Guess a lot people were surprised to see this compilation released! French CATACOMB’s discography is released in one of the best packages I’ve ever seen. For those who don’t know them, this band spawned in 1990 from the fusion of MACABRA and DEATHWING. Their first demo “Morbid Attraction” was released in 1991 and later that same year the demo “The Lurker At The Treshold”. Both injected an amount of darkness and pure Death Metal that was yet unseen in the French underground! Especially the second demo was an obvious improvement and received great reviews also internationally. In late 1992 they recorded and released their third demo “In The Maze Of The Kadath” which later got released as an EP by Drowned Records. After that some line-up changes effected the stability and in February 2003 they called it the quits. People familiar with the French scene might recognize the name of drummer Krof Beard, from his remarkable portfolio. The music can be compared to that of SINOATH and Finish Death Metal (for the atmosphere) like DEPRAVITY or DEMIGOD. Dark and moody riffing, inhumanly deep distored vocals, superb keyboards, that create a macabre atmosphere that perfectly fits the H.P. Lovercraft and occultism inspired lyrics. Not focussing on speed or brutality, but more doomy, aiming for utter sinister darkness with class. The “In The Maze Of Kadath” and “The Lurker At The Treshold” releases are absolutely great! Later on, the sound changed to Death / Black Metal losing their key to success. This double CD compilation features their entire discography (!!), covers of SUPURATION, CARCASS, a gig at Tabres from 1992, a lot of rehearsals and extras. The icing on the cake is the overcomplete 32 page full colour booklet stuffed with bio, photos, flyers, lyrics and old covers. Chris Moyen’s cover is again awesome and the layout, done by Shaxul, is very dedicated and well done. Since Shaxul is manager of Armée De La Mort Records, it’s obvious that it couldn’t have been better released than on this label. All in all a wonderful compilation of a forgotten band and a must have for underground rats. Check www.legionofdeathrecords.com or www.myspace.com/iacatacomb for more info and soundbytes.