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Abhomine “Larvae Offal Swine” CD / LP

Osmose prod. / Hells Headbangers prod.

After a long hiatus and before resurrecting – again- Angel Corpse, Pete Helmkamp announces the release of another side project of his, entitled Abhomine.

Ok, you can say whatever you want about his former projects, such as Terror Organ, Kerasphorus (which I still believe to be his most successful project), Feldgrau, etc etc. BUT, at least you’ll have to recognize that all of them are quite different from one another, be it in concept, perpective, and musical approach. And in such terms, Abhomine is not an exception. Granted, as Mr. Helmkamp is the only composer, then you’ll notice certain similitudes in sound and they way he handles his lyrics, which, I do believe they are different perspectives of his doctrine of Heretic Supremacist applied to different circumstances and realities from which the lyrics are inspired in the first place.

Abhomine has its distinct sound of course. As stated before, there are resemblances in how the riffs were composed but they do have their own sound and arrangements. And I’d have to say that the riffing, as well as the guitar work on this album, is buried in the mix, and for the most part it is unintelligible. And I’m pretty sure that it has been done on purpose, but even if I try to find his personal perspective applied for the listening experience to this album, I just can’t. For the most part, the songs just sound too similar. I won’t say there aren’t stand out moments, but all in all, Larvae Offal Swine is a pretty flat album.

 

Abigor “Leymotif Lucifer” LP / CD

Avantgarde prod.

Lucifer Worship and man’s relationship with seven sins including indulgences. Abigor after many years now have returned with an album dedicated to the worship of Lucifer and the relationship of man with earthly “sins”. Musically, they have developed the experimental approach shown with the previous “Fractal Possession”. This album is even more experimental and complex, therefore is very difficult to describe. Reviewing a musically abstract album is impossible. The commitment shown on the compositions themselves are worth the wait alone. Because, the songs themselves, differ from any conventional structure. But they stand as one and that’s the reason why I’d suggest to listen to this album in its entirety.

The vocals deserve an special mention: as you may probably know they were handled this time by Silenius, and of course, they are developed from his personal perspective. Not too heterogeneous this time, with the exception of some chorals which enhance the delivered message during some climatic moments.

This, in fact is a difficult album to digest. But you should take it as what it is: a solemn adoration of Lucifer as a revolt to human spirit and “consciousness”.

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Abigor “Totschläger-A Saintslayer’s Songbook”

World Terror Committee Prod.

What surprises me about Abigor is that they have the ability to re-invent their sound with every release, following the given concept and pattern of a determined album. You won’t find a repeated or cloned album on their entire discography. And believe me, this is a common and safe practice in which many bands indulge in just to keep themselves on the spot.

“Totschläger” is an album which musically and lyrically visits the “origins” and transcendence of the Devil with the pompous grandeur that this represents. And I say musically because what else could be the accompaniment to this, than the use of bombastic elements of classical scores which not only enhances, builds character, creates climax and explodes with relentless fury?? From the Fall of Satan which means His Rise from JHV exemplified by the opening track “Nightside Rebellion”, through the rest of the tracks bridged in such a way that they become one: “Into Darkness, through nine hells”, until the mid summit of the album is achieved: “Scarlet Suit For the Devil”, where the mundane mind of man means nothing to the immensity of Satan and the Cosmic Chaos. It is interesting to note the symbiosis existing between the rabid sonic elements of this album, the classical and the melodic passages, and the way that Silenius’ vocals navigate through all of this. With this band, listening to an album requires contemplation and examination, and sometimes it is difficult to apprehend what they have tried to do, but surprisingly, this wasn’t the case I believe.

How could I describe “Totschläger” then? Everytime I listen to this, I keep remembering the words: “Solemnity washed into the Void with a flood of Wrath”. And this flood of Wrath is awaken again unexpectedly with the closing song: Terrorkommando Eligos.

Honestly, I have thought that Abigor had reached one of their peaks with Leytmotiv Luzifer but with Totschläger I have realized that they are capable of even more.

 

Acherontas /Shibalba/ Arditi /Puissance 4 way split LP/CD

“Pylons of the adversary” – W-T-C. Prod.

I was expecting this 4 way split for a long time, and I must admit that it was mostly because of Puissance’s contribution.

First of all, this is not an “independent” split by any means, as one member from Acherontas has participated also in Shibalba and Puissance.

And Acherontas’ side is the longest of all bands as well. I must admit that Acherontas contribution is easily the best part of the whole split, with their original brand of BM, and adorned by an atmospheric intro/outro done by Scorpios A.

But this fact doesn’t excuse them of contributing with Puissance’s track which, by the way, turned out to be an atmospheric / spoken outro for the whole split, and not a symphonic track that I expected from them.

Shibalba seems to be an ambient track performed by a member from Acherontas. Only Arditi seems to be independent from any collaboration, and both tracks are unsoiled Arditi samples of grandeur.

This 4 way split is what I expected with the exception of Puissance.

 

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Acherontas ”Psychic Death” LP/CD

Agonia records.

The well known Hellenic Coven returns with a new offering, after being closed their previous cycle as a trilogy; and with this album, they should reset their work and at the same time evolve with the fruits of their own experience. Re-invent themselves, transcending… and so it appears the Jungian term “Psychic Death”, which gives name to this album. With this, and with everything that this entails and enhanced by the occult symbology of the cover (sub consciousness towards consciousness through empiricism exemplified by the Clavicula Nox), the band offers one of the most ambitious albums so far.

I believe that their previous album, Faustian Ethos, was at the same time the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new offering. But what does Psychic Death has to offer from a musical perspective? From the intense, fast and intricate opening that is “Paradigms of Nyx”, to the meditative closing of “Magick of Mirrors”, this album offers a variety of influences ranging from fast, abrasive and extremely melodic Black Metal with emphasis of a lead guitar guiding the labyrinth of the tracks, to the added elements of heavy rock which would serve to resonate and multiply the solemn and emotional passages of the songs. There is so much going on here, the album is not linear and the title track serves as a cracking point for the remain of the album which evolves until the last notes of the transcendental ending track is played. You will have to discover what they have to offer by yourself. Acherontas is a band which refuses to remain static and safe. As they have stated on their booklet, life is an intelligence test.

