Antichrist – demo/rehearsal tape
Self released.
This is a demo-rehearsal from a local band that plays an Archaic form of Doom death metal, primarily influenced (as they say) by bands such as Black Sabbath, Celtic Frost, Samael, Goatlord, Dead Christ, Unholy, Cyanide, and more. But, after listening to this rehearsal, they forgot to mention Hellhammer as one of their main influences. In fact, I do strongly believe that Antichrist sound more like a downtuned and a death metal version of Hellhammer.
This band, is extremely primitive from every point of view : from the execution, composition of the songs to the layout and presentation of the tape. I’m pretty sure everything was done on purpose, as the compositions themselves are dense, chaotic and do have a « claustrophobic » feel so to speak.
The band is more oriented toward antichristianity instead of satanism, or at least that’s what I note after reading the texts included on the cover.
Well, anyway, if you do like all of the above mentioned bands you should try Antichrist.
https://www.facebook.com/cristian.guerra.5815
c/o Dionel Soto, Calle Simón Bolívar 555, Urb. San Rafael, Lima 36 – PERU.
AntiChrist “Demo Rehearsal III” tape
Self released.
Some time ago I reviewed a previous rehearsal demo of this local self called Funereal Doom metal band. But as a matter of fact Antichrist was a band more focused into a more death metal version of Hellhammer. That was before listening to this demo tape. Here, the band is indeed oriented toward a Funeral doom metal, with lots of dense moments (which can be heard and sensed even before the first properly played track is presented). The desperate vocal oriented intro sets the ambience to this extremely down tuned, heavy and unintelligible –at least for parts- demo tape.
Here, clean vocals alternate with down tuned growls, and slow paced riffings, perhaps with the spiced addition of acoustic guitars.
At least, what can be heard on this demo, the band is trying to achieve their goal of sounding like a Funeral doom metal band, but the problem here are the deficiencies of the limited production, which make the guitars a hard listening experience, as at some points these are non-existent.
Perhaps, if they get rid of these technical deficiencies then they’ll be able to craft a more interesting release.
Contact: antichristperu@gmail.com
Abismo Negro « Fortalezas do sul Macabro » CD-R
Self released
As far as I know this cd-r is the latest demo from this Brazilian BM horde which consists of 2 members, being the vocalist a woman. Anyway, this recording rememinds me a lot of those early 90’s Scandinavian BM acts and those who followed afterwards: Judas Iscariot, Veles, etc. That is, straight to the point, primitive and grim BM. Therefore, I must warn you that their BM could be mistaken as uninspired perhaps, and that’s understandable. Some of the songs are very well crafted, but most of them just follow the same path established by the abovementioned acts.
To those who know what to expect from them, go ahead.
www.myspace.com/abismonegrosul
Ad Arma « Stalingrad » demo tape
Dunkelheit Prod.
I have received this promo with the description that this band play “Primitive War Black Metal art”, and actually it’s not that primitive. To be honest, the German Ad Arma plays melodic Black Metal with Nordic influences and some hints which reminds me of their German counterparts Moonblood. This is ok I guess, except of the fact that I’ve already listened this kind of sound over and over again. Too many cliches here...the band know how to play properly so they should focuse exclusively in developing an own sound instead of playing the very same music they like to listen to.
Contact: www.dunkelheit-produktionen.de
Arcada “Promo MMXV” cd-r
Destruktor records.
Arcada is a Young pruvian BM band which have released only 2 demo tapes and this compiltion with just 3 tracks which serves as a promo instead of being a new demo.
Honestly I didn’t know about the existence f this band although they handled me a copy of this compilation. I suppose that they’re preparing new songs for a properly distributed release, but as far as this compilation goes, I must say that this band delivers a kind of nordic influenced black metal, aesthetically and sonically compared to the Orthodox brand which appeared a few years ago. Among their influences, I could cite for obvious reason to Watain and older Acrimonious from Greece. The songs are structured properly and the vibe of the aforementioned bands is present in all these 3 tracks. Unfortunately the lyrics haven’t been enclosed. But well you can’t have it all can’t you?
Contact: arcadablackmetal@gmail.com
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Arkhon “Devoured in a dark Dimension” demo/digipack cd
Flag of Blasphemy records
This band was formed in the year 2014 but for some reason they have only released this one and only demo although I’ve been informed that they will continue working on some additional material.
Arkhon is a project consisting of members coming from other more or less well known local bands such as Bestial Possession, Recrucify, PUS, Putrid, Astur, among others. But while they were focused into playing some other music in the abovementioned bands, Arkhon is focused in creating old school death metal in the vein of Sadistic Intent, God Macabre, Immolation and of course old Morbid Angel, from where they managed to do a cover version of the track “Maze of Torment”. Thing is, have they succeeded in replicating this particular brand of death metal? I think so. There are many bands which actually try to do something, release a whole load of crap in the course of a few years and believe that they’re actually big bands. They are wrong of course. With just one demo out there, and already released on tape by other labels, Arkhon have managed to actually recreate a successful sound of a dark sounding Metal of Death without rehashing the same formula that many others repeat over and over again. Arkhon’s songs sound smart and well composed. It is better to release an small bunch of tracks instead of following the easy way to play mediocre tracks which will lead nowhere. As a prelude of what’s to come, take a listen to this demo in the meantime and hopefully you will agree with me with what I’ve said above.
