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Edouard Vergriete

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Tim Klöcker

ALESTORM
Black Sails At Midnight
(Napalm Records)
46:19min

The curse of the seven seas is visiting Europe again - the second time this year after the release of their "Leviathan" single - and ALESTORM will not return to their home country until all rum has been drunk and all family treasures have been captured. The band is currently "swimming" on a big wave of success and their second album "Black Sails At Midnight" will not change anything about this status. Great Heavy Metal mixed with a big portion of pathos but also a lot of passion - so the musical direction is clear - right into the middle of the Pagan cult. But ALESTORM does not have to fear any other leading bands like TURISAS or ENSIFERIUM because their music has still its own character. The title track is furthermore the proof that the band is not only setting their sails into shallow waters but can also survive a "heavier "storms without any damage to their ship. Due to the fact that I don't really care about any musical Metal borders - as long we are talking about METAL - there is no reasons to avoid this great album - the Black Death can be found on a lot of other Pagan long-boats but this Scottish frigate is still a proud vessel. www.napalmrecords.com, www.alestorm.net

Matthias Auch 

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ALGHAZANTH
The Polarity Axiom
(Woodcut Records)
39:54min

The 4^th full-length album from these "blacker-than-thou" blacksters ALGHAZANTH titled “The Polarity Axiom” basically continues from right there where they left off on their previous album "Orisis – Typhoon Unmasked". I mean, ALGHAZANTH's savage, violent, occasionally somewhat melodic, keyboard-ridden, blastbeat – orientated and in many ways even atmospheric Black Metal still has lots of musical reference points to the Swedish messengers of evil and darkness DARK FUNERAL, so in that sense, the band has won the safe, dark waters on their side again. Well, of course they don't entirely try to rip DARK FUNERAL off with this new 8-track offering of theirs although it can honestly be spitted out that they do border on those "darkfuneralish" unholy territories more than once or twice in each song they have recorded for “The Polarity Axiom”. But as this nowadays 5-piece band seems to do their plagiarism so well and professionally – and as I personally love what DARK FUNERAL does in their world of sinister and more blackish sounds of Metal, they are forgiven – at least from my side. I'm not saying ALGHAZANTH are exactly like a Finnish twin brother of DARK FUNERAL musically, 'coz there's a few elements involved with ALGHAZANTH's Black Metal approach there that probably wouldn't be touched ever by a red & hot devil claw of the infernal hordes of the DARK FUNERAL – camp. Pick up for example the last song from the record (the song is called 'Forsaking The Yoke'), tune your ears at 2:50 minute mark and beware to hurt your neck when you start agreeing with me. So it's only a good thing that ALGHAZANTH has at least some intention to strive for their own individual satanic musical expression to gain more attention than just plain and shameless copycats only. However, with “The Polarity Axiom” I can see them strengthening their position even more as a skillful and relatively impressive bunch in the world of an atmospheric and upliftingly symphonic Black Metal even if there's nothing particularly that new or "newly discovered" in ALGHAZANTH's Black Metal invasion we already couldn't have become aware of before. Still, I'm quite certain that many of you may find “The Polarity Axiom” a good investment for your money, so take this as a tip has been given... You may order it here.

Luxi Lahtinen

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ALGHAZANTH
Wreath Of Thevetat
(Woodcut Records)
48:00min

ALGHAZANTH is yet one of those Finnish bands that for some reason never caught my attention back in the day when they started their inputs to the Metal scene during the mid 90s. It is not a secret to anybody that the more raw type of Black Metal is what draws most the attention nowadays. It was a surprise for me that what they currently play still clicks with certain portion of the Black Metal audience given the more "symphonic" orientation of this album. I'm not personally too much into the style they offer on this CD but I can still give them extra points for being brave enough to go against the tide and do their own thing no matter what the trends dictate. They certainly possesses the charm and musical attitude to please the people into a more mainstream Nuclear Blast type of Black Metal along the lines of DIMMU BORGIR during their "Enthrone Darkness..." era. Nor extremely good or bad, it just succeeds in fullfilling the average requirements of a decent somewhat melodic Black Metal album played by a group of capable / experienced musicians (ex-FUNERIS NOCTURNUM and current SWALLOW THE SUN members involved), with a top notch production, bla bla bla... All in all this a release not to die for but if you want to check out what is happening in the more mainstream oriented Metal scene you might be running into this band sooner or later. Check them out here: www.alghazanth.com.

Mario Cubero

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ALIENGATES
Dark Days Quantum
(self-financed)
21:39min

Kick ass Deathrash from Switzerland! This EP really makes a professional impression. Good production, "nice" cover (row of hangmen) and last but surely not least the music itself shows these guys take themselves seriously and so should everybody. The additional female vocals on 'Heartless' and the title track for example are good as well, not like today's (gothic) flavour, whiningly enerving. Wouldn't suit ALIENGATES' style anyway. Actually I'd like to hear Lea Oberthaler (guest singer's name) in a Metal band (I think). This CD can whole-heartedly be recommended to everybody into Death and Thrash Metal. They have quite a modern or rather: fresh approach based on traditional spirit without those annoying bits some of those hyped 'major' bands have that I don't (want to) understand. I bet you'll have a lot of fun with "Dark Days Quantum" because I had (and still do). Entertaining indeed. www.aliengates.com

Ramon Claassen

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ALLFADER
From The Darkest Star
(Rage Of Achilles)
42:19min

“From The Darkest Star”, Norwegian ALLFADER’s (not to be mixed with that other band ALLFATHER) first release consists of their whole demo material and two brandnew tracks and goes into the modern, atmospheric Dark / Black Metal direction. Actually the pretty young ALLFADER, formed in 2001, have two problems, which I consider annoying: a) a fucking drum computer!!! I can’t help about hating such acts, because it can not be that hard to find at least a session drummer. A computer that replaces a human battery is not Metal!!! Problem b) I would like to ask a question: is there anyone out there who needs another band that combines standard Black / Death riffs with some synthesizer arrangements, grim vocals, clean male (awful) and female “howling” and some spacy melodies here and there? Sounds very innovative, huh? The only remarkable thing about this release is the excellent artwork by Lasse Hoile (www.lassehoile.com), a guy who definitely deserves to be positively mentioned here, really beautiful dark and melancholic paintings. If you are totally into Dark or atmospheric Black Metal check this CD out, you might like it, but I guess you are not the person that usually comes across our website. For more information: www.rageofachilles.com. You can order it here.

