tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48792956592855140842024-03-13T18:55:17.524+00:00Rise and ReverberateAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-91136686547770337152017-05-31T15:55:00.000+01:002017-05-31T15:55:26.187+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Walpyrgus - Walpyrgus Nights
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKIlDLF9qeA/WS7YkXIDBoI/AAAAAAAAAhg/k6gpzSdcgBYhqy8NlmXxtOtwXc0fbGCnwCLcB/s1600/MI0004221705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CKIlDLF9qeA/WS7YkXIDBoI/AAAAAAAAAhg/k6gpzSdcgBYhqy8NlmXxtOtwXc0fbGCnwCLcB/s200/MI0004221705.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Genre - Heavy Metal</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1. The Dead of Night</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2. Somewhere under Summerwind</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
3. Dead Girls</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
4. lauralone</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5. Palmystery</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
6. She Lives</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
7. Light of a Torch</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
8. Walpyrgus Nights</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Walpyrgus'
debut EP/demo impressed me quite a bit when it was released three
years ago now, their brand of no frills 'in your face' horror themed
metal ticked all my boxes, certainly tracks like 'Cold Cold Ground'
and 'The Sisters' are pretty much everything I look for in a heavy
metal song. Now this seasoned US quintet return on Cruz Del Sur with
their debut album entitled <i>Walpyrgus Nights</i> and further
continue their foray into tales of the macabre and things that go
bump in the night.
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So
how does it hold up to expectations then? Well 'The Dead of Night' is
just about as good an opener as you could hope for on a heavy metal
album, solid fist pumping choruses and masquerading guitar harmonies
aplenty spurred on with an absolutely kicking rhythm section, it
follows on from where the demo left off. Think early Riot more than
anything. 'Dead Girls' is similarly another absolutely infectious
catchy combo where it's almost impossible not to sing along to.
Credit to Jonny Aune, the man done a stellar job on the last Twisted
Tower Dire album and slots right in here perfectly too, his voice is
perfectly suited to this style of metal. One aspect of the release
that I noticed quite a bit was the prominent underlying almost
punkish tone to some of the tracks, songs like the aforementioned and
'Palmystery' it begins to seep through in the sheer raw energy
emanating from the performance. The John Lord-esque keyboards further
help augment the whole eerie b-movie horror vibe the band are aiming
for, take 'She Lives' for example, one of the slower tracks here but
no less impressive.
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I
still have one or two bones to pick here and there though with
<i>Walpyrgus Nights</i>, the promo track they used to promote the
album, 'Somewhere Under Summerwind' is probably in my opinion the
weakest track here, there's just something about it which doesn't
click for me, it's just not as memorable or powerful as any of the
other tracks. The Witchcross cover as well while well performed just
feels out of place to be honest and tacked in as filler, even one of
the songs off the debut rerecorded would have been a better option
than sticking an out of place cover on the album just before the last
track, it kind of upsets the flow of things more than anything to be
honest. And the production, it's just far too polished, as powerful
and energetic as the album is, I feel the pristine production blunts
the impact a bit too much at times, for album focusing around ghosts,
ghouls and all things morbid I'd prefer a bit more aggression and
grit in the production.</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Still,
regardless those are only really minor discrepancies, for <i>Walpyrgus
Nights</i> is a more than solid debut offering, for if to the point,
sing along choruses and cascading, gyrating guitar leads and a sturdy
hard-rock backbone without an ounce pretence is your cup of tea then
then look no further. It's simple and inoffensive, but at the same
time oh so effective, yet I still think a band of this pedigree have
even better and a lot more to come in the future. Fans of Twisted
Tower Dire, Visigoth and the ilk could certainly do worse than give
it a go. </div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
7.5/10 </div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For Fans of - Twisted Tower Dire, Visigoth, Riot </div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Originally written for The Metal Observer.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-10049819014168268442017-05-25T23:13:00.000+01:002017-05-25T23:13:40.226+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Nightbringer - Terra Damnata
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXsbmXtOzmA/WSdVO6FfFnI/AAAAAAAAAhA/flcnYARrQTwEgZR7EJZcRci7uBhldFecwCLcB/s1600/a1344978366_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wXsbmXtOzmA/WSdVO6FfFnI/AAAAAAAAAhA/flcnYARrQTwEgZR7EJZcRci7uBhldFecwCLcB/s200/a1344978366_10.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Genre - Black Metal </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1. As Wolves Amongst the Ruins</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2. Misrule</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">3. Midnight's Crown</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">4. Of the Key and Crossed Bones</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">5. Let Silence be His Sacred Name</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">6. Inheritor of a Dying World</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">7. The Lamp of Inverse Light</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">8. Serpent Sun</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Nightbringer
have been making a lot of significant waves in the US scene the last
few years with their ever developing and intoxicating black metal
madness reaching its ninth year since <i>Death and the Black Work,</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and while many would rather look down their noses at the USBM scene,
Nightbringer are further proof with </span><i>Terra Damnata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
that those opinions couldn't be further from the truth. </span><i>Ego
Dominus Tuus</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> was always going to
be a difficult act to follow, probably the album of theirs I would
have ranked as the high water mark amongst their discography, so
their latest release has a lot to live up to. Nevertheless I was
quietly confident this lastest offering would be up to a similar
standard as Nightbringer have a certain indescribable aura that some
bands just seem to have that you get the feeling they can't put a
foot wrong.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Certainly
from the visceral, unbridled chaos of the opening you know they still
mean business, “As Wolves Amongst Ruins” commences the album with
a maelstrom of off kilter guitar leads and riffs which certainly give
more than a slight nod to Emperor's work post <i>Anthems...</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
Coupled with the dual vocals, a contrast of a high pitched wretched
rasp and more gutteral roar, it makes for an intriguing listen. It's
theatrical in every sense of the word, a carnival of horrors, and as
you listen through the album you're tore backwards helplessly like a
rag-doll through the cathartic, dissonant delirium created by the
band. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">One
thing that really impressed me on the last two albums was the sheer
ability that their drummer Menthor displays, the guy is an absolute
animal behind the kit, delivering a barbaric onlsaught that contributes
so much to helping carry and control the flow and intensity of the
album. You have tracks like the opener and “Let Silence be His
Sacred Name” which are an all out aural assault, then you have some
which take the pace off a bit such as the powerful dirge of
“Inheritor of a Dying World”. The audible bass is also a nice
touch as well, as there appears to be an epidemic in the black metal
scene of bands apparently being allergic to utilizing it for some
fucking reason. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">It's
the second half of the album where it really rises above everything
else they've done previously though, the intensity of the spiralling
riffs, convulsive vocals and pulverising drumming further coalesce
and threaten to push you that much closer to insanity, once you
finally wrap your head around it all, it's almost impossible to pry
yourself back out of it again. “The Lamp of Inverse Light” is
interesting in that it's more of an atmospheric piece with respite
from the insanity shown previous, no harsh vocals, rather slow
brooding leads layered with the spoken word of the infamous Italian
fascist Julius Evola. It's almost </span><i>Dance of December Souls</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
like in its presentation. Final track “Serpent Sun”</span><i>
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">makes sure to end the album with
a bang though, probably the highlight of </span><i>Terra Damnata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
a monolithic and pulverising death march, churning up everything
beneath it. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">What
really impresses me about the band is how they manage to keep the
album so varied continually morphing from one guise to another, it's
technical, avant-garde and ambitious without ever losing sight of
what actually 'is' black metal, without ever becoming a pretentious,
experimental and self indulgent mess like many of their peers. </span>It's
not an easy listen, but then again if you're in anyway previously
familiar with the band you know not to expect some bottom of the
barrel generic black metal, for <i>Terra Damnata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is the absolute antithesis to 'generic'. There is so much going on it
takes quite a few listens to disseminate all the layers and find a
bit of breathing space, as it is very claustrophobic at times, but
once you do you'll find it very rewarding. If there was any previous
lingering doubt, for me </span><i>Terra Damnata</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
cements Nightbringer's place and evolution as one of the pinnacles of
progressive and forward thinking black metal in the US today. One for
the end of year list for sure. </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">9.5/10</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If you like - Dodsengel, Emperor, Svaritdaudi</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Originally written for The Metal Observer </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #cccccc; font-size: small;"> </span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-18267509007057864332017-04-01T23:53:00.001+01:002017-04-02T00:15:29.358+01:00[LIVE REVIEW] Mayhem/Dragged Into Sunlight/Malthusian - Dublin, The Academy, 31/03/2017<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dme-promotions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-mayhem-web-724x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.dme-promotions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/2017-mayhem-web-724x1024.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's nigh on a decade
since Norway's most notorious black metal act Mayhem played that now
infamous trainwreck of a gig in Dublin's Button Factory, a show where
that shambling clusterfuck of a band stumbled their way through
something that was hard to describe other than an utter
self-parodying pantomime. So it wasn't unwarranted that I had some
degree of trepidation upon hearing they were returning before finally
deciding to give them another chance. What eventually sold it for me
was the fact that this was them playing their magum opus 'De
Mysteriis...' in full, because honestly if not for that I frankly
wouldn't have bothered my arse.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The initial support was
our very own Malthusian, a band who quite rightly are getting a
significant amount of praise from a wider audience in the black/death
scene outside of Ireland due in part to their two absolutely
devastating EPs from the last few years. This was the my first time
seeing these guys and by fuck did the exceed all my expectations,
cleaving their way through just over half an hour of bleak
malevolence, delivering their hybrid of devastating, noxious triple
vocalled black/death metal like an unrelenting force of hell.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/SBks1b3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i.imgur.com/SBks1b3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
It was the perfect
stage for which can surely only do the band good, as Mayhem are the type of band who have plenty of fans who fall into the
category of armchair, once a year gig-goers who bemoan the lack of
decent locals bands, without actually making any effort to find
what's right beneath their noses, bands like Malthusian for example.
