Ancient Reviews

Crucifer
"The World Dies 1989-1999"
1999, Wild Rags Records

Crucifer's latest release, entitled "The World Dies 1989-1999", is one of the newer albums Christianity has to offer the metal scene. I guarantee you that the world will hardly die after this little ditty has left your stereo system. The production on this recording varies, but in general, it isn't anything to gawk over. The cover itself is all but intimidating, and the not so impressive music will leave the listener dying for less. The only plus I see in this album is the random insertion of double-bass breakdowns throughout. Other than that, each track is your typical 3-riff-per-song styling found in the late 80s' mainstream "metal" scene, mostly consisting of boring thrash bands and struggling/aging butt rockers. Aside from the music, the vocalist just sounds like he's trying to growl his kids to sleep. This is a great CD for the fans of so-called artists with almost no musical insight.

Rating: 2 out of 10

~Feceus~

Evoken
"Embrace the Emptiness"
1998, Elegy Records

This is Evoken's first release on Elegy Records, following their "Shades of Night Descending" recording on Adipocere Records. "Embrace the Emptiness" is an excellent display of musicianship on Evoken's part. To begin with, it isn't an easy task to write impressive music keeping such a slow pace throughout a recording. Reminiscent of Australia's Disembowelment(R.I.P.), Evoken's cold and ghastly music seeps through the clouds of a long-forgotten cemetery with dark, atmospheric ease. Quickly gripping the listener with it's sorrowful claws and sometimes striking out with a relentlessly brutal ambience, "Embrace the Emptiness" holds a seething evil that you can only experience from albums such as Incantation's "Onward to Golgotha" and Mayhem's "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas". There are lots of crushing riffs, thick bass drums, sick keyboards and even a session musician playing the cello from time to time. The vocals contain a wide range of diversity, sometimes screaming, mostly deep, horrid growls, and spoken/sung lyrics here and there. Extremely original stuff not to be missed.

Rating: 9 out of 10

~Feceus~

Mortiis
"The Stargate"
1999, Earache Records

Another addition to the Mortiis legacy, "The Stargate" is yet more proof of Mortiis' superiority when it comes to orchestrated darkness and symphonic melancholia. An intrinsic journey through another world is the only way to describe this release. "The Stargate", so appropriately entitled, takes the listener on a dark and otherworldly expedition through the vastness of space and the imagination. The first few tracks act as an introduction to a tale untold, and by track 4, titled "Across the World of Wonders", the utter heaving majesty of the music of Mortiis begins to show through. Although "The Stargate" is not as grim as the mighty "Crypt of the Wizard", it does contain the same cataclysmic thundering as the aforementioned release. The story-telling feeling definitely shows through with this album and I recommend it to anyone who can appreciate this type of music.

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Feceus~

Devourment
"Molesting the Decapitated"
1999, United Guttural

"Molesting the Decapitated" can only be described as a rancorous barrage of furiously crushing morbidity. The photo on the front of the CD is enough to portray the aftermath of a fiery onslaught of ill-blooded rage coupled with the perverted precision of a neurosurgeon. This release is chock full of blasting riffs and insane time signatures with a plentiful boast of pounding breaks quite possibly rivaling that of Suffocation's legendary and unarguably genre-inspiring release "Effigy of the Forgotten"(a task I, personally, thought could never be accomplished). The vocals are a human anomaly all their own. Vocalist Ruben "Gore Gurgle" Rosas belches the lowest, sickest, most emetic vocals I have ever heard in my many years as a metal fan. The smoothness of the riffing along with the fast and frenzied drumming on this album is incredible. In its entirety, "Molesting the Decapitated" is, in my humble opinion, the most devastating death metal release of 1999, period. Everything about this CD is perfect. "Do you still feel like killing people? Yes."

