|
SABBAT
Karmagmassacre
(Iron Pegasus Records)
46:57min
Japan's traditional Heavy / Black / Thrash Metal maniacs are around for 20 years
now and are still true and untrendy to the core! On their eighth(!!!) studio
album they again celebrate their interpretation of furious oldschool Metal
involving NWOBHM-styled melodies and demonic atmosphere. All ten tracks are full
of ravaging riffs and pure energy. SABBAT prove that classical Metal songwriting
still can bring about much more power than many other bands of today are trying
to do by megabrutal blastbeat attacks and sheer brutality. If this album would
have been released about 15 years ago, it would be a classic for all worshippers
of true Heavy Metal, be it Black, Thrash or whatever, but nowadays that many
bands and fans prefer musical extremity before quality songwriting, SABBAT might
not get the attention they deserve. All what's left to say is: check out this
diamond from the Japanese Metal underground and find out that SABBAT are pure
80s Metal in the best positive meaning! Go to http://welcome.to/sabbat
for very detailed information about the band and to www.iron-pegasus.com
for many other bands who are worth being supported.
Christoph Göbel
BACK
SABBAT
Sabbatical Satanichrist Slaughter (Triple 6” EP Box Set)
(N.W.N.)
approx. 18:30min
What is it about Japan’s SABBAT that elicits such a die-hard response from
fans? ARES KINGDOM vocalist Alex Blume is one of “those” SABBAT die-hards.
Earlier this year ARES KINGDOM played in Chicago with BLACK WITCHERY, SCEPTER,
and ANCIENT GODS. At a party the night before our show, a very drunk Alex
trapped Scott of CIANIDE and myself in a corner, and with the hellfire
conviction and brimstone devotion of a Southern Baptist revival preacher,
recited from the believer’s book of SABBAT to we puzzled and hopeless sinners.
Yes, SABBAT fans ARE nuts. Of course one listen to the band and you’ll
understand why. Now N.W.N. has released what has to be one of the most unique EP
box sets in Metal history. What we have here is a double sided, multi-panel
sleeve which folds out into a 77 x 57cm inverted cross. The arms and head of the
cross hold three 6” black vinyl singles named for Gezol, Temis, and Zorugelion,
and contain six tracks (what else?) of SABBAT insanity, dating from 1986 –
2002. Also included is a double-sided lyric sheet and silver on red centerfold
size poster of the band. Folded up the cover features an impressed gold leaf
SABBAT logo and vertical printed title. If you know SABBAT you know what to
expect from the music(k). Admittedly I’ve always been a bit of a fence sitter
when it comes to them. Some songs just shred, while others might leave me
snickering a bit. Such is the case with the tracks in this box set. Nevertheless
this is a worthy piece for any true underground hellion’s collection, not
least for its highly original - bordering on unbelievable - presentation. Email:
nuclearwarnow_prod@yahoo.com
Charles
Keller
BACK
SABBAT
To
Praise The Sabbatical Queen
(Iron
Pegasus Records)
73:15min
One
of the oldest Black thrashing hordes of this planet celebrates its 20th
anniversary. The band I am talking about is no other squad than Japanese cult
act SABBAT. These warriors unleash a nice piece of blackened thrashing
fucking Metal upon mankind in form of their "To Praise The
Sabbatical Queen" album. There is no need to introduce them anymore. I
guess every serious headbanger is familiar with them and any further comments
would be like carrying coals to Newcastle. To be honest I have lost the overall view of all
SABBAT's releases as they are too numerous (not sure but there
must be about more than 80 CDs / 7" / LPs / split stuff / demos etc.). This
CD here features 15 tracks of re-recorded versions of some of
their old classics 'Black Fire' or 'Mion's Hill' as well as some other well
known and not so well known tunes. Also it includes a cover version of
NOKEMONO called 'Arizigoku' (NOKEMONO was an old Japanese Hard Rock band which
released a nice album "From The Black World" in 1979, their
style was similar to very early JUDAS PRIEST stuff if I remember
correctly). Furthermore you also get four live tracks which were recorded at Music Farm on their BM Tour '95. The
live tracks have a very good
sound quality... I am just wondering where the live atmosphere is (no crowds
shouting, announcements etc.)... maybe live in the studio, hehehe (or
soundboard recording? - Frank).
Anyway all tracks are performed in the typical sabbatical style and are very well
executed, so there's no complain about them. What I like is the
fact that SABBAT swing the axe total untrendy and this for ages. They
kick a lot of wanna-be bands of this genre into the gutter. The
sound quality is good and the packaging and presentation is top notch like we
are used to know it from Iron Pegasus. So this piece of Metal art is essential
for every die hard SABBAT maniac to complete the collection and to any Black
Thrashers out there who enjoy listening to solid and entertaining stuff.
Contact the label at www.iron-pegasus.de
or the band for detailed information at http://welcome.to/sabbat.
There's also a double gatefold vinyl version available. So get in contact with
Costa of Iron Pegasus before it's too late.
Michael
Oelschlegel
BACK
SABBAT
Live Sabbatical Hamaguri Queen
(NWN!)
73:31min
In a seemingly endless line of special SABBAT releases comes this "Live
Sabbatical Hamaguri Queen" CD release to help fund SABBAT's kamikazi attack
on North America this September. The songs were recorded over the course of four
nights of their 20th anniversary tour in September 2004. The sound quality is
fairly consistent throughout the seventeen tracks, and the band's performance is
good... in a VENOM sort of way. But it should be. These guys have been doing it
non-stop for two decades and have earned the die hard following they have. The
cool photos in the layout are sure to whet the appetite of SABBAT's American
fans eager to see the Metal samurai in action this fall. Watch out Mr. and Mrs.
America; the Divine Wind is upon you!
Charles Keller
BACK
SABBAT
The Harmageddon Vinylucifer Singles
(Iron Pegasus)
73:56min
Japanese SABBAT is considered as one of the most cult Black Heavy Metal bands in existence with an insanely dedicated cult following. I am not really sure who is able to afford to obtain the entire SABBAT catalog which has grown to an insane huge number of releases part of which
is the infamous "Harmageddon" series. The list is endless and luckily Costa Stoios (who is a dedicated SABBAT maniac) managed to release a compilation with some really interesting tracks included in the
"Harmageddon" vinyl series. Specifically what you get is: 'Jumu' (from "Scandinavian Harmageddon"),
'Satanician' (from "European Harmageddon"), 'Snow Woman' and 'Sabbat' (from "East European Harmageddon"),
'The Well Of Wrath – Kanashibari Part VI' and 'Another Collector – The Dwelling Part II)'
(from "American Harmageddon"), 'Takai Tenshow' and 'Rinne Reishi' (from "Asian Harmageddon"),
'Black Fire' and 'Splatter'98' (from "African Harmageddon"), 'Incubus Succubus' and
'Possessed Hammer' (unreleased different mix, from "Baltic Harmageddon") and 'Gos Kan
Ma' (unreleased different mix, from "European Harmageddon"). 13 rare recordings that would make every SABBAT fan more than happy and we have to thank Costa for making them "accessible"
again. I guess the timing was also just right for such a release to discourage bootleggers from coming along with a similar (but poorer) bootleg compilation of the entire
"Harmageddon" releases. I consider this release as a necessity for people who are interested in this obscure Japanese act. Some of the rare material included is really interesting and personally I have found a couple of some of my favorite SABBAT tracks lying in here. If you cannot afford to spend a fortune in obtaining the original 7inches (like myself) then secure a copy of this really interesting compilation of rare tracks, you won't regret it for sure. By the way the cool replica of "His Master's Voice" dog with the SABBAT goat along the gramophone is so damn cool… great!
www.iron-pegasus.de
Manolis A.
BACK
Sacramental
Awakened
Turned To Stone
(Rotten To The Core)
27:44min
Sacramental
Awakened from Belgium
is another band which is trying to add something new to the current Melodic Death Metal scene. If you look at the latest releases there
are two big developments in this scene - one is the let's call it the IN FLAMES
way of life, the other one is more the American one, established by bands like As
I Lay Dying, Machine Head, Killswitch Engage etc. "Turned To Stone",
the debut of Sacramental Awakened
is a good piece of music due to the fact that the band know there business and
even if they are not the position to offer a new masterpiece of melodic Death
Metal they create good music by putting together the wellknown pieces.
Especially when the band is leaving the established ways and adding more doom
orientated vocals to their music they are in the position to add some more fire
to the cold soup of melodic Death Metal. If the band can combine their musical
skills with more room for developments in the future I hope that we will hear
more about them. Even if it’s unpopular I think that the playing time of only
28 minutes is more than weak so maybe Sacramental
Awakened can wait a little bit longer for the studio date of their second
album and add at least 15 minutes to give all Metalheads worldwide a chance for
more stuff from Belgium! Solid debut, let's see what the future will bring! www.shiver-records.com,
www.sacramental.net
Matthias
Auch
BACK
SACRED
STEEL
Slaughter Prophecy
(Massacre Records)
45:51min
I could praise this band for hours as I rate them the most outstanding Heavy
Metal act existing on this planet. But don’t be afraid, I will spare you the
most of it to concentrate myself on this new offering, their most brutal to date
should I hasten to say. No wonder with a title like “Slaughter Prophecy”
that the music sounds almost like Death Metal at times, just listen to the
beginning of the title track and the ending of ‘Invocations To The Nameless
Ones’, and you will swear that SACRED STEEL just turned out to be the new
Death sensation of the day. Even if the band have kept their traditional flavor,
I see them more and more bent for achieving a harmonious synthesis of all the
sub genres of the Metal universe that are Heavy, Doom, Death, Thrash and Back
Metal. They sort of converge towards
the same point as BAL SAGOTH I could say, going backwards the path the
Englishmen follow. And let me tell you that the result sounds awesome. In fact, “Slaughter Prophecy”
is packed with epic, sinister, dark and romantic Metal;
figure out a blend of JAG PANZER, TROUBLE, AGENT STEEL, SLAYER, KING
DIAMOND and MORBID ANGEL and I guess you will get a rather precise image of what
you can find on this marvelous album. Each of the five band members shows his
passion for Heavy Metal here, as it has always been the case, just read the
appreciation list of singer Gerrit Mutz and you will understand what I mean. Before being musicians, the SACRED STEEL warriors are above all fans of
the music itself, just like us, and I think that makes each of their four albums
to date something very special and authentic. I can’t personally pick up any
standout tracks, because the whole album flows like in a dream, and I don’t
want waste my time and yours trying to convince somebody to buy this milestone.
