Satanic Blogmaster

Naked Whipper - Painstreaks (1995)

2011-05-13T17:17:00.001-07:00

When some one recommends music to me, my attitude is either immediate enthusiasm or stubborn dawdling. In the case of Naked Whipper, my idiotic resistance to their name let the album gather dust in my iTunes folder until I finally got around to listening to it earlier this week. And I'm a little chastened to say that I absolutely loved it.

This German black/grind metal band from the mid-'90's will appeal to anyone who likes less traditional metal with some awesome, screechy vocals that sound more death metal inspired. This is their only full length and is full of songs about sex and S/M, my second favorite subject (next to Satan, of course). The album is made up of short, catchy tracks. I could do without the second half of the album being a live copy of the first half, but it's a minor complaint.

Track list:

1. Pagan Pussy Gore Intruder

2. The Ultimate Molestator

3. Whore of Damnation

4. Perverse Delight

5. Nunrider

6. Impure

7. Anal Queen

8. Painstreaks

9. Naked Whipper

10. Hyperincest

11. Nuclear Solutions - Creations of a Demonic Age

12. Nunrider (live)

13. The Ultimate Molestator (live)

14. Whore of Damnation (live)

15. Perverse Delight (live)

16. Pagan Pussy Gore Intruder (live)

17. Impure (live)

18. Hyperincest (live)

19. Naked Whipper (live)

20. Painstreaks (live)

21. Anal Queen (live)

22. Nuclear Solutions - Creations of a Demonic Age (live)

Listen to it. You won't regret it. I also love the cover and the logo. They should probably consider getting back together, where ever in Germany they are now.

Mitochondrion - Parasignosis (2011)

2011-05-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

All fans of death metal need to check out the newest Mitochondrion record ASAP. It's the Canadian trio's second full length and first album out on Profound Lore. "Parasignosis" will especially appeal to fans of occult/blackened death metal like Portal, Teitanblood, Witchrist, Diocletian, Dead Congregation, etc. It happens to be my favorite style of death metal, so it comes highly recommended. Definitely also for fans of Morbid Angel.

Track list:

1. Pestilentiam Intus Vocamus, Voluntatem Absolvimus I. Plague Evockation

2. Pestilentiam Intus Vocamus, Voluntatem Absolvimus II. Lex Ego Exitum

3. Pestilentiam Intus Vocamus, Voluntatem Absolvimus III. Tetravirulence

4. Trials

5. Rift/Apex

6. Parasignosis

7. Banishment (Undecaphosphoric)

8. Kathenotheism

9. Untitled

10. Untitled

11. Outro

Listen here, but please buy it if you enjoy it. The artwork is awesome and it really gets better the more I listen to it. Imagine how much more awesome it will sound on vinyl?

Loss - Life Without Hope... Death Without Reason (2004)

2011-05-09T14:18:00.000-07:00

Tennessee doom masters Loss are finally coming out with a full length album later this month. In honor of that I decided to review their independently released demo, "Life Without Hope... Death Without Reason." It's fucking awesome, particularly if you love doom/slow death metal. It's eerie, depressing, and beautiful, but is mostly recommended for doom fans. Please check it out, but don't blame me if you feel like killing yourself afterwards. I'm very excited for their new LP and have been listening to their back catalogue a lot to get myself ready for the long awaited and undoubtedly awesome full length.

Track list:

1. Coffin Nails (Intromancy)

2. Conceptual Funeralism Unto the Final Act (of Being)

3. Cut Up, Depressed, and Alone

If you like this demo, you can buy the reissued CD (by Deathgasm) here. It's fluffed up with a cover and a live track, which I think are mostly unnecessary but still worth a listen. And if this is your thing, definitely check out "Four Burials," which is a split with Otesanek, Orthodox, and Mournful Congregation. The entire thing is amazing, but I believe the record is totally out of print. It's certainly one of the most amazing doom splits out there.

Cauchemar - La Vierge Noire (2010)

2011-05-05T21:39:00.000-07:00

Cauchemar is a female fronted, French-language doom metal three-piece band from Canada. It's kind of like what would happen if Nico sang in French over top of early Pagan Altar/Judas Priest. In other words, awesome. You can check out songs from their EP/mini-LP, "La Vierge Noire," on their myspace page. Or you could just buy it from Hell's Headbanger's. It certainly has some lovely and fitting artwork, despite my loathing for the color purple. And if you want to give it a full listen before committing, go here.

The record was released earlier this year by Nuclear War Now and hopefully we will see a full LP sometime soon. In a random bit of trivia, their drummer apparently plays (or played, as I think they're broken up) in the thrash band Bastardator.

I would love to see them play with Christian Mistress at some point. They played with Pagan Altar a few months ago and I'm sure it was an amazing and fitting show.

Tracklist:

1. Le voile d'Isis

2. Magie rouge

3. Valse funebre

4. Le gardien de la Terre

P.S. French lesson: cauchemar = nightmare, la vierge noire = the black virgin.

Bastard Noise - A Culture of Monsters (2010)

2011-04-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

Though I had to listen to it a few times to get acclimated, I really enjoy this record. Originally conceived of as a side project, The Bastard Noise is made up of members of the now defunct Man is the Bastard, so you should know what to expect. Though it is more experimental and gadget-heavy, this is some thoroughly noise influenced post-hardcore powerviolence. I'm not at all a fan of hardcore and I normally don't pay much attention to powerviolence, but this is a fun and weird record definitely worth listening to.

I don't have many complaints. It's very cleanly produced, but that doesn't bother me too much with the style. I absolutely hate the intro track (a spoken word piece), but that's why there's a "next" button. I love the hissing, distorted vocals - they got me through the initial listen.

"A Culture of Monsters" was released on CD and LP by Deep Six records. If you live on the east coast or like metal fests, they're playing this year at Maryland Death Fest.

Tracklist:

1. A Culture of Monsters

2. Pincer's Movement

3. Me and Hitler

4. A Silent Night in the Horrible Garden

5. If Another World...

6. Through Modern Existence (The March of the Trolls)

7. Lumberton

8. Interior War

Visit them on myspace and check out the record. Just buy it. It's amazing. It just took me a few listens to get there.

Acid - Maniac (1983)

2011-04-17T12:50:00.001-07:00

I can't imagine metal fans not liking this album. It's catchy Belgian heavy metal from the early '80's fronted by a foxy lady with a powerful voice. If you like NWOBHM-influenced newcomers Christian Mistress at all, Acid is definitely a precursor to their style.

Released in 1983 by Megaton, this sought after sophomore effort was luckily reissued in 2000 by High Vaultage. There's a ridiculous album cover that pretty much says it all. I'm not even sure where I heard about this record, but I'm glad I checked it out. Fans of NWOBHM should appreciate it.

Track list:

1. Max Overload

2. Maniac

3. Black Car

4. America

5. Lucifera

6. No Time

7. Prince of Hell and Fire

8. Bottoms Up

Definitely check it out. And if you want to know more, there's a pretty good page about them over at femetal-records.com.

Throbbing Gristle - D.o.A. The Third and Final Report (1978)

2011-04-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

Oh yes, I went there. Not metal in any way, shape, or form, this album is still pretty fucking important to the evolution of weird music in general, as well as to the creation of industrial as a genre in its own right.

If I had to give it a genre, I would have to say this is an ambient record, though also partially electronic (more in technique than sound). It's more like a noise record than what most people consider electronic or industrial music. There's a ton of weird sampling that was mostly generated for use in their live performances, which is really the cornerstone behind TG.

I would only recommended for noise fans or lovers of strange music, as I think everyone else is going to hate it. Personally, I love Throbbing Gristle, but you definitely need to be in the mood. This is one of those magical records that I listened to as a teenager and thought "What the fuck is going on?" It made no sense whatsoever, but also made me realize that a lot of things were possible that hadn't previously occurred to me. You will either love it or think it is incredibly boring and pretentious. If you're lucky, it might even give you a headache.

If anything, listen to hear the music of four of the most important musicians/performance artists working in experimental art in the late '70's and early '80's: Genesis P-Orridge, Chris Carter, Cosey Fanni Tutti, and the late, great Peter Christopherson. There is a track from each band member, as well as a very funny sped up version of their single "United," which now clocks in at 16 seconds. "Hamburger Lady" still scares the shit out of me. This is their second album, not counting the many live releases from the same time period.