 

Ad Noctum “Arrogance” CD

Undercover recs.

Well, as the flyer indicates, this is Danish band features members of the well known Denial of God, Victimizer and Church Bizarre, and, as you may suppose, Ad Noctum as a Black metal band has influences of all the mentioned bands. Allright, they’re good musicians and have the ability to perform immaculately every black hymn presented on this album, although on the lyrical side they’re not capable of running an strong Black Metal entity. The lyrics may be offensive to the christian creed, but I’d say that’s all they have to offer on that field.

Contact: www.undercover-records.de 

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Aethyrick “Praxis” LP/CD

The Sinister Flame productions.

From time to time you encounter albums which are neither a challenge nor a commodity to listen to. Albums which may seem rooted within a specific framework of music but instead they turn out to be something different or innovative without distancing themselves from their basic core.

Finland’s Aethyrick is one of these bands. When everything seems to be written and done in the realm of atmospheric and melodic black metal, you encounter a band whose primary virtue resides not necessarily in their complexity, but in the smart “Praxis” they have developed in order to conduct their songs.

The songs themselves develop and unfold themselves in a very natural and smooth manner, starting to build their atmospheres with riffing which would be familiar somehow but they have the ability to delve into a labyrinthine net of roots which seem to be hidden for the common eyes but which eventuality may find their way into the grandiosity of a temple hidden in the wickedness of nature.

 

“The roots of those trees

are the pillars of our shrines

and with devotion we nourish them”

 

And that’s exactly where the nature of Aethyrick’s resides: the communion with the Sinister in nature and the smart, almost Wagnerian building of their songs, which seem a rarity among the bands from today whose mere virtue seem to reside in their artificial and soulless brutality. Aethyrick may not display this artificiality, but their harmony and hidden connection with the Sinister shows a more tangible bond with the essence of black Metal.

 

Aethyrick “Gnosis” LP/CD

The Sinister Flame Records.

There are many ways to approach and decipher an album and piece of art. It depends of many factors: the way it is presented, written, developed and exposed to the potential listeners. But in this particular case, how should anyone approach Gnosis after their previous work Praxis was exposed and given for its own particular study?

“With Praxis comes Gnosis”, the band stated on their interview for the Sinister Flame Issue 6. In such a way, there is a hint about how the whole work of this band should be approached coherently. But what does this really mean? How does the development from Praxis to Gnosis established itself and developed properly? How could this development be perceived after listening to both albums?

“Praxis” was an album whose very own labyrinthine nature and exploration in riffs and sounds was a mean to develop itself into something tangible which would mirror the exploration that represented that album. But how does this transition would result into this album? Into “Gnosis”?. IS this labyrinth just an exploration in sound which would sediment itself into the very roots and more tangible approach of the 90’s sound of Black Metal?

Without sounding formulaic, “Gnosis” shows a gradual descent into a solidified vision of 90’s Black Metal, and, being this whole work a result of a gradual and continuous journey, I would dare to say that the last track, “Golden Suffering”, is the Jewel of the Crown and exemplifies the gradual direction this album was heading. But not only music-wise. Those lyrics are also a reflection of this journey. “And eventually, the songs ceased, the altar was overturned, our Temple fell to rubble, abandoned by all but ordeal, our hearts were shaped anew”.

Where will this journey lead the listener in the forthcoming installment of Aethyrick’s communion with nature and His presence at last?

Personally, I do appreciate a little more the experimentation of “Praxis”, even if the hints of 90’s black metal are more present on “Gnosis”. However, there are still surprises to be found and enjoyed.

 

AETHYRICK - Pilgrimage

"Honestly, after the cycle of the triad 'Praxis, Gnosis, Apotheosis', I thought that the life cycle of this Finnish band was over, and accomplished. I was wrong of course, as 'Pilgrimage' is their follow up album.

I’ve listened to all three first albums in a row just to feel nearer the progression and differences between them, and compare these to this new album 'Pilgrimage'. Aethyrick is a band which is not only prolific, and in the process, is able to maintain their quality and keep developing their sound and the ideas behind sounds. Being an atmospheric band, it is indispensable to keep the elements of aesthetics, art, concept and music tied together in order to give the whole music a coherent meaning and portray the correct image to the listener. With 'Pilgrimage', they have managed to achieve this and in the process, maintain the original essence of the band. This time, risking their music with a higher dose of melody and a sense of immersion, which serves to unlock little by little the whole of the idea and history behind the album. As the cover relates, with murder and the beholding of the sun, a gateway opens for the Self to discover itself in a real meaning, going beyond, knowing the Stars and finding a Temple, achieving an awakening while others would find only doom and despair.

The album builds climax in the process of discovering itself and developing its purpose through layers of atmospheric and melodic black metal enhanced by the ethereal keyboards, which do not take a prominent role in the whole picture, but they are there at certain sections and passages.

The band still continue, prolific as always and in such a way I’m curious to find out to what ethereal place will they lead us on their forthcoming releases."

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Aethyrick “Death is Absent” LP/CD

End all Life Productions.

Basically I’ve found myself reviewing this band since the release of their demos so in a way I think that I’ve been following step by step their progression and their development. Look, usually it is very rare to find bands which after the second or third album just lose direction or become tired and losing creativity or even motivation, and they will continue until the last remnants of light within their psyches is extinguished. Only a few manage to keep going with the same force and fire which enables them to release interesting albums.

Finland’s Aethyrick is one of these bands. Their career spawning album after album could be considering as escalating, an album being not only the continuation of the previous but also a natural development which lead them one step higher into musical and conceptual output.

