|
PESTER
Sombre Infinity (Demo CDR)
(self-financed)
29:16min
Well, I have this demo lying on my desk for almost a year now and
never reviewed it, but definitely not because it is crap, if there
is a least one reason then it might be my laziness, sorry guys!
PESTER come from the southern part of Germany and call their music
“true Bavarian Death Metal”, but “true Swedish Death Metal”
would be a better description, I think. The vocals sound a lot like
Dan Swanö in the good old EDGE OF SANITY days and musically PESTER
step on Scandinavian oldschool paths, too, but emphasise slower
paces causing almost all songs on “Sombre Infinity” being
mid-tempo tracks with a few blasting outbreaks or up-tempo passages.
Honestly spoken the fact that PESTER tend to do it slow, is the only
thing I feel necessary of being criticised, because in terms of
songwriting and production the Bavarian trio did a pretty good job
and comes up with elaborated, concise, powerful and definitely not
boring sounding tracks, but a little more darkness, brutality and
speed would improve the whole thing and might make PESTER a band to
watch out for in the future. “Sombre Infinity” shows that PESTER
have a serious amount of potential and creativity even now and
especially the guitar section and the excellent vocalist deserve
attention. This is a solid first output and I think you do no wrong
if you support this band, because I feel they may become really,
really good, when they invest enough time and intensity in their
evil doings. Fans of mid-paced Death Metal à la GRAVE, EDGE OF SANITY,
BOLT THROWER etc. should contact the band via their email address foxi6979@aol.com
(sounds more like the address of a porn star!) and ask about price
and availability of “Sombre Infinity”.
Stefan Franke
BACK
PESTHAUCH
Sacrifice At Dawn
(self-financed)
33:35min
PESTHAUCH seems to be a new Black Metal outfit from Austria and their debut album "Sacrifice At Dawn" is a first sign of life. The music itself is normal Black Metal without any highlights. The sound is clear and PESTHAUCH's technical skills are really not bad, but the whole album definitely lacks of mysticism and somehow dins perpetually into one's ears as it is missing extremity. "Sacrifice At Dawn", like many other Black Metal releases these days, reveals this huge gap between the lyrics, which speak of total devastation and destruction of mankind and all holiness, and the music which is really lame and soulless. Sorry, I really wanted to find good things to say about "Sacrifice At Dawn", but I could not discover any. Sorry also, because I really like the Austrian
Metal scene with its inspiring bands. Nevertheless you can get the CD for 10 Euro + p&p at: PESTHAUCH, Andreas Huber, Grillparzerstr. 8, A - 4844 Regen, Austria,
pesthauch@gmx.at,
www.pesthauch.at.tf
Andi Bauer
BACK
PESTILENCE
Chronicles Of The Scourge
(Metal War Productions)
78:18min
I can't exactly recall how many email requests I've send to good ol'
Spencer of Metal War Productions to obtain a review copy of this
album here. It definitely must have been ALOT, so yeah – it's
true, somehow I made a complete fool out of myself in this case... Anyway,
I finally have it in my possession now, but in retrospect it
unfortunately wasn't really worth the effort, to be quite honest
with you. Don't get me wrong -
I totally worship the van Drunen era of PESTILENCE, but the
overall quality of these live recordings here is of rather poor
nature and way closer to a bootleg than to an official release
(which it seems to be as Martin van Drunen himself was involved in
the realization of it). Two shows from the early days of the band
got included (Veghel, Netherlands - June 24, 1989 and Bochum,
Germany - November 18, 1988) with a total of 18 tracks, all of them
from "Malleus Maleficarum" and "Consuming
Impulse" of course. If you're used to old live tapes, you
probably won't have a problem with it, but if you're expecting a
professionally recorded live album you better not even consider
checking this one out. What works for tapetrading is not necessarily
justified to be released on disc... especially not if you will have
to pay money for it. Another negative aspect about the release is
the fact that the crowd reactions in-between the songs were
completely cut out, for unknown and totally unnecessary reasons if
you'd ask me. So, the only positive aspect for PESTILENCE die hards
(apart from the cool vintage picture collage inside and Patrick
Mameli's original "Consuming Impulse" cover idea which was
used on the front) is the previously unreleased studio track
'Consuming Impulse'... but even that is just an instrumental,
probably recorded only on a 4-track or something. So, my suggestion
is: better get yourself free tapetrading copies of the (complete)
shows that were used for this release instead of spending money on a
CD version. For more info: www.metalwarprod.com
Frank Stöver
BACK
PESTILENCE
Resurrection Macabre
(Mascot Records)
54:43min
The time has, at last, come for another PESTILENCE record. BENEDICTION released one, ASPHYX are planning one, as are UNANIMATED, and RESSURECTION released a new one a scant few months ago. Since all the noteworthy bands of times past are re-uniting for perhaps the last time before throwing in the towel, Patrick
Mameli, through the coercion of eager fans, brought the band back together to spread PESTILENCE across the world one last time. Whether or not he's succeeded, only time will tell. Thus far, his record is hit-or-miss. The album is predominantly a cross between
"Consuming Impulse" and "Testimony Of The Ancients"; the heavy riffing of
'Dehydrated', cross bred with the melodic patterns of 'Land Of Tears'. But, intermixed between this otherwise potentially flawless mix, are harmonic squeals and time changes that urge the songs towards a much more modern sound-at odds with what people rightly expected of PESTILENCE. To his credit,
Mameli has not made another "Spheres". That would have divided the PESTILENCE fan population even further. The biggest problem PESTILENCE will have to confront is die-hard fans accusing them of doing nothing more than an above average job at rehashing their finest songs.
It's a question they'll be hard pressed to answer, for this is indeed the second, and third, album thrown together and mixed with digital audio. While this criticism has more than enough merit, I feel it prudent to remind people that PESTILENCE has been absent for more than 15 years. They can't be expected to make such leaps and bounds a second time. At least they've made an entertaining record; even more entertaining for those of you fortunate enough to have the limited edition, which comes with three bonus
tracks.
www.myspace.com/pestilenceofficial,
www.mascotrecords.com
Nat Shapiro
BACK
PESTILENTIAL SHADOWS
In Memoriam, Ill Omen
(Pulverised Records)
44:15min
The Australian continent has definitely far more to offer than warm
sand and a merciless sun but if it comes to extreme Metal I’m for
sure not the only one having huge problems advising more than five
local bands. But Pulverised Records are giving another band from
Down Under the chance to present their music to the European
community. If you judge this album by its pure underground cover –
the angel of death drawn in a more or less tattoo style - you would
expect another DARK FUNERAL high speed massacre. But PESTILENTIAL
SHADOWS are far more focused on mid tempo Black Metal pierced by a
huge dose of melancholy. This melancholy is giving their third album
“In Memoriam, Ill Omen” a haunted atmosphere with a lot of calm
passages during the journey through the dark. But - completely
ignoring the exotic bonus - it’s very difficult to find something
really essential in this record. That not automatically means that
the music is in any way extremely boring or poorly performed it’s
just the impression / fact that there are currently too much bands
playing the same style (and too many labels releasing it!!) – and
in a world where only the strongest survive, the fate of this record
is sealed. www.pulverised.net,
www.myspace.com/pestilentialshadows.
Available here .
Matthias Auch
BACK
PHANTOM CREW
Thrashing Spree
(Marquee Records)
57:40min
PHANTOM CREW originally was a Pennsylvania based act that had been around from 1989 until 2000 after having issued five demos but no
album if I’m correct. Apparently they were calling themselves a
Power / Thrash act... Well as I don’t like approximations, this band
(despite incorporating a lot of Bay Area influences in their early
material) was a Power / Speed Metal act, but had nothing in common
with Thrash. Early PHANTOM CREW could be described as a
mixture between LÄÄZ ROCKIT, DEFIANCE and TESTAMENT, the latter
having been incontestably their biggest influence as at times you
wouldn’t notice the difference between the two acts, except for
the fact that PHANTOM CREW as a
whole was able to pen much more memorable / better tunes than the overpraised
/ mediocre Bay Area act. No shit! At times
it’s clear that PHANTOM CREW deserved much more than staying a demo act as
'Take A Look', 'R.T.D.' or 'All Saints Day' (a tune that easily
could have been on a DEFIANCE album and would have been DEFIANCE's best song unlike their lame stuff for the most part!)
prove. They also had their lame moments like on 'Charlie' (a
speed for the sake of speed tune with some awful backing vocals
stamped on it), 'Sidewalk Shredd' (a boring mid paced tune) and a
few more from the early days. Still the fun stops when the ’94 era
starts as the stuff sounded way less involved and the band was just
another Power / Heavy Metal act à la OVERKILL and the likes with no
hooks incorporated in their tunes, staccato riffs even finding a
place in some parts of the material... uninteresting as far as I’m
concerned. Also an Hardcore influence could be found at this point,
particularly evident through the vocal delivery in the ’97
tune 'Numb' and some others ('Run With Flies' being
another flagrant example - AWFUL!) from the last era of existence of
PHANTOM CREW. Unimpressive to say the least. This said PHANTOM CREW were
definitely a way better band than the likes of FAITH OR FEAR,
ABACINATOR or ANVIL BITCH
from the same state and could have marked some points if the
chance would have been given to this act. But as everybody remembers,
the scene was alreeady oversaturated when this band started! Sad.
www.phantomcrewthrash.com,
www.marquee.com.br
Laurent
Ramadier
BACK
PHAZM
Hate At First Seed
(Osmose Productions)
42:44min
Sorry, but I don’t understand this. I suppose the guys in PHAZM
are pretty proud of what they did with this record (I hope for them).
But to me this disc is totally useless, typically the kind of record
I only listen to once (because I am forced to) and that’s all. The
band (whoever they are) have developed a strange concept around the
“rebellion of the trees “(I am quoting the promo leaflet here),
returning to the roots of all. The result is supposedly due to sound
like Black Metal with a slice of Rock'n'Roll to spice the things up.
What you get in reality is a slab of boring Nu Metal, totally
uninspired and ugly. The vocals sound horrendous, sort of mid range
screams of anguish, very aggro. It is true that on some occasions
you can here some Black Metal overtones but one can question the
reason of their presence on this. The three (tree?) musicians
involved have certainly pushed their intellectual limits to the max
to come out with something very original and clever, too bad they
failed big time. I don’t have the intention to lose my time
anymore with this shit, the worst record I listened to in 2004. The
band claim influences from DARKTHRONE and BATHORY (?????), needless
to say you can’t hear that here. Atrocious! Hate as first need!
Edouard Vergriete
BACK
PHAZM
Cornerstone Of The Macabre
(Osmose Productions)
47:11min
Here they are again, my dear friends from PHAZM – I really enjoyed their debut “Hate At First Seed” several
years ago due to the special atmosphere and even if I missed their
second release via Osmose Productions didn’t I expect anything
else than a really good album far away from the normal business
understanding of Metal meets Rock'n'Roll. The new album is a kind of
musical adrenaline and my head starts automatically with a very
characteristic up and down movement when 'Love Me Rotten (Love My
True)' opens the wild ride of “Cornerstone Of The Macabre”. The
song is typical for the whole album - it’s on one hand a very
powerful hymn, extremely catchy but also Death Metal to its core and
I’m sure that it will stay in my head for at least several weeks.
Another real highlight is 'Welcome To My Funeral' a more doom
orientated song and a further proof of PHAZM ability to compose real
neckbracking songs with passion but without the aim to conquer the
fastest band of the world throne. Even some country music influences
are no reason to ban this album because they are fully integrated in
the concept of this release and they are furthermore showing that
only the brave can still add something unique to this overflowing
scene. Hopefully nobody will misunderstand these words, but PHAZM
has released with “Cornerstone Of The Macabre” such a cool album
that I can only bow my head to these lunatics from France.
www.osmoseproductions.com
Matthias Auch
BACK
PHILOSOPER
What Dwells Beyond
(self-financed)
22:13min
Great packaging! This rehearsal demo (pretty good sound, though)
comes in a DVD box looking good indeed. It’s pretty hard to
believe these Germans founded their band only in 2002 – first of
all because of the quality of their music and, secondly, because
their style sounds more like early or rather mid 90s incantations à
la DEATH or MORBID ANGEL. Maybe they’re a little more melodic (no
Gothenburg-influences on here, though) and slower. Less complex, yet
technical in a way. But as a listener, not as a musician: who needs
awfully complex songs anyway as long as they rock? These
Lovecraftian disciples manage to create quite a creepy atmosphere.
Especially because of their eeevil sounding vocalist Mike Seifert.
Very oldschool, very deep and you can understand his words. A more
powerful production would help a lot although it’s more than just
okay for a rehearsal demo. Expect PHILOSOPHER’s debut album by the
end of 2004 via Ruptured Silence, so check their homepage every once
in a while. Promising band! www.philosopher-music.de
Ramon Claassen
BACK
PHOBIA
Serenity Through Pain
(Displeased Records)
45:43min
I love this band… I love this kind of Grindcore! Pure, absolutely
brutal, fast as hell and with those slower and depressive parts in
the middle of each song. 23 tracks in 45 minutes of immensely BRUTAL
(yeah… “BRUTAL” with capitals!!!) Grindcore in the best
American tradition!!! If you’re into bands like EXCRUCIATING
TERROR, ASSUCK and the likes, you’re going to enjoy this as much
as I’ve done. This new offering is much more varied anyway than
its predecessor “Destroying The Masses” or the previous one
“Means Of Existence” and maybe it’s a bit more controlled than
the usual “Grind your fucking head out, you bastard!!!” style
they used to do in their early days, and I’m not sure if I prefer
it this way or the old one, but the fact is that this record is
completely essential if you’re into brutal Grindcore music. Forget
about boring Gore-clone music, forget those semi-Hardcore-self-proclaimed
Grind bands, even forget the Death Metal thing over here… We are
talking about some serious head splitting, crushing brutality here!
