.

Edouard Vergriete

OBITUARY
Xecutioner's Return 
(Candlelight Records )
40:40min

OBITUARY is a band responsible for many things. One of them is for making Death Metal popular. They can proudly claim that they've released what is considered to be the most (commercially) popular "pure" Death Metal album in the history of the genre ("The End Complete"). Of course OBITUARY had to face a slight "problem" on their way to "progress" and commercial recognition: many underground fans who loved the band's early works started to curse OBITUARY for making Death Metal accessible to non-Death Metal people. Their main point was that OBITUARY (along with other Roadrunner and Earache bands) have been responsible to a great extend for Death Metal becoming a trend for people who never understood what real Death Metal is all about. I guess the situation became even worse with "World Demise" where OBITUARY lost a lot of their aggression justifying the accusations posed on them. The band released the "Back From The Dead" album that was even less popular than their previous effort and a live album ("Dead") to mark the closing of a well-promising career. From then on, there was a silence of seven years… but only for a sign of life to appear around 2004 where OBITUARY announced their reunion. At that time I really wondered what such a reunion had to offer to the mainstream Metal scene (where OBITUARY mostly were referring to) that was already saturated. Not that I've lost my faith in OBITUARY but there was no way that they could do anything as impressive as their early works ("The End Complete" included) plus the fact that the Death Metal (of their trade) doesn't stand a chance (commercially) in front of all those new Metal crap around nowadays. So I only started hoping that their reunion was simply an act of honesty and a need to perform some decent, crushing Death Metal again. One year after their reunion (and a couple of live shows) they released their come-back album "Frozen In Time" that was for sure a good album (and much better than most of us anticipated) but unfortunately my aforementioned speculations have been justified and "Frozen In Time" turned out to be a commercial failure for Roadrunner and that's most probably the reason why OBITUARY got signed to Candlelight. Two years later, OBITUARY release "Xecutioner's Return", an album that hopefully proves that the band can still deliver the goods. In my ears "Xecutioner's Return" is OBITUARY's best effort since ages. The first positive impression is the better "Death Metal" production / mix when compared to "Frozen In Time". The guitar-work is really great once more and that time it's due to Ralph Santolla's involvement (Allen West is still in prison), scattering all my "fears" for a weak guitar-work due to Allen's absence. There are points that one could swear that OBITUARY have "written" them in 92-93 while other parts sound like the best of what OBITUARY had to offer with their last couple releases. I have the impression that OBITUARY have learned from past mistakes and have focused on the best elements from both eras old and new (with the "old" elements being more evident). I left the best part for the end though. For one more time John Tardy's voice is incredible! John has one of the 5 best Death Metal voices ever! Period. And on "Xecutioner's Return" his vocals are once again great making the album a necessity for everybody adoring Tardy's voice. To sum it up, "Xecutioner's Return" is overall a decent album and in my opinion deserves a proper listen. The only negative aspect is the poor cover-artwork (done once again by Andreas Marschall), but besides that I consider the overall package deserve since OBITUARY did an honest effort that would at least please people who enjoyed "Frozen In Time". Older fans should give it a try before investing. www.obituary.cc, www.myspace.com/obituary. On sale here.

Manolis A.

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OBITUARY
Live Xecution (DVD)
(Regain Records)
91:00min

OBITUARY is a regular and still warmly welcomed guest on Voices From The Darkside. With this release the US Death Metal legend is presenting their second live DVD within only four years. Mainly due to this very short gap between “Frozen Alive“ (via Metal Mind Productions) and his twin brother “Live Xecution” – released early spring 2010 - the playlist consists of very similar OBITUARY material. But the major advantage of “Live Xecution” is the great atmosphere at Party San 2008 and the real impressive sound and picture quality. The overall production is in the position to capture the essence of nearly two decades of US Death Metal and when the band is playing their final track ‘Slowly We Rot’ not only my eyes are getting wet. Don’t expect a wide catalogue of specials, the Tardy brothers are playing fucking Death Metal without compromise and they don’t need several hours of bonus material to make their fans happy. Overall a compact live release which shows that not every resurrection (the OBITUARY beast was fallen asleep during 1997-2003) is a waste of time and resources. For more info check www.regainrecords.com, www.obituary.cc

Matthias Auch

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OBLIGATORISK TORTYR
Obligatorisk Tortyr
(Osmose Productions / SPV)
47:59min

What the fuck is this supposed to be? Noisecore? Grindcore?! Hardcore mixed with Death and Thrash Metal??! I simply don't get it... OBLIGATORISK TORTYR is the new home of former GRIEF OF EMERALD drummer Fredrik Helgesson, who left his old band after their cool "Nightspawn" debut in order to concentrate on this weird outfit exclusively. And you know what? It doesn't appeal to me at all! This Swedish three piece has come up with a 25 track album (plus an obligatory additional "secret" bonus track at the end of the disk), and as you can probably imagine, all of the songs are extremely short (mainly not even reaching the two minutes mark). The band plays rather chaotic, mostly fast, extreme music with two different vocalists. One of them is deep growling and the other hysterical screaming all the time. If you could image a mixture of the old THE ACCÜSED frontman mixed with a pig that is supposed to get slaughtered, you almost get an idea of what to expect... To me there's just no substance at all in the whole album and it ain't brutal or heavy either. Plus the extremely stupid cover suxx big time!

Frank Stöver

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OBLIVEON
Greatest Pits
(Great White North)
59:21min

Hell, why have most of the most genious / ground breaking / off the wall Metal acts been largely ignored over the years? May it be ATHEIST, NASTY SAVAGE, INSANITY, BEYOND (Canada), CYNIC or Canada's OBLIVEON, they all suffered from the same fate, massive ignorance and indifferance towards their unusual approach. Canada has also always been the purveyor of alot of excellent (geniuses I should say) acts in all catagories of Metal and when it came to Thrash, along with SACRIFICE, Quebec based OBLIVEON were way ahead of the competition with their totally unmistakable sound. While they had started as a great Thrash act (blowing away already the likes of AGRESSION, SOOTHSAYER, CREMAINS, ALAZIF, YOG SOTHOTH) with material reminiscent of SLAYER, DESTRUCTION or WHIPLASH as OBLIVION (not be be confused with the NJ Thrash act from mid '85 who released two demos as well) back in '87, released two excellent demo tapes, they rapidly evolved (after some line up changes plus a small spelling name change) into a totally original act, produced two totally mind blowing off the wall yet catchy and superbely written albums, "From This Day Forward" and "Nemesis", the latest being certainly the highlight in their career, followed in '95 by "Cybervoid", an album which already showed a certain sound change, integrating modern riffs while still retaining a good dose of catchy elements ("Perihelion" being a great example). Unfortunately their next and last album "Carnivore Mothermouth" was an awful NU Metal affair which simply ruined all their credbility at least in Europe and as a result didn't help them to make it big either. How bands which started in a given style can change so much for the worse (i.e. FORBIDDEN, SLAYER, OBLIVEON, DARK ANGEL, KREATOR) remains a mystery to me... call it progression, I call it bullshit and a betrayal! Anyway this CD features numbers from those four albums, I just wish that the first two releases would have been given a bigger place because those were the real OBLIVEON. This said this CD is definitively a great one to have even if you already own the albums because it also features as MP3 the OBLIVION demos, one unrealised song and the OZZY cover 'Suicide Solution' or to discover what this once godly underated band was all about (just press the button when tracks from "Carnivore..." come in!). Here's how the story of another groundbreaking Canadian band ends, sad, very sad... at least guitarist Pierre Remillard has made a name for himself as producer for ANVIL, KRISIUM etc etc.. Website: www.gwnrecords.com E-mail: general@gwnrecords.com

Laurent Ramadier

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OBSCENE GESTURE
Living In Profanity
(Xtreem Music)
37:23min