Track list:

1. I.B.M.

2. Hit by a Rock

3. United

4. Valley of the Shadow of Death

5. Dead on Arrival

6. Weeping

7. Hamburger Lady

8. Hometime

9. AB/7A

10. E-Coli

11. Death Threats

12. Five Knuckle Shuffle

13. We Hate You (Little Girls)

Listen if you dare. And use headphones.

Negative Plane - Stained Glass Revelations (2011)

2011-04-17T11:43:00.000-07:00

I was really excited to get this album earlier in the year and it hasn't let me down at all. I meant to review it earlier, but better late than never.

Though it's definitely gotten better every time I've listened to it, my first thought was that it would be perfect for some sort of unholy mass, or at least an out of doors satanic ritual with lots of naked people covered in blood roasting an ox on a spit and sacrificing goats. White goats.

Anyway, if you're unfamiliar with Negative Plane, they're U.S. black metal (New York by way of Florida), though just calling them black metal would be unfair. There are plenty of other elements at work and this album presents even more complex musicianship than their first, amazing album "Et In Saecula Saeculorum." This is their second full length and was released by the AJNA Offensive.

Though it is black metal, there are a lot of chaotic and psychedelic elements. There's also a touch of the '70's, like if Jacula was put through some kind of crazy black metal filter. It definitely defies categorization in the best way possible. The raspy vocals are a little thrashy, as are some of their guitars. Both this and "Saecula" have sleazy, dirty production values that I love. Definitely evil and bizarre album that you should listen to if you like unique black metal. At the least, check out "The One and the Many," which might be my favorite track on the album. There's something about bells in black metal that really gets me.

Track list:

1. The Fall

2. Lamentations & Ashes
3. Angels Of Veiled Bone
4. The Third Hour
5. The One And The Many
6. Charnel Spirit
7. All Souls
8. The Number Of The Word
9. Stained Glass Reflections
10. Stained Glass Revelations

This album comes HIGHLY recommended. Listen it to it, then please buy it.

Blut Aus Nord - Odinist - The Destruction of Reason by Illumination (2007)

2011-04-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

My love for French black metal is probably more boundless than it should be, but can I help it that so much of it is just so wonderful? I've been on a week long Blut Aus Nord bender, so I figured I should probably review one of their albums. Plus, I've been criminally neglecting this blog.

Though everyone talks about how great 2003's "The Work Which Transforms God" is (and it is), I really love "Odinist - The Destruction of Reason by Illumination," which is their sixth full length album. Based in Mondeville, France, Blut Aus Nord is the industrial/avant garde black metal project of Vindsval. Around since 1994, it was a solo project for most of the early years, though lately he's assembled a permanent band rather than just using studio musicians. Released on Candlelight, the band's label for the last couple of years, I believe this album is only available on CD, which makes sense, but is a little disappointing.

Fans of Deathspell Omega should enjoy this, though it is slower tempoed and more electronic with a dose of Godflesh for good measure. I feel like calling it avant garde black metal is going to give people the wrong idea - it isn't really shoegaze like Alcest. It's colder, bleaker, and a lot more technical than any of those bands. Maybe even fans of Portal would enjoy it - there is a definite swirling, chaotic element to the music (especially the guitars) that Blut Aus Nord shares with Portal, though they take a black metal approach rather than coming anywhere near death metal. "Odinist" also has more traditional black elements than some of the albums before this, which is why I think it put some previous Blut Aus Nord fans on the fence. It's definitely an acquired taste and if you've never heard them before, you should probably start with "The Work Which Transforms God."

Track list:

1. Intro

2. An Element of Flesh

3. The Sounds of the Universe

4. Odinist

5. A Few Shreds of Thoughts

6. Ellipsis

7. Mystic Absolu

8. The Cycle of the Cycles

9. Outro

Visit them online and listen to the record here.

Witchrist - Beheaded Ouroboros (2010)

2011-03-19T14:22:00.000-07:00

It took me awhile to get around to listening to this, but it's great. What is with Australia and New Zealand putting out some of the most amazing death metal? Keep it coming, please.

Aside from the fact that the intro sounds like the fucking Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyworld, this record is insanely heavy and full of doom - there's an absolute wall of sound from start to finish. Witchrist shares a few members and some musical similarities with the equally awesome Diocletian (plus they're named after one of my favorite Roman emperors...). This is their first full length and was released on Invictus.

"Beheaded Ouroboros" is very well mixed, particularly the minimal vocals that don't overshadow the filthy guitar tones or sludgy bass. Some crazy guitar riffs keep it from being boring and predictable. Definitely a quality death metal record and fans of Portal (though this is much less weird) and maybe early Bolt Thrower with love this. There are some black metal elements creeping around in there, too. I'm not sure about the band name or some of the song titles, but you can't have everything.

Tracklist:

1. Sorcerer of Lightning

2. Devour the Flesh

3. Temple of War

4. Adoration of the Black Messiah

5. The Cauldron

6. Shrine of Skulls

7. Deathbitch

8. Judgement and Torment

Definitely give it a listen. And then you're going to want to buy it, because aside from the awesome music, the artwork is beautiful.

Deathspell Omega - Fas - Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum (2007)

2011-03-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have a weakness for French black metal and will listen to almost anything from that country at least once. Deathspell Omega has easily become one of my favorite avant garde black metal bands and if you haven't heard "Fas" yet, listen to it immediately. (The title means "By divine law, go, you cursed, into the eternal fire!" as is from the Gospel of St Matthew.)

"Fas" is their fourth full length and was released on Norma Evangelium Diaboli in Europe and by Ajna Offensive in the U.S. Normally I would think something like this is too overproduced, but I love it. It's kind of proggy black metal - experimental, avant garde, and chaotic. It's a total mash up of all kinds of musical elements. I would even say that it's weirdly jazzy, but still manages to be full of blast beats.

The band is super secretive and I can see how they might border on the pretentious for some people, but let's face facts: black metal is kind of pretentious no matter how you slice it. Deathspell Omega is less about the theatrical, shocking elements of metal and exhibits what I guess you could call a spiritual Satanism (like Watain claims to do in lyrics and interviews). The occult elements are surprisingly pretty well thought out.

Musically, they've matured so much since their early, traditional black metal releases. This is a great record and I think it is probably my favorite of theirs, even more so than the recent "Paracletus," which everyone has been shitting their pants over. I feel like they have had this ability to do whatever they want and it comes out sounding chaotic, evil, and totally beautiful. Can you tell that I'm in love with this record?

Tracklist:

1. Obombration

2. The Shrine of Mad Laughter

3. Bread of Bitterness

4. The Repellent Scars of Abandon and Election

5. A Chore for the Lost

6. Obombration

You have to listen to it. The power of Satan compels you. Also, buy their shit and visit them online.

Wold - Screech Owl (2007)

2011-03-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

I am a horrible slacker and have not kept up with this blog, partly because I just got waaaay too much new music at once, got overstimulated, and had to go back to old favorites.

I gave this Wold record a listen primarily because it was on so many best of lists. If I've learned anything from those lists it's that 90% of the time I absolutely disagree with them, but I actually really loved this record. I've been listening to a lot more noise lately and this is one of the many black metal/noise hybrid projects out there. It's basically two or three dudes from Canada (and their computers, I'm sure) who have been around for about a decade. "Screech Owl" is their second full length and was released by Profound Lore.

This is obviously not for everyone. I feel like if you already listen to noise, you know a lot more about it than I do and already have your own opinions about this record. If you don't, there's a good chance you'll hate me for recommending it. It's harsh, hateful, and experimental enough to keep me interested. I don't really see a lot of the musical associations with black metal, but I can see how black metal fans would like it. Fans of Ildjarn and more ambient black metal should check it out. (Ambient, not shoegaze!)

I wish they would have a little more variety in the vocals or at least the vocal mix, but other than that I don't have many complaints. "The Field Hag" is my favorite track and is the most song-like, though the album has to kind of hit its stride before it gets interesting, so give it a little time. I'm not even going to pretend that I have any idea what he's screaming about, but I'm sure it has to do with the freezing wastelands of Saskatchewan.

Tracklist:

1. An Habitation of Dragons and a Court for Owls

2. Ray of Gold

3. So That No Sword May Strike Him Down

4. The Field Hag

5. Nervosa

6. Windmill

7. December Eve

8. This is How I Know

9. Gather Under Her Shadow

10. A Sword Becomes Red With Fury

11. Screech Owl

12. I'm the Chisel

13. Undying Fire of Urian

If this sounds like your thing, listen here and then buy it, you cheap bastard. Also visit them on myspace or their website.

