Music Reviews

Impaled Nazarene - Nihil (Osmose, 2000)

Rating 8.5/10
Tracks: Cogito Ergo Gum, Human-Proof, Wrath of the Goat, Angel Rectums Still Bleed - The Sequel, Posteclipse Era, Nothing is Sacred, Zero Tolerance, Assault the Weak, How the Laughter Died, Nihil

This is a much more intense release than I expected. The only other Impaled Nazarene release I own and have heard is the debut, Tol Cormpt Norz Norz Norz. Good album. I've heard good things about Ugra Karma and not-so-good things about Suomi Finland. As most black metal bands tend to go downhill the more albums they release (Marduk seems to be an exception, at least in my opinion), I didn't have high hopes for Nihil, but I must say I am more than happy to be eating crow right now. This is a very intense, very metal album that showcases veteran black metal chops. If they ever strayed, they have certainly come back to form! While not as evil-sounding as Tol Cormpt, Nihil makes up for it in spades with superior songwriting and vastly improved musicianship. There are a lot of memorable moments on this album, which is no easy task when the material is this all-out fast and intense. If Ugra Karma or any of their previous albums are this good, someone let me know. I'mma buy 'em! - Al Kikuras

In Extremo - Verehrt und Angespien (Metal Blade, 2000)

Rating: 7/10
Tracks:  Merseburger Zaubersroche, Ich henne alies, Herr Mannelig, Pavane, Spielmannsfluch, Weiberfell, Miss gordon of Gight, Werd ich am Galger hochgezoen, This Corrosion, Santa Maria, Vonner Och Fronde, In Extremo, Herr Mannelig (Acoustic Version)

I had never heard of this band till this was sent for me to review and I didn't know anything about them. I decided to check Metal Blade's website for some info, maybe a biography but I guess this is just a US licensed cd by Metal Blade, and the website said "Medieval Metal". While I can't decide exactly if this is a fitting description, I know well played music when I hear it.  I don't know any German so I'm not sure exactly what instruments are used, besides the obvious ones(guitar, bass, drums)..but afew cognates are on the credits, including flute, percussion, and I believe...harp(?). But onto the music, they play a style sort of like heavy metal but with alot of folk instruments, and doomy passages between songs I guess this can be considered sort of progressive. I don't know German so the lyrics mean nothing to me.  This is a hard album to review, and a very hard listen at first but in time it does grow on you.  A real treat if you really can stand through the first few listens which are a bit rough, but if you aren't really open-minded musically, or are very limited in the genres you listen to your money is probably better spent elsewhere. Reccomended for fans of Progressive music and some folkish music. - Rick

Krisiun - Conquerors Of Armageddon (Century Media, 2000)

Rating: 9/10
Tracks: Intro/Ravager, Abyssal Gates, Soul Devourer, Messiah's Abomination, Cursed Scrolls, Conquerors Of Armageddon, Hatred Inherit, Iron Stakes, Endless Madness Descends

If you don't know who Krisiun are, they're a death metal band from Brazil. However, these guys are very far from being Sepultura clones, and most of the other bands that hail from that area. They play ultra brutal Death Metal the way it should be played fast. I got into this band last year by a recommendation from some people online, and purchased their last album, Apocalyptic Revelations (Released on GUN/Drakkar), and was blown away from it's sheer brutality. I immediately set out to find more albums by them and found, Black Force Domain (Released on GUN/Drakkar in 1997), and found that enjoyable as well. You can say I became an instant fan.

Which now brings us to their new album, Conquerors Of Armageddon. At first when I read that they signed a deal with Century Media, my first reaction was, "Oh no!", but let me say my worries were put to rest once the CD had started. The album kicks off strong with "Intro/Ravager", a great way to start an album, as it shows the no holds barred in your face brutality that's going to be accompanying the other 8 songs on this album. I want to start with my favorite song from this album called, "Cursed Scrolls". "Cursed Scrolls" showcases excellent riffs, and the lyrics really flow well with the music it's accompanied with. "Messiah's Abomination" is another really good song that showcases the bands ability to execute their fine brand of Death Metal. Other stand out tracks include "Hatred Inherit", "Abysmal Gates", "Soul Devourer", and the title track. I was happy with all 9 songs, but the ones I listed were the ones that really made me happy to own this album.

What I'm sure will be brought up in many interviews this year is, Erik Rutan. Erik Rutan (Ripping Corpse/Morbid Angel/Hate Eternal/Alas guitarist/vocalist) produced this album. I must say he did a fine job in bringing out the best in all of the band members, and probably have made them sound much better than if they chose someone else.