ARKTOGÄA “Blood for Wotan” demo tape
Wotan Front prod.
From Italy I’ve received this debut demo tape, without knowing what to expect in the first place, even if the cover art and some of the song titles would make me think that this could be another “pagan metal” or heathen oriented act. And of course, as things are not what sometimes may seem to be, I was gladly wrong.
Arktogäa play in a broader sense a mix of Black metal and RAC. As a matter of fact, it is quite hard to try to analyze it as a whole demo, because their music is truly heterogeneous.
After a short ambient intro, the band attacks with full force with “Ablaze Fyrfos…” which is a violent Black metal anthem, influenced by Der Stürmer, at least is what it comes to mymind after listening to it. After that, the second song entitled “E l’ora di marciar”!, which is undoubtedly a very catchy RAC oriented songs sung entirely in Italian and dedicated to the Legione SS Italiana. After that, there is a long interlude, which starts as a basic ambient track accompanied by a well known Hitler speech, and, as it progresses, it turns into a bombastic anthem, while at the same time the speech decreases in tone and intensity. This interlude would serve as a prelude to the more “classic sounding” Black metal part of the demo, consisting of a couple of mid tempo songs, I’d say influenced by the likes of EVIL (Bra) and I’d even say Graveland. Well played, and well executed.
All in all, a pretty varied demo, Arktogäa is a band which isn’t shy to show the variety of their musical influences and I think that’s good.
The lyrics are missing and that could be the only negative point here. Get this demo.
Contact: wotanfront@hotmail.com
Asgard “Warhammer” Demo EP
Self –released
Asgard is a young local one man project which is said to play Viking Metal in the old tradition and this is their debut EP which was self released on tape. The same guy behind this solo project was involved a few years ago in another project called Lord Sanguinary, which was a more traditional black metal oriented project.
Well, to the point then: Asgard , as I already explained, plays supposedly some kind of Viking Metal, or rather said, Metal inspired with lyrics about Northern Viking traditions, and the value of Blood. However, this project is mainly influenced by RAC instead of black metal itself, and, even if some track is sung in the traditional black Metal voice, almost all of the tracks are sung in a clear voice. And let’s be honest: a least, to my taste, the guy can’t sing. Or, he rather practice some more before adventuring himself to record a demo. But if you can pass through his vocals, I’d say that the music I quite good, primitive RAC influenced Viking Metal with no bigger ambitions in its sound but anyway the tracks presented here are quite enjoyable. He has recorded already his debut album, so it would be a good start if he starts promoting Asgard properly.
Contact: Viking_wolf88@hotmail.com
Blasphemous division “Promo MMXV2” tape
Self released.
This promo is a vvery good way indeed of listening and knowing more about this local bestial black death metal band. And I say it is a very good way because in just a few tracks I have realized the progression they have had since the release of their first rehearsal to the sound they have achieved and which led them to the release of their demo tape through Warhemic prod. Black death metal very much influenced by the likes of Black Witchery, Blasphemy, Angelcorpse amd what not. Now, with the consolidation of a new line up they have tighten their sound even more while adding a really good solos here and there. All in all, I’d say that their <”regiments of Chaos” is the best they have done so far and the progression displayed on this compilation shows this. Perhaps what they’re currently doing is nothing new under the sun but they are trying to do it properly and with conviction. Try to get their demo tape.
Contact: divisionblasfema@gmail.com
Caballo de Plomo « Quizá Sabático, Quizá Terminal” Cd-r
Morbid Legion Records.
This a local band that plays Stoner Doom, with some influences from Hellhammer, which I personally appreciate. I still don’t know why this band hasn’t released a proper album, even if the lyrics are too “strange” to me, the heavyness of the music does it for me without doubt. This is just an EP consisting of 4 long songs plus a bonus.
Contact: morbidlegion.blogspot.com
Casus “Redemption Through Pervertion” CD-demo
Self released.
Casus is a young band from Greece that which plays a primitive and mid tempo oriented kind of death/thrash, with some infleunces of the classic Greek sound, and with the use of keyboards to enhance the overall simplistic music. This is their first demo and the band has just a few months of existence. Honestly, the songs aren’t that special at least to me, but perhaps I’m not in the right mood...who knows, perhaps with time they’ll be able to find their own sound or release something a little bit more interesting. Time will tell...
Contact: www.myspace.com/casusextreme
Cuadrado Negro “True Haters” tape
Necio records.
After an initial surprise, I found out this Peruvian project which plays an industrialized version of electronic noise. And this is the tape version of this recording which was originally done during the years 2008 and 2009.
