FOLKEARTH
Father Of Victory
(Stygian Crypt Productions)
51:24min

If somebody still needs a proof that Metal has no limits and can overcome all geographic boundaries here is the perfect example. FOLKEARTH are consisting of 20 musicians from all over the world and with “Father Of Victory” they present their fourth album. The band wasn’t completely unknown to me (thanks to the last Metal Message sampler) but I couldn’t expect such a great release from them. When 20 individuals are trying to realise their musical dream of Pagan Metal the risk is definitely there that you can’t focus on your basic ideas but all members had used the opportunity well and added also something unique to their style. Next to the wellknown elements of Pagan Metal which currently can be found on nearly every Pagan Metal record, FOLKEARTH also invited some real folklore into their music and so you jump from Scotland to East Europe talking about their musical influences. But the band is insisting that a Metal heart needs Metal blood to run at full power so the music is still aggressive and the band is never losing track of  their vision. Even after listening to “Father Of Victory” nearly 2 weeks I can’t get enough of it, the album has so many facets which are worth to explore. Definitely a highlight of the Metal year 2008. www.folkearth.cjb.net, www.stygiancrypt.com

Matthias Auch

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FOLKEARTH
Songs Of Yore
(Stygian Crypt Productions)
44:41min

And here they are again, the multinational Pagan Metal band FOLKEARTH. After their ‘highly’ acclaimed last release “Father Of Victory” they are now concentrating on the pure essence of their songs and recorded some of their songs in acoustic versions. What bands like BORKNAGAR had been cultivation over the years is for sure also an option for this band which is consisting of more than a dozen members from all over the world. I’m maybe the biggest Folklore supporter within the Voices crew and even if some of the presented songs on “Songs Of Yore” had been taken from their last release (which was one of the better releases during 2008) it seem in some way incomplete. What exactly is missing is hard to tell but for a pure acoustic release not all songs can offer this essential fever / passion and very often it seems that the band just re-recorded them without finally preparing the songs for the new setup. FOLKEARTH are still a very interesting project but for “Songs Of Yore” they choose the easiest way and I doubt that this release will find many followers within the Metal scene. www.folkearth.cjb.net, www.stygiancrypt.com

Matthias Auch

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FOLKEARTH
Fatherland
(Stygian Crypt Production)
47:13min

And the quest goes on – the wellknown FOLKEARTH had been very productive within the last months and their sixth release "Fatherland" is the third full release during only one year. I was not completely sure if the multi national band could bring their battle ship back on track after the disappointing acoustic album "Songs Of Yore" but all these concerns had been completely in vain. "Fatherland" is (again) a great release – and much more important it’s a great Metal album full of various Folklore influences. The band had become relatively small with only 11 members from only 7 different countries (during 2004 FOLKEARTH could nearly start an invasion with over thirty full members) but the major trademarks are still there. "Fatherland" is maybe a little more influenced by medieval Folklore than the previous releases but the band has found the perfect middle way between the Metal songs and the Folklore visits to ancient times. Especially songs like 'Guardian Of The Bridge' or 'Terror From The Sea' are offering perfect Pagan Metal with great melodies and I hope that Stygian Crypt can push their promotion machinery to the limit – the FOLKEARTH crew and especially their best release so far deserves a little more attention by the international underground. www.stygiancrypt.com, www.myspace.com/folkearth, www.folkearth.cjb.net

Matthias Auch

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FOLKEARTH
Drakkars In The Mist
(Stygian Crypt Production)
67:46min

Cover artworks should be the gate to the musical word of the specific band and in case of the third FOLKEARTH release it’s the perfect introduction to their mystic Pagan Metal. The whole booklet is like a small gallery full of impressing pictures and really a dedicated piece of art. Coming back to the music it’s for sure the FOLKEARTH album with the widest range of influences. The 30 involved musicians from nearly a dozen countries are definitely the major reason why the 17 songs are raging from calm folklore based hymns to - for FOLKEARTH standards - Metal stricken monsters. “Drakkars In The Mist” has been recorded – if the terminus could really be used for a band situated all over the world – in 2007 and it’s for sure the most suitable release for our die hard readers especially for fans of the old Viking / Pagan Metal days. Parallels to the first NIGHTFALL and EINHERJER releases (before they completely changed their musical direction) can be identified even if the FOLKEARTH style is still in some way unique. As usual there are some songs which are falling under the love / hate category but for example the title track with great “Danish” vocals (MERCYFUL FATE) or ‘De Tause Fjell’are more than just good played Pagan Metal songs. “Drakkars In The Mist” is again a great trip to the ancient heathen temples crossed by the well known and (expected) Pagan melancholy. For more info check out: www.stygiancrypt.com, www.myspace.com/folkearth, www.folkearth.cjb.net

Matthias Auch

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FOLKEARTH
Rulers Of The Sea
(Stygian Crypt Productions)
49:34min

FOLKEARTH are on an endless quest and even if the multi national project has been founded only six years ago is “Rulers Of The Sea” already their seventh full release. But the battle rages on, the sword remains sharp and the 12 band members are still hungry enough to offer the next 50 minutes of pure Pagan steel. Compared to their latest release “Fatherland” there are again more parallels than changes within the FOLKEARTH sound. The amount of musicians has been reduced from release to release – during their peak season the band consisted of 32 people shattered all around the world – but in some way the band has finally found their musical niche right between the almighty MITHOTYN and the more modern Pagan Metal descendants. The band is presenting their best material so far especially when all band members are combining their wide range of influences and songs like 'The Doomed Crusade' or the 'Apollonian Light' are offering an extreme diversity - a factor which was in some way the weak spot of their former releases. What becomes obvious is the intensive work of this band to find the perfect balance between the Metal parts on one and the Pagan instruments on the other side. For about three years I’m regularely enjoying a new FOLKEARTH output and “Rulers Of The Sea” (the album comes again with a fantastic cover artwork by Kris Verwimp) is without doubt the perfect musical choice for all Pagan warriors for the coming summer battle season. For more info check: www.myspace.com/folkearth, www.stygiancrypt.com

Matthias Auch

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FOLKODIA
In A Time Of Legends
(Stygian Crypt Productions)
51:05min

There is an old saying that you can find for one and the same album for each great review at least two bad ones and especially at this modern times the opinions are raging (for nearly every release) from zero to 100 percent. The first official FOLKODIA release has reached the unholy Voices From The Darkside caves quite late – released in early spring 2009 via our Russian Pagan friends Stygian Crypt – and during the last months I’ve read several devastating reviews about "In A Time Of Legends”. But this album isn’t the expected Waterloo for a huge amount of the current FOLKEARTH line-up. The direction of FOLKODIA is very similar to the FOLKEARTH cosmos and I’m nearly sure that nobody would strongly argue if this album had been released under the more common banner. The album is offering a very passionate and Celtic influenced Pagan Metal with a wide range of traditional instruments supported by the very emotional vocals by workaholic Hildr Valkyrie and her male companion Elio D’Alessandro. The band was founded in 2007 and they released their underground demo "Odes From The Past" in 2008. Their official debut comes with the very good KrisVerwimp cover plus a booklet with all lyrics so nobody can advise that the band has not invested all their heart blood into this release. “In A Time Of Legends” is for sure not a true masterpiece due to some songwriting weaknesses – some songs are very similar especially in the middle section of this release – but songs like ‘Glory’s Stainless Victories’ are enough justification to leave your snowbound cabin. www.stygiancrypt.com, www.myspace.com/folkodia

Matthias Auch

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FONOPS
Illumination
(self-financed)
39:08min

These guys from Slovakia have been playing together for a couple of years already. "Illumination" is their first official recording, though. Their aim is to get attention from some label. Let’s see if this works out. I’d describe their style as sort of Black Metal. The opener comes with a rather odd lead theme that gives the impression the band got together only yesterday. But that’s only the theme. It’s annoying at times – depending on the mood you’re in. Most of the time the music corresponds with our listening habits, though. There are typical (melodic) Black Metal parts with a nice punky edge at times. This shows that FONOPS know how to handle their instruments. It’s just that at times one might doubt so (e.g. ‘Pandemonium’). I have come to the conclusion that those moments are just a different (Slovakian?) approach to music. Some other rather strange elements like a melody that reminds me of western tunes (on ‘Hidden Scars’) for example supports the impression that FONOPS just isn’t your everyday Black Metal copycat. It’s just a rather unusual way of progressive (?) Black Metal, so to say. This one is for people into weird-but-not-that-weird sounds. A small label might think this recording suitable indeed. The production is quite strong anyway. So if you’re looking for some exotic stuff that doesn’t ask too much of your imagination and musical knowledge. Contact: Jura: siasiafonopsia@post.sk Mystik: mystik666@orangemail.sk

Ramon Claassen

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FORCE OF EVIL
Black Empire
(Escapimusic Records)
59:36min

While their debut album had been an enjoyable effort but definitively not the totally killer recording one could expect (considering the musicians involved) round two definitively proves that the once talented songwriter team known as Sherman / Denner is kinda washed these days despite all the comments made by Mr. Sherman such as “It’s our heaviest album so far!” etc… No way! There’s a few very enjoyable Power Metal numbers (oh yeah, when I use Power Metal, it’s in the REAL sense of the term which was used back in 1983 to describe acts such as OVERKILL, JAG PANZER… nothing in common with the bands that the term is associated with nowadays!) such as the title track (a moderately fast paced heavy and catchy number), 'Death Comes Crawling' (a slow heavy track which could have sounded way better without Martin Steene miserable vocals), 'Dead In Texas' (a slow menacing number with a cool mid paced chorus) but there’s more totally boring stuff as well, some being totally awful 'Days Of Damien' (check out those awful drum beats!), the miserable semi downtuned numbers 'Disciples Of The King' and 'Beyond The Gates'… well a huge lack of ripping riffs and intensity plagues this recording. And don’t come to me saying that it’s just a matter of tastes, this can just be considered as plain weak for every self respected Metaller! I guess the majestic days of MERCYFUL FATE / ZOSER MEZ are definitively over this time.

Laurent Ramadier

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THE FORESHADOWING
Oionos
(Cyclone Empire)
59:51min

With the release of the second THE FORESHADOWING album our dear friends of Cyclone Empire conquer a completely new territory far away from their Death Metal motherland. This Italian act has been founded in 2005 and some of the band members are also involved in such ultra alternative acts like KLIMT 1918. Think that a lot of colleagues will advise a strong Gothic touch – which is an undeniable fact – but THE FORESHADOWING is offering more otherwise this review would never find its way to the unholy VFTD archives. Can’t say anything about their debut “Days Of Nothing”, released in 2007 via Candlelight Records, but the second output is a release with various layers. Maybe this comparism is not complete accurate but the band is offering a release in the tradition of such Italian acts like RAS ALGETHI with an extreme focus on a strong avantgarde touch. Especially the hypnotic parts with a lot a keyboard ‘assistance’ (just listen to the really great 'Russians' cover version) are supporting this theory. So don’t expect hammer & axe on “Oionos”, the darkness is floating in small portions throughout the one hour playing time. For sure an interesting release far away from the normal ‘softy’ non Metal music and only time can tell if Cyclone Empire can extend their company profile, THE FORESHADOWING have for sure delivered strong material to support this masterplan. More info at: www.theforeshadowing.com, www.cyclone-empire.com

Matthias Auch

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FOREST OF IMPALED
Forward The Spears
(Red Stream Records)
40:46min

After a MCD and the solid debut album “Demonvoid” in 1999 Chicago-based Black / Deathers FOREST OF IMPALED finally manage to deliver their second infernal assault and a progress from the debut is obvious. In terms of production, song writing and musical diversity the band took a big step forward and offers ten tracks of original, skilfully performed blackened Death Metal that has the right amount of heaviness, melody and sheer aggression inevitably for this genre. One thing that speaks particular in favour for FOREST OF IMPALED is that they did not took much influence from the sufficiently copied Scandinavian style, but created their own definition of “Black / Death” incorporating loads of Thrash and Death Metal inspired parts. The vocals consist predominantly of mid-range screams, which are interrupted by some brutal growls here and there. Tempo variations occur in almost every song and keep the whole CD interesting and full of surprising “twist and turns”. FOREST OF IMPALED’s newest effort is well-done, convincing Black / Death that is not too melodic yet not too harsh to be just an underground thing. It definitely tops most of the releases this overflowed genre has seen this year and is a serious alternative to all that middleclass crap that lacks of dark feeling and hatefulness. “Forward The Spears” is not calculated quality MARDUK produces, but individual sounding stuff coming from the heart! Check out songs like the opener, ‘Sons Of Cain’ or ‘Death I Have Become Thee’ and you will get my point... I hope. Visit www.forestofimpaled.com for more info, maybe they even have MP3, I haven’t checked it myself. The label can be found here: www.redstream.org.

