does Jim gy of Oceans of Sadness is due to a unique man, the restless Tijs Vanneste, that sings and screams like hell leaving us
think that crows have changed much during all this time thinking their lungs will be tired out his mouth as the screams comes out. The primitive screams enter an anthropolo-
Onslaught was gone? gy area leading Tijs to dance as a tribal leader in an old primitive ritual. Before such force and attitude their band mates
“Difficult to say as I’ve been to so few metal shows in the last fif- only can do providing the sounding mood of the guitars, bass, drums and keyboard to let Tijs glitter. The five band mem-
teen years! The guys and girls at our gigs have been very warm, bers remained still on stage, playing their instruments carefully to not blemish the entire ensemble, the entire ‘tribal’ cer-
welcoming and appreciative. Perhaps the years show in terms of emony of demon’ exorcise. And at 10 p.m. the lights turn off to Epica. The crowd goes crazy, that what we were wait-
the physical reaction from the crowd... it’s much easier to slam- ing for. A red-Epica light from the stage blows up the audience’s eyes and enlightening Epica’s logo on the background
dance for an hour-and-a-half when you’re eighteen, for exam- at the sound of Consign to Oblivion prologue, ‘Huban K’u’, breaking out all over the hard Club, loud and clear, rising the
ple...”. Apart from the old-school fans, Onslaught are apparently
emotion in everyone’s hearts. One by One all Epica members take their place on stage till Simone Simons appearance
drawing attention from the younger fans as well. “It was pleas-
at last. A night of seduction and majesty full of Gothic Metal crumble at the first chords of ‘Mother of Light’ followed by
ing to see some youngsters in the crowd, particularly at the X-
‘The Last Crusade’, praising religions to Epica’s last release ‘Consign to Oblivion’. It was a different Epica to a better one
Mass fests, and they certainly seemed to be enjoying it!”
that has played this second time in Portugal, showing more presence, more at ease and exhibit a firmness security, mak-
There’s certainly renewed blood in the Onslaught soldiers, but
what does he think about recent efforts by bands like ing Simone Simons performance a more mature one, but having in that growing process lost a tiny little sensuality, con-
Destruction, Kreator and Slayer? stituting this one the major emotion transmitted to the previous audience in Epica’s concert last year. Meanwhile, Simone
“I have only heard a couple of recent Destruction tracks, which has gained a deeper expressivity and has added more theatrically to her performance, to her beautiful voice and amaz-
I thought were superb! Kreator’s last album is fantastically ing singing in every song; embody them with a bigger soul to Epica repertoire. Enhancement the Epica’s live perform-
played and produced and a welcome slab of old-school German ance is always a very good lighting set and a ventilator focalizes on the mezzo-soprano Simone and the ‘grunt men’ Mark
thrash. Slayer remain personal favourites and I think that ‘God Jensen and guitar player, giving to both more expression, especially to Simone, throwing into the air her beautiful hair
Hates Us All’ is probably my all-time Slayer LP... controversial!” and giving her an eye-catching glamour, sensuality and seduction. Balancing Simone’s angelical mezzo-soprano singing
Ha, really!?! Now that might indeed cause some discussion! is Mark Jansen, like we know him from the two albums, setting free the entire demon inside him with a powerful and
Especially when for many a metalhead the first commandment large scale of grunts and screams enlightened with a demonic green light around him. Like in the albums, Epica live lays
is that ‘Reign in Blood’ is not only Slayer’s, but also metal’s down in this dual vocal paradox, to delight all Epica’s fans with a night full of beauty and demonic moments, grandios-
most emblematic record ever. That for sure is too dogmatic a ity and sensuality performance. After the first tracks of ‘Consign to Oblivion’, Epica dives into ‘The Phantom Agony’
view in my perspective, but ‘God Hates Us All’ being a album visiting ‘Sensorium’, ‘Cry For the Moon’, Façade of reality’, ‘Illusive Consensus’, ‘Seinf al Din’ and to close the set
favourite... I dunno, mate (laughs)! Anyway... lets move on. list ‘The Phantom Agony’; without before shifting again to Oblivion a couple of time and to play the new Epica’s single
So, Jim, any particular dream you wish to come true in 2006? version take from ‘The Score’, ‘Solitary Ground’, in a stage set lightening dark blue light focus on Corn Jansen and
“Release the album we should have done 15 years ago. Do Simone’s back crammed with a white bright light from below, in a catching magnificent unique serene moment with the
some shows with the guys and enjoy ourselves. And that’s it! mezzo-angelical face enlightened beautifully, providing the two, pianist and vocalist, a forever moment to everyone
No great desire for stardom, thank you very much!”. Wise
remember of so lethargic and beautiful it was. Surely this middle concert moment will be Epica’s live performance mark,
indeed. So there you have it. Onslaught are back! Old-school
a mandatory item in future Epica’s tours. The rest of the band mates haven’t swerved from the leadings characters, doing
grumpy denim and leather fans (like myself!) have one less
their part individually to the whole making another Epica magic night at the Hard Club. And at the end, everyone was
reason to complain about today’s ‘metal’ (if you know what I
calling Epica… Epica… And they return to the encore; playing ‘Dance of Fate’ and leaving the crowd more euphoric till
mean), and new younger fans have one extra motivation to get
into real thrash metal. the lights fall down again… leaving the fans’s calling vibration of ‘Epica’ to bloom in the Hard Club’s stoning walls, till
“We’ve been genuinely touched by the great reception we’ve Corn Jansen comes to the stage to express Epica’s feeling about this night and announcing a second encore started right
received so far and it’s so gratifying to know that so many peo- after with a extended version of ‘Consign to Oblivion’ where Mark Jansen reach a high level of grunting and screaming,
ple still appreciate the music we made so long ago. To the new- showing Epica like nobody as seen till today, only broken by Simone Simons ‘intromission’ part song. A marvellous
bies... we’d be delighted for people to check out what we do and night of Metal leaving everyone present wishing a new encounter with Epica as soon as possible. Its 23h30 and Simone
bring a little bit of old-school thrash into their lives” (laughs). Simons close the tonight show with a simple: ‘This is the end.’
You have been warned. ‘Killing Peace’ is due for release in journalist / photographer: Carlos Filipe
early 2006, so thrash or be thrashed!

