Root 'The Book' review

ROOT

'The Book'

(I Hate Records)

We have another re-release from the Root catalog and this time it is 'The Book' which originally was released in 1999. I am a little confused why the re-releases are not coming out in chronological order but I am sure the band and/or label has their reasons for this? With this being the bands 5th full length record you can hear a progression in their sound. Starting with the vocals of Big Boss, as distinctive as ever, here he stretches his lungs and his range turning in a deep well rounded and charismatic performance. I guess one could state they are less black metal sounding than in the past. I mean I still find 'The Book' to be a dark and hypnotic record but I think it is fair to say Root are more of a shadowy atmospheric heavy metal band in these days. It is impressive to see a band changing directions and doing it so seamlessly while keeping their dignity and quality largely intact. Now if you really nail me down and ask which is better, I have to be honest for me the early albums are better but the quality still displayed here is undeniable and Big Boss pulls the album through. They have taken things in a much more epic direction and feel. It is even a little quirky (folk type influence? - check out the track 'Corabeu' for confirmation) at times and can take a little getting used to. You will need to invest some time into this album to fully take in the art of sound woven into this release. Once again I Hate Records leaves no stone unturned and we get as a bonus the pre-production demo versions of songs like 'The Curse', 'Lykorian', and 'Corabeu'. I have just read on the Root website that they plan to record and release a new album entitled 'Heritage of Satan' this year, so keep an eye out for that. They released their first demo in 1988 and here they are still going strong today.

(Dale Roy)

Root 

Rise And Shine 'Empty Hand' review

RISE AND SHINE

'Empty Hand'

(I Hate Records)

We are presented with some classic doom metal / rock coming out of the fertile lands of Sweden. I have to admit straight off the start, that upon first listening, vocalist Josabeth Leidi got on my nerves and I did not like her vocals. But I am finding upon each and every successive listen, her vocals are growing on me more and more. They are very unique sounding and really remind me of no other singer. It sort of reminds me many years ago when I first heard Candlemass, I did not like the vocals, but they also grew on me and eventually I grew to love Messiah Marcolin's vocals. I am getting the feeling that Josabeth is beginning to have the same effect on me. As I mentioned her vocals are so different sounding they add a lot of depth and emotion to the music, it is like the lamp in a lighthouse cutting through the veil of darkness leading in all the lost souls at sea. The music itself is great as well, very classic sounding doom and metal with each instrument played from the heart. There are some fantastic guitar fills that help drive the song and just stick in my head. I am truly enjoying this album more than I ever thought I would upon first listen. Maybe that is something I should pass on to potential listeners give it a chance, a few good listens before you make up your mind on this band. I am surprised I have not heard of Rise and Shine before, they have been pumping out demos, eps and albums since 1993! On the other hand, this is their first new recording in some five years, here is to hoping I can gather up some of their back material one day. Until then I highly recommend this to all classic hippie doom rock followers, such as fans of Trouble, Spirit Caravan, Sabbath, Witchcraft...

(Dale Roy) 

 

Rise And Shine My Space 

(Dale Roy)

Jex Thoth 'Witness' review

JEX THOTH

'Witness'

(I Hate Records)

This is my introduction to Jex Thoth. I do think I shall be searching out some releases by the group. I would posit that they will appeal to fans of traditional doom metal and fans of epic heavy metal. What grabs me immediately are the monolithic, ploddingly heavy riffs that set the atmosphere for the fantastic and hypnotic vocals of Jessica Thoth. They draw you in and you quickly lose yourself in their mental tapestry, drawing a superb melancholy range of emotions. You kind of forget about everything else around you and your eyes are closed even when they are open as your mind is off swimming in the ether. For those of you that have experienced this sort of trip, it is magic and there is no slight of hand involved. There are only 3 songs on here so it is only a taste of what is to come. It leaves me wanting more and hoping it comes soon.