Conquerors Of Armageddon is a must have for any fan of brutal in your face Death Metal. Long time fans will love it, and I hope they gather some new fans with this album. Armageddon is here. Followers of Christianity, you have been warned. - Azazel

Lividity - The Age of Clitoral Decay (United Guttural Records, 2000) 

Rating: 9/10
Tracks: Oozing Vaginal Discharge, The Urge To Splurge, Chamber of Bone, Anal Action Wife, Stench of Virginity, Food, Dismembering Her Lifeless Corpse, Bloody Pit of Horror, Sodomy Ritual

I was pumped when I heard Lividity would be coming out with a new cd.  I was a huge fan of the first cd Fetish for the Sick, and the Live cd as well, despite the weak sound, it had the Rejoice in Morbidity demo which made it worth the purchase if you ask me.  While I am a big supporter of Lividity the first album was extremely short (11 songs, 19 minutes), it was only a small taste of what they are capable of. They have now released their first real full length on United Guttural and I waited a long time for this. While in the past Matt's lead vocals were sick he goes so incredibly low on this, which is then matched by such a great improvement on Dave's backing high vocals. I don't know what these guys did between albums but their vocals have improved tremendously.  Also the drumming is very crazy, Nick is able to keep in perfect time throughout the cd, not one error as far as I can tell. The bass is better and it seems to go off on it's own a bit, which I really enjoy.  I hate when the basslines follow a guitar riff note for note, it's good to see innovation in this.  The production is also much better, practically ideal for their style of brutal death metal. I don't know what else to say except this is one of the best death metal albums I've heard in an incredibly long time.  Fans of the first cd should definitely pick this up, and if you aren't really into Lividity this album may change your mind.  Great album, and their sickest material yet. - Rick

Lobotomy - Born In Hell (Metal Blade, 2000)

Rating: 8/10
Tracks: Born In Hell, Fistful of Demons, Dead, Scream For Me, Burden Of Sin, Ashes, Bloodangel, Painreleaser, Bed Of Flies, Dying Days

Could the return of Swedish-style death metal be the next craze to sweep the underground? With all the buzz that Bloodbath generated with a simple EP, it just may happen. Lobotomy's Born In Hell is also a slab that could contribute to the rebirth, as it is up there with the new Fleshcrawl as one of the most genuine-sounding post-Swedish death metal craze albums  since Dismember shocked the hell out of everyone with their return to form when they released Death Metal. You know the formula deep vocals, buzzsaw guitars, catchy choruses & no surprises... just some solid death metal. Great cover art, by the way!! - Al Kikuras

Machetazo - Carne de Cementerio (Razorback Records, 2000)

Rating: 9.5/10
Tracks: El Enjambre Asesino, (Todos Somos) Alimento del los Cusanos, La Cara Masada a Golpes, Humillado y Descuartizado por Mongolicos, Torso, P.U.S. (Purulento Urologo Sarnoso), Suicide Fuck, Obecede a Tu Demonio Interior Pudrete Como un Cerdo, Masticasesos, Los Ninos No Deberian Jugar con Cosas Muertas, El Ataque de King Ghidorah, Delusion of Terror, Maruta (Carne de Cementerio), Los Cuentos del Munon Gangrenoso

I used to miss Autopsy. While Abscess certianly has its charm, nothing compared to the true kings of gore death metal!

Until now. Machetazo have not only lived up to Autopsy's legacy, they may have even surpassed all of their efforts (perhaps with the exception of only the mighty Mental Funeral). This is disgusting, guttural, rotten, repulsive death metal at its best!! Deep, vomitous vocals, bottom-heavy guitars, distorted bass... this is the kind of stuff that makes non-death metal fans shake their heads in disbelief and turn directly around and walk out of the room within 3 seconds of the music hitting their ears. While some might hear the likes of Bolt Thrower and/or Monstrosity and ask "What is this shit you are listening to??" if they heard Machetazo, what would going through their minds is "This person is a fucking lunatic. I am leaving."

