Tenebrous - Arias Towards The Black Sun (2005/2007)

Back in 2005 Deathgasm released what I thought could have been a truly great album of black metal by Tenebrous. Encased in a beautiful digipak, I believed at the time that the music was truly outstanding, but the production held back the monster instead of unleashing it.

Fast forward to 2007 and you will find that there is a re-issue of this album. No longer available in the digipak format, the regular CD case still looks good enough and the inside contents are what make it an instant hit.

Listening to this CD in its new mix is like removing your hands from someone who you are smothering. The sound immediately comes to life and instead of a muffled and dangerously monotonous sound, the entire CD now spreads its wings and proudly presents them to your ears.

In case you have not heard this music, this is to me an almost perfect blend of old and new school black metal which is full of atmosphere, full of hate and that finally sounds the way you hear these pieces in a live concert. You can distinguish touches of Wrath of the Tyrant-era Emperor, Leviathan and perhaps Darkthrone, but at the same time the works have a distinct and very personal character that goes in perfect alignment with some of the new black metal groups. Some of the songs are incredibly catchy and you cannot help but nod with the song's rhythms and pulsating notes. The vocals are incredibly incisive and infectious. The guitar fills and rhythms are also very harsh, cold and utterly grim, and with the new mix they come to the forefront and make the music sound more evil and ever potent. The drumming, in my opinion is exceptional; furious blasting, various patterns, rolls and cymbal crashes make the songs all the more engaging.

I should mention that in addition to the new sound on the CD, there is an excellent cover of Graveland's, 'Unpunished Herd' which curiously did not get pushed before the outro. My guess is that the band wanted to keep the feel of the original album and simply add this after their destruction is over. If you have never heard of this band I suggest you definitely check them out. If you already have the digipak you will be amazed at the difference the mix makes in the overall sound.

The band would go on to release 'Opus Magnum' in '09, though I haven't heard this work just yet...

1349 - Liberation (2003)

By 2003 Norwegian black metal had largely hit the skids, genre heavyweights like Emperor and Immortal had called it quits, Satyricon and Mayhem were going through changes (not the sort I'd hope for either) and Gorgoroth and Dimmu Borgir had reached a state of being quite simply abominable. I had not totally given up though, Windir had released their fourth and largely enjoyable album, 'Likferd,' while Taake's, 'Over Bjoergvin Graater Himmerik' and Tsjuder's, 'Demonic Possession' were surely getting a fair share of plays from me. By the latter half of '03 I'd introduce myself to 1349 for the first time, through their debut, 'Liberation, and I'd realize Norwegian black metal wasn't as bad off as I'd originally thought...

Combining the relentless blast driven direction that their own countrymen in Immortal made famous a decade earlier with a rawer guitar tone akin to the genre standards, 'Liberation' is a thirty eight minute affair of crushing high speed true to the bone dosage of classic Norwegian Black Metal. Highlighted by Satyricon's own Kjetil-Vidar "Frost" Haraldstad behind the drumkit, the man delivers an absolutely beastly performance of blistering percussive blasting, drum rolls, galloping beats and cymbal crashes, which in my own opinion match up to his earlier work on Satyricon's landmark, 'Nemesis Divina.'

Doused in distorted fuzz, the guitar tone and work of Tjalve & Archaon is admirable, often lambasting the listener with more than a few mighty riffs that shift between full on bludgeoning tremolo creepy speediness, such as on 'Pitch Black' & 'Liberation' to slower atmospheric moments, as seen in, 'Deathmarch' & 'Satanic Propaganda' or even towards a blackened thrash structure on 'Riders of the Apocalypse.' The cover of Mayhem's 'Buried By Time & Dust' follows the original, though faster in its overall direction, while the riffs in 'Legion' are downright catchy too. Culminated by the pernicious shrieks of Ravn, his delivery may remain similar throughout the album, but its hard to deny such a passionate effort.

'Liberation,' at least to me, stands as one of the finer entries within the Norwegian Black Metal scene in the past decade, and the band would only continue to grow, releasing the equally impressive 'Beyond the Apocalypse' in '04 and my personal favorite, 'Hellfire' in '05.

"As the sky burns we march forward, Crushing, tormenting and raping the
world, Hunt down all survivors, living in fear, We ride with death so no one is
spared, What once were will never be again, (Because) the horseman of death brings the world to an end!"

New Holland Dragon's Milk Oak Barrel Ale

I've been saving this bottle of 'Dragon's Milk' specifically for a write-up here on LH after a friend gave it to me on my New Year's massacre. It will also likely be my last alcohol review for a while since I'm trying to cut the sauce out of my day-to-day life habits, but its a good one since the title makes me think of Power Metal music... or maybe its just the dragon connection. Hmmm, who knows. In any case, get the Blind Guardian, Rhapsody, Kamelot, and..., well you know what, I don't think any of those bands write about dragons. Just go with thee Alestorm, Ensiferum and Týr records instead as we prepare to gulp down this most epic of libations!

After unwrapping the silver foil upon the top of the bottle and pulling the cap off I'm sticking my nose into the bottle and...., YES, that delicious smell of coffee & chocolate all invade my nose and rouse my thirst deviously. Dragon's Milk pours out a dark black, darker than any dragon's breath color with a thick tan head that is lasting a few minutes; a decent amount of lacing within the glass too. And the taste, WOW... A very sweet taste upfront hitting, attacking, and slashing at my tongue first, followed by strong flavors of chocolate and coffee, as expected, with a little vanilla, brown sugar and something of an oaken finish and minimal alcoholic taste. Soooo, full bodied in taste and just creamy with every gulp, the immense flavors help hide the 10% ABV, but that doesn't mean it wont get your drunk by the time you put back the entire 1 pint and 6 fl. oz. bottle. Speaking of which, fuck... feeling fine.