Shatner's Metal Album?

2011-02-03T15:25:00.000-08:00

From the Onion's AV Club:

Apparently Shatner has decided to record a metal album. Really? I love the man, but... really? Also, how can you call it a metal album if you're being back by Peter Frampton? The title is Seeking Major Tom, which doesn't bode well. Don't get me wrong - I fucking love Shatner. I'm a total Trekkie and usually eat up anything the man produces. But... what the fuck??? At least it's supposed to have a space theme.

Kind of reminds me of Pat Boone's In a Metal Mood, which I was recently introduced to. It's AMAZING. Listen to it here.

Immolation - Dawn of Possession (1991)

2011-02-01T18:55:00.000-08:00

New York death metal band that has become a staple of the scene, particularly for fans of old school style death metal. It's crazy to think that they've been steadily putting out albums for twenty years now...

"Dawn of Possession" is their first full length and was released by Roadrunner (before they pussed out and dropped all their death metal acts). It was later reissued and remastered by Metal Minds. Currently they're on Nuclear Blast and are still actively touring.

This is certainly technical death metal, complete with some awesome guitar riffs that are perfectly paired with complex drumming and, thankfully, lots of rhythm changes. Though there is nothing specifically about it that I object to, it's a little boring. I'm sure if I had a chance to hear it in the early '90's I would be blown away, but I prefer more recent, experimental death metal. I wouldn't go so far as to say that I don't like it or wouldn't recommend it, but I would put Autopsy or Incantation first. Also, I prefer death metal in the summertime for some weird reason, so I'm sure when I revisit it in a few months I'll think this review is insane. This is definitely a classic death metal album and chances are if you like old school death metal, you probably already know all about it. If not, get on it.

Track list:

1. Intro Everlasting Fire

2. Despondent Souls

3. Dawn of Possession

4. Those Left Behind

5. Internal Decadence

6. No Forgiveness (Without Bloodshed)

7. Burial Ground

8. After My Prayers

9. Fall in Disease

10. Immolation

Visit them on myspace, facebook, twitter or their webpage, and definitely listen here. For some reason I think it's hilarious when old school metal bands have twitter pages, though it seems to be run by the label. Also, what the hell is going on with this cover? And with the font?

Ad Noctum - Jus Primae Noctis/Excellence of Supremacy (2004)

2011-02-01T12:05:00.000-08:00

Split up black metal band from Denmark. First full length that is basically a compilation of two earlier demos from '99 and '00, released on Ancient Darkness. It also why there's a dual title, even though that kind of gets on my nerves. On one hand, it's a little dishonest to create a new name for a record that is basically a compilation of two other records, though lots of metal bands do it when they compile demos.

I'm not sure what to say about this record. It can be loosely described as black metal, but... I don't know what it really is and I think that's the major problem. There are so many different elements mixed in that the record has no real direction. The primary vocals are reminiscent of At the Gates, but there are also bizarre female vocals mixed in - not in any traditional cheesy atmospheric black metal way, though. I don't know what to make of them. There are also some fucking weird piano breakdowns...

I don't hate this album, but I just can't get into it. Mostly because of my total lack of comprehension of what's going on. They obviously know how to play their instruments and it is well recorded, but sounds too pristine for trash lovers like me.

Track list:

1. Excellence of Supremacy

2. Fog of Damnation

3. Silentium Diabolis

4. Dodsvandring

5. Satans Son

6. Apoptosis

7. Jus Primae Noctis

8. Civilisatan

9. Smerten I livet

10. Hadet til lyset

11. Die in Fire (Bathory)

12. Deathcrush (Mayhem)

Visit their myspace page. Listen here. I can't say it's recommended, but it definitely is intriguing.

Lurker of Chalice - Lurker of Chalice

2011-01-17T12:57:00.000-08:00

Ambient black metal from Wrest/Jeff Whitehead, who is also responsible for Leviathan and is in Krieg, Twilight, and Nachtmystium. This self-titled record was released on Total Holocaust and then rereleased on Southern Lord. No one seems to know if Lurker of Chalice is going to put out more albums, though Wrest claims there are several more sitting around his house. Seeing as he's probably going to jail for assaulting his girlfriend, everything is more definitely on hold for the foreseeable future. Fucking asshole.

With a few reservations, I really like this album and highly recommend it. The opening (and certain parts throughout) makes me feel like I’m playing Final Fantasy or some recent version of Castlevania. As far as the music/composition is concerned, I have no complaints. It has a doomy feel, but I would definitely call it ambient black metal and not outright doom. He does some pretty crazy stuff with the guitars in terms of tone and melody, which gives the album plenty of variety. It's synth heavy, which might bother some people, but they aren't overtly cheesy.

Overall this is a cold, depressing album that lacks the hate of Leviathan, but makes up for it in depth and variety. The cold sounding guitars and slightly post-industrial feel make it a perfect winter album. If you only pick one song to listen to, make it "Paramnesia," which might be my favorite track.

My only complaint is that I’m not sure about the vocals, which are done in a sort of spoken/growl/whisper. It would have been better if he mixed it up a bit and included some more typical black metal vocals. My other complaint is that some of the songs are a little meandering and could probably have been edited down.

It's better than Leviathan and I completely stand by that statement. What the hell does Lurker of Chalice mean, though? It sounds like some sort of obscure Lovecraft reference, but I know most of those.

Track List:

1. I

2. Piercing Where They Might

3. Spectre As Valkerie Is

4. Minions

5. Paramnesia

6. This Blood Falls As Mortal Part III

7. Granite

8. Vortex Chalice

9. Fastened to the Five Points

Check him out on myspace and definitely listen to the album.

Ludicra - Another Great Love Song (2004)

2011-01-17T12:11:00.001-08:00

Ludicra hail from from San Francisco and while they are usually known as a black metal band, I refuse to label them as such, particularly after hearing "Another Great Love Song." The band is female fronted, which I usually try to support, but have a lot of trouble doing with black metal. Ludicra is made up of members of Missile Command, Wolves in the Throne Room, Gwar, Agalloch, etc. Though they're currently signed to Profound Lore, "Another Great Love Song" was released on Alternative Tentacles.

The album is a mix of tempos and genres, with everything from black metal, a little death metal, acoustic guitars, hardcore elements, and it honestly reminds me of a cross between Wolves in the Throne Room and Kylesa. In a very, very bad way. There are also a fair number of Dystopia elements towards the second half of the record, which... no.

I also had a big problem with the vocals. She just doesn't have enough vocal power. This isn't always a detriment to black metal singers (think Erik from Watain who usually kills it even though he doesn't seem to have the lung force of, say, Attila), but here it doesn't mesh with the recording quality. There is also some layered straight singing, which I predictably didn't like. I also hated the drums, which belong on a hardcore album or, at best, a Kylesa record.

Though it was a well reviewed album, I think it's overly accessible hipster metal, and can't see how anyone in their right mind would call this black metal. One reviewer referred to it as "the best US black metal album of the decade," which made want to find the person and punch them in outrage. I understand that everyone has an opinion, but sometimes they're wrong.

1. The Only Cure, the Only Remedy

2. Let Thirst the Soil

3. One Thousand Wolves

4. Why Conquer?

5. In the Greenest Maze

6. Time Wounds All Heels

7. Aging Ghost

Visit their myspace page or their homepage if you're into this kind of stuff. Listen here.

Von - Satanic Blood Angel (2003)

2011-01-15T13:06:00.000-08:00

I'm surprised this wasn't the first thing I reviewed, but I knew I would get around to it sooner or later. If you somehow missed the boat, Von is an early US black metal (formed in 1988) from San Francisco - they are actually considered the first US black metal band EVER. They are allegedly still active, but I'm not sure in what way. There are some great side projects, namely Sixx, Von Goat and Von Venien, the latter of which I have yet to hear. Sixx is Sisters of Mercy style gothic rock with one full length album, Von Goat has a full length black metal album (Septic Illuminations, 2010), and Von Venien only has a single so far.

"Satanic Blood Angel" is actually a best of/compilation made up of their earlier demos and live recordings. It was released as a double CD released by Nuclear War Now! and rereleased too many times for me to bother listing (but also eventually put out as a double LP). If you can get over the fact that it's basically unlistenable, you will fall completely in love with it. Though they remain largely underground, Von has obtained a cult following because other metal bands seem to be obsessed with them: Varg, Dark Funeral, etc. Watain takes their name from a Von song.