What we have here is not the typical and senseless noise that anyone can find on many different recordings, and that turned this sub genre into something lifeless and talentless. In fact, Cuadrado Negro’s songs have a purpose and a meaning. They are just not noise per se, but intelligently arranged compositions, which experiment with different patterns which make every song recognizable on its own. These patterns can be percussions and even samples, which, after being altered, offer a sense of rhythm and purpose. Influences? I couldn’t say as this project stands on its own creativity.
Just give it a try.
Contact: neciorecordsperu@gmail.com
Darzum Thuul “Music for Dark Sorcery” tape.
Forever plagued records.
Well, this is basically a compilation of a few tracks composed by one of the members from the Canadian band Vyrolakos, whose demo tape has also been re-released by Forever plagued records. But Darzum Thuul don’t play raw and cold black metal, no. This is a project closer to dark ambient atmospheres, and a synth based journey through the realms of the midde ages, sorcery, and wizardry.
Basically, what Darzum Thuul offers, is a personal vision of synth based and so called dungeon music. Of course, some medieval elements can be heard as well as just and pure atmospheric dark ambient settings but everything is spiced with the very personal influence of its creator. As the booklet states, the music has been recorded using psychedelic drugs; well I don’t know if this is true or not, but definitely this recordings doesn’t sound like simple re-creations of already recorded songs from the genre. As a matter of fact, and I’d dare to say, the songs have avant-garde elements but mixed with dark ambient and touches of medieval music. And I’d say that everything works pretty well together. Everything here is instrumental and vocals aren’t required at all. Just let the music speaks for itself.
Devil “Magister Mundi Xum” Pro-pressed cd
Unborn productions.
Very nice debut demo of these Norwegians who pay homage to bands such as Pentagram, Black Sabbath and the likes. I don´t really know if this is just a passing hype or something, but certainly this band knows how to do it well. Perhaps they play just “too safe” in order to stick to their influences, but that touch of melody that the first songs of this demo possess just give an additional boost to the already well composed but at the same time simple-structured tracks. Who knows, perhaps on their debut album (they’re already signed with Soulseller records) they’ll develop a more personal musical approach and a heavier sound. But, in the meanwhile, this demo should be enough to satisfy your need of Occult heavy doom with Satanic Imagery.
Contact: www.myspace.com/devilband
Dreadful Relic “Archaic Conjurations” Demo tape
Frost and Fire records, 2014
This is a new band formed by Commando Wolf, who left the Hellenic band Der Stürmer some time ago. Anyway, he shares ranks with a current Der stürmer member.
Dreadful Relic is a band different in sound and aesthetic, but they share some elements with Der Stürmer, basically in the conceptual stance: the building and awakening of the Overman through the remembrance and commemoration of the solemn myths of old. Musically, the band distances themselves from the plastic and futile majority of releases from today by influencing their hymns by old of acts such as Celtic Frost and Sodom, although other references can be found as well.
“Archaic conjurations” is influenced basically by Robert E. Howard and Conan, with the exception of a couple of tracks and of course a fitting Celtic Frost cover “Inner Sanctum” which could be easily taken as one of the band’s own compositions.
This journey through ancient realms is very well complemented by the inclusion of ambient pieces which connect the songs and concept of the demo in a proper way.
The band have taken into consideration the inclusion of a sheet containing the concept of all songs and the purpose and ideal of the band.
A very complete release, both musically and aesthetically. I hope to hear more news from this band ina a near future…
Contact: www.dreadfulrelic.com/
Empyrean Vault “Mausoleum of Worship” demo I & II CD
Breath of Pestilence.
This CD / EP collects both demos of this obscure band coming from Finland. There’s virtually no information about them, only I know that they have recorded both during 2024.
The information reads Finnish Black Metal and Black Metal it indeed is, basically this band approach the genre in a minimalistic way, with noticeable influences from the 90’s but even maintaining their own raw approach, mostly mid tempo and meditative, and lyrically depicting the links and parallels between the human approach to death and their monuments and the beyond, how both collide and also interact. The sound and production is, as expected, as raw as the music itself. I don’t know if the band continue and if finally they will be recording an album soon. Definitely is interesting to listen to a band which, while being deeply rooted into the musical basics of the genre, is still able to deliver some personal interpretation.
The Finnish label Breath of Pestilence is taking care of this release, although I don’t know if they will release it as vinyl or tape at some later point.
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Erotic devil Worship – Advance tracks
This is a 2 tracks advance of what will become the first album of this blackened punk oriented band with lots of dirty rock n’ roll influences, whose lyrics are heavily influenced by Carpathian Forest, GG Allin and the likes so you’ll know what to expect. I’ve already reviewed material from them, and i’d say that the album should be out because I think that this project is way better than all the bands from the Bloodless members. The album will be called “Primitive, Bizarre and pretty much fucked up!”. As their main member states, this is not for everyone, but it should be a pleasing listening if you enjoy the above mentioned acts and the likes of the genre.
