CATHEDRAL
Seventh Coming
(Dream Catcher)
53:25min

After a last album for Earache (“Endtyme”) described everywhere as a rather bleak and dark affair, CATHEDRAL begin their new association with Dream Catcher with the obvious goal to offer something fresher and groovier. Personally I don’t share the common view about a so called evolution of their music throughout the years. CATHEDRAL always played Doom Metal and nothing else, achieving a synthesis of all the currents of this very underground music genre. So the debate around the heaviness of a given album against another seems totally irrelevant to me. “Seventh Coming” brings us the proof that CATHEDRAL have never lost their way and kept consistent with themselves. You could see this new album as a résumé of their career, and any CATHEDRAL fan could find here various elements of past albums gathered for the best of the results. Ultra-heavy passages alternates with groovy and faster rhythms, melancholia gives way to joy. What’s really new on “Seventh Coming” is the franker references to seventies Hard Rock, for example a track like ‘Aphrodite’s Winter’ could have been composed in 1971, complete with Hammond organ and a progressive atmosphere. Otherwise the main riff of ‘Empty Mirror’ bears a strong resemblance with what TROUBLE made us accustomed  to in the time of their splendor, while ‘Nocturnal Fist’ made me think of a NWOBHM tune (with Lee Dorrian sounding like Paul Di’Anno!), and ‘Congregation Of Sorcerers’ verges to raw and  slow Death Metal in the USURPER way. “Seventh Coming” offers various moods and atmospheres and thus keeps the listening interest intact throughout its entire duration. The band sound serene and in total confidence of their skills, Lee Dorrian in particular offering his best performance so far in my opinion, simply because he has added a lot of variety in his vocal delivery. “Seventh Coming” is not as classic as “Forest Of Equilibrium” could be but only because the surprise effect is not here anymore. On the other hand it marks a new departure for CATHEDRAL towards a bright future and let’s hope, a handful of fantastic albums like this one.

Edouard Vergriete

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CATHEDRAL
The Garden Of Unearthly Delights
(Nuclear Blast)
70:51min

I always had a strange relation with this U.K. band. Having always hated their first two pseudo doomy efforts (how can you seriously play Doom when you have a dog barking on top of your not so inspired material?!), I suddenly changed my mind when I heard "The Carnival Bizarre" and even more when "Supernatural Birth Machine" was released as it was an outstanding effort in all senses of the term. Killer music, great vocals and lots of feeling surrounding the material as a whole. It was definitely a new band that was born. Then the next two albums were very so and so as they featured a bunch of uninspired / filler tunes on both, fortunately "The Seventh Coming" got the ball rolling again to a certain extent as a certain degree of inspiration / effectiveness had been injected into the songs again. So it was natural that this new record (on a new label) would be the object of a lot of expectations (just like it had been for CANDLEMASS) but at the end it's again not the album that I was waiting for. Some are gonna say 'What's your problem? This is pure heavy shit here! What are you asking for?!' Sorry, but I need more than a heavy sounding record, I need SONGS!!! And this is what this record here lacks again in, classic songs à la 'Blue Light', 'Hopkins (Witchfinder General)', 'Stained Class Horizon', 'Urko's Conquest' etc. Besides 'Oro The Manslayer' there's nothing that really catches my attention here, sorry but the songs lack of memorable riffing / parts. Another set back is the guitar sound which sounds like it's distorted for the sake of it, it simply does not fit CATHEDRAL. A particular aspect that needs to be noticed is the inclusion of CELTIC FROST riffs in the songs, to the point that it's nothing but pure ripping off at times. I personally don't see the point for a band like CATHEDRAL to include CELTIC FROST riffs / inspired riffs because both bands really have nothing in common, it's simply not the same heaviness. Again, a great album if you like your stuff heavy but if you're looking for more then it's another disappointment coming from CATHEDRAL. You may order the disc here.

Laurent Ramadier

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CATTLE DECAPITATION
To Serve Man
(Metal Blade Records)
34:59min

The ultra brutal Death Metal is on its way up (again), no doubts about that - probably gaining a lot more interest nowadays than ever before! And the fact that an established company such as Metal Blade has signed a band like CATTLE DECAPITATION should be prove enough. The artwork of the band's third full length "To Serve Man" (courtesy of Wes Benscoter) is without a question destined to cause some discussions among the masters of moral once more as it kinda looks like a combination of early CARCASS meets CANNIBAL CORPSE sleeves. And the band itself...?! Well, musically their stuff is kinda hard to pinpoint - the core of the material is obviously rooted in skilled and intense old Thrash Metal as the riffing is mostly in that vein, while the vocal delivery is more of the brutal and gory type. I suppose that somehow they must be influenced by old Grindcore as well. But unlike many other acts of this genre, CATTLE DECAPITATION seem to use their visual / lyrical presentation for a more serious manner because all of the guys are heavily supporting animal rights organizations - which gives their bandname and some of the lyrics a completely new meaning (check out their website www.cattledecapitation.com for further info). Pretty similar to old CARCASS who used to mix up pictures of car crash victims with those of raw meat, that we all get to see on a daily base in supermarket ads. CATTLE DECAPITATION is a very matured sounding four piece, that certainly won't re-define brutal music, but they're still interesting enough to gain some interest within the boundaries of Death, Grind and Thrash Metal as this album delivers quality in every aspect.

Frank Stöver

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CAUSTIC
The Horror Cult
(self-financed)
36:08min

What the fuck is currently going on in Spain? That country rarely caught my attention in terms of high quality brutal Death Metal in the past (except for AVULSED maybe), but lately there's a lot of great material being released overthere. And CAUSTIC's "The Horror Cult" album is without a question another goody worth being purchased by the worldwide Death Metal community! The band has already been around since 1992 but due to several line-up problems only managed to release one demo in 1995 ("The Sensations Of The End") and a CD in 1999 ("Rebirth Of Procreation") over the years. I haven't got the chance to hear both of 'em yet, but their newest full length simply sounds fantastic and easily lives up to international standards! Unlike many likeminded bands (especially from Poland) who have focused on the typical MORBID ANGEL writing formular CAUSTIC have musically found a nicely balanced mixture of various Death Metal classics. That means you're about to hear obvious influences from vintage MORBID ANGEL (songstructuring / arrangements), "Dawn Of Possession" - era IMMOLATION (vocal delivery, songwriting) or "Leprosy" era DEATH (straight ahead brutality). The members involved in CAUSTIC sound very skilled to me and the overall impression of the album is nothing but professional, which is also pretty good reflected in the solid production. It's simply an enjoyable album to listen to, by no means intented to be innovative, but to keep the spirit of the early masters of Death alive! Great one! The website is still under construction, but you may check it out in the near future at this location: www.causticcult.com

Frank Stöver

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CAUTERIZER
Then The Snow Fell… (7” EP)
(Blood Harvest Records)

Swedish CAUTERIZER is a quite unknown band among the classic ones from the early nineties. They just released the demo “Then The Snow Fell…” and a year later American Wild Rags Records re-released this demo as a cassette-EP. All of a sudden they disappeared without even getting a real name in the underground. I have to admit, even as I was a heavy tapetrader in those years I can’t remember that I have heard from CAUTERIZER back then. Shame about me, I know, haha! Now Blood Harvest took care of this old recording once more and finally I have to recognize that I missed something in those days. This demo is a nice gem of oldschool Death Metal in the Swedish tradition. I don’t care that they were not really outstanding or original, but what they did is done with class. The most amazing detail on this recording are the deep and powerful vocals of their singer Gunnar Berglind – a man with such a voice should appear on other recordings. Well, probably he did and I missed these recordings, too… I often wonder how many great recordings were released back in the early nineties in Scandinavia, and a recording like this, dated from 1992, is another prove that there are still more recordings left to discover from those great times. To summarize the facts: 4 songs of Scandinavian Death Metal, a little bit comparable to a band like GOD MACABRE (especially because of the vocals) minus their melodic guitar solos, recorded back in 1992, with a great sound, amazing vocals and released as a seven inch by mighty Blood Harvest Records from Sweden. Check it out if that’s your brand of Death Metal, I’m sure you won’t regret it. I have no information if this release is limited, but I suppose it’s another 500 pieces edition. Better hurry up! Check out www.bloodharvest.se.