“Death is Absent”, by following these directives, is one of the best (if not their best IMO) album so far. The band have managed to master their sense of melody and nostalgic / melancholic approach to their music and inject a higher dose of it into the listener. If the previous album was memorable enough, this is even more interesting because they have reached a point where they know where they are heading to. Their musick is definitely injected more easily into my psyche, making me remember their melodies and certain passages over and over. Could this be called an easy approach? Very unlikely, but the result of experimenting and developing carefully their art without shooting randomly into the dark.   

Lyrically, the mere presence and functionality of death seems inherently futile and useless, not only a liberation but a transition which seems useless but the greater purpose which lies beyond. If you’ve following the band lyrically from the beginning you’ll notice this ascension. So I’m pretty curious to discover how high are they capable to go. Let’s keep waiting for more.

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Akhkharu «Celebratum » CD

Silcharde Records.

Ok, for those who haven’t experimented this band yet, I should say that Akhakharu is a deceased project featuring members of Absu, Equimanthorn which released demo tapes during the mid-nineties, and, sadly, they were lost in time. Fortunately Silcharde records compiled a few tracks from those tapes and released it as a testament of a very good black ambient project which didn’t get the attention it deserved.

It’s very hard trying to describe a band of this nature in a review, as their sound don’t folow any kind of pre-determined pattern. All I can say is that Akhkharu tried to paint, with the use of industrial elements, chantings and recitations, the atmosphere of a ritual with different cultural backkgrounds, but mostly dedicated to the Sumerian Lore. The atmosphere created for these sonic rituals is inmense indeed, and has to be experienced. These are a very basic description. Just buy this release whose layout and prewsentation was done very carefully in order to re-assemble a grimoire.

 

Akolyytti s/t CD

Breath of Pestilence

After nothing less than 9 years of being formed, this Finnish act of traditional Black Metal at last are able to release their debut album. When the term “traditional” is mentioned, many would think about re-creating an already overdone sound ad nauseam. Well, as a matter of fact Akolyytti have achieved not only composing an album which remains within the traditional boundaries of a genre but at the same time able to raise a brow from time to time proving wrong to any early preposterous conception. They have decided to stay minimalistic in form, presentation, even by describing their tracks and not including lyrics, a logo adorning exclusively their front cover and filling the rest of their layout with pentagrams and whatnot. But, as always the surprises are hidden inside the whole package and within the meat of the matter, and this band have managed to do exactly that: offer something expected in melodic black metal and at the same time keeping the listener’s attention with sparks of unexpected arrangements, and well executed solos influenced from heavy metal. I would have wanted to read their lyrics but perhaps the chosen choice was done on purpose and keeping things simple and mysterious was a priority here.

 

Altar of Perversion “Intra Naos” 3LP/2CD

AJNA Offensive / Norma Evangelium Diaboli.

This is one of those bands which take their time carefully in order to plan, arrange and compose (or rather I would say channeling energies) into their music. Their previous album, which surprisingly is out of print for many years now, called “From Dead Temples” was a retrospective work rooted in the very fundaments of Black Metal which at the time, was quite a statement among many puerile and artificial acts which could be labeled as anything but Black Metal.

But let’s move into “Intra Naos” itself. As you probably know, this album has crossed several stages of development since its very conception, was defined and redefined over and over until it reached the final state presented here.

 

“Mirroring the Void

Merging into it

Through Contemplation

My mind leaps into Acausal dimensions

Under Hekatean half Moon light

A Mask of Baphomet”

 

That, to my own understanding, resumes the experience that is Intra Naos. These 6 long tracks which form the album are not to be seen just as commonly arranged or composed songs, but rather an introspective to the Acausal emanations flowing through the musicians which serve as living Nexions. These songs, devoid of any common structure, start to flow and simply develop themselves through several layers of sound which constantly morph and develop themselves, infesting everything and becoming a breathing unity, which flows immersing yourself into the dark emanations mirrored by this album:

 

“AS the light of a distant star hides a Nexion / Whence dark divinities flow into this universe / From the black abyssal source of Sinister Shadows”

 

Therefore, I should state that “intra Naos” is not an album which serves as mere purposes sought after by the common listeners. It is but a journey into the recesses of the mind and the manifestation of the darkness which lie in the plane of the acausal. Therefore, I could totally justify the long tracks because they do serve a purpose in themselves.

 

Describing everything, track by track, would be a near to impossible task as this album is meant to be experienced instead of just listened or described as a mere product. In such a way, this album, to my own understanding, was meant to be listened to in its entirety instead of fractioned listenings, as it is a unity and the proof that Black Metal is meant to be more than just music.

 

 

Amestigon / Heretic Cult Redeemer split LP/CD

World terror Comitee prod.

Very few splits connect the bands involved in some way or another, and I’d say that this one is one of them. Heavy weight Austrian Black Metal band Amestigon have joined forces with the newer but important Greek Black Metal act Heretic Cult Redeemer, which had an enormous boost with their second opus called “Kelevsma”. Here, in this split, both bands collaborate with a part of the totality of the presented concepts, with some aesthetics inspired by Kenneth Grant.

Amestigon start the split with a track which perfectly sets the pace and substance of the whole concept and musical settlement. With a verse being recited and the musical crescendo in course, they have developed a long track pretty much in the vein of their predecessor “Thier”. Dense, suffocating atmospheres deriving into hypnotic outcome which sets the place for the following track (also, a long track) by Heretic Cult Redeemer; with a sound already established on their album “Kelevsma”. Dissonant yet strong riffing and a well placed acoustic section which initiates the final stage of the collaborative concept. I cannot see this split as mere tracks placed for their own sake; they complement and collaborate each other, they form a part of a unit, and in that sense, this splirt is one of the surprises of 2019.

 

Among Disaster “Eclesiastical Damnation” CD

Necronausea Records.

This band come from Venezuela, and this is their debut. And of course, Necronausea records bets for their sound and success. Despite of the hard times that Venezuela is facing currently, Among Disaster comes with this hell of an album with crystal clear and powerful production, and playing a kind of mid tempo death metal influenced by the European old school sound. This mid tempo, is very well complemented by a well balanced heaviness, accurately played solos and lyrical content focused upon anti clericalism and horror mainly. Honestly, I have nothing negative to say about this one, as by far is one of the best Death metal albums coming from Venezuela and that is to say a lot.

