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VASAELETH
Demo MMIX
(Satanic Skinhead)
11:00min
Bask in the sins of hell, ye disciples of the profane. The last two years bore witness to a surprising upswing in the quality of underground bands. For a time, Sweden lead the charge with INVIDIOUS,
DEGIAL and EVISCERATED, but since 2008, bands of equal, or greater, potential have sprung up in Finland, Germany, Spain, Australia, and now, the United States, once more. No one will deny that America has helped give Death Metal its form, but one could reasonably argue that its importance to the scene has diminished somewhat. No longer. VASAELTH, a brand new band from Georgia, have unleashed a limited, two-track demo tape, hopefully to a much-deserved thunder of applause. There are obvious influences like INCANTATION, but not even INCANTATION have sounded quite so evil and cavernous in years. The tape may be hard to get a hold of, as it was limited to 200 copies. With any luck, it won't be gone for long. I predict a cult classic soon enough.
www.myspace.com/vasaeleth
Nat Shapiro
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VASAELETH
Crypt Born And Tethered To Ruin
(Profound Lore)
30:00min
It's uncommon that the hype boiling around a forthcoming release is
unexaggerated. Typically people work themselves into a fever pitch,
wherein no amount of artistry can match their inflated expectations.
But this band – VASAELETH - made such an impression with their
2009 demo, and an equally forceful follow up with their EP, that
their fans, myself included, knew by the quality of the material,
that in no way would they disappoint. Some even say VASAELETH are
the most important American Death Metal band in the last ten years,
which should have NILE looking over their shoulders. This debut
album, "Crypt Born And Tethered To Ruin", does little to
dissuade me of such pronouncements. First, but not foremost, is the
stirring cover-art, drawn by the same masterful hands who drew the
last INQUISITION covers. Second, and most important, are the songs.
Both of the tracks that appeared on the demo cassette were
re-recorded for the album, so fans of the demo and EP need not worry.
It's customary for a band with such strong demo songs to use them
again. But VASAELETH only had two, and this is an eight song album.
Here, one might begin to think the rest of the album is liable to
underwhelm, but the opposite is true. The other six songs are just
as powerful. VASAELETH are masters of the American styles developed
by INCANATION and NECROVORE. The songs sit individually, yet fit
seamlessly into one another, affecting a ritual-esque, funereal
dirge of Metal. If smoke could cut, it would sound like VASAELETH;
ghostly and sharp as a knife. Give your salutes to this band. More
info at: www.myspace.com/vasaeleth,
www.profoundlorerecords.com
Nat Shapiro
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VEDONIST
Awaking To Immortality
(Trinity Records)
46:41min
This
young Death
Metal
band from Poland comes up with surprisingly good songs: rather
oldschool but pretty fast and brutal – typically Polish, I’d say.
A good amount of – sometimes traditionally melodic, sometimes
weird – harmonies (check out the traditional solo part in
‘Self-Created Martyr’) so it doesn’t ask too much of a rather
old fart like me. In addition to the sometimes considerable speed of
this album, these guys occasionally come up with breathtakingly
technical breaks but, luckily, they don’t forget to serve the song
and don’t go wanking all over the place. This album has everything
a fan of (Polish) Death Metal can ask for (including a good
production), so there’s only one slight thing I have to point out:
for my taste the singer sounds much too limited and therefore boring,
almost nerve wrecking. It’s this “brutal Death” style without
becoming froggy. Definitely not my cup of tea. But apart from that:
highly interesting release. Check out their website at www.vedonist.metal.pl
Ramon
Claassen
BACK
(V.E.G.A.)
Cocaine
(Debemur Morti Productions)
58:01min
(V.E.G.A.) was a project which is already dead now and "Cocaine" is the only official output of this "band". What we get is mainly fast, northern styled Black Metal such as older DARK FUNERAL,
SETHERIAL and the likes. It is quite enjoyable and really well done, especially some guitar-lines spread a cool melancholic atmosphere.
Interruptions with experimental parts after which the storm starts roaring again are done in an intelligent way. The "experimental parts" can be described as
industrial / ambient-like. So by all means an enjoyable release. www.debemur-morti.com,
www.vega-korporation.com
Andi Bauer
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VEHEMENCE
God Was Created
(Metal Blade Records)
59:46min
Don't let yourselves fool by the gory artwork used for this release
- Arizona's VEHEMENCE are definitely not your ordinary CANNIBAL
CORPSE type act. These guys started out back in 1995 and developed a
brutal, yet very atmospheric and melodic style throughout the years.
Their ten track Metal Blade debut "God Was Created"
already sounds extremely matured and seems to be the logical result
of their past writing and recording experiences (a seven song demo
already came out in 1998, followed by their self - financed debut CD
"The Thoughts From Which I Hide" in 2000). Blessed with a
fat production the album takes you on a pretty exciting roller
coaster ride through quite some musical diversity, always remaining
within the boundaries of brutality though. The overall dark'n'moody
atmosphere, created by keyboards and melodic, partly acoustic guitar
pieces, has this typical DIMMU BORGIR kind of feel to it, while the
thrashy riffing comes across in an almost Gothenburg-style vein. On
top of all that you'll get the deep grunted, but never dull sounding
voice of Nathan Gearhart, supported by a couple of aggresive screams
from bass player Mark Kozuback. Yeah, it's true that each element on
its own already got used many times before, but to my knowledge
never in this combination, so that VEHEMENCE are sounding kinda
original at the end of the day nevertheless. If you're still
uncertain, don't hesitate to check out 'The Last Fantasy Of Crist'
in our MP3 section. You might be positively surprised...
Frank Stöver
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VEHEMENTER NOS
Vehementer Nos
(Osmose Productions)
41:25min
When I first listened to this album, I couldn't believe what I was hearing; finally a band who has relieved one of the best bands
out of France in the 90s, in my opinion, which is FORBIDDEN SITE. So, for the ones who worship that band just like me, you
know what to expect here; for the others, this is some sort of Dark
/ Black Metal with a high melancholical feeling (this is the key word in fact), cold and agonical, even desperate in some moments, and, for sure, sung in
French, which is a great language when you have to write about pains of the soul and the miserys of humanity. Musically speaking, they alternate really fast passages
(the drummer is just great) with acoustic and atmospheric parts and classical influences, even doomy or gloomy ones sometimes,
and they have used some more instruments than the usual ones here, like violin, cello or flute, without forgiving the great
classical guitar passages, so the variety is quite present. Alltogether, it could be labeled as "avantgarde", a word often used
but not always with the right bands I think. In this case, these five songs capture the essence of that meaning, taking the harshness
of Black Metal and mixing it with those classical and atmospheric or dark influences, and creating something original and
interesting and every new listening (I know what I say when I've listened to this album like twenty times before writing this), with
a lot of different variations and feelings. We already knew that the
French Black Metal scene was at the top these last times, but here you have a new proof
of it. Perhaps it's not the best album out of that country, but
sincerely, it is quite impressive
for a first effort without any other recording before. www.osmoseproductions.com
Jeroni Sancho
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VEMOTH
Köttkroksvals
(Temple Of Darkness Records)
42:40min
The Swedish music scene will ever stay a mystery for me. How can
such a small country with approx. 9 million inhabitants carry so
many great bands? VEMOTH are one of these bands. Well, I have to
start with two things which are not great about VEMOTH. First up,
the singer didn’t really convince me and they may not be the most
original band around. But what you get here are over 40 minutes of
Swedish Black Metal with Death Metal elements now and then which
draw its influences out of acts like MARDUK, DARK FUNERAL or faster
NAGLFAR and in its most melodious moments also from DISSECTION. This
may not sound too original at all, still I have to tell you that
what VEMOTH are doing they are aware of every moment. All of the
musicians fit so perfectly together and it’s amazing to hear each
instrument clearly and this even more supports their great
musicianship. Indeed, the perfect sound on “Köttkroksvals”
totally fits to their brand of blackish Death Metal or how you ever
wanna call it. This is one more great release from this new rising
label from Spain called Temple Of Darkness Records. With their next
release VEMOTH will surely convince even more, though this release
already should appeal to all fans of the above mentioned bands,
because songs like ‘Blodregn’, ‘Köttkroksvals’ or
‘Acceptera Eller Dö’ are far more than their usual standard.
Check out mailorders like www.metribution.com
or get in touch with the label directly at www.templeofdarknessrecords.com.
Thomas Ehrmann
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VENERAL
DISEASE
Superior
Supremacy
(Revenge Productions)
39:29min
This
is the new offering from these technical Death Metal veterans from
southern Germany, and the second one under the flag of Revenge
Productions. Formed in 1994, the four-piece released several demos
as well as four albums so far. Their musical pathway has
consequently been developed since “Perpetual Pain Procedure“,
the second Veneral Disease
full-length and the last one I was confronted with, but everything
sounds more mature now (of course…). What we get here is an
intense dose of early 90s Death Metal with both really fast
blastbeat-driven and midpaced songs. The outstanding guitarwork is
another strong trademark of these maniacs (sometimes even reminding
on older Necrophagist
or the fellows from Deadborn)
and leaves an impressive mark on the ten featured tracks (including
the short first one which serves as some kind of introduction). If
I’m informed correctly, this is already the second CD recorded by
the band on their own – respect! A brutal and thick, yet clear
sound pleases the listener’s ears. Also the professional and
stylish layout was done by the band itself. Check these guys out,
they deserve it: www.veneral-disease.de,
www.myspace.com/veneraldisease
Steffen
Ilm
BACK
VENOM
Metal Black
(Castle Music)
57:23min
Countless times I've
heard certain groups of people (mostly power-flower fans!!!)
complaining about every new VENOM masterpiece released
for us not-worthy mortals. So, for those who dislike the masters
of christraping art there you go with another 60min to make
your lives miserable once more! Mantas departure was one of
the biggest concerns of the VENOM's legions since he was an
integral part of the band's musical entity (he's currently in
the touring line-up of German Techno act SCOOTER! - Frank) and one cannot deny
that Cronos, Mantas, Abaddon is the most beloved triumvirate the
underground has ever had. Honestly, who gives a fuck about
"classic" line-ups when you can have an equal or
superior product with some slight personnel changes... for good maybe?