Stefan Franke

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FOREST OF SHADOWS
Where Dreams Turn To Dust (MCD)
(Rage Of Achilles / Soulfood)
29:16min

Good ingredients indeed! Doom / Death from Sweden with flutes and violins, extreme and clean vocals... 3 songs, 30 minutes. Hell yeah! Shall I say more? All right, the biggest influence seems to be MY DYING BRIDE, but FOREST OF SHADOWS use more acoustic instruments, like the aforementioned ones. I'm not too happy with the vocals, though: the grunts are okay, but the clean vocals are lacking passion a bit. Still, this CD is highly recommended for each and every Doom / Death fan as, just like the mini CD of their label mates OMNIUM GATHERUM, this one will be sold for the price of a single and I think it's worth it, so what are you waiting for? Oh, of course - the release date: October 28th 2002. Full length out in early 2003. www.forestofshadows.com

Ramon Claassen

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FORGERY
Hellbringer (MCD)
(self-financed)
25:32min

After looking at FORGERY's MySpace page (who have now changed their name to HELLBRINGER, but since the release is under the name FORGERY, that's what I'm going to call them…sorry if it's confusing!), I was amazed that not once did they list SLAYER as their heaviest influence. Hell, I was even more surprised that they hadn't even listed SLAYER as an influence! This debut release from the 3 piece Australian Thrashers (consisting of Luke Bennett on bass / vocals, Tim Sheppard on guitar and Josh Bennett on drums) is clearly influenced by the "Show No Mercy" / "Hell Awaits" era SLAYER - a Tom Araya signature scream is in there! - which is no bad thing! FORGERY's guitar sound is very crunchy, like that of early SLAYER, METALLICA, EXODUS and the other Thrash bands of that glory period and they capture that 80s Tthrash vibe excellently, particularly on tracks such as the title track 'Hellbringer'. FORGERY prove equally adept at slowing things down and have some very cool chugging riffs, as seen in 'The Rapture', that'll have heads banging across seedy clubs all over Australia. The wild, chaotic solo on this track is awesome and is one of the main reasons that 'The Rapture' is my favorite track on the CD, along with the killer KREATOR influenced 'Spawns Of The Void'. FORGERY don't provide much in the way of originality but they capture the energy and vibe of early Thrash perfectly. If you love your Thrash raw and oldschool, then definitely check out this release from FORGERY and get ready to mosh like it's 1984! For more on FORGERY (now HELLBRINGER) check out www.myspace.com/hellbringeraus

Norman McCann

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FOREST STREAM
Tears Of Mortal Solitude
(Elitist / Earache Records)
68:58min

Baaaahhhhh!!! This is crap!!! Imagine the following musical nightmare: an atmospheric Black Metal band decides to mix their gayboardy stuff with some riffs and melodies that might have been stolen from ANATHEMA or MY DYING BRIDE – sounds horrible, huh? To keep it short FOREST STREAM sound like slow DIMMU BORGIR and do not deserve too much attraction. The keyboard parts are so overdone, the short growling parts so lame, the clean vocals sound like DEPECHE MODE only much worse and the guitars drown in a sea of synthesizers. “Tears Of Mortal Solitude” is simply a boring, totally unheavy album, that is an insult on all serious Doom bands. I guess I should have interpreted the word “symphonic” in the label’s info sheet as a warning.

Stefan Franke

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FORGOTTEN REALM
Power And Glory
(Sonic Age Records / Twilight)
56:14min

FORGOTTEN REALM are destined for power and glory are the last words of the record company introduction and honestly speaking my ideas after listening to this record are not completely in line with this statement. The musicians behind this band are well known (for example former MANOWAR drummer Rhino) and especially the guitar front is very tough with great solos but I can’t trace anything essential during the 56 minutes of this release. Think that first of all we are not talking about Power Metal, it’s more a less a pure Heavy Metal release because the aggression level is really low. What makes me feel sick are lyrics like “Don’t drown in sorrow when there's tomorrow” or “No ones giving, you’re not living“ which I would never expect from a band from the US. The much bigger problem is that even if the solos are great nearly every song is following the same scheme, with a solo in the middle of the song plus a catchy refrain. So after surviving nearly an hour of “Power And Glory” with a nice DIO/RAINBOW cover (‘Man On The Silver Mountain’) at the end I can only admit that there had been worst releases than FORGOTTEN REALMS debut but luckily only a few. For all further info check out the following websites: www.myspace.com/theforgottenrealmband, www.sonicagerecords.com

Matthias Auch

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FORGOTTEN TOMB
Songs To Leave
(Selbstmord Services)
47:48min

Amidst all sorts of infernally blasphemous sonic artillery comes the suicidal Black / Doom Metal from Milano, Italy of the one-man project (these days at least) Forgotten Tomb. 'Entombed By Winter' starts off with acoustic guitar picking after which a horribly morbid and slow riff sets in... Pure slow and oppressive blackness spread through the room as Herr Morbid's heavily distorted vocals (à la Burzum's "Filosofem", which is not the only similarity with that particular album) recount of inner bleakness and agony. Sparse keyboard use, various samples and bleak, downcast speech weave a black tapestry of despair. 'Solitude Ways' explores more melodic terrain and the doom influences become more apparent here (old Anathema and Katatonia's "Dance Of December Souls" are sensible points of reference). Vocal torture is the 'regular' scream here, without distortion or other trickery. A tasteful guitar lead forms the bridge to a slightly more 'up-tempo' part of that song (relatively speaking of course) which is a killer piece of doomy Black Metal. I must say that Herr Morbid has done quite a job in giving this CD the appropriate 'large' sound; guitars are very much in the front, combined with sparse soundscapes dispersed through the music gives the record a very 'layered' feel (another similarity to "Filosofem"). Production is thus well-balanced; often this detracts from raw Black Metal but it suits this record well. The third song, 'Steal My Corpse' has lengthy parts of fast-paced Black Metal. Herr Morbid pulls it off well, but it does not really suit the spirit of the music which is, according to the bio, 'a monument of real-life agony and despair'. Perhaps he should put these ideas into his Black Metal side-project Gaszimmer, which is, as the man stresses himself, not a politically-inspired moniker but one sprung from hatred for *all* of humanity. The album ends with two other lengthy pieces of slightly melodic, layered music as we heard on track two. The lyrics to "Songs To Leave" are more depressive, longing for death, exalting the misery of our short and fleshly existence on this earth, thus aptly accompanying the music. To wrap it all up, this album is a varied piece of doomy Black Metal, moving through different terrains ranging from, say old Burzum to old Katatonia but clearly with its own identity. I am glad to hear the same particular mediterranean melodic sense in Forgotten Tomb (the same sense that makes Monumentum, old Varathron and Rotting Christ or Opera IX stand apart from other bands) and thus, this release comes recommended to basically anyone who is charmed by the three words 'Black', 'Doom' and 'Metal'.

Maarten de Jong

(this review originally got published by Vampire Magazine)

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FORGOTTEN TOMB
Love’s Burial Ground
(Adipocere Records)
65:12min

This is already the third full length of this Italian outfit, and their second one for the French label Adipocere Records. Until now, I knew only the band because of the buzz surrounding them within the deepest levels of the underground, so I was eager to hear their music. Well, I am certainly not disappointed! I cannot establish points of comparison with their previous records, so I can’t judge the FORGOTTEN TOMB evolution since their inception in 1999. Let’s say that this horde led by founding member Herr Morbid practice a form of dark and depressive Black Metal mixed with various influences, especially Doom Metal and bleak atmospheric stuff. But don’t think FORGOTTEN TOMB are exclusively interested by slow motion music, even if the overall pacing of the album stays in the slow zone. Herr Morbid’s voice is of the shrieking kind, but not as screeching as the vocals of Wrest and Malefic (from LEVIATHAN and XASTHUR respectively, two bands sharing a lot in common with FORGOTTEN TOMB, especially concept wise). I expected a music far more distressing emotionally than what I found on this disc, let’s say the prominent vibe induce melancholia rather than suicidal urge, for the better I think. Of course, “Love’s Burial Ground” is not an album about the prettiness of life, the band seem to have heavily conceptualized their lyrics (more on that soon on their own website). I would like to especially note the excellent production on this record, expect a crystal clear sound which emphasizes the grandeur of each of the songs (mostly very long ones by the way). Some ambient intermezzos are composed and performed by Nordvargr from MZ 412 (a dark ambient project from Sweden) and add to the doom and gloom of the whole. Sometimes, only the Herr Morbid voice ties the music with proper Black Metal, even if the songs always offer parts which frankly belong to the genre (the beginning of ‘Kill Life’, ‘Forgotten Tomb MMIII’ - pure Black Metal cult this one - and the title track for example). Be forewarned that you will not get an instant replenishing access to the FORGOTTEN TOMB music, because it demands to take time to fully appreciate it, but rest assured these musicians know how to keep the listener’s attention. “Love’s Burial Ground” is an ambitious album which offers a great and varied listening experience. Strongly recommended in my camp. At last something different, unusual, and well executed (call that the Italian touch!) Get info at: www.forgottentomb.com.

Edouard Vergriete

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FORLORN LEGACY
Paths Of Insanity
(Metalsound Records)
58:00min

Just after I was asked to review the debut album of this Croatian band I wondered what I really know about the Croatian Metal scene, and to be honest I kept the silence for some minutes, 58 to be exact, the time that took me to listen this CD, and my expression after it was just: wow! If the other Croatian bands are on the same level of these guys what the hell I’ve been doing all these years... Maybe it’s not the most original I’ve heard in my whole life and I’m not a huge fan of the Gothenburg Metal sound but these guys have arranged something really catchy, interesting with a powerful sound, intense riffs with a melodic edge, performed by skilled guys highly influenced by the late Death / Control Denied, At The Gates and “Heartwork” – era Carcass. I know a lot of you reading this review (by the way, my first one for VOICES) are thinking Forlorn Legacy is another crappy second rate At The Gates clone, and to be honest, I should be thinking the same thing but after putting this disc in my player a couple of times, I’ve started to consider it a very good and entertaining album, not my complete cup of tea, but all in all a very good and recomended debut album. www.forlorn-legacy.com, forlorn_legacy@yahoo.com, www.metalsoundrecords.com

Rodrigo Jiménez

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FOR RUIN
December
(Sentinel Records)
42:57min

This band comes from Cork (Eire) and this is their first full-length. FOR RUIN was at first a one-man band project, but mercifully this developed up to become a proper act with a full line-up. “December” comes out as very good surprise among the legions of bands / projects / solo things that flood the market right now, no thanks to the present Myspace / Youtube / iPod madness. The musical style of the band is rather difficult to pinpoint, or more exactly it is rather difficult to not give a wrong impression while describing it. Let’s say that FOR RUIN play a melodic form of Death Metal not that much estranged from what was the norm in Sweden more than ten years ago, but at the same time these Irish know how to sound fresh and original. Each track is based upon melodic riffs repeated numerous times with variations of rhythm; also the band knows how to start a song with a strong intro, a rare talent for sure. The overall is based around melancholia (but not sadness, no despondency in sight here, fortunately). My major criticism is raised by the production which lack depth, the guitar sound too trebly and acidic for comfort; on the other hand though, the drum parts are very natural, human sounding, a nice change from the cybernetic arrangements and studio tricks current these days. While FOR RUIN are an Irish band, don’t expect folkloric influences you can find in CRUACHAN or on some PRIMORDIAL material. The band is about melodic Death Metal like I said, and they have found their own niche, but sound less convincing while sounding like too much Gothenburg oriented (like on ‘Demon’ where they sound much too close of “Reflections” - era CENTINEX) a trap they should avoid next time to come up with a 100% perfect record. For the moment, FOR RUIN deserve all your attention and is a band to watch closely. www.forruin.com and the now usual myspace link should give you extra bits of info.

