BETHLEHEM - Sardonischer Untergang im Zeichen irreligioser Darbietung (Red Stream, '98)

Rating: 9/10
Tracks: Durch belfleckte Beruhrung meiner nemesis, Du sollst dick toten, Gestern starb ich schon Neute, Teufelverruckt Gottdreizehn, Tote weike Marder, Nexus, Liftstehs' iblah, Als ich nock Caulerpa Taxifolia erbrach, Tod ist weicher Stuhl in gar fleischlos' Gift

Touted as "Suicidal Dark Metal." Hmmmmmm... not too far off the mark. Very depressing stuff lies within. At times, Bethlehem reminds me of BURZUM, primarily in the vocal department when the agonizing screams are employed. You won't find a vast array of emotions here. The mood is depressing, dark, hollow and very well conveyed. This is a release that really must be experienced in its entirety to appreciate the tracks singularly. The first song means the most when you have reached the album's close, and once you see the grand scheme of things you appreciate the beauty of what they are doing here... painting a scape of epic proportions using a palette of the darkest shades and most disheartening images. I must admit, at first listen I was very turned off, but perhaps that is just because I was not in the right mind set. S.U.i.Z.i.D. is not the easiest listen in the world, but is very rewarding. The production is very well suited to the mood they seem to be striving for... empty, sepulchral, despondent.

Favorite track is "Nexus," an absolutely haunting song. Phenomenal songwriting, very well played. Actually eerie to the point where the skin crawls. There are other such moments on S.U.i.Z.i.D., but none this succinct. Another peak tune is "Teufelverruckt Gottdreizehn." The sound of some mechanical winding starts the track off, leading into a female spoken word (in German) over minimalistic, atonal chiming. It is safe to say Bethlehem know how to set a mood. Very potent stuff. This leads into a metallic burst of crushing black metal proportions and then to a haunting piano interlude with Frost-ish moans that sinks its teeth in just as the wave of metal comes crashing back down. There is some really nice lead work on "Gestern starb ich schon Neute." The whole solo break and ensuing melodic/aggressive interplay of passages is very affective. Least favorite moment would have to be the clean male vocals on "Als ich nock Caulerpa Taxifolia erbrach," although there are sections of the song (particularly those with the female sobbing) that more than make up for the momentary lapse.

Bethlehem have just about done it: created the soundtrack for suicide. Consult a doctor before listening, do not use if you are currently on prozac or other antidepressants and do not mix with alcohol or other sedatives. If you are of a stable mind set, dim the lights, set a candle ablaze and revel in what it is like to be on the brink of madness and deep in a spiraling depression. - Al Kikuras

OBLIVEON - Whimsical Uproar (Red Stream, '98)

Rating: 8/10
Tracks: Whimsical Uproar, The Scrutinizer, Undeserving Glory

I wish I had a full, current release to juge these boys by, as my first brushing is with a demo from '87 or thereabouts, but if this is what these guys sounded like 10+ years ago, I'd love to hear them now. With the retro-trend that has been going around the roost lately, Whimsical Uproar doesn't even sound dated.

Reminds me somewhat of Necrophagia - the vocals, the initial riff, particularly the "group" vocals in the title track, but a bit more technical and varied. Production is very even, you can hear all of the instruments, which is nice. Sodom, old Kreator come to mind. Quality thrash in the classic vein.

My appetite has been whetted and my curiosity piqued. I am hungry for something new. - Al Kikuras