“Slaughter Prophecy” stands for itself, and if somebody should ignore it,
that’s not my problem really. If you fortunately decide to buy this release,
go for the digi or vinyl formats, because they both feature an extra-track, and
not a filler one believe me (and not a cover version either!). JOIN THE METAL
CRUSADE!
Edouard
Vergriete
BACK
SACRIFICE
198666
(Cyanide Sound Recordings)
50:25min
While everyday brings its bunch of unrealised or re-released recordings from
bands that most of the time didn't put their mark onto the scene and simply
should be buried and forgotten considering how weak they were, here comes
finally one that had to be done after all this time and will hopefully pave the
way for more to come from this band! Canada's SACRIFICE has never received the
recognition that they truly deserved probably because they were Canadians first
of all and also because their records were simply buried in a sea of Thrash
releases. Anyway what you'll find on this CD is the famous July 1986 "Forward
To Termination" demo, a seven song affair that showed clearly back then
that this bunch was much more than another Thrash act and in fact that tape
paved the way for their second album, a blistering top notch quality effort
which was extremely close to be flawless and like it's noticed in the liner
notes of this CD "it was delivered with an intensity that few of their
peers could equal", hell yeah! The ear shredding ultra convincing vocals of
Rob Urbinati combined with a deadly twin guitar assault and a non stop pounding
rhythm section could rival anyday with the likes of SLAYER, DARK ANGEL or early
DESTRUCTION and were able to blow them away on several occasions. Just give a
listen to the treatment they gave to DISCHARGE's 'Possibilities Of Life's
Destruction' on that demo, a ripping job! On stage it was nothing different as
the live recording dating from July 1986 when they were supporting MEGADETH and
KING DIAMOND proves it on this CD as well with a mix of songs taken from their
first two records (well "Forward..." wasn't released yet but they were
introducing newer stuff on live situations), total death at mach 5!!! If you
guys still think I'm wrong and that this band were nothing but very average (please
reserve that term for bands like SACRED REICH, VIKING, ASSASSIN, TYRANNICIDE,
EPIDEMIC) come on, put the headphones on your fucked up ears, play the likes of
'Cyanide', 'Afterlife' or 'Beyond Death' and find out what real Thrash was all
about! A real good effort put together here despite a rather limited budget I
suppose. Contact:
roburbinati@hotmail.com
Laurent Ramadier
BACK
SACRIFICE
The Ones I Condemn
(Marquee Records)
60:03min
There are some names from the undying fires of the ‘80s that manage to bring shivers down my spine by even looking at their logo… one of those bands is Canadian legend SACRIFICE, a band which I always had and still have a hard time to compare throughout the years as to whether
they're are better or not than the “other” Canadian legend, mighty SLAUGHTER… Of course such comparisons are mindless and do not lead anywhere because both outfits are kings as far as my ignorant ears are concerned and any attempt to compare their forces is in vein. Anyways, the news has been spread for some time already that good ol’ SACRIFICE has returned (initially for some live gigs) and the reputations were burning (so as our impatience) for a new full-length album. The wait is finally over and the band’s comeback album, entitled “The Ones I Condemn” is unleashed for all of us, hungry
Thrashers. When I realized that Marquee Records was going to release it I was really happy for two reasons: first, Armando (the label’s mastermind) is a total SACRIFICE fanatic (which has rightfully been proven with the mind-blowing recent SACRIFICE re-releases he did) and second, the fact that the band stayed loyal to the small label (that showed great support and enthusiasm for the old material) instead of going with the tide and joining forces with commercial super-market labels that never really cared for SACRIFICE. Enough with the introduction, let’s go now to the actual topic, the album… first of all I couldn’t resist the temptation to buy the “luxurious”, limited to 2000 copies version of the album (straight from the label) that is hosted in a beautiful slipcase with golden, engraved letters and containing 5 exclusive bonus tracks. First of all, when listening to such an anticipated album, one should not rush to draw any fast conclusions and should be skeptical and patient, because at times with big anticipation come big expectations and there is always the trap of becoming easily disappointed. I am saying this, because I’ve heard so many comments from people that make it obvious that they have not listened to the album properly. Anyways, let’s start again… the album shreds seriously! SACRIFICE are back (for good) with a vengeance and have power, wrath and
Thrash Metal hunger to satisfy. The album may sound (to some) as a bit “modern” but if you pay close attention, the production is the only “modern” thing, in fact it’s clear, strong and allows one to listen everything clearly, but the music itself is killer, pure
Thrash Metal with great guitars and solos and most importantly a lot of passion and honesty. I don’t see anything “false”, anything “not honest” or anything that could characterize this as a bad album. Perhaps I am not cult enough or anything, but to my ears the album sounds just great and above all totally honest. This is music from the heart but with lots of skills and technique maintaining a balance as well, not cheap stuff and no boring technical passages that make you snore out of boredom. Just to avoid any unwanted dissatisfaction (in case you belong to the league of cult maniacs that don’t have a place in their heart for the current version of SACRIFICE) check the samples they have uploaded in their myspace page (myspace is false by the way) and make your own decision.
www.marqueerecords.com.br,
www.myspace.com/sacrificecanada
Manolis A.
BACK
Sacrificial
Autohate
(Mighty Music)
34:40min
Well, although this bands exists since 1990 I have never heard of their
existence until I found this 3rd CD in my mailbox. What we have here is
nothing but pure Thrash Metal which can mostly be compared to old Testament
and Dark Angel. The sound is
cool, not overproduced but in a very traditional yet heavy way. So I can
recommend this piece of Death Thrash to all who are into "skullblasting
brutality and tightness" - that's at least what the band info tells us
and I think this description suits pretty well. Nice album!
Phil Jonas
BACK
SACRIFICIAL BLOOD
Promo 2007
(self-financed)
23:72min
What a way to end the week and start up a Friday the 13th!! Up from Long Branch, New Jersey appears Metal War Production's Spencer Murphy, and his poltergeist to the past, SACRIFICIAL BLOOD. A serious dose of quality Metal that can only be described as
about fucking time! Hell yeah, this is what the underground Thrash Metal scene used to be about when I was a
kid… Dedicated, dirty and evil fucking Metal! The heaviest that it gets! So, then too is SACRIFICIAL
BLOOD! SACRIFICIAL BLOOD's soul is the band POST MORTEM, from Boston, Mass., partially reincarnated or close enough, minus the head with the clean vocal H/C shout. For those unaware of POST MORTEM and their contributions from New Renaissance Records or for those who might have been possibly unborn in those times to know this great old band. Imagine if you will a more meter diverse HALLOWS EVE, that could easily border POSSESSED, raw as all Hell of course, that at times could also cross into WHIPLASH speed territory and back again, yet all the while with a heavy FROST inspired guitar tone. Sound like a band you could get into? If you need more convincing, SACRIFICIAL BLOOD is as well as close a kinsman that you're ever gonna get with what I'd say in both sound and in the
live show, to the early days in Florida with MASSACRE. Back when MASSACRE used to play SLAYER covers in their set. That type of
hellish, evil, dirty Metal. Y'know what I mean now? Three original songs are featured on this disc:
'Revenge', 'Tyrant Of Pain' and 'Unholy Wrath' all of whom are as severely addicting as they are truthfully in need of boosting the mic levels for the drummer, Mike Keller, his voice is so ultra low in the mix it's almost dead transparent. A real shame. And my only real complaint throughout this entire
promo CD disc. Featured also on here, are four cover songs, all of whom those of you will have to hear on your own to appreciate. I don't want to spoil it for you if you've read this review thus far and are now all into hearing more of this band. Sick fucking
promo really did enjoy it. Let the blood flow… Contact: www.myspace.com/sacrificialblood
or www.rustyaxerecords.com
or www.metalwarprod.com
Wes Rhodes
BACK
SACRIFICIUM
Cold Piece Of Flesh
(MDD Records)
47:40min
Well, you really got me Frank! This is a hard test on how objective I can be…
SACRIFICIUM play White Death Metal, what the hell!?! Writing something good
about such a band would be the same kind of treason if I’d write something
positive about Borussia Dortmund as a native Bochumer! That is simply impossible…
As ridiculous as this might sound I don’t mock the Christian religion just for
fun, so SACRIFICIUM’s ideological concept appears seriously disgusting to me,
but I won’t discuss it any further here… Musically the band does not do a
bad job though, powerfully produced, not too brutal nor too fast yet pretty
heavy Death Metal dominated by a vast mixture of emotions ranging from
Doom-inspired depression to raging aggressiveness. The vocals are nicely deep
and natural and who does not like this fast blasting Death Metal violence, but
moodier stuff with lots of variety and a convincing mix of up-tempo and
mid-tempo passages might really enjoy SACRIFICIUM. The guys avoid letting melody
getting overhand, add a couple of thrashing parts to keep their songs
“bang-able” and deliver a solid piece of individual sounding Death Metal
with their debut “Cold Black Piece Of Flesh”. Check it out if you like, I
hope I succeeded in coming across as impartial as can be… More infos on www.sacrificium.com.
Praise the Lord!!!