Edouard Vergriete

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FOR RUIN
Last Light
(For Ruin Music)
39:48min

Bands who make heavy use of melody are in a precarious position. Either they succeed at winning over scores of fans, or they fail miserably and re-enforce the long held notion that a band with melody is a wimpy band. It seems that only a handful of such adventurous bands, like UNANIMATED at AT THE GATES, received near universal applause for their efforts. For this Irish band, FOR RUIN, their success has yet to be determined, but their latest album is as good an indication as any that they may yet prevail where other bands have failed, and miserably failed at that. Although reasons invariably differ from person to person, the general consensus on heavy melodies is that they detract from the savageness of an album, and direct the songs in a self-pitying direction utterly unsuited for extreme Metal. However, with a scene so awash in miserably untalented copy cat acts, it's easy to forget that Metal and melody are practically bedfellows. A melody doesn't have to be brutal to be beautiful or dark. FOR RUIN have plenty of brutality to spare, but they also allow their songs some breathing space, and rather than make the record wimp out, this practice has resulted in a grand achievement of heavy songwriting. Give them a chance. www.forruin.com, www.myspace.com/forruinband

Nat Shapiro

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FORSAKEN
After The Fall
(I Hate Records)
56:20min

Doom. Doom METAL. Yes, with capital letters. I have been following the career of this band from Malta for very few years…I mean back from their “Requiem” demo in 1991 I received from them…and now, in 2009, I have been exposed to their latest album, actually their fourth one, and I am blown away. This recaptures and recalls the glorious sound and the heaviness of CANDLEMASS with a slight flavor of early SOLITUDE AETERNUS and of course the best HEAVEN AND HELL takes one can imagine (could have said the more known name, but leave it like that). Doom Metal is meant to be played with passion. It is to be played with conviction. And Doom Metal is not meant only to be slow music. NO. Doom Metal is more. Like a tyrant carrying heavy chains, but with such force he seems to be about to be released. Doom Metal is that. And FORSAKEN captures it with such an amazing ease. The heavy, omni-present guitar tone is there. The punishing drums make a perfect team with the encompassing bass. Add to that a charismatic vocalist and the formula for perdition is conjured. So it is the power of this record. It totally surpasses the last CANDLEMASS record, both in terms of musicianship, creativity and heaviness, and let me tell you that I loved that record. The solos are just nothing short of fantastic in the gifted hands of guitar visionaire Sean Vukovic. The band was not only wise enough to create such a monumental album, it does starts spitting perdition with 'Tenebrarum' and keeps the momentum at 'The Lord Sayeth' but they even dare the bastards to rise the fire to immortal proportions with the closer and über-magnificent 'Metatron And The Mibor Mythos'. And yes, I am afraid these fine doomed gentlemen might be drifting towards a Christian view of life. But it is a wicked sort of way of taking religion upon music. It feels more like “The last temptation of Christ” essence that your normal preaching type of Christian band. No, these people of god are angry. The great cover art depicting a somewhat divine old man while watching meteors strike the earth, snakes and skulls included, tells us a lot. They are envisioning perdition and damnation. And instead of trumpets, they cherish the day of judgment with soul-stealing guitar riffs, enchanted vocals and what the meaning of heavy sins are all about. This masterpiece alone makes me want to go back and listen to their other materials, to see how they rank among this vengeance-filled angel of darkened wings monster of an album. For those followers of the dark lord, this oh, so great piece of damnation, no matter which sides proclaims as a king, is of such a bleak vision, that even the demons will agree. The Doom Metal album of the year. And probably one of the best albums released in any genre in the past years. Get it. At any cost. Even that of your soul. www.myspace.com/forsakenmalta, www.forsakenmalta.com, www.ihate.se

Julian “Doomed for Eternity” Nuñez

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THE FORSAKEN
Manifest Of Hate
(Century Media)
47:51min

Another represent of this new breed of Swedeath hate Metal is THE FORSAKEN hailing from the Malmö area! This five-piece (featuring members of EMBRACED and EVERGREY) already attracted my attention with a magnificent three-track demo-CD "Reaper". Two songs of this aforementioned release (namely 'Truth Of God' and 'Deamon Breed') are also available on THE FORSAKEN's stunning debut album "Manifest Of Hate", which abounds with ten tracks of melodic, yet aggressive new school Death Metal in the vein of AT THE GATES, ARCH ENEMY and CARNAL FORGE spiced with a dose of deep and brutal vocals by Anders Sjöholm of OMINOUS. Personally I don't think that THE FORSAKEN come up with something extraordinary or revolutionary, but these guys impress the listeners with their sheer intensity, relentless speed and also musical skills, so there's no need to hesitate in purchasing the "Manifest Of Hate". Additional selling points are a powerful production in Abyss studios by Tommy Tägtgren and a great artwork by Mike Bohatch of EyesOfChaos!

Schenk

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THE FORSAKEN
Arts Of Desolation
(Century Media)
44:24min

I saw THE FORSAKEN opening for NILE and THE HAUNTED in Hamburg and I wasn't really impressed. There wasn't much action on stage (okay, if you know the "MarX": there isn't much space on stage anyway) and the sound wasn't good, either. Consequently, I didn't buy their debut album. Reading a couple of quite enthusiastic reviews and interviews made me decide to review their second album and when I finally pressed play, my first thought was: not bad at all!!! THE FORSAKEN offer an energetic and variable mix of old school Death and Thrash Metal. Check out 'The Hatebreed', great piece of fury the Death Metal way or 'Dethroned' (reminds me a lot of MORBID ANGEL, killer!) and 'Cold Flesh Colony' for the Swedish influences in THE FORSAKEN. The good thing about "Arts Of Desolation" is that the band manages to keep you interested all through the album. I'm not too fond of Ander's vocals, he should try to vary them a little more, but all in all I can recommend this album whole-heartedly! www.theforsaken.net

Ramon Claassen

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FORTERESSE
Métal Noir Québécois
(Sepulchral Productions)
50:17min

After reading the promo-sheet I was quite curious, because the band emphasizes their Canadian heritage, or to be more specific, the tradition of Québéc. So what would it sound like? Something like all those Scandinavian bands with their so-called Viking influences? Or something completely different? Well, the specific Canadian aspect runs out in the lyrics, done in the French language and a few acoustic guitar parts, some kind of folk-inspired music. On the one hand a little strange and definitely not the music I want to hear on a Black Metal release, but otherwise those folk parts are just a few interludes / intros, regarding the whole playing time they are not carrying weight. After disposing this special aspect, we are getting now to the actually core of this album. And that is - admirable Black Metal! Mostly played fast, each song got a quite long running time, where the same riffs and melodies are repeated again and again, interrupted by some short breaks just in time before it is getting boring. The cold atmosphere is underlined by the desperate, screaming vocals, which may be a little too much in the background, the instruments are much louder. But I personally like this kind of sound, since for me vocals are not the most relevant part, at least not in all cases. This first release by FORTERESSE reminded me, above all other influences, of ENSLAVED‘s masterpiece "Vikingligr Veldi“, in particular the cold atmosphere combined with the blurred melodies. Interestingly FORTERESSE wanted to bring an answer to the Scandinavian Black Metal, but if you are subtracting the few folk parts and the French lyrics, you will get exact this - typical Scandinavian Black Metal. So FORTERESSE do not reinvent Black Metal, but with a fine output like "Métal Noir Québécois“ there is no need for doing so. www.myspace.com/forteresse

Mirco Szymyslik

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FORTID
Völuspa Part I – Thor’s Anger
(No Colours Records)
44:30min

If I was rude, I’d call this is a cheap copy of early Black Metal-bands since the ingredients like old ENSLAVED (especially ‘Creations’ is so close to their classic ‘Slaget I Skogen Bortenfor’ that it is hardly bearable), TULUS, later DARKWOODS MY BETROTHED are so obvious that we could turn it down with this sentence. But since albums like the mentioned ones become rare nowadays, there must be something behind it. Honestly, I had very high expectations on this album when I heard that the same guy who is behind CURSE and especially the ultrabrilliant POTENTIAM was also the force behind FORTID. But where the two other bands deliver very original und outstanding music (I still wait for the follower to “Balsyn”!!!!!), this CD is just good music with the originality of a manufactured car: none. We have heard everything that is on this album and the very varying sound (compare especially the end of song four to the beginning of song five) doesn’t make it easier. Besides that there’s nothing to criticize on this album since everything is well-performed, the songs get to the point etc., and if I think about buying this album as LP, it must have a certain something, this “something” however is definitely not originality. http://www.no-colours-records.de

Nhashi

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FORTID
Völuspa Part II: The Arrival Of Fenris
(No Colours Records)
41:41min

Almost everything I had written back when I reviewed the first album of FORTID could be repeated here with the exception that also almost everything has become better, the songs seem to have more flow, the overall sound is better, especially the clean vocals have a tendency towards early POTENTIAM material which I personally prefer, and for all those who liked the first album this is probably a must-have. Yet still, it is the obvious lack of originality, the ingredients one knows from acts like ENSLAVED, KAMPFAR and the like, plus some early Norway keyboard Black Metal, are so omnipresent here, that I still don’t think one should call this essential. In times however, when Pagan or Viking Metal has become a swearword rather than a term for quality music, this is at least no waste of money or time. If you are looking for music like this, this is still a decent choice, and the second part even more than its predecessor. Unfortunately it does not look as if No Colours will give it a vinyl treatment. www.no-colours-records.de

Nhashi

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FORTID
Völuspa Part III: Fall Of The Ages
(Schwarzdorn Production)
44:47min

The latest Schwarzdorn releases had been everything else than essential but with this album the German label is starting more than impressive into the Metal year 2010. It does not take long to realize the extreme potential of this act from Iceland – just listen to the first two tracks and cold, snow covered mountains will automatically appear in front of your inner eye. The Viking Metal era is definitely gone which is no surprise due to the spreading Pagan Metal virus but FORTID are hailing the true old gods of the mid 90s. The band was founded in 2002 as a solo project from Eldur (POTENTIAM, CURSE etc.) and so far the band has released two albums via our dear friends from No Colours Records. Especially the opener 'Ragnarök – Army From The East' is bringing back the glorious times of ENSLAVED and / or WINDIR before both bands ‘disappeared’ to other shores. During the playing time the influences from the best Viking Metal band of all times – without doubt WINDIR - are becoming more obvious, but this time I will definitely not complain. FORTID are still in the position to present their own musical ideas – for example the slightly progressive song 'New Dawn' - and in some way they are the first band in years which deserves to be compared with the outstanding act from Sogndal / Norway. I’m not really a disappointed ENSLAVED fan even if the band anno 2010 sounds more progressive than aggressive but the third FORTID release shows once more that a beast needs sharp teeth to kill its prey. www.myspace.com/fortidofficial, www.schwarzdorn.de

Matthias Auch

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FOSCOR
The Smile Of The Sad Ones
(Temple Of Darkness Records)
51:47min

After the happiness of reading the mail of Fiar, singer of the band, telling me they had already sent me the promo of what would become their second full-length (the first one impressed me quite a lot and put them on my top list of Spanish Black Metal bands), I knew I wouldn't be able to be too much objective with "The Smile Of The Sad Ones", which is the beginning of the cooperation between the band and the young label from Barcelona, which appeared quite strongly because of its excellent releases. But I must say this isn't the kind of album you put into your player and like it right from the first time (as it happened to me with "Entering The Shadow's Village", although it needed some listens too to appreciate it in its whole). Their sound has evolved, although not changed, and you can feel this since the first listen. That low progressive tone which appeared on its predecessor, and reminded me of VED BUENS ENDE, has been transformed in an important characteristic of this recording, and it puts them on the same wave as those Norwegians masters, as well as the first ARCTURUS, or their perfect successors, the Norwegian / English CODE. And I bet these last ones have been a big influence on this four-piece at the time of creating Black Metal. They can't deny the ferocity and rawness and mix it with melody, technique, variety and the beauty of constant variation (which puts them next in line to EMPEROR's dynasty too). I admire how they don't follow any simple and accessible formula nowadays and they rack one's brains to create something which results unique and beautiful, as well as extreme and hateful (which you can achieve with simple formulas too), because here darkness, speed and twisted ideas keep dominating, or, which is the same, Black Metal. And that Black Metal has to be understood with capital letters, because, apart from all the progressive and variating stuff, and still using clear vocals on some passages, and searching beyond, I can still say they have carved deeper into blackness and gone from commercialism. With every new listen you can find new details, and still like that you need a lot of them to appreciate the whole and don't get lost on the way, and I say it because I wasn't too sure of my opinion in the beginning, although liking it clearly. Entering the details, apart from the clear vocals, which appear on some of the tracks, and give them a more agonical touch, the voice of Fiar is rabid and raw, and sometimes nearer to cold cries than to clear and defined choruses, rising up the atmosphere. The guitars, as you can imagine with all that I've said before, are the most varied part of the album, from the usual fast and cold melodies to the dissonant arpeggios, as well as a bass which gives enough substance. And, to round it up, they chose again a not too clear production, with guitars sounding as real sound walls, with shapes of those and melodies on them, and all this added to the vocals, the bass and the drums which, although enough listenable (especially this last one) is just where it has to be on the mix not to break the atmosphere. And the same happens with the vocals, which is more part of the whole, not standing out. I will end as I just started; I can't be objective, I have a weakness for this band, and still with it, I think I'm right speaking about its quality, don't waste your opportunity in listening to this masterpiece, as well as seeing them live; I'm already anxious of seeing them again on stage. www.templeofdarknessrecords.com