Thrashcore / Crossover is coming back again, or that's what it seems seeing MUNICIPAL WASTE having so much recognition and some new bands like $$$ coming after them, or even this new project, called OBSCENE GESTURE, that have ex-members of bands in their ranks which are not new at all in this scene, like AGENT STEEL, ABATTOIR or DÉTENTE, among others. In this case they left behind the more straight Thrash Metal a bit giving us a pure Crossover / Hardcore oriented album, in the 80s way, with clear references to CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER, CRUMBSUCKERS or DRI for the most metallic part or MINOR THREAT, as an example, for Hardcore. I must say I like this style quite a lot, and MUNICIPAL WASTE is a band which I worship, but the reason for this (apart of having a bigger Metal side than OBSCENE GESTURE) is they still bring something interesting to a scene which almost said everything in the 80s, and to which it's quite hard to give his freshness back. And that's where I see a bit the mistake of this band, I'm not saying they aren't doing the things well, the songs are aggressive, they are catchy... well, they have a lot of energy, and it's great when you're speaking about guys which are not so young, but that's not enough. And I know it's not the only style which has been played by thousands of bands, but this one doesn't give a big innovation, so it sounds more repetitive. Really fast and short tracks, with Punk riffs and a singer who screams without mercy his short and straight lyrics, just as the style used to be. Even the production is not so impressive; I'm not a purist but I think it wouldn't have been so complicated to have a better sound, and these guys should know how to do it. To close up, an album for the fans of the style, but I still prefer to listen to "Convicted" or "Four Of A Kind", and, if I don't have them, to the guys of NY I mentioned in the beginning (or even some Hardcore albums). www.xtreemmusic.com

Jeroni Sancho

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OBSCENITY
Intense
(Morbid Records)
43:39 min

"Intense" is already one year old but as I was crushed at an OBSCENITY gig very recently, I felt the urge to review this album. OBSCENITY play old school Death Metal: sometimes very fast, sometimes very melodic (in terms of Death Metal in the American vein), "Intense" is probably the most mature album in the long career of the band. The song ‘Suck My Vomit’ features quite a bit of SLAYER riffing, whereas the slower, more threatening track ‘Pride Of Creation’ is my favorite at the moment. To cut it short: great vocals, brilliant riffing and leads, excellent work on the bass and skull crushing drums - this album is intense, very natural and organic: the perfect soundtrack for inviting your teacher or your boss to a human barbecue. World class! "Intense" is available on CD with 4 CD-Rom videos as well as on picture vinyl (unfortunately without the funny videos, haha). Make sure you see these guys on tour! http://www.obscenity.de

Ramon Claassen

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OBSCENITY
Cold Blooded Murder
(Morbid Records)
33:36min

Faster! More brutal! This has been the "trend" in the East Frisian Extreme Metal Scene ever since I started to discover it. The scene's best known Death Metal outfit obviously picked up this vibe as well. The follow-up of "Intense" therefore might just as well have been called "More Intense". "Cold Blooded Murder" is more extreme, heavier, faster and more brutal, so I was reminded of CANNIBAL CORPSE quite a few times. Especially the drumming is excellent once again. But don't worry, OBSCENITY didn't get rid off their groovy elements, nor did they abolish their MAIDENesque melodic solos. Everything is just much more to the point. Unfortunately, this time there are no extras included on the CD and the total playing time isn't outragiously long. Still I can recommend this CD whole-heartedly. Check out 'Alien Hand Syndrome' and especially 'Sleepwalker'! Killer tracks! Hopefully you didn't miss them at the No Mercy festivals this year. www.obscenity.de

Ramon Claassen

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OBSCENITY
Where Sinners Bleed
(Armageddon Music)
42:04min

I always liked OBSCENITY. They’ve been around for so long and never got the attention they deserved. Things seem to change, though. Their last album "Cold Blooded Murder" already showed just how much potential the band still hasn’t unleashed yet. Now, "Where Sinners Bleed" is definitely gonna show everybody just how good they actually are. It seems as if with their youngest member, drummer Marc Andree Dieken, their (older than) oldschool roots are coming through more clearly. On the one hand I can’t remember whether the band ever got as fast as on ‘Die Again’ or on ‘Out Of The Tombs’ whereas, on the other hand, their Thrash roots are rediscovered. Furthermore, there is quite some Florida lava as well. But most important of all: those elements work together perfectly. At least for my taste, OBSCENITY never wrote better songs! ‘Where Sinners Bleed’ is faster, slower, more thrashy, more groovy – more extreme - than any of their previous killers. This album is simply captivating and never gets boring. Just listen to the solos! It’s been blocking my car’s stereo for weeks now and I just can’t wait to see the guys on stage in Wacken this year (I only hope the Wacken guys remove the silly tent wall this time… I hate the stink). www.obscenity.de. You can order a copy here.

Ramon Claassen

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OBSCURE
On Formaldehyde 
(Karisma / Dark Essence Records) 
51:49min 

There are many OBSCURE's out there. Most are located in Germany. This particular OBSCURE is from Norway, and judging from the music they play, a band that is well acquainted with fellow Norwegians TNT, and of course, many other early Metal acts spanning the globe, including not a few Rock and Roll groups. The album, "On Formaldehyde", is not psychedelic, but that does not mean it isn't trippy. There are enough solos, melodies, slow parts, drum beats and vocal patterns to keep fans of bands like SAINT VITUS reasonably entertained. However, fans of faster bands, such as EXCITER, are in for a treat as well. The third track, 'Veins Of Steel', is MANOWAR in concept, CELTIC FROST in speed and EXCITER in chops. OBSCURE are an incredibly well rounded band, but their schooling in the Heavy Metal art can be disruptive to the flow of their album. The track after 'Vein Of Steel', is a heavily CANDLEMASS laden, sinister doom epic, evoking a completely different atmosphere from all preceding tracks. As the album makes its home stretch, the songs change in style yet again, this time becoming extremely melodic. A great album for people fond of playing games of chance. www.myspace.com/obscurebergen 

Nat Shapiro

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OBSCURE
On Formaldehyde 
(Karisma / Dark Essence Records) 
51:49min 

Wow… the sound of oldies never gets outdated, does it? OBSCURE, this 4-piece cherisher of the past sounds of Heavy Rock and Metal, coming from Bergen, Norway, haven't exactly done anything particularly revolutionary of groundbreaking in the fields of growing their seeds of 70s and 80s sounds better or stronger than some other newer bands of the same ink (SPIRITUAL BEGGARS comes to my mind first), but damn, they do sound very entertaining, and yet so oldschool. OBSCURE have captured the most essential parts of 70s and 80s Heavy Rock and Metal into the very depths of their souls – and they have done quite a remarkable work at reaching a similar feeling and vibe that are to be found from for example some BLACK SABBATH's, SAINT VTUS' and whatnot, even some MOTÖRHEAD's and IRON MAIDEN's albums. OBSCURE's clever combination of downright heavy, fast and groovy Rock'n'Roll-ish and Doom-ish parts, has proved a successful recipe for them on “On Formaldehyde” – not to mention how nice treatment they have given a THIN LIZZY song 'Massacre' on this pleasingly ear-burning debut of theirs. The band is truly on fire on their impressive debut record, and it really shows in everything they do. I'm certain OBSCURE can deliver their goods in a live situation probably even better than on any studio environment, I assume. In the meantime while hoping to see them live some day, I think I'll continue cranking up “On Formaldehyde” til I have driven my closest neighbors totally mad… ;o) www.myspace.com/obscurebergen 

Luxi Lahtinen

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OBSCURE INFINITY
Into The Depths Of Infinity
(self-financed)
19:43min

An oldschool Death Metal band called OBSCURE INFINITY? Strange, thought they disappeared years ago… Obviously we are not talking about the Swedish Death Metal band from the early nineties releasing such great tapes as “Beyond The Gates” or the Promo '94. Here we are talking about the German youngsters with the same name. Well, the Swedish band was not really well-known and never released anything else than demotapes therefore no one can blame this German band for choosing that name, a great name by the way. As written above this new outfit from Germany dedicated themselves to the again getting more and more popular style of oldschool Death Metal taking influences from such known acts as UNLEASHED, GRAVE, DEATH or ASPHYX next to some Thrash and Black Metal influences. The 5 song CD convinces with a very good sound which is surprising as they recorded it in their rehearsalroom. Technology makes it possible, haha. The amazing accoustic guitar intro and outro makes me think on old demos as well (anyone remembers EUCHARIST?) and they offer a nice variety to the other 3 songs. Especially ‘Tomb Of Mortality’ (this riff at the beginning sounds so familiar but, damn, I don’t remember where I think I heard it before…) and ‘Maniac Destroyer’ are good tunes with an astonishing good sound. Music wise I have to say that it is quite good Death Metal in the vein of the above mentioned bands but far more melodic. Nothing spectacular, cool Death Metal which shows a huge potential for future releases. I won't praise this demo too much, simply as it is nothing else than a good start and a cool sign of life of a young band, but not a CD you will listen to that often and won't remember in a couple of years. Nevertheless, as there are good ideas, good musicianship, a great layout and the fact that we are talking about such a young band, I have high hopes that the next recordings from them will show a huge progression. Keep them in mind and look out for the things to come from German OBSCURE INFINITY. This name confuses me… Available for 5 € + 2 € postage and packing at obscureinfinity@web.de.

