BAHIMIRON
Southern Nihilizm 
(Moribund Records)
41:35min

Texas is a place of stark contrasts. On the surface is the oil pumping conservative cowboy veneer the world is used to, but on the flip side lurks a dark, pulsating network of blasphemous veins. The lone star state has given us much over the years, NECROVORE and S.A. SLAYER come to mind. BAHIMIRON are the next in line, having produced only one other full length album several years ago. Their latest, "Southern Nihilizm" is like many other American Black Metal recordings, possessing a typically harsh wasp-like sound, and borrowing heavily from its European counter-parts. In many ways the album sounds like a sped up latter day MUTIILATION with a dose of KATHARSIS and FLUISTERWOUD. There is a noticeable change in production towards the halfway point, or rather the beginning of side B. Before any of this puts you off, keep in mind, that the bands BAHIMIRON sound like aren't bad at all, and its rather nice to have something that satisfies all the criteria without adding anything new. The band is most definitely angry and with plenty of hate. There is depth here, albeit a depth you've no doubt explored dozens of times. This is good stuff. www.myspace.com/bahimiron

Nat Shapiro

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BALROG
Kill Yourself
(Aeon Records)
42:03min

Deep from the French underground comes this one man project and this offering is a rather pleasant surprise I must say. BALROG is about Black Metal for sure but avoiding to fall into the trap of being cliché and boring. First I would like to stress out the very good production of this disc, another proof that dedicated people with taste can come out with an excellent sound even on limited budget. Musically wise, “Kill Yourself” is interesting to listen to throughout its entire duration, a rather rare quality nowadays. The guitar parts in particular redeem with their melodic yet raw rendition the use of a drum computer, and each time monotony menaces to set in, a new idea springs out to recapture the listener attention. BALROG reminds me OXIPLEGATZ (especially on the “neutronized” track) minus of course the experimental edge, plus “De Mysteris…” era MAYHEM and the most furious moments by ULVER. The vocal parts are certainly one of the highlights of the album, with Balrog (the man) combining classic Black Metal shrieks with a somewhat cavernous Death Metal voice to the best of the results. Needless to say, the general mood of this album is bleak and gloom as the title suggests, but Balrog don’t rely on cheap satanic themes when penning his text, following a more articulate way to write down his obsessions. But don’t worry, the presence of the great Horned One can be felt here and there! I think BALROG is a project deserving to be supported, and fans of brutal Black Metal with a melodic edge should be pleased with this album. Contact Balrog at balrog6@caramail.com and Aeon Records at aeonrecord@aol.com or jbrollin@libertysurf.fr

Edouard Vergriete

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BAL-SAGOTH
The Chthonic Chronicles
(Nuclear Blast)
60:38min

Just when you thought that this battle-band couldn’t take their music any further, but rather push the autopilot-button and do another BAL-SAGOTH album, these fine English gentlemen deliver an album of epic proportions. When I as a listener and reviewer choose to give this album a score that needs auxiliary explanations, it’s not a choice of praise but rather of respect. I respect BAL-SAGOTH for staying true to their roots and to their identity. And I deeply respect them for their everlasting quest to improve their music when I thought they could advance no more. “The Chthonic Chronicles” is an album that needs numerous listenings, preferably in headphones. There are just so many details that are easily lost if you don’t pay 100% attention to the magic that’s arranged behind the wall of sound. BAL-SAGOTH plays music that drives you to such thoughts as “where’s my armour?”, “give me my sword!”, “saddle my horse!”… In short, it’s battle magic. And if you, as a listener, do not strive for letting the atmosphere take you to distant places, you can pay close attention to the music solely, since there are many different aspects to satisfy your focus all the time. Byron’s whispers, his hoarse vocals and the majestic voice are three components that are utterly important when the band creates the atmosphere. This time it feels like they’ve worked A LOT with the arrangement of the vocalization, like where to Black Metalize them, where to go majestic and where to let the music do the talking. And he varies his voice a lot. Towards the end of 'Invocations Beyond The Outer-World Night' he’s going bananas, with every sentence being sung / talked / whispered differently compared to the previous. Still it feels natural. There’s not a single sentence where I feel Byron should’ve screamed, talked or whatsoever, in another way compared to what is done. The music, traditionally composed by the Maudling brothers I suppose, is genuine work…, at least if you’re as fascinated by the BAL-SAGOTH world as I am. Variation, details, mighty keyboards and such a drive! When other bands can afford real orchestration, BAL-SAGOTH uses the means they have and they do it to such an extent that I’m not thinking real orchestra for a mere second. Instead of doing what many fans of extreme Metal demands, BAL-SAGOTH thinks otherwise and increases the amount to more or less ridiculous heights. There’s no rest for the wicked, and this is what makes BAL-SAGOTH standing tall above all others making music akin to these English lads. Just listen to the last 30 seconds of 'The Obsidian Crown Unbound'… The band has four instrumental pieces, with the intro named 'The Sixth Adulation Of His Chthonic Majesty' being the best. And again it’s easy to hear that they play the keys instead of trying to make it sound like some sort of classical piece. BAL-SAGOTH accepts that keyboards are used, and the band uses it for all its worth. If I must criticize something, it has to be the final instrumental. It takes away some of the major impact from the ending of 'Beneath The Crimson Vaults Of Cydonia'. I’d preferred if the album contained 11 tracks instead of 12, skipping 'Return To Hatheg-Kla'. But, this is a minor thing, and there’s nothing else I can criticise on “The Chthonic Chronicles”. Believe me, I have tried to find flaws. But every single time I feel that the music should change, vary, take a new direction or just end, BAL-SAGOTH grants my desire. There are many highlights on this album, besides it being a highlight in itself, and I must especially mention the 7th song on the album named 'The Hammer Of The Emperor'. It begins with a warlike introduction, before changing into midpaced rhythms that floats natural from the introduction. The keyboards melody around 3.10 to 3.20 is humorous and dresses the music like nudity dresses Jennifer Lopes. But it’s the turn after 4.35 minutes that makes me shiver in awe. The way BAL-SAGOTH transcribes from one section to another is marvellous. And I’m not listening to the music anymore, I’m feeling it. “The Chthonic Chronicles” is an album that took me by surprise, being darker and heavier that I would ever imagine, and it leaves me with a desire to hear it again… and again… and again… and again… and again… AND AGAIN! Website: www.bal-sagoth.co.uk. On sale here.

