In case you haven’t read it somewhere else already, let me tell you that AFTER DEATH is the new home of former MORBID ANGEL-, INCUBUS-, NOCTURNUS- and ACHERON – drummer / vocalist Mike Browning. I really have no idea why it took so long until a label was finally willing to release something properly of this band, cause quality wise AFTER DEATH is by no means any worse than NOCTURNUS for instance (a band which AFTER DEATH musically is probably the closest to). At least Iron Pegasus Records were courageous enough to change this situation for the better now and came up with a cool product for all those who missed out on AFTER DEATH’s previous activities. “Retronomicon”, the 14 tracker in question here, is not an actual debut album, but a compilation of all self-financed studio recordings the band has delivered up til now. In detail that is the previously unreleased “Vibrations” EP (from 2000) as well as the three demos “Consumed By Fire” (2003), “Reviving The Gods” (2004) and “Secret Lords Of The Star Chamber Below” (2006). Like I already mentioned, the overall style is often kinda close to older NOCTURNUS, with the difference that AFTER DEATH is not as complex in their writing and instead a bit more atmospheric and maybe even less brutal. Somehow you could get the impression that this is kinda like the “grown-up” version of the early NOCTURNUS stuff. Not all of the “Retronomicon” songs totally made my day though, to be quite honest with you… Especially the pretty annoying backing vocals of Lisa Lombardo in ‘Temple Of Cthulhu’ and the remake of the old NOCTURNUS demo track ‘Nocturnus’ or her weird use of the keyboard in ‘Astral Stairchase’ makes it pretty difficult to enjoy those tracks. But from what I understand she’s no longer part of the band anymore anyway, so… All in all this is still a highly recommended and very unique release (for fans of Mike Browning in particular, because he still delivers his vocals in his wellknown style), so make sure to check it out. For all further info read our in-depth Mike Browning interview or head to www.afterdeath666.com, www.myspace.com/afterdeath, www.iron-pegasus.com

Does it really make sense to write another review of AFTER DEATH’s "Retronomicon" compilation as the LP-version carries the same songs on it as the CD-version? Probably not, but I don’t care, for one single reason: this band fuckin’ rules! I had the opportunity to watch them (AFTER DEATH / NOCTURNUS) live last week and I can only say that their show was awesome. Not only that the guys played many NOCTURNUS songs, it actually was NOCTURNUS I could see live on stage. Fuck all that legal stuff and the fact that Mike Browning isn’t allowed to use the name NOCTURNUS in the United States, but if there’s a real mastermind behind NOCTURNUS it is for sure Mike Browning, no matter what the owners of the name say. Anyhow, do we really care if it is NOCTURNUS or AFTER DEATH who offers us such godly tunes as ‘Lords Of The Black Path’ or ‘As Below, So Above’? I don’t think so, and it’s an obvious fact that AFTER DEATH, if they are not allowed to be NOCTURNUS, are the logical development of the original idea behind NOCTURNUS. Especially the 4 songs from the "Secret Lords Of The Chamber Below" recording are so unbelievably outstanding that the guys should have serious problems in coming up with some proper follow up. I really hope they won’t take to long to prove me wrong, haha. This double LP offers 2 x 140 gram vinyls in a thick gatefold sleeve, with liner notes and a different layout than the CD-version. The visual aspect of this release is amazing and this release already has a special place in my collection. The first 222 copies come on coloured vinyl and another edition in black vinyl. It’s your decision whether you go for the CD- or the LP-version, but to miss out on this recording would be a huge shame for a dedicated Death Metal maniac. So check out www.iron-pegasus.com for ordering details. www.myspace.com/afterdeath