- w w w. o n s l a u g h t f r o [Link] -

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 69
My first question as you may understand must be related Furious intensity is probably one of the positive
with your past. You started the band as INFERNAL SS but
afterwards decided to change the name to its present form.
aspects that grab the listener when hearing the
With a name with clear connections to National Socialism I debut album “Terrorfront” from the Death/Black
assume you had your share of problems. Was this the rea- Polish metal band, Infernal War. Most of you prob-
son for the change?
“No, we didn’t had any problems. Sometimes we had some ably don’t know, but they were a controversial
problems with playing gigs under our old name, but that’s all. band inside the Polish circuit... formed back in
The main reason for changing the name was the fact that
1997 under the name Infernal SS they soon
moniker Infernal War better reflects the ideological back-
ground of the band, which is death worship and terror propa- grabbed the attention as is understandable for the
ganda. Infernal War is not and never was a national socialistic wrong reasons (what were they expecting?!) and
Black Metal band. Our political views may be seen as contro-
accused of been a national socialistic Black
versial, but we don’t give a fuck. Infernal War has always been
black metal band. Hail Satan!” Metal band! Soon after the band decides to
And in the band anything changed? Musically, lyrically... change the name for Infernal War and kicks now
“Absolutely nothing changed. Some musical progress is obvi-
ous, but ideologically, Infernal War has not changed at all.” everybody on the balls with their debut album.
Did you know that there is a Brazilian black metal band with Talented vocalist Warcrimer talks about all this!
the same name? journalist: Nuno Santos
“We didn’t, but this band was formed a year after the release
of our debut Mcd so it is obvious that we were the first to use
the name Infernal War.”
How is the reaction from people in general and metal fans to a
band with such “strong” ideology? In the past here in Portugal
skinheads didn’t go along very well with headbangers!
“Well, some metal fans were confused, some were discour-
aged, some were encouraged... I really don’t care. Infernal War
is not a kind of entertainment for pathetic, tolerant wimps.
There are people worth respect and there are ones deserving
nothing but bullet in the head. The most important thing is that
we are satisfied with who we are and what we do but, of
course, it’s great when people appreciate Infernal War.”
One of the positive things that your debut album has is an
inherent Hate, Crush, Kill attitude. The music is pure sheer
brutality leaving no place for survivors... Where came all
this strength?
“This attitude results from our views and our musical inspira-
tions. I think there is nothing more to add here. We just cre-
ate music we want to listen to.”
Music by fans for fans I guess? What bands from the current
metal scene do you like most? is the composition process taking place nowadays? Is he normal, I guess. However, Filip does a good job for us and I
“I can say so, but personally prefer rawer approach to black open to suggestions from the other band members? hope our future co-operation will be even more successful.
metal. Besides, I listen to different kinds of music, but my core “Yes, Triumphator is the main composer in Infernal War, but we Agonia is good label for Infernal War.”
interest is, of course, metal. I like many bands from the cur- are all open to suggestions from each other. We work as a col- You used the word faster... As far as I know the material of
rent metal scene, i.e.: Inquisition, Gospel Of The Horns, lective. Our composition process is rather typical. Triumphator “Terrorfront” was recorded in April of 2004 however it only
Destroyer 666, Watain, Ondskapt, Kaamos, Revocation, composes the basic riffs and then each of us focuses on his saw the light of day in the spring of 2005. What happened
Necrovation, Revenge, Axis Of Advance, Revelation Of Doom, duties until we are all fully satisfied with a given song.” in between?
Throneum, Kriegsmaschine, Desaster, Witchburner, Morrigan, From what I know all band members have also other bands, “Nothing actually (laughs). We have some problems with the
Sunwheel, Malign, Throneum, Dissection, Svartsyn... There like Thunderbolt, Darzamat, Iperyt and Arkona... Is it difficult front cover and the whole layout, but it’s not important now.
are many of them and I spend almost all my money for new to maintain all band members focussed on Infernal War? Unfortunately, I consider the front cover of our debut album a
albums (laughs). I guess I don”t have to express our worship “Not really, Infernal War is our priority (maybe Godcrusher total crap. It’s unserious and fits neither the music nor the lyrics.”
for the bands like Sodom, Vulcano, Sarcofago or Bulldozer...” whose main band is Darzamat is the only exception), but we Infernal War is a band with a strong antichristian attitude at
Agonia Records from Poland was the label that released still can afford to play in other bands. For example, I am also least lyric wise. Do you have that same attitude on your per-
“Terrorfront” your debut album. Did you had any connections a member of Iperyt which I treat really seriously.” sonal and daily life?
already with them or was something that came by surprise? Iperyt also released a MCD under Agonia. The fact of been “Yes, definitely.”
“No, it did not come as surprise. The best offer we got was from already signed to them gave any advantage for Iperyt? Is it hard to put in words the influence that this antichristian
Filip and we accepted it. We’ve just signed for another album.” “Partly, I think. Iperyt got an offer from Filip and we signed to attitude has in your life?
What’s the message that Infernal War is trying to transmit Agonia. I think Iperyt would get this offer and sign it even if we “I am a very anti-social person and don’t see almost any dif-
with its music, lyrics, imagery? didn’t know Filip back then. Of course, it is easier to co-oper- ference between christians, modern pop cultural faggots and
“The message behind Infernal War, as I mentioned, is death ate with someone who you already know.” brainless majority of metalheads with lots of emotional prob-
worship and hate propaganda towards today’s world pathetic You are vocalist in both bands. When did you discover this lems. In everyday life I just live in my own way and try to be
population. That is the ideological basis of the band.” ability to sing? as harmful as possible to everything that stands on my way.”
I believe you recently played together with Union ([Link] “I can’t recall, but I had my first metal band when I was 15.” If you had to select one song from the debut album to sym-
Agony). How do fans react to the new material? Judging by the Your vocal approach is different in both bands. Which band bolize everything that Infernal War is, what song would be
songs on “Terrorfront” I believe you are definitely a live band! do you find it more difficult to perform your task and why? and why?
“Alas, that tour was crap for many reasons. Union had prob- “My approach is different as these bands are totally different “Difficult question. I would choose “Crushing Impure Idolatry”
lems with their drummer and didn’t play on that tour and from each other! Besides, the music of Iperyt requires a differ- as it perfectly represents the band, both musically and ideo-
Infernal War played only two gigs. However, I think we are def- ent vocal approach. I think it’s good to me as I can develop my logically. The same I can say about “Dead Head’s Empire”.”
initely a good live act. Our shows are really brutal and hateful. skills. I am very satisfied with the vocals on new albums of both What’s your next move? Working for a second full length?