The visual presentation is top notch, as Necronausea is worried about delivering a accurate visual `effort. Give this band a try.

 

 

Among Disaster / Spawn of Annihilation split CD

Necronausea records

This is a good release for those who want to know more about both bands, in care you’re interested in purchasing their full lengths. Among Disaster, coming from Venezuela, and very much following the steps of their album “Eclesiastical Damnation”, participates with a brand new EP released in 2018 called “Death Shall Rise Again”, which again is a Death metal with influences from the European sound and hints of melodies, which is also exemplified with the featured cover songs, one from the also Venezuelan band Morbus and the other by the well known Stephen Wolf. Even if their sound is not original and it has been done on a few occasions already, you will get a taste of an honest band which know what they are doing and it is pretty interesting to listen to.

As for the side of the Mexican Spawn of Annihilation, they present their EP called “Inquisitor of Lies” from 2013 which is a precursor of what is to come next, their full debut album that is. They, unlike Among Disaster, have another perspective of presenting their death metal. They are more oriented towards American Brutal Death metal with blasphemic lyrics. Then again, they are not re-inventing the wheel but I believe they are good in what they’re doing. I’m not very familiar with the kind of death metal they play so I couldn’t compare it with another acts of the same kind. But given that premise, it is up to you to check them out and find out for yourselves how this band deliver the goods.

Also, known to the high standards of Necronausea records when it comes to presentation and aesthetics, this cd comes with a very detailed booklet with extra artwork, lyrics, biographies and whatnot. Support.

 

 

Arcada “Projections” LP/CD

Edged circle prod.

It is interesting the course of development given by a determined band, especially if it is a young band. Peruvian Black Metal young band Arcada seems to be a somewhat special case in the sense that their course of development has been given not by the way they have syncretized their compositions nor the way they have developed a unique and independent sound, but by the way they have taken a given style and mutated it in a way that it could be taken as theirs without altering their form and essence. From their blatantly generic and amateurish promo I was given at a show a few years ago, through a series of demo tapes and their goal that is this album.

Arcada isn’t re-inventing the wheel in any way. They don’t. They offer a perspective of a sound that at this point has been visited and revisited by many, many bands. In the 90’s they could have been labeled as another norsecore with basic and minimalistic riffing played in loops in the course of the entire track. But, very much like their Swedish counterparts Malign and Ondskapt, they have opted to spice their sound with the aid of a new instrument: the vocals. Their frantic and chaotic vocals in a way succeed in giving their exasperatingly repetitive song structures a little bit of variety, and this variety is of course related to the gnostic neoplatonic perspective of the demiurge in opposition to the true god. But does this combination succeed in the long run? What I can appreciate about this band is their enthusiasm in creating good and interesting riffs which are diluted throughout the never ending repetition that may become their songs. This may work for some, for others don’t. I’m still believing that after a number of listening sessions, their songs could be more bearable if they were shorter, definitely. As I said above, they aren’t contributing anything new to the genre but at least they are trying to keep it interesting enough. So, take your choice.

 

 

Archgoat / Satanic Warmaster « Lux Satanae » LP / CD

Hells headbangers prod.

This is quite an interesting split indeed. Not only because unites 2 of the most important Finnish black metal acts, but because of the nature of the material presented herein :

First os all, comes the well known and almost archaic band Archgoat. On previous reviews, I haven’t been too fond of this band, even more, I’m not even interested in their oldest stuff, which, I consider it to be extremely minimalistic but extremely pretentious as well. This, however, have changed at least with their new album. All in all, they have re-recorded some older songs for ths release, but, luckily, have taken enough care in doing it, that their sound is extremely tight and if possible, differently arranged.

As for Satanic Warmaster, they have also re-recorded all songs, or better said, re-recorded different versions of old songs, arranged in a completely new way of the previously recorded versions, which turns this album into a completely new listening experience.

 

Arditi “Imposing Elitism” LP/CD

Equilibrium Music.

This album was released on tape some time ago for some strange reason. Because, after this happened, Equilibrium Music from Portugal released on cd and LP as well.

Well, Arditi is a well known act in the Martial industrial circle. And I have reviewed several albums from them in the past,and even I’ve interviewed them some years ago.

Arditi’s approach to the genre is very well defined at this point. They know how to sound like they do and at the same time adding a few differences without losing its essence. “Imposing elitism” is not an exception. Although this time the band don’t rely too much on the use of spoken samples but they have written their own lyrics which are spoken in an authoritative way, and spiced with military percussion, orchestral passages and even folk hints, creating an atmosphere of oppression and grandeur.

I have not much to say about this band, if you have heard of it, then you’ll know this is a must buy.

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Arditi “Emblem of Victory” LP/CD

Blooddawn prod.

I have reviewed Arditi in the past. Moreover, they have been interviewed many years ago for this publication. And since their very beginning, they have created their own sound and re-inforced it with every release. After more than 20 years of being formed, Arditi is doing here what they are the best at: A re-interpretation of oppressive, warlike and nostalgic atmospheres enhanced by the inclusion of martial speeches portraying strength and identity. That may sound as nothing new under the sun, but on each and every release this Swedish duo pour small and noticeable differences that set apart each release from the rest. This time, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic, the songs are more martial, strong and less melodic than their previous album (although officially released afterwards) called “Insignia of the Sun”. It would be pointless trying to describe each track as the approach is similar and work as a whole, as a collective entity. Therefore, is there a reason why keep buying Arditi new albums? Indeed. For those able to differentiate each proposal, every album offers a new perspective and a new experience for all interested in Martial Industrial music with an identity.

 

Ares Kingdom « Incendiary » CD/LP

Nuclear War Now !

Their previous album was a solid death-thrash album, with obviosu hints of what used to be the well known act Order From Chaos. But this time they have added new elements to their music, epic and heavy metal oriented melodies which have enriched their already solid proposal. Honestly, I expected another “Return to Dust” but this time they surprised me with a fresh, melancholic and energic album. They lyrics are still focused  on philosophy and historical conflicts. Their “very metal sound” production is till present here, and obviously I can’t complain about the overal production, neither any other aspect of the album. Give it a try, few bands can capture the essence of what real death/thrash metal is.