Rating: 10 out of 10

~Feceus~

Angelcorpse
"The Inexorable"
1999, Osmose Productions

Following Angelcorpse's recent move to the swamps of central Florida, comes their third full length release entitled "The Inexorable". A true titan in the genre of fast and relentless death/black metal, Angelcorpse storms forth with this incursion of unholy rage. From beginning to end, "The Inexorable" lashes back and forth at extreme speeds with a hectic mastery of instruments that will simply not let go. The vocals, a fierce stream of monotonous severity, keep a steady and firm grasp on the progression of this album. The guitars, underlined by the buzzing rupture of the bass, spew discordant aural destruction at its finest. The drums, a torrential rain of blood pounding the listener with an endless assault of blinding speed. Drummer Tony Laureano(ex-Acheron and session drummer for Aurora Borealis' "Mansions of Eternity") has joined forces with Angelcorpse to create a powerful expression of fiendish musical terror. A fitting end for 1999, "The Inexorable" simply slaughters. A very powerful display of skill and brutality for those of you lucky enough to experience their live performance.

Rating: 9 out of 10

~Feceus~

Immortal
"At the Heart of Winter"
1999, Osmose Productions

The Legendary Immortal are back again with their latest offering of blistering, frost-bitten storm winds. Still uncompromising, blizzard-driven Black Metal, "At the Heart of Winter" is far from disappointing. Lachrymose and cold, "At the Heart of Winter" is a fantastic and powerful tale of grim reminiscence with a passionate and desperate climax in every song. Desolate and barren landscapes roll and turn in the mind as the album progresses with a soaring overview of forgotten battles waged centuries ago, leaving only scattered remains and the snow-covered wreckage of ancient civilizations. A masterpiece without a doubt, along with every release in the past, Immortal's true mastery of this art is undeniable and will never be forgotten. The overwhelmingly obvious message of this album conveys a chilling defeat to some waning reign that has seen its day, but has now come to an end. Perfect, thick production, elder vocals that freeze the spine, firmly precise drumming, and shivering rhythmic melody sure to make any feeble imposter fall to their knees in obeisance.

Rating: 10 out of 10

~Feceus~

Lunar Reign
"Arcane Lust"
1999, Self Financed Demo

Just when you thought you had the American Black Metal scene figured out, Lunar Reign steps out of the woodwork of Florida with an amazing musical wisdom and conveyance of supreme, and sometimes mournful majesty. Definite European-influenced aggressive/melodic Black Metal, "Arcane Lust" is an undeniable sign of things to come. Dark and mystic, with a touch of melodic serenity, Lunar Reign is sure to take the scene by storm. This demo contains four songs and a skillful keyboard introduction written by guitarist/vocalist Spectral (ex-Burnt Church, Tyrants of the Flesh). The production is a bit muddy and varies from song to song, hence the lower rating, but the music is a masterful presentation with an evil and proud ambience that will chill even the strongest soul.

Rating: 7 out of 10

~Feceus~

Deeds of Flesh
"Path of the Weakening"
1999, Unique Leader Entertainment

Utter instrumental supremacy hand in hand with carnivorously sinister and intense speed is the only way Deeds of Flesh can be described. "Path of the Weakening" is the latest release from this California quintet. Mesmerizing guitar patterns woven into a rapid-fire percussion attack make this CD an unforgettable and horrifyingly crushing full length by these masters of death. The vocals seep through the massive assault creating a fearless and glorious holocaust of insane turbulence. Unmatched in style by any of its predecessors in the genre, their music is indeed an in-depth excursion into the realm of originality. The cannibal feast commences!

Rating: 10 out of 10

~Feceus~

Cephalic Carnage
"Conforming to Abnormality"
1998, Headfucker Records

Wow, they smoke weed! That's crazy! An excellent display of grinding talent and a slightly deviant exploration of the Death/Grind genre, Cephalic Carnage stays aggressively true to their message, but the grinding and breakdown segments are the only plus to this CD. Unfortunately, the abundant use of marijuana is hardly a topic that conveys any sort of imposing or oracular statement. Innovative attempts carry their risks, and this is one of its failed byproducts. The production is tight and there is plenty of silly variation to the music, samples, and vocals, but not fitting enough for my tastes. Wow, I drink beer! That's crazy! I think I will write a song about it.