Jeroni Sancho

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FOSCOR
Groans To The Guilty
(Temple Of Darkness)
48:27min

I’m not really sure how many Spanish Black Metal bands I know, one of the most professional ones are surely FOSCOR. I’m kinda impressed what I hear on “Groans To The Guilty”. This album is already their third full-length recording and the first one for me. It’s some kind of avantgarde Black Metal what those guys offer, skilled musicians with certain vibes known from VED BUENS ENDE or older KATATONIA if you ask me. KATATONIA was the band they contributed 2 covers to their tribute album “December Songs”. The songs they covered were 'Midwinter Gates' and 'Gateways Of Bereavement' which are not exactly the worst choices of the KATATONIA-catalogue. Taking old KATATONIA as an influence can’t be wrong; to have the heart to take influences from new KATATONIA might be a harder task though. The avant-gardism FOSCOR offer has not that much to do with KATATONIA, more with those few VED BUENS ENDE recordings recorded, nevertheless it’s impressive how the well-structured songs grow with each listen. Even hearing influences from other bands I can’t say that FOSCOR are not original, I think they are on a very good way and “Groans To The Guilty” is a very good recording worth to check out. Go to www.templeofdarknessrecords.com and www.myspace.com/foscor

Thomas Ehrmann

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FOUL STENCH
The Beginning 1993-1996
(AreaDeath Productions)
63:03min

Pinch your nose, the smell of hell wafts from deep below the earth's crust. FOUL STENCH, the appropriately named band in question, got their start in the early 90s, a golden age to all serious Death Metal fans. Like their bigger, hairier brothers PUNGENT STENCH, REPULSION and SKELETAL EARTH, FOUL STENCH played a sort of Grind / Death fusion with such strangely upbeat time signatures, one could almost visualize PRIMUS doing the same if they were so inclined. The guitars are heavily distorted, as is Grindcore's wont, the drums a steady Jazz beat, and the vocals a NAPALM DEATH roar. A recipe for some success, to be sure, but some listeners may find themselves annoyed; for FOUL STENCH do sometimes sound like they're pissing about. The FOUL STENCH sound only got better with time. By the third demo, the guitar tone had grown even heavier and more bristley. The songwriting itself remained relatively unchanged. Hopefully with their return, FOUL STENCH will prove that they too haven't allowed the years to dull their senses. www.myspace.com/foulstench, http://adp.areadeath.net/en

Nat Shapiro

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FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING
Bloodred Tales - Chapter I - The Crimson Season
(self-financed)
22:15min

Pew, I am deeply impressed by these young German hopefuls. I got very curious about this release when I got attracted by their professional printed and layouted flyer and especially when I became aware of their local origin. And the final product totally blew me away! While you read these lines please have always in your mind that this is a self-financed product and most certainly the first recording (?) of them ever. And then compare it with the more wellkown releases of famous bands or labels (in order to appreciate FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING even more). So starting with the layout, it is highly professional and thought out down into every detail (most of the bigger labels better take it as an example). On some parts of it I firstly thought about the art of CABIN FEVER MEDIA / Niklas Sundin (SWE) and I was quite surprised when I discovered that he was not involved in the artwork at all. Instead, the whole artwork, layout and the band's logo has been done by the guitarist Sascha himself. Focusing on the most important matter when it comes to a CD, the music, I can tell you that it is not less professional and impressive as the artwork. You get brutal, harsh and at the same time melodic Death Metal the Swedish way. In some aspects it is comparable to the Gothenburg sound, but do not make the mistake to await some weak or cheesy tunes. The whole thing starts with a short guitar intro that is followed by four explosive compositions and two instumentals. The latter include acoustic guitars and deliver a comfortable atmosphere. FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING certainly know how to handle their instruments. Everything is tightly played and the drums sometimes even push ahead into the fastest regions. The guitars combine razor-sharp riffs and nicely done twin guitar melodies. In case of the title track 'Bloodred Tales' you also get some more old school orientated Swedish Death Metal tunes. Every song structurewise is enriched by various tempo changes and the entire songwriting abilities are far above the average. Something I cannot detect in their songs is a "partial modern" style they quoted on their flyer. I wonder what they meant with it? Especially because of their raw power FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING remind me alot on Swedish gods A CANOROUS QUINTET. And this should be the style FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING are getting closest to. But they are absolutely right by writing "No need for boring comparisions, just FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING" as they are far away from being mere clones. Finally the whole product is in every respect made for lovers of this kinda music: it is far away from being a fast food thing, but a real work of art from start to finish where every detail fits into another like the wellknown pieces of a puzzle. If you adore Swedish Death Metal in the vein of A CANOROUS QUINTET, UNANIMATED, SACRILEGE, this short player is simply a must! Just Buy. Send 8 Euro (Germany), 12 Euro (Europe) and 16 Euro (rest of the world) to FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING, c/o Sascha Ehrich, Seedamm 6, D-64407 Fr.- Crumbach, Germany (all prices include postage). 

Thomas Georg

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FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING
The Everhaunting Past - Chapter IV - A Splendid Retrospection 
(Cyclone Empire)
52:42min

For at least 10 years there is a running contest within the German Death Metal scene of the band with the strongest bounds to the homeland of this style. And for years my dear friends from FLESHCRAWL have hold this “Swedish / German Death Metal“ title undoubtedly in their hands. But time goes by and further bands have also developed a strong fetish for this ultra traditional sound and one of these bands is for sure FRAGMENTS OF UNBECOMING. Their new release via Cyclone Empire – currently the best record label if it comes to pure Death Metal – has for sure the longest album title of this unholy year (BAL SAGOTH luckily didn’t release any album within 2009) but far more important the album offers the full dose for all Sweden fanatics. The album starts with a very calm intro before the guitars are joining the ride and the opener 'Vast' is only one of the following high lights on “Chapter IV”. Especially the guitars giving the release the best moments and maybe Metal Blade will regret their decision to support other bands instead of this German combo. The fourth album is a strong release and everybody who owns one of their two former official releases can buy this album blindly, all others can choose if they support the true Cyclone Empire league of Swedish Death Metal (EVOCATION and DEMONICAL) or the foreigners in form of this German act – quality wise they are operating nearly on the same level. www.fragmentsofunbecoming.com, www.cyclone-empire.com

Matthias Auch

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FREEVIL
Promo 2007
(self-financed)
15:22min
 
From the band’s own bio I borrow…“Risen from the ashes of Thrash Metal act Denata, Tomas Andersson and Roger Blomberg teams up with Mique Flesh (ex - Witchery / Seance) and invokes new musical spirits summoned in hell’s fire. The idea and hunger for a new project soon formed into what now has been unleashed as Freevil. The idea was to create something diverging from their natural influences and create something new and unexpected. Just going with riffs that felt good – not caring to much where on the metal brutality Richter scale they fitted – as long as they ROCKED in the widest but still deepest sense of the word.” Interesting. From this three song CD-R teaser I get a very straight forward, energetic yet melodic, metallic band in FREEVIL. Not too distant from the old Gothenburg melodic Death Metal that was so eagerly pushed upon Metal consumers back in ‘94 - 97 however now taken and fused with more of a modern edge, almost Pop / Rock in a sense and most assuredly manic. Almost mental in this bands overall delivery. Meaning there is no concept of song within these tracks, rather this band seems more Hell bent on writing riff after riff and then offering them all up as some form of audio collage. Couple this with the addition of Black Metal styled vocals courtesy of Mique Flesh (ex - WITCHERY, SÉANCE, SATANIC SLAUGHTER ) and Phanatos’ handy work, the band’s keyboardist, who is unfortunately left up to his own devices more often than not and there you have this act FREEVIL for all that it is worth. Update: from the WNHU 88.7 radio website out of Westhaven, Connecticut, FREEVIL guitarist Tomas Andersson (ex - DENATA) speaks more about this promo and the soon to be debut album “All except the vocals are done now so what remains is nine more tracks to record the song for, mix and mastering! The working name of the album is "Freevil Burning" which I'm quite sure it will be named for real as well! Also Phanatos will add some samples and weird synth into some parts of the recording. Toxine never made it to the rehearsals so he is not in the band but if he can get his ass down to the studio he's welcome to do some guest vocals! The layout and artwork will probably be done by me as well. Right now things are not moving fast and it have taken much longer than we could believe. If I should guess I think we have the final product in our hands within 2-3 months (mastering, design, mix) ready to print. Then it will take a while more before a label pick us up and print the record! But you will have a promo copy as soon it's done that you can spin on the radio!! Hey brother! holy shit we started to do the vocals yesterday and Mique just blew me head away!!!! I said try the microphone for a while and HELLLL! He had a hidden Udo Dirkschneider inside of him that neither he or I knew about! It sounds EXACTLY like Accept so he will take the lead for Freevil and I do all the backing vocals! You will die when you hear it cause it's so fucking good!!!” How can he and 12,811 myspace friends of his be wrong? Contact: www.myspace.com/freevil or www.freevil.se or info@freevil.se

Wes Rhodes

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FRIGHTMARE
Midnight Murder Mania
(Razorback Records)
37:58min

Excellent slashing Gore Grind / Death that blends oldschool influences with modern brutal Death elements offer FRIGHTMARE from the USA. Their debut full-length contains ten diversified, sick and bloodthirsty tunes that mix the groove and morbid feeling of IMPETIGO, PUNGENT STENCH and spice up the traditional influences with a couple of "oink oink" vocals one knows from LIVIDITY or SANATORIUM. Fortunately the early 90’s sound dominates the CD and the contemporary moments make the whole thing just a little bit more varied and original. In terms of production "Midnight Murder Mania" is absolutely first class, too. Noah Campbell of Mammoth Studios did a very good job and created a warm, damn heavy sound I really enjoyed. Check out Gore Death highlights like ‘Thorn In Their Side’, ‘The Prowler’, ‘Black Christmas’ or the bonus track – a cover of THE MISFITS song ‘Devilock’ – and indulge yourself in blasting brutality and ripping groove. FRIGHTMARE are undoubtedly a valuable addition to the bloodpool of Gore Death. Additional information and MP3 can be found at www.razorbackrecords.com.

Stefan Franke

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FROM BEYOND
Thrashin' Machine (MCD)
(Painkiller Records)
20:11min

Oldschool time! This MCD by FROM BEYOND from Belgium offers pure 80s Thrash Metal in the vein of early DESTRUCTION / SODOM / KREATOR, nothing less, nothing more. On four songs (plus an acoustic outro) two former members of the Black Metal band MORIBUND indulge their passion for the good old times. The riffs are competent and fast as hell and the vocals are raw and raspy, but the one thing that scratches the good impression is the drumming which apparently seems to be a drum computer. The inorganic, sterile drum sound slightly damages the oldschool atmosphere. In the 80s this band / project (?) surely would have found their following but nowadays it is questionable whether this release can address a larger audience. But oldschool Thrash Metal lunatics, especially those of the early releases of the aforementioned trinity of German Thrash Metal, should definitely give it a chance.