Thomas Ehrmann

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CELEBRATUM
Instinct
(Metal Age Prod.)
57:29min

This is the second full-length album of the Norwegian Black Metal band CELEBRATUM. They perform a rather modern way of Black Metal, like DARK FUNERAL or SETHERIAL. Fast and aggressive, based on high-speed drumming and up-tempo riffing with screaming vocals. The guitar work is sometimes performed in a melodic way that reminds me of IN FLAMES or even some "traditional" Heavy Metal bands. Some songs got a long running time (about seven minutes), but that is no disadvantage, CELEBRATUM manage to maintain tightness. One thing that annoys me is the way the vocals are performed. Maybe it should sound more evil or aggressive or whatever, but I dislike this harmonizer distortion. For me shrieky vocals are in general fitting to Black Metal, but not this computer "voice". It really spoils the listening pleasure. And due to the fact that the music is nothing spectacular, well done though, but heard so often played by so many bands (like the above mentioned) I advise only people who are collecting every Black Metal release or can not wait until the next DARK FUNERAL album to check out CELEBRATUM. Last info: CD contains two video tracks, one live clip and one more or less well done film-clip. www.celebratum.net Label contact: www.metalage.sk

Mirco Szymyslik

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CELESTIA
Dead Insekta Sequestration
(Agonia Records)
29:08min

I really had high hopes in this release as we received it from Poland's Agonia Records along with the new URGEHAL, ARMAGEDDA and BULLET records – and if you read the reviews on those three somewhere else on our website, you will already be aware of the fact that it was all first class material from great bands! But there's always exceptions to the rule and French CELESTIA is definitely one of them! I really have no idea what made the Agonia guys sign them. They probably were completely stoned or too drunk to recognize that this is nothing but pure crap! CELESTIA get labeled as Black Metal (Zzzzzzzz) and if you compare them to the aforementioned URGEHAL or ARMAGEDDA you will easily understand why they suck so much. The vocals, which are way too much upfront in the mix, belong to the most ridiculous I've heard in quite a while and by no means represent a dark, blasphemous musical style such as Black Metal. It's simply immature sounding screaming, with no feeling in it at all. And the music isn't any better. Uninspired thrashy Metal with no standout riffing or memorable melody line and even rather poor produced. No, sorry – this was a real pain in the ass listening experience that I certainly don't like to repeat again. I just hope that it gets sold for the price of a mini CD (for it is only half an hour long), but I seriously doubt it... For further info check out: www.agoniarecords.dm.net.pl

Frank Stöver

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CELESTIAL PAIN
Aggression
(Iron Fist Productions)

Anybody here who loves Teutonic Thrash Metal in the good ol’ DESTRUCTION, early KREATOR vein? If yes, then mark down this band on your “to-buy” list! With Swedish act CELESTIAL PAIN Iron Fist have discovered a true pearl of German-style Thrash Metal, that is razor-sharp sounding, musically a hellish crossfire of total destruction. Though this LP sounds like the 80s the material featured here were two excellently produced demos now defunct CELESTIAL PAIN recorded in 1994 and 1995. Fast tempos are predominant, the songs have some cool hooks and due to the high amount of aggression and sheer viciousness a raw impact and uncompromising force usually Black / Thrash bands like GOSPEL OF THE HORNS, DESASTER have to offer. The layout of the LP might be a little unspectacular, but the cover is cool in its simplicity and a lyric sheet is included as well, so no complaints. Musically this fast and raw, killing Thrash Metal from hell, oldschool maniacs should not miss, so get this album and up the beer cans!!!! http://zwartroest.nl/ironfist/

Stefan Franke

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CELESTIIAL
Where Life Springs Eternal
(Bindrune Recordings)
56:25min

Funeral Doom. A subgenre that is so beautiful, yet so depressive and painstaking. Few bands have really accomplished the goal of building atmospheres, emotions and landscapes using this style of music. All the others dwell into a mix of slow Death-Alternative-Melodic Metal so "successful" nowadays. After a few in depth listening sessions to CELESTIIAL's latest offering, "Where Life Springs Eternal", the goal has been accomplished up to a certain point. The album is based on a meditation concept, I believe. Actually, the running water effect heard throughout the whole album matches the cover and booklet, with waterfall and rain forest images. The intro is an immense onslaught of atonal guitar chords, feedback and nature sounds setting the pace for the epic 30 minute 'Great Storms Carry My Sadness'. The aesthetics here are not the ones I am used to when it comes down to this style of music. There is a lot of open guitar notes and sounds with a good use of slow percussive attack of Timothy Glenn and a deep, bow-like bass guitar courtesy of Jason Walton. The "running water and birds" background gets exhausting at times, broken only by almost maniacal high shrieks vocals of Tanner Reed Anderson, who also handles the guitar duties. The other pieces add up to the concept, like the neatly placed 'From Elm Blossoms A Rose', an acoustic folk passage that puts your mind at ease before the 16 minute 'Offering In Cedar Smoke' comes in with the same pounding slo-mo attack. Finally, 'Songbirds Depart Through the Passing Near The Garden' is an acoustic / piano driven outro that concludes the listening experience. Certainly, CELESTIIAL dwells into the Funeral Doom realm, but their style is much more experimental, folk influenced at times and based on creating an atmosphere, which appeals to some, but not for me. I'd rather have some more music in it. Interesting album, but not my cup of tea. Contacts: www.bindrunerecordings.com, www.myspace.com/bindrunerecordings

Alfonso Perez

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CELTIC FROST
Monotheist
(Century Media)
73:21min

Finally, I got the courage to review the comeback album of my favorite band of all times. Given the fact the promos that were spread in the media had that fucking beeps repeating endlessly and were very annoying to listen, I decided to wait and recently a decent copy landed in my hands. The beeps might be a good idea to prevent piracy but it does no good to the publicity which is desperately needed in this particular case. Many have been shocked by this release by judging the extremely emotional opinions voiced over the internet. It makes the task to approach this album with a healthy attitude even harder that any other rebirth intent of the past. If you are expecting another "Morbid Tales" or "To Mega Therion" then look somewhere else. CELTIC FROST has always been the kind of creative unit that does not repeat the formula more than once. They shocked the entire scene in late 80s when they released "Into The Pandemonium" and this time around the intention doesn't seem to a different one. "Monotheist" can be the representation of a dronier, darker and doomier version of CELTIC FROST but with great deal of misery added in the mix. Since the very first minute you'll get punished by down-tuned mesmerizing riffs which have a small resemblance to what they did at the very early stages of their careers. Occasional atmospheric elements will be heard throughout your listening but as always... in the right time and place.
Just like in the past, the only way to approach CELTIC FROST releases is to do it with an open mind and let the dark seed to be planted. It may grow into a poisonous entity to feed your hunger for the unknown or you might end up selling the CD at a 2nd hand shop. I like the album but if there is a subsequent release I would like to see some actual speed thrown in. Visit the band's website at: www.celticfrost.com. Available here.

Mario Cubero

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CEMETERY OF SCREAM
Frozen Images
(Metal Mind Productions)
65:07min

The glamour band KISS is for sure not a very frequent guest on our website but this time I need their assistance. Nearly 30 years ago they composed a song for their great "Destroyer" album called 'Great Expectations' and if it comes to the latest CEMETERY OF SCREAM release I feel in some way like Paul Stanley. The Polish band has released their great "Melancholy" debut over a decade ago and even after such a long period it’s still one of the best Polish Metal releases. In these days the band had been in the position to send shivers down my spine, but these days are definitely gone and CEMETERY OF SCREAM anno 2009 have lost nearly every connection with their past. The band transformed into one of these Gothic / Rock hybrid bands – an evil way which had been followed (in vain) by so many others bands (PYOGENESIS, ATROCITY) – and even if I’m still a great fan of their debut is “Frozen Images” an album for our ‘dear friends’ from the Gothic disco around the corner and if it comes to this place I prefer the old HEADBANGERS AGAINST DISCO slogan - so “Burn down your local disco“. www.cemeteryofscream.com, www.metalmind.com.pl

Matthias Auch

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CEMETERY URN
Urn Of Blood
(Modern Invasion)
31:27min 

Having been previously unfamiliar with CEMETERY URN prior to seeing them several times on the recent Blood of the Damned tour in the U.S., I was absolutely devastated by their live performance. CEMETERY URN play sadistic and cruel traditional Death Metal with an element of Australian bestiality. Listening to them, it is impossible to pinpoint their influences exactly, though their style refers to the foundations laid by Death Metal pioneers such as SADISTIC INTENT, MORTEM, ASPHYX, etc. They do not simply regurgitate formulaic Death Metal, however. The guitars evoke nothing less than pure Death Metal evil while the drums at times incorporate the disorienting bestial blasts that so many classic Australian bands have utilized to extreme and violent results. The union of these paths has created an unholy abomination known as "Urn Of Blood", CEMETERY URN's first album. To place the band in context, their guitarist / bassist is Andrew Gillon of Australian Deathrash marauders, ABOMINATOR while drums (on the recording, at least) are handled by veteran Matt Skitz (FUNERARY PIT, DESTROYER 666, INVOCATION, ABRAMELIN, etc.). Finally, wretched and murderous vocals are summoned by none other than Damon Bloodstorm of BESTIAL WARLUST notoriety (during their live set CEMETERY URN even cover a CORPSE MOLESTATION song). Of course, one would expect that a line-up this strong is certain to produce powerful results and one listen to "Urn Of Blood" confirms this expectation. The opening salvo of 'Forging Deviant Beasts' sets off the controlled fury that CEMETERY URN continues to deliver throughout the entirety of the album. Every piece of this machine known as CEMETERY URN works together in a masterful way. What renders this album superior to the vast majority of modern Death Metal is the use of technical ability without being overindulgent. They do not make an effort to demonstrate their technical ability for the sake of show, nor do they intentionally shy away from utilizing the expert skill they have developed over the years. The members of CEMETERY URN recognize that the effect of the song is of paramount importance, but also understand that technical playing is, at times the most effective means of achieving the most punishing results. The guitars, in particular, are perfectly executed and sound utterly monstrous. Few Death Metal guitarists I have heard recently can compare to the level of agility Gillon possesses. Seeing him perform live was further reinforcement of his command over his craft. Each night I saw them play, he decimated every solo and always in a manner both tasteful and precise. Moreover, his playing is so attacking and calculated that he never needs to overly distort the guitars to conceal imperfections. There are no imperfections here. Unbelievers need only listen to 'Sadistic Murder' to understand this. The effect of the vocals should also not be understated. Damon Bloodstorm is a legendary vocalist and here conjures up some of the best "vokills" of his career. Perfectly attuned to the instrumentation, the vocals accentuate the song structure at the most critical points and are absent at moments when the guitars and drums carry the weight of the track. Few debut albums over the past 10 years or so are as well-conceived and executed as "Urn Of Blood." In fact, were it not for the fact that each member in the band has already proved himself in classic line-ups, it would be hard to believe that an album this strong could be the first release by a new band. Unholy, maniacal, and punishing, CEMETERY URN should not be overlooked. www.myspace.com/cemeteryurn