Rating: 6 out of 10

~Feceus~

Marduk
"Panzer Division Marduk"
1999, Osmose Productions

The most devastating Marduk release to date. An obviously deviant release from Marduk's "norm", "Panzer Division Marduk" delves more into a ballistic firing of blasphemous musical terror than on their previous releases. Their subject matter does not abandon its satanic/anti-christian roots(in fact, "Panzer Division..." is pretty much a slap in the face of subtle imagery with songs like "Christraping Black Metal" and "Fistfucking God's Planet"), but Marduk has no doubt chosen to undertake a more war-driven expression similar to talents such as the mighty Bolt Thrower and Niden Division(Niden Div. 187). The band has taken steps to speed up their music for this CD and it shows. Their drummer's endurance is incredible. I have never seen this band live, but if he could dish out a 45 minute set up-to-speed, I would be impressed. The songs flow together extremely well, and they are chock full of sinister guitar riffs that Marduk is so well known for. If you are in the mood for a heated battle, beginning to end, this CD is for you; Marduk doesn't fuck around.

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Feceus~

Dehumanized
"Prophecies Foretold"
1998, Pathos Productions

Aggressive, morbid, relentless and twisted. Hailing from New York, this four-piece group has released a highly original album of torturously brutal death metal. "Prophecies Foretold" forges a tumbling landscape of sheer crushing power. Masterful vocal variance and melody-laden riffing pummels the listener as the music constantly switches pace with the drummer's double bass and blasting attack. Breakdowns are entered into songs skillfully and when they come, an avalanche of indescribable sickness easily snaps the spine. Despite the general misuse of the word, the music of Dehumanized does have a certain "groove" to it. The song structures constantly whirl around in disarray as all-out chugging riffs turn into melodic power chord slides and then back again. "Prophecies Foretold" contains two demos on one disc (five tracks on the newest, and 4 tracks on the old one). The newer tracks have a slightly better recording, but all of them are amazing. No lack of talent here, just excellent musicianship. Dehumanized is (was?) one of the best things to come out of the New York underground scene along with bands such as Internal Bleeding, Evilution(R.I.P.), and Pyrexia.

Rating: 10 out of 10

~Feceus~

Niden Div. 187
“Impergium”
1997, Necropolis Records

Distorted warfare in one of it’s most pure forms, “Impergium” is a speedy and droning display of apocalyptic black metal played with a rumbling madness that imprisons the soul. A rare peep of melody tears through the bitter and discordant rage that is Niden Div. 187. The drums fire onwards and the guitars burn through walls of screaming victims, while the vocals of Henke Forss (Dawn) shred through the skin like chemicals sprayed on a starving jew. The production is great for this style of music; fuzzy atmospheric guitar work with the clicking gun of drums throughout. The only downside to this recording is a slight repetition that some listeners may not enjoy. It is safe to say that this release is well suited for background music and functions great as trance inductive ambience.

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Feceus~

Maskim
“Battlestorm”
1999, Genocide Music

Deep within the darkened depths of Iowa’s cornfields lurk the Maskim, ready to wreak havoc to the masses. Upon observing the CD Cover, I did not know what to expect. At first Battlestorm sounds promising with it’d entrance track “Arrival” complete with the droning of a distant chorus and the cry of horses onward to battle but suddenly falls flat with it’s next lullabye. “Black Serpent” and “Desecrated Ground” are the only memorable songs on “Battlestorm”. To be brutally honest, if you are one who enjoys generic, half-asses crap, then this CD is a must buy. Slap it in your stereo, crank it up and take a nap! That’s what I felt like doing after hearing this load of sheep shit. I wanted to give this band a second chance, for the first review I gave ripped them apart. I wanted to give them another benefit of the doubt, but upon another listen I began to feel my eyelids grow heavy. There are few blasts, mainly just galloping slap happy beats that would make any aerobic instructor drool over. With equally gay guitar riffing, I would say the production came from one of their grandfather’s tool sheds. That didn’t make much sense, but neither does Maskim. You’ll see for yourself with just viewing the unbelievably homoerotic photo of the band. There is nothing fresh or new here, just another CD that will be thrown into the trash and sent to the junkyard.