 

Arghoslent / Martial Barrage split CD / LP

Drakkar Productions.

It’s understandable why both bands decided to do an split together, as certain resemblances are pretty obvious in terms of lyrical approach. But not in the content and way of saying things per se. Arghoslent is a commando which pours venom through their historically inspired lyrics, while the Canadian Martial Barrage are more interested in historical conflict as a phenomenon worthy to be narrated.

Anyway, also both bands present different perspectives when it comes to the music. As usual, Arghoslent’s core is the well constructed riffs with Heavy metal influences, while Martial Barrage offers a harsh and brutal kind of death metal, much better worked than their previous material. Ah yes, this album was definitedly worth the wait... 

 

Arkheth “IX & I: The Quintessence of Algaresh” 2CD

Obsidian records.

I thought that the kind of Black metal performed by Emperor during the “Anthems...” era was already lost in time. In fact, every band with a similar approach offered nothing less than a mediocre result. Therefore, when I received this, and knew that this monster of an album is nothing less than almost 2 hours length, I was pretty sure of two things: Either this is a masterpiece or a mammoth full of uninteresting and repetitive riffs. Fortunately this isn’t the case. In fact, “Algaresh” is an album which kept me glued to my seat during its entire length (10 songs in almost 2 hours!).

But I must say however, that this band, although heavily influenced by early Emperor and similar acts, have managed to compose an album which base their symphonies in melancholic, majestic and evocative driven riffs instead of a darker direction. And they have managed to do it properly. So, sit down, turn the lights off and enjoy the cold journey to the stars.

Contact: www.obsidianrecords.com

 

 

Arktogaa “Aera Yersinia Pestis Spiritvs” CD

Breath of Pestilence records.

After their well received demo tape it was understandable that this band would release a full length soon. And they have taken full advantage of their signing, because this debut album is a titanic work for a band which only had one demo out. This album is long, very long I’d say, but the band have been clever enough to include an interlude which would serve as a bridge for the second part of the album itself. As for the album itself, well, they have taken two songs from their demo which smoothly take part into the whole concept, as the songs, even if they embrace several aspects of the archetypes and ideals of NSBM and their relationship and harmony with Nature and the Decline of the Modern world and War as Means and objective to achieve these Ideals.

As for the songs themselves, they are basically focused into mid paced and catchy Black Metal spiced with sections of keyboards which lend the music a dose of tragic grandeur, and the best example of this would be the track “Unter dem Hakenkreuz”, which serves as bombastic climax for the first part of the album and before the interlude takes place.

On the second section of the album, the tracks continue in the same vein, with an emphasis with the nature of Conflict and Warfare in contrast with the first section of the album, having as one of the peaks the RAC inspired songs also appeared on their demo. This second section, also ends bombastically with the long Epilogue called “We Hail His Return”, which makes me remember a track from their demo, building tension intermixed with Speeches from Hitler and R. Hess. Having navigated through the long journey that is this album, you’ll realize that the length of this Epilogue is understandable within the nature of the album itself. All in all, this is a very interesting and well thought debut album for a band which mixes paganism and idealization of the nature of Blood and soil, and the violent nature of conflict.

 

Aryan Art “Harmony, Eternity, Universe” LP / CD

Darker Than Black records.

I must confess that even if I do have a couple of releases from this Bulgarian BM band, I’ve never put the attention they require to begin with. Perhaps that was because they do sound like an average BM band from the 90’s, or at least I remember them in such a way. But luckily I’ve received this new album, which of course re-awoke my interest again.

This is because this album, even if continues with the 90’s inspired black metal, it is infused with enormous amount of majestic and evocative melodies, which for some reason remind me to the Austrian Summoning. No, Aryan Art haven’t copied their style at all, they continue with their own, but the melodies bear certain resemblance to the Austrian duo, which is a really good combination. “Harmony…” sounds fresh, very inspired and enthusiastic in every possible way. And there is a medieval vibe of course running throughout the album. I recommend this whole heartedly.

 

Asgard/ Belzec / Lord Sanguinary / Warspirit / Black Lobo  split cd

Eternal Warfare Prod.

And this is the second split cd in the series of Eternal Warfare Prod, this time featuring 5 Peruvian bands which, by some reason or another, fit into the warlike common theme of this release.

As I said on the previous review of the 1st split cd which also featured Asgard, this time it is an EP from 2016, in the same vein of the previous stuff, that is mid tempo melodic Pagan Metal influenced by Bathory Viking era, Morrigan and the likes, but with a more primitive stance and approach, clear vocals and nostalgic feel overall.

Belzec is a name quite well know within the Peruvian Black Metal circle, founded in 1998 but this is just a promo cd with 2 traks plus intros and outro, very much influenced by the 90’s Nordic Black Metal which was highly popular back then, the songs are well played and relevant up to this day.

Lord Sanguinary, as stated on the previous review, was a solo project prior to Asgard, here it was included the demo from 2004. Even if you can note why this project developed into what is now know as Asgard, there’s definitely a primitive Black metal in the vein of old Satyricon, mostly instrumental and definitely experimental, nice touch to have this project included on this release.

As for Warspirit, I’ve known this band as this demo has been also  released as a 7”EP by Winter Solace records from the USA. Even if the band doesn’t offer anything substantially new, their brand of traditional black metal with a certain dose of melody is quite appealing and with an aura of nostalgia.

And lastly, Black Lobo originally was intended to be a punk sounding project / RAC, but on this recording they definitely wanted to do something different. They have included some WWII Marches and speeches having as a background some mid paced RAC, and no vocals at all. I don’t know if they have done this on purpose just for this release or if they will follow this direction on future releases. Anyway, this is an interesting way to close this split, as to me, their participation serves as a big outro. This cd comes with information about each project as well.