Machetazo are destined to join Autopsy, Necrophagia, Impetigo and Carcass as legends of the genre, and their legacy will be well-deserved. Even if their next album is a piece of commercial dreck that makes Third Eye Blind sound like the Meat Shits in comparison, I would still respect them. Carne de Cementerio is THAT good. - Al Kikuras

Masochism - 3 Song Demo Tape (Self-Released, 1998)

Rating: 7/10
Tracks:  Masochist, Neophobia, Dead & Decaying

This demo was recorded a long time ago (1995) but it never was released till 1998.  Out of Texas, this band has what you would expect in a good brutal Death Metal band, sick vocals, catchy but brutal riffs, and some very fast drumming.  The main problem with this though, is that a lot of the good riffs were lost in the production. I know it's a demo and for a demo this is very good, but the production really holds it back.  It's a shame too, because I've heard that they have broken up since the demo was released. Hopefully they will get a good lineup together and get in the studio and record something new. If not I'll remember this for what it was, a good demo. - Rick

Maudlin of the Well - My Fruit Psychobells...a Seed Combustible (Dark Symphonies, 2000)

Rating: 9/10
Tracks:  Ferocious Weights, A Conception Pathetic, Undine and Underwater Followers, The Ocean the Kingdom and the Temptation, Pondering a Wall, Catharsis of Sea Sleep and Dreaming Shrines, Blight of River Systems

First listen to this all the way through was extremely bizarre. Calling themselves "Astral Metal", blends of Avant-Garde, Progressive, Atmospheric, Doom, Black Metal and Death Metal shine through the bleak, dark sound of this incredible band. After reading through Jason Byron's thanks list you get an idea of how these dark, unusual, and sometimes even downright confusing lyrics were written. Very hard listen the first time through but if you are into Progressive, or Atmospheric music then you should certainly give this album a chance.  With each additional listen you begin to realize how innovative, unique and strange this is.  Going from at times doom to some just plain brutal tracks Maudlin of the Well take you on a sometimes frightening, but never dull musical and emotional journey. - Rick

Rain Fell Within - Believe (Dark Symphonies, 2000)

Rating: 10/10
Tracks: A False Reality, Alone, Believe, Sorrow Becomes Me, The Sun in my Wound

I wasn't initially impressed by the sample of this band I heard but at March Metal Meltdown a friend gave me the cd,and it's great. The music is so well played and matches the mood of the lyrics perfectly, creating perhaps the most depressing atmosphere ever on a cd. The part of this that really stands out the most is the lovely Dawn's vocals.  I'm not too big of a fan of female vocals, especially operatic but Dawn sounds breath-taking. The music on this album is some of the most somber yet crushing doom.  They don't make a gimmick out of their life(like Bethlehem), or call themselves Funeral Doom.  Rain Fell Within have the talent and poetic lyrics to make it real, and almost heart breaking to listen to.  Bearing similarities to Theater of Tragedy, The 3rd And the Mortal, and Nightwish (but not quite as heavy) if you listen to any of the above you should enjoy this. - Rick

Rakoth - Planeshift (Code 666, 1999)

Rating: 10/10
Tracks: Planeshift (Introduction), Fear (Wasn't in the Design), Noldor Exodus, The Dark Heart of Uukrul, Og'Elend, Planeshift, Gorthaur Aulendil, Mountain God, The unquiet Grave, Outro

I had heard of this band through the Code 666 website many months ago but I never thought I would hear it as I didn't do international ordering, and no US distros had it.  Well I get this to review and I immediately throw this into my cd player and it's perfect all the way through. Whether it's clean vocals, and the flute or fast riffs, growls and fast programmed drums, Rakoth certainly seem to adjust to the style quickly.  Described as "Extreme-Fantasy Metal" from the Code 666 website, that genre classification doesn't do the beauty of this cd justice.  In my opinion it tears down any barriers of the folk genre, the metal genre, and there is even some very well done neo-classical material at times.  In an age where many bands claim themselves to be "Artists" (The Kovenant and Therion come to mind) it's very refreshing to see a band actually put something out so innovative, ground-breaking, and awe inspiring, it makes listening to the seemingly endless ammount of horrible cds all worth it.  I don't know what else to say except just pick this up if you can, you won't regret it. - Rick

Sanatorium - Arrival of the forgotten ones (Erebos Productions, 2000)

Rating: 9/10
Tracks: Throne of the Undead, Necrologue Written In Forest, Race of the Dimension Unknown, Diseased Awareness of Reality, Cemetary of Memories, Guardians of Deceitful Dawn, Evolution of Decay, Autumn Shadows, Red Moon, Munulost

As I mentioned in the review of Erebos Production’s Surgical Dissection album last edition, Erebos’ releases remind me of the classic Wild Rags releases. Sanatorium, especially... the cover art and logo are eerily similar to that of Toxodeth's Mysteries About Life & Death. The music is far from the unfocused, pseudo-aggressive death metal that made up the Toxodeth album. Rather, Sanatorium are an excessively dark and brutal death metal monster hailing from the Czech Republic. They've penned the music "Naturalistic Death Metal." An uncommon term, by any means. Essentially, what sets Sanatorium apart from the average band is that they incorporate clean guitar passages and a healthy dose of melody into the music. This isn't anything remotely happy-sounding that we are talking about here, mind you. Sanatorium are dark and morbid to the core, and you've just got to love 'em for it.