Contact: castleoftorment@yahoo.es
Evist promo 2011
Another project done by the members of the peruvian bloodless, this time a death thrash act, pretty simple in execution but I gues that’s their whole intention of doing things: what else could I say, these are just 2 tracks and I don’t know if they’ll include this on future releases but here you’ll get a close idea of what they’re trying to do. Honestly I think that this is a pretty standard band, they know how to do their music and stuff but I think I’ve already listened to this before. I’ll stick to Erotic devil worship instead!
Contact: castleoftorment@yahoo.es
Feral Howl “Atavistic Meditations” MCD
Breath of Pestilence
This is, in fact, the first effort of this Norwegian Black Metal project. It was released originally on tape but this cd version comes with an additional track.
Feral Howl can be rooted easily in the 90’s approach to black metal. Not necessarily because of the content, but in the form and shape. Particularly their interest of creating dark, meditative atmospheres enhanced by mostly middle paced riffings and accompanied by keyboards which follow their dark, primeval melodies. That’s all they need. With such a background they establish a link with their lyrics and a connection to Nature as the source of human recesses of the mind linking Blood with Soil and ancestral remembrance. The unconsciousness awakens together with a dormant soul and arcane devotion…induced by trancelike melodies. Black Metal can not only be raw, but always with purpose…and in such a way Feral Howl, as the name implies, have managed to achieve this with this demo EP and currently are preparing their debut album. Of course there will be more to come…
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Flagelum Dei « Only death makes you free » Demo Cd-r
Self financed
And this is the Peruvian counterpart (as you may already know of the Portuguese band with the same name!). Anyway, for those who don’t know them already, this is a relatively young Peruvian Black Metal band which released a demo tape some years ago, standard in terms of sound, aesthetics and overall standard BM influences. Now, I wouldn’t dare to simply call them as a Black metal act anymore. They have changed. Now the lyrics are way more personal, and the music is ehhhh, way thrasher and with a very good dose of melody, acoustic passages which fit well into the overall structures, and some death metal influences as well. The members have grown as musicians, no doubt about that, and here you’ll find some really good tracks, including a Motorhead cover. Contact: flagelumdei@hotmail.com, www.myspace.com/flagelumdei
Funeral “The Land of the Immortals” demo 1- tape
Self released.
This is a one band which comes from Arequipa-Peru. I had received a few months ago a rehearsal for review as well, but frankly it was unintelligible and badly done so I’ll consider this demo as the debut. And this comes with a pro-printed cover, unfortunately without lyrics, as they should be mandatory in a release of this nature, because frankly I cannot digest why there are pagan oriented tracks mixed with songs such as “brutal Incest”. Anyway, even if the production is very raw, at least this is listenable. Ehemmm, musically this is still very primitive and amateurish, and I don’t really think it was done on purpose. For the contrary, every song presented here is composed of just one or two riffs, even one song presents a solo. The vocals for the major part are typical BM vocals, although there are a few clear singing moments as well (and I think that those are terribly done btw!).
The last song is a +7 min long outro, which is just one or two notes played in a keyboard. Then again I’m still thinking that this demo requires printed lyrics, otherwise after the listening experience I’m still trying to figure out what I just heard...
Contact:
C/o: Samuel Zamudio
Calle Amargura 109 - Paucarpata
Arequipa - Perú.
E/mail: wolfman_nsbm666@hotmail.com
Goat Vengeance “Goatplague” tape.
Magistellus Infernal prod.
This release is basically a compilation released by the local label M.I. It consists of the band’s 7’EP called “We bring the goat vengeance...”, their 4 way split 7’EP called “Goatwatchers united” and a rehearsal track.
Well, to start with I’ll say that first and foremost Goat Vengeance is a Brazillian band with members from Behalf fiend and other brazilian acts. And yes, as it’s supposed to be known, they play a very primitive brand of black metal. And I’m not against primitivism in black metal to begin with, but against the way this is executed.
Goat vengeance sounds boring, or at least it sounds boring to my ears, the drums follows no patterns whatsoever and that makes the listening experience even more painful. Youy should listen to the whole stuff for yourself, but then again, this is nothing as interesting as Behalf Fiend which was quite enjoyable instead. Then again, it could just be my own perception of things.
Contact: magistellusinfernal@yahoo.com
God’s Funeral “El Cristo de las Trincheras” tape
A Sangre Fria records
This is the demo debut of Spain’s Doom Death Metal band God’s Funeral. Clean , heavy and dead sound are the key words here, reminiscences of old Doom Death glories such as archaic My Dying Bride, Anathema and perhaps some other death metal bands with a sense of heaviness and a sense of melody in some riffs which could easily taken as slow paced black metal at some parts or at least that is my idea after listening to this demo formed only by three tracks and a very strange outro, flirting with the idea of war and totalitarian regimes, which could be an interesting conceptual approach for a band of this particular concept and sound. What else? This has been released as a standalone tape edition and should appeal to every fan of old school traditional death doom and, why not, those interested in the slow pace of black metal riffing as well.
HellButcher “Condemnatus Tormentum” tape
Self-released??