Stefan Franke
BACK
SACRIFICIUM
Escaping The Stupor
(Black Lotus Records)
46:09min
The massive release wave of Greek Black Lotus Records seems to have a special
interest in the Swabian Metal underground, cause after signing LUNA FIELD here
comes another thirsty band out of the Stuttgart area. SACRIFICIUM are not new to
the scene cause since 1993 this five piece did several demo releases as well a
full length being released back in 2002 via Whirlwind Records. I remember that
this band had some roots and attidudes being related to the so called White Metal
scene, but instead of losing space and time I prefer to let the Metal do the
talking!!! “Escpaing From Stupor” is a basically well arranged and written
modern Death Metal album with a crytsal clear production, so if you have the
attitude that Death Metal needs a rough, unpolished and brutal edge then go
further. In some way SACRIFICIUM have some really nice oldschool attributes
revealing to old British heroes like BOLT THROWER in terms of heaviness and
double bass attacks and the growl type vocals defintely deliver some power,
which are the truely delightful sides of this album. The other side of the
material is a mixture of a massive Gothenburg touch, mostly inspired by older
bands of that scene, but in some way they harm the brutality of the above
mentioned influences and I also feel some modern Metal vibes in the vein of
EXTOL, who already shared the stage with SACRIFICIUM. SACRFICIUM aren’t doing
bad, actually I think that this is defintely one of the better releases that
have been unleashed from the South German underground scene in 2005, but on the
other hand I think that these girl and boys will have some difficulties
stylewise, as it's a bit in-between the chairs, so I can already hear the die
hard Death Metal league demanding more brutality and the softer freaks for
arguing the other way. But what counts is that SACRFICIUM managed to deliver
quality, which is essential in these days of the releases overkill. Check out a
sample at www.sacrificium.com
Ralf
Hauber
BACK
Sacrilegious TormeNt / Burning Winds
Of Holy Sacrament And Semen (Split CD)
(D.O.G.
Productions)
16:45min
D.O.G. Productions returns with another release of unholy blackness (limited to
300 copies), after their successful and now rare collector’s edition Impiety
7” ep of a couple of years ago. There are two words to describe this split-CD;
totally cult. Sacrilegious Torment
kicks things off with a parade of six tracks of purest Profanatica
worship, followed by three Havohej
and Blasphemy influenced hymns by
Burning Winds.
No, there is nothing original here, and the songs are as minimalist as
they get. Burning
Winds seem on the verge collapsing into total chaos at times, and the
primal production makes it an even tougher listen. But I doubt you were
expecting anything less from D.O.G. Productions! The layout is as minimalist as
the music and features lots of inverted crosses, goat heads, and pentagrams - of
course. Running time is under 17 minutes (after all, there’s only so much evil
a CD can contain). The label requests only the truest devotees of blackness and
evil seek this release. And for
good reason. E-mail: havohej822@aol.com
Charles Keller
BACK
SACRIVERSUM
Mozartia
(Metal Mind Productions)
45:12min
Conceptually
speaking, this must be one of the most daring projects I’ve witnessed within
the Metal scene. Personally I don’t view Mozart as the most Metal-related
classical music composer, though his Requiem has some major sections. So, the
question that has to be asked is if this connection works? The music and the
lyrics have to relate and bring my mind back to the age of the composer. And no,
I’m not going back in time at all while listening to “Mozartia”. Then, try
to view from a different angle and see if I can relate this to Mozart of today.
Well, if that should be, Sacriversum
would definitely have to make an incredibly skilled album where all ingredients
should be perfect matched to each other. So, as this doesn’t do wonders I have
to explain why it didn’t work. The female vocals are way too weak. I’m not
saying she doesn’t have a beautiful voice, I’m saying that she simply
doesn’t do her vocalization with conviction and strength. And when the male
vocals are basically the standard Metal growling we all know from too many other
bands, the listening turns out to be less of a happening. The fact that each
song is more or less versions of the same track do not help at all, except for
the final track which is all piano and some effects here and there. And there
you have it. Rather unimaginable Metal with a Gothic touch that doesn’t go
anywhere. So, despite the interesting concept the album fails. I wonder though,
if they included some of Mozart’s visions…
Roy Kristensen
BACK
SADISTIK EXEKUTION
Fukk
(Osmose Productions)
45:25min
The
most extreme band ever per definition! The problem is: they set
this definition themselves and I'm pretty sure that there are more
extreme bands around. A matter of definition anyway. What is extreme???
What the heck, sorry, what the fukk! One of the most well known
and long lasting Metal acts from Australia is back with their 4th
album, now on Osmose Records (still on Osmose, Ramon... still...
- Ed.). Their credo is speeed that can compete with most of the
fastest Black'n'Death bands around, but they let some time to take
a breath every now and then, some parts are even doomy and this
makes the music more memorable. It makes the coming rage appear
even more furious as well. But the most impressive thing about SADISTIK
EXEKUTION is their singer Rok growling, screaming and going absolutely
nuts, sorry, fukk! So much dedication makes him sound highly unique.
He even painted the cover artwork, a totally 80s cult skeleton.
So I'd go for the vinyl! Fukk!
Ramon Claassen
BACK
SADISTIK EXEKUTION
Fukk II
(Osmose Productions)
42:55min
The sickos from Down Under are back with their insane brand of deathnoise. Until
this one I had only the “K.A.O.S” album in my collection, and I can say
nothing has really changed in the SAD-X camp since then. These guys are surely
better musicians than they would like us to actually believe (their old “we
are shit, our music is shit anyway” joke might be entertaining only for their
good friend Metalion these days).
All the tracks on display here could be equalled to a mini sonic storm
because of their spiralling structure (if you see what I mean) and the result
comes out extremely original as usual, making SAD-X a band absolutely impossible
to compare with another one on this planet. The 'Inner Spiritual' intro shows
the musical abilities of these guys (you can even stamp the term “beautiful”
on it, a paradox isn’t it?), while the 'Outer Spiritual' outro is nothing else
than a waste of time, like the 'Electrik Chair' track in that regard, these two
being ugly and way too long collages of various noises and vocal effects. That
leaves us with seven real tracks in the typical SAD-X format. The production is
phenomenal and helps a great deal to understand what is going on here, all the
instruments are clearly audible so fortunately at no time the listener gets lost
despite the chaotic aural assault SAD-X unleash on us. A memorable moment is the
superb and sick guitar solo (courtesy of the mighty Kriss Hades whom the
performance throughout this album could be labelled as nothing less than
remarkable) on 'Arkhon The Grave Robber' (this title is a deep nod to their
label mates and friends ARKHON INFAUSTUS I am sure, as I am sure also there is
an (un)conscious reminiscence of both VOIVOD’s 'Korgull The Exterminator' and
'Slaughter In A Grave' tracks here). As usual, singer Rok took hold of the cover
artwork duties in a raw fashion similar to his vocal delivery (where the
“shit” and “fuck” words play a key role of course). Well, I feel it is
useless to write on this any further, if you are a SAD-X fan you don’t need to
read my words, and if you are not one yet, try “Fukk II” without delay.
Insanity is the only way to answer to the mediocrity of this world and becomes
the only real sanity after a while. SAD-X is the cure to the mental cancer this
world has become. Essential and beautiful like some devastated industrial
landscapes could be.
Edouard Vergriete
BACK
SADISTIC GRIMNESS
Vicious Torture
(Infernus Rex)
59:33min
Here is the perfect example of a band and album fitting exactly with what VOICES
FROM THE DARKSIDE is all about since its inception ten years ago. This Swedish
four piece play an exquisite brand of Metal of Death, deeply rooted in the 80s
fertile musical soil while not sounding “retro” or whatever. “Vicious
Torture” is by no means the first real full-length of the band, but a
mini-effort enriched with demo material recorded in 2000 and 2001. The core of
SADISTIC GRIMNESS' music is Black Metal with some old Death / Thrash overtones;
let’s say they are the equivalent of bands like URGEHAL and VULTURE LORD from
Norway.
These guys obviously don’t give a fuck about musical categorization;
they play what they have to play, with a perceptible enthusiasm. The riffing
department stays quite basic like it is suitable for this kind of music, but in
an ingenious way (very cool ideas pop up from time to time to spice the things a
little), and it mirrors the now more than familiar yet always enjoyable
“silly” lyrical universe of the band (‘Bleed For The Goat’,
‘Resurrection Of Evil’, ‘Devil’, ‘Possessed By Satan’, to cite only
but few examples, tell the tale eloquently, right?). Thanks to SADISTIC GRIMNESS,
sparks of the ancient glory of the cult extreme bands of the past glitter once
again. To tell you the truth, I even prefer the demo stuff (which counts for a
great part of the hour of music offered on the disc) featured here: the sound is
maybe slightly dirtier (but still excellent) on it, but this is precisely the
factor that adds a lot of interest to the music which sounds darker and better
composed there (I think the band should keep that in mind, if I may give an
advice to them). Whichever the track considered, the guitar handled by DD
Executioner (who is the only six-stringer on the old stuff, he has been rejoined
by Nocturnal Skullsodomizer on the most recent one) sounds raw and scorching,
you can even see the electricity pouring out the speakers. The vocals are harsh
and hateful and suit the music perfectly. Add to all this corpse paint, leather
and spikes and I think the combination kills big time. SADISTIC GRIMNESS can
appeal to the most dedicated Metal heads, this is no trendy stuff marketed as
the next big thing. Dark occult Black / Thrash with blastbeats is the name of
the game here, plain and simple. So why wait? Support this KILLER band without
even a faint afterthought. I am happy to have discovered them, and I am 100%
certain you will be too! This is not true music, this is REAL music!!!! Info
at: www.infernusrex.com.