Roy Kristensen

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BALTAK
Macedonian War
(Battlegod Productions)
37:38min

"Macedonian War" is BALTAK's fourth album. It offers a mixture of Black, Death and Thrash Metal (except for the vocals, which are high-screaming ones throughout the whole album). Honestly said, I do not like "Macedonian War" just like I did not like BALTAK's previous 3 albums. The whole album lacks of any real feeling and the riffs sound like the guys did not know what to play and so just played something metallic the harder way. There is no intensity in sight while listening to "Macedonian War" and this makes the whole thing fall apart. So, no more bad press here, decide yourself. mp3s can be checked out at BALTAK's official homepage http://mujweb.cz/www/baltak. Labelcontact: battgod@ihug.com.au

Andi Bauer

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BALTHAZOR
Demonation Terrorhellizer (MCD)
(self financed)
15:11min

Founded in the winter of 2001 this exotic young band from Indonesia dedicated themselves to raw Black Metal inspired by the likes of EMPEROR, SATYRICON and now comes up with their first MCD. Over here in Europe we are satiated with acts like this and to be honest in terms of production and songwriting BALTHAZOR are far from being able to compete with the bands from our part of the world. Creating, distributing, producing and living Metal might be a lot harder in Indonesia than in Europe or the USA, but I do not like to write a good review just because of some “exotic factor”. Despite the necessary aggression and drive BALTHAZOR certainly have, they are a pretty lame and boring Black Metal band at least I can live without. They do not give any new input to the genre or are able to create something that meets the standards of early IMPIETY or young bands from Europe. In my opinion you have to come up with a little more than just standard, badly produced northern Black Metal to leave your mark on the Metal map. “Demonation Terrorhellizer” is available for 5$, 4.50 Pounds or 5.50 Euro to be send well-hidden in a registered letter addressed to: BALTHAZOR, P.O. Box 1608, 40016 Bandung, Indonesia. Email contact can be done via the following address: balthazor@fogflames.com The band’s website can be found here: www.balthazor.cjb.net. And as a small additional note – they do not have anything to do with one of the three kings, ok?

Stefan Franke

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BAPHOMET’S BLOOD
Metal Damnation
(High-Roller-Records / Iron Bonehead Records)
37:34min

According to Helltrashing fanzine BAPHOMET’S BLOOD are the bastard songs of MOTÖRHEAD, BULLDOZER and VENOM and I like this comparison. The sticker “Speed Metal” stands proud on the top right of the cover which shows a bandphoto including the 4 members in a cliché Metalpose wearing VENOM, SARCOFAGO and MOTÖRHEAD shirts, big sunglasses (no EMPEROR sunglasses, big sunglasses. Remember, big sunglasses = cool band – to quote Fenriz, haha), guitars, cigarettes, a Jim Beam bottle, a power drill and a few mustaches. This Italian 4-piece chose to pose, but should we spit on those, no we thrash with them and with all the rest. RAZOR-fans might understand what I’m talking about…Damn, this here is not for posers, this is for Metalheads in the true sense of the word, and the word is METAL, which - by the way, is featured at least once in each lyric. The music itself is raw Speed Metal with hints of the mentioned bands above and if you like these bands you won’t do yourself any harm to buy this cool record. “Metal Damnation” is BAPHOMET’S BLOOD 3rd eruption and released in a limited gatefold sleeve in co-operation between High-Roller-Records and Iron Bonehead Records. To the owner of Iron Bonehead, Patrick Kramer, the song (guess what?) ‘Iron Bonehead’ is dedicated to. As I said this gatefold LP is limitied to 1000 copies of which those 250 splatter vinyl copies are already sold out and of those 750 black ones are also not that many left as I heard. Available through the mentioned labels or any of the better mailorders around who carry vinyl in their assortment. One thing to add: compact discs are no fun – BAPHOMET’S BLOOD support the stop the madness campaign against the use of compact discs. Join them!! www.hho-records.de

Thomas Ehrmann

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BAPHOMETS HORNS
Perpetrators Of Genocide
(Morbid Moon Records)
32:50min

BAPHOMETS HORNS offer no build up or bullshit. They go straight for the jugular vein, then proceed to the ear drum and kick it in with a steel toed boot. Drawing upon what sounds like a variety of influences ranging from the hard gristle of Grindcore, to the percussive madness of CRYPTOPSY, to the speed of MARDUK, and the minimalist structures of BEHERIT, this debut is a tail spin of hostility aimed sqarely at humanity. Appealing, but there are a few drawbacks the chief of them being that the album is a little too focused on velocity. BAPHOMETS HORNS have good riffs, but they're somtimes hard to distinguish. On the other hand, songs like 'Satanic War Command' have clearly audible structures, so this flaw is by no means spread over the entire recording. In fact, this is a fine start. With the positive reactions the band's demos received, we may yet see more of BAPHOMETS HORNS in the future. www.myspace.com/baphometshorns

Nat Shapiro

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BARATRO - ENTITY – UNDEAD
Blood Beyond The Sand
(Goregorecords)
51:56min

This 3-way split CD entitled "Blood Beyond The Sand" is the first release from the new Italian label Goregorecords (great name!). It features altogether 13 songs by three native underground Death Metal bands, which slightly differ in their styles. It starts off with 5 songs of straight forward Death Metal by BARATRO. They mix up their sound up with some Thrash Metal elements, which brings about a strong appeal for headbanging. Nothing new to the genre but very solid stuff. Then follow 5 excellent songs by ENTITY who manage to combine both, a technical and catchy approach in their songs. They sound like a bastard of old CANNIBAL CORPSE and extreme US-Thrash / Death Metal. The growls are brutal and the effort of the instumental fraction is brilliant. ENTITY are definitely the winners on this compilation. The last (but surely not least) 3 songs by UNDEAD differ from the blasting massacres of the two previous bands. UNDEAD are more mid-tempo orientated and prefer crushing and grooving parts with some outbursts. They concentrate on massive Thrash riffing with brutal Death Metal vocals. To sum it up, this 3-way split CD can be recommended to everyone who wants explore the Italian underground. All three bands are competent and will surely find their fans. The label‘s website www.goregorecords.com is more or less a dead end but hopefully this will be changed in the near future.

Christoph Göbel

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BARBATOS / AT WAR
Burning Soldier / Fuckadafi (Split 7”)
(Tirade Records)
approx. 7:30min

Japanese showa-wielding Thrash-master Barbatos (also of Abigail and Cutthroat) unleashes more of his trademark shredding savagery and exhumes the classic At War track 'Fuckadafi' for the B-side. Anyone familiar with Barbatos’ “War! Speed and Power” album from last year will know what to expect from “Burning Soldier” – totally out-of-control seething Metal fury. At War rounds things out nicely with a track that seems strangely appropriate these days. The names and targets may have changed, but the basic idea remains sound. Being a 45 rpm release, the sound quality is better than your average single. Only 200 pressed, so act at hell’s pace and track down this collector’s piece. Contact: lothlorien4now@netzero.com

Charles Keller

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BARBATOS
Rocking Metal Motherfucker
(From Beyond Productions / Displeased Records)
44:04min