 

Asgard/Weisskrieg/Panzer Kommando/Black Terror 4 way split CD

Eternal Warfare Productions

This release is a rarity of its own because it is basically one of the first (if not the first) local cd split featuring south american bands with NS themes (although not necessarily and I’ll tell you why later on this review).

First of all, the Venezuelan / USA based band Weisskrieg come with an interesting take of RAC and NSBM with an interesting share of melodies and catchy songs, probably influenced by heavy metal bands as well, but keeping a RAC essence throughout all their 4 songs offered for this release.

Then, the Peruvian based solo project Asgard, featuring 3 tracks taken from an EP; this solo projects comes from the now gone Black Metal project called Lord Sanguinary. Here, with Asgard, the only member and composer wanted to do something different by mixing Pagan Metal elements influenced by Bathory’s Hammerheart Viking Era and RAC music. And that is basically. Clean and paused vocals which to my taste are their weak spot. Anyway these 3 tracks can be quite enjoyable if you like stuff like the above mentioned but with a more primitive take.

Next, here comes another Peruvian solo project: Black Terror. I remember their only demo which was released a few years ago which was poorly distributed. Well, they have included it here. But, strangely, as I said above, this project is not NS oriented and in such a way to my understanding it has no place on this split. It is basically a traditional, raw, primitive and with a terrible production Black Metal. Unlistenable to me, sorry. 3 long, long tracks which may seem an eternity to me to listen to, unfortunately. The weakest band of the whole split.

And closing this collaboration comes Panzer Kommando from Brazil, which basically is a RAC sounding band, no black metal , just ferocious and raw hardcore oriented band with Portuguese lyrics. This was their only release unfortunately.

Basically, this kind of 4 way splits may seem a good idea to know and listen to otherwise obscure and buried projects with poor distribution when they were released and in such a way it is pretty valid. The layout used for this cd is pretty well done as well.

 

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Asgard “The Return of the Barbarians” CD

Self Released

A few time ago I got a recording from this one man project which was supposed to be just an EP, but this recording in fact is what would be their first album.

Well, to make things short and easy: Asgard is a local Viving Metal-one man- project. Yes, it may seems kind of weird but yes it is. Basically, the presented tracks consists of mid paced material influenced by Viking Era Bathory (well, without the choruses), newer Graveland and of course some RAC. The vocals are rather sung instead of screamed, and that’s precisely the weaker point of Asgard. Even if the songs themselves may be smart and kind of varied, even if at times primitive and minimalistic, the vocals do not contribute to their development and blossoming, on the contrary, they do sound dull and stagnating. On a couple of tracks, on the contrary, you’ll find some black metal vocals which make a difference to the presented tracks.

The production here is basic and primitive, but that’s sufficient for this kind of project. Here you will find nothing less than 10 tracks, including an intro and an outro. Basicall, I have liked Asgard, even if those vocals may seem at times to be an obstacle to the tracks themselves. This is limited to 300 copies so act fast.

Contact: Viking_wolf88@hotmail.com

 

 

Astriaal “Anatomy of the Infinite” CD

Obsidian Records.

It’s understandable why this album has been mixed by Knut Magne (Arcturus). Astriaal is an Australian Black metal band which has certain common elements with the Norwegians, at least during their early stages. This is their second album, and the first one that I manage to listen to. “Anatomy” is filled with melodic and so called “epic” passages which make the whole recording an interesting experience. The problem (is there’s one of course) would be that there are a few “short songs” (or as I’d like to call them- interludes) between the ACTUAL songs whose purpose seem to be more like fillers than songs...therefore I’d dare to describe “Anatomy...” as a mini album. But yes, overall the quality of the compositions is above average when it comes to structures and the use of melody and solemn moments...give it a try if you can...

Contact: www.obsidianrecords.com   

 

 

Auschwitz Symphony Orchestra “History will repeat itself” CD

No sign of life prod.

This compilation re-unites the first three releases from this band, being their debut demo “Sonderbehandlung”, their debut album “Fuck their European Union” and the second demo called “National Socialist Order”, plus a bunch of covers of Mistreat and Motorhead recorded as bonus. Ok, to the point: ASO plays some grind core which sounds very influenced by Napalm Death’s FETO basically, yes, some songs do sound pretty much influenced by Hardcore, the distorted bass and whatnot. Of course, being this band pretty much NS oriented, then the Nationalistic and anti EU intros are present as well.

Here You’ll find nothing less than 98 tracks, some of them being pretty short, of just a few seconds.

I don’t really know if squeezing all three releases into just one cd is good idea, ok the cd is full but honestly I can’t listen this in a row, as it tends to be pretty repetitive, but listening this in small doses is the way to go at least to me. The songs are very violent, catchy and pretty well done even if I do recognize a few riffs from ND’s FETO in a few tracks.

Also, being this release basically an ideological driven band, they should have included more lyrics, and not just a few. But honestly, I hve been pretty much surprised to found out a band with these characteristics from Finland.

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Avaris “Doctrine of Awakening” LP/CD

Breath of Pestilence

This is the debut album after a small taste of the material which came out as a rehearsal tape featuring 2 tracks plus intro and outro.

What can I say about Avaris being formed in a scene as prolific and varied as it is the Greek Black Metal scene? How could any band still carry the old and traditional sound and still sound new and refreshed?

What Avaris shows throughout this album is what I would call “the reawakening of a dormant Atavism”, an awakening of the old in order to sculpt what’s to come, individually as well as collectively. Also, I must say that this traditional Hellenic sounding Black Metal is soaked in a nostalgic feel which only serves to enhance the purpose and atmosphere of  the whole album. This, summed to lyrics glorifying a long a distant past and myths which serve as a call to remembrance of the old and renouncing of the rotten new status quo, denouncing it for what it has become. This album also come with the inclusion of a manifesto which very explain what they are trying to do. I like the idea of having translated the whole text into several languages, they very well could have left it written in English, but by doing it that way then it wouldn’t be that personal and wouldn’t touch in the same way as if written in a personal language.

