Current Reviews

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blaspherion
“The Pain of Fire”
2006

 

7 tracks of old style kvlt black metal, the low quality mastery gives it an old Darkthrone/Emperor style atmosphere and the snarling black metal vocals are pure demonic. The short track lengths are reminiscent of other brutal/raw black metal bands like Archgoat, and the occasional use of piano/keyboard gives it a melodic feel at times as well as the dark song titles, satanic fast-picked majesty and raw grinding tone giving it the full black metal majesty. Simply put, the kind of raw black metal any true metal lover should have no problem getting into.

 

Rating: 7 out of 10

~Netherus

 

 

 

Blaspherion
“The Pain of Fire”
2006

Blaspherion is a Black Metal band from Georgia and this CD is a full length 7 tracks. When I first listened to this I was rather impressed. The First track titled “The Heart of Evil” had keys in the begging so it first tricked you thinking this was going to be a Melodic Black Metal band. But then it gets more into and you can hear the true raw part. As it continues with such as you keep listening to the CD. The only thing I could have done without was the squealing you hear now and then. However that is easily over looked with the awesome music that was produced. When you hear such titles as “Stench of Heaven in Flames” you just got to love this band. I would recommend everyone to check this Black Metal band Blaspherion.

Rating: 9 out of 10

~Sam

 

 

 

Blaspherion
“Dark Legend”
2009

This is Blaspherion's 2009 Demo CD called “Dark Legend” This CD has 5 tracks on it. This CD is just as good as their other recording in my opinion. I really enjoyed this band. Sometimes you don't know how good a band is until you hear more than one CD. I have now heard two of their recordings and I am totally convince that Blaspherion is a great Black Metal. All you fans of Black Metal please go and check out this. They have songs with such titles as “ “Seeds of the Apocalypse” and “Satanic Legions Arise” what else could you want.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

~Sam

 

 

 

 

Krew
“Demo 2010”
2010

The opening atmosphere gives the listener a very eerie feeling, use of acoustic guitar with the atomspheric reverb makes for a fantastic short opening track, very immersive black metal, thrashing snare-heavy drumming makes for a super fast feel, the vocal style along with the rhythmic guitar harmonies panned as far apart as possible make it a demo to listen to through either a high quality stereo or with good headphones on to enjoy the full range of black metal they offer. recorded and mastered with a mid-range quality so it's still reminiscent of the black metal masters such as Venom and early Bathory. Full of catchy rhythms you can't help but nod or tap along to, relatively short tracks mean the tracks aren't overly drawn out. The subject matter for the songs complete the experience. The end track has a slow melodic, almost depressive black metal feel to it that makes it a very feely track to end on just to get your emotions going before the demo ends, surely a repertoire that would appeal to any kvlt black metal lover without losing it's appeal over time.

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Netherus

 

 

 

Purgatory
“Cultus Luciferi- The Splendour of Chaos
 2008

 

Purgatory a very effective cross between black and death metal leaning more towards death mixed with almost doomy atmosphere in some places and an abrupt tight feel in other places, showing some almost technical death influences from bands like Suffocation and with mixed high/low vocals. effective semi-melodic harmonies and high tempo rhythms make it easy to find yourself nodding along to. the short tracks make it brief without losing it's catchy appeal. appeals more to the death metal crowd than the black metal crowd, but overall a good album.

Rating: 7 out of 10

~Netherus

 

 

 

Purgatory
“Cultus Luciferi - The Splendour of Chaos”
2008

Purgatory is a Death Metal band from Germany and this CD is a Full length with 9 tracks. When I first uploaded this CD onto my computer I was rather confused on why I couldn't find it. I kept seeing this other band called “Hacci” something.... Well come to find it Purgatory just everything was labeled wrong. There music is very intense and brutal and get right into with the first track titled “Realm Of The Vortex”. The vocalist greets the audience with his growls but every now and then you will hear a scream in there. As you keep on listening to the music it seems to get more intense. And the drums are very fast as it goes along with each song. You definitely have to love these songs especially titles such as “Burial Of A Plague”, and “Red Prison” you can just imagine what they are about. I definitely recommend this checking this band out.