I'd say they definitely had a few converts that night. Trying not to
be biased at all as they're local, but standout band of the night for
me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imgur.com/5FKa2ps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imgur.com/5FKa2ps.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Main tour support act
Dragged Into Sunlight were up next and admittedly a band I wasn't
particularly familiar with at all, a mysterious English quintet that
peddle a technical hybrid of black/death/doom. Not particularly my
cup of tea, I prefer my extreme metal a bit more 'dirty' for want of
a better description, but there is no denying the band were extremely
powerful and tight as fuck, with a beast of a drummer. One thing
though, this whole 'backs to the crowd' shit, what is the point? I
get that they want to create an atmosphere of sorts and stage set-ups
certainly can help add that the music, but it just came off as
nothing other than pretentious, you're not the fucking Jesus and Mary
Chain, wind yer necks in.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imgur.com/RzPcXTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imgur.com/RzPcXTS.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So, then came Mayhem. A
few thoughts running through my mind, would they further tarnish
their legacy by destroying their masterwork? Or actually give a
decent stab it? Surprisingly they went one step further, they were
actually really fucking good. 'De Mysteriis...' needs no introduction
to any self respecting black metal fan, it's an iconoclastic monolith
that quite rightly sits at the very top of the tree for black metal
as a whole. Appearing on stage in hooded robes looking like Nazgul or
some shit, they tear through each track chronologically, beginning
with the admittedly rough 'Funeral Fog', they iron it out for the
anthemic and chilling 'Freezing Moon' removing any lingering doubts and
showing as a band they may actually be beginning to take themselves
seriously again in the live environment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imgur.com/RXUNa84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imgur.com/RXUNa84.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Pagan Fears' is
similarly well received, driving the crowd into a frenzy with <i>that
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">riff and 'Buried By Time and
Dust' another highlight. At least this time around, even if the whole
'mysterious robes' shtick is slightly overdone these days, they
actually managed to create an effective atmosphere with candles,
altar, dry ice and the strobe lighting. It at least helps erase the
horror of paper crosses and Attila dressed up like a gimped out
paramilitary. It was certainly not flawless though by any means,
Attila's vocals were a bit too buried in the mix and the drumming was
overbearing, although I guess that is to be expected with the ego
behind the kit, it just distracted a lot from the rest of the music
which was otherwise impressively tight and intense, especially Teloch
and Ghul in place for the now departed Blasphemer.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://imgur.com/zWZFQLf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://imgur.com/zWZFQLf.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">All
in all a welcome surprise, yes some may argue the set was very
short, I could easily have watched them for as much again, but when
you're getting one of the greatest black metal albums ever written
delivered in full, with some songs that have been gathering dust for
god knows how long now, it was definitely worth it. They've been
getting good reports all tour so far, so lets see if it continues. I
would certainly pay to see them again after that showing. </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Originally written for metalireland.com </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-69512551611395175542017-03-13T18:31:00.000+00:002017-03-13T18:31:05.364+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Lunar Shadow - Far From Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.metal-observer.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Cover_Lunar-Shadow_FFL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.metal-observer.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Cover_Lunar-Shadow_FFL.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
Genre - Heavy Metal<br />
<br />
1. Hadrian Carrying Stones<br />
2. They That Walk the Night<br />
3. Frozen Goddess<br />
4. Gone Astray<br />
5. The Hour of Dying<br />
6. The Kraken<br />
7. Cimmeria<br />
8. Earendil (Gone Are the Days)<br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One thing that can be
said about Cruz Del Sur is while they don't release a huge quantity
of stuff, what they do is generally always release quality material,
and German heavy metal act Lunar Shadow are no exception. Upon first
glance of their album cover, you almost expect it to be some sort of
polished, sterile black metal, certainly the logo could certainly
throw a unsuspecting few people off, but that couldn't be further
from the truth. Far From Light, the debut album from these guys is
nothing but pure gallant heavy metal with it's roots planted firmly
in the classic style, and drawing from the same vein as acts such as
Twisted Tower Dire, Slough Feg and Atlantean Kodex.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Comparisons to label
contemporaries Atlantean Kodex are going to be unavoidable, they both
share that similar starry eyed, cavalier style of heavy metal which
is filled with fantasy and imagination, weaving epic songs pushing
ten minutes in length absolutely awash with atmosphere. But while
they are similar in design, Lunar Shadow have a bit more 'oomph' and
kick to their sound, with a nice variety of tempo changes throughout
the album.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you've heard their
impressive debut EP released two years prior, it's along the same
sort of theme, except this time round they've tightened the reins and
backed by a decent production job, sound a lot more mature and
focused.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The first thing that
struck me was was how much at times on this album vocalist Alex
Vornam sounds like Paul Mccartney, call it a lazy comparison or
whatever but listening to the some of the slower songs especially or
the opening to 'Hadrian Carrying Stones' and you'll see what I mean,
I just can't get it out of my head. Vocally the album might put some
off, but I think they suit the mood of the album well, though they
could still potentially benefit more from something a bit more Tony
Taylor like which would propel them into the same realm as classics
such as 'The Isle of Hydra' and 'Traveller'. Regardless, 'Far from
Light' is not too far off from this at all. Instrumentally is where
the album really comes into a league of it's own though, the guitar
work delivered by Max and Kay is absolutely sublime, awash with
Maiden-esque twin guitar harmonies, ripping solos and acoustics
passages which show some more traditional Wishbone Ash influences
too.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Tracks like the opener
with its interweaving guitar melodies, sustained by an absolutely
pounding rhythm are the perfect examples of what I'm talking about,
it's the type of metal that marches right up to you and kicks you
square in the balls yet still leaves you wanting more. There's also a
huge array of diversity as well, no passage ever feels like it's been
rehashed, and it's technical without ever straying into prog
territory. 'The Kraken' and 'Cimmeria' are similarly epic, long
double bass driven narratives, the former a baroque journey with
arguably the finest guitar work here, dynamic and crunching riffs,
driving rhythm tied up with that sleek, Murray/Smith lead work; the
latter while having a bit of a slow start, being a more aggressive
and moody number.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Gone Astray' and
'Earendil' take the foot off the throttle and break up the pace a bit
and are pure acoustic ballads almost Blind Guardian like in their
delivery, not too dissimilar to 'The Bard's Song' or 'Lord of the
Rings'. The former is a tad cheesy though and does drag a bit, but is
by no means terrible.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'They That Walk the
night' is by far the standout track here though, one of those tracks
that will become a live staple for years to come, a headlong sing
along assault with a blistering intro not unlike something early
Slough Feg might have come up with, with a tempo and chorus that
absolutely grips you by the neck and holds on for dear life.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So, safe to say this is
a fucking fantastic album and one that's sure to remain near the top
until the end of the year. It seems traditional heavy metal is making
somewhat of a small revival again, what with bands such as
Summerlands, Eternal Champion and Ravensire all releasing stellar
albums in the past year, and this is certainly an album that can go
toe to toe with those, if not even better. If fist clenching, fantasy
driven heavy metal that leaves nothing but a trail of burnt rubber
and steel in it's wake is your thing, then this is a must buy, since
this dropped through my post box I haven't stopped playing it. Now
when's that next Atlantean Kodex release due? </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
9.5/10</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you like - Twisted Tower Dire, Solstice, Atlantean Kodex</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-13322361685980201372017-03-13T18:23:00.001+00:002017-03-13T18:23:45.832+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Manetheren - The End
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a3816155506_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a3816155506_16.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Genre - Black Metal</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1. The Sun that Bled</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2. And Then Came the Pestilence</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
3. The Ritual</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
4. When All is Still, There is Nothing </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5. Darkness Enshrouds</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
6. The End</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Hailing from the US,
Manetheren come as a completely new discovery to me, even though
they've actually been grinding away since 2004 now, and currently
onto their fifth album. The name actually intrigued me a bit, with
the 'Wheel of Time' reference but rather than being based around
sci-fi fantasy it appears the aptly titled 'The End' is a concept
album based around the end of the world.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The style of black
metal on show here is a sprawling, hypnotic and dissonant dirge of
atmospheric black somewhat comparable to the sound and structure of
that by Winterfylleth or Wodensthrone but with the nihilistic
attitude of Blut Aus Nord, which I guess isn't surprising when you
discover drummer Thorns is currently drumming with BaN.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'The End' took a good
few listens for me to actually get my claws dug into it, the first
few attempts it basically passed me by without making much of an
impression at all, but the longer I spent with it the more that began
to emerge. As far as this style of black metal goes it doesn't
particularly push the boat out at all, but it is decent enough for
what it is. The guitar work on show here is pretty solid, drawn out
tremolo riffing which remains diverse without ever becoming
obnoxious. I particularly like the way in which the guitar
contributes to the bleak and despondent atmosphere with the subtle
off key lead work scattered here and there, especially on “When all
is Still, There is Nothing” and “Darkness Enshrouds”, the stand
out track on 'The End'. The vocals are powerful and delivered with
menace and intent even if suffering a bit from lack of range and
variety.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
The biggest roadblock
with 'The End' though is it's length, it's just so long it's
absolutely exhausting to get through, over an hour in total, and with
that a lot of the tracks just tend to overstay their welcome and
spiral into a meandering monotony that has you reaching for the skip
button. Which is unfortunate as there are a lot of great passages
buried within this release, it's just you have to sift through all
the dreariness to find them.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Certainly recommended
if foreboding atmospheric black metal with a desolate and dystopian
edge is your thing, there's a lot out there worse than this. Still
though, as good as it is though at times there is a large room for
improvement, especially on the quality control side of things. Too
much filler in-between.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
6.8/10</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you like - Mid Blut Aus Nord era, Winterfylleth, Wodensthrone</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Originally written for Metalireland.com</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-38527453944036161152017-02-11T17:52:00.000+00:002017-02-11T17:52:20.113+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Firewind - Immortals
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da9e74ocbL4/WJ9OaLLkkwI/AAAAAAAAAek/S_QGHVcG0OAvx1oUnzgk8EfDiu3QxCCOQCLcB/s1600/Press_Cover_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Da9e74ocbL4/WJ9OaLLkkwI/AAAAAAAAAek/S_QGHVcG0OAvx1oUnzgk8EfDiu3QxCCOQCLcB/s200/Press_Cover_01.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Genre - Power Metal</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1. Hands of Time</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2. We Defy</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
3. Ode to Leonidas</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
4. Back on the Throne</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5. Live and Die by the Sword</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
6. War of Ages</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
7. Lady of 1000 Sorrows</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
8. Immortals</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
9. Warrior and Saints</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
10. Rise From the Ashes</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Back after a five year
hiatus from their last effort, the Greek power metal stalwarts
Firewind return with their eighth full length entitled 'Immortals', a
concept album about Greek history, specifically The Battle of
Thermopylae, Spartans and all that subject matter that the Greek
metal bands just love recycling to us under a million different
guises.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
For me Firewind always
kind of sat on the fringes of power metal greatness, never quite
reaching it, but coming close with 'Burning Earth', but for the
majority of their discography they seemed to suffer from playing it
far too safe and being all too predictable, with actual solid
songwriting often being eschewed to make room for Gus G's flamboyant
roller-coaster of guitar playing. Fair enough I get that it is solely
his band, he can do whatever the fuck he likes, but still, technical
wizardry and flashy arpeggios does not a good song make.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
So how does 'Immortals'
hold up then? Considering how busy the band have been in the last few
years with other projects, guitar virtuoso Gus G jet-setting across
the globe with Ozzy Osbourne, and long time singer Apollo being
replaced by ex-Metalium vocalist Henning Base, it's pretty much like
they never went away, pretty much what you'd expect from Firewind. So
take from that what you will, Euro power metal is like chalk and
cheese to most people, you either love it or hate it.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
'Hands of Time' is a
brilliant opener, your typical power metal 'anthem'. Really steely,
crunching guitar riffs, a kicking rhythm and catchy, sugary as fuck
chorus, it's basically what you want from them. I actually get a
significant Lost Horizon vibe from them on this album (only nowhere
near as good), vocalist Henning at times sounds very similar to the
more aggressive side of Daniel Heiman.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
As my previously
mentioned ills with the band pointed out, 'Immortals' again suffers
from the same problem many power metal albums do, they just
completely blow their load on one song and kind of just seize up on
auto-pilot for rest of the album. 'Ode to Leonidas' starts off with
so much promise but kind of just fizzles out after the intro leaving
you thinking, 'is this it'? While 'Back on the Throne' and 'Lady of
1000 Sorrows ' are just kind of awkward and exemplify my main
grievance with the album, it threatens so much but never quite
crosses that threshold, playing it safe and by the book. The last two
tracks 'Warriors and Saints' and 'Rise from the Ashes' do pick up the
pace again and are certainly decent, again standard fare cascading
Stratovarius-esque neo-classical guitar leads, breakneck drumming and
sing along vocal lines.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Fans of the band should
definitely check this out, but for those on the fence or those who
aren't fans it's not going to change opinions, they've cemented their
formula and sticking to it. It's Firewind by numbers for the most
part and aside from a few shining highlights here there it's just
restricted by its inconsistency and average songwriting. </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
6/10</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you like - Dragonforce, Lost Horizon, Stratovarius </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Originall written for metalireland.com </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-1114755209508771662017-02-07T13:58:00.002+00:002017-02-07T14:00:49.429+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Holy Martyr - Darkness Shall Prevail<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo6uDF0bV4s/WJnR6oaC78I/AAAAAAAAAeE/aWowBKZnowEnNC9o9HDyUZmC7AcxO8fTACLcB/s1600/HolyMartyr-Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo6uDF0bV4s/WJnR6oaC78I/AAAAAAAAAeE/aWowBKZnowEnNC9o9HDyUZmC7AcxO8fTACLcB/s200/HolyMartyr-Cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1. Shores of Elenna</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2. Numenor</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
3. Heroic Deeds</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
4. Darkness Descends</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5. Taur Nu Fuin</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
6. Minas Morgul</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
7. Witch-King of Angmar</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
8. The Dwarrowdelf</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
9. Born of Hope</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Genre - Heavy Metal</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Sometimes nothing can
set you up for the head-in-hands disappointment when a band you loved
releases a completely unexpected and out of the blue sub-par release.
Such is the case I have found with Italian epic heavy metallers Holy
Martyr, who release their first album in six years<i> </i><span style="font-style: normal;">entitled
</span><i>Darkness Shall Prevail, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">trading
the exotic ancient Japanese samurai themes of </span><i>Invincible
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">for the hobbits, elves and
nazgul of Tolkien. I mean it's Holy Martyr and Middle Earth, how
could you possibly go wrong? Theoretically this should have been
amazing, how could it have been anything but? But in reality it bears
all the scars of a band who have just by the looks of things have
lost direction and don't know quite what they are trying to achieve
with this release.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">To
begin, the production is really fucking bad for a heavy metal
release, and let me tell you being a huge black metal fan I'm pretty
immune to bad production jobs by now. Fair enough Holy Martyr always
seemed to opt for the rougher side of the coin when it came to this,
but it worked on their earlier releases; it added a sense of grit and
fortitude to their sound, but here it's hard to describe as anything
other than downright terrible. I get that they're going for a kind of
darker sound here, but it just really doesn't work. For starters the
vocals are absolutely brick-walled in the mix, they're far too loud
and together with Ivano's slight accent it just comes off a bit
disjointed and awkward and actually started to give me a headache
about halfway through this. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Instrumentally
it is decent enough, but for a band of this calibre who are so much
better than this, 'decent' just isn't acceptable enough. The guitar
playing lacks urgency for the most part, the tone is thin and weak.