Christoph Göbel

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THE FROST
...Of The Forests Unknown
(Black Metal.com)
36:39min

This world is a strange place. Although I live in Croatia and listen to extreme music, THE FROST escaped my attention until I found out about them from Frank the Dark One. Apparently the band comes from Zagreb, my birthplace! They have acquired a cult presence here in these parts and, by listening to this record (and looking at their photo on Metal Archives!), that is completely understandable. Their brand Black Metal reminds me mostly of US new school, represented by LEVITAHAN, DRAUGAR and the likes. Especially the vocals which are massively distorted and miasmic and, through this qualities, ideal for producing a narcotic feeling of warmth and underground spirit. The album starts with ritual drumming and then takes off into the stratospheric mayhem raining the clouds of madness. This is heavy music with the rock groove in the riffs and bass. Basically fast and non-melodic, the album nevertheless produces some guitar melodies (also reminiscent of a LEVIATHAN's style - especially the cover of Judas Iscariot) that serve as a fresh rest-stop amid the noise. I had a mood swings concerning the quality of production, but in the end decided it is appropriate. There is a poetry in "...Of The Forests Unknown" and I salute the effort of this band. Next time they should just add a pinch of originality in the mix and I will drink it with true pleasure. Check them out: www.myspace.com/thefrosthorde, www.blackmetal.com

Branko Matijaševic

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FROSTBITTEN KINGDOM
Infidel Angel
(No Sign Of Life)
34:37min

The name of the band almost prepares one for what is to be contained within. An icy piece of melodic Black / Death Metal from Finland. This, being their third album of this four piece band. The awful cover art that goes along is not actually matching what the band is capable of. First, they have a somewhat atmospheric approach, although there is a subtle use of keyboards, they deliver it by using layers of riffs upon riffs, and using a mid-tempo approach to a good extent. Blessed by a heavy guitar tone sound, the band is also using different vocal styles, from the more common high-pitched Black Metal screams to lower, deeper Death Metal grunts. Overall the music has a lot of sense of melody, which is encompassed by very well played guitar solos. And while they also use quite some different forms of speed in their music, they tend to lose a bit of power while going very fast, with the drum rythms sometimes sounding a bit sloopy and loose, not bad played per se, but in my eyes, not choosing the best way to come up with a fast and interesting drum pattern. Some of the material offered in here reminded me to a more evil version of the early CHILDREN OF BODOM albums, with some touches similar to DISSECTION and also some bits that can recall bands like EDGE OF SANITY and NAGLFAR. On 'Infidel Angel' there is a superior guitar solo, which raises the quality of the song alone. Yet, after a few listening there are a bit of details that can be improved. The fast parts, specially the grind-like drumming at times sound a bit forced…the guitars have some thrashy edge that seems that is looking for that thrashy drumming but it never realizes like that, and that could have easily added a lot more power than what the band usually chooses, like 'Under Shadows Of The Sword' where the fantastic riff-o-rama recalls for a homage to a SLAYER kind of drumming (that is even reached at times on the song, proving that they can actually do it right). So, if they decide to show up-front their evil Thrash sound with their atmospheric Death / Black Metal sound, adding to it the great guitar abilities shown, they can come up with a massive monster of an album. As it is, a very good album, but I can sense they can give more. www.myspace.com/frostbittenkingdomofficial, www.nosignoflife.com

Julián Núñez

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FROSTFINSTERNIS
Am Horizont Die Letzen Strahlen
(N.C.C.P.)
35:46min

Loosely translated the title of this CD is "The Last Rays at the Horizon" by the German one-man Stahlgranate FROSTFINSTERNIS (or better understood in the king's English, FROST DARKNESS). Honestly not much is known about this act. No bio-sheet accompanied this disc, nor any real information printed within the black'n' white booklet that actually did make it in to VOICES along with this CD as to just what this band is all about? Whether or not this is a legitimate act or a side project of known musicians? Or the very least: a debut recording by a ravenous Black Metal fan!? As all we have here in this booklet is a rough photo of a corpse-painted grim looking fellow named Wintertod. My money, as you would agree, is on the latter. Of all 9 titles within this outing as they are all written in German, I have to assume the vocals are as well? I say the word assume because the production of this material is absolute crap! The money spent here, or not spent here, however you want to look at it makes the listening and reviewing of this CD as nothing short of excruciating. To say that this recording and the vocals herein are raw and intentionally done this way, besides being an understatement, is just absurdly ignorant. If I was "Wintertod" I would definitely see about getting my money back from the "engineer" who's name is carefully (albeit cleverly) left off this release. And for the potential buying audience who are reading this review let me say your money is not safe either! Your hard earned cash is most assuredly better spent somewhere else! What with the overly simplistic and more often than not, pathetic attempts of same-sounding riffs, holocaust drum beats and random night creep inspired vokills. FROSTFINSTERNIS offers a crude stillborn of BURZUM meets ABRUPTUM. The one statement that flashes in my mind after listening to this CD is the quote from Euronymous - made a year before his death, when he was asked about the great surge of new Black Metal bands in his country and all around the world. He said "We don't need more Black Metal bands, we need more Terrorists!" No truer statement was ever uttered, and in the case of FROSTFINSTERNIS, no truer call to arms was ever heralded! 10 Euro (Germany) / 17 Euro (Europe). Contact: N.C.C.P., Am Zachow 9, 17139 Malchin, Germany

Wes Rhodes

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FROSTHARDR
Makteslos (MCD)
(Momentum Scandinavia)
26:16min

Although such a comparison might seem far-fetched FROSTHARDR's first MCD is in fact close to the mighty SATYRICON. Of course this young Norwegian band has not reached the level of experience and skill of their inspirators yet, but in terms of musical variety, atmosphere and style FROSTHARDR catched a good start and come across like a mixture of "The Shadowthrone" and "Volcano". The first of the three tracks offered here (plus intro and outro) is the most traditional Black Metal song on "Makteslos", offering standard up-tempo and moody, suitable keyboard parts before culminating in a twisted break that would have fit well on SATYRICON's last effort, a grim, dark, diversified and capturing track. The second song 'Death = My Relief' unfortunately shows FROSTHARDR's weaker side, because they do not only surprise with clean vocals, but also add a totally unfitting section of Death Metal growling, ruining the song's interesting beginning and dissipating almost 9 mintues of playing time. The third over 9 minutes long piece of music entitled 'Ravneskrik' makes me smile again and stands totally in the heavily SATYRICON, KVIST inspired tradition of the first song, lots of tempo variation, fascinating dark atmosphere, an excellent closing track compensating the dissapointing second song. Intro and outro are absolutely superfluuous, but two of the three songs FROSTHARDR offer on their debut release let the band's huge potential glimmer like beams of light through encompassing darkness and make me wish for more stuff like this soon. Be sure to check this out!!! The Momentum Scandinavia website is still in the works, so is the FROSTHARDR homepage, but nonetheless I will put the links down here so you can check them from time to time: www.momentumscandinavia.com, www.frosthardr.com

Stefan Franke

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F.U.B.A.R.
Justification Of Criminal Behaviour
(Bones Brigade)
25:09min

Dutch newcomers F.U.B.A.R. deliver violent Grindcore blending classic oldschool influences from bands like NAPALM DEATH, TERRORIZER with crusty heaviness, sludgy groove and a vocal spectrum ranging from ordinary growls over gangshouting to typical Hardcore-style yelling. Especially the latter is certainly a matter of taste and in my opinion this kind of vocals reach "suck-factor 100" in the fourth track 'Chocking?', but you should decide for yourself. Apart from that the band is highly energetic, driving and their delight in playing is definitely audible. The stylistic diversity F.U.B.A.R. have to offer on their first album results in a entertaining, raw and fucked up sounding Grindcore effort, which does not appeal to me that much I have to admit, but undoubtedly has its qualities and a good dose of individuality to offer. So if a musical mixture as the one I described above is something for you, don't hesitate a second and check this album out! www.bonesbrigaderecords.com

Stefan Franke

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FUCK THE FACTS
Stigmata High-Five
(Relapse Records)
33:55min

Do you know any cocktails from Canada? Me neither, although this band sounds like one. The newest Relapse signing has been around since the late 90s and obviously crossed a lot of records in that time, mainly from Death Metal, Grindcore and Hard-and Mathcore. THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, CONVERGE and CEPHALIC CARNAGE were probably the most listened to and the easiest to name when it comes to describing the music of FUCK THE FACTS. In theory this CD contains seven songs but it is more of a collection of different parts: crazy Hardcore riffs meet Death Metal riffs, mosh parts after grind parts, strange sounds after classical banger passages. The female singer is more Hardcore in the CONVERGE vein, the music is more Death and Grind. Oh, did I mention that it is all quite technical? That the sound is clean and powerful? And the cover is somehow unusual? Sounds interesting? So there is only one thing left you would like to hear from me: why should I go for FUCK THE FACTS instead of DILLINGER or CEPHALIC or MISERY INDEX? The answer is simple: you shouldn't! The above mentioned bands ARE crazy, what FUCK THE FACTS veeery much would like to be. But there is a slight lack of intensity, no taste of pioneering the extreme, no real attitude. The music is not bad, hell no. But to me it sounds too calculated uncalculated, created chaos, chaos for chaos sake so to speak. Get my meaning? It simply bores me after some songs (parts). I think this one is more for the younger readers we have, those who think POSSESSED, GRAVE and AUTOPSY is Pop songwriting with heavy guitars. For those, who like the agressiveness and attitude of oldschool Punk and Hardcore but get bored by the three-accord riffs. But the energy all those bands unleashed came from the stomach, not from the head. DILLINGER and CEPHALIC come from the head as well, but they sent it through the stomach put a micro in their ass and enjoyed what came out. FUCK THE FACTS is bureaucracy, well-done bureaucracy, an analysis of extreme Metal, well performed. Nothing less, nothing more. www.fuckthefacts.com, www.relapse.com. Available here.

Tim Klöcker

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FUCK THE FACTS
Disgorge Mexico
(Relapse Records)
43:33min 

This is the newest release from the Canadian trio from Ottawa. Like their last record "Stigmata High-Five" it contains a mixture of all kinds of extreme Metal or let's say - core styles, like Grind-, Metal, Death, Post and Mathcore. The songs toddle between classic Grindcore and Hardcore mosh parts, interrupted by more atmospheric parts and surprises with some melodic highlights. For some people this might be varied and innovative but for me it's too vigorous. I like the classic mosh parts the most, if the whole record would be like them it would be a new highlight, but especially the slower postcore parts, which are influenced by acts like NEUROSIS, are annoying me. Indeed the songs are all very technical. The vocals of the attractive Melanie Mongeon are more Hardcore screaming than Death Metal growling, but she screams like hell even a little bit monotonous. The production is good and fortunately not too clinical but with a little rawness. In the end "Disgorge Mexico" is a hard and stressful piece of extreme Metal and definitely not for the oldschool guys. www.myspace.com/fuckthefacts, www.relapse.com.

Stefan Hagmayer

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FUNEBRARUM
Beneath The Columns Of Abandoned Gods
(Necroharmonic)
30:56min

Do you like it dark, brutal and fucking old school? Yeah, well then get this fantastic MCD by US Deathers FUNEBRARUM who are (as the name might suggests) heavily inspired by the old Finnish Death Metal legends FUNEBRE or DEMIGOD. Beside these Scandinavian influences one can recognize slight doses of sick and sinister American acts like AUTOPSY or INCANTATION in FUNEBRARUM’s cocktail of death. Each of the five relatively long songs (from 5 - 8 minutes) is excellent in itself and varies between aggressive blasting, unholy Doom-parts with short keyboard accents like on DEMIGOD’s debut and typical old school straightness. The vocals are deep yet flexible and especially in the slow passages sound as morbid as DEMIGOD’s original vocalist Esa Linden – great job, Daryl Kahan!!! The guitar work deserves to be positively mentioned here as well, because there are some really good Death Metal riffs to be discovered in songs like ‘Adoration Of Abscessed Cadavers’ or the closing ‘Depths Of Misery’. Also that the MCD is as long as many albums that are thrown onto the market has to be honored in this review. To sum it up, FUNEBRARUM’s “Beneath The Columns Of Abandoned Gods” is a valuable Death Metal release, that summons up the intensity and darkness, that made the ancient days of this genre so special and fascinating. To get a copy of this morbid offering check the mailorders or contact Necroharmonic directly: Necroharmonic Productions, PO Box 1271, Kearney, New Jersey 07032, USA  Website: www.necroharmonic.com

Stefan Franke

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FUNEBRARUM
Dormant Hallucination (7"EP)
(Midnight Records)

Hell-Yeah, I really love the FUNEBRAUM debut CD "Beneath The Columns Of Abandoned Gods ". It's a mighty piece of unholy early 90's Death Metal. That's exactly what I would call Death Metal the way it was meant to be. So I was really excited when I found the Midnight Records package including this unholy piece of vinyl in my mailbox. And wow, what an awesome Dan Seagrave cover artwork (not to forget the killer gatefold cover and colored vinyl! - Frank). This dark and unholy painting perfectly fits to FUNEBRARUM's raw oldschool Death Metal style. This EP contains an intro and the songs 'Dormant Hallucination' and 'Adoration Of Abscessed Cadavers'. Both songs are remarkable hymns of majestic oldschool Death Metal brutality. Mr. Franke already praised that aforementioned debut album here on the VOICES website so there's no need for me to describe the FUNEBRARUM style in depth. Especially because both songs on this vinyl are also featured on that aforementioned debut CD. Although the songs were taken from different recordings sessions I definitely would prefer to get some new FUNEBRARUM stuff in my fingers. Nonetheless I highly recommend this EP. Get your fingers on this soon. Label contact: Midnight Records, P.O. Box 847, Bryte, CA 95605, U.S.A.