Tora! Tora! Tora! This is already the second shabu – fueled kamikaze attack of the ABIGAIL side project BARBATOS (which also features a japanese WW II fighter plane in its logo, by the way) lead by – yes, main man Barbatos. For the porpose of recording this slab of dirty 1 – 2 – 3 – GO! Metal / Punk he has been helped by friends from the Japanese Black / Death Metal scene who did quite a good job capturing a beer smelling “Fuck Off!” attitude spreading a rocking MOTÖRHEAD / VENOM – ish feeling. The topics of the lyrics which have been cotributed by members of DECAYED, BLASPHEMY, BESTIAL MOCKERY and others cover the eternal classics: war and sex, hehe. This is also reflected by the layout of the booklet which shows pictures of young “ladies” opening their mouths wide for the final cumshot (“One Shot! One Kill!”, so to say) blended together with photographs from WW II. So, if you are a “Rocking Metal Motherfucker” and enjoy the likes of SCEPTER (is the resemblance between the title of this record and the latest offering of the Chigaco – sickos just coincidence?), ROK, or GEHENNAH grab yourself a 'Satanik Beer', 'Drink Till Death', watch an 'Erotic Dancer', preferably a 'Red Leather Bitch' – but 'Blonde And Bitch' would also do – and go for 'Hot Sex!'. So, this is surely nothing for people overly concerned with aesthetics or philosophy but for intoxicated fiends, got that?! I have to confess: My 'Dick Is Fucking Big', 'I Love To Eat Pussy' and I really enjoyed this dose of 'Sexual Alcohol Metal'! BARBATOS email contact: suzuyasu@js8.so-net.ne.jp. Homepage: www.displeasedrecords.com/bandpages/barbatos.php (rather uninformative, you may also want to check http://hrefhead.tripod.com/barbatos.html which is an interview conducted after the first CD “War! Speed And Power” released on ISO 666). BANZAI!!!

Ulrich Kreienbrink

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BARBATOS
Fury And Fear, Flesh And Bone
(Agonia Records)
36:14min

I really have no idea how many BARBATOS demos, albums, EPs and split-releases are out there by now, but it must be quite many already from what I constantly notice in various mailorder lists. So, it seems that mainman Yasuyuki has a lot of spartime to kill and / or is not fully streched with his main band ABIGAIL. From what I understand there's no steady BARBATOS line-up and all of his recordings are done with the help of musicians he's friends with. That's why members of DECAYED, BESTIAL MOCKERY, BLASPHEMY, FROSTMOON ECLIPSE, HAWKMOON, INFERNAL (Colombia) and also Shaxul and Khaos from Legion of Death Records were already part of the "band". With his newest release, the full length "Fury And Fear, Flesh And Bone", we can add Chuck Keller (ex – ORDER FROM CHAOS, VULPECULA, ARES KINGDOM) and Joel Grind (TOXIC HOLOCAUST) to the list, while his ABIGAIL partner in crime Youhei plays drums on the whole disc. Musically the 14 songs (plus a very special "hidden" bonus track) could be labeled as straight ahead, punky oldschool blackened death-thrashin' Speed Metal (or something like that), kinda like a mixture of the raw BATHORY creations (of the first albums) mixed with early SODOM and the chaotic attitude of classic VENOM plus some little NWOBHM overtones here and there. The lyrical topics vary between hilarious ('Satanik Beer', 'I Love To Eat Pussy', 'Dick Is Fucking Big' etc.) and war related (the cover luckily features a scene related to the latter)... The flow of the whole album unfortunately suffers a little bit from the three different sounding recording sessions that were used for it, but that's pretty obvious if you combine different line-ups / recordings onto one disc. Lyrics, guitar and vocals on the first five songs were contributed by Chuck Keller, while on tracks six to ten Joel Grind takes over the mike. And tracks 11 to 14 originally appeared on a previously unreleased demo from 2000 ("Bloody Fucking War!") and therefore are soundwise the worst on offer here. The biggest suprise comes in the aforementioned "hidden" track, which is a very authentic and welldone version of SODOM's 'Outbreak Of Evil' (don't know who played on that one though)... So, all in all this is pretty much another love it or hate it release – essential for all the BARBATOS worshippers, but probably not of interest for the modern "Metal" generation. It's raw, simple, straight forward, oldschool and destined to accompany your next drinking session, so decide for yourselves. Label contact: www.agoniarecords.com

Frank Stöver

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BARTHOLOMEUS NIGHT
Theosophia Pneumatica
(self financed)
50:03min

The underground scene in Israel is one of the most neglected scenes I think, even though the country's small but fine underground movement already puked out several high quality acts in different genres in the past. The infernal horde of BARTHOLOMEUS NIGHT is no exception here and releases with "Theosophia Pneumatica" a first class blasphemous Black Metal album. The band started as a solo project of T.K.O.R but he soon recruited Refahim as vocalist of the now defunct DALMEROT'S KINGDOM (the band released a fine album called "Hamistorin Hanitzchi" back in 1999) and both were later on reinforced by some other warriors from the darkside. This diabolic force has already unleashed a demo tape called "The End Of Time" in 2001 and an EP in 2003 entitled "Survive". Now they strike back with their first full length album. The album is very complex and has a lot of variation. The basic is a blend of Black / Death which seems to be influenced by the Swedish style of this genre due to the excellent dark harmonies and great melody lines. But like I mentioned before BARTHOLOMEUS NIGHT vary their songs and so you can hear a lot of elements like fast, relentless speed eruptions, furious double bass parts, some thrash riffing and various tempo changes. All works quite well and is forged together to a convincing, interesting dark brew and is very well executed with dedication. It's extreme but not too brutal and leaves enough space for sophistication. Even the use of the synth parts is neither annoying nor disturbing. It supports the mood here perfectly I think. And over all thrones Refahim's harsh and grim vocals. One of the tracks is sung in Hebrew ('Adon Habalahot') and the CD also features a video clip. The presentation / booklet is very well done, total professional. The album was recorded, mixed and mastered in the Selani Studio in Poland which is known for the works with acts like VADER and BEHEMOTH. So you can expect nothing else than a powerful, mindblowing production which leaves nothing to be desired. It even was re-mastered again at Chronic Studio to maximize the quality. The band is currently looking for a label to release their second album and to distribute "Theosophia Pneumatica". It would be a shame if the labels would leave this raw underground diamond unsigned. I can recommend this (in my opinion) strong full length output to Hellbangers who are into quality black art. So get in touch for more infos at www.bn-horde.com and check out this strong album.