Jason Campbell

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CENOTAPH
Rise Of Excruciation
(Dahmer Productions)
34:04min

If you’re following the evolution of the pure Death Metal underground for quite a while now, you probably have come across Mexico’s CENOTAPH in one way or another at one time. These guys formed back in 1989 and released their first official demo "Rise Of Excruciation" the same year already. The four original songs of this classic tape, along with three bonus tracks (live versions of the AUTOPSY cover ’Ridden With The Disease’ and the band’s own composition ‘Sectophobia’, as well as an additional studio recording, ‘Evoked Doom’) just got re-released through the brand-new label Dahmer Productions. Judging the CD by today’s standards, this re-issue is without a doubt only of interest for real die hard underground maniacs, who don’t give a shit about perfect sound quality or impressive packaging as both is rather poor here. Especially the sound of live tracks… I suppose they were simply taken from an old live tape, so don’t expect too much here. Musically this is still highly enjoyable though, true fuckin’ Death Metal in its most purest form (totally old school sounding, with similarities to likeminded acts of the past, such as DEATH, GRAVE, AUTOPSY etc.), but not necessarily suitable for a CD release. Maybe a simple tape re-issue would’ve made more sense in order not to disappoint those who aren’t aware of the material’s origin. By the way, just in case you don’t know it yet - two of the band’s members - Oscar Clorio (drums) and Daniel Corchado (bass / vocals) are nowadays involved in THE CHASM. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy, but can’t find it in your local area or mail-order lists, feel free to contact the label directly: Dahmer Productions, c/o Miguel Angel Rivera, P.O. Box 18-815, 11801 Mexico D.F., Mexico, e-mail: dahmerprodsmexico@yahoo.com.mx

Frank Stöver

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CENOTAPH
Pseudo Verminal Cadaverium
(United Guttural)
39:39min

Surprisingly twisted, fresh and individual sounding brutal Death deliver CENOTAPH from Turkey on their third album “Pseudo Verminal Cadaverium”, which has now been released by well-known extreme music label United Guttural. The band was formed already in the mid-90s and one can definitely hear the experience CENOTAPH have in terms of musicianship and songwriting in every song of their newest effort. The band does NOT explore new boundaries of speed and brutality, but focuses on concise songs and not just chaotic blast orgies, something what has been certainly done enough in the brutal Death or Death / Grind genre. However CENOTAPH are definitely not slow or sound soft, but like the recent material of Canada’s CRYPTOPSY emphasise technique and variation, form effective and heavy songs and avoid losing themselves in monotony by adding some progressive and even melodic elements. Unfortunately the overall very good impression CENOTAPH made on me gets overshadowed by the vocalist, who simply sucks – at least in my opinion. I’m extremely picky about Death Metal vox and I did not like Batu Cretin’s, sorry! Well… that is everything I did dislike, musically CENOTAPH are very strong, the production (done at Mega Wimp, Germany) is transparent and powerful, the cover is great, too (Studio Sho rules!) and maybe the vocals are just another matter of taste… For additional information visit www.unitedguttural.com or www.cenotaph.cjb.net. 

Stefan Franke

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CENSORED
System Disease (MCD)
(self financed)
19:32min

The Swiss trio CENSORED was founded in 1994 and “System Disease” is their second release and contains an interesting mixture of well-crafted modern US-style Death Metal à la DYING FETUS with slight Thrash and Hardcore elements and a raw yet powerful production. The vocals are mainly aggressive screams that add an additional individual note to CENSORED’s overall sound, because they are capable of summoning memories of early 90’s Death Metal like the godly RESSURECTION. Sometimes there are also some growled parts, which are the only weakness on CENSORED’s MCD, they are way too far from being brutal enough. Except this minor point of criticism, I can’t find anything negative on “System Disease”, the song writing is great, the riffs varied and a nice blend of oldschool drive and modern grooves and the sound has warm heavy feeling. I hope CENSORED get rid of or replace the growling guy and continue to create more entertaining and engaged contemporary Death Metal with socio-critical lyrics. They are definitely talented newcomers! Contact: Daniel Hasler, Albisriederstrasse 20, 8003 Zürich. www.censored.ch

Stefan Franke


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CENTAURUS-A
Nimbus
(self financed)
27:08min

Oh, what's that? Where to start? First of all this is not typical Metal nor do find anything typical here as this is just sick and progressive to the core. The sound really sucks at the first listening but the ears soon get used to it and then it becomes more and more interesting. I don't find any fitting words for this style. Sometimes I hear some parallels to Atheist and to the last crazy album by Gorguts (remember them?) and the voice reminds me a bit in Rob Flynn of Machine Head. But it always sucks to try to find some other bands to describe the style of a band. Hey, these guys have composed some intelligent and interesting songs and I really hope that their next output will have a more challenging production! Iam really looking forward to listen to it! Well done! Contact: Patrick Schroeder, Anemonenweg 4, 53127 Bonn, Germany, Email: patrick@centaurus-a.de, www.centaurus-a.de

Phil Jonas

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CENTINEX
Diabolical Desolation
(Candlelight Records)
48:03min

The CENTINEX guys have always been delivering first class Death Metal ever since their origin way back in late 1990. From a kinda immature, yet very cool sounding, typical Swedish old school Death Metal act in the tradition of vintage CARNAGE / NIHILIST / DISMEMBER up till now they slowly but surely developed themselves into a tight unit of sheer brutality. As a result CENTINEX anno 2002 musically do sound a lot closer to many bands of the so called new wave of Swedish Death Metal, but without denying their roots completely. Ever since Johan Jansson joined CENTINEX in 1998’s the vocals more and more developed into the aggressive thrashy direction, away from the typical Death Metal grunting of original singer Mattias Lamppu, who fronted the band up till “Reborn Through Flames”. I wouldn’t necessarily consider myself a fan of this evolution, as there’s way too many soundalikes around already, but gotta admit that “Diabolical Desolation” is still strong enough to please old and new fans alike. The majority of the material comes across very modern sounding, with many elements that the newer Swedish bands got popular with, but every now and then the old school influences impressively shine through… And that’s exactly the type of combination they should continue on with in the future! This mixture of shredding low tuned classic Death Metal riffing with the modern aggression just works out perfectly well, and sometimes there’s even some additional lower death grunts that complete the picture. Best example - and my personal highlight on this new album - is ‘Soul Crusher’, a very catchy, yet totally energetic and brutal straight forward track which should work out best in a live situation. A couple more tunes like this and CENTINEX would catapult themselves into the first league of Swedish Death Metal pretty easily.

Frank Stöver

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CENTURIAN
Liber Zar Zax
(Listenable Records)
45:28min

First things first: the line-up change didn't hurt Dutch CENTURIAN at all and newly recruited bassplayer / vocalist Jerry Brouwer and guitarist Oskar van Paradijs replace former members, vocalist Seth Van de Loo and bassist Patrick Boley (who both will concentrate on their main band SEVERE TORTURE from now on) perfectly. The line-up actually got stronger because of the fact that CENTURIAN have two guitar players in their ranks now, which will probably result in a more tight sounding live appearance. On the other hand, they haven't changed too much musically. It's still very much DEICIDE / MORBID ANGEL inspired brutal US style Death Metal, with a lyrical concept that deals with chaos, Satan and death. Even though it's an ok sounding record, the production still doesn't completely convince me as I suppose there's a lot more possible when it comes to this style of music (just listen to the ABHORRENCE debut). So, apart from a highly improved coverart after all, no real surprises, just another solid and welldone offering from one of Hollands leading Death Metal units, which at least comes across a lot more inspired sounding than DEICIDE's quite lame new album.

Frank Stöver

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CENTURIONS GHOST
A Sign Of Things To Come
(I Hate Records)
34:20min

Though this quintet from the London area might provoke the hastily exclamation "CATHEDRAL - copy"; with 'Devil Disciple' - the catchy, driving opener of their debut album - you should not rate this band by the first song on this fantastic album. CENTURIONS GHOST are way more filthy sounding and they have way more gloom and sheer morbidity to offer than their supposedly most important musical inspiration. The vocals of James Begley are really close to those of Lee Dorrian, but with the dirty, raw production, the skillful, moody use of spoken passages, samples, Hammond organ and keyboards plus less 70s vibe in the guitar section, but more doom and heaviness than CATHEDRAL "A Sign Of Things To Come" has obviously enough potential to escape the inevitable shadow of that particular band. CENTURIONS GHOST's debut after an already excellent three-track demo in 2003 (which you can still download in its entirety from the band's website) is a gloomy, foreboding, malevolent doom monster offering crushing hateful crunch as well as sick and twisted melodies. Songs like 'Stigmartysm' or the eight minute opus 'Misery Serenade' are prime examples for CENTURIONS GHOST outstanding qualities, this album is energetic, diversified, dedicated and simply fucking heavy, easily one of the best Doom albums 2005 and also one of the best debuts I've heard this year!; highly recommended newcomer! www.centurionsghost.com , http://ihaterecords.cjb.net

Stefan Franke

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CEPHALIC
Blasted Into Lunacy
(Animate Records)
43:45min