The current
incarnation includes Cronos (best known as Rabid Captor of
Bestial Malevolence) at the vocal / bass helm, Antton (Cronos brother)
bashing the skins and Mike Hickey (aka Mykus) bending the
strings. Mykus is not a total stranger to the band since he was one of
the axemen in the ill-fated "Calm Before The Storm" album back in
late 80s. From the corrosive
opener 'Antechrist' or grinding hammer-like 'House Of Pain' to
devil-worshipping anthems like 'Regie Sathanas' or 'Lucifer Rising' this
is 2006 upgrade of one of the most outrageous, arrogant and uncompromising bands of the last 20 years.
This album bears
certain resemblance to their past effort "Cast In Stone"
style-wise but with a sharpened and more modern edge. A very ambitious move
was to name it the way they did, they kind of managed to do it
with class and not letting anyone down. By the time you read
this the album will be already out so get your filthy hands on
that (for instance at
this location ). Recommended... SATANAS... SATANAS... SATANAS.
Visit the band website at: www.venomslegions.com.
Mario Cubero
BACK
VENOM
MMV (4 CD Boxset)
(Castle Music / Sanctuary)
272:55min
I
came across the existence of this boxset when I was trying to find
out whether or not VENOM's 'Senile Decay' was ever issued on a CD...
I mean, there's so many compilations of these guys around that I was
sure some would finally have it, be it an official or bootleg one.
But it seems I was wrong... well almost, cause this release here
finally has it! "MMV" already came out back in 2005,
probably to celebrate VENOM's 25th anniversary (which the title
seems to stand for) and the sticker on it announces "The
ultimate VENOM collection"... Well, how often did we read about
"ultimate" compilations in the past already while none of
'em ever came any close to that description? So, apart from the
impressive packaging (more about that in a minute) I was very
sceptical again and had serious doubts it would be justified here in
any way. But I was so wrong!!!! This is probably the only VENOM
compilation that should satisfy every fan of the band, especially
those of the early days (and I bet most of you worship particularely
this period anyway!). What you get here is 70 tracks (!!!) in total,
all remastered by Cronos himself, including tons of live versions,
demos, outtakes, re-recorded or remixed material, from 1980 (the
very first demo!) up to 1997 (just a handful), with a focus on the
classic period ("Welcome To Hell" up to
"Possessed"). The discs come in a very stylish black
boxset that also includes a replica of the legendary 1984
"Seven Dates Of Hell" tourposter (when METALLICA were
still supporting!) plus a 60 pages fat awesome booklet that has got
tons of pictures, old magazine articles and reviews (mostly from
Kerrang!), flyers, setlists, an incredibly detailed discography and
an introduction written by Cronos himself! 3 out of the 4 CDs are
visually dedicated to one of the members, which means each one has
got a very cool full colour drawing of Cronos, Mantas and Abaddon on
the cover and various pics of the member in question inside, while
the cover of disc 4 comes up with a slightly changed
"Warhead" EP sleeve artwork. This disc (# 4) is musically
dedicated to the (in)famous "Assault" series and therefore
features various tracks off "German Assault", "French
Assault", "Scandinavian Assault", "Canadian
Assault" and "American Assault". If I'm not
completely wrong here, they haven't been issued officially on CD
before either! So, even if you already own the great re-issues of
"Welcome To Hell", "Black Metal" and "At
War With Satan" (with all the single stuff as bonus tracks) and
the rather cool "Skeletons In The Closet" compilation
(several tracks off that appear on here as well), every VENOM die
hard maniac definitely needs "MMV as well, for it is THE
ULTIMATE VENOM COLLECTION for sure! Killer!!! You
can order and / or check out the complete tracklist here.
Frank Stöver
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VERDUNKELN
Einblick In Den Qualenfall
(Ván)
62:59min
After a already promising album in 2004 called "Untergang", the German (Black) Metal outfit VERDUNKELN come up with their second full-length album "Einblick In Den Qualenfall". To clear some line-up questions first, VERDUNKELN consists of GRAUPEL's guitarist Gnarl and its drummer Ratatyske, but except for the music's quality it is really different to GRAUPEL as especially on this actual album, VERDUNKELN's focus lies on the slow, epic side of Metal. And yezzz, the two maniacs do this remarkably well, they proof that music has to be simple to reach one's heart and it does. Simple riffing, simple pounding drumming, simply great, atmospheric leads and
accoustic guitars, clear as well as Black Metallish vocals; all this without any boring minute. What else do you want? Yes, that's what I thought. No more words, just get this extraordinary great album at:
www.van-gbr.de
Andi Bauer
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VERMINOUS
Impious Sacrilege
(Xtreem Music)
30:57min
Filthy Death / Black Metal remembering the days of cut and paste layout and
xeroxed demo covers from Sweden. Even their website is designed that way which
is really cool – at least for me, hehe! These guys play as if Gothenburg never
existed, so to say. They started out as DELVE, who released a demo in 2002 as
well as the MCD "The Dead Amongst" and now returned as VERMINOUS to
pollute the world with blasphemous and insane oldschool madness with an approach
that is more in the line of acts like GROTESQUE and early SLAYER than NIHILIST
or DISMEMBER. Titles like 'Chanting Of Ghouls', 'Grotesque Visions' or 'Of Evil
Blood' give you an idea, right? The productions could be a bit dirtier and with
more feedback for my taste but it is good anyway. I do not think anything has
been triggered here, so VERMINOUS are closer to their influences even in that
aspect. As I have only received a copy with a promotional leaflet there is not
much I can tell you about the package apart from the cover which shows a putrid
screaming madonna with an imp – like creature in her arms… no flowers and
poetry here, need I say that? Sometimes the riffing is slightly similar to
KAAMOS at times. This could also be interesting for people into NIFELHEIM or for
example SUICIDAL WINDS and all other blasphemists who like it unpolished, dirty,
black and relentless! In my opinion KAAMOS and SADISTIC INTENT are still better
(as they were mentioned in the info) but be sure to check this band! Contact
VERMINOUS: c/o Andreas Johansson, Avägen 14, 29638 Ahus, Sweden, e-mail: info@verminous.com,
website: www.verminous.com.
Ulrich Kreienbrink
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VERMIS
Liturgy Of The Annihilated
(Darkwind Records)
41:48min
Germany's uprising brutal Death Metal act VERMIS basically evolved out of the
ashes of CRUCIATUS, which in the year 2000 used to be the grim Black Metal
outlet of Markus Zeitz (guitar, drums & vocals) and Marco Boms (guitar, bass,
keyboards) besides their main band OBSIDIAN GATE. Due to lack of inspiration and
the fact that they rather quickly got bored by the limitations within the
boundaries of Black Metal they decided to take some time off and didn't return
until 2003. At that time Markus had come up with some new material, which was a
lot more inspired by brutal Death Metal already, but didn't really fit into the
musical concept of their main band... So, as a result they ended up forming
VERMIS in the beginning of 2004, adding longtime friend Henning Auer to their
ranks, who took over the vocals. In the summer of the same year they recorded a
rehearsal demo, that featured two songs ('Scenario Of The Sickening Crawl' and 'Torn
From The Vacuum') in order to start promoting the band a little... The VERMIS
line-up finally got completed when former KHAOSICK drummer Phil Infernal and
bassplayer Tobias Bruchmann (NIGHT IN GALES, IN BLACKEST VELVET) joined in. The
latter unfortunately didn't stay too long with them though (he left VERMIS again
in April 2005), so that they are currently in need of a new fourstringer. But
that shouldn't really be a problem as their recently released debut full length
"Liturgy Of The Annihilated" turned out extremely impressing! Just
imagine a big dose of "Blessed Are The Sick" – era MORBID ANGEL
songstructures (especially in the slower parts) mixed with highspeed, technical
Death Metal in the vein of HATE ETERNAL and the likes and you'll already get a
good idea of what these guys are all about. As usual, unoriginal as fuck, but as
brutal Death Metal was never really about innovation, but sheer intensity and
heaviness in the first place I couldn't care less. The album features 9 tracks,
as well as a really intense instrumental and a short intro and easily lives up
to international standards, set by bands from the US, Sweden and Poland mainly.
If someone would've played me this record, only telling me that it's a band from
Germany, I would probably have presumed that they hail from the East Frisian
area, as they perfectly fit in between all the other likeminded acts from there
(INGURGITATING OBLIVION, FEARER, ANASARCA etc.). But surprisingly they are not!
They hail from Düsseldorf and are definitely ready to conquer the international
Death Metal underground! A solid production and very pro-looking packaging
complete the overall very positive impression. There's only two little things
that should've been fixed: the title track of the album ends apprimately at
about 5 minutes of playing time, but continues to play with silence for a little
while (and there's not even a hidden track to follow) and the included video for
the song 'Room 1166' doesn't work at all (which I've tried on different PCs)...