Stefan Franke

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ALLFADER
At Least We Will Die Together
(Osmose Productions)
53:11min

ALLFADER come from Norway. They issued a MCD previously on the now defunct Rage Of Achilles label. With their first full-length, the five musicians involved offer us an interesting and refreshing brand of sophisticated Black / Death Metal mostly based on a perfect musical technique. Slick is the first word spreading to mind while listening to this. The song craft is labyrinthine, showing lot of tempo changes and an obvious concern to stay off the beaten path. The band claim also their Heavy Metal roots, it shows on some rhythmic patterns and highly melodic guitar solos. Maybe I am going adventurous a bit here, but I think comparisons with a band like NEVERMORE could be valid, in the sense both bands mix genres to come up with a difficult to pinpoint style. Of course evidences of the band’s nationality surges more than often on this record, should only because of the typical Norwegian Black Metal riffs popping up very often, yet with a subtle unusual angle (like on ‘Hate Is My Creed’ and ‘Sanctimonious’ for example; note that the band don’t assume the Black Metal paraphernalia image wise). The production on this is carefully worked out to give music its maximum impact; the sound is fleshy, the album has a modern edge you can find of the most known contemporary Scandinavian and Polish brutal bands, if you catch my drift. The only (minor) low points concern the clear vocals used on the chorus of ‘The Blackened Hearts’ that ruin the song (don’t do that again!), while the lead vocals remind me the late Jon Nödtveidt ones on more than one occasion, which is great. Also, the cover art is not my cup of tea, but it is a very personal point of view here, and I concede that it is well done and devoid of any vulgarity; simply, I feel uneasy with the idea of people killing themselves (especially young ones). But all in all this first full length is extremely interesting to listen to, and has a strong longevity value in term of renewed interest at each further exploration. You can’t say that very often these days. I therefore suggest you seriously consider acquiring this! http://allfader.com  for further info. Enjoy! The CD is available at this location.

Edouard Vergriete

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ALLFATHER
Weapon Of Ascension
(Invictus Productions)
27:42min

Although this raging Canadian trio was founded in 1996 and released a few demos and other stuff, I really have to admit that I have totally missed this band up to now. So I didn't know what to expect from them when I put this little silver disc into my player. I thought it would be a kind of Viking Metal because of the band's name. But I was completely wrong. No! ALLFATHER plays a total merciless blend of raging and violent Black / Death Metal! The pace is extremely fast and there's been almost no breather within this roughly half an hour of pure mayhem. Just some mid paced parts to recover here. The riffing is excellent, seems quite technical at times but you don't notice it that much. The drums hammer fast forward and crush everything what crosses their path. If you can imagine a mix of BESTIAL WARLUST, ANGEL CORPSE and ORDER FROM CHAOS then you might have an idea how this three Canadians sound like. I guess War Metal would fit here perfectly. The band even captures this chaotic, twisted riffing of the bands mentioned before. Despite this chaos the overall sound isn't messy. It's very powerful, well balanced and was produced by the band itself. The lyrical concept deals with Nietzsche as far as can I see. The only thing to complain is the length of the album. Not even 30 minutes is quite short for a full length album but with such raging stuff on the disc a longer playing time would not be so healthy for the neck. So just to make it short here: fans of the three bands named above should check ALLFATHER out. It's for sure a good investment. All other maniacs who are into relentless aural assaults are also encouraged to have a listen here. Get in touch either with the label www.invictusproductions.net or visit the bands website http://allfather.cjb.net. A nice surprise here (at least for me)!

Michael Oelschlegel

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ALL SHALL PARISH
Hate. Malice. Revenge.
(Nuclear Blast Records)
36:11min

Heavy, brutal, and guttural Death Metal may have been around for a long while, but All Shall Perish will turn heads with their passionate song writing. These 5 dudes, out of Oakland CA, possess an incredible amount of a true talent. They serve 8 truly pummeling and pulverizing Death Metal songs that I would say are a blend from both a more brutal and grinding side of US Death Metal as well as from a more melodic side of Scandinavian Death Metal, without still belonging to either one of them that clearly. Like Cannibal Corpse – meets - At the Gates – meets – Pyrexia – meets - Soilwork kind of thing if that helps you get a better picture of their style? They shove a very welcomed bunch of damn tasteful, chunky riffs, and unexpected rhythm changes everywhere around the disc. They also have rather sharp ears for some cleverly performed, killer hooks. They have the right recipe on the back of the wall of their rehearsal on how to make it all stand out in the finest and most memorable way possible. The end result cannot be anything but thoroughly enjoyable. They sound very well-rehearsed, well-prepared, and ready to conquer the whole Death Metal world on their debut full-length album. There is a lot of diversity between the songs, which is a good thing of course! Listening to the album hardly bores you because the guys' extraordinary good view of details within their approach on this record. Honestly, I think that All Shall Perish surely are the most potential, may I even use the word "newcomers" in the Death Metal genre (All Shall Perish formed in 2001 if some of you care for some tiny details...) that I have had a pleasure to witness during this on-going summer 2004. I have never been a fan of Death Metal of the most brutal and guttural kind, and All Shall Perish represents probably that edge of brutality that I'm somehow still able to stand. Thanks to them for not taking their music for granted at all and for taking the time to make each song on this release stand out. All Shall Perish shouldn’t be ignored by any true Death Metal fan, not even by accident. If the future of Death Metal will be in the hands of these guys, then I'm happy, fuck yeah! www.allshallperish.com. Available here.

Luxi Lahtinen

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ALMIGHTY SATHANAS
Demo CD 2004
(self-financed)
10:30min

Hailing from Hellas comes this one man band, who have sent us his first demo, as you can notice. He performs Black Metal in a very raw, primitive, necro and minimalistic way, but to be honest a bit disappointing. The poor sound quality plays against the final result. Despite being a huge fan of the necro sound, these three tracks don’t convince me so much, due to the sound problems. The drums (machine) and bass guitar remain unlistenable, being just some cool riffs and the truly going-under-the-skin screams of this guy. It's cool to be close to underground Black Metal but that doesn’t mean you must forget to give your instruments a descent sound, at least to get them at a listenable level. Obviously if the production problems are solved (the sound quality must be improved) Almighty Sathanas could be considered an honourable unholy force of evil coming from Greece. I know there are die hard fans of the extreme necro sounds out there, so contact him or just send 6 bucks for this demo to: P.O. Box 20584, 55104, Kalamaria, Thessaloniki, Greece. www.almightysathanas.tk, almightysathanasa@yahoo.gr

Rodrigo Jimenez

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ALTAIR
Two (MCD)
(self-financed) 
14:37min 