CEPHALIC from Austria play fast technical Death Metal that reminds me of NILE without that Middle East aspect every now and then, especially the vocals. Brutal and sick to the max. Luckily, the sickos don’t belong to those hordes of faceless faster-harder-louder clowns I’m getting sick and tired of at the moment. CEPHALIC know how to integrate groovy parts that first of all will be of advantage in live situations and secondly make the blast parts sound even more aggressive. Check out the melodic part in 'Death Throes', for example. This plus a considerable amount of craziness speak for a highly enjoyable album. On the other hand, if I compare “Blasted Into Lunacy” with the latest hit album by IMMOLATION, for example, I have to admit that CEPHALIC’s songs don’t really enter my mind but I’m not a musician anyway and I simply love albums I can sing along after a while (just like “Unholy Cult”). “Blasted…” still lacks a certain evil atmosphere as well but as I’m getting more and more picky about this aspect lately, I’m sure many of you will like this one indeed. Two further points of criticism: the high pitched snare sound sucks big time and the last track has nothing to do with Metal at all! Mr Cthulhu lately told me that stuff like this is called Break Beat and as far as I know there are quite a few really extreme Death Metal fans who fancy shit like this as well. Let me cite Mr Dee Fucking Snider at this point: “If it ain’t Metal, it’s crap!” But as this is just one song I guess one should give ‘em a chance… great artwork, by the way! http://cephalic.deathmetal.at/

Ramon Claassen

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CEPHALIC CARNAGE
Lucid Interval
(Relapse Records)
57:39min

What an intro: heavy as an elephant's arse! Kinda reminds me of MORBID ANGEL. Next track: 45 seconds of pure grinding armageddon! The main part of the album offers a great range from doomy, creepy, verrry heavy Death Metal to high speed Grindcore. In between there are pure R'n'R riffs (like in 'Black Metal Sabbath' or 'Anthro Emesis') or strange jazzy parts (like in 'Tee Isle Of California'). Quite a few more or less well known people contributed guest "vokills" on "Lucid..." like some DISGORGE (Mex.) guys and the lyrics are highly original as well, probably the most unusual I read in extreme Metal for ages. To reduce it to the max, they're about moral decline in ancient Rome, in the US... Actually, one is about somebody doing a zine and getting fed up with the music business, etc. - I guess Frank could tell you quite a bit about that as well (bet your ass on that! - Frank). One thing's for sure: this record will not get boring for a long time! In case you're into "progressive" strange Death Metal / Grindcore (still, to me most of the twists and turns sound natural): give it a try! The most bizarre song, the hidden track, must have been composed (and played) under massive influence of cannabis (no, not cannibalism). But when listening to "Lucid..." you won't need any drugs I think as this musick's gonna make you dizzy anyway.

Ramon Claassen

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CEPHALIC CARNAGE
Anomalies
(Relapse Records)
45:45min

Yes, the fourth full-length CD of Relapse' own psychos is here to blow fresh stench into our mobilephone-ringtones-polluted brains. How come CEPHALIC CARNAGE never got adopted as ringtone? Too many notes per seconds? That would be an explaination. Less weed infected does the band present their Rocky Mountain Hydrogrind on "Anomalies", a bit more technical with some great oldschool parts and some really fast CRYPTOPSY like blast attacks. All mixed with the obvious crazy shit, insane MESHUGGAH infected breaks, twisted guitars and multi-changing vocal styles (I'd bet there are some guest vocalists here but I am not sure). Typically CEPHALIC CARNAGE? Yes, maybe a bit too typical, because the totally-freaking-out-kill-you-neighbours-dog-and-eat-his-rubber-bones effect from "Exploiting Dysfunction" is missing a little bit. It is the same with the last full length "Lucid Interval": great music, fresh mind-fuck-hydro-kick, but something was missing what these guys had on the first two albums. But don't get me wrong here - "Anomalies" still is a great US-Death-Grind bulldozer in front of your Granny's hairless Chihuahua (or something), and songs like 'Kill For Weed', 'The Will Or The Way' just fucking rule, but sometimes they seem to repeat themselves in their crazyness, you know? Yes, it is hard to explain, but it took me more than five listening-sessions to really enjoy this CD. CEPHALIC CARNAGE simply is a band where you expect a little more than from other bands. But then there is nothing to complain, except that I don't like the ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY / HIGH ON FIRE inspired song 'Piecemaker' thaaat much, but if you are into that kind of music... The CD ends with my favourite song, an epic chill-out acoustic beast turning into NEUROSIS meets blast-your-hair-out-off-your-nose mind-twister 'Ontagony Of Behaviour', and that is when I think, that the CD was better than I thought when listening to it. Got it? Me neither. Go and buy, it won't be a mistake, but don't expect a second "Exploiting Dysfunction". And, yes: remember to check out the band's homepage for if you are still looking for a great gift for you girlfriend you'll find one in the merch section, hehe. www.cephaliccarnage.net, www.relapse.com PS: I would like to take the opportunity to give my deepest regards to the family and bandmates of another great Relapse artist Miezko from NASUM, who died in the fucking Tsunami cat-ass-trophe. Go, grind Heaven or Hell or whatever place you are. Mach's gut, Miezko.

Tim Klöcker

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CEREBRUM
Spectral Extravagance
(Lacerated Enemy)
42:45min

In the last few years Death Metal has been thriving in sunny Greece like never before and whether if its supreme unholiness à la DEAD CONGREGATION, American influenced brutality (e.g. EXTREME VIOLENCE, MASS INFECTION) or progressive-tinged bands like SICKENING HORROR or THE CIRCLE OF ZAPHYAN, there’s something rotten in the state of Greece and it sounds f**king great most of the time. Fortunately, CEREBRUM are not an exception from this development and feature in their ranks Apollyon Z. on vocals (also in THE CIRCLE OF ZAPHYAN, who’s last demo I reviewed somewhere on this website, good stuff!!!) and as session drummer George Kollias (NILE, SICKENING HORROR…). Musically, CEREBRUM refer heavily to classic 90s technical Death Metal like the second GORGUTS album, DEATH, PESTILENCE, NOCTURNUS, POLLUTED INHERITANCE whereas lyrically fans of sci-fi influenced apocalyptic scenarios should instantly feel at home on “Spectral Extravagance”. Whereas many “technical” or “progressive” acts lose control of their songs in masturbatory, narcissistic shred-orgies, CEREBRUM keep their song structures tightly knit by a well balance of straight brutality and technical elements and never overtax the listener. Kollias formidable drum playing invites you to enjoy fascinating rhythms and fills, the riffing is strongly song-oriented and comprehensible throughout the entire album, easily shifts from heavy crunch to almost jazzy figures and leads and an additional attractive part of this opus. Apollyon Z.’s vocals are extremely well understandable, his growl can be placed somewhere between Ross Dolan, David Vincent and Patrick Mameli and at times he even utilizes a slightly morbid clean voice (e.g. in 'Scatter-Brain', 'Intolerable Ado') which has a highly disturbing effect and adds another interesting nuance to this album. Production-wise I can not find a single reason for complaint – it’s clear, heavy, not sterile at all, to the point and organic, well done! One funny thing about the cover art: just compare it to the one of DARKTHRONE’s “Soulside Journey” – that’s what I call an obvious parallel! Overall an excellent album for people who are pissed off by bands mistaking inhuman speed and millions of pinch harmonics as “progressive” and generally embrace classics such as “Human”, “Erosion Of Sanity” or “Testimony Of The Ancients”. Get this! Band: www.myspace.com/cerebrum, label: www.laceratedenemy.com

Stefan Franke

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CEREKLOTH
Pandemonium Prayers (7" EP)
(Blood Harvest Records)
11:08min

Brutal Swedish Death Metal that’s what this fuckin’ 7” EP is all about. I have no clue about the history of CEREKLOTH and I’m too lazy to search the internet for information. Everything I do is “let the music do the talking”, and the music is impressive (once again on a Blood Harvest release, haha). First up: the sound kills. It’s not that natural to expect such a brutal sound on a 7” EP. This piece of vinyl features 3 songs of which one is a cover version of DEICIDE’s ‘Lunatic Of Gods Creation’. To be totally honest I’d say that this cover version was not necessary at all as the 2 other songs ‘Pandemonium Prayers’ and ‘Touch Of The Scythe’ are killer tracks themselves and I would have preferred to have a third own composition on here. ‘Lunatic Of Gods Creation’ is a great song anyway and is covered here great, too. Well, CEREKLOTH are one brutal newcomer (?) with tight musicianship and cool songs. Though they don’t offer something new or groundbreaking, just a recording of highest quality, which fits just perfect to the already amazing Blood Harvest back-catalogue and not only with the great songs, with a fantastic layout, too. I’m sure this isn’t the last time they impress me. And friends, I like this bandname a lot. For ordering details check out www.bloodharvest.se and visit the band’s myspace-page at www.myspace.com/cerekloth.

Thomas Ehrmann

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CEREKLOTH
Reh. / Demo 2009
(self-financed)
19:04min

The 7" EP "Pandemonium Prayers" from CEREKLOTH was one of the best EPs I heard since a long time. Brutal, tight, very good produced and straight forward Death Metal - impressive and mighty. Recommendable to all true lovers of the Death Metal genre. Their vocalist JBP recently sent me their Reh. / Demo 2009 which was recorded like at the CEREKLOTH compound in February 2009. As we are talking about a rehearsal recording here it's a fact and no need to complain that the sound can't mess with the 7" EP, nevertheless it's interesting to hear some new songs and recognize that even with a more or less average sound quality the songs still sound very good. If I'm correct informed this Reh. / Demo is not available for sale but for those who are interested can try to contact the band through their myspace-page and ask if they spread (upload…) it anyway. From my point of view this Reh. / Demo helped to manifest my opinion that CEREKLOTH are one of the most promising newcomers I heard lately. This tape made me curious how the next official release will sound like. The included 4 songs will be re-recorded for their debut album around fall 2009 as the band writes. In the meantime I can only advice all of you to check out their 7” EP “Pandemonium Prayers” through Blood Harvest Records or wait for the MCD with the same name (same songs as on the 7” EP plus the bonus track 'Shattered Hourglass') to be released hopefully this month (June 2009) through Hell’s Headbangers. Hell’s Headbangers will also take care of their debut album. So watch out and check www.myspace.com/cerekloth for news and updates.