Edouard Vergriete
BACK
SADISTIC GRIMNESS
Asteni
(Daemon Worship Productions)
43:09min
Although the band name and photos may suggest an under-produced raw Black Metal sound,
Sadistic Grimness in fact offer well-produced,
blackened Death Metal. One of the first things I noticed about the great sound was the audible bass guitar which is usually absent on Death and Black Metal recordings. The band displays technical prowess with clear drumming, crunchy guitars and singer with a wide range of growls and rasps. I immediately hear influences such as
Dissection, Hypocrisy and even Possessed as the cacophony blasts from my speakers. There’s nothing too original here but it doesn’t matter. This disc is killer!
www.myspace.com/sadisticgrimness,
http://daemonworship.org
Jesse Light
BACK
SADIZTIK IMPALER
Sadiztik Syonan To Supremacy
(Ketzer Records)
38:01min
Arrgghhhh! The South East Asian underground puked out a new bestial
horde once again. SADIZTIK IMPALER are hailing directly from the Sinaporean Hell and really don't take any prisoners. This infernal outbreak of
pure blasphemic Black Metal is the spear into the rips of Christ. Mastermind Zahwarlock and his comrad Hanael who played already in
great local outfits like AS SAHAR, HAIL, ISTIDRAY or even IMPIETY, recruited some true warriors for the recording of their debut album
"Sadiztik Syonan - To Supremacy". This album is pure hatred and the two masters and their guest musicians Shalwend Soraths (EIBON), Fauzzt
(Ex IMPIETY, HAIL) and Fyraun (ex - IMPIETY, XASTHUR, PROFANER) really
did a great job here. No experiments, no compromises... this album is total destruction and sets free the total chaos. I haven't heard
such an intense Black Metal album from an Asian band for a long time. Already the first track is a total chaotic crusher and the band
continues with their almost War Metal like intensity. So it doesn't matter if you listen to songs like
'Black Fucking Metal', 'Conquered By Evil', 'Warrior Of Satan' or 'Sarcophagus Of The Undead'. You will
be simply reduced to ashes here... Catchy, intense, bestial but effective riffs served with fast drumming. The mostly fast pace is
varied from time to time to get even more intensity. The voice is coming directly from Hell, what a maniac! These seven tracks are the
seven blackened nails to every poser's coffin. The production of the disc is raw not to say deavastating. Wimps who like a polished sound
can fuck off as well as HiFi fetishists. Pure mayhem reigns supreme here. Highly recommendable for people who think the new IMPIETY stuff
is not dirty enough or too much into Death Metal and who miss the early days of ABHORER (or similiar hordes). Contact
www.ketzer-records.de
Michael Oelschlegel
BACK
SADISTIC INTENT
Morbid Faith (7" EP)
(Iron Pegasus Records)
I just can't be objective
anymore when it comes to these guys! To me SADISTIC INTENT is simply THE band
that always understood best what real Death Metal is all about. They got the
perfect dark image, they have a vocalist with a brutal, yet very charismatic
voice who knows that real brutality comes from words you can understand as
opposed to the fashionable grunted frog noise style. And their songs come up
with a lethal, heavy riffing that SLAYER would definitely be proud of these days.
Plus - they don't need to play full speed ahead all the time in order to prove
their heaviness (which is a joke anyway...). SADISTIC INTENT is DEATH METAL.
Period! This bloody red little piece of vinyl features two more reasons to
worship the uncrowned gods of Death Metal: side a has a newly recorded version
of their old classic 'Morbid Faith' (even different to the "Thrashing
Holocaust" version), totally matured and improved sounding, while side b
features a cover of the old POSSESSED classic 'The Exorcist' with Mr. Jeff
Becerra himself on lead vocals!!! This must be heaven, cause not only does this
guy still sing in his godly and unique, brutal style that a lot of us worshipped
ever since POSSESSED's classic 1984 demo, the SADISTIC guys furthermore backed
him up so well, that this is probably THE ULTIMATE POSSESSED tribute song EVER!
Amazing!!! Forget about the useless crappy CANNIBAL CORPSE version - this is the
real thing!!! I just can't get enough of it! I just hope that "The Second
Coming Of Darkness" will be finished soon, cause that album is most
certainly gonna be the first new REAL alltime Death Metal classic ever since
"Altars Of Madness" (believe me...)! Essential band, essential 7"
- buy!!!! Iron-Pegasus@t-online.de
Frank Stöver
BACK
SADUS
Out For Blood
(Mascot Records)
55:42min
So, dear Saduses, why are you so
angry? Not only can we see you on the back sleeve as three angry motherfuckers,
but the music you’ve rehearsed for “Out For Blood” bears witness of a band
that has struggled throughout the years. Hmm, would I think that if I hadn’t
known? If Sadus was a new band
with “Out For Blood” being their debut? Well, not to give you any illusions,
“Out For Blood” consists of way more than mere elements of anger.
But to be frank with you, I kinda thought that after their former album I
suspected that Sadus was swallowed
in black. Now, this didn’t turn into the review I had planned from
the beginning. The cheesy way of naming each Sadus
full-length just came to my mind like that. Oh, just when I was about to forget
it I came to think that this new album is not a vision of misery either.
So, what is “Out For Blood”? It is an angry album with heavy hitting
tracks that are just so cool. Just take a listen (when you get the
opportunity) to the Pantera-driven
'Down'. If Darren Travis had a more brutal vocal instead of the crispy harshness
we’re accustomed to via the previous Sadus
albums, I am sure Dimebag would bang his head wherever his grave is. However,
“Out For Blood” is not an album that is Pantera-angry.
It’s closer to Slayer-angry, if
you see what I mean. Of course you don’t if you haven’t heard “Out For
Blood”, and if you have, well, then you’d better do something else than
reading these words. I mean, doesn’t it feel like I’m going “blah-blah-blah”?
Of course I could mention Steve Di Giorgio’s bassassination. Due to the
crystalball clear production, you can every single hit on his strings. There’s
always something going on in the world of Di Giorgio’s basslines. And, I could
mention Jon Allen’s precise drumming. But instead I’d rather tell you a
short story. When I heard their ultrafast “Illusions” (also wickedly
renamed as “Chemical Exposure” in 1991), which was recorded numerous
basslines ago, I found it extremely intense, but the riff I liked most was the
break in 'Fight Or Die'. What such a cool break did to me in the
go-ahead-play-faster album you can just imagine. I remember I listened to the
album only for that hook. The rest of the album was, after all, monotonous. Now,
on “Out For Blood” there are such hooks all over. It’s like an overload of
hooks. It’s cool and all that, but in the end it looses some effect. Luckily,
though sadly for me personally, they’ve included a couple of
straight-to-the-point tracks, with 'Sick' as the most dissatisfying song on the
album. But the effect this song has on the album is favourable, meaning that
I’ll appreciate the breaks and hooks more. If “Out For Blood” were 15
minutes shorter I’m sure the score would be close to 10. I mean, “Out For
Blood” has everything. It’s just that it has too much of everything… in
the end. (the CD also features a pretty interesting 12:17min long video
documentary about SADUS in the studio and there's a limited edition version
available that comes with a bonus disc, including two covers by IRON MAIDEN ['Invaders']
and DARK ANGEL ['Merciless Death'] as well as a remastered song from 1994 ['Black
March'] - Frank). Links of interest: www.sadus.tk,
www.mascotrecords.com.
The CD can be purchased here .
Roy Kristensen
BACK
SAEL
Ocean (MCD)
(Pictonian Records)
30:49min
The band SAEL had been completely unknown to me - so listening to their debut
was like jumping into cold water. But after several dives into their 4 track
debut I can confirm that the waters in France are also frost bidden cold and
that these 6 monsieurs really know how to create great songs even if the playing
time of their songs is extending the normal 4 to 6 minutes scheme. SAEL’s main
advantage comparing with a lot of other newcomers from all around the world is
their style variety within the traditional limits of Black Metal and a dark
atmosphere without massive keyboard abuse. The 3 songs plus one instrumental
with a long spoken passage are living through their high aggressive level but
the band is not losing track of their music, every song is offering a small
variety of the term true Black Metal. Especially the title track with its nearly
11 minutes can only be called a powerful opus and this song has huge parallels
with Norwegian cult acts like old MANES and TULUS which maybe can named as
source of inspiration. But SAEL had found their way and this EP is a further
proof for the new era of French Black Metal. http://pictonian.records.free.fr
Matthias Auch
BACK
SAHG
II
(Regain Records)
48:38min
When I usually find a Norwegian band in the reviews, it is mostly an horrific
Black Metal band. Now, with former members of GORGORTH, MANNGARD and JOTUNSPOR,
I was actually expecting the same. Oh boy, how wrong I was. This is, as you can
read in the title their second offering. The style is more traditional Heavy
Metal, with a bit of Stoner / Doom Rock sound in there. This style only can go
right with a good vocalist. Well, for my pleasure Olav Iversen does a great job
here. He does sound a bit like Tony Martin. In fact, the sound of SAHG here can
be compared to that in BLACK SABBATH in the “The Eternal Idol” era. One
minor criticism would be the drum sound, which is a bit “drowned” if you
know what I mean. The guitars do a fantastic job, and actually although they
take it easy on the riffs and arrangements, they are clever enough to make them
sound good. At a few times, they keep the heaviness level a bit below for my
tastes like in 'Echoes Ring Forever' or the more blues orientated
'Star-Crossed'. Again there is a BLACK SABBATH related influence mainly in the
song 'Pyromancer' which at times sounds way too much like 'Children Of The
Grave' and even the vocals here summons those of Ozzy. Then I can hear something
more related to let’s say NEVERMORE in 'Wicked Temptress' (specially some
vocal parts) although with less heaviness than the American band. The album
closes with the longest song in 'Monomania' which sounds more to pure Stoner /
Doom / Rock than the rest of the album. I guess some of the more die-hard
Metallers will have some trouble with this not being too heavy, but at least for
a change, the music is quite good, it does have a lot of roots and influences on
Heavy Metal, and has a very competent vocalist. www.sahgweb.com,
www.regainrecords.com
Julian
Nuñez
BACK
SALEM
Collective Demise
(System Shock Records)
48:30min
I
gotta admit that I wasn't familiar with SALEM's musical history yet, but
according to their bio "Collective Demise" is already the fourth full
length album for this incredibly hard working unit from Israel. Their
origin already dates back to 1985, and in the years to follow they released two
demo tapes ("Salem" in '86 and "Destruction Till Death" in
'87). In 1990 another tape followed ("Millions Slaughtered Live"),
which not only resulted in very good sales numbers (1.500 to be more precise
here), it also lead to a deal with Germany's Morbid Records, who added those
demo tracks as a bonus to SALEM's debut album "Creating
Our Sins"
in 1992. Between 1994 and 1998 two further albums
got released ("Kaddish"
and "A Moment of Silence", the latter even being produced by Colin
Richardson) and in December 2001, SALEM switched labels and signed a new deal
with KMG / System Shock Records from Germany. And that finally leads us to "Collective
Demise" again. The album features twelve cuts of rather oldschoolish Death
/ Thrash that easily lives up to international
standards and perfectly reflects the long musical history of the guys in terms
of a strong experienced songwritring and musicianship. The band comes across
with very tight, aggressive and rather enjoyable material and easily knows to
impress with it unless they incorporate the extremely superfluous additional
female vocals, which from my point of view simply ruin tracks like 'Coming End
Of Reason', 'Act Of War', 'Feed On Your Grief' and 'Al Taster' (even though the
latter turned out to be the most original tune on the entire album due to its
impressive melody lines). But with all respect to the band's musical qualities I
still gotta say that I personally probably wouldn't listen to this album very
often as everything sounds a bit too safe and wellknown for my taste. It's
certainly done with class, but lacks a bit in a unique note (and considering
their country of origin, maybe even of an exotic nature) to stand out on todays
highly overcrowded market. Along with the promo of "Collective Demise"
I also received a CD-ROM which features three video clips from the album - don't
know if they're also included on the "real" product, but you may get
all further info from either
the label (www.impact-records.de)
or the band directly (www.salemband.com).
