The second release of the Norwegian / British project CODE is in some way like a drug – I can’t get away from it. The band – currently on European tour with SOLSTAFIR and SECRETS OF THE MOON – has recorded an album which perfectly builds a bridge between the true and ugly face of Black Metal and more avantgarde influences of bands like ARCTURUS or VED BUENS ENDE. "Resplendent Grotesque" is maybe only 35 minutes long but nevertheless a very intense album without offering extreme complex compositions – another proof that sometimes less is more. Especially the vocals are very often the major factor for the two CODE sides; singer Kvohst (also known for his involvement in DODHEIMSGARD) is perfectly capable of the true Black Metal vocals next to very emotional ones (which sometimes reaches areas suitable for the leagues of British Doom Metal bands like ANATHEMA etc.). This is maybe not a release for the wide mass but still an album which becomes better day after day and due to this fact far more interesting than 99% of the current releases. For more info www.codeblackmetal.co.uk, www.myspace.com/taburecordings