Rating: 9 out of 10

~Sam

 

 

 

Nibelheim
“The Waiting Room”
2009

Nibelheim is a Thrash/Death Metal band from Italy and this is a Demo CD with 5 tracks. First listening to this CD the first track titled “These Decaying Walls” is an instrumental and very awesome one I must admit. Then by the 2nd track “Lunatic Asylum” it really gets into it. What a great name for a song as well. You can really hear the great guitar riffs going well the vocals and drumming in this CD. It is really awesome to hear a female doing Thrash vocals in this CD. The band is well organized and put together and shows it in this Demo CD. I do recommend this band for those of you who want to get a fix of some good Thrash Metal music.

Rating: 8 out 10

~Sam

 

 

 

Secrets She Kept
“La Fin Absolute du Monde”
2010

Secrets She Kept is a black metal band from Gainesville, Florida. When you first hear this band with the track Legion 666 you are pretty much hooked. The riffs are very well written and the drumming is really fast that you will start banging your head. The vocals aren't those really “screamy” type but just enough to make you love this band. The are an awesome band and I cant really say which songs I like the best but there are certain tracks that do stick out. Now do be alarmed just because the album name isn't in English doesn't mean the rest of is all foreign. That is the only track title that is in another language. But you cannot get any better than this with songs such as Flesh Eater and Undying. I definitely recommend this band to all you Black Metal fans out there.

Rating: 9 out 10

~Sam

 

 

 

Ouija
“Adversary” (MCD)
2010

Ouija, no messing around, no atmospheric intro to set the mood, Ouija get straight to the point with this one, the opening track is full of black metal rage that catches the listener's ears instantly, in one word, Awesome. the whole demo screams Black metal. Very catchy songs that are clearly inspired by the black metal legends from Immortal. the tone, riffs, harmonies drumming, vocals and atmosphere give it a feel that make it almost TOO easy to get into. Ouija display a talent for writing material that can be listened to repeatedly without getting old. this is black metal at it's best.

Rating: 9 out of 10

~Netherus

 

 

 

Ouija
“Adversary” (MCD)
2010

Ouija is an awesome black metal band from Spain. I have loved this band ever since the release of their first CD entitled “Riding Into The Funeral Paths” in 1997. It has been awhile since a new release but they haven't lost their touch. This is a MCD but is full of evil black metal in which we love so much. I just love Midgard vocals are so deep and not too much into screaming but just pure and evil magic. Each song on this CD has its own magic to it and the only bad part on this CD is the fact that it has 4 songs because you just want to hear more of their great music. What can you ask more from this Spanish Black Metal band with songs such as Flagellate Me and The Blood Centurion. This CD and this band is a must for all Black Metal and even Death Metal fans. Check them out for sure.

Rating: 10 out 10

~Sam

 

 

 

Spellcraft
“Stirpe Obscura”
2008

Fantastic melodic black metal with catchy riffs, good vocals and typical black metal drum patterns with regular fills that make it very easy music for any Kvlt black metal fan to get along with. Displaying influences from various black metal legends such as immortal, venom and dissection making it a fantastic combination of raw yet melodic black metal, truly inspirational black metal which left me wanting more.

