Nihilist-Demos 1987-1989

       This is must listen for any out there who love death metal, and especially Sweden's contribution to the tradition. Nihilist is one of the most influential bands in the development of Swedish death metal, and a major source of inspiration for later acts such as Repugnant and Tribulation. As most reading probably know, Nihilist was Nicke Andersson and Alex Hellid's former project just prior to Entombed, and the sound crafted in these demos definitely carried over to later incarnations of their music. Besides the relentless buzz-saw guitars and ethereal chaos-solos which emanate from the damp grave of some foggy graveyard, Nihilist is also a great listen from a sheer historical standpoint; a great band who contributed alot to death metal. 

Bottom line: its old, its nasty, and it set the stage for what came later. 

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Caladan Brood-Echoes of Battle

       Did you say Utah? This brooding work of majestic ambiance, this solemn jewel of battle-worn hymns comes from Utah? This is one of my favorite releases of 2013. An album steeped in fantastic lore, soaked with enough pagan, albeit imaginary, images to keep you spellbound for months to come. Every time I listen to Caladan Brood's "Echoes of Battle", I'm taken on a voyage to frozen realms of valor; to mountainous peaks above the path of warrior caravans and hidden dangers. This music is not just inspired by a fantasy novel; it IS a fantasy novel. As the pages of myth and legend unfold like petals of some enchanted flower, so do these songs unravel before your eyes the heart-wrenching courage and pride of long-lost men. To press play on this for the first time is like taking the first step onto the path of bravery, to suddenly feel the alpine wind bellow from the abyss and usher onward the cause of war; fear not, brethren. The eyes of your ancestors are upon you! For what it's worth, and my "technical" opinion of music is still developing in some respects, this album contains some of the BEST use of keyboards you'll ever hear . The arrangements here are woven so thoughtfully, so beautifully, as to leave you speechless. "Wild Autumn Wind" has a guitar solo that is nothing short of pure magic. It gives way to melodic vocals that carry you to peaks enshrouded with mist, only to drift away slowly and leave you there for eternity. Okay, that wasn't very technical. But...

Yes, that's how this fucking album makes me feel. 

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Gorgoroth--Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam

    You know the name, and there is little original insight I can offer on a band as great as Gorgoroth. That said, I will just state my opinion. This is one of the best Gorgoroth albums. Thrashy, cold, and introspective; "Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam" delivers all the best in NWBM. Everything is so well situated on this album in terms of sound. "Sign of An Open Eye", a slower mid-paced song, creates an apocalyptic atmosphere one cannot escape. It's one of my favorites, even though it eases slightly on the fury the rest of the album carries. If you have never really given Gorgoroth a chance, I'd say start here. The drumming is hellish, the guitars murderous, and the vocals carry your soul aloft upon the wings of misanthropic wisdom. Assassinates from on high, indeed.  

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Moriar-Burn The Reign of Light

Because I have been in a raw ass mood lately, here is Moriar from Germany. Definitely a pissed of Darkthrone sort of feel on this album. After a short break from posting, I felt I'd jump right in with something nasty, and "Burn The Reign of Light" is definitely that. This isn't a favorite or repeat listen for me, but in terms of straightforward, raw black-metal this gets the job done. Jump in the cauldron, brothers! The water is just fine. 

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Young And In The Way-I Am Not What I Am

    WOW. This is some seriously pissed off fucking shit. Young And In The Way deliver some raging blackened-crust. It comes as no surprise that these two genres go so well together; the bleak overtones of depressive black metal and the bitterness of crust. What I really like about YAITW, though, is the overall package. They use great art direction that evokes the heart of their sound; the obscurity of their covers and the atmosphere of enraged depression fusing together with such allure.

 I will say, records like this bring a lot of things full circle for me musically. Growing up I listened to a lot of really angry punk and hardcore, always feeling pissed about something. The inherent dissatisfaction with society or the existential angst that most feel, yet often enough deny, is clearly penetrated through these songs; and I have yet to read the lyrics. The music itself says it all. 