There are decent patterns scattered here and there and the odd riff
which threatens to ignite some sort of spark but then it kind of just
dwindles off into mediocrity each time, leaving you with the
impression of lost opportunities every time. “Born of Hope” is
definitely the stand out track here, containing some great riffs and
vocals and was pretty much the only one to hold my attention, it's
just a bit of a shame it's the last track.</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">What
I'd love to know is where has that heroic, barbarian spirit of the
past gone? When you compare the likes of “Tar Nu Fuin” to the
likes of “Warmonger” and “Spartan Phalanx” there's just no
comparison really. It seems like they completely lost their balls in
opting for this 'darker' sound that they are shooting for on </span><i>Darkness
Shall Prevail</i><span style="font-style: normal;">. When you're
attempting epic-metal in the vein of Manilla Road like these guys,
you really need the hooks and melodies to hold peoples attention, and
that's just not present here, the whole album kind of just passed me
by like heavy metal elevator music. </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I
really hate to say it but the whole album was just a struggle to get
through, not due to it being downright awful no, it's just painfully
boring more than anything else. Where it threatens to break out into
something epic and fist pumping it kind of just unceremoniously veers
off into mediocrity. The likes of “Numenor” and “Witch King
of Angmar” are decent enough but not what I come to expect from
these guys, the whole album just sounds jumbled, incoherent and
hastily thrown together, and with having had six years to work on it,
is pretty inexcusable. I spent far too long looking/hoping to find
something which wasn't here on </span><i>Darkness Shall Prevail</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
so don't bother with it unless you're an absolute die-hard of the
band, their previous three are so much better. These Italian warriors
appear to have lost their way a bit and could do with re-finding
their inspiration. </span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">4/10</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Originally written for The Metal Observer</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-67144449760038845832017-01-22T15:49:00.001+00:002017-01-22T15:51:53.735+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Dread Sovereign - For Doom the Bell Tolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6bSwPXl4rM/WITTxeoCuoI/AAAAAAAAAdY/fPV5xcO8AEEgAeL_5uZEyuc1squSbZ-TQCLcB/s1600/DREAD_SOVEREIGN_van209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6bSwPXl4rM/WITTxeoCuoI/AAAAAAAAAdY/fPV5xcO8AEEgAeL_5uZEyuc1squSbZ-TQCLcB/s200/DREAD_SOVEREIGN_van209.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1. For Doom the Bell Tolls</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2. Twelve Bells Toll in Salem</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">3. This World is Doomed</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">4. Draped in Sepulchural Fog</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">5. The Spines of Saturn</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">6. Live Like an Angel, Die Like a Devil (Venom Cover)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Genre - Psychedelic Doom Metal/Rock</span><br />
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">So,
Ireland's doom metal trio <span style="font-style: normal;">Dread
Sovereign</span> finally return to the fold with the follow up to
their 2014 effort entitled <i>For Doom the Bell Tolls, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and
is the next logical step in progression of the Dublin doom leviathan
fronted by the ever industrious Alan Nemtheanga. With </span><i>All
Hell's Martyr's</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> the band showed
brief glimpses of their experimentation with psychedelia woven
throughout their sermon of St. Vitus influenced Doom on the likes of
“Cthulu Opiate Haze”, but it was only that, a minor
experimentation really, but here on </span><i>For Doom the Bell Tolls</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
it appears the band have decided to bring this further to the
forefront to the point it's so significant you couldn't really class
them as just traditional doom any more, certainly not on this release
anyway. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">First
proper track “Twelve Bells Toll in Salem” certainly begins in the
more traditional Doom vein, very Vitus like, and is an absolute
devastating monolith of a track, but it isn't long before the noisy
space rock influences begin to show their head, and just over halfway
it transforms into a complete washed-out, drifting cyclone of pure
psychedelic noise. Alan's vocals are as animated and emotive as ever,
his wailing “I am the dread sovereign...” coupled with that
filthy, colossal thundering bass just threatens to pull the world
down around you. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">One
of the first things that struck me about this album was how similar
the production is to The Devil's Blood </span><i>The</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><i>Thousand Fold Epicentre. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Listening
to “This World is Doomed”, which begins in a very traditional
doom sense, the similarity in production to The Devil's Blood is very
noticeable throughout the whole song, especially in the long scuzzy,
drawn out hazy guitar passages, so in other words you have that
sweeping feedback drenched pedal abuse of Hawkwind, just with a
shinier production. “The Spines of Saturn” is probably the best
example of their new sound, in fact you couldn't really call this
doom at all this track really, Alan's vocals have a heavy distorted
reverb effect on them, the guitar sweeps and swirls enveloping
everything in a noisy hypnotic Hawkwind-esque haze all the while
building up to a climax. The guitar playing is excellent here, and
Alan's vocals on the first two tracks just as dramatic and baroque as
ever. Closing up the album we have a cover of Venom classic “Live
Like an Angel, Die Like a Devil”, a complete change of pace to the
rest of the album (as you'd expect), which while a welcome blast of
energy, does feel more than slightly out of place. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>For
Doom the Bell Tolls</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> certainly
won't be for everyone, doom purists may well turn their noses up at
it, which is kind of ridiculous to be honest as the likes of St.
Vitus, Pentagram and even Witchfinder General themselves were
psychedelic in their own way. The main gripe to me is it feels more
like an EP than a legitimate full length release, and once you factor
out the intro, the interlude “Draped in Sepulchral Fog” and the
Venom cover it is only three proper tracks really, of which from
these guys being brutally honest you'd expect a bit more. There are
periods where it seems they're holding something back, or it just
never quite develops with the intensity you expect it to,
nevertheless what is on showcase here on these three tracks is
impressive enough if nothing exceptional. It is a real slow burner
this album, and took a long time for me to get my feet cemented into
it and immersed in the thick noxious smog of doom and noise,
admittedly the first time it went completely over my head, but it is
absolutely a grower of a release, so give it time. Just a <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">shame</span> it's
altogether so short. </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">7/10</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Originally Written for The Metal Observer.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">If you like - Hawkwind, The Devil's Blood, St. Vitus </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-57675259491291854352017-01-16T21:56:00.001+00:002017-01-17T02:51:46.625+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Goatmoon - Stella Polaris<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhscXFkq8N8/WH0_8NT0sDI/AAAAAAAAAc8/M6PYsVLZ9x4kC-TBY-Hn5ig12C09ie-dgCLcB/s1600/goatmoon%2B-%2Bstella%2Bpolaris%2Bcover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhscXFkq8N8/WH0_8NT0sDI/AAAAAAAAAc8/M6PYsVLZ9x4kC-TBY-Hn5ig12C09ie-dgCLcB/s200/goatmoon%2B-%2Bstella%2Bpolaris%2Bcover.png" width="200" /></a></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Intro</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Stella Polaris</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">3. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Kansojen Hävittäjä</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">4. Wolf Night</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">5. Sonderkommando Nord</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">6. Warrior</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">7. Conqueror</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">8. Overlord</span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Genre - Black Metal </span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Finnish black metal scene continues to solidify its position as the
strongest and most productive of the Scandinavian countries in the
last 15+ years or so, with acts such as Sargeist, Horna, Clandestine
Blaze and Satanic Warmaster among many others, it's a hard argument
to counter that there's any other country in the world continually
producing as much quality black metal as Finland. Where-as with the
likes of Norway where the scene stagnated long ago, mainly due to the
fact many of the acts still claw at the coattails of residual past
glories, the Finns appear to have a consistent knack for drawing
fresh inspiration while still maintaining the core ideology of what
black metal actually stood for. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Goatmoon
are one of these bands, now onto their fifth album of remorseless
black metal barbarity, with <i>Stella Polaris, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and
as with </span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Voitto Tai
Valhalla, </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Blackgoat
Gravedesecrator (what a name!) continues with the band's progression
from the primitive dishevelled black metal garage punk noise of the
debut to a more structurally refined and melodic, yet still jagged
and recognizable style of pagan themed black metal. If you pour a
glance over the fantastic cover art, it actually does give you a good
impression of the sound present on </span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Stella
Polaris</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
The main backbone of the music is still a heavily significant
juxtaposition of the sadism of Satanic Warmaster and obnoxious punk
styled riff work of Absurd. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">One
of the first things that stood out for me on this album was how much
it reminded me Swedish band Vinterland. I don't think this was
intended, it lacks the depressive attitude of </span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Welcome
to My Last Chapter</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
but at times the absolutely frigid, crystalline gleam of the
atmosphere on </span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Stella
Polaris </span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">coupled
with Blackgoat's harsh, bitter rasp, drew my attention to it more
than once. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">When
the album is good, let me tell you it is fucking brilliant, the title
track packs a punch with it's fast, icy sharp tremolo riffing, synths
and upbeat tempo all tied up with some pretty flashy heavy metal
styled guitar leads. 'Kansojen Hävittäjä', a track from the split
with Der Sturmer early last year makes a return, and without doubt is
one of the greatest tracks Goatmoon have ever wrote. The contrast
between the sharp lively riffing and main 'chorus' riff is
absolutely fantastic, and when it comes in again at 2:30 in the
higher key wrapped in those synths, it is utterly astounding. The
last three tracks are all very tight too, following the same paths
between the caustic relentless black metal and the glacial folky
atmospheres, even bringing to mind the likes of Emperor such as heard
on “Overlord”, which takes a slightly more astral slant. What I
like about Blackgoat's use of synth is that he obviously knows how to
use it with restraint; synths used sparsely but at the the right time
can be so much more effective than drowning the album in them like
some overambitious Tolkien freak. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">My
problem with </span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Stella
Polaris</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
has nothing to do with the actual music itself, and that's the really
frustrating thing present here; the musicianship on showcase here
absolutely stellar, it's Goatmoon doing what they do best, and the
next logical step on from their last album. It's just once the last
track finishes, I was kind of left sitting thinking to myself “Is
that it?”. Because if you take out the intro, the unnecessary “Wolf
Night” and “Sonderkommando Nord” (which is a nice almost
Celtic-esque instrumental, but would have been so much more
interesting with vocals) then you only have five proper tracks, one
of which appeared on a split EP last year. And with the album as a
whole only clocking in at 31 minutes, you almost feel a bit short
changed, of which is only exacerbated by the fact that musicianship
on those five songs is just so fucking excellent, it just goes by in
a flash. And for that reason I just can't give this album the
nigh-perfect mark I wish I could. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Still
though, dis-regarding the previous aspect about the length, </span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">Stella
Polaris</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">
should still most certainly be sought out by all self-respecting fans
of the band and those into riff-centric, pagan-themed, atavistic
black metal. Goatmoon deliver their doctrine with an iron hand, no
compromise, and displaying everything that black metal should be, an
ugly and raw middle finger to tolerance, pretentious 'progressive
avant-garde' nonsense and just shite fucking black metal in general.
It's short and straight to the point, just a pity it's all so brief. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
7.8/10</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Originally written for http://www.metal-observer.com</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you like - Baptism, Sargeist, Satanic Warmaster</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-13414654024747460072017-01-09T20:47:00.001+00:002017-01-09T20:51:34.793+00:00[Album Review] Mesarthim - ".- -... ... . -. -.-. ."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/6/0/0/9/600957.jpg?2728" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/6/0/0/9/600957.jpg?2728" height="192" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
1. .----</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
2. ..--- </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
3. ...--</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
4. ....-</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
5. .....</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
6. -....</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Genre - Black Metal</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Another band I've been
keeping a loose eye on recently was Australian Black metal outfit
Mesarthim, after a strong debut back in 2015 and a productive period
in between, this duo have finally released their follow up effort.
Now admittedly I fell behind in the metal scene last year due to
varying reasons, but this among select others were a few that stood
out for me. Peddling a highly symphonic and expansive, yet still raw
and caustic variety of Black Metal, something not unlike Midnight
Odyssey, Nychts and Lustre, was what drew me to them in the first
place, because let's face it, I'm a complete sucker for this style of
Black Metal ever since I saw the cover to <i>Moon in the Scorpio</i>
all those years ago. Plus, it brings a welcome change to the immortal
conflict over who can produce the most pretentious satanic bullshit
these days which seems to be present in many corners of the
underground at the minute.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
OK, while on the
subject of 'pretentious' you can't ignore the absurd title they have
given the album which is '<i>.- -... ... . -. -.-. .'</i>. Yep, that
is Morse code. Back in the day when us old farts used to go into
physical shops to buy our cds/records, could you envision going up to
the cashier and attempting to ask if they had this album? So if, like
me, you're not exactly fluent in the nautical vocabulary, you'd be a
bit... well... fucked. So after consulting my oft-used Morse code to
English dictionary, the title translates to <i>Absence</i>. So that's
what I'm gonna call it from now on. I guess in a sense it kind of
fits the whole stellar demeanour and panorama Mesarthim are trying to
create, that of insignificance, as speck of a lone ship, lost and
drifting on a celestial sea. But yes, it still is pretty ridiculous.
Track wise each tracks translates in the corresponding Morse code for
it's number, that at least is relatively simple.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
One of the aspects on
<i>Absence</i> which struck me the most was how similar the core
Black Metal arrangements are to those composed by Aussie scene
powerhouse Tim Yatras, otherwise known as 'Germ'. Now not much is
known about the members on this album as far as I know, but I
wouldn't be surprised if he was involved in some way. It's a
massively rich and layered album, tortured vocals tear through the
tumultuous maelstrom of pulsating static guitar riffs like tendrils
of ice while the brooding, glittering synths weave in and out.
Superimpose Austere on top of the chromatic soundscapes of Summoning
and a bit of “I am the Black Wizards” and you've got Mesarthim
basically.