Michael Oelschlegel

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BATHORY
Destroyer Of Worlds
(Black Mark)
66:01min

Please imagine the following: you're a big BATHORY fan - I know it's hard, just use all of your imagination ;-) and it's about the end of the month and you're almost broke, but after years of waiting you finally spot the new album in your favourite record store, so of course you spend your last money on the vinyl (by the way, thanks to Hajo for telling me the CD's playing time, my record player refused to do so). Back at home I put on "Destroyer..." immediately and was rewarded with the sound I wanted to hear: an epic intro and all that viking grandness connected with BATHORY! Great title song! But then desaster hit me without a warning a little later: BATHORY trying to sound "extreme!" Call me ignorant but there are hundreds of excellent bands playing more extreme than BATHORY! Hey, 20 years ago this would have been considered "extreme"! A propos: Quorthon is the only singer I can think of whose vocals are better on slow, melodic tracks although he simply can't sing! Being unable to control his voice makes the "extreme" songs even more cheesy! There has to be a certain power in one's lungs for this! Why don't they concentrate on what makes them unique, the epic stuff? All of those records still belong to my all time favourites! On "Destroyer..." there are more epic songs (all of them real good) interrupted by more "extreme" tracks. So Quorthon is obviously trying to satisfy all of his fans and although this is quite a long album with space for both, I think it's a foul compromise and I'll put on the new TWIN OBSCENITY now. 

Ramon Claassen

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BATHORY
Nordland I
(Black Mark)
59:21min

I admit I was hoping for a BATHORY album like this one. Quorthon comes up with an hour of Viking sagas and mythology and consequently sees me down on my knees hailing the goat. Of course somebody has to complain that the Swede sold out as the epic side of BATHORY seems to sell best. But why should we care? Hey, I am one of those guys who prefer buying those epic BATHORY albums. And what do we need innovation for if the old ways still have so much to offer? Leave that for the young bands, there are some indeed! But there is even something that makes "Nordland I" differ from "Hammerheart" or "Twilight Of The Gods": the songs are bombastic for sure but they seem to enter the mind rather through the back door which somehow gives them more depth. Furthermore, the strong but dirty production (listen to the bass on 'Vinterblot') somehow doesn’t let the album fall prey to cheap pathos. A fast banger called 'Broken Sword' with a beautiful acoustic in- and outro and the up tempo double bass groover 'Great Hall Awaits A Fallen Brother' approximately in the middle of the CD finally make clear that any complaint like “monotonous” or “boring” tells more about the listener than about the record and as we all know that Quorthon is not Bruce Dickinson but knows how to use his voice, I can’t find anything wrong at all with "Nordland I". If you’re into epic BATHORY, check it out. Personally, I can’t wait for "Nordland II" being released in early 2003.

Ramon Claassen

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BATHORY
Nordland II
(Black Mark)
63:23min

I can't really understand why there's been so much criticism concerning "Nordland I" in the German press. I mean, of course is Quorthon not going to come up with something completely new or innovative anymore... You hardly find bands that are around as long as BATHORY are and who dare to experiment without failing in it completely. So, why should he? Throughout the years he invented a unique style on his own that influenced a whole generation of younger bands and nowadays he prefers to stick to it, which is perfectly fine with me. Musical extravaganca he consequently saves for his solo albums as that type of writing simply doesn't go hand in hand with the much appreciated BATHORY style. And as Quorthon already proved that he ain't cabable of coming up with any convincing stuff in the raw, early (Black Metal) style of the band anymore (just remember how horrible he failed with "Requiem" or "Octagon" years ago), I consider it a very clever decision to return to the epic side of BATHORY by writing some more battle hymns in the "Hammerheart" or "Twilight Of The Gods" vein. As expected "Nordland II" exactly follows the musical lines of its predecessor and, even though it doesn't exactly match its qualities, comes up with another bunch of very cool, heroic Viking themes for eternity. In direct comparison "Nordland II" may have turned out a little bit more raw sounding, with a partly even thrashier approach, yet the whole record is epic as hell! Whenever I listen to any of these type of BATHORY tunes, I immediately associate the music and their very strong melody lines and rhythms with movies like "Conan, the Barbarian" or a horde of drunk, conquering Vikings. Quorthon may still be a rather poor vocalist, but his voice nevertheless delivers a certain raw charme, that fits the compositions pretty good. And his talent for composing is still very much present - even today - while the ridiculous guys from MANOWAR lost that very early on in their career already (they actually only gave me a similar thrilling feel up till "Into Glory Ride" only!). So, as long as BATHORY albums come up with this quality level, Quorthon may continue on for many more years. 

Frank Stöver

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BATTALION
Welcome To The Warzone
(Shiver Records)
42:14min

I gotta confess that I wasn't familiar with this Belgian four-piece before I received their promo pack most recently… And even if I might have heard the name already, it wouldn't necessarily mean that I exactly knew this particular outfit as there are / were at least eight (!!) other BATTALION's around already… So, this, plus the fact that for some reason I associated the name with cheesy, modern Power Metal right away, not really indicates the best choice of a moniker to me anyway. Well, luckily my assumption in this case was wrong and this album (the band's second) turned out to be a highly impressive one that I played quite often the last couple of days. BATTALION plays Death Metal the oldschool way, are unoriginal as fuck, but at least they do it with a lot of class! Somehow you could say that they have adopted the best elements of early 90s Florida Death Metal, but perform that in a rather Scandinavian manner. Throughout the entire playing time of the album you're about to discover amazing musical skills that result in effective riffing and diverse, very precise drumming. But instead of ending up too technical sounding, the band prefers to use their talent in a very straight ahead way of writing. The opening track 'Mechanized Blitzkrieg' for example is based on a rather 'Immortal Rites' (MORBID ANGEL) type main riff, while the song itself has this typical, overall Swedish oldschool Death Metal feeling to me.The brutal vocal delivery of frontman Ruben Luts is just perfect for this style of music as it neither ends up in the extremely low grunted, nor the typical aggressive vein. Despite the brutality it is clearly understandable most of the time and in that respect more close to what a David Vincent does as opposed to a Mille Petrozza or Craig Pillard. Lyrically / image wise BATTALION mainly seem to focus on war related topics, which is also reflected in the coverart and album title. Not exactly my cup of coffee, but on the other hand, I couldn't care less about Gore lyrics as well, so what the heck. Way more important anyway, is the fact that the album's production is killer and compliments the material in the best possible way, so that oldschool Death Metal fans can easily add this disc to their shopping list. Sound samples and more info at www.myspace.com/battalionsquadcamp. Label contact: www.shiver-records.com

Frank Stöver

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BATTLE DAGORATH
Eternal Throne
(Cold Dimensions)
58:06min

Opening with a track that evokes a sense of battle both in progress and done with, BATTLE DAGORATH make their album debut. Northern California's scene attracted much notice with the rise of LEVIATHAN and SAPTHURAN in 2004, and though BATTLE DAGORATH would seem to be next in line, they are more than competent enough to have enough staying power to last them well into the future. "Eternal Throne" is quite obviously inspired from albums like "Filosofem" by BURZUM and the sad, but crushing riffs of STRID. Many American bands who write in this stylstice vein, like FIRTH OF DAMNATION, have their songs set on a backdrop of ambient static, sometimes a little too pronounced for comfort. This, above all, is the only real flaw in an otherwise good album. The album is a comparatively short one for a modern Black Metal band (?? - Frank), and this is a very recommending feature considering the pish that some bands find it necessary to include in-between their songs. Worth it!!! www.myspace.com/battledagorath, www.colddimensions.de