Thomas Ehrmann

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OBSCURE INFINITY
Dawn Of  Winter
(Obscure Domain Productions)
46:05min

This was quite a surprise, since I was so stupid to expect a compilation of the Swedish oldschool Death Metal namesake. After a well done moody intro 'Summoning Of The Ancient Ones', which suits the occult and majestic atmosphere just fine, 'Sacrifical Ritual' sets in and hell yes it's Death Metal and hell yeah it's oldschool! Actually, it sounds so damn oldschool, it's ancient! Founded in the beginning of 2007 by Jules (vocals) and Stefan (guitars), they've already released a demo called "Into The Depths Of Infinity" in 2008 which I haven't heard but I'm almost sure I missed something great because in the way they play, these guys are passionately devoted to obscure and underground Death Metal. The bio mentions they're influenced by UNLEASHED, DEATH, PESTILENCE, OBITUARY, AUTOPSY, MORGOTH etc. Well, some of them you'll recognize in their sound, but as soon as 'Sacrifical Ritual' started a similar atmosphere of more barbaric bands like EMBRACE OF THORNS, MIASMA, old BELPHEGOR, VERMINOUS etc. manifested my headphones. Expecting the same rawness as these bands unleash, I was wrong again, since OBSCURE INFINITY incorporates elements from Black and Thrash Metal in an excellent way!! Sometimes it's majestically powerful and dramatic like THE CHASM, INFINITUM OBSCURE and DISSECTION on tracks like on 'Transmitting Life To Darkness' and 'Weak Havoc - A Blackened Mind', sometimes the music sounds like the new generation of Black Thrashers like NOCTURNAL GRAVES, GOSPELS OF THE HORNS and others, like on 'Incinerator'. 'In The Depths Of Below' even reminded me a lot of SADISTIC INTENT because of an awesome groovy main riff. 'Morbid Ways Of God' even added a twisted REPUGNANT swing. The riffs that Stefan and Florian unleash upon us are very effective and classic! Not original, you might think, but let me crush that remark immediately by the fact that it doesn't need to be original when it forms such an awesome release! On top of that, "Dawn Of Winter" contains some very cool midtro's 'Foreshadowning Of A Coming Storm' and 'The Firmament Breathes Eternal Tranquillity' and some excellent solos!! Vocalist Jules has a lovely Deathgrowl, supported by occasional screams and whispering. Drummer Oli knows just perfectly how to keep things balanced. His style is not technical but spontaneous and very capable to handle the different styles of the music. No matter what direction they choose, in every way it gets a firm grip on you and won't let go! These guys are here for dedication and quality so what do you want more? Support the guys!! Get "Dawn Of Winter" if you're into aforementioned bands and likes. The only remark I can find on "Dawn Of  Winter" is the long songtitles that contribute to this quite long review. Definitely a must have record and a very significant player in the German (and international) scene! For more info check out www.myspace.com/obscureinfinity or their label www.obscuredomain.com, run by our dear colleague Hacker!

Michael Tak

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OBSCURITY
Várar
(Trollzorn)
41:12min

Sometimes, I do have the feeling that there are a few brave enough to dare to create music, yet they refuse to have a big audience…whereas most musicians’ dreams are to become big and famous, some more are just pleased with having the freedom of creating music. Enter OBSCURITY from Germany. On “Várar” they are actually doing their fourth full length. And even now, they are quite unknown. One reason might be the fact that it seems they are doing all their songs in their native tongue. Other as well might be the countless releases done every year. Labeled by their company as a Black / Viking band, I do listen to very little Viking sound on them. In fact, I do think that they are labeled as “Viking” merely for their sound which is quite near to that of AMON AMARTH, yet having some different approach. Whereas the Swedes are more melodic Death (with Viking tales that’s it) OBSCURITY goes more for a melodic Black Metal approach (think DISSECTION and SACRAMENTUM). This recording does possess a crunching guitar sound, a very competent rhythmic section and above average vocals. There is also an unmistakable Thrash / Heavy Metal approach which sometimes reminds me to the early IN FLAMES sound (circa “Lunar Strain”). So, it is well played, it is well recorded, has some sort of “Viking” flavor, and a lot reminds to the Mount Doom mongers, like the song 'Worringen' sounds could be a cover from “Versus The World”. I enjoy this one, but then again, it all sounds a bit predictable and damn, too much like those bearded Swedes. I think there it lays a weak point. Whereas the Swedes have perfected the style, OBSCURITY tries hard to make it theirs, by adding some Black Metal touches. In fact they did sound good in songs like 'Schutt Und Asche', but then again it is hard not to think in the now famous Swedish quintet. Fans of AMON AMARTH will definitely praise this one. Casual Metal listeners will find it interesting. Even die hard fans of extreme Metal cannot at least appreciate some good qualities here. And to these ancient ears it does sound more like “Pagan” than “Viking”…oh well, what I know, that is supposed to be related to the lyrics and my German is way too rusty to make out more. Let’s keep the title of the second song 'Battle Metal' and we will all be satisfied. Oh yeah, I was also thinking about the Swedish OBSCURITY at first…so no, related to some other Swedes, yes and a lot, but not those old demomongers. Ah, whatever, it does deserve at least you to give them a listen. www.myspace.com/obscuritybergischland, www.trollzorn.de

Julian Nuñez

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OBTEST
Auka Seniems Dievams
(Ledo Takas Records)
43:53min

Heathen War Metal from Lithuania that gets even more interesting by the use of their mother language (I don't tink it's Russian what they speak in Lithuania nowadays, but I wouldn't bet my ass on that). The fact that they don't use real extreme vocals supports this effect. Actually, the singer reminds me a bit of MOONSPELL. As I already mentioned, the music OBTEST are playing is rather melodic Pagan Black Metal. But apart from their language I wouldn't consider OBTEST to be that exotic. "Auka Seniems Dievams" therefore is "just" a strong album within the borders of this genre, maybe a little more kick ass than other recordings. So I'd go for it, but if you can track down a copy of the limited vinyl version: there is one bonus track on it! By the way, label and band are looking for distributors and gig promoters. Contact: ledo@banga.lt www.obtest.lt

Ramon Claassen

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OBTEST
Iš Kartos Į Kartą
(Ledo Takas Records)
43:29min

This new OBTEST effort is a big step from their Black or Pagan approach on their previous albums. Okay, there are still blastbeats or rather: fast thrashing parts and the vocals didn’t change very much. To my ears “Iš Kartos Į Kartą” is simply a (good) Metal record sung in an “exotic” (sorry) language. Especially the first seven songs live from an almost irresitable drive and some of the guitar harmonies remind me of RUNNING WILD (I used to love those guys in their heydays). Combined with OBTEST’s own approach to melodies, this somehow works. At least for me. With this new direction OBTEST’s vocals sound increasingly more monotonous, though. It’s probably just because of me thinking in drawers: extreme vocals with extreme music and traditional Metal with melodic vocals. On “Iš Kartos Į Kartą” OBTEST simply don’t belong to the extreme bands anymore. No big deal but maybe the vocals department might try to transport more emotions next time at least. Or whatever. Finally, I can’t help but feel slightly disappointed because I liked OBTEST’s vision of Pagan Metal on “Auka Seniens Dievams”. But the catchy, yet never cheap melodies on “Iš Kartos Į Kartą” probably need slightly more time to fully convince me. I’m always slow with changes once I got to like something. Anyway, “Iš Kartos Į Kartą” is a truly good Metal album and it deserves to be heard. www.obtest.lt