This is a Chilean project which in fact have released a handful of demos and splits, and ffter 10 years of being formed, they haven’t released a proper full length. Perhaps that’s they way they do like to work in the first place, and I think that’s ok.
Well, what I do have for review here is their latest demo tape, which I suppose follows the same guidelines of their previous outputs.
HellButcher is basically a band that plays some black thrash metal very much blending styles coming from Scandinavia and Southamerica.
Yes, I’ts not very hard to realize that this band has been influenced by the Swedish Nifelheim and the Brazillian Sarcofago basically. Yes, they do their style barbaric and proficiently, but sadly they don’t do anything I’ve listened to before. The clichés are there, the singing and playing is well done but it’s there. To those interested in this kind of style then may find Hellbutcher interesting, but for me, it’s something I’ve listened to many times in the past.
Contact: devil_worshipper666@hotmail.com
Impaled Christ “Terror y Lujuria en nombre del Crucificado” tape
DoomManiac productions.
Esta banda local surgió en el año 2013, creada por dos integrantes que ya habían participado en otras bandas de diverso índole así que debo de suponer que Impaled Christ es un proyecto de ambos. De cualquier forma, ellos al formarse sacaron un promo de dos temas, eso aún lo recuerdo. Y a partir de allí, simplemente desaparecieron del mapa…hasta ahora.
Lo que no logro comprender muy bien es si la banda continúa activa o después de 10 años de formada recién logran sacar su demo en tape que según los créditos en el mismo, fue grabado en el mismo año de su formación, 2013.
Y aunque el nombre lo haya leído antes por algún lado, recién me entero que finalmente ha sido editado en tape. La banda se promociona como War Black Metal con una serie de influencias en ese estilo, entre ellas Black Witchery, beherit, Blasphemy, Conqueror, aunque al escuchar el demo me parece que están más influenciados por bandas con sonido a lo Sarcofago y antiguo Bathory del cual tocan un cover, y con influencias thrasheras que le dan a la música un sonido rítmico característico aunque su idea original sea sonar como las bandas de las cuales ellos dicen influenciarse, no sé si me dejo entender. Esto, sumado a la inclusión de líricas más que satánicas bastante blasfemas y anticristianas aunque bastante básicas, me da la impresión de estar escuchando una banda de los 80 que por algún motivo no sacaron su demo cuando fue grabado. Por supuesto todo esto es bien complementado con la inclusión del tema primigenio de Bathory que cierra el demo, aunque tocado a su forma, más acelerado y brutal.
En realidad estoy bastante satisfecho con el demo, cumple con su cometido de ser brutal y a la vez empilador y estoy seguro que esta banda sonaría bastante apropiadamente en vivo.
Contact: moises-jo@hotmail.com
INRI “Chasing the Demons” CD-R
Self-released- PROMO.
Ok, after the release f the first album, this old band have started to do some proper promotion to some of their new songs with this CD-R. Hopefully they’ll get the attention they deserve. This promo CD-r consists in one new studio recorded song plus a rehearsal of 4 songs called “Rehearsal of intolerance” and two live songs (both are new songs after all).
With this release many labels will realise the potential of the band, well know for playing a mid tempo, kind of “melodic” and traditional Death metal, effectively structured and overall well played. The new songs follow this trademark, perhaps with the inclusion of more speed, but basically remains as a mid-tempo DM.
As far as I know, this isn’t for sale. Contact the band anyway to:
Jormundgand “Satanic Attack” CD-R
Self released.
Demo debut of this Swedish young band, which initially played some kind of melodic pagan metal, however, on this demo they have changed their style into a equally melodic Black metal heavily influenced by , I’d say, Watain and some other Swedish acts, equally melodic. The music is not bad, honestly, I’m pretty impressed by their musicianship especially showed in the title track. They’re not original but they can improve in further releases.
Contact: myspace.com/jormundgand666
Kavra “Negro Spellclouds in the Vault of Holocaustwinds” tape
Self Released.
From Yucatan, Mexico, this is one the very few Black mabient oriened demos i’ve listened to so far. Even if the recording itself was mostly improvised, this one song demo retains some fucked up atmosphere when the member(s) try to include some black metal riffing, the rest is just ambien stuff, not very convincing at all. Then again, I don’t know why it has named that way this demo, but it surely the title sounds like a bad joke, and even worse, the cover “art”. Amateurish stuff released in a amateurish packaging. Not for me, thanks.
Contact: www.kultodekavra.sitesled.com
L.O.D "Legion of Doom" tape
Black breath records.
This is a new death metal coming from the White city of Arequipa, Peru. And this is their debut demo. It is good to know that this band have actually waited to have polished their playing before daring to actually record a debut demo. This five tracks demo is kind of varied, though. They haven’t adhered to just a couple of influences, but I’d say that they have included a bunch of them within their riffing. And among these, I could name Slayer, Possessed, the local Mortem, Krisiun and even a little bit of melodic Swedish death metal as well. That is, pretty much dosage of old school death metal! They may be not proficient as the bands above, but they do care about their song structures and the way of arranging their tracks. I don’t know if they’re going to record a full album, but at least I must keep my eyes and ears open for news from them.