</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I find Black Metal like
this can be a difficult one to pull off correctly though Mesarthim
manage to strike the right balance between repetition and variation
without going too overboard on the synth work. It's a style where so
many other bands fail, either it's just overtly pretentious and not
interesting enough, or they end up diving in feet first suffocating
themselves in cheese. The album feels like one big track split into
smaller sections, though each track still contains enough to differ
it from the next.</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
I don't really have
much other way to put it but <i>Absence</i> is an absolutely stunning
and captivating release by these guys, its glittering soundscapes are
absolutely dripping in atmosphere, where Limbonic Art were more on
the psychedelic side, these guys on the nostalgic and wondrous.
Definitely one to stick the headphones on, lie down in the back
garden on a clear night and have a mid life existential crisis to. An
impressive piece of progress from <span style="font-style: normal;">Isolate.</span>
Some would say Death rides a pale horse, but here he straddles an
intergalactic motherfucking battleship. </div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
9.5/10</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Originally written for <url http:="" www.metal-observer.com="">The Metal Observer</url></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
If you like - Midnight Odyssey, Limbonic Art, Austere</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-19883588768172802772017-01-05T21:06:00.000+00:002017-01-05T21:30:18.821+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Witchery - In his Infernal Majesty's Service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/6/0/8/6/608632.jpg?2115" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/6/0/8/6/608632.jpg?2115" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Lavey-athan<br />
2. Zoroast<br />
3. Netherworld Emperor<br />
4. Nosferatu<br />
5. The Burning of Salem<br />
6. Gilded Fang<br />
7. Empty Tombs<br />
8. In Warm Blood<br />
9. Escape from Dunwich Valley<br />
10. Feed the Gun<br />
11. Oath Breaker<br />
<br />
Genre - Black/Modern thrash<br />
<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td height="0" width="0">
<form action="ssrv.cgi" lang="en_GB" method="post">
</form>
</td><td height="0" width="0">
<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td class="midtext">Truth be told, Witchery were a band that had been
completely buried in the recesses of my my mind for the last ten years
or so, and not without good reason either as except for their pretty
solid "Restless and Dead" debut, they were utterly middle of the road
and run-of-mill as far as black thrash bands came. So upon receiving
their latest "In His Infernal Majesty's Service", part of me while still
surprised they still actually existed, was hoping for something a
little more engaging than previous efforts.<br /><br />So how does it hold
up then in relation to their previous endeavours? Well as feared it's
more of the same unfortunately. They're still at the Blackened Thrash,
Aura Noir-<a class="cerr" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="sg_0">ish</a>
side of things, though have managed to create a sound here which edges
closer to the modern day Exodus end of the spectrum rather than the old
Slayer influences from the debut. <br /><br />The production is big and
bruising and the guitars have a substantial groove to their fast
riffing, one such thing that there is plenty of here, it's just a pity
they're all rather vanilla with very little hooks on the album that
stand out. Vocals have always been a weak point for Witchery, and again
is such the case here consisting of a rather one-dimensional and half-<a class="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="sg_1">assed</a> Black metal rasp from the Legion replacement, Angus <a class="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="sg_2">Norder</a>. <br /><br />Tracks range from the high-<a class="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="sg_3">tempoed</a> and frenzied such as "The Burning of Salem" to the more mid paced tracks "Empty Tombs" and "<a class="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="sg_4">Nosferatu</a>", the latter having one of the most mind numbingly irritating <a class="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="sg_5">chourses</a> ever.<br /><br />Certainly
I feel some may find something of interest here, but for me it just all
sounds a bit too sterile and methodical in my opinion, they just end
up sounding like another decrepit old thrash band where any ounce of
inspiration dissipated years ago. For me they've always been a minor
irrelevancy and with "In his Infernal Majesty's Service" this pretty
much remains unchanged. With the likes of Destroyer 666, <a class="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="sg_6">Desaster</a> and <a class="" href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="sg_7">Vektor</a> all releasing fantastic albums this year, this just begs the question; why bother? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
4/10<br />
<br />
<br />
Sounds like - Aura Noir, Modern day Exodus, The Haunted<br />
<br />
<br />
Originally written for http://www.metalireland.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-29167876820017447392017-01-04T18:22:00.000+00:002017-01-04T18:22:53.722+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Soulburn - Earthless Pagan Spirit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/6/0/8/6/608629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.metal-archives.com/images/6/0/8/6/608629.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Where Splendid Corpses Are Towering Towards the Sun<br />
2. The Blood Ascendant<br />
3. Howling at the Heart of Death<br />
4. As Cold as Heavens' Slain<br />
5. Withering Nights<br />
6. The Torch<br />
7. Spirited Asunder<br />
8. Diary of a Reaper (Outro)
<span id="goog_344761161"></span><span id="goog_344761162"></span> <br />
<br />
Genre - Black/Death Metal<br />
<br />
Soulburn, another one of
the side projects from ex-Apshyx members Eric Daniels and Bob Bagchus
have returned with their latest offering and follow up to 2014's 'The
Suffocating Darkness'. Originally conceived as a side project or
'off-shoot' to Asphyx back in 1996 for Daniels and Bagchus as their way
to pay homage to the likes of Celtic Frost, Bathory and Venom, Soulburn
returned to the fold after a long hiatus in 2013 to continue with their
onslaught and seemingly the main focus of their attention at the
minute.<br />
<br />
'Feeding on Angels' is the only one of their
previous works I'm familiar with, and it is a solid piece of work, a
twisted slab of intense Black/Death/Doom-whatever in the same strain of
the aforementioned acts amalgamated with that recognisable Dutch
ruthlessness from that era.<br />
<br />
The production duties on
'Earthless Pagan Spirit' were handled by Magnus Andersson, currently
Bassist for Marduk, are one of the first things that immediately strikes
you about this album, it has a very significant Scandinavian feel as
opposed to their debut, much more aligned with the likes of Watain,
Necrophobic and indeed Marduk than expected, dropping even more of the
Death Metal foundation from which these guys originated.<br />
<br />
Tracks
such as the opener "Where Splendid Corpses Are Towering Towards the
Sun" (what kind of a shit title is that btw?), Mayhem-esque "Howling at
the Heart of Death" and "The Torch" showcase the more ferocious side of
'Earthless Pagan Spirit', chunky bludgeoning riffs of Daniels propped up
with Bagchus' powerful drumming. Then you have the utterly pointless
addition of the generic 'siren' female vocals in "Withering Nights" that
achieve nothing and just sound completely out of place and disjointed,
jarring the otherwise relentless flow of the album. The outro track of
"Diary of a Reaper" is a complete waste of space as well, a ham fisted
attempt at a 'moody' and atmospheric closer with spoken vocals that
serves no discernable purpose whatsoever.<br />
<br />
It is
on the numbers where the band shift gears down a bit though and they
incorporate more of the dwindling Doom elements they used to utilize so
effectively that the album actually picks up a bit, tracks such as the
dirging "Spirited Asunder" and extremely powerful "The Blood Ascendant"
which begins slow before erupting into a furious and uncompromising
colossus.<br />
<br />
Vocally I feel the band miss ex-vocalist Wannes Gubbels the most, he brough<br />
t
a sense of depravity to the debut that seems to be missing here, don't
get me wrong, Twan van Geel does a decent shift here, powerful and
dominating, but Gubbels was on a different level altogether. The
guitarwork is definitely highlight on an otherwise generic album, strong
punishing riffs and cryptic leads scattered throughout, but even at
that it feels at times Daniels is playing on autopilot. <br />
<br />
"Earthless
Pagan Spirit" is for the majority, baseline Swedish style Black Metal
interwoven with Death and Doom elements that appears to be moving away
from the homage of old. If undaventurous, the album while nothing
extravagant, and not exactly pushing the boat out, will appeal to fans
of the last album and is certainly acceptable enough for what it is. But
for me they're heading down a dead end and it's just another album in
the vast sea of Swe-Black Metal clones that so many others do better,
and that's ultimately the most frustrating thing about it, because these
guys have such an impressive CV. They're just capable of so much more.
Time to roughen it up again I think.<br />
<br />
Sounds like - Watain, Ofermod, Bathory<br />
<br />
Originally written for Metalireland <br />
<br />
3/5Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-47464650834917721892014-08-06T18:41:00.002+01:002014-08-06T20:44:44.571+01:00[DEMO REVIEW] Venus Torment - Espiral Infinito<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/zRTd8wx.jpg" height="300" width="150" /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1. Intro (Vacio del Espiral Infinito)</div>
2. Agujero de la Perdicion<br />
3. Espectro Negro<br />
4. Venganza y Poder<br />
5. Andromania<br />
6. Sin Muerte<br />
<br />
<table class="playlist" itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/MusicGroup" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 0px; clear: none; color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px; width: 803px;"><tbody></tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Genre - Death/Thrash Metal</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is a release I've been meaning to
write about for a while now, having come across this demo by these
obscure Chilean's purely by chance, Venus Torment play a twisted,
utterly ripping style of Death/Thrash lying somewhere in the chaotic
devastation created by the riff focused brutality of Morbid Saint and
bestial madness of the early South American Thrash scene. Being South
Amercian themselves it's no surprise that the likes bands like
Sarcofago, Chakal, Vulcano and the ilk play a huge influence in Venus
Torment's sound.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The guitar work showcased here is
utterly savage and sharp, the riffs come at you relentlessly, tearing
breakneck through the chaos like a whirlwind of rusty daggers, and
the lead work similarly stellar, wild unhinged shredding flailing all
over the place and one of the highlights of this demo. The vocals are
what gives it that real primitive 'South American' feel, a low
throaty rasp previously used by the likes of Wagner Antichrist,
indeed you can tell 'INRI' is most likely a huge influence here.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The first track is, as with lots of
underground releases these days another completely pointless intro. I
guess by now I probably sound like a broken record with respect to
this, it's something I've come across so many times but very few
intros ever 'set the mood' as they're intended,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
serving no purpose in my eyes other
that to fill up a bit of time. Anyway, with that bugbear out of the
way, as you've probably guessed, the music showcased here is top
notch, right from the opening note in track two tearing full throttle out
of the speakers and grabbing you by the balls and not letting go
right to the very end. From the hardcore punk influences prevalent in
the bass and riff work (just listen to “<span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: white;">Agujero
de la Perdicion</span>” for example)</span></span></span></span></span>
to the deranged soloing in the middle section of “Espectral Negro”,
I can only compare it to something like early Kreator on speed.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I may have found these guy by pure
accident, but have high hopes for the future, the one guy behind this
act has real talent and can only imagine what he'd come up with with
a real production behind him. It's a brief affair, clocking in at
just under twenty minutes, but nothing other than what you'd expect
from a demo in this style of music, just enough to leave you wanting
more. No it's not in anyway original, nor do I have a fucking clue
about any of the lyrics, but when the music is a brilliant as this,
who gives a fuck? Or if you want a somewhat more blunt summary of
what's on offer here, just look at that fucking cover. The South
Americans seem to have a knack for this, don't they? If you like your
metal flat out and morbid, keep an on this guy. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sounds like - Morbid Saint, Celtic Frost, Sarcofago</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
4.5/5</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<url album="" espiral-infinito="" http:="" venustorment.bandcamp.com=""><a href="http://venustorment.bandcamp.com/album/espiral-infinito">Listen here </a></url></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-52196932784362675512013-01-21T14:47:00.002+00:002013-01-21T14:51:17.712+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Hell Militia - Jacob's Ladder<style type="text/css">
<!--
@page { margin: 0.79in }
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in }
</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/Hell-Militia-Jacobs-Ladder-800x800_zps7bc1fff6.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<br />
Genre - Black Metal<br />
<br />
1. Jacob’s Ladder<br />
2. Jonah<br />
3. Sternenfall<br />
4. Death Worship<br />
5. The Black Projector<br />
6. Second Coming Of The Pig<br />
7. Deus Irae<br />
8. Jericho<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Fresh off their recent signing to
Season of Mist, Parisian black metal super-group Hell Militia have
returned with their third offering and follow up to 2010's 'Last
Station on the Road to Death'. With a roster boasting names who are
linked with likes of Arkhon Infaustus, Bethlehem and Vorkriest among
others spearheaded by the enigmatic genius that is former Mutiilation
mastermind Meyhnach, it's hard to look past such a pedigree of names.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On paper Hell Militia should be
untouchable with such a lineup but previous efforts were below
average attempts at something which boasted so much more. 'Jacob's
Ladder' is a vast improvement on the preceding albums it must be
said, the band have appeared to continue their stylistic shift
towards a manifestation more similarly aligned with the likes of
Ascension, Dodecahedron and countrymen Deathspell Omega while still
retaining that traditional orthodox Swedish vibe of Watain, Ofermod
and the ilk.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When you look at the aforementioned
bands recent success that can be a hard point to argue against. So
does it work? To a degree yes but it's a style that has been
performed and perfected so many times before now by the likes of DSO
and Blut Aus Nord that it's inevitable anything anywhere remotely in
the same vein immediately gets stacked up and dissected against what
is essentially some of the best black metal created this side of the
millennium, which just doesn't seem fair does it?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It is by no means bad though, the likes
of the title track initiate things with an intense whirlwind of
breakneck blasting and heavily obscure, piercing riffs accompanied by
Meyhnach's wretched vocal delivery does make for some immersive
listening at times even if this is a path extremely well worn by now.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meyhnach's vocals are arguable the
standout aspect of 'Jacob's Ladder', something which holds true for
pretty much every album he's ever performed on, I mean just try and
tell me 'Vampires of Black Imperial Blood' would be anywhere near
lauded as much as it is without those twisted, schizophrenic vocals.