I think everyone who saw Infernal War on stage would agree Iperyt and Infernal War. To me, it’s more difficult to perform my Playing live as many gigs as you can to promote both the
with me. We do like playing live.” task in Iperyt, especially live as the song structures of Iperyt as band and your CD “Terrorfront”?
I believe you can easily gather fans from both Black as well well as all those hardcore techno beats and bass drums demand “Music for the new album is already recorded and I am
as Death Metal genres! This is in my opinion also another more of my concentration when I am on the stage.” recording vocals next week. It will be entitled “Redesecration:
positive aspect of your music; I mean you gather several Lyric wise are you influenced by different topics for both The Gospel Of Hatred And Apotheosis Of Genocide” and I can
aspects from different genres turning your music richer! bands? What about the creation of lyric, do you have the tell you that it’s even more hateful and aggressive than
“Yes, it is true. There are many death metal fans who really same... let’s call it method for its creation? “Terrorfront” and the sound is really crushing. Total inhuman
enjoy our music. We are inspired by lots of Black / Death / “Well, I didn’t write lyrics for the debut Mcd of Iperyt but I massacre! We don’t want to play gigs at any cost as we pre-
Thrash Metal bands so it’s not strange one can hear many wrote the majority of lyrics for our debut album. In general, fer well organised shows with the bands we like and respect
influences in our music.” there is no bigger difference between the topics for the lyrics to playing anywhere with anyone.”
Now that you have a deal with a record label have you seen of both bands. However, the lyrical concept of Iperyt has no Are you using the same studio where you recorded
any past closed doors now been opened? Like for instance limitations as it is not a black metal band. I think the lyrics of “Terrorfront”?
the small tour with Union (a band that is also signed with both bands are very hateful and anti-social.” “Yes, but this time we used a different sound engineer and the
Agonia Records)? Are you totally satisfied with the final result of “Terrorfront” sound of the new album will be ten times more powerful than
“As I said, that tour wasn’t successful, but the distribution and and your cooperation with Agonia Records? “Terrorfront”!”
promotion is much better now. The more people know the “You won’t be surprised if I tell you, we are not fully satisfied, Its time to end, would you like to a add anything?
music and propaganda of Infernal War, the better it is.” will you?” “Thanks for your interest! Prepare for our new album and
From the info on the booklet, Triumphator (guitar player) is I will not be surprised at all! (laughs). watch our for the debut album of Iperyt (out this spring on
the main writer since he composed 6 from the 8 songs. How “Some things could have been done better or faster, but it is Agonia). 666!”

70 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
Elite is one of those new precious gems from the Norwegian Black Metal scene. During
our talk with Chris-Rudi we reached the conclusion that this was one of his first inter-
views which is evident by some of his answers. But do not be fooled by this ‘cause Elite
has all the professionalism of an older act versus the intensity of a new breed. Their
new album “Bifrost” is certainly a serious shadow to some more recognized acts...
journalist: Nuno Santos

Your debut album had a quite positive impact on gives more freedom to focus only in Elite’s music?
the metal scene; do you believe that “Bifrost” will “First of all I just want to say that Per Frank is play-
surpass the expectations? ing guitar in elite now. Tor-Arne (TAF) is not in Elite
“I think Bifrost is a much better album than anymore. Now I’m playing bass. Per Frank has left
Kampen. And I hope and think that people will feel the band Allfader, and now he can focus more on
it the same way.” writing music for Elite”
One of the things that “Bifrost” is by far better Any of the former members of Elite had any
than “Kampen” is production wise. I believe you experience before forming the band?
recorded Bifrost in a different studio this time am “Yes, Per Frank has played in Allfader. Bent has
I right? Did you have better conditions this time? sung in a band called Bortgang. Chris has played
“Hell yeah, this time we went to Ballerina Audio in in a band called Fury. But now everybody has their
Umeå, Sweden. Bands like Nagelfar and Vintersorg focus on Elite.”
have recorded some albums there. Bifrost, produc- In between your debut album and this new one
tion-wise is much better than Kampen. Ballerina you released under your present label, No
Audio is a fantastic studio and Nils Johannson is a Colours Records, a MCD titled “Bekmørkt”. Can
fantastic man to work with. So yes, we are really you give us some info about this released!
happy with the result.” “No Colours Records wanted to release a MCD of
The recording process was the same used on Elite, and Bekmørkt was a MCD that we wanted to
“Kampen”? If I’m not wrong in “Kampen” you release. So we decided to release the fucker.”
recorded everything live! I know that it contains songs from your past split
“On Kampen we recorded everything Live. This eps. Do you think it’s fair for the people who
time we didn’t. Rainer first recorded the drums, and have the original 7”Ep versions to see now those
then we recorded the guitars and bass. And finally songs release under another format?
Bent recorded the vocals.” “Hum, I don’t know. We have never thought about
On the past the lyric theme was based on hatred it that way. We just wanted to do it, so we did!”
towards christianity. Is this the same topic sub- One of the main aspects that I found quite inter-
ject of your lyrics nowadays? esting on Elite’s music is the fact that you create
“Actually no. On Kampen there was more hatred ferocity without loosing at all the important
against christianity than on Bifrost. We have a little melodic edge to maintain people interested on
bit hatred against christianity on Bifrost also, but the music, especially on the guitars!!
not that much. Now when Bent writes lyrics, he “For us it’s very important to have the melodic gui-
focuses on Norse mythology. He’s really into the tars. It creates magic, and we like that. We love
Norse mythology and writes a lot on the subject.” these mystical, melodic guitar parts.”
We all know that Norway was the centre of the I read somewhere that you started the band with
Black metal movement a few years ago, yet no intention whatsoever to play live or give inter-
nowadays things are totally different. Do you views. Still you already played quite a few times
believe this was a natural progression based on a live and you answer interviews. What lead this
trend or simply the same media that gave high change of plans?
coverage to the incidents related with Black Metal “(laughs) Yes you’re right. Elite was started just for
bands turned their heads towards other topics and fun, so we would have something to do in our free
the fever simply passed away!! time. And I’m not sure why we started to play live,
“The golden eggs chicken was simply murdered by but we’re doing it now, and its fun, and we love it...
all the excesses... I don’t know!!” Yes we try answering interviews. We are not so
Elite still maintain the characteristic Norwegian good at that, because it’s still a new thing for us,
Black Metal sonority. Do you believe that the but we try!! And especially when people/magazines
Norwegian Black metal sound is slowly progress- or whatever show interest in us (laughs).”
ing or the interest of people is simply changing? Which bands had an important role in your foun-
“Elite are still Norwegian black metal. We have a dation as a metal fan? Are these the same that
good sound on Bifrost, but we still have the Black influenced in any way Elite?