Nothing more and nothing else!!! Take it or leave it!!! Grindcore
rules!!!
Tony
(this
review originally got published by Xtreem
Music)
BACK
PHOBIA
22 Random Acts Of Violence
(Candlelight Records)
28:58min
Grindcore is for sure no music… for the weak. PHOBIA are still
around to torment the Grindcore community with their next assault
easily called “22 Random Acts Of Violence”. If we are taking
only the mere facts into account every song should be around 1:19
minutes and nobody will expect anything else than the purest form of
musical aggression. The band is part of the US Grind scene for
nearly 20 years and I think that after the ‘recent’ success of
bands like NASUM or ROTTEN SOUND there are for sure more lunatics
out there who need this daily dose of Grindcore to make the day. The
album is offering 30 minutes of good played and maybe much more
important also good recorded Grindcore with some minor modern
influences but I think that it’s still a release for the Grindcore
fanatics only. All others will look for a more melodic but
nevertheless still aggressive Death Metal release – including
myself. www.candlelightrecords.co.uk,
www.myspace.com/phobiagrindcore
Matthias Auch
BACK
PHOBIC
Sick Blemished Uncreation
(Elegy Records)
48:28min
If you thought
that HORRID was the only cool band from Italy playing the good ol' Swedish Death
Metal, you better think again, cause PHOBIC have delivered a really fine album
of similar qualities. "Sick Blemished Uncreation" features ten brutal
songs in the classic DISMEMBER / CARNAGE tradition plus a rather superfluous
additional tekkno / electronic / whatsoever piece by the name of 'S-L-999',
which hopefully won't be a taster of things to come in the future… Among the
brutal material you will also find a tune entitled 'The Right Ones', which originally
was written and recorded by… ta-taaaa: our good buddies in HORRID (the song
was originally featured on an older promo tape). So, that alone should already
be proof enough of the very good taste of these four lads here, ha! It really
seems to me that Italy is on the rise slowly but surely when it comes to quality
Metal nowaydays. And after we all survived the first wave of Melodic / Symphonic
Metal, brutality seems to take over with excellent bands like HORRID, NECROFLESH
and PHOBIC! Luv that shit!
Frank Stöver
BACK
PICA
FIERCE
Urbania
(Demo CD)
16:30min
Like some cool Thrash? PICA FIERCE from Kristiansund, Norway, seem to be a good
address. But there is more about this young band than to be a KREATOR (mid period)
clone: their stuff is also influenced by almighty DEATH and therefore progressive
to a certain extend. The sound of this CD is not too good but acceptable and
the band has more songs ready to record. Their goals are to play live a LOT,
to live from their music one day and to be the best Metal band!!! Actually,
they might end up not too far from this as they're already very good indeed...
so to the labels: contact PICA FIERCE asap! picafierce@hotmail.com
Ramon Claassen
BACK
PICA
FIERCE
A Spiral Of Violence (MCD)
(self financed)
14:19min
Can't
really tell you whether Norway's PICA FIERCE made a big step forward with their
newest offering "A Spiral Of Violence" or not as Ramon used to review
their first output "Urbania" back then. But one thing's for sure: when
it comes to the production they obviously have matured, cause the sound on the
three featured new tracks is very good this time. Musically you'll (still) hear
a big influence of late Chuck Schuldiner (R.I.P.) in the band's writing, which
means that fans of the final, rather technical oriented DEATH albums should
definitely watch out for these guys! The vocals partly kind of remind me on a
thrashier version of IMMORTAL's Abbath, while the melodic leads every now and
then should furthermore please the fans of the Gothenburg style. PICA FIERCE are
still unique enough though not to end up in a certain category, but created
something thrilling on their own. And they did that with a lot of class! Contact
them for ordering information at this address: picafierce@hotmail.com
Frank Stöver
BACK
PICA
FIERCE
Reptile (MCD)
(self financed)
13:00min
With the release of "Reptile" these Norwegian Thrashers
have already put out their third promo / demo / mini CD (call it
what you want)... and I don't really understand the actual intention
behind it. I mean, instead of putting out material little by little
I personally would have prefered one full length instead - no matter
if it's a self-financed or label release. But maybe it's just a
matter of (recording) money or they somehow prefer to stick to the
oldschool "rules" of the underground by spreading a couple
of demos to establish the band's name a bit more before their real
debut full length is going to see the light of day. Or is it simply
lack of label interest? Who knows... Fact is, that the three new
tunes on "Reptile" are pretty much in the same vein as on
their previous releases, which means you're about to hear rather
technical (yet not too complicated) thrashy Metal, with several (late)
DEATH overtones and an aggressive Petrozza / late CARCASS style
vocal delivery. This time I even spotted some METALLICA riffing
("And Justice..." period, but more rough edged) and rather
annoying "oh-hooo" backings in the closing track 'The
Weight Of Condemnation' (better to avoid in the future). But all in
all you can also order this one if you already own and enjoyed their
previous offerings ("Reptile" even features a video of the
titletrack). Check out www.picafierce.com
for all further info or contact the band via email for ordering info
at: picafierce@picafierce.com
Frank Stöver
BACK
PIG
DESTROYER
Terrifyer
(Relapse Records)
32:09min
About
three years ago I came across PIG DESTROYER's “Prowler In The
Yard“, and at first I was a bit perplexed about their musical
efforts. Their songs were more or less noisy sound collages with
hardly recognizable song structures, combining psychotically
screamed vocals, powerful and technically skilled drumming and
completely insane riffing into a blend of total aggression and
hatred. After a short while, I deeply loved this album, despite the
total absence of any “listener-friendliness“. Now PIG DESTROYER
are back with a new album and, again, I'm perplexed, but this time I'm
positively perplexed right from the beginning. Their aforementioned
trademarks are still there, but this time they put them into
complete songs. This fact makes it much easier to follow and enjoy
this intense insanity. The new songs offer more variety in tempo and
structure, but manage to stay brutal at every second. As for the
vocals, they sound even more psychotic than on the previous releases,
which is a more than respectable achievement. All together, this is
probably the most entertaining and intense half an hour of Thrash /
Grind / Punk / Noise or just extreme music I've ever listened to. If
you like your music extreme in every way, then PIG DESTROYER might
become your new sanctuary. Labelsite and bandinfo: www.relapse.com
Christoph
Göbel
BACK
PILLORY
No Life Guard At The Gene Pool
(Unique Leader)
37:48min
Being a hybrid of different Death Metal bands from the Boston area,
PILLORY proceed to publish their debut full length via mighty Unique
Leader Records. The latter are known for fiendishly intense outcrops
of aggression – and this certainly is the case with PILLORY as
well. These chaps combine different styles of extreme Metal culture,
that is to say, Death, Grind, Black and probably further ones the
band would like me to highlight here. In any case – the approach
to their tracks is somewhat CEPHALIC CARNAGE-esque. Thus there are
these really intricate and maniacal passages that succeed to
compress four different styles within half a minute. Take 'Somewhere
Between', for instance – here, the guys start off with some
GORGUTS - like riffing, then there is an abrupt break and a
staccato-driven passage follows with a vague oldschool Black Metal
melody, then these lunies come up with some Grind tunes – all this
in one minute, I tell you. Well, just hang on – after one and a
half minutes another crazy element is employed: the already eclectic
and confusing atmosphere is still to be intensified by some MACABRE
- like sing-along sort of melody being followed by ultra-sick grinds
again. I have named the protagonists of this genre of the Metal
ocean already – CEPHALIC CARNAGE. It is obvious that they serve as
rolemodels in this case, which doesn’t bother me – yet it is a
fact to be named. The vocals adhere to and praise that tradition too
– screams, ultra-deep grunts, outraged grind bellowing – the
greatest ingredient, though, are the hilarious pig-squeals in 'The
Morning Grind'!!! I vividly remember these meetings when I got
together with my good pals of BK49 and were wondering when actual
pig-noise will be implemented into the vocalist skills of extreme
Metal --- well here it finally is – and not by chance, I tell you!
I have been waiting for some explicit pig-noise in Metal for ages!!!
The drums are totally off the rocker and so are the other
instruments – all extremely well-performed and state of the arts
technicality. My respect goes out to Boston for this crazy shit.
Definitely worth checking! Website:
www.pillorygrind.com;
www.uniqueleader.com
F. Cthulhu E.
BACK
PITBULLS IN THE NURSERY
Lunatic
(Black Lotus Records)
57:33min
You can’t deny the truth that the French extreme Metal scene has
born a more certain sense of quality within the last few years and
when I think of modern ways of the extreme it’s obvious that acts
like GOJIRA or SCARVE have a certain kind of new breath. In the same
row stands this quintet from one of the suburbs of Paris. If you
have an open mind and not a close narrow basic of how Death Metal
should sound like than this band will defintely bring something to
discover in their technical but also atmospheric packed creations.
Expect some psychedelic prog elements, like ATHEIST did long time
ago, but packed in a more new, groovy and tight songwriting that
could be touched more with a neo Thrash FEAR FACTORY sound. The
biggest Death Metal impact have the vocals which are more brutal US
shaped. Sure they deliver brutality, but for some parts a bit more
variation could help the band to get more depth within the tracks.
Productionwise you have to dig clinical types of drumming, cause
some kind of doublebass or technical arrangements have a machine
like touch. Personally I can’t stand those high tuned snare that
much, but don’t get me wrong, it’s not a bad production. I just
miss a bit more nature in it. But on the other hand with that sound,
mastered by the one of the French leading soundfreaks Jean Pierre
Bouquet (LOUDBLAST etc.) you can defintely blow your speakers.
PITBULL IN THE NURSERY for sure did a good job in delivering their
debut (!) album and there’s a good seed growing in that band,
which is definitely worth to check if your Death Metal horizon is
open enough. But hey, don’t be afraid. Those French lunatics
don’t have that trendy core touch, Ha! In my eyes actually one of
the real inspired bands on the current Black Lotus rooster. Take a
listen at:
www.pitbullsinthenursery.com
or www.black-lotus-recs.com.
Ralf Hauber
BACK
PLACE
OF SKULLS
Nailed
(Southern Lord Records)
39:09min
It is not everyday you get a masterpiece like this. PLACE OF SKULLS is the new
band formed by the ex-DEATH ROW / PENTAGRAM guitarist and composer
extraordinaire Victor Griffin, who secured the service of his old partner in
crime Lee Abney on bass together with new recruit Tim Tomaselli on drums. This
three piece works perfectly and delivers a barrage of Heavy Doom the way it
should always be played. Each of the nine songs is a jewel, but my preference
goes for ‘Never Die’ and ‘Song Of Solomon’, I can’t assure you will
never forget these two once you listen to them, instant classics! The production
is beyond belief, the rhythm section of the pair Abney / Tomaselli sounds
absolutely splashing, a feast of groovy foundations on which the fat, warm and
low tuned riffage of Griffin could lean with ease. PLACE OF SKULLS marks a true
rebirth for Victor, after years of bad karma. Lyrically wise, “Nailed” deals
with Christian beliefs but don’t expect dumb proselytism here, but rather the
expression of strong emotions, of hope tainted with melancholy. The pleasure to
play music again is obvious here, and that alone could explain how much
excellent “Nailed” turned out to be. I dare say that this material put into
oblivion large parts of the BLACK SABBATH back catalogue, I think I am saying it
all here. If you are hungry for the kind of heaviness already found on “The
Skull” by TROUBLE or the last PENTAGRAM masterpiece, buy “Nailed” without
delay. My only (minor) complaint comes from the ANIMALS cover track ‘Don’t
Let Me Be Misunderstood’, I would have preferred another original instead,
even if PLACE OF SKULLS inject a strong dose of molten lead in this old 60’s
track, I can tell you! Well, I am feeling a little wordless trying to describe
this album for you, because of its class and grandeur, as it is way more easy to
contempt than praise. So let’s the music do the talking! Buy this ULTIMATE
classic!
Edouard Vergriete
BACK
PLAGUE BEARER
Rise Of The Goat (7" EP)
(Nuclear Winter Records)
14:15min
Fans of DRAWN AND QUARTERED assemble! The reason is simple: PLAGUE BEARER is the brand new project of DRAWN AND QUARTERED members Kelly (guitars), Herb (vocals), Greg (bass) and Mike (drums, not a member of DRAWN AND QUARTERED). As a piece of history, before Kelly formed DRAWN AND QUARTERED, he had a band called PLAGUE BEARER which in a sense can be considered as DRAWN AND QUARTERED's first "incarnation". For some of you this review may stop at this point since the fact that we are dealing with a DRAWN AND QUARTERED-related release is by itself a good reason to actually buy this EP. For the rest of you, "Rise
Of The Goat" is a killer EP that sounds so damn crushing, blasphemous, and violent that is impossible to ignore! It is more than evident that PLAGUE BEARER sound a lot like DRAWN AND QUARTERED still, in an even more
sinister / malicious way making the overall output feel somehow different than a usual DRAWN AND QUARTERED release. I guess that's the reason why the guys decided to make a separate project in order to express a somehow different side of their proper band. I am not sure what else can be said about this release, except that this is a must-have EP for all seriously into real Death Metal with some
blackish edges or those who can't get enough of DRAWN AND QUARTERED and want to add one more gem of pure Death Metal beauty in their collection.
www.nuclearwinter.cjb.net
Manolis A.