Rating: 2 ½ out of 10

~Lasivius~

Autumn Leaves
"As Night Conquers Day"
1999, Serious Entertainment

Autumn Leaves returns with their second full-length release, entitled "As Night Conquers Day". After reading other reviews for this album their first release "Embraced by the Absolute", it seems as if a lot of the reviewers are listening to this music with expectations of a brutal death metal band. Quite the contrary, despite some heavy breakdowns, Autumn Leaves plays a much more melodic style of music. "As Night Conquers Day" is an interesting mix of melody and doom/death. Vocally, lows are predominant with highs sneaking through from time to time. The guitars are thick and melodically flowing. The drumming is a little bit rock-n-roll-ish at times, perhaps similar to some of the Swedish Melodic Black/Death drums such as Sacrilege and Sacramentum, but also boasts a good bit of double bass and an occasional blast (maybe a few times throughout). Overall, this release is brilliant and very melancholic. Although not quite as aggressive as "Embraced by the Absolute", "As Night Conquers Day" is still in a very similar vein.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

-Feceus

Opera IX
“The Black Opera: Symphoniae Mysteriorum In Laudem Tenebrarum”
2000, Avantegarde

Italy's Opera IX have returned with their 3rd album The Black Opera, and it's very impressive. The band has matured alot from the previous 2 releases. While I was impressed with their last album Sacro Culto, and had a mixed reaction to the debut Call Of The Wood, Black Opera is a shining moment for them. They seem to be more focused, and dedicated, and the musicianship is far beyond than what I expected. Cadaveria does an amazing vocal performance. She sounds more relaxed and confident, which is really great, because I felt she was rather weak on the first album, but she improved on the 2nd album. They did a rendition of the Bauhaus song, "Bela Lugosi's Dead". I have not heard the original version of the song, so I can't compare it. The songs are really great espeacially, "Beyond The Black Diamond Gates", "The Magic Temple", and "Carnal Delight In The Vortex Of Evil". But, all in all, this is a great album, and so far it's in my top 10 of the year.

Rating: 9 out of 10

~Azazel~

Autumn Tears
“Love Poems For Dying Children Act 3: Winter And The Broken Angel”
2000, Dark Symphonies

I've heard of Autum Tears for a few years, but never heard their music untill last year when I saw their Absolution EP, and decided to pick it up, and check it out. I thought it was really good, but I wanted to hear a full length to see if they can keep me entertained for more than 3 songs, and it worked. The influences of Dead Can Dance, Arcana, and Aghast is very apparent. I do not say this as a bad thing, because Autumn Tears are original, and are doing their own thing. The music is very emotional, and the lyrics really reflect with the music, giving it that feeling of lonliness and despair. The vocals of Erika and Jennifer are really beautiful, and are sung with such emotion, and passion. I recommend this album to be listened if you're depressed, something to relax to, or sit with that special someone in your life.

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Azazel~

Destruction
“All Hell Breaks Loose”
Nuclear Blast 2000

YES!!! YES!!! YES!!! As you can tell I'm pretty excited about reviewing this album. I been a long time Destruction fan, and I must say this is the album of the year, or damn well near it. Shmier is back behind the mic, and that is pleasing to all the old fans. After the horrendous Cracked Brain and 2 EPs that went unnoticed, this is their best work in 10 plus years. The album was produced by Peter Tagtgren of Hypocrisy at his Abyss studios, so the production is very excellent as well as the songs.The Mad Butcher makes his return in the song, "The Butcher Strikes Back", a really excellent song, that's in your face, and with a riff that will knock you on your ass. In fact every riff on this album is nothing short of supurb. Mike Sifringer who has been on every album still has what it takes to play an excellent riff. Peter Tagtgren even lends some vocals and additional guitars on the song, "Total Desaster 2000". I can't really pick the best songs, because they all are excellent. Oh, and by the way, there is one more song on the album that isn't listed in the track listings, and that is a rendition of Metallica's "Whiplash", which in all honesty is better than the original. This album is highly recommended. Old fans will like it, and to the newer fans, get this now!

Rating: 10 out of 10

~Azazel~

Altar
“In The Name Of The Father”
2000, Pavement Music

Altar have been around for awhile, but I never heard of them untill now. The album is ok, but overall didn't impress me to much. There are some good riffs here and there, like in the song, "Holy Mask", which is probably my favorite song on the album. The second song "Spunk" sports a sample of a girl asking a guy if he's seen a porno film. "Spunk" deals with sodomy and other sex acts which is neither funny nor original. Deicide influence is really apparent. Deicide fans will probably like it, but I didnt. There are 2 bonus tracks on here, with one of them being Iron Maiden's "The Trooper", and Altar's version is rather forgettable. I recommend getting it used, borrowing it, or have someone tape it for you, because it's not worth spending your hard earned money on it brand new.