You're either going to love or absolutely HATE Von. I love it and if anything can be called "fucking kvlt" then this is it. Raw, hate-filled, despicable, disgusting, minimalist black metal. The recording quality is shit and the drums tend to be stuck at a pretty repetitive blast beat, but if you ever sit around contemplating how to destroy humanity, this would be a good soundtrack for it.

Disc 1:
1. Devil Pig
2. Veinen
3. Watain
4. Lamb
5. Veadtuck
6. Satanic Blood
7. Christ Fire
8. VON
9. Evisc
10. Release
11. Blood Angel
12. Chalice of Blood
13. Vennt
14. Backskin

Disc 2:
1. Veinen (Live)
2. Watain (Live)
3. Lamb (Live)
4. Evisc (Live)
5. Release (Live)
6. Satanic Blood (Live)
7. Veadtuck (Live)
8. Chalice of Blood (Live)
9. Goat Christ (Live)
10. Vennt (Live)
11. Dissection Inhuman (Live)
12. VON (Live)

They are weirdly all over the internet: on facebook, on twitter, on myspace, and at Von Music Group's official page. Listen. I fucking dare you.

Unearthly Trance - V (2010)

2011-01-15T12:28:00.001-08:00

Sludge/doom metal from NYC that are currently on Relapse. They've been around since 2000 and "V" is, obviously, their fifth full length and got a lot of hype last year. While I would say I like Unearthly Trance, they've put out a ton of material, mostly EPs, demos, and splits, and I prefer the shorter releases to the LPs.

There are plenty of different elements to keep me entertained/interested. It's not a completely standard doom record and has elements of thrash, experimental metal, and black metal. The guitars are riffy and mournful. "V" is definitely a hateful record, full of anger and loathing. Overall the sludgy, doomy elements are my favorite, as well as the tinny, flat-sounding drums.

Unfortunately the biggest thorn in my side is the vocals, which tends to be a major deal-breaker for me. There are weird hardcore vocals, some good screaming, but also some less than stellar singing. There are certain parts where he channels the Swans' Michael Gira a bit, which I'm very into, but otherwise... meh. I think, at it's core, this album is hip, short-hair metal. Clean cut dudes with a great band name and great album artwork always rub me the wrong way. There is nothing trashy or filthy about this - it actually has a very Neurosis style sound, which will likely appeal to many metal fans.

Despite my shit talking, I do like this album, I'm just not overly crazy about it. I can understand why it made so many "album of the year" lists. Fans of Abandon, Sun O))), Neurosis and sludge metal will enjoy it.

Track list:

1. Unveiled

2. The Horsemen Arrive in the Night

3. Solar Eye

4. Adversaries Mask 1

5. Adversaries Mask 2

6. The Tesla Effect

7. Sleeping While they Feast

8. Submerged Metropolis

9. Current

10. Physical Universe Distorts

11. Into a Chasm

12. The Leveling

13. Untitled

Visit them on myspace, their webpage, or their Relapse page. Listen to it here and decide for yourself.

Tormentor - Anno Domini (1988)

2011-01-15T11:32:00.001-08:00

This record makes me very, very happy. Tormentor are a Hungarian black metal band that helped kick off the second wave of black metal, mostly with this influential album and because singer Attila Csihar was later asked to sing for Mayhem.

"Anno Domini" is their first full length. It was originally independently released as a demo tape, but Nocturnal Art Productions eventually re-released it as a CD and LP (limited to 666 copies, of course). At just under forty minutes it is too short, but wonderful. The sound is early, almost proto-black metal, though definitely influenced by Bathory and Celtic Frost. The album is kind of all over the place with elements of thrash as well as what would later become atmospheric black metal.

The guitars, while amazing, are definitely inspired by everything from Slayer-heavy thrash to more classic heavy metal riffs. The vocals are what make this album so original. Attila sounds like a crazed, otherworldly demon. In fact, if you've ever seen the film LEGEND, he sounds a lot like the goblin who chants "black as midnight, black as pitch, blacker than the foulest witch." Coincidentally, this is something Attila would believably sing about. Tormentor are also one of the first bands to use synths, which they do well.

"Anno Domini" achieved cult status and deservedly so, partly because many of the second wave black metal bands loved it. If you haven't heard it, I highly recommend it. Fans of early black metal (Bathory, Master's Hammer) or early thrash will love it.

It's amazing to consider that they created this in a communist environment, managed to record it and release it themselves, but basically had to sit on it till the end of communism in Hungary. They relied solely on tape trading through the metal scene, spreading this angry, vicious, evil record throughout the metal underground.

Track list:

1. Introduction

2. Tormentor I

3. Heaven

4. Elisabeth Bathory

5. Damned Grave

6. In Gate of Hell

7. Transylvania

8. Tormentor II

9. Trance

10. Beyond

11. Apocalypse

12. Lyssa

13. Anno Domini

I'm not sure if this is still in print, but listen to it here. I can't imagine any black metal fan disliking this. Visit their myspace page. Though they broke up in the early '90's and reformed in '99, they are currently on hold, whatever the fuck that means.

P.S. I love Dissection, but fuck their cover of "Elisabeth Bathory."

Ruins of Beverast - Foulest Semen of a Sheltered Elite (2009)

2011-01-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

Here I am, writing about more German black metal, even though I claim to never listen to it. Ruins of Beverast, the solo project of Alexander von Mellenwald (from Nagelfar, the German band, not the Swedish one), has been around since 2003 and is on Van Records. "Foulest Semen" is his third full length and it received a lot of attention - it was on a few "best of the year" lists.

While I think it deserves the attention, I don't think it should be called black metal. It is definitely an unconventional and experimental album, which seems to make most reviewers delirious with happiness (though I've read a few "this is the worst album I've ever heard" reviews). There's a lot going on here, to be sure: black metal, death, doom, symphonic black metal, and even some goth/industrial influences.

There are plenty of weird electronic elements and everything seems to be all over the place, particularly the vocals. He does some chanting, death metal vocals mixed with some pretty chilling black metal screams, whispers, and some layered straight singing, which I could do without. There is definitely a lot of talented musicianship, particularly the drumming (he was the drummer in Nagelfar), which fortunately gets as much attention as the other instruments.

Overall I'm not really sure how I feel about this release. I like it and definitely recommend it, but I think I'm too unsure about what's going on to be really enthusiastic. I'm also a little irritated by the length of the songs (12 minutes), which are broken up by tidbits of chanting or instrumental pieces. There is a lot of atmosphere and weirdness, which I appreciate. It's experimental and somewhat inaccessible, but if you give it a chance (or a few chances), it can be a pretty rewarding listen.

Track list:

1. I Raised This Stone as a Ghastly Memorial

2. Alu

3. God's Ensanguined Bestiaries

4. Mount Sinai Moloch

5. Transcending Saturnine Iericho Skies

6. Kain's Countenance Fell

7. The Restless Mills

8. Theriak - Baal - Theriak

9. Blood Vaults (II - Our Despots Cleanse the Levant)

10. Arcane Pharmakon Messiah

The limited edition vinyl also has a Tiamat cover ("Where the Serpents Ever Dwell") and I should note that both vinyl releases are double LPs.

Check them out on their myspace page or listen here. Buy it if you like it!

Om - Pilgrimage (2007)

2011-01-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Leaving the well-charted waters of black metal is always difficult for me, but I try to do it from time to time. Om is a stoner/doom/experimental band from California and, if you don't already know, is made up of two of the members of stoner/doom band Sleep.

This is a really hard review for me to write. First of all, I don't think this is metal. It's stoner rock, which puts it securely outside of my realm of interest/knowledge. It's hard for me to give the album a bad review, because it would be based solely on the fact that I don't give a shit about this kind of music.

"Pilgrimage" is third full length Om album and was produced by Steve Albini, which weirds me out a little. It's also the first and only Om release on Southern Lord. It got great reviews, which means that they're obviously doing something right. Yes, it is relaxing and beautiful, but I feel like I should be meditating or doing yoga. As it happens, I can't really listen to music while doing either of these things (when I work up the motivation to do them), so listening to music that makes me feel like I *should* be meditating just annoys me.

Fans of weirder folk music will like this - Current 93, later Swans, Death in June, etc. Certainly also fans of psychedelic, stoner music in general will love it and it reminds me of certain Pink Floyd albums. (Oddly, I really like the later Pink Floyd it reminds me of.)