Thomas Ehrmann

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CEREMONIAL EXECUTION
Black God Rising (7" EP)
(Blood Harvest Records) 

Another 3-song seven inch from the great Swedish label Blood Harvest Records. It’s hard to believe how many great bands they are picking up recently and CEREMONIAL EXECUTION is by no means an exception. The band was formed back in 2001 and already released a split 7”EP, a demo and planned to release the recording “Death Shall Set Us Free” as their debut CD on some label, but as they got problems with the record-company they decided to make it available as free download on their homepage www.ceremonialexecution.com. Their newest release is this 7”EP called “Black God Rising” offering Death Metal mixing American Death Metal with the good old Swedish one. The 3 songs here are not the usual standard sound you could be expecting and especially the third song 'The Autopsy Of My Dying Bride' stands out with its great melodic ending and its overall sound a little bit in the vein of old AUTOPSY back at their “Mental Funeral” - days. I can only tell you if you are a fan of the mentioned music style and love to run each 5 minutes to the turntable you need to buy this cool 7”EP. It’s available for 7$ (usual price) at www.bloodharvest.se!

Thomas Ehrmann

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CEREMONY
The Days Before The Death (MCD)
(Hammerheart Records)
14:05min

Even though I very much support the idea of letting fans of Steve Tucker (now fronting MORBID ANGEL) and Pat O’Brian (who replaced Rob Barrett on six strings in CANNIBAL CORPSE) hear the material that both of them recorded way back in 1992 (while they were still in CEREMONY), one problem unfortunately remains: the price of this mini CD. Due to the fact that there’s only three songs and a forty-four seconds short instrumental on this release, you not necessarily get value for money here. Apart from that, and considering that "The Days Before The Death" is "just" a re-release of the band’s one and only demo, the quality of this release is highly impressive! Musically CEREMONY delivered a somehow Thrash influenced form of Death Metal, that still knows to impress nowadays and partly reminds me on newer (but a little less technical) DEATH. Their incredible guitar work and great harmonies were the perfect counterpoint to Tucker’s deeply growled Death Metal vocals and will certainly raise a few eyebrows among those of you, who weren’t familiar with the band before. CEREMONY was quite obviously deeply rooted in the American Death Metal underground, but far away from being just another straight and primitive, low-tuned, dog-barking four-piece. Too bad they never made it any further as this showed a lot of potential already. All hail goes out to our good buddy Darragh O' Leary, who's idea made it all happen! 

Frank Stöver

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CHAOSBREED
Brutal
(Century Media)
40:32min

Here it is... it was about the time. As for starters, it needs to be said that one of the latest sensations to the Finnish Metal scene – and especially for the Death Metal scene, is CHAOSBREED without a slightest doubt. As everybody of you already knows, the band has already been named and even hailed as a 'Death Metal super group' only because the band line-up features guys from AMORPHIS, MOONSORROW, ex-AMORPHIS, ex-SENTENCED, etc. And here's finally the band's very eagerly waited debut full-length death roller titled “Brutal”, being inspected by my damn curious ears. And a logical question is, can these guys live up by the title of their debut then? I guess each and everyone of you is expecting “Brutal” to be 'brutal' in every sense of the word, too? Well, CHAOSBREED is heavily based very heavy, downtuned, muscular and crispy riffs of ENTOMBED's early days on “Brutal” (especially the “Left Hand Path” -era!) with hints from such Death Metal cult acts as CARNAGE and AUTOPSY as well, so if that's your understanding for the meaning of the word 'brutal', then I guess you have been welcomed on the board by these relentless chaos breeders 'coz that's exactly what you are going to get: oldschool Death Metal straight from the golden era of the 90s style where ENTOMBED, CARNAGE and AUTOPSY earned their respect amongst Metalheads simply because of releasing some of the finest Death Metal albums of all time. Finland's CHAOSBREED has well adopted a good bunch of very familiar elements from the note books of those three aforementioned Death Metal godz, kind of shamelessly re-constructed, re-arranged, re-flamed and quite damn honestly plagiarized the old 'hot, spicy & tasty' sounds of irresistible, the most tasteful and captivating oldschool Death Metal on “Brutal”. For example such songs like 'Wretched Life', 'Casket Ride', 'Mora-lized' (alright guys, I can see the irony behind this title...) and 'Symptoms Of The Flesh' are basically pure NIHILIST / ENTOMBED worshipping from the beginning to the end more than anything else really, relying mostly on downtuned and heavily rollin' guitar riffs that made “Left Hand Path” and “Clandestine” such masterpieces of their own time whereas songs like 'Demon Skunk' and 'An Evil Eye' remind me of the times of AUTOPSY's “Mental Funeral” – era in a very peculiar way due to some very slow and doomy Death Metal parts in both of them. And I know that you surely cannot resist any AUTOPSY – stuff if you have ever got to hear their albums and become sort of a fan of them as well. I surely know I have and therefore it's somewhat difficult – even nearly impossible to say a bad word about the songs on “Brutal”. This is as great stuff as it gets; you are able to hear from everything where all the 5 individuals in CHAOSBREED come from as far these old-school Death Metal wankers' musical backgrounds are concerned. Both AMORPHIS and SENTENCED had their Death Metal days, too – remember? Jarva has also managed to sound a bit like both L.G. Petrov and Chris Reifert occasionally here and there in the songs and when even Uffe and Jörgen from Entombed have both played a couple of 'cool things' for “Brutal”, one could very easily claim that CHAOSBREED has already proved to be an incredibly well-calculated 'Death Metal super group' (or whatever!). And if you have ever wondered how a SLAYER song called 'South Of Heaven' might sound like if there existed a Death Metal version out of it, then (almost) a correct answer can be found from a song called 'Faces Of Death'. If that ain't a rip-off version from that SLAYER classic, then you tell me what is! Long live and reign irony... ha! And now when we are at it, speaking of irony kinds of things a bit more, a punkish version of a REPULSION-alike song 'Shitgrinder' should prove something about these fellows' both dedication and sort of a 'we-don't-give-a-shit' attitude inside the hierarchy of the band when nothing is sacred for them and everything is kind of made to be sonically 'raped' in a rough treatment of these chaps. Whatever CHAOSBREED touches, turns to brutally marvelous. Now when everything has been said and done basically regarding to everything written and spitted full-heartedly out above, I have a few reasons to believe that after “Brutal” will be quite a successor amongst Death Metal community on the globe during some certain period of time. CHAOSBREED brings back the adored oldschool 'magick & mayhem' Death Metal - thing on “Brutal” for brutal, heavy and classic sounds of the 90s Death Metal, so let's all enjoy and stick to it as long as it lasts. An instant classic Death Metal release has been born, most probably...

Luxi Lahtinen

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CHAOSFEAR
One Step Behind Anger
(Corrosive Music)
41:01min

Founded under the name of SICK MIND in 1999 by Danilo de Freitas and the brothers Fernando and Eduardo Boccomino, these Brazilian Thrashers made quite a straight way in spite of the obvious change in the name and the leaving of Eduardo (who was replaced by Anderson de França). Now they come up with their first official long player. A highly enjoyable one, by the way. Reminds me quite a bit of SEPULTURA before they became “tribal”. Each and every of these 8 tracks kicks ass with a more than satisfying amount of energy and quite some memorable songwriting. My favorite song is 'Denied Rights' with its creepy guitar sounds – great “atmosfear”! The production lacks some power but doesn't spoil the fun this record provides. So check out their website for infos and music! www.chaosfear.com

Ramon Claassen

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CHAOS LEGIONS
Hanging
(self-financed)
42:00min

When I think of French Death / Thrash Metal I always have MASSACRA in my mind. I wouldn’t call myself an expert in the French Metal scene, but MASSACRA were probably the most outstanding and especially most successful one. In a way French Metal bands never got that much recognition outside of their country. I’m afraid to tell that this won’t change with this release. CHAOS LEGIONS are a Thrash Metal band with hints of Death Metal especially considering the vocals, and up to this recording without an own identity. OK, you can’t expect an own identity on the first release and I don’t complain here at all, the music itself is powerful, well structured and with cool breaks and riffs and the whole mixture sounds for me a little bit comparable to the German Thrashers of DEW-SCENTED without reaching their intensity. And that’s basically the biggest problem: the lack of intensity. Thrash Metal needs to sound like a punch in your face, with razor-sharp guitars and straightforward drumming. Everything is here a little bit but simply not much enough. I have a good feeling that CHAOS LEGIONS kick ass live and I can confirm that they are a very promising band to watch out for. I think this first CD was a little bit too early, nevertheless if the guys keep on working hard on their upcoming material I’m sure the next review will be filled with glorifications. And too be honest, MASSACRA were everything else than convincing on “Final Holocaust” and CHAOS LEGIONS are already more skilled than MASSACRA back then. For those who are looking out for an interesting yet not full-grown Thrash Metal act should take the time to check out their myspace-site at www.myspace.com/chaoslegionsband and listen to the sound samples offered there and make your own picture.