Rating: 3 out of 10

~Azazel~

King Diamond
“House Of God”
2000, Metal Blade

King Diamond is is without a doubt one of the biggest names in metal as well as one of the most influential musicians ever. While King released 2 disappointing albums, The Graveyard and Spider's Lullaby, he redeemed himself with Voodoo. House Of God is the follow up to Voodoo, and a great follow up it is. I don't want to give the story away, because I don't want to ruin it for those who haven't heard what the story is about. "The Trees Have Eyes", "Help!!!", "Goodbye" are just a few of the great songs on this 13 song album. The production is great. The guitar work of Andy La Roque and Glen Drover is very superb, with excellent lead work by the both of them, and the rhythm section keeps everything going smoothly. The vocals of King Diamond are always excellent. So all in all this album is worth the addition to your collection.

Rating: 9 out of 10

~Azazel~

Usurper
"Visions Of The Gods"
 2000, Necropolis Records

This isn't the new Usurper album, but more of a compilation album showing the band's history. The CD contains their Visions Of The Gods Demo, a version of King Diamond's "Charon", and one live song. The compilation kicks off with, "Soulstalker '96", which is a re-recorded song from the demo, as well as drummer Apocolyptic Warlord's last contribution to the band. "Soulstalker '96" was taken from the Root Of All Evil Records compilation, Roots III. Tracks 2 through 5 are the Visions Of The Gods demo, which I'm sure is why people are buying this collection for the most. The demo appears in it's original form, no remixing or anything done to it to make it more polished. Just raw as how a demo should be. Next up is a cover version of King Diamond's "Charon", which is actually going to be on the upcoming King Diamond tribute that Necropolis is going to put out. Usurper's version is very well played, and they have a good conviction with it. They try and maintain the original feel, but also playing it the Usurper way making it more interesting. "Bonefire" is a previous unreleased song, and the song was written in 96, and originally planned for Skeletal Season. I think the song should have been on the album, because the song is really good, and the riff has a melt your face off attitude. "Wolflord(Night Prowler version)" is slightly darker and heavier than on Skeletal Season. This version features wolf howls. Also, this version was to appear on the vinyl version of Skeletal Season but never did. Lastly, there is a live version of, "Blood Passion". I'm glad this was the last song, because I feel it is very weak. I was happy to hear this, and it's worth the money. The booklet contains lyrics, liner notes, pics of the last 6 years, and all the line ups from each recording on this CD. I can't wait to hear the 3rd album.

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Azazel~

Deicide
"Insineratehymn"
2000, Roadrunner Records

After being disappointed with Deicide's last 2 albums, Serpent Of The Light, and Once Upon The Cross, but thought the live album was decent though not something to get excited about, I approached Insineratehym with a bit of hesitation. As I put this CD in and "Bible Basher" kicked off the listening platter, I was surprised at how good this song is. The song actually sounds thrashy to me, because of the way the riffs are played in the song. Accordong to a recent interview I read with Glen Benton, "Forever Hate You" is dedicated to his wife, for whom he feels has been holding him down. The rest of the album is what you've come to expect from Deicide, fast and harsh satanic death metal. While this album is no masterpiece by any means, it's still a good album nonetheless, and alot better than the last 2 studio albums.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

~Azazel~

The Gathering
"If_Then_Else"
2000, Century Media Records

After being disappointed with their last studio album, How to Measure A Planet?, I was curious if they would make up for the boring lack of direction that it had. This album is better, and much more stronger than it's predacessor(I never count live albums as albums, more like fillers), and Annekke sounds more stronger here than on the last album. "Rollercoaster" kick things off with a heavy riff, great hooks, and a great vocal performance by Annekke. My favorite song though, is the second song on this album called, "Shot To Pieces", which is probably the heaviest song on this album. The dynamics, and the way this song was composed and played left a big impression on me, that I seem to come back to it the most. I don't know if the lyrics to the song, "The Colorado Incident" were inspired by the actual event, but to me, it seems like it wasn't. The song however is not horrible, I just think the lyrics represent something else. But, hey, every song always means something different to everyone. I thought the song, "Bad Movie Scene" was quite good. An excellent sounding song that deals with people trying to shoot down your dreams and hold you back, which is something we all can relate to. While this is no Mandylion or Nighttime Birds, it is however better than than the last album. It's not the best album in the world, but it's still worth a listen.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