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Netherus

 

 

Atra Hora
“Lost In The Depths”
2010

Atra Hora which means “Black Hour” is a Russian Melodic Black/Death Metal band. They Open this CD up with Self Titled Track called “Atra Hora”. The thing I really enjoyed most is how every song sounds totally different. This band gives a doomy type feel, which I really love. Of course there are certain tracks that everyone will like a little more then others. I think for me on this 10 song CD the ones that stick out the most are songs such as: Holocaust, Nuclear December and War Under the Sign Of Baphomet. I would definitely recommend everyone to check out this band. They are awesome

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

~Sam

 

 

 

Demonic Cremator
“Crucified”
2011

Demonic Cremator is one of those Raw Black Metal bands, they are from Scotland. This CD is entitled “Crucified” and has 8 tracks. This band was interviewed for Blackened Horde a few years prior and now we were given the opportunity to review this CD. There are certain songs that will stick out just by their titled such as Fuck You and Virus. If you are into Raw Black Metal bands definitely check this guys out. You will love tracks such as Bled to Death and Lend Me The Shotgun.

Rating: 7 out 10

~Sam

 

 

 

Psykosis
“Psykosis”
2010

Psykosis is a Heavy Metal/Death Metal out of New York, not to be confused with the Thrash Metal band from Ireland. I love the way they have an intro song titled “New Beginnings”. That is a great way to start this 13 track Self titled CD. This band does their normal growling with some screams in there but not enough to be consider Black/Death Metal. The tracks that stick out the most to me are Buried Alive, Therapy and For Friends Long Lost. But all the other tracks are really good. This CD is is well produced. I would definitely recommend this band to all those Death Metal fans out there.

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Sam

 

 

 

Visions Of The Night
“Nocturnal Militia”
2007

Visions of the Night is a brutal Death Metal band from Canada. This is a 12 track CD titled “Nocturnal Militia”. I love the way their opening track “Eve of War” you hear guns loading. Then the 2nd track gets right into their music with their brutal vocals and blasting drumming. This is definitely a great band to check out. Certain tracks to check out are: Eternally Victimized, Human Failure and Storm the Capital. I hope that they coming out with a new CD soon as well.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

~Sam

 

 

Exhumed Day

“The Beauty of Putrefaction”

2012

 

In review of the album by Exhumed Day, called "The Beauty of Putrification.". i have found the music to be one of repetitive action throughout the album. The opening track would trick the listener into believing that the album was nothing but heavenly calm songs. Then on the second track, it feels as if your eyes and senses have been stripped of what they felt and in place of this once peaceful heaven is left a scene of destruction and gore. A sick and twisted world that screams out at you, the listener and tries to awaken the sick and twisted being inside you. At the end of the CD though, the once destructive plain of being on which you have been is once again replaced by the heavenly peaceful garden in which you were at the beginning of the album.

 

Rating: 7 out of 10

~The Silent Whisper

 

 

 

A Transylvanian Funeral

“The Outsider”

2010

 

12 tracks of mid and fast paced Black Metal from this one man band hailing from Tucson, Arizona USA. Although this release does have two slow tracks, for the most part this is fast and dark. Sleepwalker the brain behind the band handles all instruments. My only complaints about this album are the use of a piano which I can look past, and that the vocals are hard to hear sometimes. Other than that, this is a great release. I was really surprised and found myself wanting to stick my tongue out and head bang. The vocals are primitive and perfect for this release. The guitars sound great and each song has really good riffs. Sleepwalker is very talented. Cool song titles and a very underground looking front cover. I love all the sound effects and weird atmospheres created in “The Outsider”. A lot of dynamics make this album pretty well rounded. Think Swedish Black Metal. Sounds like 66 minutes of Black Metal magic to me!

 

Rating: 8 out of 10

~Rob of Necrodemon

 

 

 

Pequod

“Forgotten”
2011

11 tracks of Metalcore and deathly thrash. A lot of times I am reminded of the band, The Haunted. Production on this album is great. Everything is mixed perfectly. This German outfit play some good thrashy and Metalcore songs, I am just not into this style that much. The guitar solos on the album are really great though. Even though this is not my style I will point out that the drummer is solid, the songwriting is okay, and the guitar and bass sound great. The vocalist is talented; I am just not a fan of this style. If you like Swedish and German Metalcore, this is definitely for you. Nothing original but nothing terrible.