BACK
PLEURISY
Dazed And Deranged
(Soulreaper Records)
45:35min
The
Dutch fivepiece PLEURISY constantly used to deliver very high
quality releases ever since their demo days and it seems that their
hard work finally pays off internationally after all. One obvious
proof of that to me is the fact that NECROPHAGIA's Killjoy is gonna
re-release their "Experience The Sacrilege" album on his
Baphomet label in the US pretty soon. But with their newest, second
full length, album "Dazed And Deranged" the band once more
made a big step forward for it is without any doubts not only their
most professional and matured sounding so far, it's also got
everything you could demand from a band that's left behind their
training days a while ago already. Starting off with the packaging,
which looks extremely pro this time (artwork by Chad Michael Ward
and a very cool new logo courtesy of Christoph Szpajdel), to the
powerful production (Harrow Studios) and last, but certainly not
least - their best songmaterial to date! Just like many other bands
these days also PLEURISY have changed a little bit more towards
Death Metal, as opposed to stick to their more thrashier approach
from the past. But they do it with so much class that I couldn't
care less! The downtuning of the guitars enrich their heaviness and
the recruitation of new vocalist George Oosthoek was another very
good decision to improve their qualities. I always used liked his
brutal, yet very unique sounding voice in his former band ORPHANAGE,
but it seems that he even fits better to PLEURISY's material. The
entire album is very raw, morbid and brutal, yet perfomed with
technical skills on a very high level, arranged with finesse and
spiced with some excellent melody lines that never water down the
heaviness in any way. "Dazed And Deranged" as a whole
comes across like a solid mixture of brutality, grooves and
catchiness and should easily impress fans of all kinds of brutal
music in a similar way. All further info as well as mp3 samples of
the album are available at the band's website www.pleurisy.nl,
so make sure to check it out
Frank
Stöver
BACK
POISONOUS
Demo 2009
(self-financed)
10:22min
Brazilian Death Metal is rising, definitely. Along with names such as HEADHUNTER
D.C., EMBALMED SOULS or IMPETUOUS RAGE (by the way, 3/4 in POISONOUS play in
IMPETUOUS RAGE, too), POISONOUS is another spawn of the rising Death Metal
family from sunny Brazil. POISONOUS' demo CD is a nice appetizer with just 2
songs and an intro. Due to the short playing time I think the whole demo is not
really representative for what POISONOUS is all about, though you pretty
much get a good impression that there are going to be great things to come
from these Brazilian fellows. I won't leave many words about the intro, as it is
nothing untypical, a Death Metal intro, that's it. We should mainly focus
on the 2 songs featured here. The first one is 'Poisonous' and regarding to its
title it is probably the band-hymn. Guttural deep voices, yet heavy and powerful
and a little bit comparable to Sergio's vocals in HEADHUNTER D.C. is the first
very positive factor. HEADHUNTER D.C. is perhaps the biggest link to other bands
I see here and I feel that POISONOUS can live very well with this comparison.
For fans of "And The Sky Turns To Black..." and "Gods Spreading
Cancer" this song will fit very well. The 2nd and last song is 'The Black
Vomit'. Familar songtitle? Well, at the first listen when I didn't have a look
on the tracklist I thought about another cool POISONOUS track, after reading
this songtitle I listened again and figured out some similarities to SARCOFAGO's
classic with the same title. Indeed it is a coverversion here and a quite good
one, played in the style of an own song, too. 'Black Vomit' was already
covered by a few other bands and especially IMPALED NAZARENE's coverversion was
amazing, POISONOUS' version is not as great and outstanding as their version and
I think it can't compete with the original version, still it is a pretty
good one, though I wished that they had put another own creation on this CD
instead of a coverversion as I wonder if they could stand the quality of the
first song. Never mind, the sound on this recording is fantastic for a demo and
expands the natural brutality of the songs one step further. What's left to say
is that this demo is a great start of another hopeful band from Brazil and I
hope that a new recording won't take too long. I'm looking forward to this and
can only advice all of you maniacs to check this band out asap. Wonder how the
musicians can manage to handle two such great bands? The demo is available in
two formats, a traditional one as tape version (66 copies only) and a CD-R
version. This release is a partnership with the label Genocide Prods. Check out www.myspace.com/poisonousdeathmetal
or www.genocide.com.br.
Thomas Ehrmann
BACK
PORTRAIT
Welcome To My Funeral (Demo)
(self financed)
3 songs
When I received this 3
song demo cassette by Swedish five-piece PORTRAIT, I immediately figured they
would play raw Black Metal or at least something necro as NIFELHEIM for
instance... Reasons for my assumption were the individual member shots inside
the demo-cover that showcase a band that looks very Metal and oldschool with all
the leather'n'spikes. But I was wrong and their name PORTRAIT should already
have lead me in a different direction because within the Metal scene there's
only one association possible and that comes from the KING DIAMOND album
"Fatal Portrait". And this is indeed a lot closer to what these guys
are up to, even though they prefer to focus on Mr. Kim Bendix Petersen's early
days in MERCYFUL FATE quite heavily! The material on offer here is musically and
atmosphere-wise rooted somewhere between the self-titled MERCYFUL FATE mini
album (better known as "Nuns Have No Fun") and "Melissa".
Classic Heavy Metal, with early MAIDEN influences in the guitar department (best
reflected in track number two, 'Black Hole Of Doom') and vocals that are so
close to early King Diamond that it's really scary (just listen to 'Prisoner
Behind The Cosmic Walls'). Vocalist Philip Svennefelt mainly focuses on his
midrange and only uses the high screams when a song requires it (just like Mr.
Diamond did in his early days), but definitely does a killer job (same goes for
the rest of the band as well of course)! The songstructures are not (yet) as
complex as MERCYFUL FATE partly was, but who knows what the future will bring
us, cause a 2 song 7" EP is already in the planning stage (for further
details go here).
Until then all MERCYFUL FATE worshippers and oldschool Metalheads are adviced to
order the band's debut demo. It sells for 5,-Euro (incl. shipping, worldwide).
For more information head to: www.portrait.webb.se.
Contact: portrait_metal@hotmail.com
Frank Stöver
BACK
PORTRAIT
Portrait
(Iron Kodex Records)
45:38min
Could these guys be the new WOLF? Possibly, considering the hype that is
surrounding them after just one demo and a 7”… Strangely enough after having watched their last year's performance at
the Keep It True festival, I couldn’t see what this hype was all about… decent Heavy Metal for sure, but nothing that was outstanding
– in fact like the first WOLF album always has been to my ears. Now the debut album is here and while I still don’t go
through the roof like a rocket after several listens, there’s definitely a good amount of potential here. But one thing is certain, while singer Philip Svennefelt tries very hard to be the next Kim ‘King Diamond’ Bendix, at the end of the day musically PORTRAIT does not have much in common with MERCYFUL FATE
- although they’ve ‘borrowed’ a wellknown riff in the break of 'A Thousand
Nightmares', haha! It’s undeniable that they use certain MERCYFUL FATE elements at time but their songwriting is primarily based on a main riff that is used throughout the
whole song, they just add a few variations and well penned leads here and there. I’d say PORTRAIT sounds much more like IRON MAIDEN with hints of MERCYFUL FATE at times
personally (totally agree here - Frank). Most of the material sounds pretty good, still at times there’s some tunes that
get boring due to the lack of different riffs – 'A Ghastly Silence', 'Consecration' being some examples, the numbers sounding killer at first but are
repeatitive in the end. This is something the band should work on especially with such ‘easy ‘n’ catchy’ melodies. There’s no fillers on this eight song album (although
'The Adversary' comes close and could have been easily included on a KING DIAMOND album!), that’s for sure and a strong point for PORTRAIT,
definitely a kinda impressive debut album for a young band. Now they just have to perfect things and I’m pretty sure
these five guys will deliver an incredible follow up. So far things look bright for them!
www.ironkodex.de
Laurent Ramadier
BACK
POSSESSION
Storm Of Hateness
(self financed)
27:24min
The Austrian / Bavarian Death Metal horde POSSESSION was founded in
2001 and was pretty fast in composing and releasing their material
on the MCD “Storm Of Hateness” (I think there’s no word like
“hateness”). One can recognise strong influences by bands like
BOLT THROWER (e.g. in ‘Burn Them All’), SIX FEET UNDER or old
DEMIGOD (especially the vocals), which puts POSSESSION in the mainly
mid-tempo oldschool Death Metal section. There’s certainly nothing
original to be found here and if I’m really strict I would say
that the songwriting needs to be improved here and there, because a
song like ‘Night Of The Living Dead’ is really a bit trivial and
lacks of passion and drive, both things I think of being essential
for good Death Metal. POSSESSION have one problem: they are too
ordinary to stand apart from the mass and I recommend that the four
Death Metal heads try to increase their emotional intensity and
aggression, because “Storm Of Hateness” is a bit too harmless to
be convincing. Remember: groove is not everything! But anyway
despite my harsh words check out the MP3’s POSSESSION posted on
their really nice website www.possession.at
and find out for yourself!
Stefan Franke
BACK
POSTHUM
Posthum
(Folter Records)
40:43min
POSTHUM is another newcomer out of the northern woods of Norway who
is trying to add their share to what once was defined as true
Norwegian art. And there are for sure far worst examples for the
third generation of Black Metal combos from Norway. But it seems
that the band is still searching their own style because during the
40 minutes playing time the influences are raging from very
traditional true Norwegian Black Metal in vein of TAAKE or old
SATYRICON to more melodic examples like AETERNUS. The band was
founded in 2002 and their only sign of life so far was their demo
released in 2005 so nobody can blame the band for recording their
debut too fast. And especially the longer and more melodic songs
like ‘Sacrificed’ with an interesting violin introduction are
the songs which will be memorized. This not automatically means that
the other side of the coin – meaning the more traditional songs
– are not worth mentioning here but POSTHUM must find a way to
give their music a more unique note because some songs on
“Posthum” are just passing by without any remarkable moment.
Nevertheless a solid debut, we have to see if some cold Norwegian
winters can provide further inspiration. www.folter666.de,
http://geocities.com/posthumband/posthum
Matthias Auch
BACK
POSTMORTEM
Constant Hate
(War Anthem Records)
41:20min
My
dear Death Metal maniacs - what can I say about such an underground institution
like POSTMORTEM? They are without a doubt one of the finest German Death / Thrash
Metal bands and for years deeply connected with one of the finest German Metal labels
Morbid Records. But time is changing and since the downfall of their label
they’ve found a new home in the Party San sister company War Anthem Records.
But did this influence the Berlin based combo in any way? Definitely not,
“Constant Hate” is a real skull crushing record with so many great songs and
a high headbanging potential. The powerful sound (mastered at Stage One Studio)
gives the ten songs such a destructive potential to crush half the German scene
in a heartbeat. Talking more as a fan than the serious Metal journalist I have
to confirm that “Constant Hate” is really kicking ass and songs like the
opener ‘Are You Dead’ or
‘Killing Days’ are pure Metal and the album has the potential to sell
faster than cold beer on a sunny day. Maybe you are lucky and you can grab your
hands on the evil limited edition (what a surprise limited to 666 items), this
great album is for sure worth the try.
www.war-anthem.de,
www.myspace.com/postmortem1
Matthias Auch
BACK
POVERTY
Global Destruction EP (MCD)
(Poor Musik)
12:28min
Does anyone remember INSANITY and their classic “Death After Death”?
Of course you do and you will be pleased to hear that POVERTY
features three former members of INSANITY, namely Bud Mills (drums),
Scott Dodge (guitars) and Lou Gilberto (bass / backing vocals). The
line-up is completed by Sean Riggen (vocals). And guess what they
do… They play brutal, straightforward oldschool Death / Thrash
Metal!!! No mercy! Unrelentless oldschool riffing and drumming plus
the duelling vocals of Sean (screaming) and Lou (growling) make all
five songs a trip to the late 80s / early 90s for every oldschool
maniac. No experiments but pure oldschool aggression! Maybe I'm too
enthusiastic about this one and mentioned “oldschool” too many
times but POVERTY kick ass!!! The sound could be more powerful but
the raw and dirty atmosphere makes the songs even more oldschool (sorry!)
and credible. I hope that POVERTY will succeed in delivering many
albums of this songwriting quality to satisfy our oldschool (sorry,
last time!) needs as soon as possible! Contact, mp3s and more
information on: http://www.angelfire.com/darkside/poverty
Christoph
Göbel
BACK
PREDATOR
Hell On The Earth
(self financed)
24:40min
It seems KRISIUN paved the way for a new generation of highly talented Death
Metal acts in Brazil, and PREDATOR is surely one of them! I suppose some Brazilian
guys (and maybe even the band members themselves) are currently journeying across
Europe distributing this professionally packaged CD-R demo, as five copies of
this were directly given to a friend of mine who runs an Heavy Metal store in
Paris. "Hell On The Earth" is a five track effort displaying a very technical
form of Death Metal, with twisted riffing and complex rhythm patterns. Even
if PREDATOR is obviously a Death Metal band, this power trio cannot be reduced
to just that. Guitarist Jener Milani doesn't hesitate to inject some traditional
Heavy Metal solos into otherwise brutal songs, for a really refreshing result
I must say. BURNING INSIDE spread in mind when hearing PREDATOR's music and
saying that I hope you get a fair idea of what this band is all about. On 'Osiris'
you can even draw parallels with the mighty NILE (especially with the godly
"Into The Catacomb Of Nephren-Ka" album), but PREDATOR always manage to keep
their own identity. The record sounds great if you keep in mind this is demo
material, and obviously a proper debut would show some improvement in that department.
If a record label talent scout is reading these lines, I can only urge him or
her to give a chance to PREDATOR, as this band could be massive with a proper
structure backing them! Amazing! Contact: predator_band@hotmail.com,
to get further information on how to order this disc!