Malignum “Impious Path Towards decay” tape
Unholy metal Pestilence records.
Honestly, I did know about this band by name only, and as I see, they have released two demos and a EP (the review is about this EP), which has been released on tape. This tape contains as a bonus their previous demo rehearsal from 2008.
What can I say about this band, they do play some kind of mixture of Black and death metal, primitive but to the point, with some precarious soloing here and there. There’s a good deal of brutality here and it seems that the band is about doing black metal simple. They seem to have been pretty inactive as this EP has been released seven years after their last demo from 2008, which, as I said above, has been included as a bonus. And I must add that 3 out of 4 songs are re-recorded versions and are included twice here. In such a way, you’ll be able to compare how do the band sounded in the past, and definitely there has been some improvement in execution.
Perhaps it is time for a debut album??
Contact: Malignumblack@hotmail.com
Monstraat “Beyond Angel Eyes” tape
Blutvergiessen prod.
This the demo debut of this Swedish one man project, which counts with the participation of Hellgoat (Necroplasma) on some lyrics.
What could I say about this? It surely sound harsh and all that, but it’s extremely average, even if the production fits the kind of desired sound.
I have listened to this kind of raw sound many times before and unfortunately, Monstraat doesn’t move me.
Contact: blutvergiessen@schwarze-sonne.net
Mysterial “Under the Shadow of the immortal Flame” tape
DoomManiac productions.
Mysterial es una banda que surgió en los años 90’s en la entonces escena de Comas, Lima, Peru, y como consecuencia de la explosión de la segunda oleada de Black Metal Europeo. Si bien es cierto que Black Angel fue la primer banda de esa localidad que se hizo conocida, también surgieron otras, y se podría decir que ésta fue la segunda más relevante. Desafortunadamente éste, que fue su demo grabado en 1998, no recibió la distribución que se merecía pero después de más de 20 años, el sello Peruano DoomManiac prod. Le rinde el debido homenaje relanzándolo en el formato en que fue planeado.
Acerca del demo en sí: yo creo que debe de verse de acuerdo al contexto y a la época que fue grabado. Mysterial es una banda que como muchas otras estuvo bastante influenciada por la segunda oleada del Black Metal Noruego y yo le encuentro bastante similitud con el arcaico Emperor, esto es, riffs influenciados por Bathory e incipientes teclados que ensalzan algunos pasajes. Son cuatro temas relativamente largos y afortunadamente el sello ha sabido presentarlos con la estética noventera original.
Debo reconocer que si le hubiera dado la atención debida a este demo en los 90’s no me hubiera impresionado tanto como lo ha hecho ahora. Esto es, porque básicamente todas las bandas que surgieron en ese entonces tenían las mismas influencias y por lo tanto un sonido bastante similar. Es eso malo? No necesariamente, al fin y al cabo las bandas que surgieron en los 90’s y que continuaron lograron desarrollar un sonido propio pero éste era su punto de partida. Ahora que escucho este demo más de 20 años después de haber sido grabado logro apreciarlo más ya que el sonido que tienen ahora ha sido “olvidado” por las bandas actuales y al igual que otras bandas de la época, muestra un punto de inicio de un sonido que no se volvió a repetir.
Recomendable.
Contact: doommaniacprods@gmail.com
Neverness « Blindfolded » EP
Morbid Legion rec.
This band plays nothing less than drone / Doom metal with some acoustic passages and electronic / noisy interludes which, to be honest, don’t do anything to the tormented sound of theirs. I could say also that the music could be labelled as Doom death metal as well, with influences from archaic Anathema and such bands. Honestly, if they would get rid of all those noisy interludes, the songs would sound tighter.
Anyway, I’d like to know more of these guys in the future.
Contact: Contact: morbidlegion.blogspot.com
NEXUS O:N:G “Todesschwerter” tape EP
Breath of Pestilence
This is an anonymous project with members from Norway, Finland and Germany.
“Only the Dead have seen the end of war” is written on their tape, and this could easily be perceived as the raison d’etre of this project. Raw, militant black metal is utilized, enhanced and boosted by the use of Totalitarian vocals sung in German. And in such a way, could be perceived how black metal can be boosted into a propagandist machinery, not only with the elements above mentioned, but also with the use of militaristic percussion which serves as a perfect complement for the atmosphere of suffocating war, and death as the only possible dawn present in the darkness of peace. The only band which has achieved so far the same war like and totalitarian ambience could be, to my opinion, the Swedish Puissance, even if they do not play Black Metal ofc.
I have no idea about the current state of this project, all I know is that they should pursue a bigger statement by releasing a full length album. Black metal is neither dead nor dormant, just badly used and not fully comprehended. Projects such as Nexus O:N:G show an understanding of the genre which sadly not many can achieve.
Perished “Through the Black Mist”LP DEMO
The Sinister Flame recs.