Apart from that: a very promising debut of another great German act to keep an
eye on in the future! Links of interest: www.vermis.org,
www.darkwind-records.de
Frank
Stöver
BACK
VERY WICKED
Goregutgreedy (Demo CD-R)
46:31min
VERY WICKED
managed to impress quite a few people at EAR TERROR 2002 with their
mixture of old school Death Metal and modern brutality. All this is
captured on this CD. Unfortunately, the sound destroys a lot of the
good impression the songs make.Very often albums become boring after
a little while as the only goal seems to be: “let’s be the most
brutal band ever!” VERY WICKED avoid this mistake and deliver an
exiting cocktail. They even dare to use melodies like on ‘Come
Back And Slay’. By this, the brutality unleashed appears to be
even more impressive. So if you don’t mind a somewhat weak sound:
get in touch with the band! www.verywicked.de.vu
Ramon Claassen
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VESANIA
Firefrost Arcanum
(Empire Records)
51:37min
Even though there's
already been countless of releases by Polish bands, the country
rarely gave birth to any groundbreaking innovators, that were able
to set new standards in the underground. The hordes of often very
skilled musicians mainly followed already established paths, but at
least tend to do that in a very impressive manner. In most cases it
was the Florida type Death Metal that became a big source of
inspiration overthere, but then again there's bands like VESANIA,
that are exceptions to that rule. What they do has also been done
before already, but they do it with so much dedication that it's
still a very entertaining experience listening to their debut full
length. Musically VESANIA stands for symphonic, yet very harsh and
devastating Black Metal that often reminds me on what our buddies
from LUNAR AURORA delivered with their still unmatched debut
"Weltengänger" a couple of years ago. There's a similar
form of ice cold northern grimness mixed with hymnic sounding
keyboard sequences, elements that already turned EMPEROR's "In
The Nightside Eclipse" into an alltime Black Metal classic.
"Firefrost Arcanum" has got a very menacing and overall
quite sinister atmosphere, an uncompromising full force Black Metal
approach, it is very heavy in itself and their vocalist is blessed
with one hell of a demonic voice. Instead of blasting their way
through the approximately fifty minutes the band was clever enough
to incorporate a couple of slower passages and breaks into their
songwriting so that it never gets boring if you listen to the album
over and over again. So, all those of you who neither can't stand
the mainstream Gothic type "Black Metal" nor the very
basic DARKTHRONE style should definitely check these guys out as
it's certainly a first quality release from a band with a very
bright future! All further info you can get from http://vesania.of.pl
or www.empire-records.com.pl
Frank Stöver
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VETERNUS
Perpetual Insanity (Demo)
(self-financed)
12:33min
Pointing fingers is never polite, but someone - or something -
deserves the credit for starting the new wave of Swedish Death Metal. I place the thanks squarely on Daniel Ekeroth for bringing Sweden's dark past to our attention again. He and REPUGNANT and KAAMOS, it appears, championed Swedish Death Metal like no others. Since then, however, the town of Uppsalla has seemingly taken off on its own. Spearheaded by the Blood Harvest roster, home to bands like KATALYSATOR, EVISCERATED,
DEGIAL and TRIBULATION, the last few years witnessed a tiny, but powerful, explosion of new talent.
VETERNUS is one such newcomer. Their demo is very limited, so grab it while you can. The strength of this band is overpowering; a palpable darkness shrouds each song. They could have gotten away with adding one or two more songs, but the three that made it on the demo are so good that to add anymore might do more harm than good. Too many times do bands add filler material that brings their otherwise strong records down. Buy this if you can. If not, wait for more, because VETERNUS can't quit now.
More info: www.myspace.com/veternusuppsala
Nat Shapiro
BACK
VETERNUS
Awaken The Grave (7" EP)
(Detest Records)
7:58min
Late last year VETERNUS announced its existence with the demo tape,
"Perpetual Insanity". Barring the fact that there are two pressings of the demo, copies are scarce. Nevertheless, they did well enough to attract attention from Detest Records, one of the youngest, and best, labels for Death Metal today. Continuing where they left off on
"Perpetual Insanity", VETERNUS improve on their dark brand of Death Metal with mid-paced riffs, crushing drums, and haunting vocal patterns not unlike the sort pioneered by bands such as OBSCURITY. The guitars wail like tormented banshees, reminding one, perhaps, of Trey Azagthoth in his younger days. Interestingly, VETERNUS' drummer, P. Possessed is the same P. who drummed for LAMENTATION before they split up. Those of you who had the privilege of hearing LAMENTATION should know how capable he is for this kind of music, and he does indeed do a great job on this newest VETERNUS single. The sky is the limit for this band.
For more info check out: www.myspace.com/veternusuppsala,
www.detestrecords.com
Nat Shapiro
BACK
VICIOUS ART
Fire Falls And The Waiting Waters
(Threeman Recordings)
43:32min
VICIOUS ART was founded in 2002 by Matti Mäkelä and Robert Lundin
who both used to be in DARK FUNERAL.
In 2004 another big name joined the band: Jörgen Sandström
(GRAVE, ENTOMBED)
took over the bass from Jocke Widfeld who is now concentrating on
the vocals entirely. Second guitar player is Tobbe Sillman. And
their debut
album is strong indeed: their style is – big surprise – (brutal)
Swedish Death
Metal – fast and
aggressive. The band finds a good
balance of technicality and “mass”
compatibility – simply memorable songwriting! Another point
are the vocals: aggressive and very in-your-face. According to the
record company’s info sheet even the lyrics are worth reading!
Unfortunately they’re not included on my promo copy. Honestly, I
can’t find anything wrong with “Fire Falls And The Waiting
Waters”. Instead, I’m listening to it quite a lot and it
doesn’t get boring at all! Funny footnote: a passage in the song
‘Cut This Heathen’ strongly reminds me of US Metal veterans
VIRGIN STEELE – but who cares? Great stuff! www.viciousart.se
Ramon Claassen
BACK
VICIOUS
ART
Pick Up This Sick Child
(Mighty Music)
44:42min
Once playing in a Death Metal band, always playing in a Death Metal
band. That could be the reason for a couple of members in this
unholy 5-piece band as it carries persons from bands as ENTOMBED,
GRAVE or DARK FUNERAL to name just a few. Besides some well-known
musicians here the first thing you recognize while listening to
“Pick Up This Sick Child” is that this is a recording done by
musicians with a lot of experience as the song writing is
outstanding and unchallengeable professional from the beginning to
its end. Without a doubt you can recognize influences from all the
above mentioned bands, e. g. the song ‘Our Family Flesh’ sounds
exactly 1:15 minutes like a typical DARK FUNERAL song, one of the
better DARK FUNERAL songs to be more concrete, until it slows down
incredibly, changes mood to a doomy atmosphere and rocks on for the
remaining 4 minutes! Killer! On this recording, VICIOUS ART’s 2nd
official release by the way, you get everything from blasting drums,
catchy rhythms, killer riffs and a vocal delivery which is nothing
else than stunning, if you ask me! This is not only an all-star
Death Metal release, this is Death Metal release far above the
average and I need to end this review with a sentence from the
infosheet from Mighty Music: “This album definitely has the
potential of a Death Metal classic”! Right! www.mightymusic.dk
Thomas
Ehrmann
BACK
VICIOUS CIRCLE
The Art Of Agony
(Crash Music)
44:58min
Never heard a tune, not even recognized the name of this Death Metal band from the USA, I was really surprised by this album. The history of VICIOUS CIRCLE goes back to the year 1989, they released a few demos and “The Art
Of Agony” is their third full-length album. Since I do not know the earlier releases nor have any information about the band-history (the band-bio on their homepage is quite short and the promo-sheet by the label is non-existing), I wonder why the name VICOIUS CIRCLE has not become more famous within the Death Metal scene. Obviously they must have problems with their previous labels, because the older tunes (which can be listened to on their homepage) are on the same level like the newer ones. So sadly VICOIUS CIRCLE are an example how stupid and incompetent labels are avoiding people to listen to good music. So what can the decent listener discover on “The Art Of Agony”? Superb Death Metal, fast played, technically brilliant without losing the grip for each song, names like MORBID ANGEL, IMMOLATION or DEATH show up in my mind. Great riffing and soloing, versatile vocals done grunting, shreaking and shouting. The song-writing is quite complex and executed in a
sophisticated, technically way, but at every moment the band is taking care of playing songs, i.e. soloing and rhythm changes are done for the benefit of the song, not for themselves. Five songs are older ones re-recorded, but you can not spot them, a prove that VICIOUS CIRCLE always used to write good songs, just due to the labels inconvenience the wider audience did not take notice. I really wish with the new record company VICOIUS CIRCLE will get the attention they deserve.
www.viciouscircle.tv
Mirco Szymyslik
BACK
VICIOUS RUMORS
Warball
(Mascot Records)
43:03min
Now
this is what I call a comeback… it took several years and albums
for this legendary Bay Area Power Metal act to achieve it but
finally they’re back on the right way with this new release! Why
it took mainman / guitarist Geoff Thorpe so long to realize that VICIOUS
RUMORS weren’t about downtuning, angry tones and such bullshit /
fake elements will remain a mystery forever - well money could be
part of the answer… but no matter what, the mighty VICIOUS RUMORS
are back healthy! This return to form also marks the return of Dave
Starr on bass, Larry Howe on drums plus the addition of the one and
only James Rivera on vocals… while I was really sceptical lately
about all the stuff Rivera was doing everywhere (DISTANT THUNDER,
HELSTAR, SEVEN WITCHES…), this time I acknowledge the fact that
his addition is definitively a key point for VICIOUS RUMORS…after
all delivering great music is one thing but finding a singer that
could rivalize with Carl Albert is another thing but the man does a
faultless job here and adding that final - but crucial - element
definitively put VICIOUS RUMORS back on the rails. You get it all on
this album, moderately fast and furious tunes like 'Sonic Rebellion'
with that unique drumming style courtesy of Howe or 'Wheels Of
Madness'. Mid paced and real catchy numbers like 'Mr Miracle' (a
tune very reminiscent of the once killer DESTINY’S END
surprisingly!), 'Cross Threads' (totally killer melodic yet powerful
tune!), 'Ghost Within' (check out this ripping galloping tempo with
a shredding lead as start)… You fuckin’ get it all here, every
song is distinctive from each other in the tradition of VICIOUS
RUMORS, the singing just fuckin’ kicks ass, the leads are as
blazing as in the past (second guitar parts are done by Brad Gillis
- still wonder why he has joined this band considering his musical
past - and the mighty Thaen Rasmussen of ANVIL CHORUS fame), the
rhythm section is powerful as hell… KILLER! The low point here are
two songs that had no place on such a record, 'Windows Of Memory' (a
ballad that goes nowhere) and 'Oceans Of Rage' (a song with a
somewhat ‘modern’ feel that is truly useless) but in all honesty
its minor criticism comparing to what VICIOUS RUMORS have to offer
throughout the course of this album. As far as I’m concerned this
is truly a record that his place along “Digital Dictator” or
“Vicious Rumors”- it’s that fuckin’ good! Welcome to the
ball! The CD is on sale here.