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Abigail-Intercourse and Lust

    Take three rats and feed them all crank, then stick 'em in a rusty cage and poke with an object of your choice. The fiendish screams which follow can be likened to the vocals on Abigail's "Intercourse and Lust": rough, raw, and utterly insane. The music is equally raw; some no bullshit black metal here. Abigail gets right down to it. There is definitely a thrashy sound to these songs, which show an affinity toward older heavy metal acts like Motorhead. In addition, one can even sense a abrasive punk/hardcore influence. But overall this is pure, unprocessed black metal. 

    Perhaps this is somewhat biased and maybe even offensive to some, but I love the singular fact that this is a Japanese band.  Yeah, the music is great, and Abigail has been around for a long time. But the fact that they are Japanese makes this so much better to me (of course, I love a lot of things Japanese).  If you don't feel the urge to stomp your way through brick walls when listening to "Mephistopheles", then you need help. Catchy riffs, awesome solos....you want it. 

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Vassafor-Elegy of The Archeonaut

Another great offering of murky, otherworldly blackened-death metal. Vassafor's "Elegy of The Archeonaut" is sure to please any of you out there wishing to get lost in that ever-sought after cloud of hellish riffs. War-like drumming pounds a tribal sentiment of violence on every turn. Includes an extended track and some demo tracks. For Fans of Truppensturm/Archgoat/Embrace of Thorns. Feel the deep factional divide and become a casualty with this one!

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Kommandant-The Draconian Archetype

For all your misanthropic urges, there is Kommandant. A truly blistering work of blackened-death metal, full of apocalyptic brooding and scathing emotion. "Hate is Strength" has a hypnotic effect with its slower doom section. Guitars sweep along, blended masterfully with the rest of the instruments to provide a thick layered atmosphere. The drumming is a complete mind-sweep throughout most of the album. The idea behind this album, I believe, is to assault your senses. And this they do quite well. Something about this record pulls you down to its level; makes you feel its wrath as though it were living within you parasitically. I love listening to something that, after the first go around, makes me question what in the name of fuck just happened. And that is precisely what this record did. I've been going back for more ever since!

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Deliverance--Doomsday, Please.

Can Black Metal be truly heavy? We all agree that it can be chilling, evil, desolate, and depraved. It carries its own frozen kind of spirit; but can it be down right heavy? Well.... this band definitely is! Deliverance have offered up a sludge-black metal juggernaut on "Doomsday, Please", with crushing riffs that simply knock the ground out from beneath you, all the while maintaining a cold,  depressive black metal sound. Hats off to the artist who came up with the cover; satisfying to see an image that so fully captures the essence of the album title. And what a title! This would be the perfect listen for any one who likes to contemplate the vision of a true humanity "reset". Hateful and Heavy, brothers. Give this one a go, for sure. Fuck I'm listening to it right now, and these riffs..........ahh, makes me wanna go destroy :) 

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Impetuous Ritual-Relentless Execution of Ceremonial Excrescence

I will warn some of you right now, this is not for the faint hearted, if such there be in the world of "extreme" music making. This band is absolutely heavy in every way possible. Comprised of the members of Portal, Impetuous Ritual deliver a dense slab of death metal, enveloping the listener in an atmosphere so thick he seems stuck in place for the duration of the album. I didn't know what happened after the first listen. After the second, I became intrigued. By the third, I was hooked. "Ritual of The Crypt" smashes into your consciousness with the fury of a thousand falling angels, pulverizing your spiritual reality, and demolishing your sense of self. Everything works to overpower you on this record; riffs are not meant to stand out, nor the drumming, although at times each pierce the iron veil of sound being produced. Of course some hear this as just noise, but beneath the layers you will find out how energetic and thoughtful this music actually is.  

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Countess--Sermons Of The Infidel

Judging by the cover, you'd think this post was inspired by my previous post; however, this is not the case. Right now I just have to say this is not my usual preference sound wise, but this second time around listening, it is definitely growing on me. More upbeat, "Sermons of The Infidel" show a melodic approach to black metal with definite heavy metal influences. The nefarious sting of Bathory can be felt here.  There is something about this album that just makes me not give a fuck (in a very good way, that is). Kind of like when you were a kid and your best friend down the street brings you a some illicit music ; some forbidden, depraved vinyl from Satan's own collection. I'm reminded of that heavy metal kid from The Gate that was nuts about Sacrifyx. One could easily substitute this band.