I am assuming this is some sort of demo CD as the information sheet wasn't the most insightful, in fact it kept redirecting me to their website, of that once there, there was no confirmation of my inquiry one way or the other! So what I will tell you is that ALTAIR hail from Sweden, Stockholm respectively and have received a number of solid reviews online for this CD entitled "Two". Truthfully I don't hear what the other reviewers have written thus far about ALTAIR in the bulk of these criticisms. With the slight exceptions of a couple riffs on track #2, an instrumental called 'Pyroclastic Flow' and the chorus of track #4 'Preemptive Strike'. I just don't agree with what all has been praised and levied upon this act. As I have read this band is some sort of unblessed creation of SODOM, KREATOR, SADUS and other classic '80s dirty Thrash, and then I have also read this band is a mix of MORBID ANGEL, GOREFEST, SADUS, and KREATOR. Neither of these descriptions are wholly accurate. Like the saying goes, there is no accounting for taste, and so as to not wage a battle where there really is none, the definite that I will give you about this band are that ALTAIR is technically speaking young. Perhaps too young to actually be recording material at this point in their career and soliciting it out into the world. I hear too many tired riffs, too many old / tired ideas that sit amongst material that without a doubt are indeed better suited for them, material that is better written and executed yet sits idly by, wasted, as theses riffs are hurriedly glommed over and are not feverishly exploited to their capacity. I also hear way too many direct influences in their overall writing, that makes me wonder if these four zombies are all in conscious agreement before they sit down to write a song who they are gonna try to sound like in the next song or if this matter of fact is just a mere bad habit from crawling that they'll eventually quit once they learn to walk? Contact: altairswe@gmail.com or www.altair.nu

Wes Rhodes

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ALVERG
Elde
(Soulseller Records)
59:57min

“Pounding Norwegian Black Metal” are the words readable on the info sheet from Dutch Soulseller Records describing ALVERG’s music and their debut album “Elde”. I can agree on the term “Norwegian” as the origin of this band is more than clear, but I have my “problems” with the word “pounding” as I would use this word describing a high speed Black or Death Metal band and ALVERG are mostly in slow and midtempo regions. Anyway, we don’t want to be some kind of penny pincher here or whatever, so forget it. I have to admit that I lost track a little bit through the last years when talking about Norwegian Black Metal and the whole Black Metal scene in general, the influences and therefore the connections I hear while listening to this record are probably not up to date anymore, though I always think it’s better to compare a band with one of the first bands of this genre than to current trendsetters. A band I clearly figure out in ALVERG’s sound are Norwegian GEHENNA and I can tell you I see their “First Spell” MCD as one of the best releases in this genre. Because of this (for me) connection I listened to this almost one hour lasting 9 song CD with pleasure. It can’t beat the “First Spell” recording and I don’t expect that at all but discovering that there’s a band writing music in this vein in 2009 makes me think that I should open my eyes for Black Metal again a little bit more than I currently do. “Elde” is a very good recording with the typical not-perfect but necessary sound and 9 cool tunes. The whole recording get’s better with each song and sees a great final with the last two songs ‘Svarthammeren’ and ‘Towards The Kingdom Of Alverg’. I enjoyed this CD a lot and therefore can recommend this recording to each fan of midtempo Norwegian Black Metal or probably to those oldschool morons like me to make them recognize again that the current Black Metal scene has more to offer than you see while reading the bigger Metal magazines. Available from www.soulsellerrecords.com

Thomas Ehrmann

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AMARAN
A World Depraved
(Listenable Records)
41:24min

It was a time when the bands struggled hard to secure a deal, passing through the trial of several demos before winning the right to see themselves signed. It was for the better I think, because the musicians were conscious they have to give the best of themselves to make their first impression, here is the explanation why a lot of classic albums surfaced in the 80’s. Now the situation is entirely different, thanks in particular to the internet, the home studios and  the label proliferation due to the easy process to burn some music on a CD. Quantity has taken over quality as virtually anybody can release an album now and so did AMARAN (formed in Stockholm in the spring 2000) by the way. Do we really need an album like this? The answer is obviously no. One listen suffices to understand that AMARAN is a hopeless case. Because let’s face it, it is not because you have gifted musicians and a superb production that you automatically come up with a great album, especially if you forgot to compose catchy and captivating songs. The ten tracks on offer on “A World Depraved” are all based on the same mid-paced pattern, and I see AMARAN trying hard to express deep emotions but they fail in the end, especially because the monotonous and irritating voice of singer Johanna De Pierre who uses mainly her medium range (but does she possess another one anyway?), and the lack of passion showed by the musicians. You could even imagine that AMARAN entered the studio to do a daily job and nothing more. Like I said before, the production is the highest quality of this album, a pity it is wasted on such uninspired songs. If you are familiar with Erik Rutan’s ALAS, I can say that AMARAN could be seen as a more Heavy Metal version of this kind of band, that’s all. To be perfectly honest, I listened to this album one time and one time only, and I will not repeat the experience in a very near future to say the very least. Enough said and  excuse me for this boring review, but I think it mirrors in a very proper way what you could find on this anemic album. On sale here.

Edouard Vergriete

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THE AMENTA
Occasus
(Listenable Records)
41:58min

Australian THE AMENTA optically seem to do their best to achieve this year’s DIMMU BORGIR / CRADLE-award the “Gayskar”, but musically they do not turn out to be another copy of those bands, but mix brutal blasting Death Metal with electronic sounds, spacy ambience and industrial samples. Although this kind of music totally objects my personal taste THE AMENTA are not executing their modern concept as shitty as for example THE HERETIC did, the Aussies sound like skilled musicians, the album is fantastically produced and people looking for a Death Metal science-fiction soundtrack might really dig “Occasus”. It does not reach my universe but maybe Metalheads loving Star Wars can get high on this, hey R2D2 what do you say after hearing “Occasus”? “Biddledibeep” – Ah, ok, robots like this… Now, are you a robot? More infos and MP3 laserbeams can be found on www.theamenta.com; www.listenable.net. Available here.

Stefan Franke

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alternative review

Now, this is something different. In the world of Black Metal there are a couple of bands that manage to come forth with an expression of something you consider original. Aborym certainly has influences from Mysticum, but still I think their latest album is an original piece of innovative Black Metal. The Amenta from Australia is Death Metal's answer to Aborym. They have managed to incorporate industrial elements into their music in a way that makes their music even more brutal. 80% of the 42 minutes are brutal Death Metal being both mid-paced and fast as a shark. Luckily they have understood there's little point in being fast all the time, and they even slow down leaving guitars, vocals and drums out of hearing. These ambient / industrial parts allow the listener to breathe and make the brutal Metal even more extreme. After all, listening to 40 minutes of brutal Death Metal only works if your band is named Behemoth, Immolation or Morbid Angel. The Amenta is on a mission, both musically and lyrically. The lyrics deal with the stagnation of our society and The Amenta's view in this matter. The music fits The Amenta's visions, and as you must have understood by now, this is brutal and extreme. 'Zero' is a track that really delivers. When you think you know the rest of the track after one minute, they totally change direction. By changing back and forth between the fast and the mid-paced, they create this incredibly brutal effect where the mid-paced parts are extremely heavy and the fast parts even faster. One final thing with the album is the way they integrate the keyboards. If they have a part that is quite straightforward, they use the keyboards to add the difference and make the part more intriguing. The Amenta surely knows how to make it interesting. The media-session included on the CD gives us a few extra ambient / industrial creations, as well as lyrics, photos and even a couple of short interviews. I must say, this is definitely a fine aspect to this CD. You can download their opener 'Erebus' from www.theamenta.com. Available here.