Laurent Ramadier
BACK
VICTIMIZER
The Final Assault
(Hells Headbangers)
39:08min
Another round in the proverbial bullet belt of Denmark, is Sjern based VICTIMIZER, a melodious
thrashing foursome that have, unfortunately, decided to call it quits with this their debut CD now being released, aptly titled “The Final Assault”. A band I never heard before today or who has been seen within these pages. And as quickly as they have entered the scene (early 2000) they have since decided to pull the pin on the hand grenade around their collective necks and bow out in a hail of body parts! Truthfully this immediate and abrupt demise upon the threshold of their debut album’s release seems a bit idiotic, a bad idea to say the least, premature- if you wanted a more sterile, sanitary press statement, but altogether and most assuredly VICTIMIZER’s option for euthanasia is without question a seriously stupid move / wasted opportunity for any band worthy of this act's musical proficiency or who could be lucky enough to get signed and endorsed by Hells Headbangers from Ohio. As not since the days when ARTILLERY, SAMHAIN / DESEXULT,
MOURNER and INVOCATOR were the only viable options for maniacs in search of the next
Speed / Thrash Metal unit of neck-wreckers, has this North Sea country of Denmark had a bona fide successor to those ancient blood thrones. Oh well…huh guys? Aeternum Vale! Produced by Alberto Gallista. Mastered by Jeppe Hasseriis. Cover art by Dennis Dread, additional CD art by Rafal Kruszyk. Expertly designed and layout by Eric “Horror” Horval, complimented by a full color heavy card stock grade booklet and tray insert. Be sure to stop by the band’s
www.myspace.com/666victimizer
and leave your commentary, tears or fuck offs about this ridiculously promising band who pulled an absolute boner to end their career before it even had a chance to effictively get off the ground.
Contact: throneoffire@hellsheadbangers.com
or www.hellsheadbangers.com
or www.victimizer.dk
Wes Rhodes
BACK
VICTIMIZER
Resurrected Abombinations (EP)
(Hells Headbangers)
24:16min
Danish act VICTIMIZER used to operate below my radar so far, but
their new 5-track EP “Resurrected Abominations” makes me
actually wonder: why? Blending traditional Thrash / Speed Metal
elements with raw vokills that rather fit a Death or Black / Thrash
band plus high-quality songwriting mounts in ass-kicking yell-a-long
hymns that are consumed ideally parallel to a couple of beers and
are just plain fun to listen to. From the driving opening track 'Worthy
Of Hell' over the relentless 'Reap The Nuclear Whirlwind' (did I
ever mention I have a soft spot for everything featuring the word
“nuclear”, hehe) to the stomping mid tempo crunch of the
title-track, the flawlessly executed cover of Hobbs'
Angel Of Death’s 'Lucifers Domain' to the closing 'E-37101'
– not a single weak song, not one without an effective hook, not
one that is not characterised by powerful trashing riffs and sheer
sonic violence. Topped off by a nice organic and authentic sound,
this is perfect stuff for all Thrashaholics out there and makes me
regret my ignorance towards VICTIMIZER for sure! Looking forward to
hear more from you, dudes! www.myspace.com/666victimizer,
www.hellsheadbangers.com
Stefan Franke
BACK
VIDRES
A LA SANG
Vidres A La Sang
(Xtreem
Music)
35:00min
I’m
sad to inform you that Xtreem has signed a few lesser good bands.
However, with the Spanish Vidres A La Sang they’re onto
something. Basically this album gives us Death Metal which lacks
the necessary originality to be considered among the better bands.
Their sound is powerful and sure gives us the aggression Death
Metal should contain. They have some variation, though I think the
monotony sets in after 'La Terra I Tú'. The last three tracks
show us that Vidres A La Sang still has a certain way to go. After
all, fast Death Metal has been done by every other Death Metal
before them. The
thing with this band is the lyrics. The Norwegians did it in Black
Metal (followed by numerous other countries), and a couple of
bands have chosen another language than English. Panzerchrist had
their German album, and now Vidres A La Sang sings in Spanish. I
think this is cool, because it creates a little bit different
atmosphere, and it is surprisingly brutal. Then again, I guess we
wouldn’t understand shit even if the lyrics were English. As
I said, the band still has a certain way to go, but they’re onto
something and if they dare to include different elements to avoid
the monotony, I’m sure their next album would result into a
raised eyebrow or two. www.vidresalasang.com
Roy Kristensen
BACK
VIDRES A LA SANG
Endins
(Xtreem Music)
38:36min
The band was formed in 2002 as an extreme music project without any special aim to be labelled, but not trying to innovate either. Influences are taken from Black, Death and Heavy Metal. Their lyrics are sung in their native Catalonian language and deal
with different poems of a Catalonian poet. You can expect a modern sounding Death Metal that has some very good moments, but still lacks of a mighty atmosphere. Most of the time the songs are hectically played, some structure is to be found, but no real impact on the listener is guaranteed. The best song on this (second) album of VIDRES A LA SANG (means
crystals in the blood, by the way) is the last one that can show a bit of an atmosphere. In the end, the whole record sounds too modern in my
oldschool contaminated ears. www.xtreemmusic.com
Hurricane
BACK
VIDSYN
On Frostbitten Path Beneath (MCD)
(Agonia Records)
24:18min
VIDSYN from Norway pretty much consists of one man alone: Nattsjel.
Founded in 1999 the band went through quite a few line-up changes
until the recording of this EP. Once again, Nattsjel had to find
session members and he found some big names willing to help him out.
So we’re not tortured by a plastic drum computer but rather by a
human one, namely Hellhammer. The other Black Metal “star” is
Nocturno Culto singing on ‘Stormsend Winter Realm’ and ‘Evil
Rises Darkness Falls’. This might lead to the conclusion that
VIDSYN are playing “grim” Black Metal. Instead, I’d rather
call it Viking because of the guitar harmonies. Fortunately, the
band neither comes up with big BATHORY choirs nor with keyboard
bubble gum but skillfully balances on the edge between the brutal
and the “pagan” Black style. Rather mid paced hymns with a rough
and cold touch that sometimes reminds me of the most Viking sounding
band in the world, DOOMSWORD from Italy and sometimes a little of
IMMORTAL. Nattsjel’s songwriting is definitely above the average
– not redefining the genre but memorable, Hellhammer finds a way
to support the good impression of “On Frostbitten Path Beneath”
with some playful elements and Nattsjel’s vocals don’t even
sound weak in comparison to one of my favorite Black Metal
vocalists, Nocturno Culto. Leaving aside philosophy, there are two
more reasons why you’ll have to get the vinyl version of this one:
there will be bonus tracks included and the phantastic cover art
simply deserves the bigger format. Finally, there will be a European
tour in 2005 but don’t ask me about the line-up. Instead, check
their homepage every now and then: http://www.vidsyn.net
Ramon
Claassen
BACK
VIETAH
Zorny
Maroz
(Stygian
Crypt Productions)
41:15min
VIETAH
- “... the old moon of Belarus” is another band which is
confirming the fact that the East European scene is getting stronger
and stronger. With “Zorny Maroz” the band is presenting their
tribute to the dark night sky and the five songs are an atmospheric
bastard of their Ukrainian brothers NOKTURNAL MORTUM (but not as
aggressive and much more important without the political rubbish)
plus an essential portion of the former ARCTURUS cosmos. Antarctis
is the only driving force behind this band and he is - even if we
are talking about his debut - in the position to create a dark
atmosphere which is leading through the whole album. Especially the
three long main songs getting further atmosphere through the vocals
in his mother tongue but also the two dark instrumentals are fully
integrated in the lyrical and musical concept. The Belarus lyrics
had been fully translated and the grey layout (by Mr. Vinterriket)
is more than suitable for this release. A great release by this
young band and for sure is VIETAH’s debut a more than suitable
album for the coming winter. www.stygiancrypt.com
Matthias
Auch
BACK
VILE
Depopulate
(Listenable Records)
30:02min
It
seems Listenable Records are on the right track again having
signed this Californian outfit. One more time we are dealing here with a brutal Death Metal
band, but with enough imagination to raise immediate interest (at
least in my camp). These four musicians are certainly not
beginners since VILE was formed back in 1996, and the musicianship
level is maintained extremely high throughout the album. More than
once, the musicians have stunned me by their technical prowess and
their sense of tightness, especially
considering the intense speed factor on all the songs.
Unfortunately I have never heard their previous effort (“Stench
Of The Deceased”, out in 1999, and due to be reissued soon on
Listenable), so I can’t comment on a possible evolution since
then. Of course strong parallels could be drawn with band like
CANNIBAL CORPSE and MONSTROSITY because the musical technicalities
in the first place, but also thanks to the vocal delivery of Juan
Urteaga who reminds me of George “Corpsegrinder” Fischer on
more than one occasion. But strangely enough, the VILE sound is
also very near of what the most brutal of the Polish bands have to
offer, so we get the best of two worlds here. Well, I can’t say
that VILE have invented sliced bread obviously, but at least they
manage to come up with strongly structured songs well complimented
by a deluxe production. No wonder that lyrically-wise VILE deal
with the hardest edge of life (and above all: death), just refer
to titles like ‘Butchered’, ‘Path To Incineration’ or
‘Eat The Rude’ and I think it is easy to make out what
“Depopulate” is about. Add to this a song about a peculiarly
nasty Japanese “experimentation” camp during WW II (‘Unit
731’) and you understand that VILE are not concerned by the
niceties of life. “Depopulate”
is not just one more Death Metal album, and VILE is certainly a
band to keep an eye on. And fortunately enough we can witness with
this release the return of the Polish painter Graal to the
Listenable camp, it certainly made the album even more
recommendable as his artwork is absolutely beautiful! So all in
all, a must have! Contact Listenable Records through http://www.listenable.net
for
further information, but I advise the VILE dudes to seriously update
their
website (http://www.vilestench.com)
because it begins to putrefy!