Thomas Ehrmann

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CHAOTIC AEON
Demo 2009
(self-financed)
24:44min

I can remember times when each 2nd band, especially from Poland, was sounding like a MORBID ANGEL double and still was afraid to confess that. Time’s changing, and so we have CHAOTIC AEON from China (believe it or not, my first Death Metal experience with a Chinese band. Actually it is my first Metal experience with a Chinese band if I remember correct) which say in their biography that “they are heavily influenced by those Death Metal masters such as MORBID ANGEL, INCANTATION, IMMOLATION… They are also inspired by H. P. Lovecraft”. Oookeyyyy, as I said, times are changing and these 2 guys who handle the business in CHAOTIC AEON fuckin’ rock. CHAOTIC AEON’s demo 2009 is definitely heavily influenced especially by MORBID ANGEL, let’s say MORBID ANGEL after “Domination” as they don’t cover the atmospheric stuff from their earlier releases and more the high technical stuff from the newer releases. Even the cover and the layout of the CD has a huge MORBID ANGEL - vibe. Besides the musical capabilities which are awesome I would like to mention that the vocals are the weakest point here, but together with the great technical guitar work and a fantastic heavy and clear, simply perfect production it doesn’t bother me at all. Honestly spoken, you don’t hear such a high quality production on a simple demo tape. I have to add that they use a drum machine on this demo but if you don’t know it you wouldn’t figure it out. With CHAOTIC AEON China put a huge flag on my Death Metal world map. I’m impressed here and can only advice all of you Death Metal maniacs to check ‘em out on their myspace page www.myspace.com/chaoticaeon or even better buy this cool, well-produced and professionally layouted demo CD with 6 songs of Death Metal in highest quality. I’m not sure if CHAOTIC AEON got some kind of “exotic bonus” in my mind because they are from China, or if they are really as impressive as I think right now. Available either from the band through the mentioned myspace page or via email at chaoticaeon@gmail.com or through Pest Productions (www.pest666.com, email: pest.pro@hotmail.com, www.myspace.com/pest666pro).

Thomas Ehrmann

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CHARON
Banished 7"
(Sepulchral Voice Records)
11:49min

Even though this German act has been around since 1997 already, I never really heard of them until I received this three track 7" EP on the newly founded Sepulchral Voice label... According to their info sheet they only released two demos prior to this but obviously gained a lot of experiences through playing out live very often, as the quality of the songs is really impressive. I personally don't really think that the band's name was the most clever choice as it lacks the raw attitude of their musical approach a bit too much... but at least their logo and artwork makes up for it (which is in the typical underground style). What you get here are two own songs ('Banished' and 'Banner Of Anguish') as well as a cover of PROTECTOR's 'Mortuary Nightmare' (from the band's highly underrated 1991 "A Shedding Of Skin" album), all of them performed in a very raw, yet totally intense manner. The label describes them like this: "CHARON play in the aggressive and rather technical vein of bands such as DEATH, PESTILENCE, MORBID ANGEL, DEICIDE etc. combined with dark atmosphereic leads from Black Metal influences and mid-pitched vokills." Hmm... I don't really think that fits them too well. There's the overall rawness (inkl. the vocal style) of classic ORDER FROM CHAOS to be found, combined with the riff intensity of early SLAYER and a kinda Black Metal-ish aggression... a combination which they also used for the PROTECTOR tune, which - in that respect - almost sounds like one of their own compositions. Don't get me wrong here, the songs never sound sloppy or anything (not at all!), but they are by no means compareable to those rather technical Death Metal masters either. CHARON's material is far more underground and to the point. And therefore I really like it A LOT! It seems Sepulchral Voice isn't selling single copies of the EP (only to distros and mailorder), but you still might ask them where you can order a copy at: sepulchralvoice@web.de

Frank Stöver

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THE CHASM
Reaching The Veil Of Death (MCD)
(Lux Inframundis Productions)
24:28min

Somehow I expected a lot from this Chicago band (it features an ex-CENOTAPH (Mexico) member who moved to Chicago) from the moment I saw one of ‘em wearing an OZ t-shirt (well it may sound weird to some of you but when somebody wears such an unusual thing then it may mean that actually the guy knows what catchy, yet strong Metal was and can influence his songwriting - at least that’s how I see it)! After the usual intro this four piece open the hostilities with the title track in a slow, strong, intense and menacing manner but within a minute speed made its way onto the tune and as a result 'Reach…' turns out to be a rather enjoyable Death Metal tune, nothing original or truly killer, just okay stuff. Unfortunately things don’t remain as enjoyable with 'The Gravefields' (a boring deathly tune where the riffing sounds more happy than anything else with the type of Black Metal vomiting vocals that I hate), 'This Spiritual Profanity' (a better tune musicwise featuring some okay riffing but ruined (at least for me) by those blackish vocals. Man, why don’t they try to sing like early Araya or Angel Ripper? 'Embrace My Funeral' is a 1:24min boring intro and fortunately 'Cut Throat' ends this in an much better manner, a mid paced number which reminds me a lot of very early MASTER but without the sheer brilliance. Nothing to go wild about, not worse or better than 99% of the stuff around. At least I’ve learnt not to judge something from a shirt point of view! Contact: chasmcult@juno.com, website: www.enterthedeathcult.com

Laurent Ramadier

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THE CHASM
Conjuration Of The Spectral Empire
(Lux Inframundis Productions / Witches Brew)
56:33min

You definitely need quite a lot of self-confidence to start an album with a five and a half minutes long instrumental track... And in order to really succeed on such a mission, you furthermore not only got to have the technical skills, but also a good sense for exciting and strong songwriting. Chicago's THE CHASM are long enough around to fullfill both these requirements, and more. 'Deathcult Arrival', the opener in question here, couldn't have been a better choice to kick off their newest full length "Conjuration Of The Spectral Empire" as it constantly increases its energy level, pretty much in the same way as SLAYER's legendary 'Hell Awaits' opening, without sounding like it. What a cool song to start with! Next up is 'The Conjuration', which comes up with guitar pieces that heavily remind me on classic (pre-album) THORNS material, while 'Dark Cloud' has got an old DISSECTION vibe to it - just more brutal in the vocal department and with additional quotes from classic 80s Thrash. What I really appreciate about these guys is the fact that they don't try to be the fastest, most brutal or most evil band on this goddamn planet. They just write their material straight from the heart and therefore its got a lot more balls and is certainly way more Metal than a lot of the stuff that currently gets released within this genre. There's certain songs that are pretty long ('Brand The Mournful Liberation', 'Travelling Through Chaos' or 'Procession To The Infraworld') and they feature a lot of moody, atmospheric parts, but not courtesy of a cheap keyboard (there's just guitars, drums and bass on this album!), but simply through their great varied songwriting! 'A Soulstorm Bleeds Over The Horizon' certainly needs another special mention in that department here, as its ending (which directly leads into the album closer and second instrumental, 'Procession To The Infraworld') even reminds me on MAIDEN during their "Powerslave" period (remember the middle part of 'Rime Of The Ancient Mariner'?). All in all THE CHASM have managed to create a great, really unique mixture of oldschool heavy Thrash, Death and Black Metal. Great band, great material and an overall very cool packaging, even with a video track as a bonus... Too bad that the industry hasn't noticed this little gem yet, so that the band constantly has to struggle, while releasing their material on rather obscure underground labels. For further info check out www.enterthedeathcult.com or the in-depth interview with vocalist / guitarist Daniel Corchado somewhere else on our website.  

Frank Stöver

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THE CHASM
The Spell Of Retribution
(Wicked World / Earache Records)
66:13min

THE CHASM luckily never really gave a shit about being the "next big thing" and are the living proof that there actually IS a possibility to still create a unique style within the boundaries of extreme Metal! Their newest album "The Spell Of Retribution" (their first for the Earache subdivision Wicked World) is another very fine example of that and therfore really deserves your attention! Just like on their previous full length ("Conjuration Of The Spectral Empire") they kick things off with an instrumental track… and in that department 'From The Curse A Scourge' has become one of the best compositions in extreme Metal for quite a while! The song is blessed with a great powerful, razorsharp METAL riffing in the good old SLAYER tradition, an extremely cool leading melodyline (which somehow has this vintage DEATH ANGEL 'Ultra-Violence' feel to it) on top of it and gets delivered with a very apocalyptic overall feel to it! No matter if you agree here or not – fact is, this opener easily graps your attention and sets you in the right mood for the remaining songs on the record! 'The Omnipotent Codex' is another example of the band's godly raw oldschool Death / Thrash Metal, combining vintage KREATOR with a SLAYER / POSSESSED kinda feel, yet maintaining the typical THE CHASM trademarks. Awesome and totally crushing riffing in the middle section here! The rather midpaced 'The Eclipse: Monument To The Empire' is a 9 ½  minutes roller coaster ride within the unique boundaries of THE CHASM's own musical world of mystical Death / Thrash. The song is seperated in three chapters, with lots of twists and turns in terms of the song's feeling, very well arranged though and with their very own, unmistakeable atmosphere to it. That's actually what THE CHASM seperates the most from the rest of all the oldschool Death / Thrashers: they focus on very long, epic songs and a very complex songwriting style, which despite its brilliance, sometimes could need a little catchier approach here and there. Just like in 'The Fortress' for example, which is a very fine, speedy crusher in the best early POSSESSED manner! Don't get me wrong here - I really enjoy everything they come up with, but you're not always necessarily in the right mood to listen to all those little bits and pieces that get incorporated into their monuments of Death. So, a couple of shorter and more straight to the point tracks certainly would help to keep up the listener's attention next time! Apart from that, this is obviously another essential release that you shouldn't miss out on! Release date: November 08, 2004. All further info you may get at the band's official website www.enterthedeathcult.com.

