CROCELL are an interesting band from Colombia that play an authentic and evil form of old school Black Metal reminiscent of the early ’90s golden era of the genre. Here we have a double release in one album, produced by the German label Misanthrophia Discos, that includes in a strictly limited edition of 250 copies the second demo of the band entitled “Kvlto Maldito” from 2010 and the most recent EP from 2024 called “Vía Siniestra”. I’m really into South American Black Metal bands, because they’re still rooted in the original spirit of the scene without commercial compromises. If you listen to this compilation, you’ll have the proof that CROCELL follows this formula, since they play an obscure and blasphemous form of raw and brutal Black Metal. Clearly there are some differences between the first demo and the EP, it could not be otherwise since there is a 14 years leap in time. First of all you’ll notice the lack of the original bassist Belial, that was murdered in 2007, then in terms of compositions the songs are a bit more structured now, although the sound and the production are still characterized by a crude, lo-fi and minimalist attitude. The frozen and cutting sound of the guitars emerges strongly from the mix, whereas the drums stand in the background with strength and a convincing dose of dynamism. The fast parts in dissonant tremolo pickings and basic blastbeats are well balanced with the slower ones and some depressive arpeggios. The vocals are great too with an insane, monotone, cacophonous and throaty screaming approach. CROCELL are a good example of a traditional and reactionary Black Metal band that has its own certainties in the second wave pioneers of the genre. ‘Kvlto Maldito’ and ‘Via Siniestra’ pay tribute to legendary Norwegian bands such as DARKTHRONE, GORGOROTH and TRELLDOM. If you’re looking for a sound similar to a mixture between MANIAC BUTCHER from Czech Republic and BLACK ANGEL from Peru, this compilation is a great addition to your collection. An highly recommended album dedicated to any fans of true ’90s style Black Metal, those old maniacs that prefer conservative and radical brutality than variety. More information you will find at www.facebook.com/crocell or https://misanthrophia-discos.blogspot.com