Immolation – Close to a World Below

Review By: Aihsile

Immolation, formerly the band Rigor Mortiis, formed in the late 80s. “Steeping on angels…Before Dawn,” released by Repulse Records in 91, yet recorded in 1986/1987 was Immolation’s demo. It was rather raw, and Ross Dolan’s vocals were very much old school style. The CD is now OOP, yet Repulse Records has been said they are going to re-release the demo. In 1991, Immolation released their debut Album “Dawn Of Possession,” on Roadrunner Records. After releasing this album, the increased likings of the band, many other bands started to clone them, and recording countless albums of poor music. This among many other reasons, Immolation didn’t record a second album until five years later. “Here in After,” was released in 1996 by Metalblade Records. With the new style, it proved that they were one of the best death metal bands of their times. They toured endlessly with bands such as Cannibal Corpse and Six Feet Under. Touring in 1997, they began to work on new material. They recorded their 3rd full length entitled “Failures For Gods,” album in the summer of 1998. Due to the delay in artwork, they were forced to release “Failures For Gods” in June of 1999. It was defiantly worth the wait. Immolation did an outstanding job on producing such a sick and complex album. Songs such as “No Jesus No Beast” and “Failures for Gods” are pure total sickness. In November of 2000, they released their 4th and latest album “Close to a World Below.” The most complex and best album produced, by far. Immolation has done an outstanding job throughout these 13 years.

When I first picked up “Close to a World Below,” I didn’t think it was going to reach the depth and originality “Failures for Gods” had. As I began to listen to it, I was absolutely amazed. They really out did their selves with this album. The guitars are so complex, and uneasy timings for the guitar work. The structures of the songs are very untypical, and every song is very emotional. Immolation puts great depth into their music, and they really prove it in “Close to a World Below.” Ross’ vocals are sicker than ever, and the drums are amazing. Lyrically, they are very intelligent; they are blasphemous, yet most are blind to what Ross is saying. Songs like “Fall From a High Place” and “Unpardonable Sin” are some of the most emotional and in depth songs I have ever heard. The only down side to the new album is a few songs are a bit repetitive and lack the structure and complexity Immolation can do. Over all, album is one of the best I own. If you enjoy in depth, emotional, and very technical Death Metal, do buy this album.

Ranking: 9.5

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Rise- DIVINA AETERNUM

Review By: Aihsile

By far, the best album of 2001. Rise has out done themselves with this album. Rise has conquered what most blackened death metal bands have only dreamed of doing. Rise is incredible live, if you ever get a chance to see them, do so, you will not be disappointed. DIVINA AETERNUM is a complete masterpiece!

The first track; Resurrection is pure genius. It starts with a keyboard introduction by Johnson Wang. The music is put together very well. Istvan's vocals are fucking amazing. You'll notice this through out the entire album. Istvan has no weak point with his vocals. As soon as the music all comes together, you will begin to headbang. Its very melodic, but brutal at the same time. Jaime's drums skills really show on this album, and especially on this track. And the guitars, Rik is outstanding. I've noticed that all of the tracks on this album have good climaxes, they do a wonderful job with climaxes. Resurrection is one of my favorite on this album.

The second track; Into Oblivion starts with another Introduction by Johnson. The music is put together nicely. Johnson's talent on keyboard is proven through his harmonizing with the music. You will notice this most in my opinion on Divine Eternity. The acoustic part to this track adds much depth, and the first solo following it fits in nicely. Another thing I thought was added very well was the echoing of the vocals after the first solo. The second solo comes in, which is a little slower, but technical. The solo was a great way to end off the song.

Release, which is track three is one of the more fast passed songs. A solo is started a little too soon I think, I don't really like solos at the beginning of songs, but nonetheless, Rik is amazing at guitar and the solo rocks. After Rik's solo, it slows down a little bit and gets "groovy," in a good way. This song is an instrumental track. Another reason I like this album so much is how the keyboards are added in the album. They aren't typical prissy shit like Dimmu Borgir or Bal Sagoth, the keys are atmospheric and add much depth to all of the songs. I really dug this track for an instrumental. Seems to me that Jaime doesn't have problem at all with blast beating nor any technical drum beats. I haven't heard a weak point in this album with the drumming.

Divine Eternity, perhaps the best song on this album. It starts with Rik doing some acoustic and Johnson. The track is really slow at first, but rises. After the acoustic, it gets into the song. This is the most climaxed song. Johnson helps with the climax a lot. The keyboards harmonize with the music, and get higher. Divine Eternity is fucking sick, there isn't really much more I can say than that.