Ramon Claassen

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OBTEST
Gyvybés Medis
(Osmose Productions)
44:00min

Since I received the promo CD of the previous album of the Lithuanian OBTEST, "Is Kartos A Karta", I've had them in my personal Pagan Metal top favourites, together with PRIMORDIAL and DRUDKH, as the three bands represent all the different spectra we can see in that style. Without any doubt their announced new album for this year made me wait to see how they could evolve, and my expectations were really high, even if it was really hard to go further than the first album. Because of that, when I first put "Gyvybés Medis" in the player it was quite a deception, I don't know why but the songs sounded too poor. The freshness and rage of its predecessor were not there any more. But I didn't want to rush things up when it comes to doing a review of the album so I gave it a lot more opportunities (really a lot I would say). Don't misunderstand me, they haven't changed their style radically, they're still playing what they do best, which is melodic Pagan Metal with a lot of Heavy Metal influences. But away from all that Power Metal influenced pseudo-Pagan bands, and it's not necessary to mix them with that "scene" because of their use of melodies. In fact, on this new album the more blacker melodies are raising again, even if, in general, it is less straight than "Is Kartos A Karta". Without any doubt, the most meaningful change is that they chose to use more variety, instead of focusing on fast and warlike riffs, giving the midpaced parts some more space as well as the atmosphere and vocal melodies (always the best of this band from my point of view). They haven't forgot to include some tracks in the vein of their previous album, like 'Sviesa' in which the fast melodies make you think of ancient battles (and how they do it, frankly astonishing). But, they open the album with a more melancholic song, and throughout the album that's the feeling you will find the most, a quite deep melancholy. But a strong one, no depressive feelings here, but the opposite. They remember the past like a positive search for something better, and without any doubt they transmit that to the listener like few bands I've heard. It's difficult not to bang your head and sing their corusses. They haven't changed the production too much. They're still using a melodic guitar sound, a bit sharp, slightly blacker, but at a half way of both things, and really heavy drums, even if they don't sound too high nor the bass drum looks like a steamroller, which wouldn't arrange their music. Even though, the bass is more like it didn't exist, and it would add a little bit more heaviness to the sound which wouldn't be bad. Again, they have a luxurous artwork, just great for their style, and three different versions of the album: a jewel case CD, A5 digibook CD and vinyl LP. What else do you want? The Eastern scene is in shape and it's time to support it. www.osmoseproductions.com

Jeroni Sancho

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OCCIDENS

The Glorification Of The Anti Christ

(Deathgasm Records)

37:25min

Formed back in 1992, with only one demo released 3 years later; before they came up with  this full-length debut album in 2007, here’s Chilean Black / Death / War Metal. Occidens deliver elements of speed, brutality, blasphemous and crushing kind of Black / Death Metal. While you listen to this album, don’t ever hope that you’ll get some rest out of the highest velocity of their inhuman brutal music. Everything on this album is played at highest speed, the guitar, the bass and especially the insane blastbeat drumming that will surely blast your head off!! The vocalization is kind of razor sharp like a series of bullets were shot in the heads of your enemies. It’s easy for me to say that Occidens are hardly inspired by these so-called War Metal gods – Blasphemy and Sarcofago, and the similarities to this sound can also be heard from Impiety, Ravager and Infernal War. And never expect that this kind of Metal will come with a polished production since this type of hateful music is always raw and painful; please remember this band is singing about war, Anti-Christ and Satan, a polished production would be weird! This album is completed with 2005’s “Descending Of The Fire Hordes” demo material. The sound of these four tracks do not differ much from what they recorded for this album but expect the sound to be much rawer. There are two songs on this demo: 'Descending Of The Fire Hordes' and 'Tyrant Warlust' were re-recorded with much more improvement for the album. www.deathgasm.com

Amin

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OCCULT
Rage To Revenge
(Painkiller Records)
35:17min

It's really sad to see that Holland's OCCULT quite obviously still have to suffer from constantly dealing with the wrong record labels... Their 1994 debut "Prepare To Meet Thy Doom" as well as the 1996 follow-up "The Enemy Within" both came out on the small and rather inexperienced Foundation 2000 label (probably most famous for the release of THE GATHERING's debut "Always"), who didn't really had the (financial) power to promote the band in a proper way. Things could've easily changed for the better a couple years later, when Germany's Massacre Records picked up the band to release their third album "Of Flesh And Blood" in 1999. But for reasons beyond my knowledge they unfortunately also never really gave the band the necessary support that OCCULT would've needed in order to gain a bigger attention. So, instead of letting them play out live as often as possible (where the band's oldschool inspired Thrash sound still works best!), all they basically did was releasing the record and then let it die (ok, to remain fair here - OCCULT got one tour opportunity, opening the X-Mas festivals alongside MORBID ANGEL, GORGOROTH, GOD DETHRONED, AMON AMARTH and KRISIUN). No surprise that this business relation didn't last too long either... Line-up problems became another setback in the band's career then, but Maurice and the gang even managed to survive those and recently returned to the scene with their fourth full-length "Rage To Revenge", the band's first release for Belgium's Painkiller Records. I'm not quite sure whether or not this business move will really increase their chances on the market, but OCCULT obviously don't give a fuck at all, stick to their guns and still do what they do best: playing their intense SLAYER-esque Thrash Metal with hints of Death Metal and (probably for the last time, as Rachel left for SINISTER) their already quite famous doubled lead vocal delivery. OCCULT have neither wimped out throughout the years, nor jumped on any trendy bandwaggon in order to become more famous (they even stopped wearing corpsepaint at a time when everybody else was doing it), so all power to them! If you still freak out on experienced songwriting, intense killer riffing and an overall brutal Thrash assault, without any neo aggressive influences, you can still pick this up without hesitation, as the wellknown slogan "Thrash 'Till Death!" once more sums this up best! Label contact: www.painkiller-records.com      

Frank Stöver

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OCCULT
Prepare To Meet Thy Doom / The Enemy Within / Studio Demo 1993 (DoCD)
(Painkiller Records)
109:30min

Honestly spoken I was never interested in the Dutch legend OCCULT, but this reissue of their ’93 demo, the debut album "Prepare To Meet Thy Doom" and "The Enemy Within", both originally released on the meanwhile deceased Foundation 2000 label, disabused me. The band was founded in 1990 by ex-BESTIAL SUMMONING (another mighty Dutch legend, check out the reissue of their material on Warhammer Records!) drummer Maurice Swinkels and create a unique mixture of Death, Thrash and Black Metal. While the ’94 debut album suffered from the slightly weak vocals, which were a result of a serious throat infection as the liner notes tell us, the 2nd CD containing the ’93 demo as well as the 1996 "The Enemy Within" album is simply classic!!! The production by Harris Johns and Martin Erfurt is timeless, absolutely perfect and easily meets today’s standards. The songs offer diversified Death / Thrash with individual sounding, aggressive vocals reminding me of old Thrash legends like DESTRUCTION, SODOM as well as contemporary Black / Thrash hordes like DESTROYER 666 or GOSPEL OF THE HORNS. In addition to that there are SINISTER-singer Rachel Heyser’s brutal growls, which create another original effect. "The Enemy Within" is a must-have!!! The ’93 studio demo is great as well and shows how Maurice would have sounded on "Prepare To Meet Thy Doom", if his voice would have been healthy. The four songs still have a stronger Black Metal feeling than the later OCCULT material, but there are those cool Thrash-parts hinting at the band’s further development. Soundwise even the demo is excellent and personally I like it better than the official debut album. To make a long story short, if you do not already own OCCULT’s early efforts, you have to get this re-release!!! Besides excellent music you will get a huge booklet including band biography, liner notes by Maurice, song lyrics and a lot of exclusive photos, so you definitely will not be disappointed. Also watch out for "Rage To Revenge", OCCULT’s fourth official release! Ok, for more information check out www.painkiller-records.com, if their website is still down try it again later.