This is a release that I recommend to any fan of brutal death metal, as well as those that find themselves a little bored with the standard fare. A long, but very easy listen that is rewarding from the opener (and nominee for the most brutal death metal song of the year) "Throne of the Undead" to "Minulost," the album's close. - Al Kikuras

Summon - Baptized By Fire (Baphomet/Red Stream, 2000)

Rating: 8.5/10
Tracks: Sons of Wrath, Visions of Apocalyptic Grace, Baptized By Fire, The Silence of Chaos, Dark Descent of Fallen Souls, Realm of No Return..., Burning Black Desire, Beyond The Gates of Storm, Eve of Anti-Creation, Eternal Darkness

There seem to have developed two schools of US Black Metal. On one hand, we have bands such as Judas Iscariot, Vulkodlak and Bloodshed Divine; influenced by the raw, primal craft of acts like Darkthrone, early Burzum and Immortal, Graveland, etc. The music of this school tends to be cold and misanthropic - pure black metal through and through, with no vocal effects and no guitar solos. They come, kill, and leave. The kind of music that definitely is not catered to the masses in the slightest. On the other hand, we have bands such as Thornspawn and December Wolves that incorporate strong elements of death metal into their sound, broadening its appeal to non-black metal purists - as if they are one part Marduk, one part Mayhem and one part Terrorizer. if we were to put it in terms of murderers, the first school would be the type of killer that slits the victim's throat straight off. Right for the jugular, no fucking around, while the latter might beat the victim first. Perhaps cut off a few fingers, partake in some bloodletting and torture before actually doing him or her in.

Summon definitely fall into the latter school. While all of the elements of black metal are here, they also tear it up death metal-style, at times nearing Morbid Angel levels of intensity. Baptized In Fire goes hand in hand with Thornspawn's Blood of the Holy... as one of the most violent US black metal releases of 2000 thus far. Both albums are extremely addictive... I find myself spinning them often. From the first note to the last on this disc, the band are cranking at full fucking tilt. There is not a moment's respite from the whirlwind of gutwrenching vocals, over-the-top guitar solos, pounding riffs and thunderous drums. Often an album this one-dimensional would get tiring when clocking in at over 40 minutes, but the material on Baptized In Fire is of such quality that the material does not lag in the slightest. A very impressive album that fully explains why I have been hearing the name Summon revered in underground circles for so long. - Al Kikuras

Thornspawn - Blood of the Holy, Taint thy Steel (Baphomet/Red Stream, 2000)

Rating: 9/10
Tracks: Blood of the Holy Taint thy Steel, Man Thy Name is Satan, Storming the Heavens, Ancient Path, Bringer of Malevolent Storms, Dominions of Darkness, Thrones of Suspira (titles of two additional tracks not included on promo)

In my review of Summon's Baptized By Fire (look up, Dim), I suggested that USBM was basically divided into two schools... I will spare you the recap since it is simple for you to just scroll up a bit and read the review for yourself. Although I lumped Thornspawn into the more death-metal influenced vein of the genre, the line is not quite as clear as I indicated, as Thornspawn are decidedly less-death metal than their aforementioned labelmates. While the primary focus is still on all-out brutality, the sound is much more stripped-down than that of Summon. While I enjoyed Thornspawn's Consecration of Evil Flesh demo, I felt the production really did not do the material justice. I am happy to say that the sound on Blood of the Holy... is much cleaner and more powerful, but far from a polished, clean sound. Blood of the Holy, Taint thy Steel is the band in their raw state... no vocal effects, no keyboards, no heavy effects... just pure metal, through and through and I would bet listening to this album would give you a strong indication of how the band sounds live. 