Edouard Vergriete
BACK
PRIMAL
DAWN
Zealot (MCD)
(self-financed)
15:46min
From
Ireland hails PRIMAL DAWN - a young band delivering furious Black /
Death Metal. This seems to be the third release of the band and the
first in this aggressive direction after some line-up changes and I
must say this is some promising stuff. Even though the general
approach of this four-piece is slightly more melodic I generally
felt reminded to the Australian War Metal scene in terms of ferocity.
The credo of the band seems to be “take no prisoners” anyway as
the overall pace is fast with lots of blastbeats dominating. Here
and there thrashy breaks are thrown in, turning into powerful
midtempo moments, often accompanied with a hymnic melody –
something which hints at Black Metal. A certain resemblance to ANGEL
CORPSE is present which is certainly also owed to the mid-ranged,
almost Thrash Metal like vocal delivery. It may be the mixture of
blasting filthy Death Metal, aggressive Black Metal with some hints
of melody (think of homeopathic doses of old DISSECTION) wrapped in
a raw and relentless thrashing attitude which made me think of some
Oz bands. The packaging is simple yet quite tasteful, showing a
greenish medieval battle scene on the front (possibly the Irish
defending themselves against the Cromwell invasion?) and a moody b/w
panorama photography with the lyrics printed over it inside the
booklet. For an underground release the production is sufficiently
thick and raw, only the drums sounds a bit prominent in in the mix
here and there which is only a minor flaw, though. “Zealot” is
available for 5 Euros directly from the band – friends of rabid
underground Black / Death with a slightly chaotic edge should think
about a purchase. Make up your own mind via: www.myspace.com/primaldawn.
More information can be obrtained at www.primaldawn.cjb.net
or get in touch directly: primaldawn@gmail.com
Ulrich Kreienbrink
BACK
PRIMORDIAL
Storm Before Calm
(Hammerheart Records)
46:22min
Moving! I have listened to this CD so many times (and it's not
getting boring), but I still don't really know what to say. PRIMORDIAL's Black
Metal roots are shining through, but this band just means so much more! They
created their own unique style by adding that special Celtic melancholy. That
does NOT mean they sound like whiny wimps, instead Alan & Co. manage to stay
miles away from any Gothic touch. Sometimes I have to think of one of my
favourite Power Metal bands THE LORD WEIRD SLOUGH FEG and there is a scent of
ANATHEMA as well. What really impresses me about PRIMORDIAL is that their sound
always comes 100% natural. This record makes the old Irish legends vivid and
when you dream by moonlight you might see Cuchulain and all those tragic heroes
coming alive again. As far as I can see the band isn't singing about them,
though. Who knows, if I keep listening (which I will do for sure) I might even
understand William Butler Yates one day?! I really don't want to go on about how
great this album is (don't know the older stuff too well) because one really has
to experience "Storm Before Calm"! In case you need a break from all
that happy Metal from time to time: this one's for you! One of my favourite
albums in 2002. www.hammerheart.com/primordial
Ramon Claassen
BACK
PRIMORDIAL
To The Nameless Dead
(Metal Blade Records)
54:33min
I am not quite sure if you can consider this as a review on the new PRIMORDIAL album, since whenever I start writing about PRIMORDIAL it's like sharing thoughts about an old friend. This band has been part of my troublesome years and has always been a safe solace so to speak. Since their excellent demo tape "Dark Romanticism", PRIMORDIAL made it clear that they are definitely not another typical Black Metal band of their time. Being inspired by the grey Irish winters, the echoes of their country's past, loads of BATHORY (of course not copying them, just ask Alan what he thinks about Quorthon), the early 90s underground scene and of course tons of old
Heavy Metal, PRIMORDIAL made it evident that they were by all means a special band. Facing major label problems during the "Imrama" days with Cacophonous not giving them the attention and support they deserved (lack of serious promotion and
worldwide distribution) moving to Misanthropy with "Journey's End" (where they got a better promotion but limited touring opportunities) to the
Hammerheart years (with "The Burning Season", "Spirit The Earth Aflame" and "Storm Before Calm") where for the first time PRIMORDIAL got the chance to become a proper touring band, but the fact remained that Hammerheart could not provide them with the means to become a full-time band, something that the band was after for sure. Hopefully their luck changed when they managed to get a deal with Metal Blade in 2005 and release their astonishing album "The Gathering Wilderness" making it obvious that at the time PRIMORDIAL got a chance to prove themselves in the ranks of a professional label, they surely did overcome everybody's expectations. Two years after, PRIMORDIAL return with their much-anticipated, brand new album, under the "promising" title "To
The Nameless Dead". I guess that by now everybody knows that PRIMORDIAL incorporates "folk" elements, obviously inspired by traditional Irish music, but to call PRIMORDIAL
Folk / Pagan Metal is by all means degrading. Comparing their fine, elegant
songwriting craft with the tons of happy "la-la-la", smurf-sounding "Pagan" bands is like putting GORGOROTH next to BATHORY if you understand what I mean. In fact PRIMORDIAL circa 2007, don't sound very "primordial" to me in the sense that not only the sound has evolved but the lyrical aspect seems "contemporary" if you read between the lines. Musically the band has the unmistaken sound that all fans would recognize on the spot, but believe it or not, the band has managed once more to expand it by letting some obscure
Heavy / Doom "influences" in and at times I even got few hints of ISIS /
NEUROSIS. The band has managed to come up with a great, analog production this time that offers them a warmer, more
natural / "welcome" sound that fits them perfectly. Great song structures, huge sounding crescendos, melancholy and the inevitable
tragic / liberating ending that always seals every PRIMORDIAL album. No borrowed riffs from here and there, no parts that remind of old songs… "To
The Nameless Dead" sounds so damn epic, tragic, honest and diverse that's hard to ignore. Of course the traditional Irish elements are still present, but in a more subtle way. For me at least, these fine Irishmen create true art and despite the fast-food consuming music industry that surrounds us, they manage to create albums that are nothing but pure art, albums we feel proud of having in our collection.
www.primordialweb.com
Manolis A.
BACK
PROCESSION
The Cult Of Disease
(Iron Kodex)
46:00min
Wow... it's not everyday that you come across such brilliance in the more doomy side of the
Metal spectre. Some people say Doom Metal is boring to death, tired or even not relevant
to Metal history but PROCESSION can slap you in the face with their monumental debut
"The Cult Of Disease". These Chilean guys have managed to hit the nail right
on the head with this classic-styled Doom Metal set of songs in the vein of CANDLEMASS, BLACK SABBATH,
SAINT VITUS as well as some contemporaries like THE GATES OF SLUMBER, SOLITUDE AETURNUS or FORSAKEN for
instance. They add a very fresh, melodic sound without losing the grip of what this
style is about. One of the most mesmerizing elements that is worth mentioning of this recording, aside
from the excellent musicanship, is the voice of Felipe Plaza with is extremely emotional
and perfectly fits the epic aura of these hymns. I really cannot name any specific favorites because I like he whole damn thing so you
doomsters stop smoking weed to collect enough money for this soon-to-be-classic slab of
misery! Contact them at: www.myspace.com/processionburn
Mario Cubero
BACK
PROCLAMATION
Messiah Of Darkness And Impurity
(Nuclear War Now! Productions)
36:07min
Proclamation from Madrid didn't need much time to release
their second full length, again co-produced between Ross Bay Cult and Nuclear
War Now Productions, two perfect labels for a band in their style. I
must say for me they are without any doubt the best reference nowadays when
thinking about a bastard son of BLASPHEMY, especially when you don't want to hear a bad copy or something with
any personal contribution. With all this, I didn't expect any big musical evolution
on "Messiah Of Darkness And Impurity", because of
the style of the band, but even like that they surprised me with a better
achieved sound, which comes headed by the production of
the guitars. Even though still very raw and chaotic, making a wall of sound,
they achieved to be more precise and sharped, and furthermore you
can even hear the bass on them, which seemed quite impossible on this kind of recordings, and which
adds a lot
more of heaviness to the sound. Apart from the production, those who didn't like their previous work
probably won't like this one either, and those who loved "Advent Of The Black Omen" shouldn't miss this new offering. Ten tracks of dense, putric, chaotic and
blasphemous Black / Death Metal (or War Metal, as it is used to be named).
Some riffs reminded me a bit of Archgoat, something I
hadn't noticed on their first album, and there are some brief Brasilian
Thrash / Death influences, like in the beginning of 'Sepulchral
Carnage' or from oldschool Death Metal in 'Tyrants From Desolation'. What I don't like
at all is the sound of the drums,
not only because of the low volume of some parts but also because of
how they sound, especially the double bass, which lacks in strength, and
the cymbals, which are totally out of substance, they fade out inmediately. I think I've
said enough, everybody will
have a clear idea of what to expect, but it's a kind of album that
is addressed to those who follow the true
underground cult of Black / Death Metal in the old way. Worship him!
www.nwnprod.com
Jeroni Sancho
BACK
PROFANATICA
Profanatitas De Domonatia
(Hells Headbangers)
39:25min
Hell, was anyone still expecting a new PROFANATICA album? I wasn't, I buried my hopes after the release of "The Raping Of The Virgin Mary" had been postponed over and over again... And now, yezzzz, there is a new album, recorded from December, 24th 2006 - January, 6th 2007 in New York. So the expectations have of course been high and...
I have not been disappointed. Surely it took some cycles to get into it, PROFANATICA have been away for "some minutes", but I got into "Profanatitas De
Domonatia" easily. It is still the primitive, raw Black Metal we are used to when it comes to PROFANATICA, Paul Ledney and John Gelso (obviously the two only remaining members) know so perfectly what they are doing. Unerringly they nail this 10 primitive songs into the countenance of this world and they succeed. This duo
proves that music does not have to be extraordinarily fast, bad produced or similar "over the top" attributes, "Profanatitas De Domonatia" is extreme because the music itself (not the production or other
negligibilities) is so utterly dark, an attribute I can not really certify many Black Metal bands with. Needless to say that this is an obligation for any PROFANATICA freak and serious Black Metal fan.
www.myspace.com/profanatica,
www.hellsheadbangers.com
Andi Bauer
BACK
PROFANATICA
The Enemy Of Virtue (DoCD)
(Hells Headbangers)
82:05min
After several years of inactivity America's most blasphemous and
primitive Black Metal squadrone PROFANATICA is finally back with
full force again. Apart from a live CD (released on Paul Ledney's
own label Necroscope Productions), the "Collection"
compilation on Warhammer Records, their brand new album
"Profanatitas De Domonatia" and the re-issue of the
HAVOHEJ debut, there's also some vinyl stuff on sale at the
moment... So, being a die hard fan of this unholy trinity has
without a doubt become pretty expensive lately. "Enemy Of
Virtue" is another item that needs to be added to your shopping
list now, even though it's quite similar in its content to the
"Collection" CD. But as the Warhammer disc was strictly
limited to 1.000 copies, it might already be pretty hard to find, so
in a way this here makes sense nevertheless. Apart from
PROFANATICA's two 1990 demos "Putrescense Of…" and
"Broken Throne Of Christ", the "Weeping In
Heaven" EP, the split EP with Columbia's MASACRE and the 5
songs that were intended to appear on their Osmose Productions
debut, this double CD set additionally offers the two songs off
2002's "Broken Jew" EP, the previously unreleased
"Passion Of A Liar" EP, a 1992 TOTEN (pre-PROFANATICA)
rehearsal tape and a couple of live tracks from their show at the
"Return Of Darkness And Evil" festival in Clifton, New
Jersey on July 14, 2001. A biography, a handful of pics and all
covers of the releases that are featured complete the visual side of
a very cool compilation. My only little criticism is addressed to
the layout of this release. Printing the biography and songtitles in
dark red letters on top of the also very dark black & white
pictures unfortunately makes everything very difficult to read... Oh
well, at least the very heavy, high quality paper that was used for
booklet and traycard makes up for this again. If your favorite
mailorder won't have it in stock, you also may order it directly
from Hells Headbangers: www.hellsheadbangers.com
Frank Stöver
BACK
PROFANATICA
Disgusting Blasphemies Against God
(Hells Headbangers Records)
40:22min
Oh, sweet pitiful Jesus. There’s no rest for the holy corpus when
these fiends are on a tear. They’re out to raise ye up from the
earth once more for a final embrace, drink copiously from thine
wounds and spite rotten blood and puke back in yer flaccid piehole.
Oh, these scornful, Satanic contemptors from upside of Poughkeepsie,
mocking the name of the Christ with the gargling and the snarling
and the defecating. Impious denouncers! Vile poisoners! Putrid
sadists and feculent despoilers! Hail the weird beast that comes in
the night and is called PROFANATICA! This is the utter embodiment of
Christian sacrilege and blasphemy. Pissing on icons, masturbating on
the altar, dressing up as nuns and smashing the stupid priest in his
fucking face – they do it all with unique gusto. The sodomy begins
with a morbid mid-paced riff accompanied by low pitch-shifted vocal
intoning a list of barbarities to be committed against that dirty
bastard Nazarene – and you know this is going to kill! You’ll
feel the gut-crushing bass pulverizingly loud in the mix. Then the
droning speed-picked riffs and pummeling onslaught of on-beat
pounding begins swirling around inside your skull. You’ll feel a
dizzying sensation – ritual ingestion of alcohol mixed with human
blood only strengthens the effect. You are being consecrated for His
arrival. Do you welcome mental demon possession schizophrenia? Get
this record and the onset of your illness will be hastened. And if
you want fucking unholy Black Death in the unclean style that can
only be PROFANATICA, then you have only one course: Come to
PROFANATICA! Let them put their disease inside you. Buy the record
and let Jesus fuck you! Let Him fuck you! www.myspace.com/profanatica,
www.hellsheadbangers.com
L.L.