Roy Kristensen

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AMETHYSTE
Promo 2003
(self financed)
35:55min

Allright! Here's a brutal Deathgrind band who evolves in my suburb for about 10 years. From what I understand they weren't so pleased with some of their previous recordings so I didn't hear much about them until last year; but seeing them live one time I'm quite familiar with their music. Their style is brutal Deathgrind along the lines of some lastest MORBID ANGEL releases ("Formulas Fatal..." and "Gateways..."). You'll understand there are a bunch of heavy and quite obscure riffs here! But there are also a bunch of blastbeats! I also happen to think about DEVILYN (last CD: "Artefact'), OSSUARY INSANE and a bit of old MALEVOLENT CREATION during the listening. The drumming is my favorite part of this three track promo: tight as fuck, punishing and quite varied! My reproaches are they remain too long on some heavy parts, and some of these heavy riffs sound quite demonstrative. I'm not a big fan of the MORBID ANGEL releases quoted before so I can't say much, but this isn't one of these bands who record a pro CD only after a demo and two years of unserious rehearsals! The formation sounds pro and seems ready to record a full-length! A six track demo will be recorded in a few months. Maniacs of obscure brutal Death: keep a darkened eye open on AMETHYSTE! http://www.amethyste.zik.mu

Gabriel Skowron

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AMMIT
Mass Suicide / Steel Inferno
(From Beyond Productions)
70:19min

Wow! Another value-for-money release by Displeased Records’ sublabel From Beyond Productions: over 70 minutes of music, in an appealing package with lots of info, lyrics, what else can you want? Of course you should have a soft spot for infernal, primitive Black / Thrash inspired by HELLHAMMER, VENOM, old BATHORY and SARCOFAGO to enjoy this collection of Chilean underground act AMMIT’s entire recordings apart from the “Extreme Speed Satan” album on Warhammer Records. The CD spinning on my sacrificial altar contains the band’s 2000 demo “Mass Suicide” (9 tracks), the 1998 demo “Steel Inferno” (also 9 tracks) and three new songs recorded in 2004. The “Mass Suicide” tracks are pretty entertaining, faster and more capturing than the “Steel Inferno” demo and unfortunately the new songs as well, whose only quality is their infantile charm and the absence of musical quality. I really like the harsh sound, the effective songwriting, the horrible English and morbid, desecrating atmosphere of “Mass Suicide”, but I expected more of the rest. If bands like BLOODHAMMER, INCRIMINATED or GRAVEWÜRM mean something to you AMMIT might be of interest for you, too, it is definitely something very very underground, filled with energy and spirit, but not much musical skill… Give this horde a chance and check the sound file on www.displeasedrecords.com or write them an email via ammitisdead@hotmail.com. You will find it here.

Stefan Franke

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AMMIT
Hammer Of Darkness
(From Beyond Productions)
38:54min

This album is released by From Beyond Productions (a sub-label of Displeased Records), which is specialised in releasing more or less rare and occult underground stuff. And AMMIT from Chile definitely fit into that frame. The history of this band goes back to the year 1991, when it was founded by the main-man Count Czar Yang. Due to the fact that he refused to do the "normal" promotion, like giving interviews or even taking pictures, the band remained unknown to most Metalheads, including me. After recording three demo-tapes, they released their first album in 2003 and now present us their third one. Well, the music can be described as crude Thrash Metal, like the early SODOM or KREATOR releases. Some years ago there has been a wave of retro-Trash Metal, but AMMIT has nothing to do with that, they play more raw and chaotic. In fact some songs, like the title-track, start in a normal Thrash Metal sound and then totally tipping over into pure Grindcore. The vocals are sometimes also just pure screaming, so I wonder if there are any lyrics in some songs. I guess the "concept" behind AMMIT is to create just pure evil darkness by using Thrash Metal as a kind of framework. This concept is underlined by the strange booklet, which features (among other weird stuff) a picture of Saddam Hussein saying "I love AMMIT".  For me, "Hammer Of Darkness" really was a refreshing experience, but I guess some people will just recognize AMMIT as pure noise. So if you are willing to make a new experience beyond the "normal" way of extreme music, then check out this release. Needless to say that the production and sound on this output is more in the vein of a rehearsal tape, but remember, it is all part of the concept to spread evil and darkness. On sale here.

Mirco Szymyslik

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AMOEBIC DYSENTERY
Hospice Orgy
(Deathgasm Records)
29:31min

“…there are no words to describe agony, there are only sounds”. With these words the second full-length release by AMOEBIC DYSENTERY is unleashed upon the listener. Admitting that this introduction is absolutely adequate I now face the problem to write some words about this output. But otherwise it is no real problem, since the band does not offer something apart from the well-known and (at least for me) beloved scheme of Gore Grind. Almost all songs are launched with a movie sample or sometimes just strange noises, the vocals can be characterized by words like gargling, screaming, grunting and whispering, polished by pitch shifter and harmonizer. From time to time some untypical elements interrupt the fast played songs, for example melodic Punk rock. Of course just for a short time, then the grinding starts again. But the atmosphere is a little mixed up, a technique that reminds me of bands like MACABRE. The lyrics? Well, with song titles like ‘Acidic Uroflush Of Semantic Urethral Jism’ or ‘Too Fat For Emo’ no more comments are needed. There is one point that is always controversial - the use of a drum computer. Personally I do not mind it, but on “Hospice Orgy” it sounds, especially in the very fast parts, a little bizarre, in fact hollow and plastic. Ok, that is what critics say about all drum computers, however there are bands using a drum computer and manage to avoid this plastic sound. Despite this inconvenience I like this release and I guess other people who enjoy fast played Gore Grind like REGURGITATE, IMPETIGO or DEAD INFECTION should visit the band at myspace to check out the band and to form an opinion about the drum computer sound. www.myspace.com/amoebicdysentery

Mirco Szymyslik

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AMOK VEDAR
Seelenfriede
(self-financed)
26:05min

I saw AMOK VEDAR perform together with AEBA, HIDDEN IN THE FOG and INGURGITATING OBLIVION last December in Hamburg and was quite impressed by their show (check out the “specials” section as well). This four-tracker can give you an idea of what AMOK VEDAR is all about. Gothic Black Metal with massive keyboards is their style. Two bad words in one sentence and yet a positive review – how come? Well, their approach to Gothic simply doesn’t mean whiny standardized shit for boring wimps – it rather reminds me of old gothic horror movies as this CD instantly creates some creepy feel good atmosphere. Still, the kick-ass drums as well as the guitars give “Seelenfriede” a lot of drive. There is no point in highlighting one of the songs as the compositions are floating smoothly and the musicians are talented indeed. The title track’s main melody somehow reminds me a little of classic “Spaghetti” Westerns, though. Don’t laugh, Ennio Morricone rules! Adding some good deep growls to the Black Metal style vocals turns out to be another good decision, so all that remains is to recommend this CD to people who appreciate melodies that cause goose pimples. AMOK VEDAR are the living proof that “kitsch” rocks! www.amokvedar.de