(Dale Roy)

Jex Thoth 

Insidious Omen 'Anointed With The Blood Of Chaos' review

INSIDIOUS OMEN

'Anointed With The Blood Of Chaos'

(Ahdistuksen Aihio Productions)

Insidious Omen are from Canada and more specifically from the area I grew up and spent the first 25 years of my life. So immediately the band peek my interest. As near as I can tell this release was released as a 7 inch vinyl a couple years ago and there has been nothing added on here as bonus. The recording definitely reminds to me to some of the old low-fi recordings from the late 80s and early 90s before everyone could record on their computer and use that pro tools shit. Those that love a crisp, full sound on their releases will immediately want to avoid. Think of Blasphemy on their 'Fallen Angel of Doom' record, where it sounds like they are in a cave and someone is holding a microphone in the air outside the cave. I like it and some of my fave old releases sounded much like this. I mean who does not love early Beherit and the like?! There are only 3 songs on here but they are long songs ranging from the 8 to 10 minute mark. I think I have also thrown out some comparables to give you an idea of their sound. Like I mentioned early Beherit, Blasphemy, Conqueror possibly mixed with a little more ambient sounds and interludes ala Acheron on 'Rites of The Black Mass', though without the incantations and evocations. They also employ some more somber, reflective sections in between the bombardment. I enjoyed this and I am sure ardent fans of the warring metal style will also, but at the same time this is far from essential stuff.

(Dale Roy)

Insidious Omen 

Realmbuilder 'Summon The Stone Throwers' review

REALMBUILDER

'Summon The Stone Throwers'

(I Hate Records)

You got to love how the UG scene works its magic. It takes a Swedish label to turn me on to a band from New York City, only a couple hours drive down the road. I am just now finding out as well that the main man behind this band by the name of Czar, is actually S. Craig Zahler. I remember this guy handing me a copy of his fanzine, at a metalfest in New Jersey, many years ago. Then of course he went on to be one the better writers for Metal Maniacs magazine. Anyway, Craig plays drums and sings on 'Summon...'. His vocal delivery is sort of half spoken / half sung, not many bands do vocals like but I enjoy them. I have a feeling they might be considered an acquired taste for some. Some might find them a tad cheesy, but who cares about those people. He has a sound of his own to his vocals, which in this day and age is big compliment. The band delves into the fantasy world with their imagery and lyrics. I think lovers of things like J.R.R. Tolkien, Dungeons & Dragons, Robert Jordan novels / imagery and similar things will dig that. Realmbuilder have that sort of dry, epic and laid back style maybe a little like early Candlemass or Manilla Road. The bio lists Morningstar as an influence. I could definitely see that, I am a huge fan of their old demo tape 'Inside the Circle of Pentagram'. They are in a hurry to do nothing with their stripped down and hypnotic sort of style. I have to be honest I am kind of excited to see more and more of this style of classic NWOBHM and classic epic doom, coming from America. It may be a nod to the past in many ways, but I would argue that it also adds a fresh air our scene needs and could use more of these days. With each and every listen I find Realmbuilder draw me in just a little further than before. I am quite addicted to their sound at this point. You should be to.

 (Dale Roy)

Realmbuilder My Space 

Heretic 'Praising Satan' review

HERETIC

'Praising Satan'

(Soulseller Records)

Well it is odd to me at least that these guys have been around for 15 years and this is the first I had recall hearing of them. 'Praising Satan' is apparently some sort of best of / compilation release that apparently is celebrating '15 Years Of Ultimate Satanic Sleaze'. I can not seem get a handle on whether this is supposed to be a joke band or something serious. Obviously the logo is a homage or simply mocking the logo of Beherit. I seen an interview online and the guy in the interview acted serious in it and said he was a devotee of Beherit, Barathrum, Mayhem, Root, Darkthrone. So I guess I will give the benefit of the doubt there is supposed to be some sort of serious intent behind the band. The whole presentation of the band, album and song titles such as 'Horns of Hell', 'Thunderbelial', 'Pure Goat Glorification', 'Black Metal Overlords' had me wondering though. The music itself is decent for what is, and is simple sloppy punk rock with a metal undertone and some definite Venom worship. Which is always a good thing in my books, being a Venom maniac myself. Nothing amazing here, but I could still appreciate it. Obviously any black metal fans who pick it up that are looking for pure bm or sympho type crap and do not care for punk, will be easily and quickly disappointed. They are certainly unique that is for sure. I would say fans of raunchy punk, Venom and Piledriver type stuff will like this.