~Azazel~

Living Impaired
"Blossom And Decay"
2000(?), Body Bag Records

I wasn't quite sure if this band would still be around after the tragic death of bassist/vocalist Mike Rabeanu, but here they are with their persumably latest release(No year indicated anywhere on the CD.), Blossom And Decay. Living Impaired are from the same state I am, which is Maine. This band plays a good brand of death metal. The 10 songs contained on this CD has a good sense of execution, and were thought out well. The opening track, "With Hell Our Road Ends" is a fine opener, and a song that I fell was a good way to start off the CD with it's dynamic hooks that immediatley pull you in. There are 2 instrumentals on this album called, "Slave To The Masses", and "World Keeps Spinning". Both of the instrumentals are very good, with the music being very direct and forceful, and unlike other instrumentals which at times feel like filler just to make a complete album. The production on this album is surprsingly well done, which had me amazed. Plus them being a 3 piece, you wouldn't think they would get the heavy sound that they do have. A pretty good disc with songs that will keep you interested for years to come.

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Azazel~

The Chasm
"Procession Of The Infraworld"
2000, Dwell Records

I first got into The Chasm last year when I saw their last album Deathcult For Eternity in one of the local CD stores and decided to check it out, and I liked it. So with the release of their newest album, I'm pleased to say that they haven't lost their edge. In fact, I think they have gotten more heavier. In my opinion, the songs seem more straight forward and the band sound more focused than the last album. I think the vocals of Daniel Corchado sound more mature than the last album. Yes, this is the same Daniel that fronted Incantation last year, but that's no reason to just get the album, because the other musicians in the band, Antonio Leon(Drums), Julio Viterbo(Guitars), and session bassist Roberto Valle, are very competant, and can play really well. "Cosmic Landscapes Of Sorrow" is my favorite song of the disc. What makes me like this song the most, is the way the song flows, and the way the riff drives this song like a drill into your forehead causing your brains to leak out from it's intensity. The composition that is called "Return Of the Banished" is a fine song that would make your grandmother's ears bleed unmercifully with it's buzzsaw guitar rythmns, bombastic drums, and fine vocal performance. "The Scars Of My Journey" which deals with finding one's self in a spirit form and taking a journey to find the true self of existance. This album is a good follow up, and the production is good, so that all the instruments are heard clearly. A must have CD.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

~Azazel~

Noctuary
"For Salvation..."
1998, Lost Disciple Records

Noctuary are a black metal band from California, and have released a pretty solid debut album. The production on this is nice and clear, as all the instruments can be heard and are not muffled in the mix. Those that put the USBM scene down, will be eating their words upon listening to this fantastic disc. There wasn't one song that was a downer on this album, which had me impressed since I'm pretty critical, and that is my job here isn't it? Haha. Anyway, this is a great album a must have for any true metal fan. All 11 songs are standouts. Get this or be prepared to suffer the consequences.

Rating: 9 out of 10

~Azazel~

Megaded
“A Tribute To Megadeth”
2000, Dwell Records

I was bored by this album. None of the band's represented on here really did anything special. The only band that attempted to be different was Fairlight with their version of "Hanger 18". In Firelight's version of "Hanger 18", they added keyboards, which I think adds a nice texture to the song. I like Pessimist, and enjoy their albums alot, but their version of "Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good" came off as rather lame. Aborrent's version of "She Wolf" put me to sleep. A very boring tribute. I'll take the original's over these anytime.

Rating: 1 out of 10

~Azazel~

Nightwish
"Wishmaster"
2000, Spinefarm Records

Having not heard of this band before, I was sort of skeptical when I played this album for the first time. Musically this band has kind of a Blind Guardian influence, but with a female lead singer named Tarja Turunen. I sort of like this album, but however, it does get redundant in places. The keyboards are really prominent on this and do tend to drown out the guitars on alot of the compositions. While I do like Tarja's operatic style vocals, they do however sound out of place on the really aggresive parts, like in the title track for example. I think they could benefit the aggressive parts by having another singer sing those parts, because Tarja's operatic style does not fit with that heavy style. That's not to say she sucks. Quite the contrary. Despite those few flaws, I did enjoy this album, and would like to check out their previous albums. Not a bad release.