Hacker

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FUNEBRARUM / INTERMENT
Conjuration Of The Sepulchral (Split CD)
(Conqueror Of Thorns Records)
39:41min

Yet another mighty oldschool release ready to review, I’m talking about the FUNEBRARUM (20:05min) / INTERMENT (19:36min) split CD “Conjuration Of The Sepulchral”. In brackets you can see the running time of each part. Right now it is unbelievable for me to see how many great oldschool sounding Death Metal recordings were released the last months, I still love it and since the quality was all time far above the average I won’t complain about all this stuff to listen. So here we go, starting with mighty FUNEBRARUM from the United States offering us Death Metal in the Scandinavian way, more Finnish than Swedish sounding. Besides two own songs they offer two cover tunes (plus a short intro). First one is ‘Caught In A Vortex’ from ABHORRENCE (download the original song including all the stuff from ABHORRENCE as free download here, in case that you are interested in classic underground Death Metal from the early nineties) and ‘Into The Grave’ from, hell yes, GRAVE. The cover tunes are simply great, still I would have preferred if they had offered more own songs as their 2 songs, as they are just brilliant. Everything here fits perfect, starting from the deep vocals, the great guitar sound and the whole sound- and the song-quality in particular. Next are 4 songs (plus a longer outro), this time own songs from the old Death Metal horde INTERMENT from Sweden which are active since 1988 and released their first demo “…Where Death Will Increase” in 1991, unfortunately they never really made it which I never really understood. Right now I just hope that some label will take care of their old demos and releases them on CD in the next time as I’m looking forward to listen to them in a proper sound quality as my old tapes with these demos on it are something like third-generation copies and the sound sucks for sure. If anyone out there has their demos as mp3 files please get in touch with me! Coming back to their part of the CD. INTERMENT offer us Death Metal in the good old Swedish tradition, just like the big names from the past like UNLEASHED, ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, CARNAGE and I have to say it like in all reviews I wrote about oldschool Death Metal records, you hardly find originality in here, but as soon as the songs start you get a smile on your face and have a fuckin’ great time! What’s left to say, oldschool Death Metal fans already have this release in their collections, others should hurry up and buy this CD immediately to become one of them soon, too! Did I say that an awesome painting from Chris Moyen decorates this amazing CD? No? Then you know it now. Check out www.conquerorofthorns.com for ordering details.

Thomas Ehrmann

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FUNEBRARUM
The Sleep Of Morbid Dreams
(Cyclone Empire)
39:50min

The black death has killed millions of people over the centuries and the New Jersey based FUNEBRARUM have released the perfect soundtrack to this middle age burden with “The Sleep Of Morbid Dreams”. I’m for sure not the only one who did not expect a further album from them due to the long delay in finding the right staff plus recording and releasing which should explain the endless silence of nearly 9 years (huh? And what about "Conjuration Of The Sepulchral", their split CD with INTERMENT from 2007 Mr.Auch? - Frank) . The 2001 official debut “Beneath The Columns Of Abandoned Gods” via Necroharmonic Productions was only a re-release of their “Tombs Of Sleeping Darkness” demo from 2000. The FUNEBRARUM crew is a wild bunch of American underground musicians (which are part / founding members of this small scene since nearly two decades) and this album is traditional as fuck. The seven songs are oldschool Death Metal with minor Grind influences plus the perfect morbid atmosphere. Think that 75 % of their influences can be found in the old European Death Metal school right between the “IVth Crusade” and "The Day Man Lost" but especially when the band is “speeding” up a little ('Cursed Eternity') their local roots are shining through. FUNEBRARUM are calling their style Dark Brutal Death Metal and this exactly what you get - no experiments just morbid Death Metal with a great sound and atmosphere. “The Sleep Of Morbid Dreams” is offering no surprises - but hey who cares – the pure Death Metal releases have become a rare species and every traditionalist will understand my point after listening to the first song. Great stuff … - for more info please check. www.cyclone-empire.com, www.myspace.com/funebrarum, www.funebrarum.com

Matthias Auch

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FUNERAL
As The Light Does The Shadows
(Indie Recordings)
71:56min

When compared to the other sub-genres of Metal, Doom has not received as much attention despite its equal diversity in musical composition. Norway's FUNERAL occupy the highly contestable Melodic Doom / Death slot and, as far as I can tell, live up to their classification fairy well though there is little Death Metal detectable in their heavy, and reasonably paced riffs. There is a definite feel for the epic in FUNERAL's songs. The music alone provides a kind of narration all its own. In this respect, FUNERAL share a great deal in common with Viking Metal, another genre with a thousand sub categories of its own. At times the vocal work can erode one's patience, but the accompanying guitar passages, which are dark and evocative, more than redeem the oftentimes annoying bellowing. If this album is any indication of FUNERAL's past, present, and future endeavors, it would not be unreasonable to guess that they'll likely do something comparable to THERION in that it will sound nothing like the previous album, but still retain enough of the band's character to let fans know that the musicians have not forgotten themselves. If you're feeling adventurous, give FUNERAL a try. www.myspace.com/doomfuneral

Nat Shapiro

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FUNERAL
Funeral 
(Aphelion Productions)
27:27min

FUNERAL was another band formed after AUTOPSY's split up. With a line-up that consisted of Steve Digiorgio (bass), John Shafer (drums), Aaron Gustafson (guitar / vocals) and Eric Cutler (guitar) they recorded one 6 song demo and a 4 track rehearsal in 1996. So Aphellion Productions has put both these underground rarities on one CD. It would've been more logical to release it as a split with DOOMED in these ecological-minded times, because frankly it's a waste of CD space as the whole thing runs for 27 minutes and I would say that only demo tracks are worth being released on CD. They perfectly convey gloomy atmosphere, sort of like a mix between slow AUTOPSY moments with a permanent WINTER influence. With songtitles like 'Dead Stare', 'Funeral' or 'Place Of The Skull' you pretty much know that it won't be an easy and joyful ride. The rehearsal tracks are purely instrumental and might be interesting only for die hard collectors of AUTOPSY and related projects. Decide for yourself whether you want to pay 10 pounds for it, as the material here is very good but definitely not excellent. Label contact: www.aphelionproductions.net

Mindaugas Lapinskas

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FUNERAL FEAST
Genocide Ad Nauseam
(Northern Sound Records)
33:24min

FUNERAL FEAST play pretty modern American sounding Death Metal. Definitely fast with a good portion of slammy groove. The direction is DEEDS OF FLESH, DYING FETUS plus some CORPSE, of course. Roughly. Absolutely nothing new, even the song titles are very cliché: 'Parasite', 'Off With Their Heads', 'The Last Bloodshed', etc. The band seems to state something like: "Innovation? Invention?? What for??? Let's just write a few good songs!" And there is definitely some truth in it: especially the first half of the record is playing in the premier Death Metal league if I may say so. The rather short CD is getting a little monotonous around the end (esp. 'Macabre Soul Decay') but it's still interesting for Death Metal loonies. I don't like the (occasional) clean vocals. They remind me a little of SOILWORK and I don't think it fits to the sound of FUNERAL FEAST. Try to get a hold of the strictly limited vinyl version (500 copies). Solid indeed. www.funeralfeast.cjb.net

Ramon Claassen

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FUNERAL FOG
Under The Black Veil
(self-financed)
38:43min

1999 marked the year of birth for FUNERAL FOG, two Black Metal heads dedicated to summon the old spirit of northern Black Metal à la DARKTHRONE, IMMORTAL. Now the two sinister creatures come up with their debut “Under The Black Veil” and well I have to say that it is a kind of fifty-fifty release: on the positive side there are the grim, dark vocals that remind me a bit of JUDAS ISCARIOT, an excellent sound and lyrics that concentrate on darkness, hatred and death instead of drifting into the shitty realms of NS-ideology! What I consider extremely negative is the use of a drum computer, which destroys a lot of the mid 90’s feeling FUNERAL FOG manage to create in their songs. This CD would be really good, if there were human crashing drums, especially in slow parts I miss clanging cymbals, aggressively pounding doublebass and a skull-shattering snare, but fuck, FUNERAL FOG made a big mistake here! Songs like the intense hymn ‘Immortal Summoning’ or the monotonous storming opener ‘Forest Of Shadows’ are excellent songs, that would have been fantastic with a real drummer! Go to www.mp3.com and check out some of FUNERAL FOG’s songs and decide for yourself, I will have my problems with “Under The Black Veil”, because drum computers are a sucking pest!!! Check out the band’s website, if you like: http://www.geocities.com/funeralfogweb/

Stefan Franke

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FUNERAL INCEPTION
Anthems Of Disenchantment
(Warpath Records)
44:33min

It's getting quite exotic now - FUNERAL INCEPTION are hailing from Indonesia and previously used to be active under the BLOODY GORE moniker ever since 1996. During their years of existence they unleashed a promo tape entitled "Stench Of Your Perversions", which first of all was re-released as a 7" EP (in 1999) and two years later also reared its ugly head on CD once again. Most recently they put out the "Blood Driven Vehemence" MCD, which probably lead to their deal with French Warpath Records. Due to some line-up changes and musical improvements the band decided to change their name into FUNERAL INCEPTION (inspired by the opining track on SUFFOCATION's "Despise The Sun" MCD) and went on to record their debut full length "Anthems Of Disenchantment", which features 7 new songs and 3 old, re-recorded, re-arranged songs (from BLOODY GORE's last MCD "Blood Driven Vehemence"). FUNERAL INCEPTION's style is heavily inspired by the brutal, yet technical US Death Metal acts such as Suffocation, Disgorge, Cannibal Corpse, Deeds of Flesh, Monstrosity and the likes and despite the usual lack of own identity (which doesn't really matter in this genre anyway) they're doing a damn fine job themselves. The album delivers approx. 45 minutes of sheer brutality, guttural vocals and an overall intense, technical songwriting, which almost comes close to the bands of the American scene. And as even the powerful production turned out quite convincing, this release ends up being another worthy purchase for all you Death Metal loving bastards out there. Label contact: www.warpathrecords.com

Frank Stöver

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FUNERAL MIST
Salvation
(Norma Evangelium Diaboli)
65:46min

After releasing the two demos "Darkness" (1995) and "Havoc" (1996) and a MCD entitled "Devilry" on Shadow Records in 1998, it’s time to witness Sweden’s FUNERAL MIST going full-length for the first time. The moment I saw the sick cover of "Salvation" (two baby corpses and some sort of Jesus nailed to a cross each) I knew I was about to listen to something special and FUNERAL MIST definitely are special. While the music is cold, grim highspeed Black Metal à la MARDUK, DARK FUNERAL yet with a more intense feeling to it, the vocals sound very original, morbid and utterly possessed. Just listen to a song like ‘Holy Poison’ and you will instantly know what I am talking about. "Salvation" is extremely dark, very brutal and creates a capturing atmosphere of violence, blasphemy and demonic despair. This might sound a bit pathetic but I do not find other words to describe my listening experience. FUNERAL MIST’s "Salvation" is the absolute opposite – it is "anti-salvation", calamity, destruction and hatred. The album title is a sinister irony and a symbol for the band’s twisted views and the equivalent musical conversion of them. The sound is raw yet transparent and almost of an industrial-like coldness. There are no melodies, no harmonies, just infernal perversion and terror unleashed in more than an hour of music. Be sure to check this out, it is devastating, "Salvation" is an album you will hate but yet you will be addicted to it! Surf to www.noevdia.com to get more information about the CD and DLP release of "Salvation" and visit the band site http://w1.858.telia.com/~u85822131/ too, because FUNERAL MIST even look as they sound.