Anyway, Avaris not only portray a traditional sound but also a return to traditionalism in a whole artistic presentation. Well done.

 

Azaxul “the Saints Impaled” CD

Misanthropia Discos

Azaxul, in case you don’t know yet, is a band which arose from the ashes of the German Black Metal Cult Moonblood. Even if has been formed during the late 90’s, they are able to record, after a couple of demos, their debut album almost 20 years later. But the band didn’t want us to wait a bunch of years for their second album. Therefore this album, The Saints Impaled is released. And with this album, Azaxul clearly shows their link with their past called Moonblood. And that is because they have included only two new tracks, and the rest, 6 out of 8 tracks are Moonblood songs which have been re-recorded properly for this release, because these songs were presented originally as rehearsals or were just unfinished at that point.

So basically, this is not only a new Azaxul album but also a link to their past. And those interested in Moonblood, will just adore this release, as it clearly follows the path of 90’s black metal with Majestic and dark melodies by which Moonblood is known for. The lyrics are just as well written as always, well detailed and describing memories of an old past whose links to the dark are well established and still alive for those who want to search for them.

 

Barshasketh “Sitra Achra” CD

Todestrieb Records.

Ok, this is the second album and released during 2013, before signing with the German label Blut and Eisen. And yes, this is the main band of the man behind the solo project Belliciste. Therefore, this band comes originally from New Zealand but it has been relocated to Europe afterwards.

And yes, after listening to Belliciste I can totally relate the main similitudes between that project and this band. It is also melodic, very tremolo oriented and influenced by the likes of Satanic Warmaster, and I did even listen to a borrowed riff from Deathspell Omega’s Si Monumentum… somewhere on this record.

This is traditional black metal which could have been easily released during the 90’s without doubt. Those who enjoy their Black metal with a high dose of Melody, while being dark and sinister, then this band should be for you.

 

 

Baxaxaxa “Catacomb Cult” LP/CD

Sinister Flame recs.

If you have heard about the early german Black metal scene with names such as Fulgor and Ungod, then it’s most likely that you’ve heard about Baxaxaxa as well. As a matter of fact this project shares some members with Ungod and some other bands.

The question is, what actually happens when a band release some material and after many years return with a “comeback”? Most of them do it for whatever reasons except for the Art itself. Baxaxaxa’s return not only offer continuity to their already established foundation, but also a reinforcement of attitude and form in a time where the foundations of black metal have been distorted and distanced from the original intentions. Baxaxaxa have returned with a debut after revisiting and reinforcing the foundations of archaic black metal without paying attention to the constant distortions that the genre has going through the recent years. In such a way, Catacomb Cult is not only a continuation in form of what was established with their demo more than 25 years ago, but a reminder of what black metal is and represents. And while Ungod was about aggression, Baxaxaxa is focused upon atmosphere and that’s precisely what attracted my attention. Heavily rooted in Ancient glories like Samael and even Mortuary Drape, the band have managed to craft their own and unique sound rooted in the ancient, primordial and necromantic atmospheres of, indeed a Cult dwelling among forgotten Catacombs. They are not another band revisiting the past, they belong to the past and through the remembrance of this past, they teach and guide.

 

Baxaxaxa “De Vermis Mysteriis” LP/CD

Sinister Flame recs.

Their debut album “Catacomb Cult” was enough to introduce their Art to new audiences and to make old listeners remember that they were always lurking in the dark, cooking new necromancies.

“De Vermis Mysteriis” offers this, and something else. They have developed the statements set on their previous album, but noticeably improved. Here, on this album, they have expanded and refined what they had set in motion. And perfected it. One thing remains certain: Baxaxaxa have revived the necromantic atmosphere of archaic Black Metal of the 90’s and adorned it not only with the aesthetics in Art and image of that time, but also they have infused it with lyrics which also follow the same traditional patterns already present in the printed booklet and music, but also those lyrics offer something else. A Black Metal band which doesn’t offers mystery and intrigue within their own concept, is a band which can’t offer much. This mystery makes the listener to delve into their songs, study their art and lyrics and listen carefully what they have prepared to the listener, and discover that which is hidden. That was the old feeling I had when listening to an old record of Bathory, Samael, Mortuary Drape, etc for the first time, and if a band manage to achieve this, then they have succeeded.

Baxaxaxa’s music also shows a notable development. Basically follows the same lineaments already shown on previous outputs, but they are discovering how to take advantage of that sound, infuse their music with the eerie keyboards and catchy elements in order to build an improved atmosphere. I’m still thinking that rawer vocals would have worked better for them, as I thought when listened to Venom and Slayer for the first time, but that’s a personal taste.

All in all, if you had listened to “Catacomb Cult”, and may think that they don’t have much room to develop their own Art, then you may think twice because this is one step ahead. From time to time a band teaching and leading the proper way to Archaic and immovable black metal is needed. Baxaxaxa are leading the way through the catacombs and the rottenness of the old graves, let everybody remember what black metal is supposed to be.

 

Behemoth “The Satanist” DLP/CD+DVD

Nuclear Blast records.

Ah, Behemoth...it used to be a personal favourite until they became too ”accessible”, polished and equally boring and repetitive, exploiting the sound and aesthetics developed to the higher point with the “Zos Kia Kultus” album. Then, I lost trace of the band. They simply weren’t able to reach that achievement again. Not even they got close. After a long time I realised they were still there, and after a few years they would return on Nuclear Blast records. If you ask me, nothing to cheer nor celebrate.

Oh well, why not, I would give them a chance again. Ok, the Satanist is not a bad album. In fact it is pretty good, and this fact is because they have taken influences from outside the genre, turning this album into a mixture of death metal and hard rock. And yes, the songs have a lot of studio arrangements and a variety of contributions which would be very hard to replicate on stage. And I do think, they are using playback when playing live. But I won’t discuss that fact here, but the album alone.

The Satanist is very varied and unpredictable. Songs like “ora pro nobis Lucifer”, “Blow your trumpets Gabriel”, the title track and the closing epic “O Father O Satan O Sun” show the interest of the band for innovation originality.