From Beyond follows Divine Eternity. Its very fast passed. The song is great. I would like to point out though, that I personally don't like more than solo in each song, and I might say that there are too many parts with acoustic. Even though both are good, I just don't like that.

Deceiver is another one of my favorites on this song. It starts with another introduction by Johnson, then Istvan screams "Deceiver." Probably the high point of his vocals are on this song. The keyboards on this track are fucking amazing. They go so well with the guitars. Deceiver is another example of a great song with a climax. After the solo, the song breaks done a little bit, the keyboards are killer on this part. Another song to make this album worth while to listen to over and over.

Last Mortal Dream; track 7. This song starts in acoustic, sounds good; but live I've said before, I don't like the idea of a blackened death metal band having acoustic pieces in every song. After this part, the music comes in, and its slow but heavy as fuck. There are alot of fast parts on this song. The transition from slow to fast worked out killer on this track. There are alot of break downs in this song, which add amazing beats. Three minutes into this track, the music almost stops, and Istvan begins to talk, which is possibly the best break down in this song. Johnson is still playing keyboards, then comes in another acoustic part, which sounds very good with Istvan talking. After the solo, the music gets faster. Fucking killer!

Following Last Mortal Dream,Hadak Ura; track 8. Perhaps my third favorite on this album. One of the bigger high points on this album are the keyboards. This is the only song that Johnson gets do to a solo, and its a mighty fucking awesome solo if i might say so myself. This is a fairly fast song, and quite long, but every minute is worth listening to. I really enjoy the riff about three minutes into the song, where the guitars are playing, then pause and the keyboards come in, the same riff is played over again, the acoustic. This is done for about minute, amazing fucking material, and pure talent.

The last track; Towards the Shining Path. This outro was a great way to sum up this album. Its another acoustic piece, with keyboards. This track is quite dark and atmospheric, which is to the help of Rik and Johnson.

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Disgorge - Cranial Impalement

Review By: Count Mortem

Total Devastation. That's one way to put the 2 demos by southern California's Disgorge. These 2 demos simply kill everything in the dm scene, the brutality on these 2 demos simply slay. From vocalist Matti Way’s brutal vocals, which have set a high standard in guttural vocals, this guy sounds like a person being drowned in a sewage filled lake, brutal isn't it? Then there’s the riffage, total complex, brutal, power chord strumming, chug riffs. The riffs shift so fast it is impossible to count all the riffs patterns in the songs. The drumming of Ricky Myers is all over the place. The drum patterns shift from blast beats, kicks, which keep the albums tempo shifting. These 2 demos are much more chaotic and frenzied than She Lay Gutted but all of Disgorges material is unmatched in brutality and complexity. Any serious brutal dm fan should have all Disgorge material in their collections, mandatory brutality and sickness!

Ranking

10

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Sol Evil- Dawn of Infinite Obscurity

Review By: Aihsile This review has been removed.

BENIGHTED - Harbingers of the Victorium Aeternus (EP)

Review by: Vyzorn

Tenebrous Kingdom

This mighty force out of North Carolina display their talents in the blackened musical arts with this opus, a twenty-seven minute EP called Harbingers of the Victorium Aeternus. While the production is not the best, it's understandably low-fi since the band and label shell out cash from their own pockets for it -- and money doesn't grow on trees. However, what plays from this CD is true art -- the dedication of each participant is evident as Benighted push themselves ever forward throughout. The first track is a synth instrumental intro, with Demoniaque growling and hissing words that lull the listener into a suspenseful wait ... and as "Upon a Throne of Blood" rolls through, with its dense yet high-treble guitars ripping riff after riff, drums pounding away chaotically, and the shrieks of Demoniaque shredding through everything, you have to wonder if this raw, yet twisted symphony of aggression and hatred is the beginning of the end of your life. Onward into "Darkened Hollow," another epic song by the band that displays even more ability to intelligently play their instruments and keep variation going through each song. Onto "Prelude to the War to Come," another synth track that broods more suspense ... and then the longest track on here, "Under an Igneous Luming," rolls through like a freight train with a blend of brutality, aggression, and symphonic/epic structures that flow around the screams of Demoniaque and the singing of Lord Storm (who guest appears on this CD) and Lady Nemesis. Storm also plays an acoustic piece during the song, I believe, which shows a slightly softer side to Benighted -- yet that impression is demolished as they resume the unleashing of hatred in that wicked blend. And the final song, a killer cover of Bathory's "Satan My Master," invokes a primal side in Benighted that many modern black metal bands have tried to capture in their sound ... and failed miserably in doing. Benighted, however, capture this perfectly and inject into it every bit of raw fucking angst and hatred that they can find in themselves, and in the process create a cover song worthy of being a tribute to Bathory. Almighty f*cking hell, keep up the great work here! I want to hear more, and now!