Ramon Claassen

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AMOK VEDAR
Menschenstaub
(TTS Media Music)
50:16min

Long after the release date of AMOK VEDAR’s debut full length the band sent it to me because the label obviously didn’t give a fart. TTS Media Music? Oh yeah, I already know two bands who get pretty pissed when mentioning that label. Hopefully AMOK VEDAR don’t experience the same. The band still plays “Gothic Black Metal” but somehow the gothic horror movie feel is less strong in comparison to their “Seelenfriede” EP. Instead, I kinda felt a somewhat stronger DIMMU BORGIR influence although the main element for comparison, keyboarder Trakon, doesn’t really sound like DIMMU BORGIR. So what’s all the noise about? I suppose parallels seem to come through because the new material (although still long and epic) is somewhat more to the point. Even easier accessible. So the band has obviously matured. I’m not 100% sure whether I like that or not because AMOK VEDAR were good musicians and composers in the past already. By slightly dropping the soundtrack feeling (it’s rather a stomach thing than something I can actually get a grip on) they lost a bit of that pretty unique identity I thought I had found in the band. On the other hand: you can still put on a black and white horror movie, turn down the sound and put on the new AMOK VEDAR record so I guess I’m overly sensitive right now. And despite of all the pathos from the orchestration the band kept its kick ass Metal attitude: big guitar solos in the vein of 80s Metal heroes and an ever present bass that doesn’t drown in the background. Big sounding production, by the way. So the question is: Can AMOK VEDAR keep you awake over a complete full length? Hell yes, they can! www.amokvedar.de. You can order a copy here.

Ramon Claassen

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AMON
The Return Of The Black Metal
(Barbarian Wrath)
41:26min

Some of our readers are certainly familiar with this band already, which was called AMON GOETH for a brief period of its history. With this new album (with a new line-up, following a troubled time when two of the band members were killed in a car accident), these Czech warriors were better to deliver the goods, considering the title they have chosen. Let’s say that AMON take the meaning of the “Black Metal” concept in its 80s acceptance, when the sub-genres of the most extreme Metal were not rigidified yet. That means that on this album you will find a great mix between primitive MORBID ANGEL, raw SLAYER (when they were an unreal band) and naïve German Thrash. It is as promising as it sounds; the album contains at least one exceptional song, namely ‘Beltebor’, and when I am saying exceptional, believe me, it is! This is the kind of track one can listen to again and again, like it was the case a long time ago. Expect a dark Thrash assault with this one! This is not to say that the rest of the album should be ignored. In fact, the more I listen to it, the more I find it pretty enjoyable and the more I find new details to relish on! I can’t say that of the majority of the albums issued today. I can tag the overall production of the album as a vintage one, the quality of the sound doesn’t take over the quality of the compositions. The guitar buzzes like a monstrous insect, the voice stay in the deep shriek mode (I mean that no insane high screams are to be heard in favour of the power of the vocal delivery), dubbed sometimes by low growls. AMON show ability to vary the rhythms enough to guarantee that each song sounds different. All the lyrics are in Czech, like it is the case with the vast majority of the Czech bands, but you can’t tell at first so much the intensity of the music hides this fact. To sum it up: a band no one interested by great heartfelt Metal should miss. Maybe you couldn’t find the AMON’s name spread all over in glossy paper magazines, but you will be rewarded ten times the effort to dig a little deeper down to exhume this gem! A great album by a great band! Check AMON’s website at: http://sweb.cz/amon.metal/index.htm.

Edouard Vergriete

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AMON AMARTH
The Crusher
(Metal Blade Records)
49:36min

These Viking-Beer-Metalheads of AMON AMARTH have seriously being in a working mood lately with constant good quality albums as well as quite some live-activity! And the work really pays off because the Swedish five-piece is finally getting the deserved attention and most of all progressing a lot as songwriters from release to release. I always somehow missed the really striking, outstanding nature in their older songs but "The Crusher" came out being their best recording to date in my modest personal opinion! 'Bastards Of A Lying Breed', 'Masters Of War', 'Risen From The Sea - 2000' (an old demo track in new recording!) or also 'Annihilation Of Hammerfest' are simply well done, catchy mid-paced crushers with very intense guitar-harmonies, annihilating vocals and a helpful powerful production courtesy of Studio Abyss. Oh, by the way, the last song of the album is actually an OK bonus (first printing amount?) cover track of the POSSESSED evergreen 'Eyes Of Horror' that has an extremely old-school and aggressive attitude, probably due to the different recording session (Das Boot Studios). All in all a very enjoyable new album by an actually pretty original Swedish melodic Death Metal act that does certainly not belong to the (stylistically) pretty faceless movement of Gothenburg-style bands! They are surely gonna be around soon to crush European stages and prove you wrong if you thought so before... You can order it here.

Leif Jensen

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AMON AMARTH
...Versus The World
(Metal Blade Records)
47:49min

I think with their 2002 release AMON AMARTH may proudly call themselves the Scandinavian version of BOLT THROWER! The Swedish Viking-horde is heavy as fuck, but also as melodic and melancholic as most Swedish melodic Death Metal acts are, except – AMON AMARTH is better than most of them!!! Again they created massive hymns of war that not only satisfy the fans, but maybe also arouse interest in Swedish melodic Death rejecters like me, damn, this is really a great album and I swear that Metal Blade did not pay me for saying that! Especially the screamed parts (which dominate on “Versus The World”) create a mighty and intense feeling, the riffs and thundering drums do the rest. The production sounds like Peter or Tommy Tägtgren, although I am not sure of that (I do not have an Info), but it definitely fits to this type of music. What’s absolutely awful on this CD is the Coverartwork, where a strong, bare-breast Viking warrior surrounded by flames raises his sword and shield against the approaching globe of planet earth, that is not only pathetic but also looks like shit!!! Anyway, despite this optical weakness, the album’s contents are finest Viking Death Metal. My personal highlights are the impressive opener ‘Death In Fire’, the crushing titletrack, which varies excellent between growled BOLT THROWER-like parts and Swedish melodiosity, the atmospheric “semi-ballad” ‘Thousand Years Of Oppression’ or the awesome closing track ‘...And Soon The World Will Cease To Be’! Although most songs are in the typical catchy mid-tempo, they do not wear out after the 5^th time listening to “Versus The World”. Fans should love this new album as one of AMON AMARTH’s best and people in search of Swedish Death Metal that does not have anything to do with modern crap like IN FLAMES or SOILWORK should check out “Versus The World” as well, it’s great! For more information: www.metalblade.com. On sale here.