Countess has been around for quite a while, but this is my first venture into their territory. Overall the production is a little too clean for my taste, but it does serve well those parts that carry a nice solo or guitar hook. Also, you can even detect a middle eastern vibe on the song "Child of The Millennium". I wonder if this was intentional or not.   Catchy, mischievous, and sure to piss off the old folks. Get that jean-vest out and start bangin your heads brothers!

Head over to their Bandcamp, Blogspot, and Facebook below and show em some support!

Bandcamp Blogspot Facebook

Al-Namrood--Kitab Al Awthan

This is really an otherworldly folk-metal album. I have always been enchanted by middle-eastern melodies and ambiance, and this is black metal strongly rooted in that musical tradition. Not surprising as Al-Namrood hail from Saudi Arabia. When listening to this I have the image in mind of a cursed Arabian horde descending the slopes of some mega sand-dune, waiving flaming swords and screaming incantations. But that is just me. There is an elegance added to this album through some of the Arabian instruments/sounds, but the black metal side to this is nonetheless scathing and possessed; the way it should be. 

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Funebrarum / Interment--Conjuration Of The Sepulchral. Split

Want to time travel to a time when death metal was fucking ruthless? Then this is your vehicle. A devastating split ep from New Jersey's  Funebrarum and Sweden's prized Interment. I have always thought one of the winning ingredients on this split is the order; Funebrarums slow, doomy approach is a nice setup for Interments characteristically Swedish sound. Funebrarum's guttural vocals are basically inhuman, and the songs deliver crushing riffs that could crack cement. Just pulverizing to say the least.  And as for Interment (members of Cenitex), any die hard fan of the Swedish sound will not be disappointmented, with an obvious kinship to Entombed, Dismember, and Grave. Searing drums and guitars that could hack the limbs off a thousand men in one fell stroke, Interment is not be overlooked. 

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Winterfylleth-The Threnody of Triumph

I can't say enough good about Winterfylleth's "Threnody of Triumph". This is an album of majestic sorrow, pulsating with layers of historical reference and natural ambiance. Finely crafted riffs spiral through a frozen landscape, as choral chants sing to you from underneath layers of enchanted ice.  This is definitely a celebration of heritage (British in this case) without foraging into the NSBM thicket. Although I have heard great things about their other release "The Mercian Sphere", this was my first encounter with Winterfylleth and I fell in love with their sound right away. The vocals are so tortured and sad, almost like a heart-broken war cry, the sound you give when you have nothing left but spiteful passion. Yet, through it all a magical quality permeates this album, and I dare you not to be moved by the melodic vocals on The Swart Raven. Conjure the spirit of your ancestors in a forgotten woods and let Threnody take you there!

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Ungod-Cloaked in Eternal Darkness

I don't know if this was intentional or not, but the moon in the top left of this album cover looks like a smiley face. This was an album that caught me because of the cover art, and it did not fail to deliver in terms of sound! Great old-school black metal from Germany. It's raw, with a mildewy basement like sound sure to please all you creeps lurking out there during these winter months. The riffs are straightforward and mean, the vocals fiendishly evil. This would be a great listen on a frozen winter night, preferably by candle light. 

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Diocletian-War of All Against All

So, for this post I couldn't deny the urge to pay homage to a great short film I recently saw. In it, a woman gives birth to a shaggy haired monstrosity resembling the creature above. It was a satanic, gory mess. Diocletian's "War of All Against All" could have easily been the soundtrack for this movie, and I kind of wish it had been. This is great blackened-death metal in the vein of Revenge/Archgoat. Atmosphere of the most fiendish kind abounds here, where the indwelling of abomination has settled on the landscape of the human psyche. At times this album can be quite Doom, but mostly blisteringly fast. Very straightforward riffs here alternate with  a tremolo-style that commit an almost primitive brutality. I will say the extended song at the end of record is slightly experimental and taxing. Worth a go, but usually I trail off. Overall a great listen!