The guitar work is well enough executed, steeped in layer upon layer
of scything, caustic dissonance and the drumming tight and dynamic
enough and when intertwined make for a heavily intricate and
multi-faceted release which in practice should sound fantastic but in
reality lacks that final sheen and memorability to really take this
album to the next level.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For every decent passage there's
another passage of exhausted and uninspiring boredom that has you
reaching for the skip button. Take for example the likes of 'Death
Worship' with its basic one dimensional rhythm and utterly stale
riffing and the tedious and plodding dirge of 'Jericho' which
overstays its welcome by about five minutes and you certainly have a
lot of room for improvement.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Still though, tracks like 'The Black
Projector' which contain some of the most impressive guitar work
here, discordant ringing and sweeping riffs envelop the listener in a
malevolence and filth that is unfortunately missing from a vast chunk
of the rest of 'Jacob's Ladder'. Similarly 'Second Coming of the Pig'
also harbours some fantastic pummeling moments of swirling chaos and
an illustration that this isn't all complete monotony. And for fuck
sake cut out those shitty B-movie samples next time around, the
cliché barrel is completely and thoroughly scraped through in that
regard.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Unfortunately once again Hell Militia
fail to really deliver anything remotely threatening to those that
they so obviously aim to emulate though it is at least an improvement
on their previous releases which were to be frank, fucking shite.
There are certain moments of inspiration scattered here and there but
ultimately that's just not good enough and though the musicianship is
indeed pretty impressive it doesn't have any particular coherence or
definition. 'Jacob's Ladder' promises so much yet what we're left
with is something altogether far too formulaic and non-eventful that
it just wont cut it these days.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
5.5/10<br />
<br />
Originally written for <a href="http://www.metalireland.com/">Metalireland</a> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sounds like - Watain, Deathspell Omega, Ondskapt </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-7029465967304792732012-11-01T11:55:00.002+00:002012-11-01T13:34:30.646+00:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Saturnus - Saturn in Ascension<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/Saturnus_SaturnInAscension_200dpi.jpg" width="150" /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Genre - Doom/Death Metal</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Litany of Rain</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Wind Torn</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. A Lonely Passage</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. A Father's Providence</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Mourning Sun</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Call of the Raven Moon</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Forest of Insomnia</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Between</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9. Limbs of Crystal Clear (Bonus Track) </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There
are some bands that just completely transcend their perceived genre
confines they're that far ahead of most of their peers in sound and
stature that no matter if they were to release a shitty album
tomorrow you still have to sit back and admire the sheer magnitude
and impact their influence has had in a certain corner of music. It's
been nigh on twenty years now since their momentous debut <i>Paradise
Belongs to You</i><span style="font-style: normal;">; </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the
dismal Danish doomsters </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Saturnus
are back with a full length after a barren six years with their </span><span style="font-style: normal;">gloom
ridden</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> soul siphon </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
believe you me, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">they're just
as fucking miserable as before. I'm not going to lie when I say I
wasn't holding out a considerable amount of hope for this release
when I heard about it, I mean I wasn't expecting it to be bad,
there's just only so many times you can release nigh on perfect album
after nigh on perfect album, you've got to slip at some point surely?
</span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their
previous three albums have all been astounding slabs of melancholic
doom/death and each different in their own unique way and straight
from the opening notes of “Litany of Rain” I just knew this was
going to be another classic. For those who're none the wiser as to
who Saturnus are, they're one <span style="font-style: normal;">of
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">doom metal's </span><span style="font-style: normal;">relatively
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">unsung heroes with their
heavily melancholic and gothic stylized brand of death doom, think of
something along the lines of </span><i>Angel and the Dark River </i><span style="font-style: normal;">era
My Dying Bride, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Winter and
Skepticism if you're looking for a close comparison as to what they
sound like. </span><i>Paradise... </i><span style="font-style: normal;">is
widely regarded as one of the genre's finest examples of this style
and not without good reason, it</span><span style="font-style: normal;">'s</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
easily one of the top ten doom/</span><span style="font-style: normal;">death</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
albums of all time. </span><i>Saturn in Ascension </i><span style="font-style: normal;">swings
stylistically back towards the aforementioned album yet still
incorporating elements from both the excellent </span><i>Martyre </i><span style="font-style: normal;">and
</span><i>Veronika Decides to Die </i><span style="font-style: normal;">for
a release which while extremely melodic and gothic in design, is
still absolutely crushing in it's execution. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;">As
I sit here with th</span><span style="font-style: normal;">at
familiar</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
telling chill in the air, I can't help but feel that </span><i>Saturn
in Ascension</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is exactly the perfect soundtrack to these portentous nights. “Litany
of Rain” begins with some tasteful choral vocals before the guitar
comes crashing down to slowly lumber through agony wrought riffs
interwoven sporadically with those angelic chorals for ten minutes
giving the impression </span><span style="font-style: normal;">of
a black draped funeral procession, shorn by wind and lashed by rain.
Simply put, if you were in a positive 'life is great' mood before you
listened to this, you'll be knocking out the Prozac afterwards.
Thomas' vocals are as impressive as ever, his death guttural a grave
shaking growl while his clean vocals emotive if a little awkward at
times. The new recruits on axe (or shovel) duty, Rune and Mattias
play with </span><span style="font-style: normal;">such
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">a
conviction and familiarity </span><span style="font-style: normal;">that
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">you'd be
forgiven for thinking they'd been in the band from day one. The
atmosphere which is compounded through their skull crushing, heavily
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">encumbere</span><span style="font-style: normal;">d
riffs and forlorn, meandering leads is second to none and where the
similarity to Skepticism comes to mind, though don't be mistaken as
this isn't funeral doom, it's a tad more upbeat and dynamic than
that, though it's inarguable </span><span style="font-style: normal;">that
in the past</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
Saturnus has certainly lent their sound to such bands. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Such
bands like Agalloch </span><span style="font-style: normal;">owe
a great deal to</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
these guys as well, again just listen to the debut and you'll hear
what I'm talking about. Those delicate acoustic melodies and
reflective, autumnal guitar passages </span><span style="font-style: normal;">present
there return and</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
are vividly present on “Wind Torn” and it bears a more than
passing resemblance to Agalloch indeed. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">If
ever a song threatened to tear your very soul out and nail it to a
weather beaten cross then here you go, the guitar passages are
mesmerizing and just welling in emotion and the vocals embracing a
disconsolate abandon. It's entering the season of death and decay,
and fuck if there's a song out there as fitting as this then I don't
want to hear it. Depressing doesn't even cut it. “</span><span style="font-style: normal;">A
Lonely Passage” and “Call of the Raven Moon” provide the non
metal tracks this time around with the former </span><span style="font-style: normal;">a
heart tugging soliloquy layered with acoustics and gentle piano
passages. The latter is a good track also but comes close to being
the only one here I would come close to calling filler material. The
addition of the flute in along with the acoustics at the start was a
nice idea but ultimately the song ends up being rather </span><span style="font-style: normal;">uneventful</span><span style="font-style: normal;">,
not helped by the fact the spoken vocals sound a bit awkward </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
indifferent to be honest. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When
your shortest track is still over five minutes, the quality and
diversity which each track must contain becomes exceedingly important
especially through a release this dauntingly intense and expansive,
and something which </span><i>Saturn in Ascension
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">does well to
maintain. The relatively brief “A Father's Providence” is a
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">behemoth
of a track with the most energetic rhythm here, a head-banger of
sorts with more huge crunching riffs which gives us a slight glimpse
to the bands primitive early roots with it's crude death gutturals
interspersed with some tasteful piano work dancing underneath like
droplets of water. As far as the second half of the album goes
“Mourning Sun” is the standout track here, another with such an
emotional burden that it'll bring you to your knees </span><span style="font-style: normal;">with</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">it's
overbearing riffs weighing a tonne, slowly inching forward</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Again I have to state how amazingly sublime the lead/solo work here
is, just as it was all those years ago with Kim Larsen; the guitarist
has the tone down to a tee so much so that the album would be a lot
less memorable without, and guitar leads were never really a focal
point with doom metal. Just listen to “Forest of Insomnia” and
you'll know what I mean, the guitar work in it is similarly
enthralling in the way it builds up to the climatic solo at the end. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Saturn
in Ascension </i><span style="font-style: normal;">is pretty much a
doom metal masterpiece, but then Saturnus are apparently only able
deal in masterpieces </span><span style="font-style: normal;">as this
is now their fourth. It's standalone in it's utterly agonizing
brilliance, an emotionally draining, sprawling and pious journey of
desolation laying clear all one's woes and grief for all to see, and
another doom/death monolith in the genre to file alongside an
untouchable legacy. Saturnus are finally back guys and they're here
to show a new generation of pretenders just how the fuck it's
supposed to be done. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">A
hopeless, shining paragon of modern doom metal and one that'll you'll
undoubtedly be hearing more about further down the road. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Can
these guys ever do wrong? It doesn't seem likely. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">A
certain contender for album of the year. Buy or die. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">9.5/10</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sounds like - My Dying bride, The 3rd and the <span style="font-size: small;">M</span>ortal, Shape of Despair </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Originally written for <a 0in="0in" href="http://deadvoiddream.blogspot.com>Dead Void Dreams</a></p><p style=" margin-bottom:="margin-bottom:"><br />
</a></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-81048769818405735482012-10-26T16:43:00.000+01:002012-10-26T16:43:14.321+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Darkenhöld - Echoes from the Stone Keeper
<style type="text/css">
<!--
@page { margin: 0.79in }
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in }
A:link { so-language: zxx }
-->
</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/352775.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Genre - Melodic Black Metal</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1. Intro <br />2. Alchemy and Arcana <br />3. Wyvern Solitude Chant <br />4. Echoes from the Stone Keeper <br />5. March of the Sylvan Beasts <br />6. Interlude <br />7. Mesnie Hellequin <br />8. Chasm of Asylake <br />9. Nightfall and the Fire Doom <br />10. Castle Ruins Anthem </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Darkenhold initially came to my
attention with their collaboration last year with compatriots Aorlhac
on the <i>La Maisniee du Maufe</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
split, a band who they share many attributes with. Both draw their
influences heavily from the old Norwegian black metal scene with the
likes of Emperor, Satyricon and Taake form</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ing</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
the bulk of their sound, a heavily riff-centric strain of melodic
black metal. They're also both from roughly the same area in
South/South Eastern France, and most importantly with the the release
of </span><i>Echoes of the Stone Keeper, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">they're
both fucking awesome. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The
tracks off the split were decent but nothing outstanding, similarly
their debut release </span><i>A Passage to the Towers...</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
was a modest release that had all the echoes of a band who were yet
to hit their true stride. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">So</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
enter their sophomore effort, </span><i>Echoes of the Stone Keeper,
</i><span style="font-style: normal;">with its pummeling, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">semi-melodic</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
tremolo riffs and expansive patchwork of synth based atmospheres
draped behind, it has all the hallmarks and qualities of a band who
have really worked hard to hone their sound and create something very
distinguished and memorable indeed. </span>If you know Darkenhold
already, you'll know they have a fetish for all things medieval and
fantasy, more specifically, wyverns and castles, so you'd expect the
music to reflect this then right? Correct, the atmosphere has been
kicked up a notch or two and the arcane keys of which <i>Echoes...</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is comprised of </span>really emphasize that eerie, haunting and
medieval atmosphere Darkenhold are striving for. Atmospherics wise,
oft overlooked Norwegian act Wallachia I suspect play a huge
influence in this, while the 'metal' itself is drawn from the same
pool which gave us Satyricon, Emperor and even Abigor among others.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like Wallachia, the album sounds like
it was composed in some crusty old ancient dilapidated castle in the
middle of Transylvania. It's melodic black metal constructed and
delivered exactly the way it should be, huge immersive swathes of
synth/key driven atmosphere at no expense to the fundamentals of
black metal whatsoever, and getting that appropriate balance is a
difficult thing to achieve. The guitar is in fact arguably the
strongest element of <i>Echoes.., </i><span style="font-style: normal;">the
riffing is utterly scathing as it should be, and suitably diverse as
no two riffs ever sound similar. Tracks like “Under the Sign of
Arcanum” and “Chasm of Asylake” even have a sprinkling of
acoustics just to mix things up a little and further compound that
mystic and archaic atmosphere. The Satyricon influence in the riffing
is painfully obvious, they could be very well lifted straight off
</span><i>Nemesis Divina </i><span style="font-style: normal;">itself,
but that's no bad thing, for just listen to the absolutely
devastating introduction to “Castle Ruins Anthem” or one of the
many riffs in “Wyvern Solitude Chant” and you'll see exactly what
I mean. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Aboth
turns out an extremely impressive performance behind the kit as well,
a thoroughly assorted affair refraining from the typical flat out
blasts and unrelenting hi-hat abuse, a good drum performance being a
rarity in black metal. A special mention must go out to “Nightfall
and the Fire Doom” though, the out and out standout track here
which can only be described as majestic, a sprawling behemoth of a
track drenched in esoteric chanting, sepulchral riffing and an
enthralling, enchanting atmosphere which lasts for six very brief
minutes before </span><span style="font-style: normal;">fading</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
out to something not unlike Wongraven. “Caslte Ruins Anthem” as
well it must be noted is an absolute bulldozer of a track with that
opening riff and it's staunch medieval sway which what I imagine the
perfect combination of Satyricon and Wallachia to sound like.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">The
really full production does wonders for the music here as well, not
exactly clean but thankfully not ever entering 'bees in a biscuit
tin' territory. </span><i>Echoes of the Stone Keeper</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is exactly what I expect 'medieval black metal' to sound like, like
it was recorded in a </span><span style="font-style: normal;">colossal
and grandiose gold littered throne room from the depths of some far
fetched </span><span style="font-style: normal;">fantasy novel. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It's
distinctly unrepetitive and broad enough that there's always
something going on that your mind never wanders. Darkenhold have
really stepped up to the plate with this one and they'll be a force
to be reckoned with in the future. This is majestic and melodic black
metal performed about just as well as you're going to hear all year,
and an album that will definitely be up there in my end of year list.