Edouard Vergriete
BACK
VILE
The New Age Of Chaos
(Listenable Records)
30:04min
When I listened to VILE's third full length album "The New Age
Of Chaos" I immediately connected the material on offer this
time to what we constantly get served by Unique Leader Records
nowadays. Which means, technically very mature and extremely brutal
sounding Death Metal, produced and packaged very professionally.
Well, the label in question obviously seemed to share my opinion,
cause "The New Age Of Chaos" will indeed hit the stores in
the US via Unique Leader, while Listenable Records takes over the
European part of it. When I interviewed VILE's mastermind Colin Davis after the release of
their previous album "Depopulate" he already mentioned
that the band's music has "changed with the times and that
there's even some Black Metal influence in there too...” Well,
he perfectly hit the nail on its head with that statement, cause
while the band could still be associated with acts like CANNIBAL
CORPSE or MORBID ANGEL in the past, they have evolved into a far
more intense unit of complex brutality, often a lot closer now to
bands such as HATE ETERNAL, DEEDS OF FLESH, DECREPIT BIRTH and the
likes. I'm not completely into those aforementioned "Black
Metal influences" though, which every now and then shine
through in the very fast parts on the record and are accompanied by
a rather Black Metal typical vocal delivery… To me Death Metal
(just like any other form of Metal) simply works best in its most
purest form, but luckily the band doesn't incorporate that too often
anyway. From
what I understood the record lyrically deals with the ongoing war
between the western world and the Islamic terrorists, which has
generally become a very popular theme (for obvious reasons) in the
extreme Metal underground after 9/11. Despite the musical furiosity
the band delivers on "The New Age Of Chaos", the playing
time of the album is once again a little short, especially
considering the fact that among the nine tracks on offer, there's
also one short instrumental that closes the album... So, to sum it
up: in terms of the album's length not really value for money here,
yet addressed to everyone who's worshipping the current brutal US
Death Metal movement for it is of the same top notch musical quality.
For all further info check out www.vilestench.com
or www.listenable.net.
You can order the CD here.
Frank Stöver
BACK
VILEFUCK
What Lies Ahead Is Already Dead
(F.D.A. Rekotz)
37:27min
Death / Thrash Metal, a hybrid of two styles that has never been accomplished, save a few exceptions. Usually bands labeled as said sub genre tend to play either one with some minor influences from the other one. But this is not the case with
VILEFUCK. Hailing from Sweden, formed in 2004 and with 5 demo releases under their belts (enough to develop their sound), their debut full length album "What Lies Ahead Is Already Dead" is a great example of how to play
Death / Thrash. These guys play oldschool, crust influenced Thrash Metal perfectly blended with the overall Death Metal atmosphere including haunting
melodic / harmonic guitar lines, some blastbeats and overall aggressiveness! A beast of an album, full gruff shouted vocals, great riffing, tempo changes, tight drumming, short but tasty leads and enough subtle variations to keep you interested and craving for more. Personally, I would have liked a heavier guitar sound, but one can't complain since the crisp production fits in nicely. Their lyrics are based on political and social views, continuing the SACRED
REICH / VIOLENCE legacy. Most of the songs are consistent and there are no letdowns here. Maybe my faves songs are 'Fuck
The System', short but aggressive as hell and 'Invisible War' featuring some brilliant riffing full of 'mosh'. VILEFUCK is definitively a band to look out for in the future. With such a good debut release, they can only get better!
Contacts: www.myspace.com/vilefuck,
www.fda-rekotz.com
Alfonso Perez
BACK
VILE VINDICTION
Vile Vindiction (MCD)
(self-financed)
20:40min
VILE VINDICTION has existed in some form or other since 1990 when
Jim Nickles, a founding member of MALEVOLENT CREATION cobbled the
band together in his spare time. Whether or not he recorded any
demos or EPs prior to this one is unknown. As far as anyone knows,
this is the first commercially available release of the band. Its a
small wonder Nickles left VILE VINDICTION on the back burner. If
this is the sort of thing he was recording back in 1990, he probably
would not have made it very far. VILE VINDICTION would have been a
good, brutal, faceless band, but in a sea of thousands. The music is
competent with plenty of true blue Death Metal riffs and blast
beats, but there lies nothing beyond that. Why this EP was released
in 2008, as opposed to any other year within the last decade is
unclear. It would have received the same reaction in 1998 as it has
in 2008: a warm and coridal welcome. www.myspace.com/vilevindiction2
Nat Shapiro
BACK
Vilgefortz
Killing One By One
(self-financed)
14:41min
This record for sure is a curiosity I am tempted to state here. Well, first of all the cover artwork struck me as being not only a bit odd, but also kind of awkward and… I dunno… maybe a bit ridiculous. I presume it’s supposed to look
avantgarde. This is an oil painting I assume… most likely something that was accomplished manually and doesn’t catch my eye at all. The motive is a demonic creature arising from a gloomy lake or something. Whooo… I am scared to death. Anyway… but that is just the packaging. Then the band’s name… it kind of reminds me of a term often referred to with regard to digestion processes. Enough! I don’t want to dis these guys all the time now because beside these points, the material, which is of interest here, does convince me indeed. VILGEFORTZ play technical, quite fast, malign Death Metal. Let’s quickly switch through the single components: the vocalist reminds me of this
Broken Hope lunatic… so that means breathless vocal-lines that are ultra-deep and brutal like hell… that’s the way I like it, baby! The guitars sound… and this just concerns the sound… like
Eucharist I think, a bit more dense though. The lines they play are cool, technical and various stuff. The drums play patterns that support the arrangements so that one doesn’t get lost, which is a cool thing to do. Some blasting sequences here and there… just right! The bassist generally does a supportive job, too and makes everything sound direct and aggressive! I like this release, that’s for sure. Hey guys, don’t mind my little diversion above concerning the cover artwork and bandname, hahaha… that’s just points that I deem utterly important because such elements present a band in the first place. My favourite song on
“Killing One By One” is the second track 'Deadmarch Of Unfulfilled
Illusion'… it’s got some killer slam-parts in it, magnificent soloing as well! This band should be taken notice of ‘cause these guys are ambitioned and talented. Like that…!
Contact: http://republika.pl/vilgefortz_band,
vilgefortz.band@wp.pl
F. Cthulhu E.
BACK
VINTERRIKET
Gebirgshöhenstille
(Displeased Records)
55:00min
"Gebirgshöhenstille" is the latest release from VINTERRIKET,
one
of the busiest artists in the German Black Metal underground and
maybe the first release from this band / project which is available
to a wider audience due to the fact that their new business partner
Displeased Records can use other ways to make VINTERRIKET's
music available to our well beloved Metal community. The six songs
are typical VINTERRIKET
stuff which means that CZ (even
after a long journey of 12 years) is still searching the perfect
picture of mother nature by fusing Dark Ambient parts with Black
Metal. Due to the fact that including all tapes, singles, split CDs
this is their 40th release (please contact me if you know a band
which can add more releases to their agenda) I expected more from
this new release because even if you have a strong fanbase the idea
of adding something new to your music / style couldn’t be unknown
even to a man who does not care about the opinion of foreigners
(sorry but this is only the original Displeased sound from their infosheet!).
The music is still quite interesting but the contrast between black
/ white is too blurry, too vague - it’s more or less one calm
moment divided into six different songs and even after several times
no special part / moment can be memorized. This release is
unfortunately a step back in time to records like “Landschaften Ewiger
Einsamkeit” than to their best release “Winterschatten “from
2003. www.displeasedrecords.com,
www.vinterriket.com
Matthias Auch
BACK
VIOLENCE UNLEASHED
Spawned To Kill
(Twilight Vertrieb)
39:42min
VIOLENCE
UNLEASHED hails from Germany but their style of Death Metal is definitely American or
contemporary CANNIBAL CORPSE to be exact. I am not trying to write these guys off as mere clones but
they sound remarkably similar. Before you lump these guys in with countless other bands
who play this style of Death Metal it should be noted that they do
it extremely well. Since
I had never heard of them before I decided to go on their website to get some background
info. A couple
interesting things that I found out included that this band is
really the work of the guitarist, Felix Schumacher. He basically wrote all the music and then got some session
artists to come in and help him record the album. This is also their debut album so I was pretty impressed
considering this. I also immediately noticed that the drummer of
the band is none other than Yanic Bercier of QUO VADIS (Canadian
not Polish). This guy
is a beast. I
didn’t recognize the other guys but it was obvious that they
were no slouches. To
sum it up, although this music has been done countless times
before, at least these guys do it well. If you worship newer CANNIBAL CORPSE then you should enjoy
this. You can find
more about the band here: www.violence-unleashed.de
or purchase the CD
here.
Michael Kersten
BACK
VIOLENT ASSAULT
The Flag Of The Inverted Cross (Promo 2009)
(self-financed)
18:48min
So how long back in time your Thrash Metal nostalgia reaches? Do you think bands like VIOLENT FORCE, PROTECTOR, MINOTAUR or METALUCIFER were
criminally underrated and should've had become a primary force in Speed
/ Thrash Metal? If so, then you will definitely enjoy this demo of italian infernal
Thrashers VIOLENT ASSAULT. It consists of 4 tracks plus intro and outro and has Andreas Richwien
from MINOTAUR (GER) laying down guest vocals on 'Devastator' and 'Antimosh',
two of the catchiest tracks on the demo. I was quite impressed by solid
and fast Speed / Thrash Metal that these oldschool Thrashers deliver, it really
makes you wanna raise your fists and bang your head, which is the whole point here, right?