Stefan Franke

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AMORPHEAD
Psychotic
(self-financed)
20:30min

AMORPHEAD from Italy serves us something different on their first EP called "Psychotic" than what you'll regular find here. Formed in October 2007, these 5 guys must have worked hard on their material and dealt with several line-up changes before recording the very first release. And why? Well, to bring you some very solid melodic Death / Thrash with a lot of groove that made my head spin in no time. No technical manifest like SADIST - that's for sure - but the level is high already. The catchy riffs, awesome drumming and quality in songwriting reminded me of a bit of EUCHARIST. Reminded, so I didn't say 'copy' 'cause it's far from a clone! The 4 songs presented here are quite enjoyable, having this played for four times now already. Sure, these guys have to grow, but things look promising. The only problem I can find here are the vocals. Now they sound a bit forced and too hardcorish. The guitars battle throughout each song, spewing powerful chords one after another and all is freshed up by an occasional and cool solo. The rhythm section is full of breaks without losing the groove for even a second and the most powerful element. Speed is decreased to double bass outbursts and everything seem to be focussing more on solid, banging and compact progressive nuances. Actually, I won't be able to name you a band that crossed my eardrums equally to this. Metal doesn't have to be blasting intense to enjoy and AMORPHEAD just proved that. So if you're looking for a fresh, original, solid and promising act… look no further 'cause these guys house enough quality to deserve your attention. Don't know any price so check www.myspace.com/amorphead, or mail directly to: amorphead@libero.it

Michael Tak

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AMPUTATOR
Intolerance Deathsquads
(Old Cemetary Records)
32:00min

There's an evil epidemic sweeping the USA and no I am not speaking of no swine flu! Rather it's a new wave of fucking violent and blasphemous American Black-Death War Metal. Yeah it's got all those labels because a) sometimes we need labels to describe things, b) many a pussy busts out the "we don't want to label ourselves" bullshit and c) many bands like MORBOSIDAD, THORNSPAWN, BAPHOMENTS HORNS, MANTICORE and AMPUTATOR are just what the long ass description implies they are not just one but a fucking putrid combination of all of  the above mentioned labels. AMPUTATOR (as said before) are such a one. Since their last cassette only in Chile EP release they have gotten more and more focused on the listeners complete annihilation!! Whereas at their still violent and blasphemous beginnings they had a mid paced song here and there, there are none to be had here as you just experience a pummeling vicious attack of violence and extreme force. AMPUTATOR show no remorse.no quarter, no regret. They maim and kill, violating you and your soul repeatedly.This is a must have for fans of REVENGE, BESTIAL WARLUST and other such ferocious acts!! Aaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrggg!!! www.oldcemetery.tk

Luis M.L. Sallard

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ANAEL
Into The Dark
(Demo 2000)

When I received this demo from ANAEL, I originally expected them to be some kind of a SAMAEL clone or something like that. Just compare both names (SAMAEL / ANAEL), their logo looks almost like the old SAMAEL one, same goes for the simple b/w design and demo title which heavily reminds me on the "Worship Him" album. Furthermore the (alter ego) names that the two musicians are using are also kinda close (Seraphackh and Primenmathon). But listening to their three own songs (plus instrumental intro), these guys are obviously taking their music very serious. They have come up with an incredibly simple and (for the most parts) very doomy songwriting, which often comes across like a Black Metal version of HELLHAMMER or early SAMAEL (...) to me. Unlike many bands in the current underground scene ANAEL are obviously more concerned to create atmosphere and feeling instead of delivering top notch musicianship and sterile production. Don't get me wrong, the sound on this demo ain't bad at all – it's raw, but very well produced, while the music lives off its overall simplicity and the very well executed and totally convincing Black Metal vocals. I'm not sure if a full length ANAEL album would still impress me in the same way (therefore at least a couple of uptempo parts should be included in order to get a more varied result), but this demo here is definitely worth checking out. Send 10,-DM (ppd. in Germany) to: Thomas Rode, Ortsstr. 79a, 07356 Ruppersdorf, Germany, e-mail: Anael@gotos.zzn.com

Frank Stöver

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ANAAL NATHRAKH
When Fire Runs Down From The Sky, Mankind Will Reap As It Has Sown (MCD)
(Mordgrimm)
26:52min

It seems that  there is a buzz surrounding these English maniacs these days and I can easily understand why. Unfortunately I haven’t yet listened to their first full length (“The Codex Necro”, also on Mordgrimm), but this six-tracker (and I mean real tracks) convinces me that the ANAAL NATHRAKH ambitions are very high and that the two musicians forming this band are talented enough to fulfill them. Simply put, ANAAL NATHRAKH are the future of  Black Metal, no less, because they rejuvenate a rehashed genre and inject new blood and new ideas in it, in the way ABORYM and the sadly defunct DECEMBER WOLVES did before. Obviously Vitriol (vocals) and Irrumator (all instruments) treasure enigma around their band, making ANAAL NATHRAKH even more attractive (too much self exposure and loud statements could kill an act). Just look at a picture of these two guys, and you will be surprised: no silly plastic swords nor stupid makeup in sight, only two very down to earth dudes (short hair and glasses, an “intellectual” look if you want!) eager to compose the best music they can. And what a blast this music is! Imagine an even more twisted and frightening version of MAYHEM’s “De Mystreriis…” album, or remember the first MYRKSKOG release (“Death Machine”), and you will get a fair idea of what ANAAL NATHRAKH are about. Vitriol’s vocals are totally  demented, a damn fine experience hearing them, I can assure you! He delivers his lines with such a deep conviction it becomes frightening after a while, and he obviously think about his lyrics while puking them out. The production of “When Fire…” is nothing less than superb, and I don’t even talk about the Irrumator’s playing abilities, breathtaking is the only word that comes to my mind. Before I forget, let me say that the legendary Attila Csihar laid down all the vocals on one track, while Seth Teitan (also from the mighty ABORYM) did some solos (and what great leads they are!) on two. The highest quality of ANAAL NATHRAKH is that they bring very modern ideas into a familiar frame, and without using external influences or fashionable elements, pure Black Metal! I would like to also mention the cool artwork chosen for the cover, a little bit different of what we are used to. No doubt about that: ANAAL NATHRAK have a bright future before them, and I hope they will continue to deliver such a remarkable music. ESSENTIAL!!! Contact and more info at: http://www.geocities.com/anaalnathrakh. On sale here.