Om is one of those bands I want to like, but will never listen to of my own accord (other than to reassess/review). There is nothing in particular I object to about this band or album, it just doesn't move or excite me enough to put it on regularly. I think I'm just not patient enough. Also, I hate the vocals.

Track list:

1. Pilgrimage

2. Unitive Knowledge of the Godhead

3. Bhima's Theme

4. Pilgrimage (reprise)

I suspect I would like this a lot more if I did waaaay more drugs than I do now. In fact, I would probably be a much happier person if I did a lot more drugs, but fuck that. I will sit alone in the dark and listen to Dissection any day. Chances are many of you will like and enjoy this album, so feel free to ignore my grumpiness. Check them out on their homepage, their myspace page, and check out the record and decide for yourself.

Megiddo - The Devil and the Whore (2000)

2011-01-12T13:47:00.000-08:00

Megiddo is a Canadian black metal band (with some thrash elements) usually described as a highly successful throwback to the classica black metal of the early '90's. I feel like that's a little unfair, because they formed in 1995, in Canada. They are still active (thought they haven't released anything since 2003) and are on Barbarian Wrath.

They're all about Satanism, like basically everything else I listen to. "The Devil and the Whore" is their second full length and was put out by Barbarian Wrath, limited to 666 hand-numbered copies. It's been re-released a couple of times: once on CD and twice on vinyl by More Fucking Hate and Black Ace Records.

It's definitely classic black metal, inspired by Bathory (especially in the vocals). The drums are pretty thrashy, but for the most part it's mid-tempo. I really like it, but it's hard to wade through the polarized reviews. It's not a perfect album, but I don't know why some people are so offended by the "retro" sound. My biggest criticism is that there are two covers on the album. Covers on full lengths ALWAYS rub me the wrong way, regardless of how successful they are. Put them on a fucking EP, but why in the name of Satan would you put two covers right before the atmosphere-heavy outro? It doesn't make any sense.

Overall "The Devil and the Whore" is catchy and accesible. Surprisingly, it would be a really good way to ease someone into black metal. (Though that statement makes me a little nauseous, even as I type it - black metal shouldn't be trendy or easy and I hate bands that attempt to make it so. That is obviously not Megiddo's intention.)

Track list:

1. The Devil and the Whore

2. Blackened

3. The Oath

4. Slaying the Nazarene

5. The Heretic

6. Blackened (The Circle Complete)

7. Across the Shores.../Four Suns

8. Violence and Force (Exciter cover)

9. Take this Torch (Razor cover)

10. Outro

They don't seem to have a homepage or a myspace page, which I like. I definitely recommend "The Devil and the Whore" as long as you like classic style black metal and don't mind a bit of rehashing (which I clearly do not). Listen here!

Necros Christos - Triune Impurity Rites (2007)

2011-01-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

Necros Christos is German black/death metal band (though more death metal) that formed 2001. Sepulchral Voice released "Triune Impurity Rites" back in 2007 and I absolutely adore it. They have a bunch of great demos and splits, but this is their first full length and so far their only album. I WANT MORE, ASAP. Another album was supposed to come out in 2010; stop toying with my emotions and release it already.

Fans of Incantation, Inquisition, and even more extreme, slow-tempo black metal bands like Von and Beherit will likely enjoy this. It's mid-paced death metal, gloomy, and catchy as hell. They also use a good amount of non-death metal instruments, which I really enjoyed. Instead of the usual folky acoustic guitar, there's a church gong and some amazing folky sections inspired by Middle Eastern music. It's lovely and original.

They obviously spent a lot of time and care writing, recording, and producing this album. My only complaint is that I feel like they played it a little safe and stayed close to a predictable sound rather than really pushing the limits. I have really high expectations for the next album.

Track list:

The full title is actually "Triune Impurity Rites or The Grand 9 Cultmysteries of the Templum Necromantorum" and the album is split into three parts:

The Three Cultmysteries according to the Torments of the Damned

1. Nekros Kristos (Temple IX.99)

2. Daemonomantic Fog Lay Upon the Tombs of Succoth

3. Kischuf (Temple VIII)

4. Christ Was Not of Goatborn Blood

5. Nam Ignis Est Umbra Locorum Infernorum (Temple VII)

6. Tormented Flesh on the Mount of Crucifixion

7. Gate I: Das Schwarze Wasser der Toten

The Three Cultmysteries according to the Ceremonies of Goetia

8. Ora Pro Nobis (Temple VI)

9. Last Rite of Christ

10. In Love With Ereskigal (Temple V)

11. Va Koram Do Rex Satan

12. Voragem Mortis (Temple IV)

13. Black Mass Desecration

14. Gate II: Offenbarungen der Mayrim

The Three Cultymysteries according to the Rites of Necro-Demonomancy

15. Damnation Worship (Temple III)

16. Impure Burials Prevail

17. Necromancing the Ghost (Temple II)

18. Deathless in Spiritual Evil

19. Conquering Tell Al-Mutesallim (Temple I)

20. Triune Impurity Rites: I. Skulldoom of Sumer (Darkness)

21. Triune Impurity Rites: II. Nazarethical Ram of Bethlehem (Damnation)

22. Triune Impurity Rites: III. Blasphemous Graves Open at the End of Days (Death)

23. Gate III: Im Schatten des Zikkurath

Complicated, I know, but if you're going to make your album into a Satanic ritual, you might as well do it right. Visit their official page and if you don't listen to this you're an idiot.

Lantlôs - .neon (2010)

2011-01-11T16:45:00.000-08:00

I am occasionally willing to admit that I'm wrong, which may be the case with ".neon." When I'm in a foul mood, reviewing something I was already lukewarm about makes its faults seem so much more pronounced. Like now, for example, I'm willing to say that I hate this album. I know it made some best-of-2010 lists, but I hate it.

Lantlôs is a German post-black metal band that's been around about five years. Neige, of Peste Noire and Alcest, joined them pretty recently as an official member, which is why I checked this out in the first place. ".neon" is their second full length, released on Prophecy Productions, their current label.

Let's talk about the things that I hate first, before I can return to rationality. All of these are on my list of Things Never To Do On A Black Metal Album:

1. Straight/non-screaming vocals.

2. Metal-shoegaze hybrid bullshit.

3. A weird, accessible hipster aesthetic.

4. Annoying electronic elements all over the place.

5. Random jazz parts that have nothing to do with anything.

Honestly, it kind of sounds like someone crossed later Alcest with Bjork (minus the vocals) and I'm REALLY not into it. I like Peste Noire, so I feel guilty hating this so much, but there you go.

Track list:

1. Minusmensch

2. These Nights Were Ours

3. Pulse/Surreal

4. Neige de Mars

5. Coma

6. Neon

If you spend most of your time going to hipster dance parties, carry around a box of tissues, or otherwise have too much estrogen/anti-depressants in your bloodstream for real black metal, check them out on myspace or their homepage.

Katharsis - World Without End (2006)

2011-01-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

This is exactly the kind of mood I'm in today: hateful. I have a raging headache and listening to Katharsis is not making it any better, but I'm going to continue to do so anyway.

While I don't listen to a whole lot of German black metal, it's hard to pass up Katharsis. Though they've been around since '94, "World Without End" is only their third full length. It was released on Norma Evangelium Diaboli, the label to put out all of their releases (I think).

The music can be a little repetitive, which is mostly due to how chaotic it is (and also to the unrelenting blast beats). I love the vocal layering and I definitely think his vocals are the most advanced on this album. I like the shitty recording quality, but it is basically devoid of any atmosphere. If you are reluctant to listen to the whole thing (come on, it's only fifty minutes), check out the last track "World Without End," which is my favorite. I also really enjoy the artwork.

Fans of Darkthrone will enjoy them, or potentially be mad at the blatant reference. Don't get me wrong, I like the album a lot, but I'm not entirely sure why so many people are coming in their pants over it - go listen to Mayhem and Darkthrone and shoot a load wherever you want, because that's the real deal. It's kind of how I feel about Watain: I really like them. A lot. But you can't fall too head over heels in love with something that's clearly derivative. And if I was making a best-ever list of black metal albums, you can be sure that Dissection and Darkthrone would be on it instead of Watain and Katharsis. But I digress...

Track list:

1. Eden Below

2. Kross Fyre

3. Wytchdance

4. Ascent from Ghoulgotha

5. Kosmik Sacrifice

6. World Without End

Check out Katharsis on myspace and definitely listen to the album, at full volume and especially when you're in a foul mood.