Frank Stöver

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THE CHASM
Farseeing The Paranormal Abysm
(Lux Inframundis)
62:20min

Fate. There it is for all of us. Whether it is something pre destined for, or something that we are in full control of it, it is unclear… unknown. But it reaches all of us in due time. And might have been our destiny carved in stone, in fire… or by the thunder. Few are the ones that rebel against fate. Few are the ones that have a mission on sight and no matter neither what obstacles they have to pass nor the price they may pay, enter this realm of rebelling against fate. Enter the deathcult… enter the abyss… face THE CHASM (what kind of stuff have you been smoking lately, Julian? ;-) – Frank). This last piece of total Metal of Death as they proudly state, sees the band being left alone again, after Wicked World, the Earache imprint that released “The Spell Of Retribution” retired form the market and in a rather unwise decision Earache left this band to float free… something not new to the band, and of course something that was in no way going to stop them… as a matter of fact, I tend to think every time the band passes through these stages that might discourage even those or iron will, they simply became stronger. Their style of Metal is unadultered and remains loyal to what they have been playing since their “From The Lost Years…” For if you were never wise enough to check this band before and need a description of their sound, this Mexican born band, now based in Chicago, melts together in their style the metallic touch of what early SLAYER did, what DISSECTION created and tinged with epic-era BATHORY touches to have a sound of their own. This description is just a vague comparison of the sound of the band, as they are known to be riff masters with more than a nod that evokes progressive music, but all rooted in the deepest and darkest realms of Death Metal. Melody is no stranger to THE CHASM, yet it is managed in such a sorrowful way, that it oozes through their creations as the primordial life force. Also, it cannot be denied the fact that through all these years maintaining the main core of the band, the individuals have reached a far superior degree of performance in their instruments. The production is just perfect for what this style requires, with powerful guitars and a great rhythmic section sound. Vocally I find subtle changes in here. Daniel’s vocals sound here lower than the more screamy works of the past. I also tend to find a bit less vocals in this new opus, with more emphasis in the very strong rhythm section as showcased in 'Callous Spectre/Vehement Opposition'. The tempo of the band is usually towards the faster spectrum of sounds, but the band is not stranger to play in a crushing mid-tempo which in this album happens more than in their other recordings. There are few bands that you can actually tell that a song belongs to them. Well, this is the case of THE CHASM as they have managed to create a very personal sound and a particular style or arranging and composing. Making reverence to their name, more than once while listening to this album one can feel the void… like falling… being trapped into this vortex of dark pure energy. Once again, the song titles as the album name, will give you an idea of what the lyrics deal with, in a mystic tale of bravery and battles… the artwork itself continues the tradition of images that have been used by the band, while completing the idea of the album title. More than a few touches of vicious old Black Metal influences shine through songs like 'Structure Of The Séance' while maintaining a definitive Death Metal overall aura with the galloping riffs and dark melodies. Also, noticeable in this new songs are the very powerful bass work, which encompasses the guitars rather than just following them most of the time. Every time you listen to this album, new things can be heard and it totally grabs you for an aural experience that only a band with such a strong career can offer. The final song 'The Mission/Arrival To Hopeless Shores (Calling The Paranormal Abysm)' is a really asphyxiating and possesses an unmistakable depressive aura to it, yet again created in such a way, that it ends sounding like a funeral march. Not copying yourself while not betraying your style is something few bands are capable of. THE CHASM is one of the few ones able to do so.  And also one of the very few bands that you can buy blind without doubting it will no disappoint. www.enterthedeathcult.com, www.myspace.com/enterthedeathcult, www.luxinframundis.com

Julián Núñez

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CHTHONIAN
Of Beatings And The Silence In Between
(Woodcut Records)
27:21min

Being formed in 1998, the band went more or less comatose, like they wrote on their homepage. After a break for seven years, where the members played in different acts, they got together again and recorded a demo, published in 2006 that directly led to a record contract and now we have the result of the cooperation with Woodcut Records. For those who are interested, the vocalist and bassist M. Lillmans is also active in FINNTROLL since January 2006, a fact that is currently repeated when I googled some facts about the band. But I guess it is just for promotion reasons, maybe the label is trying to make some FINNTROLL fans buy this album. But CHTHONIAN are not a side-project of FINNTROLL, they existed before and M.Lillmans joined FINNTROLL after he already recorded a demo with CHTHONIA. But enough of such facts, lets take a look to something which is more important than who is playing where - the music. The eight songs on "Of Beatings And The Silence Between" are a brutal combination between Death and modern Thrash Metal. Well, many bands have tried such a combination, but just a few did manage to let not lose sight of the music. CHTHONIAN manage to write brutal songs, where you can spot different influences, but it still sound very homogenous. Death Metal growls, alternating Thrash and Death Metal riffs, the typical modern, Hardcore influenced breaks, then again fast drumming, but also those well known mid-paced double bass parts, a very nice combination. Really a good debut, I wonder where CHTHONIAN could be if they did not went comatose for seven years. Last info: the CD contains a professional made video-clip for the song 'Thirteen'. www.chthonian.info

Mirco Szymyslik

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CHTON
Chtonian Lifecode
(Retribute Records)
42:46min

It's always a pleasure to see that Norway's underground has always something more to offer than just your standard Black / Viking or Gothic Metal band. This time it pukes out a dark brutal Death Metal squad called CHTON (pronounced K-Ton) which saw its dark light of day in the beginning of the new millenium. This horde might not be unknown to some of our Voices readers as we featured this five piece already on our site (see interview section for details) and one member is also a part of the wellknown act MANES. "Chtonian Lifecode" is the debut album after having released a split tape (their 2 track promo 2002 reissued) together with Polish Death Metal outfit SUPREME LORD in 2003 and a rehearsal entitled "First Blood" (2002). After the disc had made some rotations in my CD player it left me back first with some mixed feelings. They try to find a blend between oldschool Death Metal and the precision led extremity of today's Death Metal. The keyword for the band seems to be variation as they try to combine a lot of elements in their songs. Nothing wrong with that but I really had a very hard time to get into the stuff in the beginning as some parts are a bit cumbrous. For example the opener 'Invitation To Hell' starts with an uptempo part, changing into a twisted guitar rhythm and this made the listening to the whole thing a bit stressful. On the other hand you have some stronger songs here like 'Book Of Black Earth', 'Unholy Communion' or 'Chtonian Lifecode' where the band delivers some excellent oldschool riffs and quite well executed songs (reminding me sometimes on Morbid Angel - just as hint). Of course these 5 nordmen are excellent and competent musicians but they should not try by hook or by crook to sound technical (less is sometimes more)... just let the metal hammer rule. I do also think that their strength is in the slower / midtempo section. A positive aspect is the raw, unpolished but good production of the album which was recorded at Godt Selskap studios and supports the intented sinister / dark atmosphere. Also vocalist Terje does a good job. His raw vocal performance fits perfectly to the dark alloy of Death Metal. Summary: "Chtonian Lifecode" is a good start for a debut album (even I can not listen to it everyday). But they have to provide more ass kicking songs in the future and gather all their strengths (maybe a MCD had been better?). As I said before this band has talent and potential but they are just one of thousands at the moment on an overcrowded market and it will become hard to earn a piece of the Metal cake. I just can recommend you to have a listen and make up your own mind. So its up to our listeners. Contact: Retribute Records at www.retributerecords.com or the band at www.chton.com.

Michael Oelschlegel

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CHURCH BIZARRE
Sinister Glorification
(Hells Headbangers)
44:55min

As I listen to this latest from Hells Headbangers, I can’t help but think they have better in their roster, and of whom need more publicity and support than these five Danes. Of whom I have recently been told split up?! Is that right? Wasn’t this the case with one of the last CDs that I reviewed from HHB Records, they were also Danes…Wasn’t it VICTIMIZER? I’ll be damned if I am wrong. It was VICTIMIZER! What is really going on or going rotten in Denmark?! Do you all just form bands, fuck around, record some shit, and then disband on a whim?! I don’t get it, you would think the Danes, what with their history of Metal bands like MERCYFUL FATE / KING DIAMOND (even though King Billy did move to the States ages ago… as did Mikkey Dee…) would have at least some wherewithal to stick around awhile and make a name for themselves. I mean there is nothing “cult” about not having anyone, except a fortunate label owner capable or fast enough to follow your band’s footsteps to advance you recording fees prior to you all deciding to call it a day and pulling the pin. Ultimately disappearing into the same smoke filled void that you crawled out of. In fact it’s fucking lame to be wholly honest. Anyhow – onto the music…What is presented here on this ten song debut is nothing spectacular, nothing lavish, nothing memorable, nothing your gonna search high and low for in 10 years time or even twenty. The CHURCH BIZARRE is just standard, run of the mill, archaic Black Metal. Written and delivered by 5 lost souls who fail in every attempt to convert me and convince this writer that they are in fact a force to be remembered or reckoned with. Sadly it has taken me this entire record’s worth to sit here and tell you this, and that the only venerable worth mentioning about this CD are the actual song titles! As they are without question truly the only highlight here. ‘Votaries Of Below’, ‘Into The Dark (Where Witches Burn)’, ‘Redeemer And The Scythe’, ‘The Mighty Sword Of Cain’, ‘Inscribed In The Black Book Of Death ‘, ‘Prophet Of Disease’ and ‘Foaming Mouth Of Mankind’s Tomb’. Those are some cool titles, right? And wasted on half hearted, shitty Black Metal. Is there anything more annoying?! Contact: www.churchbizarre.dk or www.myspace.com/churchbizarre or www.hellsheadbangers.com

Wes Rhodes

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CIANIDE
Divide and Conquer
(Merciless Records)
37:47min

It's actually the first time that I got to hear a full length of America's CIANIDE, although they're already around for quite a while. "Divide And Conquer" offers ten very simple, straight forward Death Metal songs, their style often reminds me on old MASTER (just listen to the riffs in 'Death Machine' and MASTER's 'Pay To Die' and you'll get the picture. I even think CIANIDE is hailing from Chicago as well, but I'm not 100% sure (you are absolutely right here, Steven – Ed.). Anyway, I think CIANIDE sound best in midtempo tracks like 'Throne Of Blood' that you can really bang your head to. On the other hand songs like the fast 'One Thousand Ways To Die' or 'Remain In Hell' are rather cool also. "Divide And Conquer" is a very oldschool sounding Death Metal album, very dirty music for dirty and ugly people...