Edouard Vergriete

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ANAAL NATHRAKH
Total Fucking Necro
(Rage Of Achilles)
49:27min

Already two things might lead you into the wrong direction – first of all, the band being British and being hailed by all British magazines (Terrorizer, Kerrang! – they actually even recorded a John Peel-session if I am not mistaken) like nothing, I was quite sure that this was another overrated band being reviewed with a blind eye by the British media like e.g. HECATE ENTHRONED, FROST or or or… Secondly, I expected another DARKTHRONE-copy since for me “necro” will be forever linked to the sound of those Norwegians (leaving their mediocre debut-album beside). Fortunately both expectations were wrong. This CD simply compiles the band’s both demos “Anaal Nathrakh” and “Total Fucking Necro” plus one song from the demo “We Will Fucking Kill You” (unreleased). However, both demos have already an unbelievably good sound and are in no way comparable to similar demo re-releases on CD. Musicwise two comparisons strike me immediately: the first being MAYHEM, when they still were “true”, meaning riffing of their glorious “De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas”-album phase (and this is not only because two well-performed MAYHEM-coversongs were featured on the two demos), and the overall approach is not much different to the one of Italian ABORYM, very technoid-sounding passages, a drumcomputer, many effects on the vocals etc. I definitely was very surprised and am eager to get my hands on the albums by those British guys, and anyone who could stand a mixture of MAYHEM and ABORYM is asked to do so as well. Instead of “Total Fucking Necro”, I’d suggest “Black Fucking Metal”. www.geocities.com/anaalnathrakh, www.rageofachilles.com. On sale here.

Nhashi

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ANACHRONAEON
The New Dawn
(Stygian Crypt Records)
39:54min

There is an old saying that more than one way is leading to Rome and speaking about Swedish Death Metal this is for sure still applicable. But if we are talking about this kind of music connected with a sci-fi story about human abduction and a military conspiracy there is only one release which needs to be consulted – HYPOCRISY’s “Abducted”. That automatically means that every newcomer needs to have bigger balls to mess up with this masterpiece. Talking about ANACHRONAEON I’m not sure if only the comparison to the bigger brother makes this release so colourless. ‘The New Dawn’ is a concept album which is following the story of military conspiracies within the Swedish and American army and all songs can be classified as melodic Death Metal with small up and downs. Think that maybe GODGORY could be musically a rough indication. But the story is definitely the most interesting part of this release due to the fact that the train is driving almost the complete 40 minutes with the same speed. Only changes within the songs are the clear vocals but even they are used in nearly half of the 7 songs. Honestly speaking there are for sure more than 1000 better Swedish Death Metal albums on this planet and the evil aliens have maybe also 3 of them on board their flying saucers. www.anachronaeon.com, www.stygiancrypt.cjb.net

Matthias Auch

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ANAEL
Necromantic Rituals
(Barbarian Wrath)
40:55min

These guys have been very active ever since I reviewed their debut demo "Into The Dark" from 2000. First of all there's been a 7"EP ("Infernal Devotion") through Sombre Records, which was followed by a split EP with BURIED GOD ("Eye Of The Sleepless") and most recently (in March 2003) the split CD / LP / MC "Heretic's Curse" with Canadas LUST came out through Iron Tyrant from Italy. The good thing for all you die hard collectors out there is the fact that none of the tracks that got used for those releases made it onto the band's debut full length "Necromantic Rituals" now. So, what you previously bought continues to remain all exclusive, while the full length album features nothing but brandnew material. Musically ANAEL luckily haven't changed a bit - it's still a very dark and doomy form of oldschool Black Metal with an overall quite occult atmosphere and references to HELLHAMMER and early SAMAEL. The songs are all very simple structured, mostly midpaced to doomy in speed, yet always full of the right ancient feeling that made the releases in the late 80's / early 90's so special. When it comes to their influences, the band itself names Celtic Frost, Bathory, Venom and Mayhem on one hand, and Black Sabbath, Candlemass and Pentagram on the other - a combination which pretty much sums it up perfectly. So, to answer my own question from the demo review: yes, this full length impressed me in a similar way as the demo, if not more. Contact and further info: www.anael.de, email: info@anael.de

Frank Stöver

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ANAEL
On Wings Of Mercury
(Barbarian Wrath / Iron Tyrant)
50:44min

German Occult Black Metal battalion ANAEL returns with their second album after the strong debut ''Necromantic Rituals''. You can't compare ''On Wings Of Mercury'' with their first output as this second attack sounds more varied, more mature, even more modern. ANAEL today can be compared not only with SAMAEL, but also the name TIAMAT comes to my mind. The overall sound is powerful and every instrument is audible. Besides the power-riffs which got more Heavy Metal - inspired there is also a big development of the leads, which sound more melodious and are responsible for some darker creation of moods. Also the bass guitar is well-played and has got some very strong moments, especially on 'Where Silence Echoes'. The lyrics are dealing with different occult topics; the Crowley inspired ones are still more than a deception. Even more certain is the use of the 'Necronomicon', just listen to the first words on 'Marching Through Babylon's Gates'. The main change on "On Wings Of Mercury" is the use of the vocals: as they have sounded more relaxed, deep and dark on their earlier releases they now sound more hectical and aggressive. Clean vocals are to be heard for the first time; at least they got my attention for the very first time. Especially on 'Children Of Basz' they sound irritating sometimes but also very good sometimes. Even if this is a very good and modern sounding album ANAEL lost some of their charm they got with their debut and especially their split LP with LUST! The CD version is to be released by Barbarian Wrath (GER) and the vinyl version by Iron Tyrant (ITA). www.anael.de

Hurricane

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ANAL NOSOROG
Condom Of Hate
(Xtreem Music)
32:14min

Seeing the quality of most of the last Xtreem Music releases (Kataplexia, Psychobolia or even the newest Demigod, appart of the controversy it may awake), I can't understand why they decided to release the new album of Russian ANAL NOSOROG. I hadn't listened to them until now, and definitely I'd better hadn't, as their pseudo-Grind (they call it "Avantgarde Dissocial Grind Core Scum") is one of the worst I've listened to in a lot of time. These four Russians already released two demos and a split, and with "Condom Of Hate" (no comments about the title) I imagine they will follow them, with some kind of musical mix which gives the impression that they don't have a clear idea of where they want to go. I will explain this you. In their songs we can find parts from Goregrind with pig vocals and catchy riffs which are so usual nowadays (and which bore me really fast, especially live), groovy Nu-Metal influences à la SLIPKNOT, going through Hardcore/Punk and some Jungle rhythms... So, a bit of everything, and this uses to be quite dangerous, and it is in this case. As always, when I write a review, I forced myself to listen to the CD several times, and it was really hard not to stop it and put it out as it became really boring, even sleepy. Without any doubt, the worst part of this recording are the vocals, which are almost really linear piggy stuff (except when they use some Hardcore backing vocals), and which make the Condemned ones sound like fucking varied stuff. Anyway, the instrumental part doesn't get much better, as its almost limited to the groovy tones, which doesn't differ from track to track. And if I tell you the album has nineteen own tracks, you can imagine... Apart from that they included a cover of 'Fuck The USA' from THE EXPLOITED, quite strange with that purely electronic bass, a guitar which you almost don't hear and vocals in the way of the covered band (so totally different from the rest of the album). Then there are some live tracks, remixed ones and old recordings. I won't go any further with this review, as I don't want you to think I have something against them, simply, even if I have quite varied tastes, this is totally opposed to what I enjoy listening to. www.xtreemmusic.com