Metal sound I think. Some of the big bands don’t “Bands that have influenced me are Kiss, Metallica,
have this dirty Black Metal sound any more, but it is Manowar, Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth. These
still Black Metal if you ask me.” are bands I started listening to. Today I get my
The album title “Bifrost” is based on the Norse influences from many different bands, like
mythology. How important is mythology and also Immortal, Taake and many more. But in Elite we’re
your ancestors to Elite? trying to stay away from all the black metal clichés,
“Yes the album title and the lyrics are focused we’re trying to create our own style. And make
around Norse mythology. It’s not so fucking impor- music that people can hear is definitely Elite!”
tant, but it is a very fascinating topic, and Bent likes Do you think that it’s important for any musician
to write about it. Some bands write about Satan, to dig back the old classics? During the last
and some bands write about how they’re going to years I’ve found many arrogant statements / atti-
kill the christian people (laughs). And we write tudes from black metal band members towards
about Norse mythology, and a little bit about how old school bands.
we’re going to kill the christian religion (laughs).” “No. people don’t have to dig in the old metal clas-
Can you explain us the concept of the “Bifrost” front sics. But I think every musician digs out one, two
cover? Is there any relation with Norwegian themes? or three old bands, I think everybody do that.
“Hmm, I’m not sure about that. For me it’s just a Because there are so many cool old bands and
front cover with a Norwegian beast on it (laughs). I people can’t hate everything. If a 14 year old boy
have never asked Bent about it, he’s the man who or girl starts listening to metal, like Dimmu or
wanted that cover, so I’m not the man you should something like that, then they will dig out the old
ask about that.” bands sooner or later (laughs).”
As far as I know only Per Frank Valla (bass player)
plays in another band called Allfader. This way - [Link] way. c o m -
The first question that we need to make as you might under- formation, yet [Link] (bass player) is with you since more progressive metal. But no, I don’t regret it, because
stand is why a Black Crucifixion debut album 15 years after 1992. You also formed a progressive rock/metal band called things have been very good to us on other fields of life.”
the creation of the band and above all after more than a Promethean that released two albums under Avantgarde How do you see now the songs composed and recorded by
decade of total silence? Music in 97 and 98. More than a decade after, you are still Black Crucifixion? For instance looking back to your first
“The recording sessions of our new album “Faustian Dream” together and share the same musical ideas, it seems that demo-tape what are the first thoughts that come to mind?
began already in ‘96. But due to various reasons it was never your metal symbiosis is extremely strong! “It is very serious music, created with a serious frame of
completed. But some years ago we felt that the material we “Yes definitely. It has gotten better year after year. I think that mind. Music from our very hearts. As is “Faustian Dream”, it
already had was so strong that we wanted to finish the album having a partner in creative work is extremely important as is different and way better than the old material but I also
and get it released. And now I can say that it was worth the effort both can contribute on the areas that they are strong at. We respect the two mini-albums we made, as they were the best
as the album turned out great. Making this music now is even were together the dynamo in Promethean and wrote much of we could do at the time. And now people can hear them again
more rewarding emotionally than it was 15 years ago. “Faustian the material and in Black Crucifixion we write and produce it as they’ve been re-released. “Promethean Gift” coming soon
Dream” took ten years to be completed so you can imagine that all. We also do the art direction for the band, so our artistic co- on SoulSeller Records and “The Fallen One of Flames” is avail-
it was satisfying to finally get the first CD’s in our hands.” operation is very wide ranged.” able both in Europe and in USA.
The musical differences between what the band composed in I’ve read that back then you got fed up of black metal. So my I know that several labels were trying to “grab” the old B.C.
the early nineties and now are enormous, sounding like two dif- obvious question would be; was Promethean your answer to tapes to release them in Cd and vinyl formats, so why your
ferent bands. Why have you decided to continue the Black the whole black metal movement created in 93 - 94? decision for the Dutch label Soulseller Records?
Crucifixion legacy instead of the creation of a new band? Do you “Totally. When the Norwegian black metal kicked in we were “SoulSeller first re-released “The Fallen One of Flames” as a
feel that you are still under the same “path”? already venturing to a wider area of dark metal music, just as limited edition vinyl in 1999 and then on CD that is available at
“I feel that the “Promethean Gift” mini-album that we released the black metal bands of nineties have started doing lately. I the moment as well. The label manager Jorn had the right atti-
in 1993 was already in this vein, but in a more primitive form. think nowadays it is called post-black metal or something. tude as he wanted to release it as a fan and not just to make
The vocals were already melodic and the songs had much Promethean was the continuation of Black Crucifixion but as easy money. So it was not hard to choose him. Also the time
more variance than our debut “The Fallen One of Flames” the music and personnel was so different (there were seven just felt right as so many years had passed and we found a
which is our only release that can be labelled as black metal. members in the band) we wanted to use a different name for good partner in SoulSeller.”
So yes, I feel that “Faustian Dream” is on the path as our ear- the band. The two albums we did have strong material and “Faustian Dream” got released by Paragon in USA and
lier music. Of course more developed and better, but hey, fif- emotion on them, but as we’ve gotten older it feels better to Soulseller in Europe. I’ve read some statements made by
teen years should mature our art. (laughs) step harder on the pedals and play heavier stuff that you can Paragon where they compare your music to bands like
We kept the same name as this really exactly the same band that hear on “Faustian Dream”.” Celtic Frost, Ophthalamia and My Dying Bride. We all know
started recording the album in ‘96, so we did not see a reason It’s curious to see that usually musicians tend to play harder that in the urge to sell more records labels state big names
to change it. It is the same path but we just have wandered it music when getting older instead of turning softer and mellow. to grab people’ attention... so what’s your opinion on that?
further on. On “Faustian Dream” we have managed to combine Is this a secret way to contour the laws of aging (laughs)? “On one sense it is good as then people might get some sort of
the dark melodies and the northern aggression in a way that “Must be that. [Link] says that he enjoys playing metal an idea about the style of the music but on the other hand I don’t
sounds pretty unique. People who have heard the album so far again to get rid of his angst and anger and I just like it for think that we sound so much like any of those band or do you?”
have been really taken so we are not the only ones who feel so.” some emotional reasons that I can’t verbalise. It’ll be interest- No not really.