Judas Priest - Sad Wings of Destiny (1976)

2011-01-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

Though it's critically well acclaimed, I know this album has a lot of haters, particularly among Judas Priest fans, but I don't give a SHIT. I absolutely love it. When I'm in a crappy mood, it's probably on my top five of metal records that will always cheer me up. Great driving music, too.

"Sad Wings of Destiny" is the sophmore Priest album and their last with Gull records, who still own the rights, which is why Priest doesn't endorse any of the reissues (though they own the individual rights to songs). The record is full of amazing guitar tones and, from start to finish, an incredible performance from Halford. Screaming, screeching, yowling, and growling in a way that demonstrates the full range of his ability. The album's single, "The Ripper," has to be one of the rockin'-est songs of the '70's, which is saying a lot. Actually, I could say that about most of the songs on the record.

If you like NWOBHM then you doubtlessly already know about this album. If not, what?

Track List:

1. Victim of Changes

2. The Ripper

3. Dreamer Deceiver

4. Deceiver

5. Prelude

6. Tyrant

7. Genocide

8. Epitaph

9. Island of Domination

Listen to this as loud as possible. Also, buy it ASAP. And visit their official page, where you will read the sad news of their retirement. I saw them about three years ago and it was definitely something I won't forget any time soon.

Imynvokad - Ad Ordines Descendens EP (2010)

2011-01-08T18:34:00.000-08:00

Imynvokad is traditional, atmospheric black metal from Austin, Texas. I don't know what the hell the name means, but I like it. They're somewhat reminiscent of Absu, particularly their earlier, less whimsical releases. Like a lot of other, newer American black metal, Imynvokad is Satanist/left handed path-themed, with a strong Austin Osman Spare and chaos magick influence. So far they've released two demos and two EPs, with "Ad Ordines Descendens" being the most recent.

Their EP was released by Pale Horse (their first 7" release). It has lots of great atmosphere and everything is very well recorded - even the bass has a solid presence. Overall it's fast and dirty black metal and is worthy of a listen. Also, the artwork is fucking amazing.

I really like this EP, but my only real complaint about this release is that it's too short. Supposedly they are hard at work on a full length album, which is something I'm very much looking forward to for 2011.

Track List:

1. To Ascend to Darker Haunts

2. By Blood Does the Beast Arise

Definitely listen to it. As far as I can tell they don't have a myspace page or a personal page, but mystery is the spice of life.

Gehenna - Seen Through the Veils of Darkness (The Second Spell) (1995)

2011-01-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

There are seriously parts of this record that make me want to leap out of my chair, throw decorum to the wind, and dance a jig across the kitchen (which is where I'm writing from right now). Part of my brain wants to hate that, but can't.

Gehenna is more second wave Norwegian black metal - yes, my love affair continues. "Seen Through the Veils of Darkness" is their second full length and was released by Cacophonous Records. Fans of Emperor or Satyricon will love this; it's fairly standard symphonic black metal, but in kind of a weird way. There are some truly bizarre melodies that sound like they come from a midi Final Fantasy soundtrack, but somehow, they work.

I really, really enjoy this album (and band, actually). I don't know if I can go so far as to declare undying love, but it's close. There's a great use of synths and samples, I absolutely love the drums, and, if held at gun point, would have to admit that these are my favorite style of black metal vocals. To be honest, I don't have many complaints about this record, though I could live without the synth breakdown on "Through the Veils of Darkness" or the slower death metal vocals on "The Eyes of the Sun." It's catchy as hell, so be careful.

A side note of interest: Garm (from Ulver) does guest vocals on "Ventirriket." The singing breaks one of my cardinal rules (no "straight" vocals in black metal), but it's Garm and sounds like a triumphant Viking war chant, so I can deal with it. Also, it lasts about 30 seconds.

Track list:

1. Lord of Flies

2. Shairak Rinnummh

3. Vinterriket

4. A Witch is Born

5. Through the Veils of Darkness

6. The Mystical Play of Shadows

7. The Eyes of the Sun

8. A Myth...

9. Dark Poems Author

Gehenna are still active, though they have added more of a death metal sound to their later works. Visit their official page, or their myspace page. Also, you should definitely listen to this. It's the kind of black metal that puts me in a silly mood, while still remaining thoroughly evil.

Funerary Pit - Winds of Hell EP (2006)

2011-01-07T14:57:00.003-08:00

I swear, I can't stay away from Australian death metal (especially blackened death metal). I love it. And Funerary Pit is no exception, even though they only have an EP out so far. The band is made up from members of Gospel of Horns, Destroyer 666, and Destruktor.

It's funny - even though I just wrote a post about Excoriate and how I have to be in the mood for certain types of death metal, all I had to do was put on Funerary Pit and instantly broke that rule.

There are two things you may not know about me: first, I love dramatic intros, usually the more operatic, atmospheric, or ridiculous, the better. Second, I love bells. Obviously Darkthrone made the use of cowbell acceptable for a lot of metal bands, but I can tolerate (and love) all kinds of ridiculous shit. They manage to do both of these in the first track, plus the ending notes of the EP have some fucking outrageous vocals.

Funerary Pit is currently on Nuclear War Now, though their EP was self-released on CD. It was later re-released on tape by Evil Speaks Records, and then again on 7" by Nuclear War Now/Dissident, a clear sign it's a quality piece of music (or at least destined to be popular).

Track list:

1. The Grand Dirge (intro)

2. Winds of Hell

3. Fathomless Depths

Highly recommended, though please listen and buy (if you can find a copy). You can get the tape here for $6.

Excoriate - On Pestilent Winds... (2009)

2011-01-07T14:24:00.000-08:00

Excoriate is a German band that formed in 2001, but has since split up. "On Pestilent Winds..." is their first and only full length, released by Sepulchral Voice. To be honest, the first few times I listened to this I wasn't crazy about it, but it's growing on me. I tend to have a much harder time tolerating derivative death metal than I do with black metal, though it's nice to know something so steeped in old school death metal was released last year (I still think 2009 is last year). It is primitive, brutal death metal and fans of Pestilence and early Sepultura are sure to love it.

It could be that I'm just not in the right mood for this record. I have a huge pile of music to sort through and have been picking through it at random. Death/thrash metal tends to be better for me to listen to in the summer, where black metal and doom are more winter-appropriate. When I'm not in the mood, I find a lot of older death metal (especially bands that are relatively new to me) to be boring and without any sort of real song structure. It also bothered me that the LP is so short and they felt the need to include a Sepultura cover when the influence is clearly felt.

With that said, I love the insane riffage on "Poisoned by Darkness" and the recording quality, particularly on the drums. I also love everything about the cover art. Visit their myspace page and webpage (which looks like it was designed 10 years ago - I love it). Maybe they'll jump on the reunion band wagon and get together for another tour? I feel like this is something I would really be into live.

Track list:

1. Voice of Damnation

2. On Pestilent Winds

3. From Morbid Ruins

4. Mayhem (Sepultura)

5. Poisoned by Darkness

6. Bestial Slaughter

7. Demons Rush

Check it out if you're into newer bands playing classic style death metal.

Carpathian Forest - Through Chasm, Caves, and Titan Woods EP (1995)

2011-01-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

Carpathian Forest, though a little different in later years, began in the early '90's as pretty standard second-wave Norwegian black metal. "Through Chasm, Caves, and Titan Woods" is their first official release (on AvantGarde Music, though they are currently signed to Season of Mist). It has a similarly thin, raw sound to other second wave releases, but is unpredictably weird and full of atmosphere.

There are some punk moments and lots of thrash influence. I wouldn't say they rip off Hellhammer, because this EP is too original, but if that's the kind of stuff you like, you should definitely pick this up. As I said, it's a weird album, partly because there were two sets of recordings, both of which sound fairly different from one another: one is more traditional second wave and the other is much more atmospheric, even spooky in parts. The notably more original tracks include acoustic guitar and synths, which is oddly beautiful. The vocals are pretty standard, though Nattefrost does include some crazy shrieks, as well as some more ridiculous moments that I like despite their potential for silliness.

Track list:

1. Carpathian Forest

2. The Pale Mist Hovers Towards the Nightly Shores

3. The Eclipse/The Raven

4. When Thousand Moons Have Circled

5. Journey Through the Cold Moors of Svarttjern

Definitely recommended, but then I love second wave black metal. Their later stuff took a different turn (I mean, Nattefrost has been at it for twenty years now, so I guess change is necessary), which you can hear on their myspace page. While I definitely haven't heard their complete discography and tend to ignore the more recent releases, this is allegedly the best/most interesting.