Nat Shapiro

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BATTLESWORD
Failing In Triumph
(Neon Knights)
37:49min

With a martial intro this output is introduced – apparently a battle scene, swords clashing, men crying frantically, and then, an organ presents the motif of the first actual song adequately entitled 'Chapter II'. The song starts in a typical triple time and alters with common time, which guarantees some tension. The guitars seem to be influenced by grand bands such as At the Gates, The Haunted, Dark Tranquillity, In Flames… thus, the strokes are quite Thrash-dedicated, and this of course brings forth loads of energy. The vocals that are employed here remind me a bit of Leif Jensen – vocalist of the formidable Dew-Scented – i.e. a bit hoarse, aggressive, yelled ecstatically. The production – well, I think it’s awesome and well-done, no real objections here, either. The drums sound natural to me, the bass-drums offer loads of energy in the rather mid-paced compositions, the cymbals are clearly distinguishable, the snare sounds like it has been slightly compressed to bash even more vigorously into the listeners’ faces, the toms lack a bit naturalness tough. Guitars and bass sound ok to me – except some harmonies that are woven into the composition and seem a bit odd. Well, all this sounds like a pretty solid and recommendable record, doesn’t it? I think the guys behind BATTLESWORD are dedicated musicians who don’t have to push their limits in order to show off or something. The proper result proves this observation. Furthermore, I reckon it’s quite likely that BATTLESWORD will face a prosperous future regarding further label offers and publicity ‘cause their music is easily digestible and doesn’t challenge the listener too much. So this means that listening to “Failing In Triumph”  (what a cute little antithesis…) is a comfortable business. But – frankly – I have the admittedly subjective impression that the Metal scene is saturated by releases like this one here.  For me, it’s tedious to listen to such material because of the simple fact that I assess it as being uninspired, shallow and calculated. This kind of music just strives to sound like all the big role models… I can imagine an audience bouncing and hopping around like mad when BATTLESWORD perform live on the world’s big stages – but this doesn’t stand for inspiration yet! BATTLESWORD’s approach towards Metal seems to be constructed in every respect. Sorry, I can’t help it, guys… but that’s my sincere impression. This band is solid, as mentioned above… but still I do not appreciate this easy-listening approach to Metal. There’s too much of this motivated stuff going on anyway. But consider my aforementioned statement – this is my subjective impression, of course. BATTLESWORD label – Neon Knights – can be contacted via: neonknights_2002@yahoo.de

F. Cthulhu E.

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BAZZAH
Kingdom Of The Dead
(From Beyond Productions)
64:50min

If you are interested in extreme Metal from exotic places BAZZAH from Malaysia should be another valuable addition to your collection: Rawest ultra-primitiiiiiiive Black Metal à la VON, GORGOROTH, BATHORY, BEHERIT, old IMPALED NAZARENE or NAKED WHIPPER, totally wicked and maybe even a little “cult” although I prefer to use this term with caution… The 65 minutes of blasphemous violence offered here consist of the latest BAZZAH release “Kingdom Of The Dead” (Track 1-11) recorded in 2003 and the extremely hard to find “Death Is All I See” debut (Track 12-19) excreted in the year 2000. Fans of the aforementioned bands and obscure acts from Asia that still exhale the true possession and hatred many western hordes fail to deliver with their music nowadays should try out BAZZAH who sound as if the early 90s have never ended!!! Especially the new stuff is pretty cool and has a strong VON feel with more blackish vocals and some BATHORY-ian solos… I think it is superfluous to tell you something about the production or other crap, this is what most people call utter simplistic noise, but apart from that I know that there a lot of maniacs totally addicted to such antireligious anti-art and I bet you are the ones who’ll love this! So surf to www.displeasedrecords.com, check out the MP3 file to be found in the “sounds” section and indulge in the primitive, unholy BAZZAH! Band contact: unholybazzah@yahoo.com

Stefan Franke

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THE BEAST
Fixed By The Devil (MCD)
(Painkiller Records)
15:43min

The "warning" slogan on the backside of this promo CD ("Underground sound for underground maniacs only!") already makes perfectly clear that you shouldn't expect a proper production here... But the sound on "Fixed By The Devil" is even worse than I expected it to be and in my opinion by no means justifies a CD release! But maybe I'm not "underground" enough to really understand the real propose of it... (Most of) The material on offer here was probably simply recorded at a rehearsal place, the drums in the titletrack furthermore sound rather unnatural to me and considering the fact that there's an intro, an outro and a VON covertune ('Devil Pig') results in only four "real" own songs... A fact, which not necessarily makes this mini CD more attractive (if you have to spend your hard earned money on it). But anyway, there's most certainly a lot of die hards out there who will still find positive (cult?) aspects about THE BEAST, especially because this is a sideproject by ENTHRONED's Nornagest, which musically draws inspiration from such underground "legends" as GOATPENIS, NAKED WHIPPER, BEHERIT, ARCHGOAT or SARCOFAGO (and the coverart also got supplied by Chris Moyen)... And hey - the overall dark atmosphere that especially comes across very well in the great instrumental (almost soundtrack like) CD closing track (which isn't mentioned on the sleeve) even did impress me! For further info, go to: www.painkiller-records.com 

Frank Stöver

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BEASTCRAFT
Into The Burning Pit Of Hell
(Blackseed Productions)
31:48min

This is a duo from Norway which plays true underground Black Metal with a total raw and necro sound as they write in their info note to the re-release of their debut album. And this sound is my big problem with this record. Maybe I’m not the die hard underground Black Metal fan or maybe I’m too old for this. The drums rumbling through the songs with no breaks only with a little cymbal fill every 3 seconds. The guitar is a whirring. You can’t really hear out the riffs. I also think there is no bass, but who cares if you wouldn’t hear it. In the middle of the noise is something like a voice. If this is underground, ok I’m sorry, I’m a trendy. Without the intro you get 11 songs all in the same scheme. Fast blast parts without any niceties (for sure), only intermitted through some slower noise parts. The songs 'Recrufixion' and 'Unholy Blood Ritual' are slow monsters and for me more Sludge or Noisecore than Black Metal. In the end I’m sorry, this is not my cup of tea and only noise, not songs to me. But the real underground should risk an ear. www.deathcibel.com/beastcraft, www.blackseedprod.com

Stefan Hagmayer

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BEATRIK
Journey Through The End Of Life
(Serpens Caput Productions)
40:24min