Frank Stöver
BACK
SAMMATH
Verwoesting Devastation
(Folter Records)
41:49min
The Dutch one-man band SAMMATH was formed
back in 1994 by
Jan Kruitwagen, who originally used to grow up and live in Australia, until he
ended up moving to Europe in 1989. Being heavily impressed by bands such as Deathrow,
Coroner, Metallica and Exodus
as well as the new wave of Black Metal he quickly founded his own project and released his first promo tape
"Visions Upon Winter Lands" in 1995, followed by two more promo /
demos ("Zwaardbroeders
Bij De Bergengte" in 1996 and "De Ruïnes Fluisteren" in 1997).
Shortly after the release of "De Ruïnes..." Folter Records hooked up
with SAMMATH and in 1999 the first full length CD "Strijd"
finally reared its ugly head. I never heard any of those aforementioned
releases, but from such a creative and experienced musical background, I
definitely expected a whole lot more than what we get to hear on the second
SAMMATH album "Verwoesting
Devastation". First of all, there's this rather strange guitarsound, which
doesn't do any justice to Kruitwagen's
mostly very fast'n'furious, over the top blackened Death Metal and by no means
lives up to album standards these days. I mean, ok - even DARKTHRONE wrote
history with a dirty sound in the past, but it was at least always really raw
and had an overall very sinister atmosphere... This here delivers no atmosphere
at all to me and rarely sounds raw or brutal. Then there's the drum computer,
which simply sucks beyond belief and should definitely be avoided in the future.
The music in general is a mixture of fast Death Metal and harsh apocalyptic
Black Metal, with a vocal delivery constantly changing from deep and brutal to
the more aggressive, shrieky blackened style. I actually like the blacker side
of SAMMATH's material a lot more, while the Death Metal elements still come
across very immatured sounding. The album closes with a decent KREATOR cover
('Tormentor') and also includes a videoclip for 'Enter The Sadistic Nightmare'
(which almost exclusively consists of tons of black and white WWII footage). For
his next release Kruitwagen definitely should turn SAMMATH into a full band and
improve the production side of things - otherwise this will go nowhere. www.sammath.nl
Frank Stöver
BACK
SAMMATH
Strijd
(Macabre Operetta Productions)
31:51min
This
output is part of an extensive compilation I was given by my boss – all hails
Lord Stöver. This compilation comprises the acoustic abominations of five Black
Metal outfits (namely SAMMATH, HELL ICON, THE REBELLION / THRONEUM – these two
latter acts present their material in form of a split release - and SAURON)
released by Macabre Operetta Productions from the Netherlands. SAMMATH are
responsible for the first six entities on this CD. The other reviews are
allocated to the according alphabetic categories on this site. So – let’s
switch over to SAMMATH then. I must say that I kind of appreciate their sound.
The material presented goes back to 1998 and were originally put out by Folter
Records / Germany. Apparently, the vocals yelled forth here are Dutch, which is
nice and guarantees a harsh and stern sounding characteristic of this component
– very aggressive and loathsome singer. The guitars are really oldschool, thus,
very raw and aggressive. The way Black Metal is supposed to sound like – old,
traditional Norwegian style I guess. The drums sound like thunderbolts – my
impression of this element is similar to the aforementioned one concerning the
guitars. All this sounds extremely authentic and oldschool. The bass rounds the
whole thing off. Then there are icy guitar solos every now and then… like old
MAYEM, DARKTHRONE, ULVER. Gosh – I am chilly already. The most intriguing
element in SAMMATH’s sound are – in my eyes – the uncanny keyboards.
Sometimes they sound a bit garish or cheesy… but most of the time they really
add an extra-evil note… especially the organ in the first track 'De Glorie Van
Het Slagvelt' (guess what this means…). This record will certainly lead you
back in time and you feel like in the olden days of primitive, black and hateful
Black Metal. Contact: www.macabreoperetta.com
F. Cthulhu E.
BACK
SAMMATH
Dodengang
(Folter Records)
45:32min
“Dodengang” is the third album delivered by SAMMATH from the Netherlands.
Seven more or less long songs of fast northern styled Black Metal are offered
here. Does not sound overly tempting one could say but luckily SAMMATH don't
follow the “Panzerdivision Marduk” formula. The drumming is definitely above
average – tight, powerful and varied between massive midtempos and fast
passages (which dominate, though). The guitars change between epic parts and
fast violent riffing. I read that SAMMATH used to have quite a Death Metal
influence in their music which is not really present riff-wise but somewhat gets
across in the ways the riffs are played… if you know what I mean. One little
detail that makes the songs special is the use of melodies that actually sound
quite twisted, certainly adding an own characteristic to the “Dodengang”.
The lyrical focus seems to be on war, maybe World War Two – at least song
titles like 'Imminence War Death' or 'Stalingrad' give that impression. The
vocalist delivers dry croaking Black Metal vocals which sound slightly “disgusted”.
The bass guitar is not very present in the mix but here and there one gets to
hear some distorted bass lines (like in the beginning of 'Imminence War Death').
No big innovation to be found here but certainly very solid both epic and
violent Black Metal without any pretentious aspects – be sure to check this
album out if you like Black Metal with a martial atmophere but can't get into
War / Black Metal the bestial way.. The band's self description, “furious
Black Metal” sums it, actually. www.sammath.nl,
www.folter666.de
Ulrich Kreienbrink
BACK
SAMMATH
Triumph In Hatred
(Folter Records / Apollon Records)
40:45min
The triumph in hatred. The title sounds more like a statement rather than
anything else. It might as well be both. This Dutch band started back in 1994,
and they have kept faithful to their roots and style. Actually more a one man
band which gathers musicians when needed, I have been following their career and
their last album "Dodengang" is one of those releases that might not
receive that much attention, but it has the quality few are able to offer
nowadays. Let's face it, SAMMATH is actually not doing anything new, they keep
their Black Metal basics intact, while their Death Metal parts is still as
present as ever, but furious as few can dare. If there is a way to describe
their music, a mix between early EMPEROR and early MORBID ANGEL would prove
precise. I would say that the Black Metal part is a bit stronger, but compared
to previous efforts, the Death Metal part is gaining strength, specially the
thick guitar sound, thus making it more interesting in this case. The band is
wise enough to make their production to be raw and professional at the same
time. I appreciate this effort to keep the raw approach, thus giving more
identity to the band. Nowadays when everyone after a couple of years tries to
have a clinical production, or on the other hand trying to sound so "true"
that using a rehearsal-like sound seems correct, SAMMATH is wise enough to keep
the right balance. There is also a good use of many Heavy Metal inspired solos,
and the melodic aspect of the music is still present, no matter how intense this
might be, not sounding forced or generic. There might be a few things that could
be improved, mainly in the vocal section, which are strictly Black Metal style,
and sometimes the drums are a bit lost in the mix, but overall, the stronger
parts are way all over, so these details get somewhat lost in the final assault.
I must mention the great cover art that is reminiscent of the early Death Metal
albums, a back to the basic painted image with coffins, death and desolation.
This piece of extreme Metal is available as a vinyl offering by Apollon Records
while Folter Records will carry the CD version. Not only will I suggest to get
both, but to also check the release in vinyl of the last album "Dodengang",
whereas the CD is still available by Folter. Hateful, melodic and extreme Black
/ Death Metal played with passion. That is something few can create. www.myspace.com/sammath666,
www.apollonrecords.nl
Julian Nuñez
BACK
SAMMOHAN
Saint Of Blasphemy (Demo-CDR)
(self-financed)
19:25min
I don’t seem to be getting in the mood for this CD. I tried, though. Straight
forward classic Metal you’d expect to be coming from Britain in the 80s with
sort of extreme vocals. One thing is certain: these guys from Finland (judging
from their names) are totally into their stuff and that’s important.
Completely silly vocals (e.g. ‘Sex Chakra’)… actually, there seems to be
the possibility of SAMMOHAN becoming cult. For me their music is just too
conventional. I never liked the combination of traditional Metal and extreme
vocals – and the SAMMOHAN vocals don’t really rock in terms of extreme stuff,
either. Also sort of 80s screams. Reminds me a bit of SLAYER at times. Not quite
as good but you’ll spot some insanity at least. Still, there is something
fascinating about this band. I guess I’ll take the demo to the next Metal
party. One day I might make up my mind about SAMMOHAN. Until then: if you’re
looking for something exotic yet conventional – this is not the worst you can
get I guess. www.sammohan.cjb.net
Ramon Claassen
BACK
SANATORIUM
Internal Womb Cannibalism
(Forensick Music)
32:59min
If you're feeling down or depressed these days you gotta make sure
to check out the second album by the Slovakian fourpiece SANATORIUM!
I was listening to "Internal Womb Cannibalism" for the
first (and last…) time while driving alone with my car. Big mistake,
cause now everyone who witnessed me that particular day will probably
avoid to cross my path again in the near future. But all of a sudden
I just couldn't control myself anymore and had to break into a loud
laughter… and that was exactly the time when the band's new (second!)
vocalist started to do his part. He is so unreal and ridiculous
that I could easily compare his voice to a chuffed grunting little
pig around feeding time. No, I'm not kidding! And as the album title
probably already gives away, musically SANATORIUM try to combine
elements of grind with gory Death Metal the American way, but mostly
lack in the necessary talent to write good songs. The whole album
just sounds average at its best moments. And that's when the original
vocalist adds his deep and way better grunting to the songs. I really
wonder if PROPHECY's James Parks II and LIVIDITY's Matt Bishop knew
what kind of bullshit they were contributing lyrics to?! If you're
into ultra deep guttural gory Death Metal, you better check out
the American scene as it certainly offers a lot more potential and
quality. This here is nothing, but unbelievable...