Lyrically they have kept the same formula, by commenting each song and at the same time showing the sincerity that I thought they were losing with every new release. I won’t discuss every song nor lyric here, but once you have studied them, then you’ll KNOW.  The cd comes with a DVD featuring a complete pro-shot show. And Dennis Forkas is still doing beautiful and dark renditions...

 

Beherit “At the Devil’s Studio” LP / CD / cass.

Kult / Hells Headbangers.

Ok, probably you have heard from this release so I’ll be short here: This new offering has been advertised like the “lost” Beherit’s debut album. I don’t think that this bands needs this kind of promotion whatsoever because it has a well earned name in the Unerground. “At the Devil’s Studio”, at least for me, it’s nothing less than a forgotten rehearsal recorded during 1990, simply because it shares the same elements also present on their early cassettes. For this release, they just have increased the sound of the original tape (you can hear the ever present zzzzzzz of the original tape!) and nothing else. No new artwork, or even photos, or whatever. Oh well, perhaps the band don’t care too much except for the fact that finally they’ve been able to release this.

Anyway, those into the old Beherit sound will dig this, myself included. You already know the songs except that these versions are slightly different from the originals, but then again it’s not a big surprise since Beherit haven’t been that prolific when playing their songs. Get it while you can.

 

 

Belphegor “Conjuration of the Dead” LP/CD

Nuclear Blast records.

Belphegor have changed with the years. And changing is not necessarily a bad word. That is, until they don’t change anymore, but they choose to copy themselves over and over again. From my point of view, I have enjoyed the band even if they have become a parody of themselves. Therefore, I’m still getting their albums. But, to a certain  extent, how is for a band to release the same album, with the same overcharged artwork, the same gas masks and using models over and over? Well, I have been able to live with that so far. Conjuration of the dead is not a bad album, even if the same elements are present again. Helmuth is still able to compose good riffs here and there, and varied songs so you’ll be able to get through the whole album easily. But the problem here is that the lyrical aspect has been left aside. I don’t have any idea why the main composer is letting his groupies, models or whatever , write the lyrics. The result is disastrous. It turns Belphegor into a plastic act. The truly blasphemous nature of the old albums is certainly gone. Buy only if you’re a die hard fan.

 

 

Belphegor “Totenritual” LP/CD

Nuclear Blast recs

There is one thing certain about Belphegor: they have been doing the same album over and over again, fearing that some kind of artistic freedom could end their well earned name within the black death metal scene throughout these years. That, or perhaps they just wanted to repeat the same formula which has succeeded over and over again until there’s no more room for the band and their audience finally give up. In such a way, is this album a success? Well, partially I’d say. Taking a look at that heavily photoshopped cover art, I would say that indeed Totenritul is more of the same. But, is it really? Yes, and no. Besides the cover art, the band continue doing what they know best: playing black death metal with big riffs and melodies here and there, even if this time they have opted for the death metal vocals primarily and their musical approach is more death metal this time. The songs, even if they do not offer great things to those acquainted with the band, at least are well composed, played and executed. Well, at least in the lyrical department they have added a few elements which were absent on previous releases, and they finally got rid of those horrible pseudo erotic lyrics which introduced those gothic models in order to gain at least some attention for their lack of new ideas. So, in this sense, the band at least are doing something new. This is better than their last couple of albums.

 

 

Behexen “My soul for his Glory” LP/CD

Hammer of Hate records.

Another album from the Finish Satan Worshippers of Behexen, which are very well known for their brutality and fastness of their compositions. On this album I can hear a more controlled side, as they have kept the speed, but giving space to more catchy passages, touching the death metal field from time to time. They have also included some chants which fits the solemn and obscure nature of the songs very well. The lyrics remain very simplistic for a band which has released many albums. Oh well...this effort is strong by any means and if you liked the old Behexen this one should not disappoint you.

Contact: Hammer of hate

 

Belliciste “Sceadugenga” CD

Todestrieb records.

This is the debut album from this one man project coming originally from New Zealand, but relocated to Scotland and Slovakia afterwards.

Honestly, this is the first time that I listen to this project, which is by the way , rather new, as this debut album was released a couple of years ago.

Ok, the lyrics haven’t been enclosed here, so I’ll comment about the music exclusively, which seems to be very much influenced by Finnish black metal acts such as Satanic Warmaster, as the riffs are built upon lots of melodies and harmonics. Ok to be honest this album is not original in the sense that their melodic style have has been already done, but at least the man behind this project is clever enough to follow the path with creativity in the already trodden path.

The songs are well composed and well played, and all in all this is a petty interesting album.

 

Bexehen / Satanic Warmaster split 10’LP / CD

Hammer of Hate recs.

This release is something special in the sense that Behexen does present a sound not found on previous recordings, this time being even more melodic and at the same time dark, these songs reek of Finnish unique sound. For the side of Satanic Warmaster, Werwolf offers a brand new track plus an accoustic version of “The burning eyes of werewolf”, which is something strange to listen to, anyway good.

Contact: hammer of hate.

 

Bilskirnir “Wotan Redivivus” LP / CD

Darker than Black prod.

So, if you have managed to grab a copy of Psicoterror issue 9th, then you should already know about this one man Black Metal project from Germany. If not, well, I did an extensive interview with the man in that issue, and reviewed the previous album “Wotansvolk”. Well, after nothing less than 6 years, we finally have the follow up album. Basically, Wotan Redivivus continues where Wotansvolk left. Well, there are a few differences though. First of all, Widar has chosen to do this album basically in a mid tempo, and continuing the huge Burzum / Katatonia “brave murder day” era, but this time the songs are catchier and even more “folkish” than on previous albums. Well, this is due perhaps the lyrical concept exposed in this album, and that would be understandable. This album was supposed to include some vocals done by nothing less than Mr. Taylor from the neo-folk project “Changes”. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen, but anyway, all the interesting elements present on previous albums are also present here: catchiness, memorable melodies and nostalgic / atavistic lyrics.