Why is the logo on the record pink?

Requiem Metal Podcast

2011-01-05T16:35:00.000-08:00

I've spent a good part of the day listening to the three-part "Best of 2010" segment of my favorite new podcast, Requiem Metal Podcast. Whether you're stuck in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning as I was, or sitting in your car in traffic, it's a pretty entertaining way to pass an hour.

It's run by two dudes, Mark and Jason, both of whom contribute to/edit Requiem and Eclipse metal zines. Mark also does design work for labels like Relapse and contributes to Decibel. They tend to be pretty middle of the road in their opinions. For instance, they like Inquisition and love Deathspell Omega, which I thoroughly support. On the other hand, they really liked the new Kylesa, which... no. So they seem to be come from a place where they acknowledge popular metal journalism/opinion, but are comfortable deviating from it. They also don't give off any air of metal snobbery, which I'm happy about. The show is made up of hour (or so) long podcasts ranging from "best of" lists to specific retrospectives of certain bands. Pretty cool. They are currently over 100 episodes, so there is plenty in the archives to pass your time...

Horseback - The Invisible Mountain (2009)

2011-01-05T14:37:00.005-08:00

I instantly liked this album, despite it's flagrant use of stoner rock, psychedelic riffs, drone, and shoegaze. There is definitely something "post-metal" and Neurosis influenced going on, but it's absolutely gorgeous to listen to. The entire album is full of weird elements that don't belong together but somehow fit well. Vocals tend to make or break it for me and here... they're pretty amazing. Who puts black metal vocals on top of ambient, layered acoustic guitar? I know it's been done before, but usually in atmospheric black metal or folk inspired black metal (like the shoegaze Alcest albums).

"The Invisible Mountain" isn't something I would listen to every day or even every week, but it's beautiful, sad, and ambient in a way that doesn't make me want to rip my eyes out in boredom. It's Horseback's second full length and was released in 2009 by Utech and then reissued last year by Relapse. Check out their myspace page or their personal page. They refer to themselves as electroacoustic. I don't know what the fuck that means, but I've taken an instant dislike to that term and will hopefully never see it again.

Track list:

1. Invokation

2. Tyrant Symmetry

3. The Invisible Mountain

4. Hatecloud Dissolving into Nothing

Give it a listen. Now that the album is over I think I need to lay down and take a nap, though probably one with really fucked up dreams.

Beherit - Drawing Down the Moon (1993)

2011-01-02T21:46:00.000-08:00

Like any rational person who has just spent the weekend getting drunk, I had to assuage my guilt by spending the day organizing, making lists, and writing. Now I will reward myself by laying face down on the floor and listening to Beherit.

This is actually not a good idea, because one of my resolutions (for the night, anyway) is to finally get some fucking sleep. Listening to Beherit is not at all conducive to sleep, because I get really excited. I love them, but then again they are a black metal band from Finland.

"Drawing Down the Moon," in particular, is fucking amazing. It is insanely primitive, guttural, and brutal. They are one of the first wave black metal bands that I would describe as being atmospheric black metal, which makes them even more weird and wonderful. Allegedly, "beherit" is the Syriac (basically Aramaic) word for Satan, so there you go.

And back up, Watain. They were using pig and goat heads in their live shows by 1990, when Erik Danielsson was just a twinkle in Satan's eye.

Of course, after this magical gem they essentially broke up and Beherit reformed as a dark ambient project. I can't bring myself to listen to it, but I'm sure I'll overcome my prejudices one day. Supposedly they re-reformed two years ago and play black metal again, but I haven't heard too much about this.

Originally released by Spinefarm, but thankfully reissued by Candlelight in 2006. If you like Von, you will definitely be on board. Be forewarned that it is NOT traditional black metal. The vocals are full of strange grunt, whispers, and death metal-like growls. There are bizarre synth noises that make you feel like if you were in Hell, Hell might actually be in outer space, or in an insane asylum full of robots. There's also some thrashy stuff going on, as well as the absolute shit-level recording quality that I like. My only complaint is that I could do without "Summerland," but nothing is perfect.

Track list:

1. Intro

2. Salomon's Gate

3. Nocturnal Evil

4. Sadomatic Rites

5. Black Arts

6. The Gates of Nanna

7. Nuclear Girl

8. Unholy Pagan Fire

9. Down There...

10. Summerlands

11. Werewolf, Semen and Blood

12. Thou Angel of the Gods

13. Lord of Shadows and Goldenwood

It's making me so happy to listen to this right now. This is definitely on my top 20 favorite black metal albums of all time. Please listen and then buy, buy, buy. Visit them on myspace, their official page, or on this pretty awesome fan page.

Come to think of it, this is the first complete album I've listened to in 2011, which must be some sort of awesome, yet unintentional good omen.

Metal Blogs, I love you

2011-01-02T16:25:00.000-08:00

This is a post I made a couple of weeks ago on my film blog, but it really belongs here. Et voila.

Lately my primary joy in life has been listening to music. Though I like a lot of different genres, lately I've mostly been listening to black metal. It's winter, I'm grumpy, and I have insomnia. I need some frostbitten shit.

My second greatest joy is my blog, though I've been slacking off a bit. There are few things more satisfying than writing about things I love (and sometimes hate), having people read about it, and either letting me know in person or via the internet what they think about my articles.

In recognition of both those awesome things, I want to share some of the metal blogs that have been getting me through the day, giving me fair and well written reviews, and frequently providing me links to download music so I can decide whether or not I want to buy it. And let's face it, a lot of these records are obscure and I would have a hell of a time checking out the sheer volume of music at once.

Like Axe Wound (my film blog) and Satanic Blogmaster, all of these blogs are labors of love.

Death Metal Trip Archive - Mostly death metal.

Hard Rock '70's - self-explanatory; great links, but all in Spanish.

Cosmic Hearse - One of my favorites and has all kinds of metal.

Mr Butcher - Mostly black and death metal.

Helvete - Black metal, to no one's great surprise.

Forest of Silence - Well organized, mostly black metal, though also death and Viking metal.

Metal Runs in My Veins - Random metal, also includes alcohol reviews.

Requiem of Madness - All kinds of metal, more links less reviews.

Blood Transmission - Smaller blog with random metal, but contains one of the best one-line reviews I have ever read: In reference to Incantation's Onward to Golgotha, he says "Dear person who has never heard this record: your life sucks."

Dunkelheit 616 - Pretty extensive, mostly black metal. Great links to other blogs and record labels.

Scummified - Less extensive, but still awesome. Covers a broad range.

Mad Blasts of Chaos - Wide range of metal, but all the downloads are from his personal record collection, which rules.

NWOBHM Blog - In Spanish, but is extensive and fucking awesome.

Asgard Root - A small, growing blog into metal and weird music in general, but has great taste and a Cages link.

Black Metal Tapes - exactly how it sounds. Love.

Luciferian Blogspot - In Spanish, but pretty extensive and awesome. Mostly black metal.

Hellcrust - Hellish. Crusty. I'm running out of ways to explain general metal blogs.

Punk Not Profit - Punk, hardcore and metal downloads and reviews.

Fenriz's blog on the Darkthrone myspace page - One of the best places to check out new stuff.

Philly Metal - Not a blog, but a great page where you can find out metal shows in and around Philadelphia.

And as for more established pages, there is Invisible Oranges, Lurkerspath, and Encyclopaedia Metallum. Thanks to the people who pointed these out to me!

Drudkh - Autumn Aurora (2004)

2010-12-30T18:44:00.000-08:00

Drudkh is fabulous atmospheric black metal from the Ukraine. "Autumn Aurora," their sophomore effort is considered one of their finest works and deservedly so. Originally released by Supernal music but rereleased by Season of Mists last year, it's lovely and relaxing, but emotional and melancholic at the same time. I don't usually think it's appropriate to refer to black metal as lovely, but it certainly is.

"Autumn Aurora" is definitely late-autumn/winter music, when it's tolerably cold outside, but not apocalyptically so. I kind of feel like I should be listening to this on headphones while going on a solitary hike through the snowy woods. The guitar tones are definitely post-Burzum and, like later Burzum I'm not so fond of, they use synths. In this case it doesn't bother me, as we aren't sonically beaten over the head with them.