In this age of keyboard-laden, grandiose black metal it is good to hear the stuff done straight up with no bullshit and no pretentiousness. Thornspawn are here to KILL and their bloodlust seethes from every note on these 9 tracks. Another long release, at over 50 minutes, that holds my interest from start to finish. Either the bands are getting better, or my attention span is. I think it's the former. - Al Kikuras

Ulver - Metamorphosis ep (Jester Records, 2000)

Rating: 8/10
Tracks: Of Wolves & Vibrancy, Gnosis, Limbo Central (Theme from Perdition City), Of Wolves & Withdrawal

Ulver. They get stranger with each album. They began with a melodic BM album, then an all acoustic album, then a raw black metal album, and then an eletronic masterpiece...and I'm sure many people, myself included, asked themselves what can this band possibly do next? Well, it seems they have released another Eletronic cd, but this time it's so incredibly bizarre. It begins with almost a break-beat techno song that on first listen sounds like a dance song, but with closer inspection you notice that it's just so off-timing and has no real steady beat to it. Next song is more tame, and a bit relaxing. The next song, which I think will appear on their next full length titled "Perdition City Music To An Interior Film" is the only track on this with vocals, and is very similar to Themes From William Blake's the Marriage of Heaven and Hell, so the next album should be similar to "Themes..." but maybe a bit more experimental if thats possible.  It then closes with another eletronic song. It seems as if Ulver have severed ANY ties that may have remained with their older material, other then that they continue to experiment and challenge themselves and their fans more and more with each new album.  Some people may view this as garbage, or as Ulver being pretentious, but I'd rather listen to a completely different eletronic cd then yet another "Raw Black Metal Band" that ripped off Darkthrone. Great effort by Ulver and I am anxiously awaiting the next album. - Rick

Usurper - Visions From The Gods (Necropolis, 2000)

Rating: 8.5/10
Tracks: Soulstalker '96, Deep In The Forest, Visions from the Gods, Dusk, Soulstalker (original), Charon, Bonefire, Wolflord (Night Prowler Version), Blood Passion (Live '98)

Although I enjoyed Usurper's latest full-length, Usurper II: Skeletal Season, I don't think it held up to the intensity set on the Threshold of the Usurper EP or Diabolosis, the band's debut. I have high hopes for their next full-length, as I have read that it is more in the vein of their earlier material, which is just what we have here in Visions From The Gods, a disc consisting of their 1994 demo plus rare, live and unreleased material. Where Usurper II fell short was the lack of speed... the black metal blasting combined with Celtic Frost-inspired chugging that had everyone shitting in their pants over the EP was scarce. The band's overall sound was toned-down and less intense. Visions From The Gods starts things off in great form with "Soulstalker '96," recorded some time between the EP and Skeletal Season, which features that irresistible blend that has become the signature Usurper sound. While the CF comparisons are valid, I don't think it would be fair to pigeonhole Usurper along with bands like Warhammer that simply emulate their idols. Usurper sound to me like if Celtic Frost had stuck with the type of material on Morbid Tales but just got heavier and heavier with the times. The first 3 minutes and 45 seconds of "Deep In The Forest" are testament to that. Keeping in the tradition of covering songs penned by King Diamond (ala their cover of Mercyful Fate's Black Funeral on Threshold...), included here is a gem of a cover of Charon off King Diamond's debut solo release, Fatal Portrait. More live stuff would be nice, as "Blood Passion (Live '98)" kills.

Visions From The Gods will serve nicely to tide me over until their next full-length, but let's just hope they don't think releasing a bunch of old stuff buys them any more time. Get on it, fellas. The public is waiting. - Al Kikuras

Vermin - Millenium Ride (Metal Blade, 2000)

Rating: 7/10
Tracks:  Hungerface, Circle of Time, Upright Infinity, Demon Soul, Bloodlust, Everlasting, Black, Deviltrip, Broken, Species

I saw an interview conducted with this band several months ago in the Grimoire of Exalted Deeds, and I wasn't sure what to make of them. They all had a very good sense of humor, but as in the usual Grimoire style Bill Zebub didn't ask many, if any musical questions. When I first popped this cd in my initial impression wasn't too good, to me it sounded like a 2nd rate Entombed - Wolverine Blues-era clone.  As I listened to it more and more I realized that they are a pretty good band and not this Entombed clone I thought they were. There are many similarities between both of their styles but I think it was unintentional on Vermin's side.  The vocals on this aren't bad, it's what I'd expect from this style of Rock.  The production isn't the best, it's not polished, it's not clean it's just a very dirty hard rock album, and it's a good effort, but maybe on the next album the production will be a little bit better.- Rick

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