Steven Willems

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CIANIDE
Hell's Rebirth
(From Beyond Productions)
40:28min

If I counted correctly this is Chicago oldschool Death Metal maniacs CIANIDE's fifth album and it marks the debut for Dutch From Beyond Productions. As on all previous releases the band still offers oldschool Death Metal in the true sense of the word: doomy mid-tempo passages in the vein of HELLHAMMER / CELTIC FROST (I would definitely name classic MASTER here as well! - Frank) are combined with straight faster, even blasting passages and traditional growls creating a simple yet driving mixture of late 80s, early 90s inspired deadly Metal. Sure this is a band not wasting time with experiments and they do not belong to these retro - HELLHAMMER - worships that emerged the last couple of years, but perform this style since 1988 without ever straying from this path. It's comparable with NUNSLAUGHTER's development but with the single exception that CIANIDE did more albums and not as many demo and EP releases. But back to "Hell's Rebirth", nine new songs (not to forget the cool cover of the old DEATH classic 'Infernal Death' as a "hidden" track! - Frank), a powerful guitar and drum sound, crushing heaviness en masse, but also vocals that are somewhat drowned in the mix and do not create the same force as the music. Actually that's pretty sad since otherwise this is a pretty good and entertaining album, there are some good riffs, some good songs but the vocals remain one-dimensional, monotonous and simply boring. That's definitely the greatest weakness on "Hell's Rebirth", musically it's cool, but there's this lack of aggression and coarseness in Mike Perun's voice which is increased by the way the vocals are mixed. He has not changed his vocal style, not at all, but they sound powerless and that's quite disappointing in my opinion. I'm always pretty fussy when it comes down to vocals, so don't let this personal criticism keep you from checking out CIANIDE at all, such a persevering band deserves support and give it a try once you come across it or take a listen to the MP3 of 'World Abyss' available at www.cianidemetal.com. The label can be found at www.displeasedrecords.com

Stefan Franke

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CIANIDE
Ashes To Dust (DoCD)
(From Beyond Productions / Displeased Records)
119:19min

Since their origin in 1988 Chicago's CIANIDE has been working with no less than 10 different companies (so far) and released five full length albums ("The Dying Truth", "A Descent Into Hell", "Death, Doom And Destruction", "Divide And Conquer" and "Hell's Rebirth"), five splits (with NUNSLAUGHTER, MACHETAZO and COFFINS as well as being part of "Chicago Metal Hell" and volume 3 of the infamous "Headbangers Against Disco" series), one EP ("The Truth"), a best of ("Dead And Rotting") and a live in the studio album, plus contributions to the "In Memory of CELTIC FROST" and "Tribute To TWISTED SISTER" compilations. So you definitely can't accuse them of being lazy bastards, that's for sure. For all those of you who enjoy the regular album releases as much as I do, here's an additional double-CD-set to complete your collection. "Ashes To Dust" was already released back in 2006 and comprises all official demos that this Chicago based oldschool Death Metallers recorded between 1990 and 1999. In detail this means: "Funeral" (1990), "Second Life" (1991), "Kills" (1993), "Rage War" (1996) and the "Promo 1998" plus four previously unreleased demos (from 1993, 1994 and two from 1999). 28 tracks in total! The whole release showcases the band's musical evolution very well – from a very doomy act (best reflected on disc one), to a way stronger and musically more matured, very cool oldschool Death Metal unity with obvious influences from old CELTIC FROST and MASTER. There's even some elements of Black Metal to be found in the previously unreleased track 'Morbid Restitution', which they recorded during the same session as their debut demo. "Ashes To Dust" was released in a limited edition of 1.000 copies and is already sold out from the label, but you still might be able to find a copy through some mailorder sources here and there. Of course it's not necessarily a "must have" release for a CIANIDE starter (all those of you better check out the regular albums first), but a cool release of historical value nevertheless. For further info check out www.myspace.com/cianidekills, www.displeasedrecords.com

Frank Stöver

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CIMITERO
Lazaret Of The Abyss
(Gentle Exhuming Records)
28:21min

This Italian Metal band is quite new to scene and this (promo) debut "Lazareth Of The Abyss" is their first release (as far as I know). Their bio says they were "pullulating in the underground around 1990", which means each member was involved with other bands that time. If you did your homework well, you might know Frank Well (bass / vocals) from MENTAL FUNGUS, guitarist / vocalist Moonbeam from SEJTANE and IBLIS and Mikk (guitars) from LEGION. The 8 tracks on "Lazaret… " were written and recorded in 2009 / 2010 and their aim is to "spread oldschool Death / Thrash / Black Metal in the dying world". To tell you the truth… the logo and cover of this promo look rather crappy so I was surprised when 'Necropolis' started and got my head moving up and down pretty fast. There is a certain constant groove and quality in how the songs are written, that it's plain to hear were dealing with experienced musicians. The music is comparable with a ASPHYX, old INCUBATOR, maybe slower TORTURER, CADAVER's "In Pains…" but with more melody. I would call it a mix of slower Death and (most of all) Thrash Metal and not only because of the production. Vocal-duty is occasionally dual layered and the only department that definately could be improved. Leads are awesome and the bass plays a more prominent role than usual thanks to the effective production. The snare drum sounds very dry and every hit sounds punishing, pretty cool. "Lazaret Of The Abyss" turned out to be very mature, enjoyable and sincere. A bit more fire (especially in the vocals) wouldn't do any harm, but I guess this will be fixed on their following release. Just listen to 'Ritual Incineration'… cool stuff! Check their talent on www.myspace.com/cimiterium or go to www.mortalfungus.com or www.myspace.com/gentleexhumingrecords for more info. Gentle Exhuming Records is a promotion agency which main goal is to support bands like CIMITERO getting exposure and hopefully get them signed. They're band is looking for a reliable label specialized in oldschool Death / Thrash Metal. Contact frankwells@mortalfungus.com for more details.

Michael Tak

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CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN
Human Harvest
(Displeased Records)
35:20min

The best comment a band like CIRCLE OF DEAD CHILDREN can get is: Sick as fuck with a fucking big exclamation mark! Intense brutal growling and gurgling, aggressive hectic screams and short blasting songs, that make your brain melt in a few minutes. I’m not a fan of stuff like that, but it is fun listening to it and who enjoys DISGORGE (Mex, “Necrholocaust” KILLS!!!) or BRODEQUIN should be extremely happy with this CD. “Human Harvest” is undoubtedly the new top feast for Death / Grinders or Noise freaks, songs like ‘King Cobra Vs Killer Bee’ make your blood boil! Two thumbs up for the great socio-critical lyrics and the cynical and intelligent statement on the back of the CD booklet that vehemently proves that there are at least a few people thinking in “The Imperial Empire Of America”. It’s really time to open your eyes in the US! Contact THE CIRCLE by using the following web address: www.circleofdeadchildren.net Their label’s website can be found here: www.displeasedrecords.com

Stefan Franke

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THE CIRCLE OF ZAPHYAN
Flesh Without Soul (Promo)
(self-financed)
08:37min

Formed in 2002 this highly promising Greek band released only one demo so far in the year of their conception as well as this 2-track promo CD, which despite its rather short length has left an entirely positive impression behind. By melting dark and morbid oldschool Death Metal in the Scandinavian vein (DEMIGOD, GRAVE, EDGE OF SANITY, newer acts like KAAMOS) with some twisted, spacy, luckily not overdone musical and lyrical elements - whose atmospheric effect reminds me a bit of US-cult Deathers NOCTURNUS - this Greek trio (plus the session member (ab)used for this recording) has created a very fascinating formula of Death Metal. Production-wise and regarding the sinister growls, the guitar-playing and drumming the early 90s influence is inevitable and steps on classic paths, but with some spherical yet gloomy keyboard sounds in between (something many Death Metal bands dared to experiment with in the past and (cowardly) fear to do these days), some really wicked clean vocals in the first track, THE CIRCLE OF ZAPHYAN have certainly a few surprising elements to offer. The second track ‘Your Inner Wasteland To Behold’ has also some great, unobtrusive, very moody keys but is overall more conventional than the opener. THE CIRCLE OF ZAPHYAN is a damn good band, fantastically produced and brutality, melodies respectively dismal atmosphere are satisfactorily present to equal parts. Hopefully the band gets the chance to release the already announced full-length soon, because if this one holds up the quality of these two promo tracks I dare saying that there might be a true killer album coming up! Visit the band’s website www.thecircleofzaphyan.com and check out these two tracks, which are both available online under “echoes”. Godly! Hail to Greece!!!

Stefan Franke

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