Benighted

Review By: Lord Morder

Definitely one of the most ruthless and violent bands of today's black metal scene is the almighty Enthroned. This band has always come forth with an obvious conviction behind their beliefs. Having a drummer who was deeply involved in Satanic ritual who eventually committed suicide is an obvious display of true belief in what this band stands for. Even with this standing in their way they soldiered on and produced "Towards the Skullthrone of Satan" which is certainly a Satanic masterpiece. Although their previous release of "Apocalypse Manifesto" wasn't all it was cracked up to be, "Armoured Bestial Hell" definitely shows that Enthroned are not only serious in their beliefs, but are musically evolving into a force to be reckoned with.

The guitar work of Nornagest and Nerath Daemon (who is a new addition to the band since former guitarist Nebiros apparently couldn't handle the extremity of Enthroned) is fast, brutal, and even melodic at times. Enthroned have always put forth aggression in their guitar work and are notorious for their slow melodic leads, but on this album the guitar work has improved ten fold and shows much more writing and musical ability than their previous "Apocalypse Manifesto". Although not having the same dark majestic feel as "Prophecies of Pagan Fire" or "Towards the Skullthrone of Satan", this album deals more with raw hatred and shows much more of this along with much more intricate and technical guitar work than these albums.

Namroth Blackthorn (who drums on the album but is no longer a member of Enthroned) puts forth his best work on this album with not only blistering speed, but much more slower break downs and thoughtful drumming than before. This is definitely a welcomed change for the most part as it gives the music much more depth and feeling when done right, and they definitely nailed it with this album.

As always Lord Sabathan rips forth with his trademark vocal style and ruthless patterns of often chaotic hatred. Lord Sabathan's vocals are definitely the most definitive feature of Enthroned's music and with Nornagest backing Lord Sabathan's evil rants with deep invocations, it is obvious that Enthroned are among the elite. I've heard the common complaint when bands use such primitive techniques in their lyrical content, however with music as brutal as Enthroned sometimes these are the only lyrics that could possibly do the music justice.

Although I'm sure a better cover design could have been conceived, this album is still a great release. One thing that I can't stand about the booklet is the fact that half the lyrics are obscured within the background picture making songs difficult to follow along with. I'm sure more could have been done with the booklet and artwork, however the music and attitude of Enthroned most certainly make up for something so petty.

MARDUK: Grande Danse Macabre

Review by; Lord Morder

Probably one of the most influential and respected bands in the black metal scene today, Marduk has always shown the masses brutality and conviction in their beliefs and releases. With such memorable opus' such as "Opus Nocturne" and "Those of the Unlight", to the brutal and unrelenting "Dark Endless" and "Panzer Division: Marduk" this horde has defied all odds in bringing true evil music to the masses.

Guitars as a whole on the CD are typical of the Marduk style, although at times can be slightly more intricate and melodic than most would expect. Obviously not the most intricate in musical ability and song composure, Morgan continues in writing with the same hatred and brutality that the music of Marduk is well deserving of.

The most obvious difference in this album compared to their latest releases preceding this one is the drumming. Of course at times unrelenting blast beats pound the listener, but more common on this release are the slower break downs showing that much more thought and time were spent on the song writing.

Another surprise that Marduk holds in store in comparison with other bands of the genre are B War's bass techniques. While most bassists will merely follow the guitars to the end of the world, B War using much thought and creativity in composing his bass lines. This definitely puts them ahead of most bands of a similar calibre and I hope other bands will take notice and follow in these footsteps.

Probably one of the most noticable features of the Marduk of today are the vocals. Legion slashes forth with a welcomed mid-range raspy vocal style. Although extremely monotonous at times Legion definitely has my vote for one of the best vocalists in black metal today. He rips forth with much authority and it's always good to hear some fury behind the voice rather than getting the impression the vocalist is some little wimpy faggot with a lack of testosterone running through him.

Its release has been described to me as being more "death metal" than previous Marduk releases have been. Although at times they do give off more of a heavy tone, this album I'm sure is here to ensure that Marduk doesn't intend to become the sell out pussies that Emperor and so many others have become. Just the packaging of the CD shows that while still being a proffessional release from a well known band, it keeps an obscure attitude. The Marduk logo isn't even present on the cover. This is definitely an overall good release and one can only hope that Marduk doesn't become commercial queers like many of their former peers.