Highly recommended. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">9/10</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Sounds like - Wallachia, Nerthus, Aorlhac </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Originally written for <a href="http://www.blogger.com/http//www.metalcrypt.com">Metalcrypt</a> </span>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-30244560007920909492012-10-23T15:05:00.001+01:002012-10-23T15:06:37.705+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Visigoth - Final Spell<style type="text/css">
<!--
@page { margin: 0.79in }
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in }
</style>
-->
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/349065_zps820de25b.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Genre - Heavy Metal</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
1. Creature of Desire</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
2. Final Spell</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
3. Seven Golden Ships</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
4. Call of the Road</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just look at that cover, if that
doesn't instill you with confidence from the outset then you're a
lost fucking cause. Visigoth are a relatively new band hailing from
the heavy metal wasteland of Utah, and coming at a period when it
appears the latest traditional metal revival trend is slowly winding
down, are an absolute breath of fresh air to these ears. Fair enough,
as far as finding originality goes, especially in the traditional
metal scene these days is about as fruitful as pissing up a rope but
when it's performed as well as this, who the fuck needs originality?
<i>Final Spell</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is the band's
second release after their decent enough demo </span><i>Vengeance</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
from 2010, and where it was set firmly in barefaced doom </span><span style="font-style: normal;">laden</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
Omen </span><span style="font-style: normal;">territory</span><span style="font-style: normal;">,
</span><i>Final Spell </i><span style="font-style: normal;">has all
the characteristics and gl</span><span style="font-style: normal;">int</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
of a band who have finally 'found' their sound, where much bigger and
better things inevitably await. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">So
they have abandoned the epic, pounding US style for more traditional
style of flat out heavy metal with a strong aroma of Euro power
metal, much like countrymen Twisted Tower Dire, in fact so much so
</span><i>Final Spell </i><span style="font-style: normal;">is what
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">their last album</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">could</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
have sounded like </span><span style="font-style: normal;">without the
scourge of Johnny Aune.</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> At
times the similarities are uncanny and especially on “Call of the
Road” which bears a striking semblance to </span><i>Make it Dark</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
sound a bit more than coincidental, still I guess there are worse
bands you could sound like. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Jake's
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">vocals </span><span style="font-style: normal;">are
what really bring these tracks to life though, and imagine my
surprise when I discovered this was the same voice behind the
Agalloch worship act Gallowbraid. The </span><span style="font-style: normal;">tenacity
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">and conviction with which he
tears through the vocal melodies present on </span><i>Final Spell</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is astounding. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-style: normal;">Creature
of Desire”, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">an a</span><span style="font-style: normal;">nthem
to </span><span style="font-style: normal;">metal's favorite</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">two wheeled </span><span style="font-style: normal;">warrior
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">machine </span><span style="font-style: normal;">has
all the echoes of early Hammerfall and Priest with its sublime vocal
harmonies, rolling </span><span style="font-style: normal;">riffs</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
and spiraling guitar leads </span><span style="font-style: normal;">making</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">the only place you want to be
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">is </span><span style="font-style: normal;">hitting
the highway </span><span style="font-style: normal;">with </span><span style="font-style: normal;">wind
in your hair and metal coursing through your veins. The title track
raises the bar even higher with it's criss crossing Maiden-esque
shred and high tempo drumming, and when Jake nails that final scream
you can't help but feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up,
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">even</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
Halford </span><span style="font-style: normal;">himself </span><span style="font-style: normal;">would
be proud. I cannot stress enough how strong the vocals are here, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the
polished production really does them justice.</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
I'd liken them to </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Rain Irving
from While Heaven Wept or even Harry Conklin if I had to chose anyone. “Seven Golden
Ships” has a imposing crunch to the riffing in it, the guitars
noticeably heavier but no less </span><span style="font-style: normal;">effective</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Closer “Call of the Road” is more of a straight forward
infectious 'rocker' for want of a better word, lively rhythms,
blazing guitar leads and stratosphere piercing vocals, which as
previously stated sound suspiciously like a couple of tracks from
Twisted Tower Dire's last effort. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I've
said it before and I'll say it again, no matter what genre of metal
you tend to favour, there is nothing greater than pure una</span><span style="font-style: normal;">dulterated
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">adrenaline pumping heavy
metal performed the way the masters intended it, and this is exactly
the way they envisioned it. Jake delivers his vocal lines like a man
possessed and the performances on the guitars are nothing short of
spectacular. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">S</span><span style="font-style: normal;">imply
put if </span><span style="font-style: normal;">leather clad,</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">fist-clenching and
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">testosterone fueled metal
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">borne from the smell of burnt
tarmac and rubber </span><span style="font-style: normal;">is your
thing then go buy this, if it isn't then go </span><span style="font-style: normal;">fucking
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">buy it anyway and be
converted. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Bring on a full
length, I'm getting withdrawal symptoms already, this shit is like
musical crack. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
9.5/10</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Originally written for <a href="http://deadvoiddream.blogspot.com/">Dead void Dreams</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sounds like - Judas Priest, Twisted Tower Dire, Jag Panzer</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-71915607863382746512012-10-22T16:39:00.002+01:002012-10-22T17:39:43.864+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Witchrist - The Grand Tormentor<style type="text/css">
<!--
@page { margin: 0.79in }
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in }
</style>
-->
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/343653_zpsf8535565.jpg" width="150" /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Genre - Doom Death/Black Metal</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="display table_lyrics"><tbody>
<tr class="even"><td width="20">1.</td>
<td>Into the Arms of Yama </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="display table_lyrics"><tbody>
<tr class="even"></tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2396555"> </a>2.</td>
<td>The Grand Tormentor </td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2396556"> </a>3.</td>
<td>Meditation for Sacrifice </td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2396557"> </a>4.</td>
<td>Wasteland of Thataka </td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2396558"> </a>5.</td>
<td>Exile </td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2396559"> </a>6.</td>
<td>Beyond Darkness and Death </td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2396560"> </a>7.</td>
<td>The Tomb </td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2396561"> </a>8.</td>
<td>Tandava </td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2396562"> </a>9.</td>
<td>Cast into Fire </td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2396563"> </a>10.</td>
<td>Funeral Lotus </td><td></td><td></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td><td nowrap="nowrap"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">“<span style="font-style: normal;">Beheaded
Ouroboros</span><i>” </i><span style="font-style: normal;">was one
of my top rated releases of 2010, one of the most downright
unrelentingly putrid and heavy albums to crawl out of the gutter that
year with its insane </span><span style="font-style: normal;">gutturals</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
and earth cracking guitar riffs. Certainly if esoteric Death Metal
that takes its leads from the Helmkamp inspired barbarity of
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ANGELCORPSE and ORDER FROM
CHAOS along with INCANTATION's monolithic death </span><span style="font-style: normal;">processions</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
then you've come to the right place. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Fresh
off making the transition from Ireland's Invictus to the high-flying
Osmose, </span><i>“</i><span style="font-style: normal;">The Grand
Tormentor” is the sophomore effort from this act </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and
big things were expected.</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> So
how much has this unholy monstrosity progressed since their awe
inspiring debut? Well, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">if it
was possible to better </span><span style="font-style: normal;">such a
masterpiece </span><span style="font-style: normal;">then </span><span style="font-style: normal;">somehow
they have managed to </span><span style="font-style: normal;">do it
with</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> “The Grand Tormentor”,
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">and in the process managed to
make it somehow</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> even fucking
heavier than before. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The
result is a band who now</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
along with countrymen DIOCLETIAN are now essentially the flag bearers
for extreme metal in New Zealand. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;">'Into
the Arms of Yama' </span><span style="font-style: normal;">kicks off
proceedings</span><span style="font-style: normal;">, a ten minute
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">filth encrusted opus that
plunges you straight into the inferno with its initial
INCANTATION-esque Death/Doom dirge with the impression that this is
“The Grand Tormentor” slowly dragging its lumbering bulk up and
out of the pit awakening for its tyranny on the world above. This
eventually succumbs to a menacing drumbeat, down tuned guitars soaked
in distortion and Void's inhuman gutturals hovering just beneath the
music like unearthly bubbles of evil, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">which
I suppose is basically the foundation for the whole album</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
Once you've heard this you'll understand what I mean about this being
incredibly heavy, I mean there's more </span><span style="font-style: normal;">crushing</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
low end present on “The Grand Tormentor” than </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the
collective mass of your average American 'Weight Watchers' class. The
tempo of the album varies frequently enough so things never get
stagnant, faster passages with some rather headbangable rhythms
intertwined with those previously mentioned slow and foreboding ones.