Stefan Franke

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FUNERAL MIST
Devilry
(Norma Evangelium Diaboli)
42:54min

The original version of "Devilry" was released back in 1998 by the small label Shadow Records and has been sold out for a long time. So the re-release of this excellent, high quality stuff totally makes sense. This Swedish commando delivers nothing but total raging, christ slashing, blasphemous Black Metal here with utter insanity. "Devilry" is a great example how brutal infernal Metal must sound like! Right from the start this horde takes no prisoners and blasts through the tracks that it is a real pleasure. Both musicians are totally fit on their instruments and deliver us one razor sharp, aggressive riff after another. The drums hit fast forward without mercy. The vocal department is brillant, a blackish yet brutal performance. The pace of all the tracks is very fast. While other squads have problems when it comes to harsh, fast paced music FUNERAL MIST remain extremely tight. Just listen to killer tunes like 'Nightsight Phantom', 'Funeral Mist' or 'Hellspell 2'. Such violent, brutal and dark anthems are the spear in christ's rips. The sound quality is powerful and brutal and leaves nothing to be desired. Due to that fact the guitar totally shreds here. What a massacre! The six tracks of the MCD are enhanced by the bands 1996 demo "Havoc" which includes four tracks which also offer first class Black Metal. "Deviliry" is highly recommend to those who are into brutal high speed Black Metal. This CD is a must have item. Contact the band at http://funeralmist.cjb.net or the label at www.noevdia.com.

Michael Oelschlegel

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FUNERAL MIST
Maranatha
(Norma Evangelium Diaboli)
53:37min

In the beginning was the word and the word was with god – a god which is for sure in a very weird way the main motivation for this Swedish Black Metal extremists. “Maranatha” is the second FUNERAL MIST opus and the sole member Arioch – alias Mortuus (yes the MARDUK one) – has worked very intensively to present in every way a brutal piece of blasphemy (especially the booklet deserves the word blasphemous with every letter). But don’t expect the next 27 minutes true Black Metal release which follows 101% the basic rules – this album is different. FUNERAL MIST are offering a more vital version with no fear of adding a kind of – based on my opinion – fresh blood to this decaying style. In some way Arioch follows the true MAYHEM (during their “Grand Declaration Of War” era) by using maybe the same sharp instruments (ambient parts, movie samples, chants but no electronic influences) but with a little more sensitiveness. So the essence is without a doubt Black Metal but it seems that the motivation is also to bring this music to another level – without fear of the consequences. I totally agree with this approach - and nevertheless the fact that a lot of people can’t accept this album due to various reasons (some things never change!) - “Maranatha” is a great piece of Swedish Black Metal – full of hate and blasphemy. I’ve received the album weeks ago and I still can’t get away from it – a very impressive and intensive release - so darkness embrace my soul once more… All further info at: www.noevdia.com, www.myspace.com/thefuneralmist

Matthias Auch

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FUNERAL PROCESSION
Solar Eclipse (Demo)
(Devil Worship Records)
28:03min

May BAAL, MARDUK and TIAMAT all devour my mortal soul when this topical output of FUNERAL PROCESSION is not difficult to be judged fairly! First of all, I can state that this demo does not correspond to my (relatively high) standards (as a musician who is also actively de-composing tunes…). But I think when it comes to arts, there are various levels the consumer ought to consider. This can be applied to arts in general I think. With regard to music, there are two major spheres to be reflected upon: the actual technical performance and the atmospheric dimension / the mood it breathes. The latter very often is the more significant dimension of a recording I reckon… this is due to the fact that this side of a recording exposes the very soul of the musicians standing behind a band and having certain convictions to be canalised. Sorry about this theoretical diversion / detour… but I think it to be necessary to comprehend the following judgement of “Solar Eclipse”. Firstly, I think FUNERAL PROCESSION are no particularly skilful musicians / composers. The quality of “Solar Eclipse” is not only rough and… say, original… it just lacks transparency whatsoever. I think transparency is essential in brutal and malign Black Metal recordings. Partly, the guitars are not distinguishable ‘cause there are sub bases that distort the whole panorama. The drums can hardly be heard, etc. etc. Frankly and in brief – I don’t like the way this output was recorded. The way the musicians recorded the 4 tracks is just outrageous. To be honest… I wouldn’t sell / offer such a result ‘cause it’s embarrassing. The four-string and the six-string section don’t play to the point, and very often simply don’t get the rhythm… no more comments on this component. The drums are ok(ish), the vocals are cool, the synths are magnificent. Let’s come back to my preliminary notes: the technique / recording is crap. What about the spheric dimension? This is my second mayor consideration; I think (and know) that FUNERAL PROCESSION are genuine Black Metal maniacs and know what they are talking about. When I listen to “Solar Eclipse” (which I have been quite often recently), I can sense this old, early 1990s spirit of the Black Metal cult surrounding astonishing acts such as MAYHEM, MARDUK, old IN THE WOODS, DARK THRONE… The first two tracks on “Solar Eclipse” bear this feeling profusely. You can see and taste Black Metal malignancy. Although technically dilettantish, FUNERAL PROCESSION convey these traditional Black Metal virtues. That is, misanthropy, anti-Christian philosophies, non-conformity, etc. This is what makes this band precious and special. What I especially like about “Solar Eclipse” are the synth-sequences… believe it or not. I find Satyrus Sancti’s synth-compositions quite amazing… peculiar, but amazing. That’s why my favourite track on “Solar Eclipse” is the title track. This track just gets a grip on you and drags you down, down, down… into the infinite maelstrom of hate and dementia. Sorry for being pathetic… honestly, FUNERAL PROCESSION have presented a fixation of true Black Metal spirit here, which I appreciate. I think one is well advised to oversee possible technical imperfections. This is war! Contact: count.gothmog@frisiancircle.de

F. Cthulhu E.

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FUNERAL PROCESSION
Legion Cymru (EP)
(Nightfog Productions - 7" EP vinyl version)
(Intolerant Records - MC version)
(Millenial Visions - MCD boxet version)
13:37min

After 2 demos and a split - EP with ENCONIUM, we have the fourth official release of Germany's FUNERAL PROCESSION here. And to bring it to the point, FUNERAL PROCESSION's music is not meant to be beautiful or be worshipped by the average Metal-music-lover. "Legion Cymru", as well as the band's previous releases, is primitive, ugly, uncompromising and uncommercial Black fucking Metal. The first and the last song of this 3-track EP offers Black Metal in the early 90s spirit's vein. Simple song-structures, simple guitar-lines, pounding drums in upper speed, high-pitched vocals and the demanded dirty sound grip your soul to pull it down into Metal's hell. The second track 'For A Journey (Part II)' is some intermezzo of dark soundscapes consisting of samples, cries and the likes. A bit like a mixture of early BEHERIT's intros and ABRUPTUM's insanity. So, FUNERAL PROCESSION is not here to invent something new, but keep up the spirit of the early 90s Black Metal. This spirit should also be unveiled again in the full-length album the band is now heading for. Respect! www.funeralprocession.net, http://nightfog.cjb.net

Andi Bauer

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FUNERAL PROCESSION
Schmerz Aus Licht (EP)
(K:A:IN Productions)
16:01min

16 minutes, one song, simple riffs, BURZUM, BEHERIT drawing down the moon, oldschool, non-trendy Black Metal, clean and icy sound, evil, mean, torturing screams, freezing winds and cold rain, slow and epic beginning, then fast and aggressive, slow finishing. You know how this sounds like? Possible! But do we need stuff like that? Well, you have to decide for yourself (blabla). In my case it means: yes! I like bands that vomit upon every trend and just do their thing – in this case for eleven years. These guys around Count Gothmog give a (leading the) rat's ass if their music is original, innovative, fantastically technical or incredibly well played: they just play the music, they have to play! Atmosphere over technique, as it should be in Black Metal! And thus spoke Satan: "Thou shalt play this kind of music!" I belief in FUNERAL PROCESSION's case it was exactly like that (althought they sing more of death and pain than of the Dark Lord himself – but they are all friends anyway...)! Check out their website where you can order the EP, as CD or mini LP: www.funeralprocession.net

Tim Klöcker

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FUNERAL PROCESSION
Funeral Procession
(Ván)
48:09min

I've always failed to give Germany's FUNERAL PROCESSION a decent listen in the past (blame it on too many releases that we get here within a way too short period of time), so I finally had to set things straight with their self-titled debut full length album now. No matter if I missed out on anything special or not by successfully ignoring them for so long (hehe), fact is that this 8-tracker is really an impressive statement within todays Black Metal genre! The band easily captures the grim oldschool vibe of all those pure Black Metal hordes that put out their material before a whole movement was washed-out by the mainstream. The guitars deliver a lot of destructive riffs and dark melodies, yet avoiding to use the typical rehearsal type Black Metal tuning. They in fact sound really brutal on here! The album as a whole comes across very aggressive and Thrash inspired, whereas keyboards only get used in order to create creepy atmospheres whenever needed. The drums have a voluminous, thunderous sound and the vocal delivery is definitely true to the roots of this genre, which means you're about to get them as raw and dark as requested. So, there's really not much to complain from my side, except for the packaging maybe which not necessarily reflects my taste in style (the frontcover just features the band's initials F & P in black on a grey sleeve)... Apart from that, indeed a really positive surprise for an ignorant old fart like yours truly... For all further info check out www.funeralprocession.net or the label at www.van-gbr.de

Frank Stöver

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FUNERAL PROCESSION
The Red Vine Litanies (MCD)
(Vàn Records)
19:12min

I was a little worried at first when I got the information that the new FUNERAL PROCESSION MCD would only include one single track with a playing time of approximately 20 minutes. Ok, the band already did something like that before (with their "Schmerz Aus Licht" EP) and other acts, such as LUNAR AURORA or Sweden's PEST, have also proven that the combination of grim Black Metal and lengthy songwriting can work pretty easily. Nevertheless, a little bit of skepticism remained, especially considering the release's title "The Red Vine Litanies", which I immediately started to associate with moody / avantgarde / experimental type music and the dark, yet a little unusual styling of the digipack. Well, in the meantime I have listened to the song often enough to tell you that I was luckily completely wrong here. FUNERAL PROCESSION haven't changed a single bit and still deliver their brand of Black Metal in the northernmost tradition. The first part of the song kicks off very intense and therefore should easily please all traditional Black Metal diehards... then it suddenly stops and a monk type choir starts for a couple of minutes (in Latin) only to return to the actual overall grimness again (a bit more midpaced than in the beginning though). The highlight of the song definitely is the combination of those two different elements towards the end of the disc (Black Metal with a choral choir in the background). Very cool! Considering the fact that 'The Red Vine Litanies' basically comprises of three segments, I personally would have prefered to get the opportunity to select them individually on this MCD, but unfortunately that isn't the case here... Oh well, you can't please everyone... Apart from that, a highly recommended release. For ordering information check out www.van-gbr.de, all band related info you may find at the band's website www.funeralprocession.net

Frank Stöver

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FUNERAL RITES
Necroeater
(Painkiller Records)
41:23min

FUNERAL RITES are no newcomers to the scene anymore, cause their origin already dates back to 1994. Ever since they managed to unleash three demo tapes ("Demo I" - 1995, "The Wintermoon" - 1996 and "Weird Tales" - 1997) and in 2000 finally finished the recordings of their debut album "Necroeater", which recently got picked up by Belgium's Painkiller Records. This fourpiece hails from the land of the rising sun (Japan) and plays a very atmospheric form of Black / Death Metal. While the vocal delivery is still pretty much in the raw (not shrieky though) and almost Black Metal type vein, the music itself seems to be heavily inspired by traditional Heavy Metal as well as moody soundtracks (just listen to the track 'Disenchantment' to fully experience the real beauty of it). Unlike many other acts, FUNERAL RITES mostly play their stuff in a very midpaced manner, probably in order to focus on the emotional aspects a lot more, rather than coming up with the usual blastbeat inferno. They are not even afraid to incorporate melodic piano parts (like in 'Lost Misery' or 'At The Warend' for instance) and continue on with a straight ahead, speedy and more aggressive 9 1/2 minutes long track ('13th Disciple'), which makes them a rather special act, with very unique ambitions. In a way, kinda like their countrymen from SIGH, but not as weird in the songwriting. So, if you're sick and tired of the usual norsecore and open minded enough to experience a mixture of aggressive Metal and melodic elements, you shouldn't hesitate to give these guys a listen. A very interesting release, destined to grow on you with every listen. www.painkiller-records.com

Frank Stöver

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FUNERARIUM
Valley Of Darkness
(Undercover Records)
40:56min