(Dale Roy)

 

Heretic MySpace 

Hat 'Vortex Of Death' review

HAT

'Vortex Of Death'

(Abyss Records)

The Hat keep the old Norwegian classic black metal traditions alive. I never tire of this sound, style no matter how many times I hear it again and again. It is probably only fair that you know that about me ? I worship old school black metal. You can tell listening to this that Hat themselves have listened to and possess great reverence for the old bands on their early works like Darkthrone, Immortal, Emperor, Graveland etc. It is just so hateful, cold, cutting you to pieces with cruel torture. Yes I do not tire of their archetypal obscure bm rasp vocals, tremolo picking and hypnotic driven drumming. 'Vortex of Death' is really well done and you can just feel the men behind it are dedicated to what they are doing. I simply can not resist recommending this album highly to you.

 (Dale Roy)

Hat MySpace 

Gravewurm 'Blood Of The Pentagram' review

GRAVEWURM

'Blood Of The Pentagram'

(Hells Headbangers)

It is good to hear Gravewurm once again, it has been a little while for me. It is too bad to hear that this album will be the final curtain call for the band. They have been around 20 years! I used to be in contact / friends with the main man of this band (we lost contact over the years). In fact, I recall doing a couple tape trades with him and he recorded me some great Macabre stuff among other things. Shit I am old as that tape trade was about a decade ago ha-ha. Anyway, back to the album at hand here. Gravewurm still worship the sounds of old and I hear some stuff like Nunslaughter, Varathron, Sathanas, Acheron etc. I suppose in some ways not a lot has changed, it still sounds like some metalhead coming up with some good heavy straight forward riffs and just basically jamming them without much variation or dynamics. Then take those jam riffs and fit some drums and vocals over top of it rather than attempting to make the riffs fit the other instruments and vice versa. So it is straight forward and can get a little monotone at times, but it still has a cool aura to it and you can definitely headbang to it. Being able to bang your head while having that raw old school sound is a good thing. Followers that like intricate song crafting will not get into this. The vocals are raspy whispered growls that are not a strong point for the band, but manage to get the job done. Nothing too essential here yet die hards of the old school sound that are not too picky will surely find something to like here. 

(Dale Roy)

Gravewurm @ Hells Headbangers

 

Grave Desecrator 'Insult' review

GRAVE DESECRATOR

'Insult'

(Hells Headbangers)

Brazilian black thrash the way you expect it to be played with the past rich history of bands from South America. You know that obscure sounding, dirty riffing and dark echo style production, the recording here is better than many old releases. But you can hear influence of the earlier works of bands like Sarcofago, Vulcano type style mixed with early German thrash releases like Sodom and Kreator. The solos on 'Insult' are smoking hot and hit you short and quick, but definitely add something to the song. The guitars at times are more mid paced and heavy with some break neck speed bursts. The mix of those speeds giving Grave Desecrator a more fleshed out sound. The vocals are classic old school whispered shouts with that thrash growl and their marriage with the music is well met. I think this record would be appreciated by all old school thrash metal fans who like their music on the dangerous and sinister side.

(Dale Roy)

Grave Desecrator MySpace 

Evoken / Beneath The Frozen Soil 'Split' review

EVOKEN / BENEATH THE FROZEN SOIL

Split CD

(I Hate Records)

Well going on nearly two decades after their inception. The doomy masters Evoken continue to steamroll across the landscape like a creeping fog. I see Dave Wagner is now part of the band. I know Dave's work well as I am a fan of his other bands Abazagorath and Funebrarum. Evoken present four songs (only one under 10 minutes, it is basically a full length Evoken album!) of primordial doom death that is guaranteed to rip you a new asshole, even if the ripping is done in slow motion. The measured riffs are so heavy and foreboding, creating a truly desolate atmosphere peppered with some nice guitar fills and drumming that accentuates the obscure suffocating feel of it all. The vague growling vocals sort of float in and out of the background with stealth and add to the mental scenery the music of Evoken paints in your mind. Evoken are both ugly and beautiful at the same time. I found myself in awe of their power.
I believe this is my first experience with Beneath The Frozen Soil. It appears like they have been around some years but as of yet no full length album released. There is nothing wrong with that however in my view, too many bands rush into their first album, especially it seems in Scandinavia. Beneath... hit us with three songs, for just over 20 minutes of music. They do not have the same devastating effect on me that Evoken did, but all the same this is very good Swedish doom death metal. Beneath are maybe a little less obscure and ever so slightly more upbeat than Evoken, but just as dark and depressive. They are more into the keyboard accents yet it is not done in an intrusive or overpowering fashion. Some crushing stuff from these Swedes, I find myself already wanting more already. The more I listen to Beneath The Frozen Soil the more addicted to their music I seem to become. To be honest I do not see how any self-respecting doom devotee could possibly not even just want, but must have this split album in their collection. In my view, it is a landmark release in the genre, pure and simple.