On the other hand, I must say that tracks with band's singer Metalucifer lack concviction in
the vocal department and his accent is fucking hilarious to the point that it becomes kinda cool,
but the fact is that guy doesn't come across as a very aggressive frontman.
If you can get past it or wanna have a good laugh, then you can feel a pure
Speed / Thrash satisfaction like it is still 1986!! The demo is also released on tape format, so once again,
this is as oldschool as you can get, the band seem honestly believe in what they do,
so you gotta cut them some slack for that. Contact:
dreamevil@tele2.it
or
violentassault@hotmail.it,
www.myspace.com/violentassault666
Mindaugas "Plix" Lapinskas
BACK
VIOLENT ATTACK
Rehearsal Demo 2003
(self-financed)
13:42min
Violent
Attack is a band from Paraguay, formed in 2001, that plays Thrash
Metal. They released four demos and we have the 2003 one. The tape
contains four songs which are well played. I would call it Thrash Metal.
The band not only plays full speed but also put some slower
headbanging parts to their songs so the stuff is more variable and doesn’t
get too monotonous. The guitarists fill the songs with some nice
licks during the good riffs. Not new and spectacular but pleasing.
The opening of one of the tracks reminds a little bit of SODOM’s 'Ausgebombt'
because of the starting bass riff. The vocalist with the funny name
“The Attacker” has a thrashy voice like old Angelripper, filled
with some high screams that are not so perfect. The production is
like a rehearsal demo is. Not the best, but ok so that you can
listen to the songs and hear all instruments. It’s the first tape
from Paraguay that I heard so I couldn’t say if it’s good or bad
for this area. http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=9902
Stefan
Hagmayer
BACK
VIOLENT ATTACK / HELLISH CROSSFIRE
The Demos (Split CD)
(Proselytism Records)
75:36min
VIOLENT ATTACK from Paraguay and HELLISH CROSSFIRE from Germany join forces under Proselytism Records' flag to release this demo compilation. Included are VIOLENT ATTACK's
"A Demo Of Violence" from 2002 and their "Rehearsal
2003" plus a SABBAT cover (recorded live in 2007). Also HELLISH CROSFIRE's
"Unholy Tyranny" 2004 rehearsal and "Unofficial"
rehearsal tape (from 2005) that includes a KAT cover. My respects to all of you who know KAT.
Oddly enough and being in countries so far away, both bands dwell in the same style of old Speed Metal bordering on Thrash with some
Death / Black Metal influences. How's that for a description? This is a weird listen, since both are 'new' bands that sound 'old', if you get my idea. This release is a tribute to the
mid-80s Metal scene like EXCITER, SATAN, early KREATOR, POISON and a little DEATH YELL thrown in.
Now, this is a demo / rehearsal compilation. Be aware that the sound quality is not perfect and it varies from time to time. But everything is audible and enjoyable. VIOLENT ATTACK's side has better production and a total
80s sound. The vocals have a weird "inside a card box" sound but using high pitched screams that fit the atmosphere. Although a little sloppy and somewhat simple, the music has that undeniable South American vibe.
Following up we have HELLISH CROSSFIRE. These guys base their sound on tremolo guitar driven riffs, a faster approach and harsh vocals. They sound like a less Black Metal oriented AURA NOIR, in my humble opinion. The musicianship is slightly better and more aggressive on this side of the split.
Fans of the aforementioned bands and mid-80s sound need to check out this release
NOW (it is packaged in a very cool 8 panel, foldable 7"- sized
digipack - Frank)! You have been warned. Contacts: www.proselytism.net,
www.myspace.com/kuraviluprods,
www.myspace.com/hellishcrossfirethrash
Alfonso Perez
BACK
VIRGIN SIN
Brotherhood Of Freaks
(Mondongo Canibale Records)
48:18min
After the 10" record that a good friend of mine from Sweden who owned To The Death Records was kind enough to send over like two years ago. I had heard a lot about this band but never actually "heard" them. I had read somewhere that they were a Heavy Metal / Rock act that had been kicking around Sweden since 1983! But hadn't made it past even their first gig before they found their way back to whatever make-up clotted sewer they had crawled from and at once disappeared as fast as they had
arrived! Checking out the VIRGIN SIN 10" record entitled " Make Them Die Slowly"
(not to be confused with WHITE ZOMBIE's 1989 LP of almost the same title "Make Them Die"), honestly I didn't get what all the hubbub was about. This record was to be their first studio effort originally to be released in 1992 almost an entire decade since their inception!? So was this vinyl album almost ten years in the making something
monumental to behold? No. Ground-breaking? No. Worth the wait?
Ahh… No. In truth if I had never heard of this band before and absolutely knew zero about 'em prior to placing the needle to this vinyl, I am positive the experience and the end result that I got I am sure would have been exactly the same. VIRGIN SIN sucks. How a band that has been in the music industry for as many years as METALLICA, DIO or SLAYER have been signed, out touring, kicking ass or reigning all over the
earth. I find it extremely hard to believe that this band has only gotten this far in all that time, and thus created such a limp attempt at a Metal offering with their loose brand of overly simplistic, mildly tempered
Thrash / Rock and actually has it for sale, let alone for $13 dollars to offer to the buying public! Outrageous I thought. VIRGIN SIN isn't worth $5 bucks to listen
to! Now two years and some months later from the Metal folk at Mondongo Canibale Records have VIRGIN SIN's follow up to that debut record with "Brotherhood
Of Freaks", and as you may imagine the same formula continues onward with just more of the same unadulterated rehash and boring crap that this band, I am assuming, is proud to be known for. If any advice could be given to you o'Metal consumer avoid this disc at all costs. Your wallet will thank you and I will thank you. P.S. For the sake of not having to send VIRGIN SIN an entire roll of toilet paper to dry their eyes with after reading this review, I will spare you and them with my opinions of this band being called "one of the very first Black Metal bands to ever hail from Sweden" , as their bio states. Give it a fucking rest already, huh?
Contact: www.virginsin.net
or info@virginsin.net
or www.mondongocanibale.com
Wes Rhodes
BACK
VIRGIN SNATCH
Act
Of Grace
(Mystic
Production)
43:08min
A
name like VIRGIN SNATCH is perfect to make jokes about. I seriously
have no clue why this Polish Thrash Metal outfit chose a name like
this for musically such a serious project. In my humble opinion this
could be a huge handicap for them, simply as this is Thrash Metal,
not Porn Grind. Let’s skip that, imagine they have a better name
which keeps us focusing on the music only. “Act Of Grace” is a
Thrash Metal album par excellence, perfectly produced including
songs in the TESTAMENT and EXODUS calibre. A little weird are the
clean vocals from time to time, though they have a lot in common
with Warrel Dane from NEVERMORE and Jonathan Davis from KORN,
nevertheless I think the brutal version suits them better. Musically
songs as the title track ‘Act Of Grace’ are awesome and brutal
riffmonsters which could appear on any TESTAMENT or EXODUS album
without problems. Same for a song as ‘Through Fire We Grow’. The
final song ‘It’s Time’ is an unusual song compared to the
other 8 songs on this album. It's a ballad in memory of Vitek Kiełtyka
(R.I.P.), the former drummer of DECAPITATED, including a melodic
guitarsolo played by Vogg, Vitek’s brother. “Act Of Grace” is
VIRGIN SNATCH’s 4th full-length album and musically they are on a
very good way. Recommendable to those interested in the bands
mentioned above. Available
here.
Thomas
Ehrmann
BACK
VIRGIN STEELE
Visions Of Eden
(Sanctuary Records)
79:49min
Epic Metal from the US usually isn't as sweet as European stuff so
probably that's one of the reasons why I became a VIRGIN STEELE
fanatic. As always I'm highly satisfied with the new record's
songwriting as it takes you on a journey of emotions. For my taste,
David DeFeis is Metal's Paul McCartney when it comes to creating
ever lasting melodies. Quite a few people already said it's a lot
better than the previous album. My theory is that those who didn't
like “The House Of Atreus, Pt. 2” simply didn't like all those
piano interludes – why didn't they simply program their CD players
according to their taste? “The House Of Atreus 2” was the
soundtrack for a Metal opera put on stage in Memmingen, Germany, a
couple of years ago and so is “Visions Of Eden”. That play was
called Lilith and that's what this concept album is about: Lilith,
first wife of Adam. Too independent for Adam's – and God's –
taste she was deceived and driven into rage, hatred and madness only
to be replaced by the more convenient, submissive Eve. Once again
I'm thrilled and almost satisfied by a VIRGIN STEELE album. Why
almost? Didn't I say something about being a VIRGIN STEELE fanatic?
Someone who traveled all across Germany and even to Sweden to see
VIRGIN STEELE shows? Yes, indeed. The reason for this are two
massive mistakes concerning the rather thin production: Frank “the
Krakan” Gilchriest's drums sound terribly plastic, just as if this
was a drum computer (just listen to those hi-hats!). It's still
obvious for most of the recording that you're listening to a human
drummer, though. A truly amazing one, by the way. Not even
NECROPHAGIST's Muhammed Suicmez would be able to capture such
drumming with a machine, I think. The next “crime” is that my
all time favorite guitar player Ed Pursino's guitars are hardly
audible! No, I'm sure I'm not deaf (yet), even though VIRGIN
STEELE's live sound guy tries to change this fact every time I catch
'em live. Instead, the keyboards and the vocals are way too much in
the foreground. When I first listened to “Visions Of Eden” over
the headphones, I was absolutely shocked! Isn't this supposed to be
a METAL record? The beginning of 'The Hidden God' sounds a bit like
the sound effects of a video game of the 1980s (the song itself
kicks some serious arse, though)! Still, songs like 'The Ineffable
Name', 'Bonedust', the thrashy 'Childslayer' or the title track
(well, actually each and every one of the new songs) are burnt into
my mind already and will raise my spirits every time they're low.