Luxembourg's Black Metallers FUNERARIUM originally started out back in the year 2000 as UTHER PENDRAGON. In their early days the line-up only consisted of two members: M.S. (drum machine) und DeRais (on bass and guitar). Their debut (instrumental) demo "Songs Of Battle" was released about a year later. A second demo was supposed to be released at the end of 2002, got recorded already (still with programmed drums) but never released because in the winter 2002 / 2003 the band finally found a real drummer (Necroshadow) and therefore decided to do some re-recordings first. In June 2003 the first demo as FUNERARIUM was recorded. Meanwhile Caacrinolaas had joined them on lead guitar, while M.S. left the band and DeRais took over the bass (his vocals were put down to tape in December 2004) and the whole recordings finally got mixed in January 2005. Caacrinolaas left the band shortly after and the demo (simply entitled "Demo 2005") got released in a limited number of 100 copies. At the end of 2005 FUNERARIUM got signed by Undercover Records, which finally leads us to the release in question here, the “Valley Of Darkness” CD. This ain't a brandnew recording of the band, but a re-issue of the material from the "Demo 2005”. It features 5 tracks rather lengthy tracks plus two instrumentals: 'Uther Pendragon' (a very medieval sounding, yet too long piece) and 'Outro'. A production in the true sense of the word is almost non existing on this recording. It actually pretty much sounds like a rehearsal (of decent quality though) to me. The whole recording turned out a little strange in general and while listening to it I imagine a band playing live in the basement of a big castle, while the vocalist seems to be locked away somewhere in the dungeon (at least he sounds quite far away, yet very grim). Even though improvements in the production department are definitely needed, this strange sound nevertheless suits these songs here pretty well as it gives the whole material an overall very honest feel. The whole atmosphere is very raw and often quite medieval sounding, while the songs in general are mostly midpaced and very oldschool. So, if you prefer your Black Metal in the most purest form, you may check these guys out. www.geocities.com/funerariuminhell, www.undercover-records.de

Frank Stöver

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FUNERARIUM
Nocthule
(Undercover Records)
45:30min

After a demo in 2005 and the debut-album in 2006, FUNERARIUM from Luxembourg (not to be mixed up with the French ones) presents its 2nd full-length album "Nocthule". De Rais and Necroshadow, the people behind this monicker, offer the typical raw underground Black Metal. Although I have to admit that "Nocthule" has its good approaches, it is all in all too average to leave any remembrance. I can not get rid of the impression that those guys have at times quite good ideas, but then do not dare to follow them. They rather stay at the save shores of typical underground Black Metal. Nothing wrong with that, really, except that there are already far too many bands of the same kind. www.undercover-records.de

Andi Bauer

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FUNERARY BELL
The Second Manifestation (MCD) 
(Undercover Records)
20:29min 

This is a second try from Finnland's Black Metalers FUNERARY BELL, and I must say I am not totally satisfied. By considering themselves an occult band they had put some expectations in my mind. When such a strong word is used (I take it literally!) I search for a proof of at least one thing the occult stands for, and that would be - transcendence. Well, here the transcendent part is lacking. To reach that something outhere you need to be willing to take a risk, which FUNERARY BELL avoid like a plague. Taking their influence from DARKTHRONE they are to close to their idols in my opinion. I am not sure everyone will see the connection with the masters, but I think many will recognize it. The vocals are grim, the music is mid-to-fast tempo and groovy in some way, with the warrior styled hymnical parts and that is a good starting point. But the strangeness of worlds they touch and try to explore does not reach the listener completely. I found the album slightly romantic and that, in a world of high cynicism, is not a strong point. What can I say? Talent aside, there is one thing that these guys should deal with immediately and that would be - effort to lose themselves and explore more. I am not a fanatic of originality (quite contrary, I am a genre worshiper!) but sometimes you just need to push things further. When you have such a perfect vessel such as Black Metal your moral obligation is to sail the shores of unknown. Saying all this, I must confess that I mildly enjoyed the thing since it is sufficiently underground for my taste. And I was happy to hear some parts with the twisted melodies in a style close to LUGUBRUM's. In the end, I would like to see in which direction this band will develop because by listening to them I sensed some roundness that points to a potential that could be developed. www.myspace.com/funerarybell, www.undercover-records.de

Branko Matijaševic

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FUNERATUS
Vision From Hell (7” EP)
(Blood Harvest Records)
10:07min

Brazilian FUNERATUS return after 3 CDs with their first seven inch, an extended play on Blood Harvest. All who know the albums probably know already what to expect, as I don’t know them I count me to the others, and they can watch out for uttermost Death Metal brutality with high skilled musicians. A 3-piece outfit a little comparable to their countrymates of KRISIUN. A hellish inferno of blastbeats, yowling guitars, pounding basslines and brutal vocals combined from a tight team. The 3 songs featured are proof enough to have a look out for this release and their other offerings. If you don’t already have those recordings in your collection… Brazilian Death Metal stands proud in the Death Metal world with acts like FUNERATUS, especially when they convince with such musical quality. I’m already convinced and can only recommend this release to you. Well done. Go now and buy this hellish piece of Death Metal brutality from www.bloodharvest.se.

Thomas Ehrmann

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FUNERUS
Festering Earth
(Ibex Moon Records)
29:30min

In 1994 FUNERUS startet out as a project of Jill McEntee (bass, and yes, the nowadays wife of INCANTATION's John) and Brad Heiple (guitar / vocals) to summon the ancient Death Metal spirit of acts like GRAVE, NIHILIST and all the other Swedish underground legends of the early 90's. After recording a rehearsal demo entitled "In The Trees" in '94 the band broke up due to the ordinary line-up problems, but managed to get together again in 2000. In order to not waste time again FUNERUS completed their line-up with Kyle Severn on drums and Jill's husband on guitar, did some gigs (e.g. supported INCANTATION in Australia) and finished the material I have the pleasure to review now. "Festering Earth" is a great piece of damn heavy oldschool Death Metal with a dry, bassy, unpolished sound that fits excellent to this type of music. The nine songs offered here unite the driving speed and grooving heaviness one loves about Scandinavian oldschool Death and in addition to that also implement sinister Doom passages one might know from INCANTATION, too. No weak songs, no pseudo-retro shit, just traditional Death Metal done by fans for fans! You don't have to talk about originality or new ideas here, FUNERUS are as oldschool as can be and I guess that's exactly what they want to be... Visit www.funerus.com, check out an MP3 of their demo track 'In The Trees', which reappears on this album in better sounding form and buy this cool CD!

Stefan Franke

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FURIA
Plon (MCD) 
(Pagan Records)
15:47min 

FURIA are a fairly recent Polish Black Metal band. Their debut was released in 2007, and with nothing else from them until now, this MCD on Pagan Records is the first anyone has heard of them in a good while. Like TAAKE, FURIA write long, epic songs with more than a little folk music intermixed into it. The band is fond of the slow approach, and of singing in Polish; something their forebears TORR, ROOT, and MASTER'S HAMMER did frequently to great effect (Mr.Shapiro... those are Czech bands - Frank). Keep your eyes open for FURIA. They're good enough to make a few more dents in the Metal scene to come. www.let-the-world-burn.org, www.paganrecords.com.pl

Nat Shapiro

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FURIA
Grudzien Za Grudniem
(Pagan Records)
44:12min

What a big surprise! I never heard of Polish FURIA before and to discover such a killer release is one of the great parts of this job. Poland has a quite brutal (musicwise) and very healthy underground but also gives birth to jewels like FURIA's "Grundzien Za Grundniem" which means "December after December". Released on Polish Pagan Records, this is their second full-length after their debut "Martwa Polska Jesien". This quartet seems to be quite busy in the scene 'cause they're featured in MASSEMORD, QUINTESSENCE OF HATE and others. FURIA unleashes some wayward and intense Black Metal like a breath of fresh air! Wayward, because it incorporates parts you'll most likely hear in progressive Metal. You'll hear drama and depression but also hate and aggression and all so INTENSE that you will definately be blown away… mark my words! Titles and lyrics are in Polish, but that's absolutely no problem. The fast parts reminded me of DARK FUNERAL, the emotional parts of ONDSKAPT and the progressive parts on OPETH. Well, sorry for thinking that France was the only country with such original Black Metal bands and for my limited vocabulary when it comes to this comparison 'cause insiders of Black Metal scene would probably name others, but it doesn't change the fact that this music is mesmerizing on a very high level! Listen to a monstrous track like 'Przechrzczony' and your blood will boil from the pure adrenaline, passion and possession! Last thing for me to do is to say: BUY THIS ALBUM! Support the band and their awesome and dedicated label Pagan Records which hosts underground warriors like THRONEUM, HELLVETO and BLOODTHIRST! Don't know any price but check: http://let-the-world-burn.org or www.pagan-records.com for their great webshop.

Michael Tak

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FURIA
Halny (MCD)
(Pagan Records)
19:54min

Another EP from this Polish sophisticated Black Metal talent. After their amazing "Grudzien Za Grudniem" they released an EP called "Huta Laura / Katowice / Królewska Huta", and here's already the next one. This EP features one track 'Halny' which lasts almost 20 minutes. Starting quite mellow, you're launched into space immediately. Not dark, but epic like you might know on some progressive / experimental (or just on non-Metal) records. But when the guitars speed up and drums set in and the disturbing voice of Nihil awakes, you know this is going to be more intense and they don't need to blast away for that matter. Just the right interaction between each instrument to form a massive, riffing whole, but this doesn't last long while this track is full of breaks and changing and more like the experimental ones from "Grudzien Za Grudniem". So, another journey which makes you forget about the actual length and incorporated elements less controversial. What stands out on this one, is that riffs had some Pagan / Folk melodies and their experimenting seems to increase with every release, making them a league of their own. I don't know why, but for some reason I couldn't really get into this material. I guess it's just too long for my taste because the quality is again of high level. It's an interesting ride again, but in the end, they stay too much on the same lane, with seatbelts tight, enjoying the view. For more info, check www.let-the-world-burn.org or check Pagan Records on www.paganrecords.com.

Michael Tak

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THE FUROR
Advance Australia Warfare
(Prime Cuts Music)
61:56min

Smash your icons, turn your crosses upside down and burn your beloved, local churches... Namely these infernal n' hungry Aussie wolfs of Satan, are amongst us - after for your weak flesh... naturally. THE FUROR is the name of this destructive warmachine which obvious goal is to spread chaos and annihilation to everywhere, at least through their music. "Advance Australia Warfare" is the these blackish horde's 2nd album and it's loaded with so much fury, wickedness and pure aggression that it's almost criminal to have that so much of those elements for just one album. THE FUROR have clearly understood what it takes to make an impressive sounding album, which throws you back on your living room's wall right after the first cords come out from the speakers. The band members trust the formula that such hellish hordes as MARDUK, DESTRÖYER 666, FALLEN CHRIST (R.I.P.) and the likes, have determinedly and succesfully followed during their own careers - and not looking back since then when heading towards the final destination of each of their manifetations: to support Armageddon the best they could from the deepest depths of their rottem, blackened souls. I mean, "Advance Australia Warfare" is undoubtedly one of the most hysteric yet most interesting albums out from the whole Black / Death Metal genre I have had a pleasure to listen and enjoy lately. The band sounds like they have had a very clear vision since the day one of how they want THE FUROR exactly to sound like in order to support the band's mean image - which on the other hand looks like the gates of Hell have finally been opened, and first three fully armored disturbed beasts - in the form of THE FUROR hordes - have come on earth to slay and grind to dust all Christians. THE FUROR's real, savage fire power can be found from their extraordinary good sense for some really ass-kicking song structures that have carefully been thought out and built, to be meant to crush a listener's skull as the first and final goal. There's so much pure enjoyment in the band's sound (I reckon you like this more extreme side of Black / Death Metal?) that it's a kind of pity that they have stayed under unfair shadows for so long. Even if there's more than 1 hour music on "Advance Australia Warfare", this disc never gets boring, or uninteresting. Therefore I feel like I need to raise my sincere horns up toward THE FUROR's direction for this particular mind 'n body-activating achievement in question. Very well-done, guys! www.thefuror.com, www.primecuts.com.au

Luxi Lahtinen

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THE FURY I HIDE
Awaken The Fury (MCD)
(American Line Productions)
19:09min

Already recorded in 2006 this debut mini-album by the Mexican outfit THE FURY I HIDE took quite a long time until it got released. The reason for this delay is unknown to me, since the band's homepage did not reveal any further info on this topic. “Awaken The Fury” offers a mixture between typical Thrash Metal with mid paced Death Metal parts, a fine production and characteristic Metal lyrics (demons, darkness, fire etc.). When it comes to judging the music I must clearly admit that the Thrash Metal parts are far better than the Death Metal parts. The album starts with an excellent Thrash Metal riffing followed by an absolute uninspiring Death Metal mid-tempo part. Sadly this structure is present in all five songs, every time I started to enjoy the music the band is slowing down. So please, for next release, dispose the mid-tempo parts, because it is too bad about the nice Thrash Metal. www.myspace.com/thefuryihide

Mirco Szymyslik

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