Jeroni Sancho

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ANAL VOMIT
Depravation
(From Beyond Productions)
33:09min

…and filthy are the hounds from Lima-Hell, attacking with their second full-length strike! After the superb “Demoniac Flagellations” which was one of the highlights of 2006, Peruvian ANAL VOMIT shell out the equally dirty and relentless “Depravation”. Let's start from the outside: again, the cover has been masterly created by Juan Castelano. While a reddish blasphemic orgy graced the debut album, one now gets presented a grim Metal warrior holding a decapitated head in front of a ravaged church with some fornication going on in the background, all in a pestillent yellowish greenish tone… so no more questions about the content, sophistication or decency are needed! Inside the booklet, every lyric is accompanied by a great dark demented drawing, either blasphemic, violent, pornographic or all of the above. Just as on “Demoniac Flagellations”, one can find both Spanish as well as English sung tracks on this record, a thing which I like very much – Spanish vocals just fit perfectly to this style! Musically, ANAL VOMIT deliver the goods as competent as on the predecesor, which means aggressive and wild Black / Death thrashing Metal with influences from the South American dark past as old SEPULTURA, old SARCOFAGO (rather obvious considering the monicker) or for example SEX THRASH, played tightly with all the ferocity and screaming tremolo solos needed for a killer record. The production itself is absolutely faithful to the overall style and feeling of “Depravation” due to its analogue sound – while being sufficiently clear to make out the details the overall affair could have been recorded in the mid eighties. Some riffs here and there reminded me of the the first two BATHORY records, some bits were reminiscent of old SLAYER and even the earliest NAPALM DEATH can be found in traces (the beginning of 'Escupe De La Cruz' and some basic chord riffing here and there). So, as opposed to most “retro” acts who only deliver some bloodless sucking up to past idols, this record breathes passion and works in itself, not only in reference to the past which sets ANAL VOMIT apart from most contestors in this field. The overall comclusion here is, that with ten tracks clocking in around half an hour these sickos have come up with a more than worthy follow-up to their awesome debut which obviously is a real “must – have” for fans of the above mentioned bands or acts that travel a similar path in spirit and attitude like NIFELHEIM, for example! Oh, and friends of the pictures in the first album will be delighted by the naked (you better take that literal, folks!) insanity featured again. Perfect… now, I only want their label to print smaller shirts, hehe. Buy this! www.analvomit.tk, www.myspace.com/analvomitperu

Ulrich Kreienbrink

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ANASARCA
Moribund
(Mighty Music)
32:20min 

This is it! This is one of the best, if not THE best Death Metal records ever released by a German band! ANASARCA from Emden even managed to outdo their fantastic debut "Godmachine" with the release of this incredibly brutal assault! The inferno only lasts about half an hour, but it chops off many heads and spills lots of blood during that time, I can tell you! Musically "Moribund" is completely unoriginal, but that's fine with me, cause all that ANASARCA seem to care about is technically well executed sheer brutality! This is 100% true Death Metal to the bone, with a lyrical concept about people that are awaiting their death sentence!! Their roots are quite obviously located within the American scene, cause that's exactly how they sound like! So, if you'd combine the finest elements of the most crushing US Death Metal acts, the result would probably sound like ANASARCA!!! Killer!!! I have no idea why these guys are still so unknown overhere (compared to other traditional Death Metal acts such as OBSCENITY, FLESHCRAWL and the likes), but I really hope that "Moribund" will finally change that! Buy or fuckin' die!!! Available here.

Frank Stöver

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ANASARCA
Dying
(Mighty Music)
32:51min

At last! Conquest! Great blaze of triumph! I greet thee, I honor thee, most welcome visitor from the depths of the night… well, enough of that citing Power Metal bands for the time has come to worship the third ANASARCA assault of fuckin’ Death Metal! Finally! After the ANASARCA split in 2001, Mike and Herb decided to carry on, thank whoever you like! To be honest, I found “Dying”’s predecessor “Moribund” a little monotonous after a while as the pace was pretty much hyper speed most of the time. With “Dying” ANASARCA show their composing skills resulting in me being unable to sit still while typing these very words. You won’t believe how long it took me to get this far ;-) ! Dying is a pretty old school attack with lots of brutal Swedish references, just listen to a track like 'Terminal' for example and you know what I mean. I can find only one point of criticism, namely the short playing time. I got the bonus covers (OBITUARY, VOMITING CORPSES) for the overseas license versions, so it’s not too bad for me. And as you have the repeat button, there is a way for you to listen to new ANASARCA stuff for a longer time as well because this is what you’ll definitely want. Why make a CD longer by adding weak songs? Don’t miss this one if you liked the other ANASARCA releases and for the others: this is gonna make you addicted! Oh, here is my neck who would like to add a few words as well: “Dying” is pretty deadly! www.anasarca.de. On sale here.

Ramon Claassen

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ANATA
Under A Stone With No Inscription
(Wicked World / Earache)
45:00min

I don’t like to fool around with the “masterpiece” term, but in the case of this record I can’t have such a problem. In fact, I consider this review totally useless except it gives me the opportunity to publicly state that “Under A Stone With No Inscription” is a landmark in the Death Metal history and so an essential purchase. I have rarely heard a so godly album within the last five tears. Let’s say that ANATA combine high musical skills with absolute catchiness, a pretty rare match you will certainly agree. Far from any trend, the four ANATA musicians have concocted a deadly recipe, staying faithful to their Death Metal roots while pushing the musical excellence to the highest level possible. The result is pretty logical then: ten ravishing tracks, where finesse meets technical prowess and sheer power. No sterile demonstrations and self-indulgence here and I simply can’t single out any particular track from the others, all of them are of the same high quality. Indeed I can assure you will listen this album from the beginning to the end never feeling the need to skip even only one song. If the metaphor of a metallic lace could trigger something in your mind, you will then perfectly understand what ANATA’s music is all about. The band started their career playing very competent brutal Death Metal the American way with a melodic European touch, but you can forget this era now, because ANATA have reached another dimension. No need to discuss any further about the excellent production or the cool layout, these elements are only the cherry on top of the cake. ANATA prove here that the Death Metal music is the superior form of music existing for now because of its limitless possibilities, and I thank them for that. Buy or be a loser. On sale here.

Edouard Vergriete

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