Consequently, “Visions Of Eden” is a must have for every fan of
Epic Metal once again as music-wise it's one of the best albums of
the year. Unfortunately, the pleasure won't be pure. www.virgin-steele.com.
On sale here.
Ramon
Claassen
BACK
VIRULENCE
A Conflict Scenario
(Morbid Records)
26:56min
VIRULENCE
from Boston are nuts! Sometimes they remind me of CSSO or the last
PESTILENCE album: jazz, grindcore and sickness are on here and the
jazz parts give a hint that this wall of sound is more than just
a couple of guys playing against each other. Crazy singer as well,
a bit hardcore-like going completely mad! I can imagine this album
ending up in the sound checks of the big Metal mags in the lowest
ranks because this is everything but fast food. I'm definitely starting
to like VIRULENCE and I can imagine that people with sick minds
(yeah, just like you and me) are gonna love this shit!
Ramon Claassen
BACK
VISCERA
Cyclops
(Soulflesh Collector)
51:18min
I didn’t expect much when I received this CD, but damn how I was
surprised when I listened to it for the first time. It starts quite
strange with the 2 minute long starter ‘Focus: The First Eye’.
Short introducing sounds and a few Italian words and then the
Grindcore-massacre starts. Great vocal-lines, I have to admit. Tight
music, screaming vocals, perfect sound, pretty original for a
Grindcore band. Let’s wait what’s next… Next song is called
‘Keep On Bluesing Through The Stars’ – 12:20 minutes long,
strange title! Never heard a Grindcore song which is that long. Did
I say Grindcore? Totally wrong, as this song is no Grindcore at all
anymore, though the screaming vocals are still there, at least at
the beginning, the rest is… original, nothing more! The band says
about “Cyclops”, their first full-length album by the way, that
it is “more rock, seventy, psych and experimental but still heavy,
bonecrusher and, more than all, never derivative” and that fits
just perfect. VISCERA are using elements of so many different styles
and sound, from my point of view, the closest to a band like ISIS
with its noise elements, the long songs and endless song structures.
The variety of the music of VISCERA is wide, they are adding rock
elements to their music, the vocals are from time to time in a
Grindcore way of singing, next moment they are “normal”. I even
thought of hearing some Crustcore elements here and there (‘Iris
Overburden’) but what I think I heard doesn’t really mean much
as they offer such a big mishmash of influences in their songs that
listening to this CD is a big experience and don’t get boring even
after the 20iest listen – I know what I’m talking here as I
crossed that border already and don’t get bored at all. In
fairness I have to admit that I’m probably the wrong person to
review this CD as this isn’t the music I usually listen to and
I’m far away from being an expert here, but what I hear sounds
amazing from the first to the last moment. I’d say, if you enjoy a
band like e. g. ISIS and are looking for something a little bit more
brutal this might be the perfect choice. Check out www.sfcollector.ru
or www.viscera.it
for ordering details.
Thomas Ehrmann
BACK
VISCERAL BLEEDING
Internal Decomposition (MCD)
(self financed)
11:57min
VISCERAL BLEEDING is a four piece act from Sweden, that originally
started out in the late 90’s as a typical Swedish Death Metal band
in the vein of DISMEMBER and HYPOCRISY. They, however evolved into
something way more brutal pretty quickly and could nowadays easily
be compared to old SINISTER, SUFFOCATION or CANNIBAL CORPSE. The
four song demo CD-R "Internal Decomposition" is their
first release and because of its deep grunting vocals, intense drumming
and shredding guitar work it should easily appeal to fans of the
aforementioned acts. It was recorded in the fall of 2000, the production
is quite ok sounding (should be improved though) and the packaging
of my copy just comes with a coloured photo copy. Don’t know if
you will get the “real thing” if you order it, but feel free to
ask. Available from the band now, no prices mentioned. For all further
info check out: www.visceralbleeding.com
Frank
Stöver
BACK
VISCERAL
BLEEDING
Remnants Of Deprivation
(Retribute Records)
26:35min
Wow, what a big
improvement! VISCERAL BLEEDING from Sweden already used to sent us
their demo CD-R "Internal Decomposition" a while back,
which featured four tracks of brutal US-styled Death Metal in the
well known SUFFOCATION / CANNIBAL CORPSE vein - but not necessarily
knew to convince me completely yet at the time. Luckily things have
changed for the better with the release of their first full length
album “Remnants Of Deprivation” now. Next to the five brand new
tracks, all four demo tunes got re-recorded with a far better, and
this time totally crushing production. I’m not quite sure if that
was maybe the main problem with the original versions or if the band
simply matured so much as musicians ever since the release of the
demo (probably both!)… Fact is that “Remnants Of Deprivation”
delivers approx. half an hour of very well composed and always
totally tight performed brutal Death Metal, that never ever reveals
the origin of the band, but comes across as lethal sounding as all
their American counterparts. The professional looking cover art by
Mike Bohatch (EYES OF CHAOS) fits the overall rather sick atmosphere
pretty well and the band’s weird sense of humour constantly shines
through in the vocal delivery (a soon-to-become trademark of singer
Dennis is his “laughing dog” type grunting in between the usual
lyrics) as well as in the banjo (!!) solo in ‘To Disgrace
Condemned’. In case you’re having problems in finding the album
in your area, feel free to contact the label (www.retributerecords.com) or band (www.visceralbleeding.com) directly. It’s
definitely worth the effort!
Frank Stöver
BACK
VISCERAL
BLEEDING
Transcend Into Ferocity
(Neurotic Records)
28:48min
Right now everything emerging from the shores Sweden whether it is
Black Metal or brutal UNMELODIC Death Metal seems to be excellent
music. INSISION, SPAWN OF POSSESSION or STRANGULATION are some of
the audible delights for fans of skilfully performed, violent Death
Metal and VISCERAL BLEEDING are certainly no exception. Their second
release is highly aggressive Death Metal that is strongly inspired
by US bands à la newer CANNIBAL CORPSE, MONSTROSITY and despite its
continuous extreme speed and elaborated technique remains straight
forward, driving and does not touch the complexity-level of SPAWN OF
POSSESSION’s “Cabinet” album. The sound has been kept very
natural and unpolished, but definitely provides enough transparency
to make every instrument appear distinct and powerful. What I
consider to be the best development in the VISCERAL BLEEDING camp is
that those ridiculous “dog barking” grunts one could find on the
debut have been completely obliterated on “Transcend Into Ferocity”
and now make this act simply perfect. Ok, a little less speed
sometimes would be pretty cool and might add more heaviness to
V.B.’s sound, but since the Swedes keep the album consistent and
the songs well structured I will not grumble here. Solid, brutal and
driving Death Metal that is not very innovative or original, but
done with skill and talent! Check out the MP3 of ‘Fed To The
Dogs’ on www.visceralbleeding.com
and support this band!!! The label can be found here www.neurotic-records.com.
Stefan Franke
BACK
VISCERAL DAMAGE
The Feast Of Flesh (Demo 2003)
(self financed)
19:19min
Don’t shun this band just because of the pretty lame band name and
cliché song titles like ‘Cannibal Semen’, ‘Masturbation Party’
or ‘Maggots Under Skin’, because otherwise you would miss an
excellent raw mixture of INCANTATION ("Onward To Golgatha"
era) and DISGORGE (Mex) I can only highly recommend to any brutal
Death lunatic out there! The vocals consist of deep oldschool
growling plus some Jeff Walker-like screams and set themselves
positively apart from the ordinary mike-up-your-throat gurgling
common these days. Musically the five songs plus an Intro are a
delicious, sinister and gory brutal Death bloodfeast blasting and
shredding your fucking guts out!!! The full-length debut of the
Spanish quintet should surface via Xtreem Music in the first months
of 2003 and you should not miss this fucking killer demo, too.
Contact the band by writing an email to sanburfr@euitiv.upv.es
or visit www.xtreemmusic.com,
VISCERAL DAMAGE’s label’s website, where you might find more
information and maybe even MP3 files – I know they have a huge
section for multimedia stuff there, check it out!
Stefan Franke
BACK
VISCERAL BLEEDING
Absorbing The Disarray
(Neurotic Records)
37:22min
How I feel about VISCERAL BLEEDING, and their latest contribution here, to the score of CDs that I have reviewed this week, is the exact same that can be and was said about their fellow countrymen AEON, of whom I recently ripped their throats out in a review for their latest and grossly unneeded album “Rise To Dominate “. Granted VISCERAL BLEEDING escape that savage attack to the neck for not being signed to Metal Blade, and thanks be to whatever god didn’t make that happen, and yes VISCERAL BLEEDING are indeed a better band talent-wise than AEON, meaning that to emulate and rip DEICIDE off almost note-for-note is absolutely nothing in comparison of the skill level required that it takes trying to sound dead on to SUFFOCATION. The point of contention here is the fact that the world doesn’t need anymore clone bands! If any of our readers was alive, cared enough or and were following the trends of what was happening within the
underground back in the early to mid 90s you’ll remember the explosion of bands, from the States in particular, that couldn’t write an original riff to save their souls! They not only looked like they played in DEICIDE / MORBID ANGEL or SUFFOCATION, but they sounded just like them too! Often went so far as to use the same gear as any of those three bands mentioned, wrote their music and lyrics often the very same way and even some took matters a step further and went to the extreme of conducting themselves in public like their heroes! Obnoxious to say the very least! And may I add that reviewing all these counterfeit bands was no easy feat! You think it is bad now, swatting at all these god damned godforsaken third and fourth rate Black Metal bands these days!? You try reviewing demo after demo, CD after fucking CD of these plagiarists instead on a daily basis and see if you don’t go a little bit crazy! I tell you the only good that became of these acts, these forgeries, was that I could sell ‘em to the local music shop down the street for few dollars a piece! Hallelujah for that! Because otherwise I’d be up to my elbows in counterfeit bands and their weak ass compact disc attempts!