Frank Stöver
BACK
SANATORIUM
Fetus Rape (MCD)
(Forensick Music)
19:10min
Okay, this is meant to shorten the time until the release of the upcoming album
“Celebration Of Exhumation” some time in spring 2004. It’s a 6 tracker
with one song (‘Killing’) from “Infernal Womb Cannibalism”, two from
“Goresoaked Reincarnation”, namely the title track and ‘In Capture Of
Necrophile Visions’ plus three brand new one from the upcoming full length.
‘Oral Fistfuck’, ‘Violent Intercourse’ and ‘Fetus Rape’ are
absolutely typical for modern ‘frognoize’ although I have to highlight a
short, doomy oldschool riff on the first song. The vocalist doesn’t really do
the frog thing, either. Still it’s the typical slammy grooves and one can
imagine the musicians in baggy pants and everything. Apart from that, I tend to
get bored by this style pretty quick and ask myself: is the vocalist ashamed of
his lyrics so it’s impossible to understand? Looking at the titles I guess
he’d better be. For fans this CD makes no sense as there are no exclusive
tracks on here. Others may take “Fetus Rape” as a cheap first step into the
world of SANATORIUM. If you can’t get enough of this style I don’t see any
reason why one shouldn’t buy SANATARIUM. The reason why you prbably don’t
need this CD were already mentioned, so buy or don’t. www.sanatorium.nfo.sk
Ramon Claassen
BACK
SANCTIFICATION
Misanthropic Salvation
(Remission Records)
28:16min
I really appreciate the fact that after many years of annoying melodic "Death“
Metal releases, brutality has finally returned to the Swedish scene with full
force! And with SANCTIFICATION we can add another great act to this constantly
growing list! This fourpiece, which consists of members from DERANGED, DEFACED
CREATION and AEON, got together in the summer of 2001 and only released one
self-titled demo about a year later. Even though this particular tape only
featured two songs with vocals (the vocal tracks for the other two songs
accidently got lost in the studio), Germany's Remission Records were impressed
enough by them to sign the guys right away. The premier result is entitled
"Misanthropic Salvation", comes up with eleven songs (plus an intro)
and is currently blasting out of my speakers while I write these lines.
SANCTIFICATION plays a very American influenced form of brutal Death Metal,
reflected in rather short songs (each between 2 ½ and 3 minutes long),
always straight to the point, very crushing and entertaining as fuck! Nothing
groundbreaking new and definitely with a quite big DEICIDE overtone to it yet,
but as long as it gets performed in such a fresh sounding manner and with so
much dedication to it, I couldn't care less. Cool record and definitely a band
with a promising future! Check out www.remissionrecords.de
for all further info.
Frank Stöver
BACK
SANCTIFICATION
Black Reign
(Pulverised Records)
30:31min
In Metal as in life you meet at least twice and the last cooperation of Peter Tägtgren
and Emperor Magus Caligula is responsible for one of the best Death Metal
releases ever – HYPOCRISY’s “Osculum Obscenum”. Fifteen years later the
Swedish terror commando SANCTIFICATION has summoned both maniacs for the
recording of their second release “Black Reign”. The album has been recorded
in the famous or infamous (depends on your personal opinion) Abyss studio so the
participation of Mr.Hyopcrisy is quite clear. Mr.Dark Funeral on the other side
has supported the band with some background vocals but shortly after the release
of “Black Reign” he officially joined their ranks. Musically the album is
offering brutal Death Metal with a slightly Black Metal touch and the playing
time of only half an hour is more than an indication for the high speed
character of the presented nine songs. The band was founded in 2001 and their
only release "Misanthropic Salvation” published via German label
Remission Records in 2003 never reached my castle in the fog. But “Black
Reign” is a solid release mainly due to two major points. One factor is
without doubt the very good sound which should be no surprise on the other hand
is the band in the position to avoid a high speed massacre with all songs nearly
sounding similar due the enormous speed level. So the second SANCTIFICATION
release is for sure not a new “Osculum Obscenum” but nevertheless a good
album which should be more than just interesting - especially for all the
DISMEMBER maniacs out there. www.pulverised.net,
www.myspace.com/sanctificationband
Matthias Auch
BACK
SANCTIFIER
Awaked By Impurity Rites
(Dying Music)
32:55min
Back in the 80s, when I was still searching for new Metal releases at various
stores in my area, I probably would've bought this album right away, without
even hearing a single note of it... The reason is the excellent coverart (courtesy
of Alcides
Junior / Burn Art) which captures the overall
atmosphere of this blasphemous Death Metal release just perfectly. Even though
"Awaked By Impurity Rites" is the official debut album by Brazil's
SANCTIFIER, the guys are far from being newcomers to the scene. They already got
together way back in December 1989 (calling themselves INTENSE GORE at the time)
and released two rehearsal tapes and a demo between 1991 and 1993. The demo
("Ad Perpetuam Rei Memoriam") later also re-surfaced as a 7" EP
on Molon Lave Records from Greece, a release which the band is not happy about
at all (for more details about this, check out their website). A name change (into
HELLSPAWN) took place shortly after, and a couple of years of activity later (including
another two track demo, "Hymns Of Hypocrisy" in 1995) they finally
decided to go for the SANCTIFIER moniker in 2002. Their first recording was a
cover of ROTTING CHRIST's 'Archon / Nom Serviam', which appeared on the tribute
album "An Evil Existence To Rotting Christ", followed by a rehearsal
CD-R ("Zi Dingir Kia Kanpa") which already featured material that now
appears on "Awaked By Impurity Rites". The reason why I mention all
this to you is quite simple. Nowadays the Death Metal scene in Brazil always
gets associated with acts like KRISIUN, ABHORRENCE, RAEBELLIUN, MENTAL HORROR,
NEPHASTH, OPHIOLATRY and the likes... bands that play this incredibly fast and
brutal style... So, by knowing SANCTIFIER's quite long history, you probably
won't be surprised to hear that these guys musically by no means follow those
acts, but focus on a rather oldschool-ish form of occult Death Metal instead,
with musical references to acts like (old) MORBID ANGEL, VITAL REMAINS or (old)
ACHERON. Raw, yet very well produced... technical, but never too complex...
neither gory nor in the vein of the current US Death Metal wave! The guys simply
offer classic brutality, but spice their songwriting with a lot of cool riff
ideas, various changes in terms of the speed and atmosphere, a perfect voice and
on top of it all a very well done cover of ACHERON's 'Thou Art Lord'! So, if I
would've bought "Awaked By Impurity Rites" back in the 80s because of
the coverart in the first place, I certainly would not have been disappointed at
all! This is a totally cool record, from a very promising band to keep an eye on
in the future. For all further info, make sure to check out their great website
at www.sanctifier.com.br.
Label contact: www.dyingmusic.com
Frank Stöver
BACK
SANCTIMONIOUS
ORDER
…And Still The Battle Rages On (MCD)
(Neon Knights)
20:54min
Bearing in mind the ultimate talent in tracking down crap and garbage, the
persons behind Neon Knights (ex-Last Episode) have shown until today, and I only
like to remind you have such hopefuls of German Black Metal like MYSTIC CIRCLE,
ANDRAS, ISEGRIM, AEBA and dozens more who have emerged from that label, I must
admit that SANCTIMONIUS ORDER are better than the aforementioned bands but still
nothing that does stand out or anything. While I would have thought that the
trend to clone Swedish Black Metal may have vanished in favour of Norwegian
Black Metal this three-piece still proves me wrong, this is second division
Swedish Black Metal as pure as possible: the verse-rhythm and melody of the
first song is more or less stolen from DARK FUNERAL, reminiscences from e.g.
DAWN or DISSECTION are to be found in nearly every corner and the sound is as
clinical, Mr. Tägtgren himself could not have done it much better. Sure, this
is well-performed and here and there are some nice ideas, the melodies are
sometimes really catchy (the end of ’13 Acres Of Hell’), but I honestly don’t
know if we still need some albums like this. Persons who like to buy everything
sounding similar to the aforementioned bands, may buy this, the rest knows what
to do anyway. http://www.sanctimonious-order.com
Nhashi
BACK
SANCTUS INFERNUM
Sanctus Infernum
(Bad Moon Man / Solitude Production)
45:09min
There is an old saying that several ways are leading to Rom but never heard of an American band which has to visit
mother Russia to release their music. For SANCTUS INFERNUM this is the case and even if it was a long way the final result is what counts. The band from Kansas is playing let's call it from the start Death Metal with several Doom influences and not the other way around. They seem to be heavily inspired by the second wave of American Death Metal
bands and furthermore when the band is working with acoustic guitars, it's like listening to TIAMAT when these guys still had balls. This debut is maybe not the best Death Metal release since years but especially the headbang friendly groove of the 8 songs supported by the lyrics ('The Journey Back') which are closely working together are a big bonus of this release. SANCTUM INFERNUM's debut is maybe not a totally essential album but still worth to be released to a wider audience than the small crowd of the local Wichita country club.
http://solitude-prod.com,
www.myspace.com/sanctusinfernum
Matthias Auch
BACK
KARL
SANDERS
Saurian Meditation
(Relapse Records)
56:28min
We can keep this rather short, cause if it wouldn't be NILE's creative force,
Karl Sanders, who released this solo album we probably would have ignored it
completely... Not because it is so controversial, irrelevant or bad, but simply
because it has nothing to do with brutal music at all and therefore usually does
not deserve a place in our magazine. So, what has Karl come up with then? Well,
if you're familiar with what made NILE so popular in the first place and then
take away all Metal related elements, you are already heading in the right
direction here. If you add to that the label's marketing slogan "For fans
of NILE, DEAD CAN DANCE, TRIAL OF THE BOW and LISA GERRARD..." you
furthermore should be aware of something very atmospheric and emotional, which
"Saurian Meditation" without a doubt is. The album's title is another
hint, cause all of the ten tracks are composed in a very relaxed, yet often very
ritual or dramatic manner, with an overall very asiatic / middle eastern feel to
them. It could easily be used as a soundtrack to an historical movie epos...
Having all this in mind I must say that I was still very much impressed by
Karl's talent as the stuff really managed to keep my attention from start to
finish. So, if you are a NILE die hard fan or open minded enough to listen to
instrumantal soundtrack music every now and then, you should give this record a
fair chance, because it turned out far more convincing than I expected it to
become. By the way, "Saurian Meditation" also features contributions
of former MORBID ANGEL frontman David Vincent, but of course not as a Death
Metal vocalist, but more as a character who's responsible for some heroic type
of speech (kinda like the logical next step to what he used to deliver in 'God
Of Emptiness').