Review by: Count Mortem

The Swedish raging BM gods are back! Right from the go Marduk comes out ripping and doesn't stop the violence. This is one violent piece of music folks, there’s grind riffs a bunch, and Fredrick's supreme drumming. This guy pumps out blast beats the entire record, with a few loops here and there; he's a killing machine! Legions grim vocals spew out lyrics of wartime and hatred, and the axe work is fast and furious. This album is like being right in the middle of a war. Picture the drumming like bullets flying by your head and hitting your buddy next you 61461468148 times, and the guitar riffs like a bomb, exploding and laying waste to anyone in its path. Any fan of fast as hell BM that takes no prisoners should own this album. Marduk doesn’t f*ck around.

Old Mans Child- Ill Natured Spiritual Invasion

Review by: Aihsile

Ill Natured Spiritual Invasion is one of the most outstanding black metal albums out. This album has everything a metal head wants. The drums are absolutely amazing, Gene Hoglan out did himself with this one. There isn't one song where the drums aren't technical as fuck, and fit perfectly. I can't think of any other drummers who do it like Gene Hoglan does it. The keyboards are incredible. The intro to "Towards Eternity" and "Captives of Humanity" are some of the best keys I've ever heard. Galder does a wonderful job incorporating keyboards with the music. Guitar work is fucking killer, especially with "My Evil Revelations." The intro for "Gods of Impiety" is a bit annoying. The only thing I have to complain about is this album should have been longer! Anyone looking for technical black metal should defiantly pick this album up, I guarantee you will enjoy.

DIMMU BORGIR:PURITANICAL EUPHORIC MISANTHROPIA

Review by: Lord Morder

Although Dimmu Borgir look like a bunch of sissie pansy faggots who spent a bit too much time watching videos of glam rock in their younger years, one has to admit that their music is good. Through the years this band has time and again surprised their audience with material totally unexpected, such as the transition from their "For all Tid" material to their "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant" release. "Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia" begins with an ingenious classical piece orchestrated by the Gothenburg Orchestra. Once this intro is done and over the CD takes off with 'Blessings Upon The Throne Of Tyranny' and so on. Guitar work is fantastic, and no doubt the addition of Galder (Old Man's Child) has helped this band produce the amazing guitar work present here. I must admit though, the guitars (obviously and disappointingly) remind me much of Old Man's Child. If I wanted to hear Old Man's Child I would have bought one of their CDs! Drumming is pounded out by one of the scene's most talented percussionists Nick Barker (former Cradle of Shit). The drums are superb and tight, totally pounding the feel of this opus into the listener. However one can't help but wonder why such a great drummer would exchange one glam rock band for another? I guess it says a lot... Mustis is a fantastic keyboardist and there's only one real major problem I can see here (with the exception of his wardrobe) and that's the fact that I feel like I'm on a Disneyland ride being force fed carnival music in an attempt to make me giddie whenever he tries to show his ability. I guess he fits right in. Probably the most disappointing thing about this CD is the fact that Shagrath doesn't display the vocal ability that is obvious he has. Half the time the vocals are dilluted with shit effects in an attempt to show the listener how much money they spent on the studio. I really think Shagrath sold his vocals short with this release...hopefully he'll display more of his vocal ability on future releases. As for the clean vocals, I think they should take 'Vortex' out and kick the shit out of him. When a band has a vocalist with the ability of Shagrath, you don't add some guy from a shit band like Borknagar to ruin everything. I guess some parts are decent concerning his vocals, but without them I would feel slightly more comfortable with this band calling themselves "black" metal (unless they've invented a new term for their "totally unique" style of music) although this term would be totally wasted on this band since it would only serve a comedy purpose to call them Black Metal. As for the booklet and it's contents, I have mixed feelings. Everything is superb quality, but it's such a fucking joke to look at their pictures! It's so ridiculous I won't even go into it, just see it for yourself. Dimmu Borgir thanks no other bands, and spends so much time telling you what equipment they use I guess it's obvious this band isn't part of the underground anymore. Well, I guess I wasn't aware of the whole glam rock revival. If you don't mind a band that looks like glam rock fags, and only care about music ability then this CD is for you! If you care who the band your listening to is in the least bit, try to ignore the fact that they once thought they were black metal and it makes it a bit easier to swallow.