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Black-Metal Friday--Blackelmore

Happy Black Metal Friday, kidz. Wiggity Wiggity, stay funky fresh out there dont forget that slurpee when ya out there droppin stacks at the mizz-all. ha-HAA yeeeeeaahhhhhhhhhhh.

Mayhem--Deathcrush

An EP that needs no introduction. I wont begin to elaborate on the music contained on Mayhem's "Deathcrush"; rather, I'd like to share what it means to me. I think most familiar with the early black metal scene in Norway could agree that many came to see Deathcrush as an ethos; that it spawned a fermentation of ideas and approaches to music; that in the end, despite all controversy, something lasting was bestowed upon this wretched earth with the introduction of Deathcrush. Musically it builds on the earlier work of Bathory and Celtic Frost, but with a necrotic edge and darkness unrivaled by even some of todays bands. Symbolically, what I like the most about Deathcrush is its radical turning-away from society; the idea that society as democratically understood is meaningless in the face of certain death (and it is certain). I can appreciate the idea walking into the freezing woods, away from the sterile masses, with their religiously corrupted views of reality. I can identify with the lapse in respect for, the exhaustion with, the so-called love of life. Have you never felt like this:

???

If not, then I suppose this post seems like artsy-clinical-depression.  This is a must have for any so-called fan of black metal. But I suppose that could have gone unsaid.

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Truppensturm--Fields of Devastation

 Black War-Metal at its most ruthless. Searing tremolo riffs hack across the entire duration of this short-but-savage album. Besides the blistering rhythm on "Fields of Devastation", which is ceaseless, there is a nice murky quality here that is instantly endearing to me. Look for little-to-no catchiness here. Just a swampy onslaught of blasting beats, dismembering guitars, and viscerally expelled vocals from the bowels of some war-possessed soldier.

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BORIS BLACK METAL SKATE ARMAGEDDON

While this is not exactly a music post, I did however want to share some of my own art which has made its way into the skate scene. For any of you fiends out there who also skate, you can visit Pyramid Skateboard Company at: 

http://www.pyramidskate.com/

Pick yourself up a Boris deck, and when your not out there carving flesh, go ahead and carve a bowl or two!

Tsjuder-Legion Helvete

A fucking great album, by a band that hardly needs an intro from the petty likes of me. This was released after a hiatus, but contains plenty of the driving old-school sound many of us love. Blistering rhythm overpowers on "Legion Helvete", with catchy guitar riffs that compel immediate stomping. Love the speed and energy on this, along with the possessed vocals. Fast and Evil! Get swept.

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jesus, they is have swords?

Be safe this holiday, friends! I'm almost to the point of Fuck Thanksgiving, just as I am towards valentines day, columbus day, and countless other manufactured holidays created for god-knows-why, but obviously perpetuated in our society to make money. Even Thanksgiving has become a frenzy of coupon cutting slap-heads, driving around looking to hump whatever consumerist glory-hole they can find. They oxymoron is glaring, I believe. Actually, its a lot like Carnival, the vivacious few days of lusty drinking and booty-revealing which occurs right before Lent, the period of somber remorse. Except its in reverse. We have our day of Thanksgiving, and then ejaculate from our homes into the womb of department stores, like possessed freaks. We simply cannot go one day of honest Thanksgiving on a national scale without the backlash of yet more spending and waste. Its fucking retarded. Actually, I care more about Black Friday than I do Thanksgiving, now. Thank you America!

Fourth Monarchy--Amphilochia

Here is a cool band from Italy, who apparently are not together any longer sadly. The style of Black Metal on "Amphilochia" is raw, with a definite mid-90s feel. Really great use of keyboards on this album, I feel. Not too much or two little. Just enough to create an interesting backdrop and keep the songs distinct. Wont be the most original thing you will hear, if you like Black Metal. But turn this on full blast and you wont be disappointed. Fucking nasty vocals, sure to attract odd stares from the local churches youth-group bus if you play it loudly enough at a red-light. :)

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Heresi-Psalm ii Infusco Ignis

There are honestly few one-man bands that I appreciate. I'll admit that its kind of a silly prejudice coming from someone who actually has an appreciation for electronic music, most of which is produced by only one person. But a very strong exception to this is Heresi. Haling from Sweden, Skamfer is the devlish mastermind behind this brooding work of somewhat old-school black-metal. If you are looking for no-gimmicks black-metal, no namby-pamby  hyper-technical experimental bullshit, then this is for you. "Psalm ii: Infusco Ignis" is raw, thrashy, and evil. The riffs are heated and angry, sure to rebel-rouse even the most lethargic basement dwelling neck-beard to a demonic frenzy!