Frankly – I must admit that I am strongly influenced by certain preconceptions regarding Black Metal – in particular, formations that claim to belong to a specific elite or so-called exalted communities that will dominate this planet some time in the future. Well – the band-sheet doesn’t provide this kind of demand, but I bet BEATRIK boast of with similar platitudes… anyway, that is mere speculation… so let’s stick to the music instead. Probably you expect the ultimate negation of this record now, don’t you? I DO have my objections - yes, but on the whole, “Journey Through The End Of Life” has quite strong aspects… the production is cool I must say. I think it’s just right for a Black Metal album which is supposed to sound raw and… primitive. The way the single instruments are integrated into the band’s sound is minimalist, which is effective in this genre. I was pleased with the accuracy the instruments are recorded… there are lapses detectable here and there… but that actually conveys a certain charm. I like the musical attitude BEATRIK seem to have when it comes to composing music. They have reduced their songs to the essence… no superfluous ornaments. The guitars play surprisingly varying lines… partly even unconventional phrases (in 'Beatrik', for instance… there, the guitarist pulls the strings while allowing the dominant note to stay constant. This creates a strange harmony, which is great!). The vocals are frantic and kind of demented… obviously, BURZUM are influential role models to BEATRIK, which is a legitimate thing. Notwithstanding certain (Scandinavian) parallels I sense in BEATRIK’s style, I think they have their own characteristics, which is positive, too. BUT – there are two aspects I want to criticise here: Firstly, the lyrics are a catastrophe. I suggest that F.G. Smara, the guy who’s in charge of most of the compositions and lyrics, should take a couple of English courses before he tries to express his intellectual eruptions lyric-wise. I am sorry about this criticism, mate, but it’s one thing just to sing / yel l/ bellow / ululate… whatever… your lyrics and no one understands a word – but it is another thing to put the lyrics on the information sheet because they seem to be a significant part of the music that is presented. Secondly, I must state that although the musical performance is solid and has its definite qualities that shouldn’t be undervalued, the material presented here just lacks progression and this much-discussed element called individuality that helps you recognise a band. I am not totally unfamiliar with the Black Metal scene… but this output sounds like thousands. BEATRIK have good elements in their music, the production is exceptional, it’s a pleasure that the album was recorded with great accuracy and precision… nevertheless, I miss the aforementioned individuality that makes a record worth being listened to…

F. Cthulhu E.

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BEHEADED
Recounts Of Disembodiment
(Mighty Music)
42:27min

Shame on me – this is the first time that I experienced the sheer uncompromising brutality of BEHEADED, Malta’s most intense five-piece. But I certainly won’t forget them from now on anymore as their newest full length “Recounts Of Disembodiment” offers nine tracks of straight into your face, blasting and extremely sinister and brutal Death Metal in the vein of the US masters SUFFOCATION and the likes. No matter if it’s the ultra deep guttural vocals, the crunchy riffing or the fast, yet very tight rhythm section – everything’s of top notch quality here and should easily turn every true Death Metal fan into a BEHEADED addicted straight away! Even the massive sound of this record, which got produced in their exotic home country of Malta, knows to convince and easily lives up to international standards! So, instead of wasting more of your and my time, I prefer to end this review here as I will definitely have to check out their previous two releases (1998’s “Perpetual Mockery” debut CD and 2001’s “Resurgence Of Oblivion” MCD) in order to satisfy my needs for some more head splitting BEHEADED insanity! And you should at least make sure to get yourself a copy of this killer record!

Frank Stöver

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BEHEADED
Ominous Bloodline
(Unique Leader Records)
36:46min

Malta's finest, most brutal and well known Death Metal outfit is back again to crush everything into pieces. After the very strong "Recounts Of Disembodiment" album Californian based Unique Leader Records caught this extreme horde and added them to their high quality rooster. The fruits of their co-operation can be heard on the "Ominous Bloodline" album which is nothing else than a lesson of how brutal Death Metal shall sound. It's unbelievable but this five-piece was even able to top the excellent predecessor. What you get on this nine tracker is extreme brutal, sinister and first class US style Death Metal. All the tracks are on a high technical level, precisely like a surgeons scalpel but despite the high standard everything flows... it's out of one piece. The rhythm section is fast and ultra tight, destroying everything what crosses its path. The guitars deliver one killer riff after another and the ultra guttural vokills are the icing on the cake. There is also enough variation on this disc and no track sounds the same. You have extreme blast beats, ass tight grooves, morbid mid tempo parts, effective tempo changes, some great leads and all spiced with some oldschool Death influences to a high explosive, lethal alloy of total raging steel. Everything is wrapped in an excellent, powerful and crispy production / sound which leaves nothing to be desired. These five warriors from the beautiful Mediterranean island will for sure drive every fan of brutal Death Metal insane. And I don't need to be a fortune-teller to tell you that this band can be considered as one of the best in this genre and will play on the top in the brutal Death Metal league. "Ominous Bloodline" is another proof by Unique Leader for their keen sense of high quality acts. So there is no excuse for extreme Metalheads not to get this gem. Buy or die! For merchandise please contact the label at www.uniqueleader.com and visit the bands web site under www.beheaded.net

Michael Oelschlegel

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BEHELAL
Metamorphosis
(Sempiternal Productions)
49:52min

Even though the beliefs and satanic / mystical layout of this CD are fairly detailed and appear sincere (including the nude female enchantress with clean shaven pussy), not to mention the obvious time spent on crafting all of these songs. I do agree the time spent assembling these pieces must have taken some doing, what with the involved epic nature of these audio terrors. However, morose and at times symphonic Black Metal in the vein of DIMMU BORGIR, ACHERON, CRADLE OF FILTH, OLD MAN'S CHILD and SATYRICON, aside from that of being overplayed and over-hyped is just a weak path to tread in these times. The black pest given birth too here called "Metamorphosis" is nothing short of that of a true bastard, as any one of the bands mentioned above or for that matter any touring Black Metal band that happened to make it to their town, could have impregnated this common whore named BEHELAL. Contact: ordoserpentibehelal@hotmail.com or Sempiternal Productions P.O. BOX 08423, Chicago, Il 60608 USA
  
Wes Rhodes

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BEHEMOTH
Thelema.6
(Avantgarde Music)
41:33min

Wow, Polish unholy force in Metal BEHEMOTH have been going through some really impressive and fast progression lately. In fact, I still own and remember their very early demo & tape releases which weren't too good but then managed to run into some really powerful live-shows lately which awakened some curiosity in hearing their newer releases. And what a surprise: "Thelema.6" is a fuckin' poisonous Death (note: no Black Metal here!) Metal album that kicks ass all the way! BEHEMOTH come up with the wicked feel that only bands like MORBID ANGEL manage to create and impress the listener with excellently performed instrumental abilities, some really evil and blastin' atmosphere overall and outstanding production and packaging as well. Songs like the opening track 'Antichristian Phenomenon', 'The Act Of Rebellion', 'Inflamed With Rage' (yesss!) or 'In The Garden Of Dispersion' are as vile and deadly as it gets in obscure music these days and despite of the huge amount of MORBID ANGEL influence I seem to discover on here, I need to say that it's pretty obvious that BEHEMOTH are always striving for a very individual sound which becomes clearer once you listen to the last third part of the CD where the band incorporates some melodic vocal lines and very twisted songwriting ideas into their technically aggressive brand of Death fuckin' Metal. Together with VADER the leading band of the strongly growing Polish scene of these days...