Such an examples of faster moments would be the likes of the title
track which hits you </span><span style="font-style: normal;">with an
intensity which could cleave skulls </span><span style="font-style: normal;">or
'Wasteland of Thataka' </span><span style="font-style: normal;">of
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">which the only way to
describe is as pure unholy barbarism. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">The
production here is such that as fucked up, chaotic and asphyxiating
as it is, it still lends extremely well to each individual aspect of
the music. All the instruments have enough clarity to flourish in
their own given way, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and when
you can include t</span><span style="font-style: normal;">w</span><span style="font-style: normal;">o
songs over nine minutes on album and still retain the listeners
attention then you're onto a winner. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
music hits you like a wave of thick black tar with a </span><span style="font-style: normal;">noxious</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
putrescence; the riffs bore through with a grinding ferocity </span><span style="font-style: normal;">ranging
from doomy dirges to echoes of Black Metal with frantic tremolo
picking </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and the drums ominous
like an encroaching thunder while the vocals indecipherable </span><span style="font-style: normal;">and</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
sickening, lurk beneath. Hell there's even time now and again for a
few esoteric solos to raise their head. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">It
almost sounds as if this is one of Satan's apocalyptic sermons that
has been spewed straight up through a vent from the underworld and
presented itself in all its fetid, sulphuric glory as what we </span><span style="font-style: normal;">now
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">know as “The Grand
Tormentor”. It's pretty much the embodiment of </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the
'</span><span style="font-style: normal;">anti-mainstream</span><span style="font-style: normal;">'</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
within Death Metal, no technical nonsense and no melody whatsoever,
just a sewage pit of ritualistic Doom Death Metal insanity. Fans of
DIOCLETION, HERESIARCH and WRATHPRAYER probably already need no
introduction to these guys, but this should definitely appeal to
those who are fans so-called 'War </span><span style="font-style: normal;">M</span><span style="font-style: normal;">etal'
and of bands such as INCANTATION, WINTER and even ASPHYX. Just be
warned, gas masks out lads, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">you'll
certainly fucking need them</span><span style="font-style: normal;">. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;">9.5/10</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Sounds like - Wrathprayer, Incantation, Diocletian</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Originally written for <a href="http://www.metal-observer.com/">The Metal Observer</a> </span></span>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-26887364363954710222012-10-20T23:14:00.001+01:002012-10-20T23:14:26.013+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] King Dude - Burning Daylight<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/king-dude-burning-daylight-608x611_zpseaa63a9f.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Genre - Neofolk/ Gothic Country</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Intro
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Holy
Land <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Barbara
Anne <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I'm
Cold <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Vision
In Black <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Jesus
In The Courtyard <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>I
Know You're Mine <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>My
Mother Was The Moon <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Lorraine
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>You
Can Break My Heart <span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Lord,
I'm Coming Home</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I’ve always felt a certain unashamed bias towards Seattle’s
newest occult folk export in the shape of King Dude ever since the day I
discovered I share a name with that fascinatingly haunting voice behind the project,
TJ Cowgill. Being a huge fan of neo-folk music myself this was also a bonus as
much of King Dude’s sound is shaped by the pioneers of that scene such as Death
in June, Current 93 and the ilk, or well it was anyway, as after listening to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Burning Daylight</i> it’s hard not to notice
the remarkable progression musically our man in black has made since <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My Beloved Ghost.</i> They’ve basically broadened
the spectrum from a no frills acoustic neo-folk act into something altogether
more inspired and distinct with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Burning
Daylight. </i>Infact the neo-folk influence has been hugely toned down in
favour of something much more dark and apocalyptic, with a veneer of dark and sarcastic
humour to it all. Gone are the catchy acoustic folk ditties such as “Spiders in
her Hair” and “Big Blue Eyes” in favour of gloomy, occult and whiskey soaked gothic
Americana with significantly more in common with Johnny Cash, SWANS and Nick
Cave than it does Death in June or Sol Invictus. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Drawing his influences from ‘The Great Disappointment’, a
period in the nineteenth century when a bunch of lunatics awaited the return of
Jesus, and surprisingly ended up distinctly disappointed when the asshole didn’t
honour his appointment, the album is expectedly involved with Christianity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Holy Death” begins proceedings with a heavily
martial drumbeat and is awash with the same obscure dissonance you’d hear from
SWANS, indeed I can even a slight Michael Gira influence in Cowgill’s vocals as
he delivers his earth shaking baritone through a dense film of reverb. He’s
always loved his reverb, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Burning
Daylight </i>is again, drowned in it. It adds huge waves of atmosphere to the
esoteric subject matter <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Burning Daylight </i>is
based upon. The huge SWANS influence again rears its head again in “I’m Cold”
and also the magnificently morbid “Jesus in the Courtyard” which is essentially
what Johnny Cash would have sounded like if he decided to take on a booming
Gira-influenced form of no-wave. To say this track is stunning is somewhat of
an understatement, it projects visions of an altogether disturbing, underground
black and white 50’s America all through a thick veil of cigarette smoke. “He
got the devil around his finger, Jesus around his neck, none wants him in this
world or the fucking next” he bellows with a genuine sonority. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The likes of “Barbara Anne” and “Lorraine” lighten the
mood a bit with their more romantic theme, for there’s only so many doom laden dirges
the mind can take in one sitting, and although “Lorraine” for me is arguably
filler material. “Barbara Anne” is another fantastic tune delivered with devastating
simplicity with its one-two boot heel kick and whiskey soaked croak. Variation
is key for albums such as these and it’s one attribute Cowgill nails right
square between the eyes. No two songs are sound the same and in this genre of
music that’s a fucking miracle. “Vision in Black” harks back to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love</i> and with its exceedingly infectious
drumbeat resonating beneath a simple yet catchy guitar line with those heavily
reverbed vocals just amounts to another song which you’ll find hard to get out
of your head, and again the same could be said for the black humour of “I Know
You’re Mine”. Hell there’s even room for a few shoegaze influences to seep
through in “My mother was the Moon” in the delicate, glistening <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>spangle of its guitar work and bliss laden
vocals which unless the Dude suddenly lost his ballsack, I guess done by an
external unnamed female party. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The highlight of the album though must lie within the gloriously
melancholic and over the top adieu to all of life’s ills in “Lord, I’m Coming
Home”, a death laden serenade into the afterlife delivered with superb conviction
in his deep, gravelly husk and almost Andrew Eldritch-esque howl on top of a
blanket of <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>angelic synths and bluesy
acoustic guitar. At face value its depressing as fuck, but in reality its
effect is one of those tracks where it’s drink in and sorrows out,<span style="color: black; font-family: "Thorndale","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Thorndale; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">glasses up and
curtains down, a more than fitting end for a journey which began swathed in the
darkness of Satan and eventually emerges into the light. When I say I could
imagine this track coming off a Nick Cave album I’m speaking the truth, it has
all the swagger and guile one would expect from our friend down under, and if
that’s not a compliment then I guess nothing is. Steeped in dry humor and a sinister
smirk, shrouded in stale cigarette smoke and swirling bourbon all delivered
with a portentous drone, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Burning Daylight
</i>is a breath of fresh air into the neo-folk genre, but to be fair it’s far
above and beyond most of what’s labeled as neo-folk these days. Plus, what the
fuck is not awesome about an artist with a name like King Dude anyway? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">9/10</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sounds like - Johnny Cash, SWANS, Nick Cave</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Originally written for <a href="hhtp://deadvoiddream.blogspot.com">Dead Void Dreams</a> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-91336623100843527072012-10-20T13:08:00.001+01:002012-10-20T13:13:51.467+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Old Silver Key - Tales of Wanderings<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/315221_zps712a5f4b.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Genre - Shoegaze/Post-Black Metal</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="display table_lyrics"><tbody>
<tr class="even"><td width="20">1.</td>
<td>What Once Was and Will Never Happen Again </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2206765"> </a>2.</td>
<td>November Nights Insomnia </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2206766"> </a>3.</td>
<td>Cold Spring </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2206767"> </a>4.</td>
<td>Nineteen Winters Far Away From Home </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2206768"> </a>5.</td>
<td>Star Catcher </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2206769"> </a>6.</td>
<td>Burnt Letters </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084" name="2206770"> </a>7.</td>
<td>About Which an Old House Dreams </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
When I first heard the news of a new project combining
the creative forces of both ALCEST mastermind Neige and Roman Saenko of the
almighty Ukranian Black Metal act DRUDKH, my inner fanboy was set to
hyperactive overdrive. It’s no secret that I’ve loved pretty much everything
Neige has ever been a part of, and the same could have been said about DRUDKH
if you ignore their (at the time) latest musical abortion “Handful of Stars”. The
hype and anticipation that revolved around this release was huge, and what we received
in the end was one of the biggest, most underwhelming and uninspired disappointments
of the year. Essentially everything “Tales of Wanderings” should have been with
the influence of the collective genius behind the project, it isn’t. The best I can perceive this at all is that the only way DRUDKH could decide to
become even more of a limp wristed ALCEST clone was to go one step further and
hire the fucking man himself for vocals and masquerade it under a different
guise. Seriously, it even sounds like he doesn’t want to fucking even be there
his vocals are that dull and lifeless. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Musically OLD SILVER KEY has almost nothing to do with
Black Metal, there are a few vague traces present in the riffing styles which
crop up from time to time but nothing overtly significant; “Tales of Wandering’s”
main focal point is on light, breezy shoegaze rhythms and prog rock based
structures. The only problem is it completely lacks any substance, force and inspiration
in the guitar passages, with a tone with about as much body as a French supermodel.
They sound like one of those countless floppy fringed nineties alternative
bands who never managed to make it, and for good fucking reason too. Oh indeed
there are some decent, hell even marginally interesting moments on the album,
but it’s really not enough to save it from <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>being consigned to the ‘really fucking boring ‘
bin. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
‘Nineteen Winters Far Away From Home’ is the first track
to make any sort of discernible impression upon my by now flatlining brain, with
some faint Black Metal influences in the riffs which are actually quite nostalgic
and dare I say, interesting. The drumming is fucking terrible though, it sounds
like they planted a three year old behind the kit and handed him a stick. But
guess what? It’s an instrumental, so take from that what you will. Ok that’s
being a bit harsh on Neige, he’s actually quite decent on ‘Star Catcher’, my
personal highlight of the album. I say decent, he moulds his voice around the
music well and delivers some nice spirited melodies, but it’s far from his
best. He just doesn’t sound comfortable singing in English it seems. The guitar
carries that wistful sense of longing extremely well and eventually builds up
to something you could actually call a decent track. ‘Burnt Letters’, the promo
track again is remarkably average, with some impressive guitar riffs scattered
about the vast dreariness, sounding something more ALCEST-like in its frantic
guitar driven climax than any of the other tracks. ‘About Which an Old House
Dreams’ is listenable too, a meandering, smokey number awash with an aquamarine
reminiscence and nostalgia and Neige’s best vocal performance on the whole
album. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The problem is that when the music is described just as ‘listenable’,
especially from these two creative forces, it’s just not good enough. The end
result is utter fucking hackneyed and humdrum monotony that sounds like a
shitty Black Metal band making their worst attempt at being a tenth generation
ALCEST clone with a mish mash of incoherent ideas and lazy execution. The worst
thing about it is we’re all aware of what both artists are capable of, DRUDKH
and ALCEST are both light years beyond most other Extreme Metal acts, but here
it appears they just cancel each other out and couldn’t be fucking arsed at all
and the end result is as dull as fucking dishwater. Well, it could be worse, it
could have been “Handful of Stars”, at least there’s that I suppose, for make
no mistake beating your head repeatedly off a slab of concrete is more
rewarding than listening to that heap of rage inducing shit. It’s just
unfortunate a significant portion of it rubs off here too. “Tales of Wandering”?
My mind certainly wandered anyway...</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3.5/10</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sounds like - Handful of stars - Drudkh, Elevator music, the washing machine </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Originally written for <a href="http://www.metal-observer.com/">Metal Observer</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-15684375119504200882012-10-19T14:44:00.000+01:002012-10-19T14:44:01.049+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Eldrig - Urlagarne<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img height="150" nbsp="nbsp" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/1350509105cover_zps19dd0a00.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Genre - Instrumental Black Metal</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1. I</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2. II </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3. III</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
4. IV</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
5. V</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
6. VI</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Well this was a complete bolt out of the blue; the long
awaited follow up to Eldrig’s previous opus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mysterion
</i>is apparently finally going to see the light of day after four long years
of uncertainty, previously having been touted for release on Supernal’s roster.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Urlagarne </i>is now the fourth full
length from this solo project consisting of Eldrig, one of the mastermind’s
behind parent project Fanisk, a band who I hold in extremely high regard. For
the unenlightened, Fanisk play a highly orchestral and symphonic form of NSBM with
a significant portion of the focus on Eldrig’s vast and sweeping guitar movements.