BACK
PROFANITY
Slaughtering Thoughts
(Cudgel Agency)
38:52min
KILLER!!!! It seems that I missed out on quite a lot of excellent bands while
VOICES FROM THE DARKSIDE was put on ice over the last couple of years. And
PROFANITY (not to be mixed up with Swedish PROPHANITY) is one of them! This is
already the second full length by this German three piece and it completely blew
me away!! Judging the band by the featured eight own compositions on "Slaughtering
Thoughts" they are already playing in the same league as all those
established American Grind / Death Metal acts! You won't even recognize their
country of origin while listening to the first class material. Everything's
performed on a high musical level, extremely powerful produced and heavy as fuck!
This is very extreme Death / Grind Metal in its most brutal form, delivered by a
bunch of skilled and very dedicated guys that quite obviously don't give a shit
about the latest trends. So, in case your personal faves include American Death
Metal in the vein of SUFFOCATION, CANNIBAL CORPSE, MONSTROSITY and the likes you
should immediately get in touch with the label and order a copy straight away,
otherwise you're definitely missing a hell of an album! And I will have to check
out their debut now. Cudgel Agency, Collegienstr. 21, 06886 Luth. Wittenberg,
Germany, e-mail: office@cudgel.de
Frank
Stöver
BACK
PROFEZIA
Black Misantropic Elite - Moon Anthem
(Undercover Records)
34:08min
After 3 demotapes in 2001, 2002 and 2003, Italian Black Metallers PROFEZIA come up with their first full-length album entitled "Black Misantropic Elite - Moon Anthem". Well, to keep a short story really short. This is Black Metal in the typical raw vein like we heard it a million times before, so do not expect anything overwhelming impressive here. The only track that I enjoyed has been 'Hungering', the last song, due to its, let's say, raw hymnic character. People into that kind f Black Metal can buy it blindly from:
www.undercover-records.de
Andi Bauer
BACK
PROJECT: FAILING
FLESH
Project: Failing Flesh
(self-financed)
40:39min
Frank was so kind to give me a copy of this CD, asking me to review it (I
guess because he knows that I still think that VOIVOD are absolute gods, right
Frankie… ? ;-) (how did you find this out so quickly? - Ed.).
Anyway, for all those out there where the bandname PROJECT: FAILING FLESH
probably won’t ring a bell: PROJECT: FAILING FLESH is the new band of former
VOIVOD bass player / vocalist Eric Forrest. I’ve
listened to this disc already quite a lot and to be honest I didn’t know what
to think of it in the very beginning. But the more you listen to it, the more
the material starts to grow on you… Atmosphere-wise, I dare to say that this
album even reminds me a lot on the VOIVOD opus "Phobos" because of its
nihilistic and cold atmosphere. The album kicks off with 'A Beautiful Sickness'
which already gives you a clear indication of the band’s sound… lots of
double-bass and moody keyboards here which suit the song perfectly. 'Planet Dead'
is also a really aggressive tune with very surprisingly some Bay Area influences
thrown in (Exodus,
first Channel
Zero
album…) which really works. '9mm Movie' is really heavy slow-motion and very
doomy. 'Scene Of The Crime' as well as 'Long Silent Voices' are much more
industrial sounding and remind a lot on the better tracks of FEAR FACTORY. 'Dementia
Pugilistica' is again a very aggressive tune with loads of double-bass while 'Taste
Of The Lie' sounds a bit more experimental thanks to some electronic influences.
The albums ends with a solid but nevertheless to my opinion not that spectacular
version of the VENOM oldie 'Warhead'. The whole sound and approach of this album
is pretty modern but nevertheless I do like it a lot. You can also easily hear
the VOIVOD influences here and there although I have to stress that PROJECT:
FAILING FLESH sound much more aggressive, mainly because of the intense
double-bass drumming (although I do have the impression that it’s maybe
programmed by a computer or a sequencer as it sounds incredibly tight and
mechanic). I’m pretty happy that Eric Forrest managed to come up with such a
strong output after his departure with VOIVOD. His vocals sound here pretty
hateful but they totally fit the record. I think that, as no label is mentioned,
this album is a kind of a demo. Nevertheless, sound-wise, it totally beats the
shit out of many current releases. Original, inventive and definitely a band to
keep your eyes on. If there’s any justice, they will be signed by a smart
label in no time. www.projectfailingflesh.com
Steven Willems
BACK
PROJECT:
FAILING FLESH
The Conjoined
(Burning Star Records)
39:52min
PROJECT:
FAILING FLESH already made pretty much impact on me a couple of
years ago with their debut “A Beautiful Sickness”. I always had
a weak spot for the Canadian band VOIVOD and back then I was very
curious how ex-VOIVOD vocalist Eric Forest would sound like in his
new band. “The Conjoined” is the second PROJECT: FAILING FLESH
album and is even more experimental than their debut. The voice of
Eric Forest is still very easy to recognize and gives the material a
very aggressive character. There’s also a certain VOIVOD-touch on
this album which makes it even more interesting in my opinion.
“The
Conjoined” differs a lot from all the average Metal-albums out
there. This is mainly caused by the very unconventional
song-structures as almost each song has a lot of breaks,
tempo-changes and some unusual instruments like the trumpet or a
bombastic orchestra. The whole album has a very futuristic and
somehow a bit industrial-sounding approach (it reminds me a lot on
MINISTRY to be honest) thanks to the use of samplers and electronic
effects which really suits the music. My favorite tracks are
probably 'Eve Of Demise' (it has some really cool and furious
blastbeats and mid-tempo parts), 'Through The Broken Lens' (reminds
probably on VOIVOD the most), 'Synesthesia' (has a certain
threatening touch like the more slower Morbid
Angel material also has) and the closing track 'The Hand
You’ve Been Dealt' which after one minute turns into an excellent
Thrash / Death Metal piece. Somehow,
the first impression I get from this album is the same feeling I had
when I heard the PESTILENCE album “Spheres” for the first time.
“The Conjoined” is definitely not an ‘easy’ album to listen
to. And I can imagine that - because of the sometimes unconventional
song-structure and the weird mix of styles - it will probably not
appeal to everybody out there. But those who are really willing to
give this a try won’t be disappointed. Because isn’t it often,
that albums that you have to listen to more often to get used to,
turn out to be the most interesting and lasting in the end? www.projectfailingflesh.com
Steven
Willems
BACK
THE PROJECT HATE MCMXCIX
Armageddon March Eternal (Symphonies Of Slit Wrists)
(Threeman Recordings)
65:42min
This is the 5th output of this Swedish kind of "all-star" band, featuring Jörgen Sandström (ex-GRAVE,
ex-ENTOMBED, VICIOUS ART), Dan Swanö (should be well-known) and the likes. Should this guarantee a great album, an "over the top" release? Concerning the Death Metal kind of content "Armageddon March Eternal" is enjoyable, yes. Powerful riffing, grooving, driving and tight, these guys know what they are doing,
Swedish Death Metal. But, and I am the last one having a negative attitude on experiments, what the fuck have this
EVANESCENCE, WITHIN TEMPTATION and NIGHTWISH - like parts (including female vocals) lost
in there, something which goes heavily on my balls immediately? And it is not appearing once or twice, it is really throughout the whole album. Seems like a joke which I can not laugh about... The info sheet says something like: "This is the soundtrack to Armageddon...". Maybe they are right concerning Death
Metal's Armageddon... www.threeman.net
Andi Bauer
BACK
THE
PROJECT HATE MCMXCIX
The Lustrate Process
(Vic Records)
63:54min
If ARCH ENEMY, DIMMU BORGIR and LACUNA COIL had a musical love
child, THE PROJECT HATE MCMXCIX would be the result. ‘The Lustrate
Process’ is the 8th album from the Swedish Metallers. However,
before I begin the review properly, I must warn people that this is
a LONG album. Each of the 7 songs clock in at over 7 minutes, so
those of you that like your Metal brisk and to the point, I advise
you to turn away now. However, for the more patient among you, there
is alot of great material on this release that makes it well worth a
listen. The instrumental chops on display here are of the highest
quality, with guitarists Anders Bertilsson and Lord K. Philipson
delivering blistering yet tasteful solos throughout, the solos
‘The Locust Principles’ (which could easily have been written by
Micheal Amott) on ‘Descend Into The Pits Of Eternity’ being a
prime example. They aren’t slouches in the riffing department
either, with my favourite track off the album ‘Our Wrath Will Rain
Down From The...’ being a showcase of modern Swedish Metal riffing
and soloing. However some of the riffs have a ‘heard it before’
kinda feel. Singer Jörgen Sandström, of GRAVE fame, roars and
growls drive each song forward and as always are one of the
highlights of the album. However, while their other singer, Jonna
Enckell, who provides the clean, operatic vocals, is clearly a
gifted singer, her voice is too similar to that of other female Metal
singers, such as Chrisitina Scabbia from LACUNA COIL to stand out or
leave an impact on the listener. Drummer Thomas Ohlsson does a fine
job of keeping everything on track, however many of his beats are
too similar sounding or not very exciting, however we do get a
glimpse of what he is capable of on ’Descend Into The Pits Of
Eternity’ where a nice little blast beats finds its way onto the
record. Lord K. Philipson’s keyboards are very reminiscent of
DIMMU BORGIR but are quite effective in adding a sense of grandeur
and epicene’s to the songs, which I feel he was aiming for.
Michael Håkansson does a fine, unflashy job handling bass duties
also.THE PROJECT HATE are a band who aren’t short on ideas, as we
each song is layered with guitars, keyboards, piano’s, operatic
singing (hence the DIMMU BORGIR comparisons) however, these ideas
are a bit hit and miss; ‘See The Filth Become The Flames’ being
an example of a hit and ‘ Burial Of The Gods’ a miss. A few
problems I had with the album were that many of the songs follow too
similar a pattern. Every song goes from clean vocals to growls and
then back again, pausing for a keyboard / piano break, then a solo
and back to growling again. This approach is followed on nearly
every track, making the album a little too predictable. The long
song times also don’t keep the listeners attention for very long,
and I found myself losing interest during the longer piano /
keyboard breaks, ‘Burial Of The Gods’ being a prime example of
this. However, if you’re willing to tough it out, there is a lot
of quality material to be found here. If you like your metal
extravagant and grand, then ‘The Lustrate Process’ will be right
up your alley. For more info on THE PROJECT HATE MCMXCIX check out: www.theprojecthate.net
or www.vicrecords.com
Norman McCann
BACK
PROSANCTUS INFERI
Sacriligious Desecration In Excelis (Demo)
(self-financed)
17:59min
Not since the days when ABSU was actively pursuing the underworld with their "Temples
Of Offal" and bands like ORDER FROM CHAOS, INCANTATION, GOREAPHOBIA and NECROSION were hot on the tongues of the avid U/G fiend, has an actual brand new band from the States emerged with such a filthy and violent first demo tape! Featuring four songs that ooze with the black blood of ages past, the scandalous heresy once attributed to the now rotted corpse of American Death Metal.
To say that PROSANCTUS INFERI is refreshing to hear is an understatement. Those that give this demo tape a listen will no doubt agree with that and shall be more than satiated with the band's brand of heinous hymns. As PROSANCTUS INFERNI have done what few could, dare I say what even many veteran acts have wrought in recent years, and that is bring back the passion, the reek of unholy death, and have forged this with the brutality that can only be made from
hellfires below! In these weak times of Metal, the blatant disregard of those acts who ought to be touted across the
earth from one gutter to another, the putrid gluttony of it all where the over hyped and talent-less seem to be snatching up all the glory in numerous glossy covered magazines and major label rosters. I can not tell you how good it is to finally have some new blood to stand behind and look forward to their next work. Those Black Metal fanatics of whom I routinely abuse and whip within these pages take heed, instead of following your infernal idols note for note…You want to know what a true lust for evil, a dose of originality and a good degree of talent can get you? Then check out PROSANCTUS INFERNI! You have been warned!
