The name GOATH has a very good reputation in the German extreme Metal underground. And their recent third album “III: Shaped By The Unlight” proves that they earned their reputation for a good reason. It’s the intense and unique sound that makes GOATH something very special. Basically, the music that the three-piece created is deeply rooted in Black Metal. But that’s just a part of what GOATH are all about. On the one hand, they can’t be put in a certain box, as the spirit of the songs presented on “III: Shaped By The Unlight” is nourished by very varying bands like SECRETS OF THE MOON, EMPEROR, DISSECTION or SATYRICON, to name just a few. On the other hand, GOATH pass the border between Black and Death Metal more than once, reminding me in these moments of bands like ARROGANZ or darker MORBID ANGEL. This Death Metal edge adds a lot of aggression, especially on the short and rabidly raging songs like ‘Pretending To Serve While Raping’, ‘Smoltification’ or the title track ‘Shaped By The Unlight’. But the real strength of GOATH are the more atmospheric and abysmally dark songs like ‘Epitome Of Perpetual Rage’ or ‘Clitless Loyalty’, that both are interspersed with aggressive parts. And the final double pack of ‘Perception’ and ‘Impregnated With Black Fire’ turns out to be a real nightmarish ride through the chasms of darkness and depravity. Here it takes effect that GOATH are blessed with two vocalists who know how to vary their voices in order to change the mood of a song. Especially ‘Impregnated With Black Fire’ is a really sinister trip to the depths of the mind. Bands that take the “best of both worlds” to create something unique and huge are extremely rare and therefore need a lot of praise. GOATH are one of them. Visit them at www.facebook.com/goath666 and even more their dedicated label at www.van-records.com

Ah, GOATH… What a kickass band. Only three albums in and Germany’s Black / Death Metallers have proven to their fans that they fucking mean business. Hell, the first album “Luciferian Goath Ritual” did the same thing. These days, with bands coming out of the woodwork who record in their bedroom by themselves and / or who put so little effort into their work that it’s digital only, it’s nice to see full bands showing the peons and wannabes what it’s all about. ‘Symbiosis Of Vengeance And Guilt’ starts it all off with some chaotic guitars and excellent production, highlighting each instrument so they can burst our eardrums individually. The guitars are at a sweltering pace, the drums go fucking all over the place, and the vocals are grimy, filthy and just plain bloodcurdlingly raspy. The second track ‘Pretending To Serve While Raping’ (what a fucking song title!) hits you like a jackhammer in the temple. It’s pure fury full force. GOATH apparently doesn’t believe in letting up. The riffs in ‘Shaped By The Unlight’ are orgasmic in their delivery. I love it when a band has the confidence to just play some heavy-ass Black Metal without trying to experiment. ‘Dissolving Flesh Redemption’, with its almost Viking like throat chants mixed with some battle-cry screams meld well with the epic guitars and bludgeoning drums. Then there’s the swaggering ‘Epitome Of Perpetual Rage’. It throat-punches you until your esophagus is crushed under its blow. ‘Smoltification’, which means “the process where Atlantic salmon parr undergo behavioral, develop mental and physiological changes into smolt”… Ok, I’ll just move on to the next song. Fuck trying to figure that one out. The track rules though. And who can NOT enjoy song-titles like ‘Clitless Loyalty’. It’s an amalgamation of ruthless, blistering guitars and drums that sear the skin off our bones. ‘Perception’ throttles and pounds. The vocals are a little different in this one. But who fucking cares? If by now you’re not having fun, then maybe go listen to Taylor Swift or some shite. Lastly, there’s ‘Impregnated With Black Fire’, a mid-paced ditty that wraps the whole album up nicely. “III-Shaped By The Unlight” is a glorious gem. GOATH are elbowing their way to the front of the stage just so they can dive back off and kick our fucking heads in. I already can’t wait for their next masterpiece. For more info, check out www.facebook.com/goath666, www.facebook.com/vanrecords