You mentioned that you started the recordings of “Faustian ing to hear what kind of stuff we play after next 15 years! “Of those bands only Celtic Frost has been an inspiration for
Dream” in 1996. The songs that you composed back then (laughs) One thing I can say is that we’re not in it for the us when we started, as the others mentioned were our con-
are in any way similar to the ones now released? money, ‘cause after all one would earn more in a week of temporaries and we did not listen to them. So I hope that peo-
“Yes, very much. About 90% of the albums material has been plumbing work than releasing underground metal (laughs). ple would check the album out from the label websites or
composed in the nineties and about half of it totally originates Actually I don’t even think that you should do this kind of record stores to get an idea. Believe your own ears, not record
from the original sessions. Much of the lyrics and arrange- music to pay the bills, as then you would be already on your labels (laughs).”
ments have been done lately as well as the mixing and the way to compromises as the sales for even bigger extreme Moving to another subject, you have announced your par-
mastering of course. I really like the album, as it combines the metal bands are fairly poor. In the case of Black Crucifixion ticipation on the Faustian Scream Festival on August 26.
things that we were good at back then with the skill and expe- you can be sure that no commercial preference has affected Will this mean that the release of “Faustian Dream” will be
rience that we have now due to the time and experience in life. our creative work as this nothing to do with any kind of busi- supported by a live promotion?
For example the lyrical output would not have been possible ness. That gives us an enormous creative freedom.” “We are not planning on extensive touring but it will be great to
back then as so much has happened during the years.” Can you introduce Lehtar, the drummer? What musical play a concert as we love the album and like playing it live as
Will you be able to continue the Black Crucifixion sound cre- background does he have and how he got into the band? well. I think that the songs will work great live, but so far they
ated with “Faustian Dream”? What can we expect for a next “He is a great musician and delivers much of the groove that have only been played in studio conditions over the years.”
release? we have on “Faustian Dream”. His playing really differentiates What kind of crowd do you believe will be more open to
“Our present sound expresses our ambitions and feelings the album from most of the contemporary metal releases as what you are doing nowadays? Do you see an old “The
well, so this kind of tight and aggressive yet very lively and all the playing is real, we have not used Pro Tools to manipu- Fallen One of Flames” fan into the new stuff?
breathing kind of metal is the kind we should play in the future late the drumming or other instruments. This why our sound “Hell, we created “The Fallen One Flames” and still like it, so
as well. In our old band Promethean we went through a mas- breathes and is lively and I really like it. I would hate do ster- logically fans of that period should have no problem with
sive amount of musical experiments, so now it is much easi- ile computer generated music. “Faustian Dream” is old school Faustian Dream?
er to know what kind choices fit each idea the best. And we no metal for new school metalheads.” But seriously, anyone who likes their metal a bit more natural
longer need to try out things just to know how they will sound The 1991 demo “The Fallen One Of Flames” was released and dirtier than what the big metal names do should check out
just for the sake of trying. The music of Black Crucifixion is by Soulseller Records a few years ago. As you know the our new album and listen to their heart after listening to our
always heavy and very much influenced by Scandinavian reviews about it were amazing, it seems that everybody music. Some will hate it and others will love it. That much I can
melancholy, so that defines pretty much how we will sound.” liked what you were making in that period. Do you ever promise! But if someone is narrow minded enough not to lis-
Perhaps what many do not know is that the former line-up regret for having put Black Crucifixion on ice? ten to anything else than some Norwegian church burning
of Black Crucifixion had 2 Beherit members on the band. “(laughs) I don’t regret anything. We have always made music punk, then he or she should stay very much away from
What’s your opinion about the whole enthusiasm around from our hearts without any calculation. Probably it would “Faustian Dream”. People who have already heard it have loved
Beherit that even today is noticed? have been very beneficial to do black metal in the nineties, but it, but we have also been called wimps and posers, which we
“Beherit were totally unique at the time in the European metal that would have not been music that we love to do! Looking naturally and very proudly are.” (both laughs heavily)
scene, so it’s great that people have found their stuff as well. back at it now, the Promethean material would fit into the Do you still remember how were the first Black Crucifixion
They were ahead of their time. They had a great impact on us post-black metal movement very well, but I guess we were gigs and with whom you shared stages?
when we began in 1991, but already in 1993 our material on ahead of our time on that field as well. That is what people “We played in Day of Darkness metal festival in northern Finland.
“Promethean Gift” mini-album was quite different from what have said. Progressive rock also became fashionable in main- It was in late August ‘91 so it will be exactly 15 years to the
Beherit was doing. Beherit stayed very primitive, regardless of stream rock after 2000 with bands like System of a Down, Faustian Scream Festival. So it will be an absolutely historic
their changes in line-ups or musical styles.” Muse, Mars Volta, TOOL, and Radiohead, so YES: I believe evening. Back then we shared the stage with Amorphis, Beherit,
You are the only member from the original Black Crucifixion that we could have been successful in both black metal and Demigod, Impaled Nazarene, Belial and Sentenced. So it was a

72 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES
 More than a decade after, Black
Crucifixion returns... far from their raw
Black Metal roots “Faustian Dream” took
ten years to be composed and is a real
testimony that musicians evolve and
some even feel that they aren’t part of
the growing process of evolution that all
music genres suffer... Craft isn’t probably a new name to you reader, since they were already featured in our pages. However after
Forn, the original vocalist answered all the release of the third killer new album “Fuck The Universe” it was imperative to have some update about
needed questions in order to understand this tremendous Swedish black metal band, so Joakim was invited again to share his thoughts.
all the changes inside the band as well journalist: Anders
as the early days of the band when there
were two Beherit members in it. Hails, how are things in Sweden as we speak and how is the understand and don’t need to be analyzed further, I think.”
journalist: Nuno Santos conditions of the black metal scene nowadays? How important do you find the lyrics compared to the music?