Before listening to this demo, you must take into consideration what this recording means and represents. PERISHED is one out of the many Norwegian bands which emerged after the second wave of Norwegian Black Metal took that scene by assault.
This demo, was recorded in early 1994, and it is not very difficult to suppose how does this demo sound and the bands that influenced it.
Basically “Through the Black Mist” sounds exactly how it was supposed to sound back then, and within the borders of their well established patterns and predictable sound, you can foresee a glimpse of originality and a special ability to develop and build their songs in a particular way.
They have wanted to keep their Norwegian black metal grim and raw without sounding too mellow, even if they have added some keyboards and acoustic guitars here and there.
If you are accustomed with the classic Norwegian Black Metal sound of the mid 90’s, then you’ll know how do these riffs and melodies are supposed to sound, and then get some unpredictable moments. This is a good re-release of a buried relic from a magical era. .
Ritus « Von Nächtlichen Gedanken... » tape
Blutvergiessen prod.
I actually like this demo. It doesn’t show any kind of improvement over the brand of suicidal/depressive BM they perform, but actually the melodic aspect of the whole recording is good.
Of course, the obvious Burzum influence is present but it doesn’t bother, even if I have listened to many bands which carry the same torch. The lyrics are written in German of course.
Contact: blutvergiessen@schwarze-sonne.net
Saturnian Mist – s/t tape
Drakkar prod.
Despite of being their 1st demo, this Finnish band have released it through the well known drakkar Prod, and what we have here are 4 songs of traditional sounding Black metal, mostly mid tempo oriented and with a few changes here and there, and a melancholic approach. Honestly, the demo, for being a debut, isn’t bad at all. The riffs are particulary good and the songs, although basically arranged, show a good start for a band that it’s composing new and improved hymns.
Let’s seek what happens with Saturnian Mist in the near future.
Contact: saturnianmist.net
Todeszone “Night of the Sharpest Blades” CD
Darker than Black rec.
After the announcement that Ghost Kommando will be put to sleep for a while, then Todeszone took over the frontline. Well yes, all I can say that this new solo project at some extent follow the basic essence of Ghost Kommando in terms of sound and necro black metal approach, and I’d dare to say that Todeszone sounds even more primitive and the production is even rawer than Ghost Kommando. There are nothing less than 14 tracks on this demo, short tracks I’d say, and in some way that’s good in the sense that the songs have remained short, and not repeat themselves and do not become boring due to the fact of their minimalism. So, would I state that Todeszone is a stripped down G.K from any influence from Joy Division, but strengthened and even more minimalistic and more aggressive? Yes. In a world of over produced black metal , Todeszone shows that old school home recordings still are alive.
Tormented “demonic Pilgrimage” demo cd-r
Self released.
Tormented is a young and local band (located in Lima), which performs a fresh kind of death metal with hints of thrash influences.
This is, of course, their debut demo, which was self released on cd-r and features four tracks with runtime of 20 minutes. Tormented’s music, on this recording sounds clean, tight, with a pretty good technical skills, good drumming and pretty good executed solos. Influences? I couldn’t name any, and that’s a good thing for a band that records a first demo. Unfortunately this demo doesn’t come with any kind of cover, nor lyrics or song titles whatsoever, nothing. That’s unfortunate, because obviously they have done a pretty good effort in recording these 4 tracks and the sound quality is pretty good for a first demo. I suppose that they’ll eventually fix these mistakes.
Contact: sagath_zero@hotmail.com
Two Runes “Heraa Europa” demo CD
Darker tan Black records.
From Finland comes this band with their only demo so far released during 2014, but which was given pro-cd treatment. What we have here basically is mid paced Black metal with a sense of melody and epic structures with the additional aid of keyboards. I’d even risk myself to say that this band has taken influences from early Enslaved.
Lyrically, Two Runes takes a nationalistic identity, rejecting Christianity, Judaism and especially Islam as the enemies of the Traditions and European identity, and their bad influence on the European People. I’ say that this demo, for a debut demo, showcases an own sound and musical approach, with only 4 long tracks this is more than clear, and should be of interest not only to those interested in NSBM or Nationalistic music, but also to those looking for a new Black metal band with originality and a solid stance.
Tyrannic - demo tape
Self-released
I’ve received this demo tape from Australia, without knowing a damn thing about this band. This demo tape consists of 2 long songs and a nicely done black tape with a cover consisting of just a logo of the band and the song titles.
Tyrannic is actually a young band that plays an interesting mixture of thrash metal and doom, which in fact, could also be labeled as Doom / Death / thrash if you like. As a matter of fact, the slow and doomy riffs do sound influenced by death metal!.
Basically, the band decided to keep things simple as they have included just one guitar which combines thrash oriented riffs with slow sections. And this combination is something that not many bands are doing nowadays, so this is a positive aspect after all.
This is just a demo, and I don’t really know if the band will keep their music this way, but the result, at least with this demo, is pretty interesting.