Rating: 7 out of 10

~Rob of Necrodemon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreshadow

“The Stranger End of Death”

2012

 

5 track EP from this Florida, USA based band. I must admit at the very first listen to this I was not interested at all. But then I listened again and again. It began to grow on me. The first revelation was the vocalist’s approach. Kind of reminds me of Suparation. Next I realized that Rich Hudson is a really solid drummer. Guitars and Bass are heavy and at times very well thought out and written. I will not lie and say that when the band goes Southern Metal or Metalcore that I do get turned off. Other than that, “The Stranger End of Death” is a decent release. The last 2 minutes of “Meaning of Life” is pretty heavy. “Death by Medicine” is definitely the best track on this. Lyrics on this release are intelligent. Lose the Metalcore and Southern parts and I’d be in awe. But to each their own.

Rating: 8 out of 10

 ~Rob of Necrodemon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ars Macabra / Cosmic Ekpyrosis

“Nil Sine Deo” Split

2011

 

7 track split release from two black metal bands from Greece and Italy. Both bands are fast paced and very black! My favorite two tracks are “Manifestation of the Curse” and “Eliminate the Traces of Reality”. Both bands have some good and catchy riffs. Both bands create atmosphere. I actually like this release a lot! Very interesting songs and topics.

 

Rating: 9 out of 10

 ~Rob of Necrodemon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zuriarts

“Kesakitan Abadi”

2011

 

6 track release from this Malaysian black and thrash band. Sorry but I am not a fan of this. Too many of the songs sound too familiar to each other. Cradle of Filth is a big influence on this band. I do not like spoken word in songs by males or females. I will not be an asshole and say oh this bands sucks ass but I just am not into it. 3 out the 6 songs start with a mid-paced riff and the vocalists attempts a Devestation type of vocal lead in. Just doesn't work for me. I think with time and a few different influences maybe these guys could evolve a bit and change to get better. I will give Shah from the band credit for his perseverance.

 

Rating: 5 out of 10

~Rob of Necrodemon

 

 

 

 

 

Aenaon

“Cendres et Sang”

2011

 

10 track release from this Thessalian band. Sorry but I am not a fan of this. This release is terrible to me. I am sure that the band worked hard and calculated every song carefully but this kind of music just does not belong in my collection.. Pianos, keyboards, orchestras, and tons of other things that just turn me off. There are some cool fast black and death parts but the vocalist just does not deliver as I would like to hear. I am not ripping these guys to shreds as musicians as I am sure they all are inventive and talented but, I just cannot listen to this disc. I tried to find a song I liked but it was pointless. In the Goth world these guys would be huge.

 

Rating: 3 out of 10

~Rob of Necrodemon

 

 

Aenaon
"Cendres Et Sang"
2011
 

This is a band from Greece that started in 2005. And one of their guitarist are from Varathron. Upon listening to the opening intro track with a saxophone I was already thinking of the worst. This is not my style of Black Metal at all so its hard for me to review bands like these being a traditionalist. The music becomes quite melodic and there are some good sections within the music, and yet there are also jazzy sounding parts as well. Drums are technical and the guitar work is good. Song 4, "Grand Narcotic Harvest", has a good sound to it, yet they kick in with some male sung vocals that destroys the image. The song is quite fast actually, though nothing over-the-top. The other songs follow similar approaches. Song 5, "Once Finite", I think is the best song on the album. No sung vocals, fast, and I actually like the music towards the end of the song with the keyboards. Song 8, "Kraanerg", is also a good song for this band. Fast and with a good sound, and also no sung vocals. The last song on the CD, "In Heaven", I did not like at all. With a theatrical-like sound to it with a female singer and piano intro, I think it was a bad way to end the CD.
So if your into progressive melodic black metal with some sung vocals and keyboards with a hint of jazz give this a shot! But if your like me then stay away from this album. No cold grimness here.