Stefan Franke

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OCCULT
To Be Thrashed By OCCULT - The Complete Story Of OCCULT 1990-2003 (DVD)
Lowlifemedia DVD
84:00min

At the moment the world is drowned in DVDs. Will Maurice Swinkels’ (OCCULT) company Lowlifemedia be able to compete with all those big money projects? To cut a long story short: no, not really, I’m afraid. That’s because I’m quite unhappy with parts of the concept. “To be Thrashed by OCCULT” turns out to be a little annoying because there is a female voice telling you the history of Holland’s OCCULT. And doesn’t shut up. Sorry, but at least the cool live sequences (especially the old ones with a “cult” sound) should have been delivered as the pure experience. What is Maurice hiding from us? In a way, this could have been a documentary about ABBA (or whatever) on a big TV station. Only then there would have been complete songs, I guess. I always get the feeling: oh, wait! This is cool! Let me see (and hear!) more of it. But after a minute or so the story rushes on. Yeah, OCCULT’s history is a pretty long and interesting one but: why not let the music do the talking? At least every now and then! One could read the history in a booklet or online, dammit! Especially that 'Mutilation' cover at the Chuck benefit in Tilburg together with Wannes (PENTACLE). Aaahhhrrrggghhhh! Have mercy! Pleasant voice but also a little emotionless. Whatever. Apart from that, the DVD does have a certain underground charm and it does provide you with a bit of insight into the life and work of a terribly underrated band. Furthermore, the possibilities of the medium DVD seem to be neglected. No impressive sound effects (who needs that anyway) and the menu is probably the most spartanic I ever saw. On the other hand, you’ll be able to watch this DVD even if you’re completely drunk. Try this with the MOTÖRHEAD DVD, for example: no fucking way! So, in a way, this could have simply been released as a video tape just as well. It’s got the same linear concept, just like the history lesson on OCCULT. Probably the most boring concept of history anyway: to start at the beginning and present everything step by step. But it’s also the safest way for a teacher. Shit! I’m getting mean and neither the band nor the video deserves this, sorry. Where was I? Oh, yes: “To Be Thrashed...” would have been a nice bonus-DVD in addition to a complete concert or maybe one song from the most important and best performances in the history of OCCULT. I think it’s not enough to be sold alone. The 2 low-low budget bonus video clips (the okay 'Killing For Recreation' and the... interesting? funny? amateur! 'Doomsday Destroyer') support the underground charm of this project. In a way I really like “To Be Thrashed...”. Mostly because I like OCCULT but this might not be enough considering the price (20,- Euros incl. p&p). Sure, for an underground product this is probably already cheap considering the costs Maurice had, but that doesn’t really change the outcome, does it? It definitely shows that underground Metal cannot compete with the big names. At least not in the DVD department in 2003. This one’s limited to 2000 and available exclusively through Lowlifemedia. But get your OCCULT CDs first for the world needs OCCULT but not necessarily this DVD. I’m just glad I have it. www.lowlifemedia.net, www.occult.nu

Ramon Claassen

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OCCULT
Elegy For The Weak
(Karmageddon Media)
40:33min

The first thing that struck me when I listened to this new output by OCCULT is the fantastic sound it comes along with. The drums are really brutal and indeed… they are bound to thrash you if you are not careful enough. OCCULT perform blackened Black / Thrash Metal, and it’s great fun listening to this stuff. These Dutch guys are crazy about oldschool Thrash and the derivates of this extreme Metal sub-genre. You can sense that straight away when listening to this act. OCCULT must have felt inspired by acts such as KREATOR, SODOM, DEATH ANGEL, EXODUS, MORBID ANGEL when they formed their band. This record is solid, very professional and it actually kicks ass. I bet these guys will pound all the filth that piles up thick in your minds out of them when they perform this material live on stage. Sure thing. I am not blown away and I didn’t feel I could lack strength when I listened to this, OCCULT’s fifth album – I state that here coz this danger is indicated in the info-sheet being added to the promo package. But still – this kicks ass, and therefore I recommend this album without hesitation!

F. Cthulhu E.

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OCTOBER FALLS
The Streams Of The End (MCD)
(Debemur Morti Productions)
21:58min

Finland doesn't have a middle ground, they choose the melodic and happy Metal style on which a lot of bands jumped these last years, or better take the most absolute melancholy and darkness. Don't worry, it is the last case we are dealing with in the case of OCTOBER FALLS, who present their third official release on MCD, after a full album in 2005 and another EP in 2003. And, moving away from the usual tendency of the French label, this project of Mr. Mikko Lehto (in this occasion accompanied by a session bassist and drummer), is oriented towards some kind of Black / Doom with Folk elements, which remind me of what bands like AGALLOCH, EMPYRIUM or ULVER did in their early days (on a less blackened level on the side when we speak about ULVER), or even, on a smaller degree, to the very first OPETH / KATATONIA. More for the high melancholy than for the music itself... Even the canadian WOODS Of YPRES come to my mind, but without any doubt, the melodies and acoustic guitars and the general atmosphere that can only make you think of more nature in autumn, are purely reminiscent of AGALLOCH. Perhaps this could be the weak point of this recording, its high resemblance with Oregon's, but on the other side, aren't there a lot more bands being copied these days? So, is it really a problem to have some similarities with the above mentioned? I don't think so, especially seeing how good these four tracks are and the high amount of feelings they can achieve. The vocals (the blacker part of the album) are helping quite a lot, being tearing and not too present in the mix towards the rest of instruments, which doesn't happen with the acoustic guitars, which are especially present when they appear on the shades of electric guitards doing pure Black Metal riffs and creating a counterpoint between the raw atmosphere and the beauty of the first ones. Even though, the recording is quite short with its almost twenty two minutes, and I'd like to have a longer recording to make up a good opinion of the music of this band, but for the ones who like the mentioned style, you can buy this stuff without any fear. It has been released on a digipack CD version and on MLP, with a really beautiful cover. www.debemur-morti.com

Jeroni Sancho

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OCTOBER FALLS
A Collapse Of Faith
(Debemur Morti Productions)
42:02min

Before the great summer break nearly all record labels are focused – as usual – far more on pure quantity than quality and just in the moment when I’m starting to wonder (not for the first time in the last couple of years!) when one of the four riders of the Apocalypse will finally knock on our doors to advise the death of the so called true underground the latest OCTOBER FALLS release has arrived in my dark cave. The Finnish band has started their musical journey in 2001 as a pure ambient act but over the years they opened their horizon to a mere melange of epic landscapes and Black Metal. So normally the next step would be to point out parallels to the one and only nature bound band ULVER but the presented three tracks – two of them nearly reach the unholy 20 minutes barrier – have far more in common with a slightly different Norwegian scene veteran. OCTOBER FALLS don’t need this kind of name dropping but “A Collapse Of Faith” is worth to be connected to the first BORKNAGAR releases because the essence is similar even if both bands are separated by 10 years of existence – including  MOLESTED as the pre-BORKNAGAR band. But despite these parallels is the third OCTOBER FALLS release nevertheless a unique output. Especially the two major tracks are in the position to play with different musical motives and moods – supported by superb guitar parts – that every further play of this release is offering another level. Releases like “A Collapse Of Faith” unfortunately are an exception to the rule these days so don’t dare to ignore this great release. www.debemur-morti.com, http://koti.welho.com/mlehto4/

Matthias Auch

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ODIOUS MORTEM
Devouring The Prophecy
(Unique Leader Records)
23:34min