Rating: 7 out of 10.

~Azazel~

The Sins Of Thy Beloved
"Perpetual Desolation"
2000, Napalm Records

This is total rubbish. I can't believe this atrocious album was released to the public. Napalm should be ashamed for signing this no talent band. When this CD was done, I was happy. Avoid this album at all costs. Nothing on this album is even half decent. Napalm Records should drop this band immediatly.

Rating: 1 out of 10

~Azazel~

Tristania
"Beyond The Veil"
2000, Napalm Records

I've seen a couple of zines, as well as music fans praise this album, and my question is why? Nothing on this album has impressed me at all. This is as bad as The Sins Of Thy Beloved album was. The production on this is to slick for the lackluster material that this album contains. This is another Napalm Records band that should be flushed down the crapper.

Rating: 1 out of 10.

~Azazel~

Jump In The Pit
“A Tribute To Testament”
2000, Dwell Records

My my another tribute from the folks at Dwell Records. The question is, is this tribute better than the Megadeth tribute? Not really. But that's not to say that there aren't any good renditions on this disc. For one, the opening cut on this tribute, "Dog Faced Gods" is actually well done. Blackend's version of "Practice What You Preach" was fairly decent, but nothing to exciting. Is it me, or does the singer of Ultimatum really sound like Steve Souza? You all know who he is. He used to sing for Testament when they were known as The Legacy, plus you all mostly know him from Exodus. With that being said, Ultimatum's version of "Sins Of Omission" is a pretty cool one, despite the singer ripping off Mr. Sousa's vocals. James Murphy, whom I know all of you have heard of, unless you been living under a rock for the last 10 years, has lent his production services to the band Habeas Corpus, as they offer up a tolerable rendition of "Nightmare". All in all the bands represented on here did ok to average versions of the songs they've chosen to do. A tribute worth checking out, but also nothing to cream your jeans about.

Rating: 4.5 out of 10

~Azazel~

Entombed
"Uprising"
2000, Threeman/Music For Nations

Finally got around to getting Uprising, the latest offering by Entombed. While it's not as brilliant as their work from 90-94, it is however better than Same Difference by leaps and bounds. My favorite track is "Say It In Slugs", because it's a very punishing fast song. It was also nice to see them cover a Dead Horse song, "Scottish Hell". Not a perfect album, but better than the previous 2 studio albums.

Rating: 5 out of 10

~Azazel~

Rain Fell Within
"Believe"
2000, Dark Symphonies

This is the debut 5 song EP from this amazing band out of Virginia. I am captivated by the vocals of Dawn. She has a very good voice, and really handles herself well with the music she is presented with. But, this EP shouldn't just focus around her, as all of the musicians in the band pull out a stellar performance. This band should appeal to fans of 3rd And The Mortal, The Gathering, and the like, but yet retaining some originality so they won't be lumped in as a clone. A bright young band with a long future ahead of them. I hope a full length is around the corner.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

~Azazel~

Black Witchery/Conqueror
"Hellstorm Of Evil Vengeance"
2000, Dark Horizon Records

This split CD of Black Witchery and Conqueror is decent, but albeit not a perfect release by any stretch of the imagination. Black Witchery kick off the split with 5 well crafted songs that had my attention span. What I liked about Black Witchery was that their songs are straight forward and to the point. They don't drag on and on. This has no crappy gothic keyboard filler or pretty female vocals. This is pure Black Metal the way it's supposed to be played. I predict some big things to come for this band in the future. "Black Witching Metal" no doubt will become an anthemn for the legions of Black Metal fans all over the world. Conqueror on the other hand are pretty bad. Not only is the production pretty bad, but Conqueror's songs were bland and pretty boring. Conqueror needs to go back, and better craft these songs, because there is not one that remotely stands out. I think this CD could have stood better on it's own if it just had the Black Witchery songs.

Rating: For Black Witchery 6 out of 10
Rating: For Conqueror 2 out of 10

~Azazel~