 (Dale Roy)

Evoken My Space

Beneath The Frozen Soil 

Drakar 'Let Draka' review

DRAKAR

'Let Draka / The Flight Of The Dragon' 2 CD

(I Hate Records)

I must confess I missed this band the first time when they were around, and had not even heard of them. I am little sad about that fact ,I wish I heard them decades ago. I am able to find little information on this band, they are from the Czech Republic (the second I heard the vocals I already knew this, more on that later), and this particular release was originally set loose on the world way back in 1990. I think it would be fair to call them a slower paced thrash metal band with a lot of old heavy metal influence. Their sound though is so distinct, instant classic sounding, and the odd quirky speed of the songs makes it sound so cool and it just sticks in your head. There are some superb guitar leads and fills and they really help round out the songs without sounding like a wank at all. Now back to the vocals. The second I heard them and the phrasing of the words, I knew these guys were Czech. It often reminds me to the cleaner, dark sounding parts from the legendary Czech band Root. I worship Root and am fully obsessed with their vocals delivered via the talented Big Boss. I can not get enough of the vocals on this album. The fact that it is all backed with wonderful, classic sounding songs only further takes this record to elite levels in my view. The only track I do not like on here is the one with the English chorus called 'Crazy Boy', it is a more upbeat happy sounding song than the other material, but the English sung vocals are horrible and ruin the song. Apparently this is limited to only 500 copies. A magnificent record and I am thrilled I have finally found this at after missing out for all these years. I consider myself lucky to have a copy and I am also happy I got the Czech language sung version. The two disc in case you wondered are the Czech and English versions apparently.

(Dale Roy)

Denouncement Pyre 'World Cremation' review

DENOUNCEMENT PYRE

'World Cremation'

(Hells Headbangers)

I have not seen a logo that hard to decipher for a while. It brings back some nostalgia from the early to middle 90s with all the great brutal death bands. That feeling is well founded musically as well as Denouncement Pyre's brand of death metal harkens back to some classic early 90s dm. I love the production on here, really heavy but old school sounding. The drum sound has that deep in your chest thud quality on the bass drum and the nice pitter patter timbre from the tom toms that I love and is so often missing these days. It is an organic sounding production; unlike many an album today that sounds like each instrument has a layer of slick plastic wrapped around it. The vocals are not your traditional death metal growls, but rather most of the time an evil and dark sounding hiss / rasp with an undertone of the old stand-by growl. Those vocals really suit the ominous malevolent atmosphere the music creates. They have a little different style, but think of the atmosphere created on the masterpiece album 'Rites Of The Black Mass' by Acheron or maybe some earlier Ancient Rites stuff. All these damn Australians seem to know how to do  great UG metal!

(Dale Roy)

Denouncement Pyre MySpace 

Count Raven 'Mammon's War' review

COUNT RAVEN

'Mammon's War'

(I Hate Records)

Count Raven is a name well-known to doom heavy metal merchant followers like myself. The Raven had been silent, for some, long thirteen years now! Apparently the original band tried a reformation, but despite some good live appearances was once again not destined to continue. The main-man of Count Raven, Dan Fondelius decided to carry on regardless and recruited new members Fredrik Jansson on bass and Jens Bock on the skins. What with so much time passing and some original pieces falling by the way side. Has the old magic faded away? It is the question swirling in my mind as I prepared to play 'Mammon's War' with muted anticipation. The biggest positive for me is Fondelius staying, as he is the vocalist and much of the character of the old foundation. His Ozzy Sabbath-era vocals, are perfect for this style of classic doom, and, I am admittedly a sucker for this vocal style. The opening track, 'The Poltergeist' grabs you straight away as a hooky, traditional heavy metal burner that should please fans of old. You get some of everything, from the heavy to the emotional, melancholy and introspective. But you are snapped out of the trance with great rocking as well and memorable riffs. It is hard not to enjoy the sullen, epic atmosphere on this album and some of the nuanced and classy background guitar accents of Fondelius are not lost on me. This is a grand return to form for Count Raven in my view. I hope the new line up is solid and they stay around for another long run. Get this.