Frank Stöver
BACK
SANGUINEOUS
Extinguish The Dying Light Of Serenity (MCD)
(self-financed)
15:01 min
It took me some time to make my mind clear about this self-produced mini-album, but I do not change my opinion that I got after the second time listening to “Extinguish The Dying Light Of
Serenity”. From my point of view it is a killer-release, one of the most enjoyable albums I have been listening to during the last
weeks. The reason why I took so long to make a definitive decision is simply the fact that if you judge this album in an objective or formal
way, it is just a pretty lame MORTICIAN-clone. Poor sound, riffs and song writing structures just simply copied from the mentioned
MORTICIAN, boring cover artwork, even the moniker seems to be drawn in an uninspiring
way. But for some reason, I can not tell you why and how, I really love this
output. Maybe because it reminds me of the “old days” of Death Metal and
Grindcore. With clear conscience I can not advise anyone listening to these three songs and sadly there are no tracks on their
homepage, so you can not make your own mind. Therefore I guess it is better for most people to spend the 10 dollars on more established and qualitative better
acts. More info at: www.myspace.com/sanguineousdeath
Mirco Szymyslik
BACK
SANGUINEOUS
Expurgating Life From Earth (Demo 2009)
(self-financed)
19:05min
SANGUINEOUS, a two-piece which rose after the demise of the brutal Australian
band EXCARNATED, returns to the scene with their second recording after 2007's
MCD “Extinguish The Dying Light of Serenity”. This time with a tape (cool!)
containing four bludgeoning compositions. Please ignore the totally misleading
review of said MCD on these pages, SANGUINEOUS sound nothing like MORTICIAN.
Instead, Tony Abou Nader and Chris Newell churn out some vicious and dark
blasting Death Metal in the vein of e.g. early INCANTATION mixed with the
mindnumbing speed assaults of KRISIUN as well as NILE, especially when the lead
guitar delivers some slightly chaotic soloing. Overall the pace is very fast,
almost inhuman… and yes, SANGUINEOUS use artificial drums but compared to
“Extinguish…” the production has been definitely improved so that the drum
sound itself comes across as natural. Nevertheless the band does not solely rely
on faceripping speed as plenty of slower passages are included to contrast the
blasting riffs and to add further variety to the material, as for example on the
last track, 'Pious Souls Captured By Oblivion'. The deep and powerful vocal
delivery of Chris Newell is along the lines of Craig Pillard or Ross Dolan and
adds up to the intense and morbid atmosphere of the tape. Judging from song
titles like the one above or 'Skeletal Remains From A Messiah Lost' the subject
matter is appropriately dark as well. The overall package is simple but
effective: the booklet is graced by an obscure cover in black and white with a
red logo on top and contact addresses on the other side. The tapes are also
pro-printed, no home-dubbed stuff here. You can get this demo for 5US$ / 5 €
postage paid directly from the band and from several small underground distros.
While not groundbreaking (do people care about that?), this is a cool demo for
fiends into brutal and dark Death Metal without any slam breakdowns. At www.sanguineousdeath.com
you can find the contact details as well as some samples, also from the MCD
which still is available.
Ulrich Kreienbrink
BACK
SANGUIS
Chaosgate
Guardians
(Supreme Chaos Records)
38:43min
Furious! Only 3 years
after SANGUIS was founded and with only one demo called “Mortal Art Of
Blood” in their history, their full-length debut album “Chaosgate
Guardians” is released via Supreme Chaos Records. And they deserve it as the
band consists of excellent musicians and songwriters! These Austrians play Black
Metal in its original spirit. There are neither cheap keyboards nor expensive
orchestras on here – the band uses the guitars for cutting melodies. SANGUIS
play their music at the speed of sound but they never forget to vary their
tracks. As I already mentioned: they’re good songwriters. ‘Of Solitude And
Cosmic Streams’ even turns out as a minor “hit” in terms of Black Metal.
Finally, the good production shows that nobody needs a bad sound in order to
bring something across. If you’re tired of bombastic Black Metal productions
(no names here) but still want to hear what a band is actually playing (and
believe me: the quality on here will grip you with force) – check out SANGUIS!
http://www.8ung.at/sanguis
Ramon Claassen
BACK
SANGUIS
Infernum Infinitum
(Supreme Chaos Records)
45:28min
Well, I already had the honor to review SANGUIS’ first strike “Chaosgate
Guardians” and what can I say? Of course these creatures of the night didn’t
change their style one single inch. Maybe they slightly added more mid-pace but
that doesn’t really provoke any negative criticism as it makes the songs a
little more memorable and a little easier accessible I guess. Not that a Black
Metal lunatic would have problems of getting into their music: it’s straight,
in-your-face and massive. Mostly English lyrics, except for ‘Ode an den
Schmerz’ (= ’Ode To Pain’). Only one aspect making me shake my head
instead of banging it: the record company’s info sheet claims that SANGUIS’
material “will take Black Metal from the past into the modern ages without
disrespecting its roots”. I think that’s left to bands like ABORYM and the
likes. SANGUIS are “just” a fuckin’ great Black Metal band that’s gonna
take away your soul. Nothing more, nothing less. www.sanguis.at
Ramon
Claassen
BACK
SANGUIS
Ascension
(Bloodred Horizon Records)
46:54min
Not sure but I wasn't expecting any further releases from SANGUIS due to the fact that their former album "Infernum Infinitum" was one of the real poor examples of simple and boring Black Metal Anno 2004. But time goes by and honestly speaking I'm really impressed by this Austrian horde and their release "Ascension". The focus shifted from the raw, ugly and purest form of Black Metal to a still very aggressive but more "melodic" type, meaning the guitars are much more structured (there are even several solos on the album) and I think that the intention of SANGUIS can be compared with the metamorphosis of bands like DARK FORTRESS and to some degree IMMORTAL. Especially the opener 'I Saw The Fall Of Idols', without doubt the highlight and best song of "Ascension", reminds me more than once of the "Heart Of Winter" album from our Norwegian friends. The album has been recorded in 2006 and I again start wondering why so many average releases / bands are signed and other bands need nearly 2 years to distribute their art to the Black Metal society, a really sick business. 'Unsilent Storms In The North Abyss' as bonus track is not a very unique choice but the song is well chosen and performed; so thanks to Bloodred Horizon for releasing this album which shows that the old Austrian Black Metal is still alive - with a smaller flame maybe than 10 years ago but a flame is a flame and this is all what counts!
www.sanguis.at,
www.bloodred-horizon-records.com
Matthias Auch
BACK
SANGUIS
IMPEREM
The Stagnation Of Centuries (MCD)
(self-financed)
28:32min
Brutal Death Metal, ordinary brutal Death Metal! That’s what I thought at the
first listen of SANGUIS IMPEREM’s MCD “The Stagnation Of Centuries”.
It’s pretty strange that for some reasons the quality and the detailed
songwriting appears not directly at the first time you hear the songs. In the
case of this MCD it took me a few runs until I discovered that this recording is
one helluva great release. OK, I have to admit that I still think that the
opener ‘The Fall Of 66’ is nothing special, a good song, nothing more. But
what SANGUIS IMPEREM offers with the next 4 songs is amazingly well performed
atmospheric and dark Death Metal with a mood which reminds me a lot to German
masters NECROS CHRISTOS. The problem writing a review is always how to describe
a band’s recording and the easiest way is always to compare the band to any
other especially well-known band. Frankly spoken this is a huge bunch of
bullshit in most cases. It would be easy for me to say that several parts remind
me to INCANTATION others to SADISTIC INTENT and so on, which might be true
though you could easily find many many more other bands which could be figured
out here and that’s not meant negative. The only comparison I would like to
give is that SANGUIS IMPEREM creates a comparable atmosphere as NECROS CHRISTOS
does, though both bands play not really the same brand of Death Metal. All I can
say is that SANGUIS IMPEREM impressed me a lot and especially these 4 songs I
talked about (‘Humanity’s Dirge’, ‘Led To Disaster’, ‘Intolerance’
and ‘Conflagration’) are examples of how Death Metal should sound in the
year 2008: It’s not about blastbeats it’s about creating atmosphere with the
songs. A great MCD, in my opinion a must-have for lovers of Death Metal who
wants to have their music dark and eerie. Write to blood_command@yahoo.com
or have a listen to their songs at www.myspace.com/sanguisimperem
if you aren’t convinced yet. The band is already preparing for a full-length
release through Invictus Productions from Ireland in mid to late 2009.
Thomas Ehrmann
BACK
SARCOMA
INC.
Torment Rides Forever
(Epidemic Music Norway)
36:37min
Some bands just give you the feeling that it actually is possible to turn back
time. SARCOMA INC. really sound like in the good old times when bands still had
an individual sound, when there where vocalists you could recognize straight
away. I speak of the olden days when KREATOR, EXODUS, SLAYER, HEATHEN and the
likes reigned the scene. This output actually sounds like these acts. Of course,
there are certain elements like the fast drums, mega-distorted guitars etc. that
couldn’t be put into scene back then or simply were not that fashionable as it
is the case nowadays. 'Dreams Of Vengeance' (third track on this CD) really has
this Mille (KREATOR) vibe, very old-school indeed --- love it! There are loads
of mid-tempo and brutal passages on the release, some blasting passages as well
spicing the whole thing up. The solos are old-school as well, loads of whammy
and stuff… you know what I mean. The guitars are, as mentioned above,
mega-distorted and aggressive. The drums sound so natural and raw… it’s a
pleasure!!! The vocalist (former LIMBONIC ART / ZYKLON frontman Daemon -
Frank) seems to appreciate the aforementioned Thrash heroes… I deem the
bass guitar aggressive and raw, too. This sounds all very harmonious (???) and
well-levelled, doesn’t it???!!! The production is filthy and brutal, raw and
primitive… and so does the overall impression I deduce from this nightmarish
listening-session. These Norwegian guys must be total lunatics, listening to
Metal all day long, drinking beer, hanging around, watching porn. Daily life
experiences of true Metal-Heads I guess… this dementia is appropriately
conveyed by this band’s music!!! Contact: Sarcomainc@yahoo.no
or epidemic_music@yahoo.no
F. Cthulhu E.
BACK
SARCOMA INC.