“Sorry, I don't know the conditions of neither Sweden nor the “I'd like to think they are equally important. Without lyrics, well,
black metal scene. I am fine, however.” then we would just have metal music, and without the music who
Will you please start off by introducing yourself and tell us why would pay attention to the lyrics?”
pretty heavy night. I filmed the Beherit and Impaled you spend your time in Craft creating havoc and how you got Musically you are delivering your metal the old school way,
Nazarene shows, some of the readers might even have into the path of black metal? though very heavy and crushing, how important is it for you
seen them as bootlegs.” “The name's Joakim, I'm a guitarist and I write the music and that your music is heavy and thundering?
Is “Faustian Dream” based on Faust’ story where lyrics of Craft. I started the band together with our former drum- “None of us listen much to fast music, we're mostly into rock music
he sells his soul to the devil in exchange of knowl- mer Daniel in late 1994. Craft's lead guitarist is John, vocalist is and doomy, evil stuff like that. But most importantly, the fast,
edge and power? Mikael Nox. I got into black metal in the early 90's, thanks to a monotonous black metal has already been done by other bands that
“There is no concept on the album, but “Faustian friend at the time who had, for some strange reason, got a the are better at handling that sort of music. We like the dark, slow,
Dream” can be interpreted in many ways. Is it a first Burzum album. It was so totally different to everything else creepy stuff and the rock music, and in my opinion it's significant-
dream somebody has in his sleep, is it a vision or I had ever heard. I was hooked.” ly more interesting to create and play. We play the music we want
something to hope for?” What is black metal to you and how would you define the genre? to listen to ourselves; we don't have a masterplan or anything.”
What’s your personal vision of the Faust’ story? “If it's Satanic (atheistic "Satanic" philosophy excluded) and/or Where do you find fuel to your fire and inspiration for your music?
Personally I see it almost like a mirror or what strongly misanthropic and is adept metal music, then its black “It's easy, it's a huge part of our lives. I could find fuel for the fire
happens today, I mean according to today’ needs metal to me. Unfortunately, a lot of people seem to have other in any old place. My hate for this world is an inexhaustible source
humans are more or less all Faust’s! We live in opinions on the definition.” of inspiration, but I don't really need to fuel my fire anymore.
societies based on material and financial needs You are ready with your new and third album "Fuck The Journalists always ask this question, but The Fire is not exactly
where we struggle daily for those things. Universe", a quite saying and strong title, what are your thoughts a small fireplace that I have to attend to every now and then for
“It is easy to agree with you. After all it is very much behind the album and what do you want it to symbolize? it not to go out. It's a raging, unstoppable forest fire.”
up to an individuals own ethics and values to define “"Fuck the Universe" is the logical step after "Terror Propaganda". Are there any recent events that have sparked some music or
how to gamble the on life he or she has.” We wanted it to be an evolved version of our old albums, and I lyrics, inspirational?
I’m curious on one thing, how is a typical day for a believe the new songs provide a lot more detail and complexity “Not that I can think of.”
person who lives in the Arctic Circle where in the compared to the older ones. "Fuck the Universe" is basically our What do you want people to get out of your out and how do you
winter the temperature may drop under - 50 Celsius? way of giving the middle finger to everything and everyone.” want people to experience it?
“Well, it is cold and dark. But in a different way as What do you want to accomplish with the album and how has “I have no idea. That's a really difficult question to answer. I don't
one living among the olive trees might expect: the it so far been received? think about it much, but I think it's more a question of what we
sun does not come up for months so it is basically “We have no concrete plans on what we want to accomplish with want out of it ourselves, everything else is secondary.”
dark night and day, but as there is so much snow it. Personally I am fed up with "Fuck the Universe" and want to Which 3 tracks on "Fuck The Universe" means the most to you
reflecting the light of moon and the stars, you can concentrate on the future completely. You, as a listener, are and why, and will you please explain the lyrical concept of
always see around even in areas without electric always about two years behind us as far as Craft material goes. them, together with a bit of how the music was spawned?
light. And if you are not close to the sea, the frost So naturally, when a new Craft album hits the market we are very “They all have about the same importance to me, but my three
does not bite as hard as one might expect as the air tired of it and just want to let it go. But we can't concentrate on favourite songs are "Earth a Raging Blaze", "Xenophobia" and
is not very moist. The sea climate combined with the future completely, as we still have to discuss the album in "Assassin 333". The first is a few sentences expressing my hatred
frost and wind is the real killer - in the very mean- interviews and approve/disapprove deals and those types of towards 'god' and this planet. It's also a part of a magical work
ing of the word. In Lapland where I come from you record label related issues. The album has been received great. I have made, which I can't explain further because it would be
just need to wear enough clothes and keep moving. So far we have very opposite opinions on it. We have the old fans both impractical and impossible to do so. "Xenophobia" is about
Or stay in a house. But cars stop functioning in who think the new stuff is great, the new fans who haven't heard the fucking humans. The title "Xenophobia" and the lyrics repre-
those temperatures as even the tires freeze into the other records, the old fans who think "Fuck the Universe" is a sent the distance between myself and the rest of humanity, as
unsymmetrical forms. Life in Arctic Circle has been huge disappointment, and the people who just think we suck in you probably already figured out yourself. I don't want to try to
the biggest influence on our music, not music made general. It's an entertaining array of opinions which "Terror explain the lyrics for "Assassin 333" as its a work by my brother
by other bands. There’s a track called “Winterkill” Propaganda" couldn't generate because it was too generic, and Shamaatae, and it's best left up to him to explain it, if you get the
on the album that pretty much defines the atmos- couldn't piss anyone off since it was what a lot of people want- opportunity to interview Arckanum sometime.”
phere that far north.” ed to hear at that time. After three released albums you get used How do you look upon the future of Craft and what can we the
Are you still known as the Fornicator? How do you to everyone having an opinion on your music, and even on your- fans expect from the band?
see now the use of those names, like Blacksoul, self as a person, and on every other thing, and it just doesn't “We will record a fourth album if everything goes according to
Sodomatic Slaughter or Holocausto Vengeance? raise any eyebrows anymore.” plan, and after that we'll see. I have just recently started working
“My artist name nowadays is Forn, short for the old Which lyrical themes have you touched this time around and on material for a new Craft album. I have a ton of ideas at the
name, to keep the connection. The people in ques- what do you want to tell with your lyrics? moment which I'm really eager to place into their full context. I
tion were something like 15-17 years old when “The lyrics are a channel for expressing our hatred for the creation can say that we will continue to work with the fourth album until
coming up with those names, so that is what you of the demiurge. Sometime it's about the humans, sometimes it's it completely destroys our other three many times around; it'll be
come up at that age. A “fornicator” without too about the world, but always regarding the hatred for creation and a masterpiece before we let it go. We have something different in
much experience with women to brag about... in honour of the glorious light of Lucifer. The lyrics are easy to mind for the fourth album.”
hmm. They are great names for somebody with a
corpse paint and too much time to kill, but I really
don’t see grown up men running around calling
themselves Sodomatic Slaughter or anything.