Now…getting back to VISCERAL BLEEDING. I get the fact that VISCERAL BLEEDING might take the skill level compliment of sounding like SUFFOCATION mentioned above, as a compliment, albeit back-handed compliment, but a compliment all the same, when in fact it really isn’t. The point that you all blatantly copy a known band, and especially one that has been in the American Death Metal scene since damn our scene’s Death Metal’s infancy, almost, is really shit. Even if you try to saddle your expected retort to this review with the half-ass argument that your music is written the way it is, in more reverence than anything else, the facts as they are before us just will not stand. Copying SUFFOCATION to the degree that you do, not only musically but also lyrically, and even title your songs accordingly as well…Songs on this reviewed disc as ‘Disgust The Vile’, ‘Despise Defined’, and ‘Awakened By Blood ‘. I would wager what meager funds in my wallet, that I don’t really have to gamble at present, that if you were to play your band’s CD either before or after a SUFFOCATION disc to a blindfolded man, who doesn’t even need to be a fan of extreme Death Metal, my money is still in good standing that even he probably couldn’t tell their was a distinct audio difference of one band to the other! I’ll also wager a few dollars more that if you were to play this particular disc in review today, in a club setting, at a SUFFOCATION gig, and knowing what I know of that band and its members who do like to hang out and talk with those Metalheads who showed up to see them backstage. I would wager these few extra dollars more that you could easily trick one or more of that band. Who for the sake of this story mayhaps weren’t paying the utmost attention to what was going on around them at the time
and / or weren’t sure when exactly they were supposed to go on, and heard “Absorbing The Disarray” blasting from the club’s speakers. That they just might turn their head in disbelief towards the stage and think for a split second that their own band went on without them! Funny as that might sound, that really isn’t cool or anything to be proud of. If any advice can be given to VISCERAL BLEEDING it would be this. STOP! Stop with the SUFFOCATION wanna-be shit and take a year or two off and discover your own sound. This CD proves without a shadow of a doubt the level of each member’s musicianship and that you can handle your instruments with surgical precision. And from what I see off your websites your obvious diligence with that and fact that an independent has signed you, and that you all play out constantly tells me you are more than serious enough or more so than any average band. So why do you waste your time like this by not putting forth the real effort to forge your own path and instead be remembered for that? There is no honor in being the best carbon copy of another’s Metal band. A plagiarist is still a plagiarist.
Contact: info@visceralbleeding.com
or www.visceralbleeding.com
or www.myspace.com/visceralbleeding
Wes Rhodes
BACK
VITAL REMAINS
Dechristianize
(Century Media Records)
60:40min
This was definitely one of the
CDs at least I anticipated the most and hellish thanks to the
infernal Lord, it is finally in my filthy hands. DEICIDE’s
controversial frontman Glen Benton teams up with VITAL REMAINS
mastermind Tony Lazaro (guitars) and Dave Suzuki (bass, lead
guitars, drums) to “Dechristianize” this rotten world, but do
they succeed? They fucking do!!! This 60 minutes long (no bonus or
hidden track crap) epic inferno that’s blasting relentlessly out
of my speakers for hours now is one of the Death Metal highlights
this year. I can hardly imagine which bands could top this
incredible effort, maybe the new MORBID ANGEL, but that’s it!
“Dechristianize” is violent, hymnic, full of technical finesse
and variation and should convince anyone who disliked Glen Benton
in the past and doubted his qualities of the opposite. His vocal
work is devastating, his voice thrones upon murderous riffs,
sinister melodies and the aggressive hammering drums. Songs like
the title-track, ‘At War With God’, ‘Saviour To None,
Failure For All’ or the closing 10 minute long masterpiece
‘Entwined By Vengeance’ (featuring those Spanish guitars one
could witness on the previous album “Dawn Of The Apocalypse”)
combine sheer brutality and triumphant melodicity that prevents
the album from getting monotonous perfectedly. I always try to be
cautious with superlatives, but “Dechristianize” is simply one
of the best albums I have heard in the last three years and it
will still be remembered in ten, I’m sure of that. Unleash this
monument of unholy intensity in your CD player and you will be
consumed by purest evil... For additional information, such as
release date etc surf to
www.centurymedia.de.
Stefan Franke
BACK
VITAL REMAINS
Icons Of Evil
(Century Media)
67:20min
Since as far back as I can remember, I have had a fascination with Evil.
Not just in word as is common place among most Metallers but also in deed. So too it is then that
many others that I have encountered have traveled the Left Hand
Path, and of those, some have even made a living from it. Hence
SABBATH's "Live Evil" double album, the band EVIL
"Evil's Message" MLP, SODOM's "In The Sign Of
Evil" MLP, SABBAT's "Born By Evil Blood" 7" EP,
DIO's "Dream Evil" LP, FORBIDDEN's "Raw Evil - Live At
The Dynamo" LP, INCANTATION's "Entrantment Of Evil" 7"
EP, nor who can forget ANCIENT RITES "Evil Prevails" debut
7" EP? Even now in more recent times NECRODEATH's "Mater Of
Evil" LP and of course DESTRUCTION's latest, cleverly touting
their legendary status being that of the "Inventor of
Evil"! It stands to reason that someone, somewhere would drop
the hammer so-to-speak (pun intended - see "I.O.E" cover)
on all of these Metalfolk once and for all and on top of Christ's
head too for good measure! Here it is then that Rhode Island natives
VITAL REMAINS are back with another vengeful take on all that is
unholy and brutally heavy with this their sixth full length CD album
entitled "Icons of Evil". I don't have to tell you how
good this record is. Anyone who has been following VITAL
REMAINS knows that with the inclusion of Glen in recent years, VITAL
is just totally revamped and nothing can match the sincerity of how
each track is written, recorded nor easily match the ferocity in
delivery both in the studio and in the live setting. As you know,
"Icons Of Evil" is the second full length from VITAL
REMAINS with Glen Benton / DEICIDE handling the vocal duties. I have
seen and heard many incarnations of this band. All of whom I have
special regard for and yes I will agree with most out there who have
been following VITAL REMAINS each version does have with it, its
high and low points. Yet for me, personally speaking, the effort
Glen makes here within VITAL REMAINS is so far and away superior
than anything he's been currently vomiting over in Florida with
DEICIDE, it has become apparent a decision must be made. VITAL
REMAINS or DEICIDE. Who's it gonna be? Honestly I wish the
inevitable would just happen already and that the answer this fan is
looking for includes Steve Asheim / DEICIDE being asked to join the
ranks of VITAL REMAINS on the drums! Steve Asheim on the drums would
compound the interest on the capital VITAL has made since Glen's
enlistment times ten! Steve Asheim would assuredly open yet another
chapter for VITAL REMAINS, albeit better said a new era! Not only
solidifying VITAL's backbone / core foundation, Steve Asheim could also assist with the closing of that
infected old wound known as DEICIDE. And that wretched gash of a
band as we all know has bled enough in recent years, hasn't it? If
anything else needs to be said about this album over what you don't
already know and have come to admire and expect in the VITAL camp. One review that I read of their
previous album effort "Dechristianize", spoke of how
"refreshing it is to hear music that manages to be epic (in
terms of length and overall feel) yet is also confidently catchy -
without seeming contrived" and is an "essential listen for
anyone into Extreme Metal." Nothing more really needs to be
said other that this I think about "Icons Of Evil". Every
track herein on this original nine song offering just rips! That
being said I will try not to spoil the ending of this album for you.
However, it is my duty to inform you that the real gem of this disc,
the bonus tenth track entitled 'Disciples Of Hell' (those who grew
up in the '80s know from where this is hailed from) needs to be
heard to be believed! Contact: VITAL REMAINS c/o Tony Lazaro, P.O.
BOX 6335, Central Falls, RI 02863, USA, vitalremains2000@aol.com, www.vitalremains.com,
www.centurymedia.com.
On
sale
here.
Wes Rhodes
BACK
VIU
DRAKH
Take No Prisoners, Grind Them All And Leave This Hell
(Moonstorm Records / EFA)
36:48min
I can't thank good ol' Hacker enough for introducing me to this
godly band, cause ever since I received VIU DRAKH's new CD it constantly
gets played on my stereo! The band already started out in 1993 (back
then as TINPANALLEY), did a bunch of tours and even released two
CD's ("TinPanAlley" in 1996 and "Noize Militia –
Live" in 1997). In 1998 they changed their name into VIU DRAKH
and put out the "Back To Chaos" CD. Some more tours followed
until their latest ten tracker "Take No Prisoners, Grind Them
All And Leave This Hell" finally saw the light of day in April
this year. The biggest mistake would certainly be to expect CELTIC
FROST – type music from the guys just because their guitarist /
vocalist is called Thomas Fischer... Ha, these guys are far more
intense than the Swiss legend ever was! Just imagine the following:
TERRORIZER's "World Downfall" gets mixed with raw and
very energetic (vintage SLAYER-esque) Thrash and some Crustcore
elements, while the vocals sound like a mixture of Oscar Garcia
(TERRORIZER), Martin Van Drunen (PESTILENCE / ASPHYX etc.) and Wannes
Gubbels (PENTACLE / ASPHYX). Their songwriting is based on a simple,
yet very crushing structure, always hard hitting, fast forward and
directly punching into your face! The used elements are all wellknown
already, but unlike many other bands these days, VIU DRAKH managed
to put them together in an incredible fresh sounding way. Unfortunately
the packaging / layout of the CD looks rather poor, but who gives
a fuck when the music is this awesome! Essential!!!
Frank Stöver
BACK
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