Contact: J. Kohn, Prosanctus@hotmail.com
or www.myspace.com/prosanctusinferni
Wes Rhodes
BACK
PROSANCTUS INFERI
Pandemonic Ululations Of Vesperic Palpitation
(Hell's Headbangers)
24:18min
Welly welly well. What do we have here? Me thinks Hell's Headbangers is batting 3 and 0 with this release. Another fine addition to the HH's stable as
PROSANCTUS INFERI conjure up a tasty CD with songs that at times remind me of a much better
PROFANATICA (respect to them but they are not my cup of blood) with the same beats initially but then they take it higher and faster and then it gets blasting and then thrashing; then there's but a touch of
Death Metal then some War Metal seeps in to this deadly and intoxicating blood tea! It's all very well played and interesting yet violent. And kudos for the production as all is crystal clear but not weak or too damn clean for its own fuckin' good. No. It all comes out very damn well in the end. And the vocals... They are very subdued but not weak at all but rather they've a more evil and menacing aura to them contrary to a screaming banshee who's telling you what they're going to attack you with as opposed to
PROSANCTUS' vocalist who is hinting at your terribly certain impending doom! All the more chilling if you ask me. All in all a minor gem and one of the better releases of the year so far. I give it close to a 9 as the outro just fuckin turns me off after the 10 second mark but comes back nice and evilly at the end with some unholy guitar before it ends Buy it, download it, whatever floats your boat but do get this CD soon; it is quite tasty
www.myspace.com/prosanctusinferi,
www.hellsheadbangers.com
Luis M. L. Sallard
BACK
PROSTITUTE
DISFIGUREMENT
Deeds Of Derangement
(Morbid Records)
32:17min
Whew! Frognoize Death Metal from Holland! Again! Isn’t this
getting a little too much? Maybe, but not in this case. The first
thing that divides PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT from their partners in
crime is that their singer sounds
considerably deeper than any band from that genre I have
listened to, including big acts like DISGORGE or underground bands
such as DESPONDENCY. The more notable point is that PROSTITUTE
DISFIGUREMENT are quite talented songwriters as they know about the
magic of dynamics: after a pretty fast start the band frequently
adds groovy parts and melodic old school leads as well as cool old
schoolish, rather high vocals. Maybe a good start for people who
never heard about frogs singing in Death Metal bands and definitely
a relief for people who get bored after listening to this new style
after 15 minutes. And of course there is enough stuff for junkies
searching for utmost brutality. Recommendable indeed. www.aufderaxe.nl/prostitute
Ramon
Claassen
BACK
PROSTITUTE
DISFIGUREMENT
Left
In Grisly Fashion
(Neurotic
Records)
31:45min
One
of the recent up-and-comers of the Dutch brutal Death Metal scene is
this quartet of sexual perverts who could gain a good amount of
respect from fans and press with their last release "Deeds Of
Derangement" and their undeniably present power onstage. Now their
third full-length leaves the cavernous insides of a raped and rotten
corpse and whoever enjoyed the band's last onslaught will be
highly satisfied by this one as well. Merging violent blasting,
catchy breaks with some quite traditional thrashing riffing and
ultra-sick vocals sounding like pig at a kosher butchering
PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT's version of brutalizing, grinding Death
Metal is musically definitely highly effective and driving. Only the
extreme vocals tend to get on my nerves after two songs, but I know
from some friends who actually dig this style a lot that it might be
a simple case of differing tastes. As a personal note, I was at a
disco lately where they played a song off "Left In Grisly Fashion"
and instantly joined the people already banging wildly on the
dance-floor. Thus, from my own experience PROSTITUTE DISFIGUREMENT definitely have an
entertaining, rousing factor and their level of brutality is
outstanding. Still, this album isn't really my cup of tea due to
the vocals. Musically it's not a revolution, but fun to listen to,
excellently produced at Studio Excess and a number of cool ideas and
real songs instead of over-technical massacres (see e.g. US-DISGORGE) due to the catchier
sections keep this predominately high-speed blast inferno
interesting and fresh. Links of interest: www.prostitutedisfigurement.com
& www.neurotic-records.com
Stefan
Franke
BACK
PROTECTOR
Kain And Abel (DoCD)
(AreaDeath Productions)
158:40min
PROTECTOR once ruled the earth, I’m convinced. There’s no way
such a talented, ferocious band could have escaped global notice;
yet - alas! - they were doomed to obscurity. As it often happens,
the underground knew perfectly well who they were, but for the
casual browsers in record stores, PROTECTOR didn’t exist - and
that’s a shame, because they deserved to stand aside SODOM,
KREATOR and DESTRUCTION as a real representative of the German
Thrash scene. The past is irretrievable, except in CD form. Here
before me is the "Kain And Abel" compilation - a 2CD set
consisting of 44 tracks taken from PROTECTOR’s discography. Tracks
1 - 6 on disc one are from the 1987 "Kain And Abel"
rehearsal demo (unfortunately misprinted on the traycard as the 1987
München live show - Frank). Whenever it was decided to salvage
these songs, the stroke of wisdom came not a moment too soon; for
the songs are clearly ported from degraded tape material. Not even
digital technology could hope to clean all of the warble and static
up. However, raw sound is part of Metal’s charm, so don’t
mistake my criticism on this point for a disdain for cheap cassette
tapes. My point simply is that if the demos were allowed to collect
dust any longer, the sound quality would be that much worse. The
following five rehearsal tracks - dated to 1988 - are in much better
condition. 'Omnipresent Aggression', 'Space Cake' and the eponymous
'Golem' never sounded more enjoyable; products of a band close to
mental derangement. The rest of the collection is compiled of tracks
pulled from live demos in München (20-12-1987), Düsseldorf
(27-11-1989) and Bad Wörrishofen (11-04-1989). In particular, these
songs show PROTECTOR as a band not above having a few laughs. The
intro to the Bad Wörrishofen show is a bizarre, feel-good rock
thing that would provoke scorn were it not for the fact that
PROTECTOR was clearly doing it to be funny. If they’d been
serious, then this compilation would be much shorter. As a live
band, PROTECTOR are every bit as vicious as they are in studio;
passionately, with vigor. Indeed, the vocalist oftentimes sounds
like he has trouble keeping up with the speedier parts. In
summation, "Kain And Abel" captures a band close to their
peak (it’s my personal opinion that PROTECTOR achieved true
greatness on "A Shedding Of Skin" and "The
Heritage", both of which were released some years after these
songs were recorded). The "Kain And Abel" compilation is
limited to 500 copies, and is currently carried by a number of
different distros, among them Hell’s Headbangers. Don’t deny
yourself a thoroughly blistering chapter in German Metal history. www.myspace.com/protectorofficial,
www.areadeath.net
Nat
Shapiro
BACK
THE
PROVENANCE
25th Hour; Bleeding
(Scarlet Records/SPV)
45:06min
Definitely one of my favourite albums in 2001! I can whole-heartedly say this
because there was enough time to listen to this debut album over and over again.
How come? "The Stupid One" (as he called himself - no revolution down
in the pit - yet!) Frank mistakenly erased this review and so had I. Therefore
I have to write this once again, poor me! But unlike many other CDs I reviewed
in the past, "25th Hour; Bleeding" is still blocking my CD player
anyway, so this gives you a hint that I'm not telling tales. These Swedes don't
sound like anybody else. Sometimes I think of IN FLAMES, sometimes of THE GATHERING
(both esp. because of the vocals), then the flute brings magic like PSYCHOTIC
WALTZ but still this sounds both natural and unique. Let me give you a general
idea: THE PROVENANCE sound a bit like (slow/mid-speed) IN FLAMES meets a heavy
sort of 70s progressive rock plus some MY DYING BRIDE. Fragile piano parts or
heavy Hammond sounds are going to take you on a journey and I'm pretty sure
you won't like to come back after only 45 minutes. Special tip: repeat button!
Consequently, the breath-taking opener 'Deluded Into Delirium', 'For Whom I
Bleed' or the fantastic title track will steal your mind one again and you'll
catch yourself smiling foolishly. Only one point of criticism: the production
could be better, but it's okay, no reason not to go for this one! These guys
have the potential to become BIG with a good promotion and if YOU check them
out, I'm pretty sure you're not going to regret it!
Ramon
Claassen
BACK
PSYCHOBOLIA
Fisting You All
(Xtreem Music)
29:23min
It’s not everyday such twisted humor, so idealic in every sense as this, should warm the depths of my black heart. The facts alone about this band’s debut album being titled “Fisting You All “, and that PSYCHOBOLIA is a Gore encrusted brutal Death Metal act fronted by a female, had me laughing out loud! I mean c’mon, how fucking ironic can you get? “Fisting You
All”… And the vocal duties spit into the mic by a woman?! Fucking hysterical. What’s next from this quartet? A sophomore CD follow up by the title of “Blunt Force Bukkake”!?!
Hahaha…Too funny – Anyhow – comedic value aside, PSYCHOBOLIA bring to the table a lot more than this, and most assuredly more than their fair share of ripping brutal Death Metal, along the lines of old SINISTER, MORBID ANGEL, IMMOLATION and a virtual host of other well known
Death Metal favorites. Especially CANNIBAL CORPSE. To be wholly accurate, PSYCHOBOLIA’s most legitimate and immediate sound quality or clotted chunk of maggot ridden rotten flesh, take that as you will, would have to be SINISTER meets CANNIBAL CORPSE with the speed and dexterity of ANGEL CORPSE. Absolutely brutal and utterly savage
Death Metal with enough technical oversight to please even the most skeptical out there of this relative newjack to the U/G
Death Metal scene. Production is punchy, tight, and absolute in regards to the fast, intense and ultra-brutal Death Metal PSYCHOBOLIA will soon be known the world over for.
Lastly – I have to say that of the latest cropping of bands to make it out of France in recent months (…years), PSYCHOBOLIA just impress the Hell out of me just like their fellow countrymen / counterparts BLOODY SIGN. The French scene is proving once more that brutality and anvil-strong Death Metal can be procured in the unlikeliest of places. P.S. For those who think Zdenka Prado of Cinnicinati, Ohio’s ESTUARY (currently signed to
Ibex Moon) has a pair of lungs on her - to not only devastate and keep the pummeling pace of that band and effectively has no rival. Be warned…Caroline of PSYCHOBOLIA may leave you breathless!
Contact: www.myspace.com/psychobolia or www.xtreemmusic.com
Wes Rhodes
BACK
PSYCHOFAGIST
/ HYBRID VISCERY
Selfless Spite (Split CD)
(Amputated Vein Records)
31:26min
This split CD released on Japan's Amputated Vein Records will surely
make some heads turn, or better said simply cut off, that is. The
home of PSYCHOFAGIST is Novara, located in the north west of Italy.
According to the info sheet they used to play Thrash / Death Metal
under the name of BEDEVILED – the original line up featured the
drummer Grom who now is active in ANCIENT. Anyway, with their name
they also left that style behind and headed for a far more brutal
direction. After a short and dark echoing intro the two masterminds
'Cello “Wrath” and Steph unleash a vicious onslaught of fast and
raging technical Death Metal massacre upon the unsuspecting
listener. The songs are really packed and intricate with lots of
breaks, accompanied by slapped bass parts and quite complex
drumming. As the band was without a skinsman at that time all
patterns have been programmed – which must have been an awful lot
of work! NECROPHAGIST's debut may give you hint on that as the
quality is similar, fortunately with a better sound! In fact, the
drum computer sounds more natural than many triggered plastic –
can productions of today. The hectic riffing is not entirely made up
of jazz – avantgardism (there are several technical scale runnings
up and down the frets) like it is executed by the unparelleled
GORGUTS but bristling with skill, some old school elments shine
through. Hm, at first listen the band gave me a similar feeling like
LIERS IN WAIT, but they have a very own innovative style and act
more focused. On top of that blur of brutality both madmen deliver
their screams and growls in a pleasingly raw way in different tones.
I wonder about their lyrics as titles like 'Asphyxiating Harmony'
(good description) or 'Bygone Genesis' sound fairly interesting. So,
after PSYCHOFAGIST devoured your mind, pulled you up on hooks while
carving intricate designs of lunacy on your skin you are ready for a
sledgehammer shock treatment: HYBRID VISCERY. These four Belgians
from Brussels went for this split release after two demos and
deliver blasting Death / Grind that should appeal to all fans of
early CRYPTOPSY, being a little bit less melodic. Damn, the snare
drum sounds almostly exactly as the one on “Blasphemy Made
Flesh”. Brutal stuff executed in a convincing manner and tightly
played! Between the songs you get to hear some movie samples from
“Full Metal Jacket”, if I am not mistaken. The guttural grunts
and high shrieks don't tell something war – related but seem to
deal with the classic Gore / Grind topics, 'Cannibal Theories', for
example. All in all a great release with two great sounding bands,
even the booklet is nicely layouted – some sort of screaming
person obscured by darkness in shades of earth – toned colours,
the colour of old blood, hehe! It should be available from most
underground mailorders and is also available directly from the bands
themselves for 12 € - make sure to contact them first. Contact
PSYCHOFAGIST: Stefano Ferrian, Via Sforzesca 2/F, 28100 Novara,
Italy, email: coffinfeeder@tin.it
or Marcello Sarino, Via Nova 10/A, 28069 Trecate (NO), Italy, email:
psychordoom@interfree.it,
Website: www.psychofagist.cjb.net
. Contact HYBRID VISCERY: c/o Karl Penning, Rue des Renards 26/3,
6534 Gootee, Belgium, email: thefastandgrind@hotmail.com,
Website: www.hybrid-viscery.be.tf.
Label contact: www.amputatedvein.com
. By now PSYCHOFAGIST found a new drummer in the person of Stefano
from BASTARD SAINTS… we shall see… By the way: Yan
“Doomyan” Rosiers from HYBRID VISCERY also works as a
webdesigner, you might like to check his homepage at: www.doomyan.com.
Ulrich Kreienbrink
BACK
PSYCHOPATHIC TERROR
230204
(Temple Of Darkness Records)
35:38min
Proving once again that all you need in this life is perseverance and a heart of pure hate to survive in these times of Metal. From the Finnish wasteland of Tampere – a duo now emerge – an aeon since the buried ashes of
underground heroes DEPRAVITY were lain to rest, now appears PSYCHOPATHIC TERROR and their debut album “230204“. Had this record a street date sometime in the late ‘90s you might think this the next best thing to NASUM. With heaping helpings of the same attributes, crushing brutality, and nostalgic graces that put fans of NECRONY into frenzied madness at the mere mention of that band’s name. Eight songs of voluntarily projected Grind / Death / Gore that’ll assuredly get that coveted second spin on your CD player without even having to ask for it. The more I listen to this disc, the more I wish these guys were writing this album for NAPALM DEATH. Not that NAPALM are in so specific of need, but that TERROR have the right “shtick“ for the job and between the two camps, there most certainly could be a dangerous meeting of twisted Grinding minds! And wouldn’t I like to hear the end result of that! “230204“ worth the asking price and then some. Get yours today!