Internationally speaking ODIOUS MORTEM is still a pretty unknown four piece hailing from Santa Cruz, California that has just delivered its debut full length "Devouring The Prophecy" via Unique Leader Records. But considering the quality of the records that the label is constantly releasing their name will certainly be established rather quickly as well. Unfortunately I never heard their one and only four song demo effort ("Gestation Of Worms", which was recorded in December of 2003), so I can't really tell you whether the band has progressed rather drastically ever since or not. Fact is that only one of the demo tunes ('Morton's Neuronoma') made it on the album now and that ODIOUS MORTEM have become a totally impressive, brutal musical unity nowadays. It's even more astonishing if you find out that "Devouring The Prophecy" was already recorded more than a year ago (in March 2004) when the band was obviously still lacking a permanent bassplayer and vocalist / guitarist Dan Eggers also took care of that (in the meantime Joel Horner has become responsible for those duties)... The ten featured tracks on the disc, that are not even reaching a playing time of half an hour, are filled with so many twisted and sick guitar parts and a constantly pushing, yet very varied performed drumming, that you are left rather breathless right after nevertheless! The vocals are of the lowest, guttural kind and totally fit into this apocalyptic inferno while ODIOUS MORTEM as a whole is obviously heavily impressed by the more technical hordes in brutal Death Metal, such as NECROPHAGIST, GORGUTS, PAVOR and the likes. But unlike many of them, ODIOUS MORTEM don't loose themselves in extremely complex songstructures and tons of breaks... they just incorporate their musical weirdness into an extremely brutal, fast forward way of writing. And that probably still makes them so exciting, even to those of you who can't stand technical Death Metal at all! So, all in all a very cool debut offering, produced very professionally and packaged with more godly artwork by Mr. Jon Zig again. For all further info check out www.odiousmortem.com or www.uniqueleader.com

Frank Stöver

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ODIOUS SANCTION
No Motivation To Live
(Unique Leader)
42:06min

No motivation to review this…Well, what we’ve got here is a band that obviously wants to become MISERY INDEX when they've grown up. Funny thing about it is that they could very well succeed, since they definitely have a knack for writing catchy tunes by mixing blast-beat aggression with Hardcore grooves and straight forward Punk elements. That makes for a pretty enjoyable and varied listening, although they still have to do some fine-tuning to come up with something more memorable, since not too much sticks with the listener even after repeated listening. And the screamo-type of shouting also is a bit too much for my taste. But if they manage to maintain their unbridled fury while at the same time expanding their song-writing craft they could really give some of the more established acts quite a run for their money… www.uniqueleader.com. It is on sale here.

Torsten Gründig

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ODIUM IMMORTALIS
Die Schönheit der Einsamkeit
(Immense Storm Production)
62:53min

With relief I found out about ODIUM IMMORTALIS cause these Germans don’t give a damn about Black Metal clichés. I mean, nothing wrong with clichés as long as you’re either true to them (are they still clichés, then?) or you’re aware of your image and don’t take it too serious. ODIUM IMMORTALIS are into philosophy and animal rights instead. "Die Schönheit der Einsamkeit“ (s. th. like “The Beauty Of Loneliness”) is an ambitious album with rather epic songs leaving room for both (lots of) rage and calm acoustic moments. Melodic almost without any keyboards. Nothing too innovative, either, but absolutely solid as the songs develop depth by effective use of dynamics. Good production as well. Actually, there is only one major point of criticism: the clean vocals, or rather the spoken passages. Hey, why can’t poetry come to life one day? Where’s the point in a robot reciting something? On the other hand, there would be some sense behind if this actually was supposed to be a robot but it sounds more like me back in school. But as this is a rather occasional element, I can still recommend this one to Black Metal fans and to those who don’t have the time for reading a whole book (of poetry). But in case the band is planning to use this element again next time: please practice intonation, get some unemployed actor, dig up Klaus Kinski or whatever! www.odium-immortalis.de, www.immensestorms.de

Ramon Claassen

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OF DARKNESS
Death
(self-financed)
48:40min

Whew! OF DARKNESS were founded in 2004 in Barcelona, Spain. These extreme Death / Doom loonies recorded this 2 song demo (!!) shortly after (take a quick look at the playing time). So this is mainly low tuned guitars and deeeep growls plus some spheric synthies. For my taste they simply overdo their approach. Well, maybe I’m not nihilistic enough but I simply can’t keep my mind concentrated on this. Tried many times but: no fucking chance! The drum computer annoys me quite a bit anyway. But don’t get me wrong: this is really well done, the vocals (?) are strong and never ridiculous and I also like the guitars. Apart from the B-O-R-I-N-G, bad sounding drums, this is really something but it completely fails to captivate me and somehow I have the feeling that’s because I can’t concentrate anymore as I used to. What I found out about “Death” is that it’s excellent, spooky background music for reading some horror novel as it doesn’t draw my attention from the pages. So it’s kind of a cool soundtrack for a (more or less) good book. Does that mean these guys found a niche in the market? Some ESOTERIC worshippers might dig this, I guess. Next demo out soon. julkarn@gmail.com

Ramon Claassen

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OF DARKNESS
The Empty Eye
(self-financed)
53:41min

Seeing that GRAVEYARD who share two members from OF DARKNESS recently got featured here made it clear that I finally had to finish my review of “The Empty Eye” after long delays. This delay was not the result of an uninteresting or dull recording, quite the opposite actually… it is rather safe to say that OF DARKNESS gave birth to a mindblowingly perverse doomridden death-trip that clocks in around about one hour – absolutely no easy listening and hence hard to grasp. Originally brought forth in the fall of 2005 by Bastard and Julkarn this heavy slab of oppressive “Funeral” Death / Doom is subdivided into seven parts, “a one hour long passage through the void of existence and the emptiness of all that is of human nature”, as the info tells us and it can be concluded that this is a sound description actually! “The Empty Eye” is easily one of the most fucked up extreme Doom releases I have had the horrible pleasure to listen to in recent times. Sparingly enriched with some atmospheric effects and different vocals styles, ultra deep grunts as well as twisted spoken and whispered passages, and backed up by buzzing guitars oozing hypnotic riffs the seven songs plod forward with a tempo comparable to the heart beats of a cyclopean animal in hibernation. This corrosive continuum gets ruptured by sudden gong or bell chimes, manic rants and twisted hissing of indecipherable declamations, then falling back into a slow comatose pace again. Their well-dosed use of ambient textures and effects must be mentioned here, considering how painfully pathetic and inadept many Metal bands try to use those and end up with preset sound gimmicks. Here, everything is amalgamated into a thick pitch black aural offering as it should be. Musical comparisons? Good question and part of the reason why it took me so long. Actually, I am not sure if the description Funeral Doom may not be slightly misleading as there is no trace of solemnity to be found here (think of EVOKEN for example), just pure fucking suffocating darkness. CATACOMBS come to mind due to their similarly monstrous approach to heaviness but OF DARKNESS are less static and more ritualistic. One comparison which might surprise our readers may be… ABRUPTUM! Not the full lengths but the early demo and EP stuff, though. I always thought that ABRUPTUM were rather ultra extreme Death / Doom due to the downtuned guitars playing reduced bizarre riffs and the slow twisted drumming and lets not forget about the deathly guttural vocals either. Julkarn and Bastard have come up with what I would describe as a bastard (ha!) heir to that sound and they open the portals to darkness in a convincing way. Listeners of SKEPTICISM and NORTT as well as ESOTERIC, UNTIL DEATH OVERTAKES ME, MOSS or UNHOLY should should add OF DARKNESS and their brand of twisted ritualistic Death / Doom to their list. Originally “The Empty Eye” was scheduled to be released by Xtreem Records. I have no idea if that idea fell through yet I strongly hope that this is not the case as this material here is just too good! Let us conclude this with the band's motto: "What can be dead, should be dead." Well spoken.To grasp the darkness, go there: www.ofdarkness.com, www.myspace.com/theemptyeye

Ulrich Kreienbrink

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OFERMOD
Tiamtü
(Norma Evangelium Diaboli)
42:32min