 (Dale Roy)

Count Raven MySpace 

( Newsflash: Both other guys parted ways with Dan since...-ED)

Blut Aus Nord 'The Mystical Beast Of Rebellion' review

BLUT AUS NORD

'The Mystical Beast Of Rebellion'

(Debemur Morti Productions)

I am no authority on the Blut Aus Nord catalog. I think I only have one of their releases I reviewed and off the top of my head it was the one that followed this record in 2003. An album that was on the experimental black metal side of things during that time to an extent I suppose. I have not given the band a lot of thought since then. As I am sure most of you know this is a re-release of the bands 2001 album. From what I can gather about the band and their history, this release was kind of a transitional one for them. It bridges the gap between their harsher black metal roots and their newer material, which is more experimental and maybe a little bizarre even. With 'Mystical Beast...' you can hear the old Darkthrone and Burzum influence. But Blut Aus Nord do this style very well and add their own stamp to it. It is a moody, depressive and introspective black metal record yet it never lets the harsh cold anger that made the old second wave of black metal so great in my mind. I am finding it difficult not be possessed by the freezing sounds on here and at the same time impressed with the dedication and craftsmanship that went into constructing this musical experience. Debemur Morti do not disappoint with the quality in which the double disc album is presented either. This comes highly recommended by me. 

(Dale Roy)

Blut Aus Nord 

Blaspherian 'Infernal Warriors Of Death' review

BLASPHERIAN

'Infernal Warriors Of Death'

(Deathgasm Records)

Blaspherian are from Texas, they have been around half a decade or so, yet this is their debut album. You know I kind of like that. So many bands rush right into making an album or signing the first offer that comes along from the thousands of small labels. Blaspherian have been releasing a couple demos and EPs and honing their craft. I think this album will appeal to fans of old school death metal that got off on bands like early Incantation, Imprecation, Immolation (though not as complex or layered but in general sound) and maybe even some death / doom bands like Disembowelment and the like. Yes fans of newer death will probably not like this, and complain about how low-fi / obscure sounding it is, like hey dude where are the start and stop jumping time changes?! I would guess Blaspherian would be pleased about that reaction, because they did not make this album for them, it is proudly the antithesis of that metal/mallcore crap. These guys love to hang out there with that rumbling doomy wall of monotonous wall of noise; it just runs over you like a steamroller. They do change it up at times and inject short bouts of adrenaline with frenzied drums that batter the kit from one end to the other. The vocals are extremely obscure deep growls that mostly melt into the background of the mix and music. The whole thing is pretty brutal and hypnotic at the same time. I like it, but I bet it will be an acquired taste for some of you reading this.

 (Dale Roy)

Blaspherian My Space 

(Dale Roy)

Acid Witch 'Stoned' review

ACID WITCH

'Stoned'

(Hells Headbangers)

Classic intro mainstream documentary type clip on Satanism, that gives off that 'Rosemary's Baby' sort of atmosphere. These clips continue to pop up throughout the album. Some will see that as cheesy I am sure, but I like it. Raunchy and evil fuzz death/doom/stoner metal is what you get on 'Stoned'. I automatically find myself thinking of great American doom band Goatlord. The bio throws in Deep Purple as an influence, maybe the pacing here and there but otherwise I do not hear that at all. I like the mix of horror / Satanism alongside the stoner aesthetic, it is different you have to give them that much. The vocals are clear and understandable but also vomiting and deep, it is a nice combination which works well with the music. The pacing is good with the rhythmic ritualistic repetition interspersed with more rocking and upbeat sections ala St. Vitus at times I suppose. Some killer guitar fills and short soloing which really adds to the atmosphere. There is nothing especially stand out or amazing about Acid Witch. But they are a little off-beat and they roll out some powerful fuzzed out death/doom with that sinister touch. I found myself enjoying this album.