The Dark Prophecy
(Metal Underground Media Norway)
43:41min
If I base this review on what Mr. Cthulhu E. wrote about SARCOMA INC's debut full
length "Torment Rides Forever", I can only conclude that the band
pretty much stayed true to themselves and basically continued on from what they
had already delivered back then.The nine featured tracks on "The Dark
Prophecy" once again come across very intense, aggressive and oldschool
sounding, but to me are lacking a little bit in an exciting songwriting. The album kicks off
with some very promising riffing, but unfortunately doesn't live up to that and ends up sounding
very monotonous shortly after. SARCOMA INC. decided to focus on speed for speed's sake instead of memorable structuring,
which is too bad as they certainly can do better than that. The overall production perfectly
compliments their material though, for it is totally
raw and ugly and by no means polished.
SARCOMA INC.'s musical outbursts could easily be described as the bastard child of
classic KREATOR and MERCILESS with some grim Black Metal insanity incorporated.
Blackened Thrash so to speak... And as we all know, this music has to be experienced / performed
in a live environment... So, hopefully Daemon (bass, guitars and vocals) and Arghamon (drums)
will finally be able to complete their line-up, write a couple catchier tunes and then play
out for some oldschool ragers. A record deal with an established company would certainly help them as well (as they once again
had to finance everything on their own). For ordering details and further information on the
band contact: Sarcomainc@yahoo.no
Frank Stöver
BACK
SARGATANAS
REIGN
Euthanasia…
Last Resort
(I Hate Records)
30:59min
Don’t
get misled by the band name and their logo – this is NOT a Black Metal band!!!
SARGATANAS REIGN from Sweden play excellent, slightly technical old school Death
Metal like old MORBID ANGEL, DEATH (“Human” phase) and convince – at least
me – completely! This is a really good, talented underground band that managed
to create 31 minutes filled with intelligent and conclusive song structures, a
raw and very traditional feeling, and enough tempo variation (from fast blasting
to crushing mid-tempo) to keep the album still interesting after the tenth time
listening. Ex-MARDUK member Devo Andersson produced SARGATANAS REIGN and sings
in this band. And damn, he did a fucking great job, although the production
could be a bit more bassy and the guitars a bit louder, his vocals are just
fantastic – like a mixture of Pete Helmkamp (ex - ANGEL CORPSE / REVENGE) and
David Vincent on “Altars Of Madness”, not this boring growling or gurgling
stuff, but raspy, aggressive old school vocals with the evil and unholy feeling
that I love!!! The only thing I would like to criticise on “Euthanasia…Last
Resort” is that it is such a short album and that two songs are relatively
weak instrumentals, one or two songs more would have been cool, but anyway it is
the first album in quite some time that I listened to three times in a row and
was not bored. The hymn ‘Euthanasia’, the blasphemous, brutal ‘Evangelical
Clitorial’ or the dark and heavy ‘Amon’ are some of my favourite songs at
the moment and should convince any fan of classic and original Death Metal with
ease. The grim vocals create an intense old school feeling and the excellent
guitar and bass work show that technical finesse does not need to result in
chaotic excesses like INTERNECINE or the new HATE ETERNAL, whom I found a bit
stressing. Get this album, it fucking kills!!! The band’s website: www.sargatanasreign.com
Label contact: i_hate_records@hotmail.com
Stefan Franke
BACK
SARGEIST
Satanic Black Devotion
(Moribund Records)
41:39min
Originally
started as a side-project of HORNA, BEHEXEN and PEST members SARGEIST’s debut
album “Satanic Black Devotion” proves that this layer can easily grow its
pestilent seed on its own. Soul bewitching darkness, abysmal emotions, despair,
hatred, cold are words that enter my mind when I listen to this CD. Musically
SARGEIST balance skillfully on the edge between storming aggression and rousing
mid-tempo heaviness and vary the tempo within each song often enough to prevent
the album from getting monotonous, the vocals are mostly high yet grim and
intense screams, the production adds to the overall eerie and gloomy feeling of
the CD. Songs like ‘Glorification’, ‘Panzergod’ (cool song title!!!),
the memorable ‘Black Fucking Murder’ or the epic and folk-influenced
‘Sargeist’ tear you down in SARGEIST’s blackened empire and should satisfy
any fan of the aforementioned bands as well as anyone out there who loves
honest, unpolished Black Metal that does not copy DARKTHRONE once again.
“Satanic Black Devotion” is a fascinating CD of individual sounding grim and
hymnic Black Metal and highly recommended. Surf to www.moribundcult.com
for an MP3 file and additional information about this promising act.
Stefan Franke
BACK
SARGEIST
Disciple Of The Heinous Path
(Moribund Cult)
38:40min
Classic Norwegian Black Metal made in Finland – that would be the easiest description of
SARGEIST's new release. Sure it is not the most original one in Black Metal, but it has all the trademarks of a good album from that genre: grim, primitive (but not monotonous), evil and cold with a dark yet clear production and a
hateful vocalist - just as I like it. The music often varies between fast and atmopspheric parts and consequently keeps its
oldschool feeling that it is a joy to listen to the six tracks. If you like (next to DARKTHRONE, old EMPEROR
without keyboards and American Black Metal bands like XASTHUR), other Finnish bands like HORNA and BEHEXEN than this release will be worth the money. Speaking of the last two bands: SARGEIST started as a side project from members of HORNA and BEHEXEN but is taken as a full band
these days. They released three demos under the new name, a split with MERRIMACK and one with HORNED ALMIGHTY, and a debut CD called "Satanic Black Devotion" (check out the review
here as well). Dark stuff! I have listened to so many cool bands from the Black
Metal underground during the last month that it is quite a joy that Black Metal again stepped out of the attention of the big media und crawled back to the dark and cold crypt of the underground: just where it belongs! Go out and check the following bands and you know what I am talking about: CRAFT (thanks for the tip, Frank!), XASTHUR, HORNA, BEHEXEN, URGEHAL, BLACK FUNERAL, FUNERAL PROCESSION and now SARGEIST! Viva la underground! Speaking of... no band website available!
www.moribundcult.com
Tim Klöcker
BACK
SARKOM
Aggravation Of Mind
(Twilight Records)
61:58min
Well, this debut by the Norwegian Black Metal outfit SARKOM is some kind of two-face affair.
On the one hand the band did a good job. They play this kind of Swedish Black Metal, which has become famous by bands like MARDUK or DARK FUNERAL. The band emphasizes on the fact, that no keyboards or any other kind of synthetic influences can be found. Production and musicianship are well done. But (and this is a big BUT) do we really need another MARDUK clone? If they would have published this CD back in the
early / mid ‘90s SARKOM would have catapulted themselves into the premier
Black Metal league. But the world keeps turning, it is 2005 and there are more mediocre Black Metal bands than anyone can count. So everyone is free to make up
his / her own mind, but for me this album is unnecessary, although well done.
Mirco Szymyslik
BACK
SARPANITUM
Despoilment Of Origin
(Galactic Records)
35:20min
I have been following the steps of this British lot for quite some time and am
delighted that SARPANITUM finally managed to release their debut despite
several line-up changes. And these four blokes have come up with quite an
impressive album. “Despoilment Of Origin”
features brutal, crushing and varied Death Metal influenced by the
likes of NILE, newer MORBID ANGEL, LUCIFERION (in some epic bits) and maybe
some slightly chaotic yet tight DERANGED or even MOLESTED (if anybody remembers
those Norwegians) bits here and there. Besides all the punishing brutality
SARPANITUM utilize hymnic midtempo sections as well as vast epic parts with
moody, majestetic leads. The Black Metal influences in the promo sheet are
luckily very very marginal, more or less only present in one short section in
'Provocation Of An Eternal Odium'. Thanks to the varied songwriting the
different tempos and moods are very effectively positioned against each other,
resulting in very dynamic and captivating songs. The production itself is
decent, sufficiently clear yet at the same time thick enough, doing justice to
the musical content. The double vocal assault – mainly low growling as well
as few croaking ones are relatively understandable and are sitting well with
the material. Despite some similarities in concept (lyrics and artwork
inspired by Assyrian / Sumerian mythology) and sound, SARPANITUM walk a
slightly different path than NILE as they use eastern scales in their riffing
but are less “cinematic” in terms of using ambiances and samples. An
exception is the short instrumental piece 'Dusk Over Assyria' which leads into
the majestetic and brutal 'Cur Defilement' which is one of the highlights of
“Despoilment Of Origin”. I must say it has been quite some time since I
received such a convincing debut album of this kind of Death Metal – similar
to my surprise upon listening to INSISION or HOUR OF PENANCE for the first
time maybe. Everyone into the the aforementioned bands and brutal yet
song-oriented Death Metal should definitely check this out! www.sarpanitum.com,
www.myspace.com/sarpanitum
Ulrich
Kreienbrink
BACK
SARUMAN
Ride On The Darkside
(Black Attakk)
33:06min
How original! Let’s find a name for our band. Maybe “The Lord Of The
Rings” has a good one for us. Musically, SARUMAN are slightly more innovative.
It’s not really easy to label them. The basis is brought to you via low tuned
guitars playing something evil guys might call Gothic Death Metal with sort of
Black Metal vocals or whatever. Lots of groove – yeah, pretty dominant bass
drums. Some monotony on here as well but what makes this interesting is the
cello (yeah, too low for a violin, I think). Some parts almost remind me of
APOCALYPTICA. Without ever reaching their brilliance. This one’s really got
bottom. The songs are catchy, maybe a little too catchy but SARUMAN never get as
superfluous as the German faggots CREMATORY. Something makes me want to compare
these two bands but it would be quite an insult as SARUMAN are still METAL, even
brutal from time to time. No blast beats, though. But something tells me that if
SARUMAN are lucky they could make quite a few CREMATORY fans join them. Maybe
some Medieval Metal- or SIX FEET UNDER fans as well. Once again: the cello
grants them the right to exist but apart from that it’s okay, nothing more,
nothing less. Sort of ‘Girlie Metal’ (whatever that may be, sorry).
Ramon Claassen
BACK
|