The happiest time of the year with singing and dancing around the Christmas tree is finally gone (and how we all will miss these times!) and we can start to concentrate again on the most important thing – Heavy Metal. The cult act OFERMOD is for sure not an unknown entity in our dark cosmos and after 12 years of underground dedication they finally release their debut. It took a very long time until the Swedish band had been in the position to record “Tiamtü” (mainly due to an unexpected trip behind Swedish bars for one band member). But it was worth waiting nearly 4 years and it’s for sure not a surprise that Norma Evangelium Diaboli is releasing this album - the Swedish band is deeply rooted in the mid 90s and “Tiamtü” is a strong album - even compared to the true elite of the Black Metal cult. The 8 songs of mid-tempo Black Metal are offering some side remarks to bands like MAYHEM or early KEEP OF KALESSIN but the parallels are not too obvious. The band has found their own way and some songs could also be used for a satanic ritual or more suitable as funeral march. Taking into account that I’m listening to this release for over 2 weeks and there are still songs which are offering an additional darker side to the listener; there is no further need to emphasize the musical class behind “Tiamtü”. Without a doubt a true Black Metal album with potential to be called a cult release in recent years – so I bow my head once more in respect to the never ending stream of evil Swedish blood. www.noevdia.com

Matthias Auch

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OFFICIUM TRISTE
Reason
(Displeased Records)
42:01min

Friends of old ANATHEMA, early MY DYING BRIDE or MORGION should better take notice of Dutch Doom / Deathers OFFICIUM TRISTE who have been active since 1994, released various demos, EPs, albums (for a complete discography click one of the links below) and offer very traditional, melodic, melancholic music with guitar melodies extremely close to ANATHEMA, atmospheric keyboards and sinister growls dragging you into the realm of utter depression... I guess most people into this kind of music will dig "Reason" at instant since it is 100% well-crafted dark music so solid there's hardly anything worth of being criticised. The keyboard might have been reduced or even better completely left out, since it would have given the guitars more space and would not have plastered the obviously present heavy elements of OFFICIUM TRISTE with superfluous softness futile to this band. "Reason" is well structured, diversified and solidly produced (only the bass drum could have been much louder and incisive) and its weak points are absolutely minimal. As a Doom / Death fan you are usually not very blessed by a flood of releases and the possibility of a broad selection (this certainly has its advances), but with "Reason" there is an album that should be a valuable addition to your collection. www.officiumtriste.com, www.dis-order.com (Displeased Records website).

Stefan Franke

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OFFICIUM TRISTE
Giving Yourself Away
(Displeased Records)
47:48min

I was pretty surprised when I started this CD. Doom Metal? In my opinion this is rather Gothic. This is just too "nice" for being Doom. That's probably because of the dominant keyboards. Apart from that, OFFICIUM TRISTE do seem to be big MY DYING BRIDE fans, but they lack the sinister atmosphere and the depression. Well, maybe I'm spoilt already by the original. I have to admit I liked the CD better the second time I played it. Powerful guitars, good leads an' everything. Production by Robbe K. at audiovisuals. Why it still gets on my nerves are the cheap piano sounds and the repetitions especially in the first and in the last song. Simply overdone. This is a CD for listening to when you have enough time, darkness and a glass of wine. Don't listen to it while driving your car. This record deserves a chance despite my points of criticism (keyboards, repetitions). A "can buy" - album. www.officiumtriste.com, www.dis-order.com.

Ramon Claassen

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OF TREES AND ORCHIDS
Thought-Cathedral
(self financed)
37:24min

OF TREES AND ORCHIDS are not a Gothic Metal act. They're not a Black Metal act, either. I saw this German Progressive Death Metal band as a local support at an OBSCENITY gig and although they had a major problem with the monitor sound as well as a typically distanced North German audience in front of them, they did quite a good job and by playing a convincing MORBID ANGEL cover tune they impressively proved their abilities. "Thought-Cathedral" is an album inspired by MORBID ANGEL and NILE: it's complex and technical, yet brutal. Many atmospheric parts and spoken passages support the conceptual framework of a creature reflecting on its existence in the so-called "Thought-Cathedral". The atmosphere of this album reminds of H. P. Lovecraft and for the beautiful cover the band used the R'Lyeh picture by John Coulthart. OF TREES AND ORCHIDS are excellent musicians and skillful songwriters and they're willing to take Death Metal to new heights! I'm truly impressed! And the band is already planning a split-album with SENESCENCE in the near future... Open minded (Death) Metal fans will surely love this one, whereas people who need in-your-face Death Metal all the time might lose their patience too early. Don't miss this! You'll get OF TREES AND ORCHIDS's second album "Though-Cathedral" (great production!) as well as the debut at: thought-cathedral@gmx.de, http://www.oftreesandorchids.de

Ramon Claassen

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OLD
Down With The Nails
(Tyrant Syndicate Production)
34:16min

9 tracks of pure oldschool Metal attack is what you can expect of this album. Almost nothing, besides the improved sound, changed here. Okay, there is the voice that also did a change; it is less screamed this time, now it sounds like a mixture of Tom G. Warrior and a huge monster, hrhr. The playing time of 34 minutes is okay. And well – you just should try to get this CD at your local record store. The cover painting looks well, I just would like to know when exactly a vinyl edition will be unleashed – I heard some business problems did appear and this must be hurting inside the hearts of these vinyl maniacs of OLD. If you do not know the band yet: they are playing a kind of Thrash Metal in the vein of Hellhammer / Celtic Frost with some Darkthrone influences, too. www.tyrantsyndicate.com. You can order it here.

Hellpike

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OLD BONES / ARS GOETIA
Ancient Sorceries and Old Relics (Split CD) 
(Aphelion Productions)
29:24min

Alright, so here's a split for misanthropic people who don't like sunshine very much. Each band presents 3 tracks and Sweden's OLD BONES start ceremonies off with the primitive Death / Black Metal heavily inspred by HELLHAMMER and WINTER. I like their raw yet thunderous sound, especially the drums, but music wise this is mediocre stuff, nothing to get excited about. It's alright, but forgotten as soon as the songs end. As for Italians ARS GOETIA... they're a shining example why I think 98% of Black Metal is crap and eventually leads to gayness (GORGOROTH anyone?). High on trebly, shit (or is it "true") sounding production, full-on penguin make-up (their singer even has corpsepainted hands, hahahahaha!), this is totally bland, thin sounding and very irritating shit. And the songtitles... 'Virgin Prostitute', 'The Key Of Joy'... yeah, true to the deepest abyss of blakk asshole. Maybe they should consider opening a beauty salon with an emphasis on penguin style make-up job italian style. Contact: www.myspace.com/oldbonesmetal, www.aphelionproductions.net

Mindaugas "Plix" Lapinskas

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OMEN
Eternal Black Dawn
(Mausoleum)
46:06min

Having never been an OMEN specialist, simply because their stuff always sounded too MAIDEN-ish with way too much happy harmonies and lacked of energy. I still can announce to the hordes of OMEN followers that the poor days of "Reopening The Gates" are buried and forgotten with "Eternal Black Dawn". Lovers of medium paced / melodic brand of Metal will be certainly very pleased with the material penned by mainman / veteran Kenny Powell and executed very professionally by his associates, newer guy Kevin Goocher coming out as a brilliant singer. My personal fave is without any doubt 'Burning Times', an envouting track that grabs you by the balls right away, the pair Powell / Goocher delivering an over the top performance. Still I wish the material could have been more powerful with a couple of semi fast ragers since medium paced stuff dominates this album and it gets a bit monotonous after a while. Anyway welcome back guys in the field of real Metal!