His solo project Eldrig is much the same, only it’s a purely instrumental
endeavour with an even heavier weighting on the guitar and less so on the keys
and typical black metal structure in general. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I must admit Eldrig never really clicked with me, I
always felt the ominous shadow of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Noontide</i>
continually looming over both <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Kali </i>and
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mysterion</i> thinking to myself what I
wish this sounded like; I know they’re both completely separate projects but I
can’t shake that thought. I suppose it’s testament to just how hard an act to
follow <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Noontide </i>is. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Urlagarne </i>again is much the same, and if
you’re looking for something a bit more ‘conventional’ than the previous releases
then you’re in for a sore disappointment. Those previously mentioned sweeping
guitar passages make up the core of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Urlagarne,
</i>three tracks split up by short interludes consisting of shrill leads and
insanely high pitched tremolo riffing the backbone of these. It comes across as
some bizarre, fucked up neo-classical NSBM act at times (whatever next,
technical doom metal?). According to Eldrig himself the album’s main concept is
fate and destiny centred on the universe, and I guess each track is a ‘piece’
as such in this movement. The first track actually begins with a heavily mechanical
and industrialised guitar tone and an unsettling synth teetering away behind
giving the impression something’s on the brink of collapse, but this soon gives
way to the clamour of blazing fast cascading guitar work and a breakneck drum
machine. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
There’s something extremely apocalyptic, malign and even psychedelic
about the piercing, atonal kick off the guitar on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Urlagarne</i>, it’s not an easy listen that’s for sure. It’s flamboyant,
extensively dynamic and often bombastic and contains more layers than an international
World of Warcraft convention so redundancy and repetition are never a problem. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its problem is that because it’s so progressive
and always continually morphing it’s just completely and utterly unmemorable; the
exact same problem that all Eldrig releases have suffered from in the past. As
mesmerizing as the musicianship may be, sometimes you’re just left longing for
a simple, conventional crushing riff; I mean there are some great melodies and
riffs buried within, it’s just completely overwhelming and without any vocals
the guitar becomes very sickly after a short while. Often at times the music
reminded me of something that would have come from my old fucking Sega
Megadrive. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Put it this way, if you liked his previous work then you’ll
love <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Urlagarne</i>. Eldrig have never
really ever clicked with me though and although I understand what he is
shooting for, with their latest release it’s still not hitting it and the
effect remains much the same as their previous work; frustrating would be the
best way to describe it, so much musicianship and promise which isn’t really
ever delivered upon. For those looking for something a bit more left field of
normal NSBM, or even those looking for heavily orchestral, instrumental black
metal (or sensory annihilation via fret board) in general then give it a
listen, just be warned as it’s a lot to take in. What I am looking forward to
though is the next Fanisk album, apparently due out very soon which with luck
will be much more exciting. I wait with baited breath. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
5.5/10</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sounds like - Fanisk </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Originally written for <a href="http://www.metalcrypt.com/">Metalcrypt</a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-78797677282799629422012-10-18T17:19:00.000+01:002012-10-18T17:19:24.335+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Embrional - Absolutely Anti-Human Behaviors<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/329655_zpsb0cec0f5.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Genre - Death Metal</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="display table_lyrics"><tbody>
<tr class="even"><td width="20">1.</td>
<td>
Possessed by Evil </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308518"> </a>2.</td>
<td>
Disgraceful Enslavement </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308519"> </a>3.</td>
<td>
Absolutely Anti-Human Behaviors </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308520"> </a>4.</td>
<td>
Necropolis </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308521"> </a>5.</td>
<td>
The Last Step into Nothingness </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308522"> </a>6.</td>
<td>
Beyond the Abyss </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308523"> </a>7.</td>
<td>
Maniacal Madness </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308524"> </a>8.</td>
<td>
Bestial Torture </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308525"> </a>9.</td>
<td>
Dismal Sign </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308526"> </a>10.</td>
<td>
Mankind's Decline </td>
<td align="right"><br /></td>
<td nowrap="nowrap"><br /></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td width="20"><a class="anchor" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4879295659285514084&pli=1" name="2308527"> </a>11.</td>
<td>
Vermin of the Earth </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Poland seems to be somewhat of a hotbed for rabid death metal
lately, Embrional are another to squirm out of that festering pit this year
with their debut release <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Absolutely
Anti-Human Behaviors</i>, and containing members with some degree of pedigree who’ve
previously been affiliated with the likes of Besatt and (Polish)Arkona, initial
expectations were high enough and I was interested to see how they made the
transition to death metal. Everything about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Absolutely
Anti-Human Behaviors</i> initially screamed ‘old-school’, from the impressive
logo to the fantastically repulsive and offensive artwork, yet what greeted me initially
from the first notes of “Possessed by Evil” wasn’t at all exactly what I
expected. Basically if odd time signatures and fancy fret board thrashing is
your thing then this will be right up your street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Frantic, highly technical and harsh guitar riffs are
standard fare here, laced with a really heavy gritty production that gives them
a real huge metallic grinding tone (thus perfect for eliminating the falses). There
is time for a bit of melody, which crops up periodically throughout which I
must add is actually rather impressive in the shape of some cavernous guitar
leads. A good example would be in the instrumentals which serve more purpose
than just pointless filler with “Necropolis” being exceptionally impressive. The
drum work, well how do I put this? Don’t like blasting? Well too fucking bad,
because there isn’t much else, though it does slow down a bit from time to time
so you can apply some antiseptic to those blisters and skid marks on the back
of your skull before being repeatedly thrown back into the whirlwind of speed centred
technical madness again. The vocals themselves are fairly pedestrian, a deep
gravelly roar and while nothing earth shattering do the job well enough. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
What I don’t like about Absolutely Anti-Human Behaviors is
at times it all becomes a bit much and ends up a bit of a repetitive blur, a lot
of the songs are too similar; this is a heavily saturated style of death metal
and one that has been done countless times before and brings nothing particularly
fresh or exciting to an already cluttered table. What I do like about it is while
being a heavily intricate work, it doesn’t sacrifice the atmosphere which was
all so important to death metal back in the early days. It combines just the
right amount of atmosphere and technicality for a fusion which lies somewhere
in between Morbid Angel and Origin; I suppose if you want a comparison,
countrymen Decapitated wouldn’t be too far off. If fannying about with
keyboards and synths are your thing, then avoid, for those who like it fast and
furious with an intensity and precision that will leave your brain in knots then
I’d certainly suggest a listen.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
7/10</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
SOunds like - Decapitated, Vader, Hellspawn </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Originally written for <a href="http://www.metalcrypt.com/">Metalcrypt</a></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-87509696531670273132012-10-15T20:04:00.000+01:002012-10-15T20:04:08.544+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Ebon Lore - Wisdom of the Owl<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/EbonLore-WisdomOfTheOwl_zps16b408d9.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Genre - Neofolk</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1. The Owl</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2. Flying</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3. Woods</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
4. Epilogue</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Neofolk music can be a peculiar and hugely encompassing genre
at the best of times. On one hand you have the apocalyptic and unashamedly
nihilistic style in where acts such as CURRENT 93, DEATH IN JUNE and SOL
INVICTUS would be the main pillars from which all other strands emerge from,
and then you have the rather more delicate, nature inspired style which is
weighted heavier on the acoustic folk side of things where acts such as TENHI
and OF THE WAND AND MOON are the front runners. EBON LORE fall on the latter
end of the spectrum, and a band that should certainly appeal to fans of VALI,
TENHI and NEST. The band are in fact a side project of Nachtzeit, the genius
behind the Swedish Black Metal act LUSTRE, a band who I hold in very high
regard, so upon discovery of this fact my interests were certainly piqued to
say the least. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Wisdom of the Owl” is a brief debut EP offering clocking
in at only sixteen minutes or so, but it’s sixteen minutes awash with nothing
but emotion and endless atmosphere. The acoustics shimmer like the vast snow
carpeted firmament throughout ‘The Owl’ and accompanied with that distant solitary
hum, it showcases this style of music in its fully naked and primal grandeur.
It’s essentially just one man and his guitar surrounded only by the majesty of
the nocturnal wilderness. As by now you’ve probably guessed that the vocals don’t
really play much of a role on this EP, this style of neofolk was never vocally
centred anyway, and with ‘Flying’ they’re restricted to a lone line stretched
repeatedly over the flitting guitar. Again it’s beauty in simplicity that’s
showcased here, the guitar meandering through the song with wistful abandon. ‘Woods’
adopts are more chord based structure, layered upon by that glistening guitar
work by our lone wanderer and together with the closing synths is as best I can
describe a musical opiate. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
This is a project I would be very interested to see
expanded on, because for me its whole appeal is in its sedate, laid back ambient
approach and the sheer mesmerising simplicity of it all. Just listen to ‘Woods’
and you’ll experience exactly what I mean, it will take you on a journey above
a sparse, unforgiving Northern landscape illuminated only by the moon and the
sounds of the wild with your only accompaniment your inner thoughts. This is
exactly what is meant by music that draws its inspiration from nature. Recommended
to not just fans of neofolk, but anyone at all. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
9/10</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sounds like - Tenhi, Vali, Neun Welten</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Originally written for <a href="http://www.metal-observer.com/">Metal Observer</a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-48215945164922562172012-10-15T14:33:00.001+01:002012-10-15T14:34:09.692+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Neige et Noirceur - Hymns de la Montagne Noire<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br /><img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/321232_zps82ad1948.jpg" width="150" /><br />
<br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Genre - Atmopsheric black Metal</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1. Hymn I</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2. Hymn II</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3. Hymn III</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
4. Hymn IV</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
5. Hymn V</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
6. Les Bûcherons </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Neige et Noirceur are yet another one of the many impressive
bands currently plying their trade in the burgeoning Quebecois black metal
scene, and finally get around to unleashing their latest opus entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hymns de la Montagne Noire</i>, and if you
thought their previous efforts were cold then this will freeze you to your very
core. So Zifond is back, and appears to have slightly shifted to focus this time
around to a slightly heavier weighting on the metal aspect of their brand of
black metal and less on the droning ambience yet still retaining a huge
atmospheric presence that helps deliver his style of minimalist, hypnotic black
metal so seamlessly. Indeed if there was a more suitable album this year to
listen to just as winter threatens its first ice laden advances on the
landscape then I’ve yet to hear it. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hymns...</i>
contains five tracks of repetitive, atavistic black metal set somewhere in between
the Norwegian style of the early nineties and the deathly cold standoffishness
of ambience focused acts like Paysage d’Hiver and Darkspace. Take the first
track “Hymn I”, the Norwegian influences are hugely apparent with its raw
swaggering gait reminiscent of early Gorgoroth, but break this up with subtle
use of synths and Zifond’s abrasive vocals and sparse minimalist passages of
ambience and and you have the basic formula for the whole album. The riffing
itself uses repetition to great effect and bolstered by the incessant drumming
hammers through the effect of a perpetual blizzard grinding away at your very
being. Indeed ‘Snow and Blackness’ as their moniker translates couldn’t really
be more fitting. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Zifond’s vocals alternate between are more atypical black
metal rasp and extremely sharp high pitched shriek, I suppose you could say in
the same vein as many artists from the ‘Suicidal Black Metal’ end of things. “Hymn
II” is much the same expect broken up by vast swathes of atmosphere with some
rather obscure guitar passages and kicks back in with some impressive lead work
before closing out with an imposing, caustic dirge which again showcases the
hypnotic use of the riff work. “Hymn III” even finds some space to utilize some
nifty acoustic work which helps emphasize the change ups between ‘atmosphere’
and ‘metal’ and together with its sorrow laden riffing and synth make sure by
this point if you’re not set to deep freeze you’re certainly on your way there.
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
“Hymn IV” is the best track here, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>a beautiful windswept acoustic
introduction which eventually succumbs to a maelstrom of simple yet effective fuzzed
out guitar driven majesty. By the time we reach the fifth track there’s not
really much more to say I haven’t already (disregarding the rather unremarkable
cover tacked on at the end), the only fault being the paper thin production. Simply
put, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hymns de la Montagne Noire </i>is a
brilliant release for anyone who considers themselves a fan of atmospheric black
metal. It’s complex and hypnotic arrangements are colder than a polar bears
ballsack, and although you’ve heard it all before, hearing it again done this
well is ever so welcome. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
8.5/10</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sounds like - Burzum, Paysage d'Hiver, Forteresse</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Originally written for <a href="http://deadvoiddream.blogspot.com/">Dead Void Dream</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4879295659285514084.post-500612775438205332012-10-14T23:23:00.000+01:002012-10-14T23:24:46.196+01:00[ALBUM REVIEW] Forlorn Winds - The Day the Wolf Swallowed the Sun<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-GB</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/>
<w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/>
<w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/>
<w:Word11KerningPairs/>
<w:CachedColBalance/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><br />
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0cm;
mso-para-margin-right:0cm;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0cm;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<img height="150" src="http://i477.photobucket.com/albums/rr137/Memnarchthe59th/1345617305cov_zps3f2bf779.jpg" width="150" /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Genre - Black Metal</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
1. A New Age Dawns</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
2. Norn's Destiny</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
3. The Day the Wolf Swallowed the Sun</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
4. Realm of Decay</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
5. Ancient Flesh</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
6. Signal of Gall</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
7. Transfiguration of Conciousness</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
8. Forlorn Winds</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Finding any substantial information about this mysterious
act called Forlorn Winds is proving to a bit of a futile endeavour. What I do
know about them is they are a recent project involving members of both Polish
stalwarts Dark Fury and the American act Pantheon, and although there is a
considerable distance between both artists, it certainly doesn’t show in their
music, for this comes together in absolutely sublime fashion. It’s especially surprising
in that this appears to be mainly the brainchild of Vautrin from Pantheon, a
band which I was never a fan of at all, but this succeeds them on every level imaginable.
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Given that both members are from two notorious NS bands,
you’d be safe in assuming this is comes across heavily in the elitarian atmosphere
these two guys conjure together, and regardless of what side of the line you
stand you’ve got to admit that it’s utterly fucking pulverising at times. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Day the Wolf Swallowed the Sun</i> the emphasis is very much on the bleak grinding
tumult of the guitars with Vautrin’s deep reverbed vocals superimposed on top. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you want a basic comparison I’d liken
Forlorn Winds to a hybrid somewhere between the rhythm work of Drudkh and the occult
vacuity and force of Greek act Acherontas, which I can certainly hear in the
vocals. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The drum work itself though deserves a mention; J’s work
is flat out with his relentless blasting broken up tastefully adding a sweeping
wave of brutality to this album. Just listen to the opener, “A New Age Dawns”,
it’s absolutely fucking devastating and levels everything in its path, leaving
nothing but dust and ash in its wake. The vocals emanate from the inferno with
all the ardour of the fallen one himself. The rest of the album pretty much
follows in the same pattern, razor sharp riffing surging to and fro, deep
echoed vocals and a never ending blizzard from the kit. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The album even has a huge kick of Mgla to it, very noticeable
in the arrangements of the title track with the vocal patterns and riffing. If there’s
one complaint it’s the lack of variation, it seems like every track is just a
different manifestation of the first one in one way or another, but when you
listen to the first track you might consider than to be a positive rather than
a negative. But then again you could say that about 90% of black metal albums
anyway, so sort of a moot point. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
If you’re looking for a no frills, no prisoners, no
sympathy black metal album then look no further for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Day the Wolf Swallowed the Sun</i> will drag you kicking and
screaming into pitch black oblivion and show absolutely no remorse. Certainly a
pleasant surprise from these two seasoned individuals anyway and one that most
people would do well to check out. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
9/10</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Sounds like - Acherontas, Stutthof, Mgla </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Originally written for <a href="http://www.metalcrypt.com/">Metalcrypt</a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04270927244488318463noreply@blogger.com0