Contact: thebirthofabomination@gmail.com
Tyrannic – Adv. Tape
Self released
This is an advance tape containing 2 tracks from their upcoming demo supposedly entitled “Macabre Festival of Nosophutos”. These are rough mixes as the band told me, and I don’t know if these 2 songs will be the only songs featured on the final release.
And they certainly differ from their previous demo, which was a combination of Thrash metal and Doom/death alike riffs. Here, these 2 new tracks are shorter, faster and more thrash oriented. The riffing is still good though, but Tyrannic is changing their sound. Practically their doomy riffs are gone, hopefully not for good because I do really liked them.
Let’s see what happens when the official demo is out.
Contact: thebirthofabomination@gmail.com
Tyrants “The Return to the Cult of the Iron Witches Hammer” cd-r
Self- released
This is a one man Black Metal project coming from the city of Huancayo, Peru. As far as I know it has been prepared and arranged for quite some time but finally “Melec” (the man behind Tyrants) has been able to unleash it as a promo cd-r. I don’t exactly know if this could be considered as some sort of demo tape or just as a promo material.
Thing is, this cdr contains 6 tracks, being four of these tracks intros/outros which I believe were taken from movie soundtracks, but somehow these serve to link the actual songs and build up some atmosphere.
I have something to say about the actual tracks: both are long tracks, clocking more than 7 minutes each. The first one called “To the Crypt of Gigaverse”, and it is basically an homage to the 90’s black metal with heavy influence from bands such as darkthrone. Melec has used just one guitar track for both tracks, no bass I believe, and he has received the help of a session drummer. Needless to say, both tracks are minimalistic. That is, they don’t need more than just one guitar to actually work. As for the second actual track, called “Theirs is the Return”, shows a big, and I’d say only influence of Inquisition with its typical riffings and unique vocals, which served as an influence on this track. It sounds good for those who might enjoy Inquisition, but it just sounds too similar and I don’t know if that’s the idea to follow for future releases.
Contact: melec_darkritual@hotmail.com
Unbegotten “Proem of the Unborn” tape.
Forever plagued records.
After listening to this debut demo from this anonymous band coming from Spain, what surprsises me the most is their ability to re-create (or, in better terms, to establish for themselves) a kind of production that I’ve listened to only during the times of all-analog recording.
Don’t get me wrong, Unbegotten do know how to present their music in a perspective already forgotten by many bands focused only into the modern and clinic productions, but have forgotten how a raw and cold black metal band used to sound.
What we have here are a 4 song demo tape, plus an adequate mood setting intro. Unbegotten aren’t pretentious in any way. They do KNOW what’s the best sound for a traditional black metal band focused in the coldness of their compositions. Alright, their sound doesn’t offer new elements when speaking of riffing, as they’re mostly influences by the old glories from the now distant 90’s. The difference lies in HOW do they present their songs. There aren’t many bands such as this nowadays and I’d suggest you to check it out.
Contact: foreverplaguedrecords.com
Vyrolakos “Demo 2000” tape
Forever Plagued records.
This demo, to my own taste, is more of a curiosity of its own, so to speak. Because this Canadian based band, whose main member was behind the label Eldritch Wizandry prod, was also behind of several projects, and one of them was this band together with two other members.
They weren’t able to record a proper album itself, but managed to record this demo and some rehearsals, of which one song is presented on this compilation, which consists of only four tracks.
Sadly, there is not further information as how the band achieved this demo, or lyrics (which in this case are a must due to the fact that vocals are unintelligible). They just present the songs in a sober tape with a minimal layout.
In case you don’t know yet, Vyrolakos play some kind of rawest black metal, by using just one guitar, drums and vocals. The problem with this recording, and I don’t know if this has been done on purpose or not, is the fact that the riffings are hidden behind a heavily established distortion, and the vocals were left behind in the mixing. Anyway, on the last track which is a rehearsal, guitar can in fact be heard in a proper way, and this is where the band shines regarding compositions. They’re not prolific at all, but they are well crafted and composed, cold and distorted and grim riffs. If you’re interested perhaps, in a rarity on its own, perhaps you should pay attention to this…
Vorfheruz “Under the Cavern of Baphomet” CD-R EP
Pagan warriors records.
Ok, this band comes from Lima Peru and arose after the all time vocalist from the Band Belzec left that band for good.
Well, those accustomed to Belzec’s sound, would know that this band, being born in the 90’s, portrays a very distinctive sound of that same era: simple riffing, simple structures and very influenced by the Nordic vein. Well, as a matter of fact, Vorfheruz follows exactly the same path, although in a more minimalistic way. In fact, they have left the bass and a second guitar behind, and its sound is being powered by just a single axe. That’s their choice, but it’s understandable why it has been done that way. They just wanted to get rid of “unnecessary elements” within their music.
As for the lyrics, they are being written in the same strange prose understandable by his vocalist alone, to say the least.
Well, anyway, this is band adhered to the very core foudations of the 90’s nordic influenced Black metal. They wanted to do it that way, and they have achieved their goal.
Contact: paganwarriorsrecords.88@gmail.com