Laurent Ramadier

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OMINOUS CRUCIFIX
Decadent Religious Archetype (Promo 2008)
(self-financed)
25:12min

One more Mexican outfit dedicating themselves to the oldschool Death Metal scene in claiming influences from such acts as old NECROPHOBIC, old PARADISE LOST, old DARKTHRONE, MORBID ANGEL, IMMOLATION, INCANTATION, GOREAPHOBIA, NECROS CHRISTOS, DEMILICH and CARBONIZED I wondered what kinda outfit I could expect. Even judging the old sounds of PARADISE LOST they had not really much in common with CARBONIZED, or NECROPHOBIC with GOREAPHOBIA. Perhaps I misinterpret influences like this a little bit as this should not mean that they sound in any way like one of the mentioned bands, just trying to catch the best moments of them. OMINOUS CRUCIFIX really sticks to a dark and heavy form of brutal Death Metal. No blast beats here, mostly midtempo brutality with an ultra deep and brutal voice and heavy shredding guitars. Formed in summer 2007 OMINOUS CRUCIFIX already got my biggest attention with this first release and I can do nothing else than highly praise this effort to all of you oldschool maniacs as it turned out just amazing. Support the Aztek underground with buying this cool promotape. I’m sure we are going to hear more great tunes from this outfit pretty soon. Check out www.myspace.com/ominouscrucifix and ask the band about this release as I’m not sure if this is an official one.

Thomas Ehrmann

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OMINOUS CRUCIFIX
Relics Of A Dead Faith (7” EP)
(Morbid Kult Records)
15:49min

Still knee-deep in the underground and unknown to most of you Deathbangers out there, OMINOUS CRUCIFIX strike back with wrath. The influences may still be the same (please read my review of their demo), the music itself just matured from their previous release, the “Decadent Religious Archetype” demo. Eerie Death Metal from the Aztek underground now hopefully offered to a bigger crowd with this great 4 tracks 7” EP out on Morbid Kult Records from Northern California. A quite new, but promising label. If I should choose a band to compare with OMINOUS CRUCIFIX I would finally come to the German DROWNED, even so this is a band not less underground as they are, as the gloomy midpaced Death Metal songs are filled with the same atmosphere as the latest output from those German’s called “Viscae Terrae” if you ask me. “Relics Of A Dead Faith” is a bastard of crushing riffs and gloomy atmosphere with each note on the right place, each scream / growl in the right pitch and each beat in the right speed. The included 4 songs here are just excerpts of what to expect from OMINOUS CRUCIFIX in the future, and this future will hopefully offer us a lot. They are newcomers to the Death Metal audience (founded in 2007), but no one should dare to call them inexperienced or simply copycats. OMINOUS CRUCIFIX's 7” EP is a proof that South American Death Metal is not only located in Chile or Brazil, Mexico convinced in the past with bands as SHUB NIGGURATH and CENOTAPH and is doing the same with current acts as DENIAL or THE CHASM (not exactly what to call a new band, haha). So make your sign on your notepad to order this 7” EP as long as you have the possibility and put OMINOUS CRUCIFIX to the list of the top act from Mexico and South America respectively. No excuse, order! Take a look at www.myspace.com/ominouscrucifix to contact the band and www.myspace.com/morbidkult (email: info@morbidkult.com) for the label.

Thomas Ehrmann

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OMNIUM GATHERUM
Steal The Light (MCD)
(Rage Of Achilles / Soulfood)
25:43min

What a strange name for a band! OMNIUM GATHERUM from Finland are coming up with some fairly unique sounding melodic Death Metal. Being excellent musicians and skilled songwriters they're less influenced by MAIDEN than most of the other bands in this particular genre. Track 2, 'Son's Thoughts', reminds me a little of DREAM THEATER without those annoying ego-trips, though. OMNIUM GATHERUM avoid the traps most of today's Melodic DM bands fail to recognize. Consequently, these guys must not be labelled as being IN FLAMES copycats under any circumstances! I hope their upcoming debut album (scheduled for early 2003) holds the same high level. Until then: get this mini CD as it will be sold for the price of a single, just like the mini CD of their label mates FOREST OF SHADOWS! Out on the 28th of October 2002. www.saunalahti.fi/wanhala/OG/

Ramon Claassen

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OMNIUM GATHERUM
Spirits And August Light
(Rage Of Achilles / Soulfood)
42:01min

I'm completely lacking in information about this Finnish five piece, but "Spirits And August Light" must be at least their second output, as Ramon already reviewed 2002's "Steal The Light" mini CD. In one way Mr.Claassen can calm down, the musical level is still very high throughout the entire album, the same goes for the very powerful production. So, I suppose "Spirits And Augst Light" has very good chances to make it on the mainstream market. But all that doesn't necessarily mean that I really like their melodic form of blackened Death Metal. To me OMNIUM GATHERUM is currently just another band to add to the neverending list of CHILDREN OF BODOM worshippers out there. Their aggressive vocal delivery, mixed with classical inspired guitar leads and the speedy and very Heavy Metal rooted basic songwriting still reminds me too much on what IN FLAMES or CHILDREN OF BODOM already had done a few times before. But not all hope is lost here yet as it's pretty obvious that the band is trying real hard to become more and more original. In that department some more complex songstructures are worth being mentioned in the same way as their partly incorporated symphonic and rather moody elements. So, if they will develop a bit more from here they might evolve into something way more unique and outstanding in the near future. Their big potential is already more than obvious on this album. For further info check out: www.omniumgatherum.cjb.net. Label contact: www.rageofachilles.com

Frank Stöver

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OMNIUM GATHERUM
Years In Waste
(Nuclear Blast Records)
43:51min

The debut full length from Finnish’s OMNIUM GATHERUM hit the light through the unfortunately deceased British newcomer label Rage of Archilles Records, who also did the brilliant Facebreaker album, too. Well, Nuclear Blast simply caught this band with this second album “Years In Waste”, but honestly spoken I can’t imagine that this five piece will satisfy the sales figures of such a label, cause in some way the material is too progressive. OMNIUM GATHERUM are no easy listening band, cause it takes you a lot more then one turn around to get into their material. They somehow remind me a bit to the very early period of SOILWORK’s first album, which means a more Thrash based riffing, hidden atmosphere and a suddenly thundering blast. Basically you can find a more modern Swedish type of style in their work, but the type of melodies are typical Finnsh, which means more in the vein of NORTHER or BODOM, but not too obvious like a 08/15 copycat. Something I can’t understand by most Finnish acts is the use of keyboards, that also steals some heaviness here as well. Skillwise this band is defintely professional, but I still miss a certain kind of kick and a red line in terms of catchiness a bit. Becoming more direct and thundering to the point would help OMNIUM GATHERUM a lot. The biggest point of criticism is in my opinion the too monotonous vocal work of Antti Flippu who should deliver a much wider range to deliver the right atmosphere and feeling. Well, OMNIUM GATHERUM are a quality band, which generally speaks for the Finnish scene in the same way as the crystal clear Finnvox mixes sound, a matter of taste generally. But to come to the point it’s a band in the better melodical middlefield and I fear that they will disappear the same way on the Nuclear Blast rooster like great melodic acts as Withered Beauty, Gardenian etc. did back then. But I defintely hope that they will get a chance for album No.3!!! www.omniumgatherum.org

Ralf Hauber

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OMNIUM GATHERUM
The Redshift
(Candlelight Records)
48:00min

Melodic Death Metal has become over the years for sure one of the best selling Metal genres and in the class of 2008 the scene majors IN FLAMES and DARK TRANQUILLITY are sitting next to younger bands like THE DUSKFALL or OMNIUM GATHERUM. The band from the land of the thousand lakes is on the road since 1996 and with “The Redshift” they are offering their fourth release of ultra melodic Death Metal. The album is a very positive surprise because I didn’t expect such a big step forward from this band. The 11 songs are a wild style mixture (within the given rules of this genre) and the album is offering several great songs, especially the first 5 songs are worth to be called ear catcher. This point must be marked red because their last release (“Stuck Here On Snakes Way”) was also offering good played music but without this special magical portion which makes the difference. OMNIUM GATHERUM can’t invent this style a second time but the band is using all given facets from headbang monsters a little bit inspired by AMON AMARTH up to keyboard supported songs spiced with guitar duels. For Death Metal fans which are still rooted in the Heavy Metal world is “The Redshift” a more than suitable piece of meat. www.candlelightrecords.com, www.omniumgatherum.org

Matthias Auch

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