Drudkh are definitely worth a listen and if you're not familiar with a lot of atmospheric black metal, they're a great place to start. There are a few folky touches, but these don't make me cringe for some reason and they aren't so prevalent that you could classify them as folk black metal. As a band, Drudkh is incredibly private and refuse to give interviews or release lyrics (until the most recent albums), though apparently a lot of their lyrics come from Ukrainian poets, which is fucking awesome.

Track listing:

1. Fading

2. Summoning the Rain

3. Glare of Autumn

4. Sunwheel

5. Wind of the Night Forests

6. The First Snow

Definitely give it a listen or visit them at Myspace. (They don't have a private page and for some reason I love that they're not on the internet.) Also, while it's great that Season of Mists is reissuing all their work, I hate the new artwork. Not all of it, just for this record.

The Angelic Process - Weighing Souls with Sand (2007)

2010-12-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

The Angelic Process is a male/female duo from Georgie, though now defunct because of the unfortunate passing of the male half in 2008. This album, which usually gets fucking stellar reviews, is basically like a drone/ambient metal version of My Bloody Valentine. Fans of drone, ambient, and shoegaze should love it. There's also a definite Neurosis influence, if that helps.

I tend to feel the same way about most shoegaze metal as I do about folk influenced metal, which is to say that I vehemently dislike it. Much to my surprise, I do like this album, but I have similar problems with it that I do with most ambient metal: the vocals. Though they are distorted, there is actual singing/yelling. It's kind of a deal breaker for me and I think that while I can now admit that I like the album, I would probably love it if there were no vocals (or vastly different ones). I also think the production value is way too classy. There are some parts that remind me of later Nine Inch Nails, which makes my skin crawl. In a bad way.

Like I said, I do like Weighing Souls With Sand, but I don't listen to it much and it definitely had to grow on me. It is oppressive and melancholy rather than grim/hateful and it feels like a soundtrack, something I very much enjoyed. Supposedly it is a concept album about the aftermath of the death of a loved one, which is spooky/ironic considering that half of the band (K. Angylus) passed away a year after it's release. Great to listen to if you want something relaxing and depressing and you don't want to put on Burzum. (Joke.)

Tracklist:

1. The Promise of Snakes

2. Million Year Summer

3. The Resonance of Goodbye

4. We All Die Laughing

5. Dying in A-Minor

6. Weighing Souls With Sand

7. Mouvement: World Deafening Eclipse

8. Burning in the Undertow of God

9. Mouvement: The Smoke of Her Burning

10. [silence]

11. How to Build a Time Machine

Give it a listen or check them out on Myspace or the Profound Lore page. M, the surviving half of the band, is having everything rereleased, so get on it.

Satanic Warmaster - Ondskapens Makt/Forgotten Graves EP (2010)

2010-12-30T14:28:00.000-08:00

It seemed pretty important that I should review something by Satanic Warmaster, as my blog is named after them. And what a hilarious and amazing name it is.

Satanic Warmaster is basically a one-man Finnish black metal band. Though they are currently active (obviously, or I wouldn't be reviewing an EP from this year), they are kind of a throw back to the first wave of Norwegian black metal, which is honestly why I like it. Mayhem fans for sure (though I don't know anyone who likes black metal and dislikes Mayhem). This EP in particular is reminiscent of a lot of early Mayhem and Darkthrone, both in guitar tone and recording quality.

Satanic Tyrant Werewolf (aka Nazgul - the one man behind the band) certainly has distasteful politics, but as far as I know they aren't really represented in the music. I personally think that any kind of NSBM is fucking bullshit, but sometimes they make good music. Case in point. Also, I can't really embrace certain bands for being anti-Christian and hate other being for being anti-Jewish. Obviously it's a hell of a lot more complicated than this, but it's definitely not my intention to turn this blog into anything other than a discussion of music. Getting back on track, Satanic Tyrant Werewolf is also associated with a staggering number of bands, including two that I really like - Horna and Pest. I don't know how he finds the time to be in so many bands at once, plus do EVERYTHING in Satanic Warmaster himself, but there you go.

I like the EP, but I don't think it's as amazing as their first LP, Strength and Honor, which I'll review sometime soon. It looses the Venom-style guitars found in Strength and Honor, but keeps the wonderfully lo-fi production values (and thank god doesn't include any of the folky, acoustic guitar parts from the split with Behexen, which I like despite this). Same shrill, angry vocals that are one of my favorite things about Satanic Warmaster (and black metal in general). Not the best of his efforts, but worth a listen.

Tracklist:

1. Ondskapens Makt

2. Forgotten Graves

Visit Satanic Warmaster on Myspace or read his hilarious Facebook page. You can order this limited EP through Werewolf records, his home base, though this EP was released through Northern Heritage. Werewolf records actually has a pretty awesome catalogue listing, which I recommend you look through regardless of any interest in Satanic Warmaster. Or you could listen to the EP here.

Portal - Swarth (2009)

2010-12-30T13:21:00.000-08:00

Since this is only my third post, you are not yet aware of my desperate, undying love for Portal. They were surely one of the highlights at Maryland Deathfest this year and I can't believe I'm stupid enough to have missed them play in Philly a few days before.

Portal are essentially avante-garde death metal from Australia, though I can't imagine anyone who listens to metal hasn't heard of them by now. I highly, highly recommend Swarth, their newest LP, but if you're a fan of traditional death metal and are expecting to hear Incantation being ripped off for the 400th time, don't. Though they're usually described as blackened death metal, it's a lot more eccentric, atmospheric, and unique than typical thrashy black metal. If I listen to it with the lights off, I kind of feel like I'm in the middle of a Satanic mass. Seeing them live was amazing, but also completely disorienting.

A lot of critics write them off as being aimless noise, but it is pretty technical. Extreme as hell, though. There are a lot of distorted churning guitars and a thudding bass. The drummer uses a lot of blast beats, but one of the things I love is that he knows when to give it a rest. I also really, really love the use of cymbals on this record. The Curator (the vocalist) uses menacing, raspy death metal vocals that are absolutely perfect.

Swarth is probably the best metal record of 2009 and one of my top ten of the decade. It was released last October by Profound Lore.

Tracklist:

1. Swarth

2. Larvae

3. Illoomorpheme

4. The Swayy

5. Writhen

6. Omenknow

7. Werships

8. Marityme

I strongly recommend not being a pussy and buying it immediately, but if you want to listen first, here it is. You can find out more about the awesomeness that is Portal at their webpage, their Myspace page, or on Profound Lore.

Abhorrence

2010-12-26T10:57:00.000-08:00

It seems like Finland and Australia are boundless sources of excellent death (and black) metal. In the case of the way, way too short lived Abhorrence, this is definitely true, albeit twenty years ago.

Though they're considered one of the forerunners of Finnish death metal, Abhorrence only existed from roughly 1989 - 1990. They released a demo tape, Vulgar Necrolatry, and, later that year, a self-titled 7" through Seraphic Decay. There is also a leaked demo/rehearsal session called Macabre Masquerade that has made the rounds online.

They have their cult status for a reason and I highly recommend their small discography, Vulgar Necrolatry in particular. There is plenty of riffage and a nice mix between slow, trudging gloom and typical faster death metal sections, complete with blast beats. I also love the vocals, though I could do without the spoken sections on the 7". It sounds weird to say, because we're talking about death metal, but the songs are catchy and well-written, yet still manage to be bleak and hateful. Visit their official page, where you can download the demo and the 7". You can find the unreleased demo (Macabre Masquerade) here.

According to the myspace page, they are attempting to reissue everything, though god knows how long that will take. For those of you who don't know, Tomi Koivusaari went onto join Amorphis, so if you need more, check out their early records.

Don't confuse them with the seven other bands named Abhorrence: German death metal, Danish thrash metal, active Brazilian death metal, etc.

First post

2010-12-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

So it's been coming down to this for awhile, but I finally decided to start a metal blog. I already have a film blog, which I've been inundating with music posts lately. It had to stop at some point.

What I know about film could easily fill several text books. I keep a film blog to remind myself what I've seen, organize my thoughts, and to recommend obscure or underrated films to other fans. Or to stop people from seeing utter trash.

What I know about metal is... more than the average person, but less than your average collector. This is more an attempt to document what I'm learning that what I already know, so bear with me and please argue/tell I'm an idiot/recommend things I should be writing about instead of the trash I will likely cover.

Hopefully the spirit of Quorthon will keep me on the straight and narrow and by that I mean will point me towards the most deranged, hate-filled, Satanic records on earth. Merry Christmas.