(Dale Roy)

Acid Witch MySpace 

Abacinate 'Genesis' review

ABACINATE

'Genesis'

(Epitomite Productions) 

American death metal though not of the old school I come from and tend to like. No, 'Genesis' resides in new school sounds mixing death metal and hardcore in the breakdown kind of style. There are even some traces of the melodo Scandinavian metal ala In Flames or Children of Bodom ilk. Some of the growling vocals are actually really good, but every now and then they get kind of rhyme-y and rap like, which rapidly loses the plot for me and turns me off completely. I like Abacinate best when they put their heads down and just rip full force ahead with their heaviest death metal riffing. Those moments are generally interrupted with the breakdowns and hardcore sections. I have nothing against hardcore, I like it, but not that many death metal bands are adept at combining the two in an interesting way. The melodic power metal influence at times does help to cut down on the awkward transitions from dm to hardcore and add a touch of class to proceedings. A mixed bag here, I think you really have to dig the metal core thing or whatever they are calling it these days (hey I am an old man I might be out of touch here), to enjoy this album, at least it does not delve too far into the lame mallcore thing. We must be thankful for small favours sometimes ha-ha. 

 (Dale Roy) 

Abacinate

Epitomite Productions 

Witchunter 'Crystal Demons' review

WITCHUNTER

'Crystal Demons'

(High Roller Records)

Witchunter from Italy have joined forces under the flag of NWOTHM, a style that's all the rage in various circles today. The band has quoted Raven, Angel Witch, Holocaust, Jaguar, Tygers Of Pan Tang and Tank as their main influences, and it shows in their music, combined with their love for the occult, as some of the titles suggest. 'Crystal Demons' is a decent album, with some of the more choice cuts being 'Ready Tonight', 'Princess Of Hell', 'Over The Lighting' and 'Speed Killer', as well as their bow to Judas Priest in 'Road Master'. Band's singer, Steve De Leo, uses a wide range and always sounds convincing, and doesn't bother me with his highs and screams, unlike some of the other vocalists in the genre. Add to this a cover of Tygers Of Pan Tang and here we have a rather nice debut album, available on CD by My Graveyard Prod and limited edition vinyl by High Roller. [7,5] 

(Asen Asenov)

Witchunter My Space  

 

Deathfist 'Too Hot To Burn' review

DEATHFIST

‘Too Hot to Burn’

(Pure Steel Records)

Even though a relatively new band, Deathfist's line-up is comprised of musicians who couldn't be exactly called rookies – vocalist Corinna Becker and guitarist Marcus Wichman are known for their work with Mortal Remains, who have been in the scene for a while already. 'Too Hot To Burn' is the band's debut full length, following an EP released in 2009 and what we've here is nicely played and very eager sounding thrash that combines the aggressiveness and speed of Kreator and Exodus (especially in Corinna's singing manner). Their MySpace also quotes Metallica as an influence, but I don't hear that. The songs are straightforward and pummelling, non-compromising and rapid, akin to machine-gun fire aimed at the listener. There is real high energy here and band's gigs should be quite the head-banging spectacles, I reckon. The album is flat out cool, couple of the more impressive songs for me were 'Demons' and the title track 'Too Hot To Burn'. Too hot indeed, and if you need your trip to the circles of hell as well then get this album. [8]

 (Asen Asenov) 

Deathfist 

Artizan 'Curse Of The Artizan' review

ARTIZAN

'Curse Of The Artizan'

(Pure Steel Records)

The time has come for the debut album of the US young metal hopefuls, Artizan. Artizan play melodic power/progressive metal, with a prominent use of melodic guitar riffs. Every band has, more or less, their own style but it doesn't hurt to mention that Artizan seem to be influenced by Manilla Road and Jag Panzer's epic vibe, spiced by some Crimson Glory to justify the prog tag. Album's weakest link appear to be the vocals of Tom Braden, his style is a little bit one-dimensional and lacking certain power at times. The band, however, more than makes up for that with their musical ideas, with predominantly mid-tempo songs filled with some marvellous melodic nuances that bring forth the well needed depth to these tunes. The title track 'Curse Of The Artizan', with its 10 minute duration is the absolute peak of the album, along with 'Rise', which is also class. Hopefully Artizan will be successful in the melodic/power scene, no matter how crowded it appears to be nowadays. [8] 

(Asen Asenov)

Artizan