Leif Jensen

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BEHEMOTH
Demigod
(Mystic Prodoctions)
40:47min

Started in the early 90s Poland's BEHEMOTH developed from a classical Black Metal style - with a short period of Pagan Metal ("Grom", '96) - to a unique Death Metal outfit. "Demigod" offers you, like the predecessor "Zos Kia Kultus" technical Death Metal with a strong occult approach concerning the lyrics. A lot of people (including me) compare them with MORBID ANGEL because of the fact that the guitar playing always reminds one at Trey Azagthoth. On "Demigod" you will find ten tracks covering the whole variety of Death Metal - from slow ('Mysterium Coniunctionis') to fast ('Slaves Shall Serve') and also midtempo - hymns ('The Reign Ov Shemsu-Hor'). Karl Sanders from NILE contributes on the song 'Lux'. All songs are powerfully performed on a high technical level. The sound is effectively, which means that you can hear every instrument very transparent without losing the grip for the whole song. The screaming and shouting vocals strongly support the songs. Some bands may think it is better to concentrate on the music and to neglect lyrics and artwork. But not BEHEMOTH. The lyrics are definitely on the same level as the music and even if you are not interested in occult topics they are worth reading and fit perfectly to the music. Finally the great cover and artwork makes this output (again) to a masterpiece of modern, technical supreme Death Metal with a highly recommended occult background. www.behemoth.pl

Mirco Szymyslik

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BEHEMOTH
Demonica (DoCD Box Set)
(Regain Records)
95:44min

I gotta admit that the last record I actually heard from Poland's BEHEMOTH was their 1996 release "Grom"... Quite some time already, indeed... and from what I've read it seems the band has not only grown immensely as musicians ever since, but also changed completely from their grim Black Metal roots towards crushing Death Metal. But it's no problem for me to give this release a proper review nevertheless as "Demonica" ain't a full length of new material, but focuses on BEHEMOTH's early days almost exclusively. I know that quite a lot of people do complain about the re-release of demos on CD, naming the intention behind it just pure money making. Well, in many cases this might be right, but you will most certainly change your opinion when you see what Regain Records have come up with for BEHEMOTH! I bet that they even loose some money on this amazing packaging! It's limited to 10.000 copies, gets delivered in a deluxe A5 size kind of black boxset (with golden print on it) and inside was manufactured pretty much like a book, with a 40-pages fat booklet, full of old pictures, covers, reviews, articles, lyrics, liner notes etc., while the two discs themselves are also in gold with a black pentagram printed on 'em! The material first and foremost comprises of the band's two classic demo tapes "The Return Of The Northern Moon" (1992) and "From The Pagan Vastlands" (1993) with a couple of interesting extras added to each of 'em. "The Return..." (featured on disc one) still reflects the band's overall immatureness, musically documented in a rather HELLHAMMER meets "Worship Him"–era SAMAEL kind of simplistic writing style whereas the often bootlegged "From The Pagan Vastlands" follow-up demo already delivers a very strong collection of grim Black Metal, performed in the typical Scandinavian tradition. When it comes to the additional material, it gets even more interesting for BEHEMOTH fans of the early days. Two previously unreleased, yet totally convincing recordings from the "Sventevith (Storming Near The Baltic)" album session ('Bless Thee For Granting Me Pain' and 'Cursed Angel Of Doom') and a 2004 re-recording of 'Transylvanian Forest' (originally to be found on the "And The Forests Dream Eternally" MCD) complete disc one. This track probably reflects how BEHEMOTH do sound these days as they've turned it into a perfectly executed brutal Death Metal onslaught during the recordings of their "Demigod" full length. Disc two gets completed by 4 songs that BEHEMOTH had recorded as a kind of pre-production tape for the "From The Pagan Vastlands" demo (the original demo kicks off this disc) and three of them even remained unreleased until now ('Moonspell Rites', 'Pure Evil And Hate' and the instrumental 'The Oak Between The Snow'). 'Spellcraft & Heathendom', a track off the 1996 "Grom" album ends this boxset, again in a re-recorded version from 2004. So, my advice to all fans of the Black Metal period of BEHEMOTH is to get this amazing release at all costs, cause you will most certainly never ever get the chance to add this material in such a brilliant quality to your collection. For all further info check out www.behemoth.pl or www.regainrecords.com. If you should have trouble in finding a copy of it, just go here.

Frank Stöver

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BEHEMOTH
Live Eschaton – The Art Of Rebellion (DVD/CD)
(Metal Mind Productions)
125:00min

“Apo Pantos Kako Daimonos” (from their cult song 'Decade Of Therion') is still a powerful incantation even if the BEHEMOTH beast has left his Pagan / Black Metal homeland over the years to conquer MORBID ANGEL territory. "Live Eschaton" was originally published in 2000 as a normal video but these days Metal Mind is re-releasing the whole package (limited to 2000 items) with a hell of special features. Naturally it’s quite clear that the DVD format is offering a lot of additional possibilities but the whole package is making the difference. The re-release is coming in a nice A5 digipack including the DVD plus the whole live concert as a normal CD. There are not so many bands which deeply impressed me with their live performance but BEHEMOTH is for sure one of the chosen few. The performed songs are not completely representative (a fact which is becoming more obvious after nine years) plus the main event – means the concert – is maybe a little bit too short (only 10 songs with a less than 50 minutes playing time) but “Live Eschaton” is still a proof for the great live abilities of this Polish monster act. The band don’t need any kind of special assistance by blood, sheep heads or naked models (like their Norwegian friends from CARPATHIAN FOREST or GORGOROTH) – they just perform their great songs with such an intensity that you can feel the earth shake (for example ‘Chant For Eschaton 2000' or one of the cult songs 'From The Pagan Vastlands’).The additional audio tracks are maybe included on the wrong disc – I really prefer bonus songs on the bonus CD – but they are perfectly illustrating the musical development within the band during 1992-2000. Next to the standard issues like discography and biography the DVD is offering a good picture section plus a very interesting interview with band leader Nergal. So in total a very good release for all true followers of the band since hour number one – but for younger fans of the band there are for sure more suitable / updated releases. www.behemoth.pl, www.metalmind.com.pl

Matthias Auch

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BEHERIT
Engram
(Spinefarm Records)
43:02min