Actually that must be the most absurd name anyone
has ever had! (laughs) But this kind of music is art
and artists must be open to self-ridicule as well or
they are too, one dimensional. So no, I don’t regret
them. Though I don’t know how Holocausto or
Sodomatic feel about their past.”
Well Forn its time to end. Any last words?
“We are proud of “Faustian Dream” and can hon-
estly recommend it to people who want to hear
metal that is different from all the stuff released
nowadays. Visit our website and get “Faustian
Dream” from [Link] (Europe)
or [Link] (USA). There are two
tracks available for free to download.”

- w w w. p a a s t o .c o m / bc -

ANCIENT CEREMONIES . 73
 thus it becomes evident why the title is what it is. all Tymah stuff is available at their website
So, is it a common place to pay my respect to (demos, album, video clip...). I am also glad that
Dead and to his art? Transylvania has a mysteri- Steffen managed to print Tymah T-shirts.”
ous atmosphere, and even simple humans feel How did you ended up in No Colours Records?
that. Many assholes talk about it, just as they talk “Nádudvari Zoltán from Kárpátia Productions,
about other things they don’t understand. But who released our second demo, Funeral Fog in
these words, falling out of their mouths, don’t MC version, sent some MCs to No Colours
mean anything. We have been in the deepest Records and so Steffen became interested in
Transylvanian forest at darkest moonless nights, Tymah. I didn’t know about this, so I was very
and we understand what Dead was talking about. surprised when Steffen wrote us about the
As I have already mentioned Black Metal has release of Tymah.”
come into fashion, and all that scorn that claim What’s the main topic on your lyrics? On the
to play Black Metal don’t understand the essence Transylvanian Dreams album are they just
of this Black art; the only thing they see is the about Transylvania or do you blend also other
surface, which is a kind of very brutal music. So topics in them?
they had to start innovating if they wanted to dif- “As far as I can remember there are only two
fer from other scorn. Nowadays, everything that poems which exactly mention Transylvania as a
is old is called cliché. We are interested in and geographical place. Erdély (it is the Hungarian
deal with old things. There are things which name for Transylvania) and Transylvanian
don’t have to be changed.” Dreams. As to the other lyrics, well, it depends
I believe originality isn’t a key factor? on how you read them. They are about ancient
Originality is something that is now more than ever seen as an essential part in “What is originality? Today it is everything that damnation, about secrets, and the book which
is new, no matter what kind of shit it is, no mat- Dead was searching for. They are parts of an
new and older bands. We reached a point where most bands are pushed to the ter it has nothing in common with Black Metal. ancient nocturnal evil flow of dreams.
limits of creation if they want to get attention, yet others remain faithful to I have been playing the harp for thirteen years, Unfortunately the English translation shows less
and according to the things we can hear and see than the truth, but I think it is enough to decide
the roots of a particular style. Tymah belong to the second pack that simply in the modern black metal scene it would be whether you like it or not.”
don’t give a damn about that aspect and compensate this with musical feel- very original to play a distorted harp in Tymah Can you give more info about that story; I
(laughs), but it would not be Black Metal! When mean the book that Dead was looking for to
ing... In a style ruled by men, female vocalist Dim screams out hateful words. you create music you give body to your feelings. our readers?
journalist: Nuno Santos The final result depends on your abilities. At the “I don’t know too much about it, unfortunately.
beginning it is harder, I think, but as soon as It is a book made of human skin and written in
you find the right way (to use the music) a spe- blood. It is the road to dark powers, it is the gate
First of all since most readers do not know “The inspiration comes from inside. All my cial atmosphere will develop around your cre- to ancient evilness. It is possible to handle it but
Tymah give us a small insight on the band’ music, all my lyrics - the whole Tymah reflects ation, and this is what I would call originality. In only for someone who is not human. Dead was
history and music you play. those feelings and moods which are in the my opinion, Tymah has this special atmosphere seeking for this book, he wrote about it in the De
“Tymah comes from Hungary, but doesn’t depths of my black soul. Definitely, grim that doesn’t appear anywhere else.” Mysteriis Dom Sathanas. He thought he would
belong to its scene as it is trendy and slobbery. Transylvanian nature gives me a lot of I must agree with you. Bands are trying so be able to open it and to liberate the evilness
True carpathian Black Metal is the name we use power/inspiration. I think there is not one poet or hard to sound different than anybody else that captured in the book. There are many other
for those bands that always stay true to Black musician who would not write a poem or sing a they forgot one of the most important things which possess magical quality, and per-
Metal. Tymah appeared from the depths of my song when seeing the fog descending from the aspects... feeling! Still I must say that fifteen haps not all of these can be found.”
soul, from the dark forest of the evil. Stepping mysterious mountains at twilight, or listening to years ago, things were totally different... I’ve seen the video clip for the title track.
on the path of darkness and death, in 2003 a the deadly silence of black pine forest. However, there was a different atmosphere around Where it was filmed?
demo, The Beginning of the End was born with this is not just nature; it is something much Metal fans and bands! “Naturally, it was filmed in Transylvania, far
the help of Shadow. Then Gelal joined us as a stronger... dark power of pure evil. This is what I “I agree with you. Even ten years ago things away from human beings in the Carpathian
drummer, and after we had wandered through feel inside. I am full of black hatred and pain! I were different. There were few people who knew Mountains during our wandering in its mysteri-
Transylvania’s evil forests, in 2004 the three of fucking hate this world, I fucking hate humans! I Black Metal, it was a closed society. Now it is ous forests at the end of August 2005.”
us recorded the Funeral Fog demo. In December will never accept my existence, and the existence open for every shitty human. We don’t believe in Are you planning to have it available in any TV
2005 a festival, Stygian Shadows Fest. was of the whole universe. My only and final wish is changes of any musical styles. Everything we metal programs? Or do you think that the
organized in Budapest where we played a gig to end up this fucking circle of life and to enter do, we do as in the old times, otherwise we music of Tymah is too extreme and under-
(among many other bands). After the gig many the black gates of death. Ironically, this fight, this would not call it Black Metal.” ground for TV and big money interests?