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Galdr-Ancient Light of The Stars

Its precisely this form of black-metal which has recently stolen my heart. I can admit, this album is repetitive in terms of the song writing and guitars. But that is how its supposed to be. The guitar work acts more as a motif through which ambiance can manifest .  "Ancient Light of The Stars" is an album which strives to build atmosphere through vocal emotion and cadence. A few songs have surprise solos or hooks, but overall this album has a nice steady drive, delivering you gently onto to the frozen winds of a winter forest. That being said, Ancient Light... was the perfect soundtrack for my hike today:

Enjoy!

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Enthroned-Obsidian

Veterans of Black-metal, Enthroned, have delivered up an enchanting work here. "Obsidian" is a well-crafted album, and although it may not push the boundaries of its own genre, it definitely shows some of the finest within it. Obsidian is primarily riff driven, with vocals reminiscent of Marduk. What I love about some songs is the use of subtle melody in the background, usually vocal, which add a Mysterious Presence to the overall experience. A captivating release for sure!

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Abyssal--Novit Enim Dominum Qui Sunt Eius

I hope this is not bias speaking, but the UK never fails to satisfy me in terms of music. Some of my favorite bands hail from there: Akercocke, Bolt Thrower, Napalm Death. Abyssal, whose earlier release "Denouement" left me eager for more, have truly delivered with "Novit Enim Dominum Qui Sunt Eius". One has the feeling of being stranded at some forgotten alter, covered in ash, in some wayside ruin. The chilling air creeps up behind you, almost blowing over to the ground. As bleak riffs emanate, carried along the devastating winds of blast beats, you can almost smell hopelessness. There is a certain level of obscurity to this band, which makes the music even richer. This is very refined Death-Metal, with definite Black influences. There are these really savage blast beats which just explode out of no where, which come to a halt suddenly, as riffs tighten and squeeze around you. The album seems to stretch time, and you along with it. High Recommended.

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BLACKMETAL FRIDAY

Okay, friends. I have decided that fridays are going to be Blackmetal fridays: anything and everything Blackmetal related, often with a slightly humorous note. Feel free to contribute, music or pics appreciated equally. 

Remember: Have fun this weekend, but BE SAFE! You never know who is lurking around the playground these days. And always, ALWAYS remember whose the boss when making decisions...

Your damn right, Satan is my co-pilot!

Astaroth-Christianfeind

Early Blackmetal from Germany. What I love about Christianfeind is its use of melodic parts, esp in the intro and and first song. Astaroth have a great way of luring you in with melody, occasionally omitting the use of all other instruments besides keyboard, before returning to the more raw sound characteristic of the era. Vocals are throaty and menacing. Anti-Christian lyrical themes are sure to please all you undergound reactionaries still lurking the woods around the local churches. Enjoy brethren! 

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Blasphemy-Fallen Angel of Doom

Not at all for the faint hearted. When you are in the mood for music that boarders on pure chaos, this is the album for you. Admittedly though, I have to be in a particular mood for this. The guitar work is often drowned by the drums and vocals. However, if you are like me, this can be a winning formula. Where the Album fails to deliver a neat presentation of clearly defined guitar work, it makes up for with its onslaught of savage blast beats, its almost primitive vocals, and its blackened song structures. When I am pissed off and just dont give a fuck, this is what I listen to. Ugly, demented, and unashamed. 