 

Rating: 3 out of 10
~Subterranean Inhabitant

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embrace of Thorns
“... For I see Death in Their Eyes”
2007
 

This is the debut from Embrace of Thorns hailing from Greece. They released their first demo in 1999. The music here is blackened death metal of the old raw, evil, and fast style with hints of war metal throughout. I really enjoyed this album and it actually brought back memories of the early 90's style of death metal and some black metal. In fact I would not mind adding this one to my collection.  The album sounds like a bestial, unholy, demonic creature sweeping the world with death. It sounds like it was recorded in a cave or underground somewhere, which adds to all the other elements to create this evil debut album. The vocals are great, mostly demonic death metal but with occasional black metal style screams and ranges. The vocalist also does the drums as well. The drums are raw and blasting. The guitar riffs are evil and fast as well with a few small solo's that add depth to the songs. Some old school evil death metal breakdowns happen throughout the album as well to give that crushing evil edge and doom sound to some of the songs. I think the sound of the recording is perfect for this release. Its raw but not so raw that you can't hear anything.

 

I was going to review individual songs from this album but every song is a good song and they all fit the structure and concept of this album. So therefore I can't pick a favorite song. But some of the song titles are, 'Sempiternally Cursing the Weak', 'Tyrant Goat (Crowned in Glory)', and 'Throes of Doubt,Flames of Despair'. Classic style song titles.

 

The CD released by 'Kill Yourself Productions', in 2009, is limited to 1000 copies. So it might be difficult finding this later on unless it gets a reissue. I think the only disadvantage of this album is that its not long enough. It clocks in at about 31 minutes between 8 songs. That might be a good thing though since the album could never drag on at that length. So, if you like raw, evil, fast, old-school, war-like, death metal then you might like this. At least check it out!
EVIL!
 

7 out of 10
~Subterranean Inhabitant

 

 

RAN
“Doomsday Eve - Live Album”
2011
 

Ran is a black/trash band from the Netherlands that formed in 2008. But the idea's for this band have been in the making since 1991 when the vocalist/bassist was in the underground Icelandic scene. They released one demo previous to this release. This album is raw and sounds like it should have been released in the early 90's. The vocals are the grim spoken type, in the vein of Immortal or old Inquisition. So not the typical grim screams. The music is old school style of black/trash. Not the fast or technical style of today's scene. I would like to hear more from this band since this album is almost too raw to make out some parts of the songs. There are 3 introductions within this album stating the next song title. And the length of the album is about 25 minutes with 9 songs. I wish I could hear the guitars better since they are very hard to hear a lot in this album. And the production makes the drums sound sloppy. So, all in all, good live show, but the production on this release is not that good at all making it hard to get into if your not familiar with their music. I will await their full length debut before I completely judge them, specially being a huge fan of black/thrash myself.
 

5 out of 10
~Subterranean Inhabitant

 

 

 

 

Blaspherian
"Infernal Warriors of Death"
2011
 

Death metal from Houston, Texas which started in 2004. This is actually their first debut, though previously they released some demo's, splits, and EPs. Though I don't listen to much death metal these days I would have to say this album is pretty good. 8 songs for a total of about 36 minutes of heavy and evil death metal. It ranges from slow to fast, with a old school type feeling to it. I like the guitar work on this album. Many good riffs, specially on my favorite song of the album, 'Exalted in Unspeakable Evil'. There are no solo's in this album, but that’s no big deal. The album flows so that you don't even think about it. The drums are descent, I heard no flaws. Nothing extremely technical or insane, but still good and complete sounding. The only complaint I have with this album is the vocals. Which sound too mediocre to me. They should have made them more evil or demonic sounding. That would have made the album a step above what it is now. But once again that just my opinion. The production has a good raw sound, which I think is imperative for death metal. Also, no keyboards used at all. Overall, this is a good death metal album for the year 2011. Way better then the latest trend of this genre. I would buy it. So my review being for a death metal album would give this a 7.
 

7 out of 10
~Subterranean Inhabitant