Contact: www.templeofdarknessrecords.com
or www.myspace.com/psychopathicterrorofficial
Wes Rhodes
BACK
PSYCHOTRON
Open The Gate
( The Gate
(self-financed)
56:09min
PSYCHOTRON? MEGADETH fans, eh? Cool name anyway. These German
Thrashers promisingly start with a cool intro. Unfortunately
floating into the first song is fucked up by a pause that doesn’t
belong there. The producer’s fault? Cool Thrash song, aggressive
vocals. But already the first song reveals their massive weakness:
the clean vocals. They sound utterly German and, even worse:
completely provincial. Slight timing problems concerning those
vocals, too. The compositions are solid at least (‘The Ticket [To
Insanity]’), partly even truly good – sometimes with slight
Power Metal influences (‘Beauty Of Sadness’) and they have quite
some drive. The band likes to play with dynamics as well (good!) and
the musicians are relatively competent – okay, sometimes I wonder
if this or that was truly tight and the instrumental at the end of
the record reveals a little as well. The production sounds
professional. If the band seriously works on the clean vocals or
completely leaves them I can see a future for PSYCHOTRON. Oh, and
leave out awkwardly emotionless spoken words performances like
“Meine Hölle” and stupid shit like the silly singing on the
hidden track! I did things like that as a child when I found out how
to record my voice but it definitely doesn’t belong on a Metal
record, believe me! www.psychotron.de
Ramon Claassen
BACK
PSYCROPTIC
The Scepter Of The Ancients
(Unique Leader)
43:03min
True Tasmanian devils are the guys of PSYCROPTIC who really head
from Tasmania, Australia, the birth place of that funny cartoon
beast you might know from TV. But here is not the right place to
talk about cartoons but music and in PSYCROPTIC’s case one can
expect very twisted sounds blending contemporary brutal Death Metal
with elements from progressive Death à la late DEATH, ATHEIST. High
skilled musicians who know how to create memorable songs out of
wicked riffs, surprising breaks, numerous tempo changes and a
handful of melodies make “The Scepter Of The Ancients” a very
impressive album on the musical side. In terms of the vocals I have
to admit that I was only partially convinced, because despite the
nicely varied growl / hysterical scream mix one has to face this
modern vocal style where you do not understand a fucking word
(sounds like “we we we” uttered in a very fast manner, try it
out – it sounds stupid!). If you do not have a problem with this,
check it out. Oldschool fans might be either disgusted or overtaxed
by those parts. To sum it up, the new PSYCROPTIC is a pretty unique
and diversified sounding release which should attract people who
search for new dimensions in Death Metal. I’m not sure if I need
to visit these, but they are definitely not completely without
fascination. Visit www.uniqueleader-europe.com
for sound files and additional infos on PSYCROPTIC. The band itself
can be found at www.psycroptic.com.
Stefan Franke
BACK
PSYCROPTIC
Symbols Of Failure
(Neurotic Records)
39:52min
These days we have to search hard in order to find a Death Metal
band able to stir something inside our guts.
It seems that everything has been done in that domain.
Fortunately, from time to time a band like PSYCROPTIC raises its
ugly head and refreshes a passion jaded too often. This Tasmanian
outfit offers a superb brand of brutal Death Metal based on superior
composition and musical playing skills. Imagine a collision between
DEEEDS OF FLESH and THEORY IN PRACTICE and I think that you will get
a fair idea of what PSYCROPTIC intend to come up with: extreme
brutality coupled to technical finesse. The impressive production of
the disc does justice to the prowess of this four piece: sounding
crystal clear, each of the nine tracks offered here gives way to
tons and tons of wicked riffs harmoniously put together in a
coherent whole. Far from being boring and self indulgent, the
PSYCROPTIC music induces a hypnotic fascination after a while. All
the musicians have their own room to express themselves; don’t
expect a muddy and crappy effort, but a “groovy” one due to the
organic nature of the sound. If you are a NECROPHAGIST devotee, this
album is right in your alley, even if PSYCROPTIC don’t indulge in
neo-classical guitar extravaganza. Once is not the habit, I would
like to praise here the fantastic artwork done by Pär Olofsson
(also responsible for the art of the last DEEDS OF FLESH album), the
most beautiful I have seen in years! The version I bought comes with
a slipcase on which the cover is even more lavish because one or two
shades clearer, giving the image a better legibility. So this record
ends up to be a superb object encasing the most fantastic Death
Metal music you can dream of. I hope it will find the way of your
record collection. Buy this for your own sake! MASSIVE! www.psycroptic.com
and www.neurotic-records.com
for info and mp3.
Edouard Vergriete
BACK
PSYKRA
Terry Pi
(unfortunately self-financed)
37:00min
This record is over the top again... this really doesn't surprise me
whatsoever due to the fact that B.O.T.I.S. of subliminal HIDDEN IN
THE FOG is part of this project again. He plays the drums on the
record and does a breath-taking job as a matter of fact. So what are
these guys all about? Their sound reminds me of VED BUENS ENDE at
times... concerning the jazzy bass-lines, the vocals, progressive
cadences and chords, multi-dimensionality. These compositions remind
me of a grotesque, strangely warped and multi-coloured
semi-nightmare. It is like running through a distorded garden of
unfathomable forms and you are lured by deeper and deeper into it by
this maniac symphony. There definitely are elements of new GORGUTS
regarding guitar work, CEPHALLIC CARNAGE regarding some guitar hooks
and breaks, IN THE WOODS sort of enter my mind as well, then there
really is an extreme drummer - as mentioned above - providing
complexity and furiosity. Very intersting I find his bass-drum
patterns, supporting the bass in a very traditional manner... and
then again, at times, the bass sort of escapes and floats above. The
fills are creative and dynamic... again, this really reminds me of
VED BUENS ENDE. Especially the rhythmic section - that is, bass and
drums. The vocalist reminds me of SENESCENCE - psychotic Doomsters
from Northern Germany. Very weird and twisted music indeed ---
harmonically, a masterpiece again I have to state here. But hey - I
need to mention this once more, when there is a guy from HIDDEN IN
THE FOG in charge of according parts of a project, the result is
bound to be awe-inspiring. No real suggestions which track is best
being checked first... just let it flow and float. Such lunies these
guys are... splendid. Labels, come on guys, give this a listen and a
fair chance --- this is real dedication! Website: www.psykra.de
F. Cthulhu E.
BACK
PUNISH
Dawn Of The Martyr
(Quam Libet Records)
51:41min
This is the second effort from this Swiss band, and it comes as a
good surprise. While not exactly an original band, they deliver a
powerful form of melodic Death Metal with a lot of Thrash Metal
parts. The vocals are shared between two of the members, while one
sounds like an angrier Mikael from DARK TRANQUILLITY, the other one
is more of a common Death Metal growl. On a first listen this might
sound like melodic Deathrash, which can also be mistaken by another
Swedish Melodeath Metal clone ike DETONATION. But PUNISH are clever
enough to have a quite different sound. In fact, some songs sounded
to me with a distinct Brazilian Thrash Metal sound like in 'Miss
Anne Thrope', which reminded me of SEPULTURA from the “Beneath The
Remains” days. They achieved a great guitar sound that sometimes
reminds me to their fellow country mates of CORONER. The band also
adds some technical touches here and there, but not to the point
where you get lost. While I have read that NECROPHAGIST might be a
reference, I think PUNISH are not that technical and they are a bit
slower, although some arrangements might sound similar in style.
There are plenty of good guitar solos here and there, but still they
retain a certain primitive flavor to it, by not becoming guitar
heroes. Then again, some songs also reminded me of DESTRUCTION, but
only from the “Release From Agony” era, as sometimes the way of
composition is quite similar to that album. To say that also some
songs remind of later era DEATH is quite certain, like in 'Divinity
Falls', which suddenly turns into a sound more like the one found on
the early DEICIDE records. I told you, this is not exactly an
original band, but I find the way they mix all this influences and
styles quite interesting, and they actually play it in a convincing
way. At the end, I would like to hear a bit less melodic riffs and
maybe if they keep things a bit more direct it will make a better
impact. Some start-stop riffs sound a bit out of place, and of the
two vocals, the more low growling one, sounds a bit generic at
times. Still every time you listen to this album, you can find
something new. Now it
is time for them to get a sound of their own, I think they can
create something more, if they just keep it more direct. You can
find more info at www.punish.ch
Julian Nuñez
BACK
PURGATORY
Blessed With Flames Of Hate
(Perverted Taste)
30:59min
I have to confess that I never ever managed to get my hands on any of PURGATORY's
previous two albums (their 1997 debut "Damage Done By Worms" and the
1998 follow up "Bestial"), so this newest full length is my personal
listening premiere when it comes to this German fourpiece. "Blessed With
Flames Of Hate" delivers half an hour of extreme thrashing Death Metal
with a brutal vocal delivery and a pretty raw production. Even though these
guys are probably mainly influenced by a handful of American acts, they still
managed to come up with a style on their own. Always straight ahead and devastating,
but not necessarily really comparable to any bigger names within the current
underground movement. Musically PURGATORY neither invented anything new, nor
wrote any spectacular tunes that they might be remembered for in the years to
come. But they at least came up with a fresh sounding, rather enjoyable and
entirely convincing result for everyone into brutal and uncompromising music.
From what I read somewhere the limited digipack version of this album features
an additional track, so make sure to go for that. All further info and ordering
info you'll most certainly get from the label directly: PERVERTED TASTE, Hradschin
14a, 08523 Plauen, Germany, e-mail: falk@pervertedtaste.de
Frank Stöver
BACK
PURGATORY
Luciferianism
(Animate Records)
34:41min
"Luciferianism" is already the fourth full-length album of these German Death Metallers, and... they are really doing fine with this album. It's dark and brutal Death Metal preferentially performed in upper tempo and a production going into rawer directions.
All of that sounds usual, doesn't it? But what makes this album really enjoyable in a perfect way is the natural flow of the music on "Luciferianism". The riffs and the song-structures fit together so perfectly that even the most ignorant ones can not deny that this comes directly from the musicians' hearts; something like that can not be constructed. That is also the reason why PURGATORY manage to spread this enthusiasm (they obviously still have after nearly 12 years of existence) through "Luciferianism". A really good and pure Death Metal album, check this out!!!
www.animate-records.com,
www.purgatory666.de
Andi Bauer
BACK
PURGATORY
/ POLYMORPH
Split 10"
(G.U.C.)
approx. 22min
This piece of green vinyl is already some years old but never the less - quality is what matters so it got reviewed. It was released in 2003 by the German underground
zine and label German Underground Crossection (www.guc-area.de) and features the
East-German Death Metal bands PURGATORY(www.purgatory666.de) and POLYMORPH (www.polymorph666.de). On the PURGATORY side you will find three songs, which were originally intended to be released with the
German band CHARON but since administrative problems this was cancelled. Two well done cover versions, one from AUTOPSY
('Fiend For Blood'), which got a big influence on PURGATORY on their first recordings and the almighty TERRORIZER
('Corporation Pull-in'). Both songs were relicts from the recording-session for the "Blessed
With Flames Of Hate" album back in 2000. The third one is a live version of 'Captured
Souls', recorded also in 2000 at an open-air festival in Purgatory's hometown Nossen. POLYMORPH perform two studio tracks, which were recorded in 2002. They play fast
Death Metal with sick vocals... so if you like their 10"-partners you will enjoy it. The sound on both sides of this 10" is raw and brutal, which does NOT mean that it is bad and poor and lo-fi or something. It is exactly the sound
how this kind of Death Metal should sound like. So if you are a fan of either PURGATORY or POLYMORPH you already got this and if not - buy it and support the underground. And of course enjoy brutal
Death Metal!
Mirco Szymyslik
BACK
PURGATORY
Cultus Luciferi - The Splendour Of Chaos
(Animate Records)
35:40min
After four years and some line up changes PURGATORY return with the follow up to "Luciferianism" which was released in 2004. Considering that the band is around for 16 years already and gained a reputation as a powerful live act, PURGATORY should be known to most readers, if not all Death Metal maniacs. The band still follows its formula of thick and rather well-composed Death Metal bearing influences of both American as well as European sound, tending towards the underground bands of the early to mid nineties. The "eastern" influences referred to in the info can surely be pinpointed to VADER - no need to beat around the bush! It is quite interesting to see how a band which was very clearly influenced by old MORBID ANGEL and SLAYER serves at least partially as an inspiration for another band. Actually the fast drum passages as well as several vocal patterns bear quite a bit of similarity to the period when the Polish band moved away from the sound of their debut, especially "Black To The Blind". Despite the audible similarities PURGATORY are not that one dimensional, as already said their composition have a definite European note in terms of songwriting and riffing. Luckily, the vocals of the new throat Dreier who replaced the vicious Sick who was with the band from the early days on sound FAR more deathly, varied and convincing compared to the delivery of a certain Polish vocalist. Dwelling on the vocals, there are several collaborations worth mentioning on "Cultus Luciferi" as Oeilalla / DARKENED NOCTURN SLAUGHTERCULT, Wannes Gubbels / PENTACLE and some others (as the vocalist of MORGOTH on the very well-done cover of 'Pits Of Utumno' - let's just keep our fingers crossed that band never reforms!) can be heard an different songs which certainly adds to the variety. "Cultus Luciferi" does not exactly tread new ground but is a very competent and honest effort of intense and dynamic Death Metal. Concerning the production, all intruments are clearly present in the mix while still retaining a pleasant rawness. The guitars could use a bit more punch to make this album even more crushing but that may be my age… and there is still the possibility to turn up the volume! If you followed the development of PURGATORY over the years and grew to be a fan then this is definitely an essential purchase as "Cultus Luciferi" is without doubt their most intense offering so far. One might say that PURGATORY have even surpassed their idols with this offering.
www.purgatory666.de,
www.animate-records.com
Ulrich Kreienbrink
BACK
THE PURITAN
The Puritan (MLP)
(I Hate Records)
35:24min
THE PURITAN (hailing from Finland, a land that oozes depression from every pore of its collective folk soul)
is a new band of Albert Witchfinder, previously known due to his activities (bass
/ vocals) in REVEREND BIZARRE. Therefore you can expect nothing but a heavy wall of a guitar-sound and an immaculate Doom Metal at its best. Actually there are five tracks featured, but they got attached together into only two (for the A and B side of the LP). Their self-titled debut
mini LP (no demos or anything like that) will be a good step for the future (planning's are already taken like some
7"EPs and CD). If you are already bored by Sunn O))) (and the exaggerated hype around) or want a soundtrack to your worst nightmare you should find yourself comfortable within the world of THE PURITAN.