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Aosoth-Ashes of Angels

I had the pleasure of seeing Aosoth at Maryland Deathfest 2013. Truly a remarkable outfit, as many fans of Antaeus know (singers former project). This is black-metal with a noticeable death-metal base. More incisive on the nerves, the music here is less to do with murky atmosphere and more with seething, slicing guitars, unrelenting percussion, and occult mysticism. There is also some mid paced debauchery sure to please any one looking for an upbeat groove, or for anyone interested in molesting a platter of broken glass with the side of their face. :)

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Prosanctus Inferi-Noctambulous Jaws Within Sempiternal Night

This Album rips. Not only does it conjure the very atmosphere which I so revere for this genre, the song writing displays a level of technical ability worth noting. Songs like "Nuptial Hymns Burst Forth Slave Carrion" end which crushing heaviness sure to please. Artwork by Italian artist Paolo "the madman" Girardi .

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Black Metal Jack Kerouac!!

In transit right now, staying at a hotel up in PA. All by my lonesome. And you know what? It is fucking awesome. Of course, I may feel this way only because I just watched On The Road. Now, my Beat obsession is long since passed, but I must admit they did a good job. I guess before there was punk in America kids huddled drunkenly in their apartments and sang along to scat singers with the same frenzied emotion. At least it's cool to maybe think so. I tried not watch or read anything related to On The Road for a while because I was afraid it would infect me with the same reckless search for excitement. We all know how Dean wound up. We know what happened to Jack. The movies made me realize, though, it's not about the booze, the drugs, or the sex. Sure, that was the garb of the movies principal idea, but the idea itself; that's what mattered . And the idea was really more of a death rattle than any logical point or concept. It was the last pitiful sigh of Old American freedom. But there I go rambling again. Anyhow, heres to black-metal Jack!

Fulgurum--Za Widnokr giem Ziemskiej Rozpaczy

The cover to this really captures the sound. This is raw, depressive black metal from Poland. The atmosphere this generates is cold and grey, seemingly boundless and completely desolate. I was surprised to learn that this is a solo project, which made the songs even more interesting. Look for no consolation here, no remorse, no hope. 

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Aklash

This is a band from the UK I discovered only recently. This album does not overwhelm in the same way as other releases mentioned here do, but it is captivating. There is something about this style of cold, atmospheric black metal that puts me quite at ease. The melodies on this work lure one quickly into a more isolated place, where frozen landscapes unfold and solemn wonder take place. I was presently surprised when I heard this. Savor this on a rainy or foggy day, and you wont be let down. Dark, spiritual, and cold. 

Aklash

Archgoat- Heavenly Vulva

Finland strikes again. Hard. This is evil blackened-death that creates a real atmosphere of sacrilege, doom, and otherwise demonic malevolence. Guitar production on this reminds me of Revenge. "Goddess of The Abyss of Graves" stands out for me. Perhaps its the moaning intro of what sounds like a woman having an orgasm in satanic ecstasy, followed quickly by the primitive bellowing of some sacrificial goat. 

Archgoat-Heavenly Vulva

Embrace of Thorns-Praying For Absolution

Well obviously I expected something good judging by the cover when I got this album. But I didn't expect it to be as good as it is. This is a brooding, intense album. Blackened Death-Metal in the vein of Diocletian and Pseudogod. One of the aspects of this album that I appreciate most is the overall occult mood that it produces. There are sudden and dramatic changes in tempo on this album, but one is lured almost seamlessly into a foreboding cloud of satanic magic. This is ritualized savagery at its best.

Embrace of Thorns

Cyanic-Litanies of lust unholy

Blackened-Death-Grind from California. This is a scathing album, beautiful in production and relentless in its aural assault. From start to finish, there are no hooks or gimmicks here: almost a continuous blast throughout. There are however some thrashy riffs thrown in that keep it interesting. This is in my top three so far for the last month.

Cyanic-Litanies of Lust Unholy

diSEMBOWELMENT -Transcendence Into The Peripheral

A great Doom/Death Metal masterpiece Australia. If you'd like to know what a troll giving birth in a wet cave sounds like, then this is for you. The faster death metal parts are a great contrast to the minimalist doom sections, alternating nicely throughout the album. I find this personally to be a great bed time listen.

diSEMBOWELMENT-Transcendence Into The Peripheral

Anhedonist-Netherwards

Awesome Doom/Death Metal from Seattle, WA. There is an otherworldly feel to this album, enchanting to a certain degree while maintaining its bleak overtones. Guitars are dense and enveloping, to be appreciated as loudly as possible. 

Anhedonist-Netherwards