Aaaah, Mr. Holocausto Vengeance, we missed you! BEHERIT are back and in full force! Well at the very least in "Drawing Down The Moon" force, as this new CD "Engram" is very similar to the aforementioned in its sounds. "Because I just fuckin' hate this world!" spoken by a nice and calm Finnish voice starts this off and 'Axiom Heroine' begins in a good midpaced BEHERIT vein and stops at about 1:52 minutes and at 2 minutes the onslaught begins!! Great simple riffs attack you mercilessly! Great stuff! Then 'Destroyer Of Thousand Worlds' attacks without remorse and you are assured BEHERIT is back! 'All In Satan' is a powerful fast track as well and BEHERIT are scoring an 11 out of 10 in my book! Then 'Pagan Moon' begins and oh shit, oh no! Whenever anything like Pagan "Metal" or Pagan this or that is mentioned it's usually artsy fartsy folksy skin flute playing bullshit and yeah some pretty rain and acoustic guitar begins this track but have no fear as BEHERIT is still here. And then the Metal begins anew with a good BEHERIT mid-paced song that will have you banging your heads for Satan in no time! Then we have 'Pimeyden Henki' and the attack is on again! Then 'Suck My Blood' is another fucking rager for the dark one that you must experience! Things end off with 'Demon Advance' that starts off slow and stays that way throughout and adds all the freaky BEHERIT instrumentation that you thought might have been forsaken on the faster songs. Evil and atmospheric in the vein of other BEHERIT dark songs. All of this is great stuff picking up where "Drawing..." left off as opposed to the drum machine on 'Messe Des Morts' and the all out sleep inducing 'Hvou812' or whatever the hell that naptime was called. BEHERIT are back and you must get this ASAP!! AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRG! 666 Horns up!! www.beherit.fi, www.spinefarm.fi

Luis M. L. Sallard

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BEHEXEN
By The Blessing Of Satan
(Woodcut Records)
47:27min

At first I thought BEHEXEN was a sort of tribute to the almighty BEHERIT, because of their moniker, their country of origin (Finland) and the primitive black and white cover art evoking the sick art of Chris Moyen. But in fact BEHEXEN reminds more of SETHERIAL music-wise, because of their extreme brutality allied to their sense of the epic and the drama. This band is not a bunch of newcomers by any means since the foundations of BEHEXEN were laid down back in 1994. “By The Blessing Of Satan” is only their second effort, so I guess they crafted their music a lot before unleashing it on us (the first album was released in 1999) a sure sign of consistency and of intellectual honesty. The result is a deluge of blackened sick riffs vomited by the very depths of Hell, an unrelenting aural assault of classic Black Metal, not groundbreaking for sure but still damn convincing. Don’t look for experimentations here as you won’t get any, but keep in mind that more than often better are competence and dedication than foolish attempts to be original for the sake of it. BEHEXEN belong to the handful of bands who maintain the credibility of the Black Metal genre (I think here especially of their country mates HORNA and PEST, and of the Norwegian URGEHAL).  “By The Blessing Of Satan” is full of great moments and exhales grandiose and bewitching atmospheres as BEHEXEN don’t rely on samples, keyboards, female voices and other heresies to reach such a result. The vocals come out extremely satisfying, exempt they are of any stupid false mannerisms like duck shrieks, and this five piece show a lot of musical maturity throughout the whole album, combining ultra fast riffing with heavy slow paced passages. The recipe always seems to be the same, but in the case of BEHEXEN, their obvious concern to play Black Metal by the book becomes a force, don’t ask me why and call this simply talent. Anyway, a must have for any serious Black Metal devotee, and be sure that this can’t be said about ninety percent of the so called “true” Black Metal bands who plague the present days scene. A kill! Satan blesses you all!

Edouard Vergriete

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BEHEXEN
My Soul For His Glory
(Hammer Of Hate)
38:47min

BEHEXEN is a name that has crossed my path at least twice during my Metal scene involvement but for some reason has failed to make a remarkable impression up to know. If my memory does not betray me, I think I've checked some of their albums prior to this, their latest. I must confess that I got somewhat mesmerized and compelled to dig deeper into what I was able to listen at a first glance of the release presented here. BEHEXEN circa 2008 continue evolving into their not really original but still defying brand of raw Black Metal, which to give peace to their die hard fans does not mean they have drastically changed their original appeal. The band has improved in their particular habitat without giving up the aggresiveness and utterly scary vibe of their early releases. Recording-wise, they have forged a better sounding opus without losing the characteristic edge. Musically speaking, the arrangements have improved a lot providing each one of their compositions with a sombre vibe that goes from slow and punishing to desperately corrosive; in some passages a little bit deathish I would say. A major plus in the album has been the amazing improvement in the vocals which in my opinion are way more violent, better performed and adding a whole lot of variety compared to the boring one-dimensional screaming of the early albums. This year is still in its initial throes but it is safe to say that whomever tries to top BEHEXEN will have a quite hard task to accomplish because class is definitely not something you are born with, is something you obtain with hard work and dedication. I'm already looking forward to their next recording and can safely recommend this to anybody remotely interested in pure, uncompromised and worth-getting darkened art. Contact the band at: http://www.kolumbus.fi/anniina.sade/HTML/index.htm

Mario Cubero

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BELËF
Infection Purification
(Candlelight Records)
55:59min

Strangely enough, this album was recorded in 2002 but comes into light only now (2005). BELËF claim MAYHEM, MARDUK and IMMORTAL as musical influences, but I don’t hear that really on this record. To give you an idea of what the music of BELËF is about, let’s say that they play a furious blend of Death / Black very similar to the brand pioneered by ANGEL CORPSE and continued by ABOMINATOR (for the impetuosity), mixed with the strange kind of modern Black Metal played by DECEMBER WOLVES on their seminal (and sadly last) album “Blasterpiece Theatre” (for the complexity and the overall sick atmosphere exhaled by the eight tracks on offer here). “Infection Purification” beneficiates of an excellent production, and the playing abilities of these musicians is far more than convincing. The vocalist Morrdred does a lot for the credibility of the whole band, his performance throughout this album reaches the fringes of inhumanity, and “intense” would be a feeble word to qualify his vocals. What pleases me the most here is the one-million-riffs-per-song philosophy ruling the composition department; all the songs are insanely complex and could be compared to eerie cyclones of sounds and screams. At no moment the pace shows the lesser sign of slowing down, the band stay tackled on the hyper-speed mode all the time but without inflicting boredom to the listener in the end. In fact, I love this kind of record because it holds all the promises it could suggest in the first place. This kind of unrestrained brutality cleanses the soul and makes one feel good while confronted to the mediocrity of this world. “Infection Purification” is truly a Death feast, an orgy of demented riffs and yes, it is a purification of sort. Note that within the time separating the actual recording of this album from its release a slight line-up change occurred, with guitarist Abramemech and vocalist Morrdred now accompanied by a new bass-player a new drummer. And to end this review, I admit that the cheesy cover of the album (drawn by Jean-Pascal Fournier, usually less sick than that!) caught my attention in the first place! To sum it up, a fantastic release by a band I will keep an eye (and an ear too) on for sure! You can acquire this gem without a single afterthought. www.belef-war.com.

Edouard Vergriete

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