Highly recommended for fans of the genre. www.ihate.se
Hurricane
BACK
PUTERAEON
Fascination For Mutilation (Demo 2008)
(self-financed)
27:33min
From time to time I wonder what’s so great about Swedish Death
Metal? I wonder why I never got tired of listening to bands like old
ENTOMBED, CARNAGE, DISMEMBER, GRAVE, UNLEASHED during the years or
bands playing a comparable style of music. At times I got tired of
regular Heavy Metal, at times I got tired of Gothic Metal, at times
I got tired of Black Metal, but I never got tired listening to old
school Swedish Death Metal, as primitive as this style of music was
and is! PUTERAEON is one more band playing this type of Death Metal
with huge similarities to those infamous names as ENTOMBED (just
listen to the beginning riff of the second song ‘Butchery
Torment’ which is in a way a pure rip off of the beginning of
‘Drowned’ by ENTOMBED – but it’s damned great), GRAVE,
DISMEMBER, UNLEASHED (‘Cannibalistic’ – awesome!!) and for
sure AUTOPSY (A Swedish band??? Hm, someone has to correct me here,
haha!) and that’s just awesome. The sound of this 8 song CD
couldn’t be better – professional recorded in Studio Stunlight
(no writing mistake, haha) - the guitars shred as they are supposed
to shred on a Swedish Death Metal recording, the drums are utterly
tight and the overall technical ability of the musicians is
fantastic which you can easily discover while listening to this
tight played bunch of songs. Seriously, here fits everything and I
wouldn’t wonder if an even more professional recording will follow
pretty soon. I have no biography of PUTERAEON (by the way, a typical
name in the oldschool vein if you ask me, haha) but from what I read
on the internet PUTERAEON consists of guys which play or at least
used to play in such bands as TAETRE, NOMINON, PROPHANITY or
INVERTED – not the most unknown bands… Correct me if I’m
wrong! OK, what’s left to say? The cover painting is shit, but it
reminds me to cover paintings of some old demotapes I have at home
– unprofessional, black and white, childish and I’m sure here on
this release definitely meant to be this way! The demo sells for 4
€ in Europe or 5 € elsewhere. Ask for it at deathvirus666@hotmail.com.
For those craving for something original can definitely shut the
fuck about and listen to something else…
Thomas Ehrmann
BACK
PUTERAEON
The Requiem
(self-financed)
31:59min
"Fascination For Mutilation" is a killer demo and one of
the biggest surprises of this year. That's how I want Swedish Death
Metal to sound like. Because of this first output from PUTERAEON I
was really excited when I received their 2nd demo "The
Requiem". High expectations so to say, but did the demo fulfill
them? Partially, I would say. "The Requiem" is a great
demo with a fantastic sound (recorded at Studio Stunlight
again) and offers again pretty long playing time for just a demo
with 8 songs (plus the intro ‘The Requiem’) of oldschool Death
Metal in the tradition of especially old ENTOMBED. The songs itself
are all very good, Jonas’ voice is very outstanding and I’d say
I would recognize him if some one would ask me – something which
is not self-evident for a Death Metal vocalist. The only problem I
see is that "Fascination For Mutilation" was such a
surprise when I heard it the first time and it is nothing else than
one helluva a great demo each follower can only loose. If this 2nd
demo would have been the first one and the first one would be the
2nd one I would totally flip out now. But as it is vice versa I can
say that "The Requiem" is a pretty good successor of
"Fascination For Mutilation", though the first one is the
better demo. Well, I always have a bad feeling to write something
like this about the 2nd demo of my faves PUTERAEON.
Anyhow, "The Requiem" is a great demotape many many bands,
even established ones, would be so proud of, and I hope that this
review doesn’t sound negative as it shouldn't. The facts are quite
simple: "Fascination…" was such a killertape that the
expectations for the 2nd demo were so high that it's a hopeless
endeavour even for an amazing band as PUTERAEON. Still I can confess
that PUTERAEON is one of the most promising bands to date and
everyone into oldschool Death Metal needs to have both demotapes
from them. Make your own decision which one is the better CD, both
offer Swedish Death Metal par excellence. "The Reqiuem"
sells for 5€/5$. Get in touch with Jonas at deathvirus666@hotmail.com
today! And check out the interview here on Voices From The Darkside!
Thomas Ehrmann
BACK
PUTERAEON
The Extraordinary Work Of Herbert West (Demo 2009)
(self-financed)
31:34min
Even now, approx. 1 1/5 years after the release of PUTERAEON's debut demo
"Fascination For Mutilation" I can say that this was the most
surprising and still best demotape of the current oldschool revival. It offers
the great Sunlight guitarsound, the typical harmonies of the Swedish Death Metal
movement and above all a lot of similarities to those old masters as ENTOMBED,
DISMEMBER and/or especially GRAVE in the best possible form. Now we are in the
listening pleasure of PUTERAEON’s third demo “The Extraordinary Work Of
Herbert West”. An interesting title to start with and, well, I guess I have
not to explain from where the lyrical side of this CD took its influences from.
Songtitles as the titletrack, 'Experience Zombification' or 'Flesh Architect'
might give you some more hints, haha. As the lyrics are not included on this
demo CD I think I have to focus on the music only, which isn’t the worst idea
here. “The Extraordinary Work…” follows the tradition of “Fascination
For Mutilation” and “The Requiem” and offers Swedish Death Metal in the
magnificent sound of the early nineties. This is typical Swedish Death Metal,
and there’s no need to distract from that as PUTERAEON is offering the highest
class of this unholy type of Metal. Besides offering what you expect from this
band and style I have to say that PUTERAEON increased even more in songwriting,
soundquality and professionalism. Where “Fascination For Mutilation” was an
immense surprise for me and “The Requiem” the expected follow up, this third
one is the step into higher levels. A little bit more naughtiness and “The
Extraordinary Work Of Herbert West” would be a classic. I still wonder why
Jonas from PUTERAEON is still taking care for everything and why no label showed
interest so far, but perhaps this underground attitude is what we all should ask
for when talking about our beloved Death Metal. Support it – a killer demo CD.
Get in touch with Jonas via deathvirus666@hotmail.com
and buy this CD and their predecessors now. Check out their new myspace-profile
at www.myspace.com/puteraeon666,
too.
Thomas Ehrmann
BACK
PUTREFIED
Promo 2005
(self-financed)
12:47min
After the already promising MCD debut “Body Bits” (2002) and the excellent
“The Putrid Remains” full-length in 2003, one of my favourite newer Dutch Death
Metal bands resurfaces with a fantastic promo CD containing three new tracks.
‘Masses Of White Lank Bodies’, ‘Black Steaming Cancerous Entrails’ and
‘Totgemetzelt Im Shützengraben’ (killer title, but hey guys, you forgot the
‘c’ – it’s “Schützengraben”) present PUTREFIED stronger than ever.
Unlike PYAEMIA, ARSEBREED, DISAVOWED the quintet here doesn’t sound once again
like SUFFOCATION or DISGORGE (US). What you get is brutal, straight and
old-fashioned guttural, pummelling Death Metal that has a production of modern
standard but also some early to mid-90s dark, heavy feel certainly inspired by
acts like ROTTREVORE, PARALYSIS (if anyone remembers them) or INCANTATION. The
three-tracker comes across a little more diverse and sound-wise perfected in
comparison to its predecessors, however the bass drum could still sound a bit
more raw, more oldschool, less triggered – guess you know what I mean. Apart
from that the production has an outstanding cymbal sound, crushing guitars and
overall the perfect balance between transparency and uncompromising hard-hitting
punch. Regarding the songwriting track one and two impressed me the most: an
increased number of riffs, more variation tempo-wise and even a decent touch of
“melody” makes the songs variable, catchy and not just monotonously blasting,
but also nicely funereal and doomy at times. PUTREFIED know what traditional,
“real” Death Metal should be about and this promo CD makes me lust for way
more!!! Two thumbs up! Also the cover is very tasteful and reminds me of
pleasure and terror I had while playing the PC-game “Doom 3”. So, if you are
interested in this little appetizer for the new album check the website for mp3
and further info or write to bluuuurgh@quicknet.nl
(hope I had the right number of u’s). Band website: http://come.to/putrefied
Stefan
Franke
BACK
PUTRID
Demo MMX
(Detest Records)
13:19min
It seems that a there is a rebirth for filthy Death Metal…as it can be a
fashion…bands are now releasing demos on old tape format, and claiming
influences form bands up to mid 90s. While it was an epoch I do enjoyed
immensely, this can also became a fake fashion for acceptance. The line that
divides this is quite thin…enter PUTRID from Sweden…not to be confused with
the other PUTRID that later become GOD FORSAKEN and were from Finland…weird is
that both PUTRID bands have some common things…well, being Death Metal both,
one more doomy and this one from the Swedes goes into a faster approach. Ok, on
to the Swedes, influences range from REPULSION, AUTOPSY, early DEATH and to my
ears also NECROVORE and early PESTILENCE can be named. Still, not one of the 3
chants of death included here, has a very long lasting appeal. The riffs are
quite morbid, their guitars downtuned as hell, the vocals are tortuous screams
of murder, yet there is something missing…and at the same time there is also
place for a lot of promising future. If this was an album or the band had
released a lot of previous efforts (this being their second demo) I would say
they cannot give anything else. But, no, this band takes the word demo as it is
supposed to be, it shows them in a raw, primitive stage that will surely evolve.
And no, I do not want them to evolve into a technical mass of riffs or such
nonsense…if they are able to deliver this dark aura their music has, with
hooking riffs (and I refer to hooks as those hanging dead bodies) then they are
up for something great. As a demo, it accomplishes well it´s target. So, no
matter that the music presented here is still not that great, you can almost
smell (the blood) that there are greater things to come. It is on Detest
Records, a young but very promising label that I foresee within a great (yet
rotten) future. www.myspace.com/putriddeath,
www.detestrecords.com
Julian Núñez
BACK
PYAEMIA
Cerebral Cereal
(Unique Leader Records)
29:05min
Ha! Got it! Finally! The Dutch sickos PYAEMIA had made a big impression on me at
the Ear Terror Festival in Emden, Germany. Unfortunately they had run out of CDs
so I was left in the rain that night. A couple of weeks later I finally found
"Cerebral Cereal" at a DEW-SCENTED gig in Bremen at a very good vendor.
You see: going out still pays off! "We dedicate this album to the gods of
Deathgrind, SUFFOCATION - R.I.P." that's what the booklet says. And somehow
PYAEMIA manage to create a similarly dark and brutal atmosphere like their heros!
Especially seeing this band live makes you realize their precision and the music
simply makes you go crazy! I don't think there ever will again be a band like
SUFFOCATION, but as long as there are bands like PYAEMIA, the great loss doesn't
hurt as much. Contact the band whether they received their CDs in the meantime
and watch out for their next tour! www.pyaemia.com
Ramon Claassen
BACK
PYRAMAZE
Immortal
(Locomotive Records)
45:27min
As a Voices reader you should be a defender of the Death / Black cult but we all
have a small part in our hearts for the Power Metal section and your head should
automatically start to move to ICED EARTH and BLIND GUARDIAN as it moves to
SLAYER, MEGADETH, DARKTHRONE etc. Unfortunately good Power Metal releases within
the last years are nearly as seldom as the good Black Metal releases and I'm
feeling luckily to attest PYRAMAZE that their third release “Immortal” has
the potential to reach my personal Power Metal top ten. A band with Matthew
Barlow (ICED EARTH) as frontman seems / will attract the media like a pot of
honey but a singer is only “one instrument” and if the rest is nothing like
hot air a band can't survive on the long run. PYRAMAZE easily find the balance
to give "the voice" the necessary room and on the other hand create
catchy and real memorable songs. Just listen to 'Year Of The Phoenix' and the
described headbang-automatic will start, I promise. A good album which will
really help to survive the current blackout of several established Power Metal
acts. www.locomotiverecords.com,
www.pyramaze.com
Matthias Auch
BACK
PYURIA
Sublime Metrics Reallocation
(self financed)
22:47min
Hell this is a quite enjoyable deathrashing band from Finland I got to review
here. Really, PYURIA sounds tight, fresh, spontaneous and efficient. It is quite much GROTESQUE / AT THE GATES oriented, but a bit less melodic than
ATG though, and sounding a bit more modern from time to time, reminding also
these new Thrash Metal bands from Sweden, à la THE HAUNTED, TERROR 2000, etc.
The band describes its own music in a quite good way by saying that: "Musically
PYURIA integrates influences from several decades (even centuries) and styles
creating different views to play Metal. Lots of pace changes, technical-,
melodic- and rockin' riffs". The guys know how to handle their
instruments and they also use in an efficient way the playing between the two
guitars. PYURIA has definitely the good Rock and Heavy Metal roots which allow
such a good and clever song writing! For a band that started back in 1996, I
find that it sounds quite mature and very professional, especially when you
consider "Sublime Metrics Reallocation" being a self financed release!!!
Labels might get in touch with PYURIA quite soon, because this band deserves to
be supported. Maybe not the most original band around, but the quality and the
professionalism are definitely here, which tends to become seldom these days. Contact:
Oskari Mäki, Perttelinkatu 50 F 47, 24240 Salo, Finland. http://listen.to/pyuria,
pyuria@suomi24.fi
Nathaniel
Colas
BACK
|