people from the Hungarian underground turned war, this resistance is what keeps me here and The first seconds of the opener Atoklatomás “No, we are not planning such things. Anyway, I
against us. These people are simple sissy guys alive.” do remind me a lot of Mayhem’ De Mysteriis don’t think these music channels are interested
for whom we are too brutal. They were shocked On the latest years we have seen the growing of Dom Sathanas due to the guitar riffs. Mayhem in broadcasting the Tymah video clip.”
by our complete seriousness about the whole a new... lets call it breed of black metal bands is a big influence on your music; in fact you Is it been easy for a female to wander into the
Black Metal philosophy, because for them this is with this hate for humans and suicidal attitude. even dedicated one of your demos to Dead! black metal movement? How do big bad
only music. During the summer of 2005 we Haven’t this already turned into a trend? “Mayhem is really important for us. I have lis- wolves behave?
recorded the Transylvanian Dreams album. At “Yes, you are right. Black Metal has become a tened to De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas for thou- “At the beginning there was very small informa-
the end of the same year a split EP with the trend. 99% of so called Black Metal bands are sand times but I have never heard any similari- tion about Tymah. Shadow (bass) had been
Swedish Necroplasma was released by Turanian scum, while the rest are those for whom Black ty between it and Átoklátomás. Not only the sec- already known for his band Dusk, and we didn’t
Honour Prod. Although it is me who writes the Metal means more than just cool trendy music. ond demo,Funeral Fog, was dedicated to Dead, want anyone to think that Tymah were another
music and the lyrics, Gelal’s drumming and But fashion is always moving on and changing, but also the album.” project of his. So nobody knew even our real
Shadow’s bass guitar is just as important as my and this trendy period of Black Metal won’t last If Dead were alive how do you foresee his names, because they were translated into
vocals and guitar. Tymah is total with the three forever. Black Metal is a big tend in Hungary, musical career? Euronymous in an old 87 Russian (?=Dim, ?=Shadow). Then at concerts
of us.” also. There are lots of girls in black lacy skirts interview, when Dead got into the band, it turns out that I am a woman. I think some
Which are the roots where you have built your- and long-haired boys who are too coward to referred him as mentally insane... people from the audience gets surprised, but
selves as Metal fans? I mean with what bands even hit back if I strike one of them. These slob- “I’m sure Dead would have continued what he that’s all I can tell about it. For me it is very nat-
did you grew up listening to? bery people form the audience and the most of had started before he died. I don’t know how the ural to play and sing Black Metal. I have never
“Burzum, Mayhem, Bathory.” the so called black Metal bands here in Hungary. slobbery human beings in the modern scene had any anxieties about my sex - Night has no
What about bands like Venom, Hellhammer, I really hope the fashion wave is starting to would have reacted to his things... Anyhow, I sex, Darkness has no sex, etc. A soul always
Sodom or Destruction? What’s your opinion move on from the Black Metal.” think Dead was the most honest person in the chooses the best body to complete its mission,
about them and their earlier works? Do you believe that after so many Black Metal whole Black Metal history. It is natural that Dead so obviously there is a reason why I was born
“We listen to the bands you mentioned, but albums released the fans needed something was a bit crazy; if you are different from the oth- as a girl. I am not a human, as nobody is human
rarely than for example Burzum or Mayhem. We like Tymah? ers you are considered crazy.” who understands Black Metal. I have a female
don’t really listen to many bands. For us Bathory, “Tymah is not for fans. We play music not to be How do you see the progression of the music body, but this does not change my Cold and
Burzum and Mayhem are those who contain that famous or to pose like fucking clowns in front of of Mayhem? Dark Soul. Anyway, if someone listens to my
dark power undiluted. But naturally, if I had to human idiots. We play Black Metal because it is “Now I can see that Necrobutcher and music and read my lyrics, I am sure this person
choose between Hellhammer, Venom, etc. and our way to go. Music is a great instrument to Hellhammer understood nothing despite the won’t find it girlish or sissy. I don’t really have
between the so called BM bands we hear today, manifest our emotions. In our fight this is our fact they spent so much time with Dead (and contacts with anyone outside Hungary, neither
I would definitely choose the first, and I would weapon. Black Metal is the spell by which we Euronymous). After Dead was killed and with males nor with females. So I don’t know
listen to them night and day.” curse the world. By playing our music we liberate Euronymous also was gone, the legendary what people, who know Tymah think about me.
I haven’t seen so far much reaction from the press demons and spread hatred. Many albums have Black Metal band progressed into a boy team, There are not many of us, true warriors of evil,
towards your debut album even if only a few been released, which have been called Black Gayhem. Now they realised that they can pock- in Hungary. We live far from each other and
weeks passed from its released. How has been Metal, but only a tiny little percent of these can et even more money and popularity if Csihar rarely meet. As far as I know they don’t bother
received by the metal community in general? bear rightfully this name. No doubt, Black Metal Attila become the singer. The only thing I would about the fact that I am a female and play Black
“We are quite isolated from the whole metal com- has come into fashion and thus a lot of scorn has like to ask: why these fucking assholes use the Metal.”
munity, so we have not much information about appeared who claim that they play Black Metal. same name, Mayhem?” To end what’s the next step in the Tymah’
the reaction to the album. I saw some reviews on Obviously, Tymah has nothing to do with these In my opinion No Colours is by far the most realm? Any live gigs?
the Internet, which were quite positive.” posers. So in a sense, I say yes, Tymah is need- respected black metal label with great bands we aren’t planning anything special, except writ-
One of the things that on the very first listening ed now to show the scorn what Black Metal is.” in it. What’s the feeling to be part of it? ing new songs. Perhaps there will be some gigs,
of Transylvanian Dreams grabbed my attention What about the title of the album? You have fall- “Yes, No Colours Records is really a good label. maybe in Germany, but nothing is sure. Thank
was the total old school black metal feeling and en into a sort of cliché with it, don’t you agree? I heard a compilation CD with their bands, you for your interest. Darkest hails from the
the fierceness of your music. Where did come “A cliché? No, I don’t think so. The album is ded- which was quite good. I am glad that Tymah misty Carpathians...
the inspiration and total hateful attitude? icated to Dead and to his Transylvanian Dreams, was released by them. That’s a good point that

74 . ANCIENT CEREMONIES