I just love brews like this one and I suppose it shows since I've made it a habit of reviewing these sorts a lot in recent months. Sure, I've drank similar enough stouts, but this one is really hitting the spot for me as something totally special and something I'd purchase in the future. I've completely broken my original intentions of listening to power metal while writing about this one too, instead the musical stylings of Down really coalesce well with this one.

In the end, yes, I do recommend 'New Holland Dragon's Milk Oak Barrel Ale.' None of that little dragon cootchie-cootchie coo shit here, man, they've crafted together and enjoyable drink here, and I'll definitely have to look into their other lines of booze, because this one is top notch!

Enslaved - Blodhemn (1998)

This fourth record from Haugesund, Norway's Black/Viking metal extraordinaires sort of served as my introduction to Enslaved quite a few years ago. I look back to sometime in late '99 or so when I bought a Metal Blade compilation titled, 'Blackened IV' and got my first taste of the band with their inclusion of the song, 'I Lenker Til Ragnarok (In Chains Until Ragnarok).' I remember wanting to buy the album right away, but internet perusing and elitist talk lead me back to the bands earlier material, which I don't regret, since its largely my most favorite material from the band. Not long though, I'd get my hands on this album and be in for something of a surprise.

A lot of people see 'Blodhemn' as a bombastic backsliding when compared to their previous and much more epic record, 'Eld.' Forsaking the atmospheric and majestic qualities it beheld, Enslaved went all out and created a total black metal speedy record with 'Blodhemn' that is different, but still quite good, even when paired with their earlier achievements.

The album welcomed new guitarist Roy Kronheim to the band who'd previously not played in any other bands, while Per "Dirge Rep" Husebø who was known for his work in Gehenna took the drum stool. Dirge Rep is a hell of a heavyhitter and his drum work thunderously erupts out of your speakers as you listen to this album. This is largely due to the Abyss Studios recording, which made for a very loud and commanding sort of production as his blast beats topple over you. The guitars are also clean, heady and modern sounding without any hiss or typical black metal lo-fi characteristics tethered to them. The riffs are also more pronounced and memorable than really anything the band had come with previously, although the synths are almost completely absent from the album. Some see this production choice as a good thing, a lot see it as a really bad thing. To me it seems quite clear what the band was trying to do and through the nearly perfect production it was achieved quite well.

In spite of the brutality the album emits, there still is a good selection of cleanly sung parts, which add a more epic feeling, as well, some of the riffs and solos are really something to behold too, especially the ones found in, 'Blodhemn (Vengeance in Blood).' 'Urtical Gods' is also quite simply massive, almost sounding like a blackened thrash number at times, while 'Ansuz Astral' is hard hitting, catchy and majestic all at once. The short but sweet, 'Brisinghamen' is a total pummeler, and the aforementioned, 'I Lenker Til Ragnarok (In Chains Until Ragnarok)' also seems like the perfect "opening song" after the proggy synth intro, 'Audhumla; Birth of the Worlds.' The last song, 'Suttungs Mjød (Suttungs Mead) incl. Outro "Perkulator"' is probably the closest the band comes to 'Eld,' as its quite a bit slower and features only cleanly sung parts, but amongst all the chaos beforehand it also feels somewhat out of place too. Generally though, I enjoy this album quite a bit and I admire the in your face, blasting, and chaotic nature it bestows on my ears.

Yeah, sure, the song writing is simpler than what the bands been doing during the past decade, but I definitely enjoy 'Blodhemn' for what it is. And to me, what it is, is really something of a unique album amongst their other records since none of them sound quite like this one.

Neun Welten - Vergessene Pfade (2006)

Neun Welten is a neo folk/neo classical group from Halle/Saale, Germany that first formed back in 2001, and up till now this five member group has released two EPs, this debut album, 'Vergessene Pfade' and its follow-up, 'Destrunken,' both through Auerbach Tonträger Records. To describe this album would be to simply line them up with such musical masterpieces as Ulver’s 'Kveldssanger,' Empyrium's 'Where at night the wood grouse plays,' and Tenhi's, 'Maaäet.' As much as I do adore these releases Neun Welten comes quite close to toppling them or at least landing on the same level.

Probably one of the reasons why I’m so quick to make comparisons to those albums is because it’s music with the same spirit using instruments like acoustic guitars, flute, violin, cello and drums. The music is almost completely instrumental too, save for some brief female voice on the second song, 'Walden' and amazingly enough Markus Stock of Empyrium makes a guest appearance and adds his voice to, 'Svartalfheim.' The music does tend to be a bit faster than the aforesaid albums at times, but still carries a strong woodsy-nature based sound with melancholic melodies and themes around Norse mythology.

It is hard to pick a favorite since the entire album is stunning, but the opener 'Valg' really just had me in complete astonishment after its final notes left my speakers - A truly gorgeous song that is so well done that it nearly brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it due to its intense exquisiteness and charm. The aforementioned songs are surely noteworthy as well and 'Auf Kargem Fels' with its almost playful beginning vibes is memorable number too.

Again, if you love the woodsy nature based folk/classical music of bands like Ulver, Empyrium, Tenhi, October Falls and Nest, than you'd do well to acquire this album. With the band in mind I should probably rectify my not owning the second album situation and get my hands on it soon too!

Movie Review: Sex & Fury (1973)

At just about twelve minutes into this classic 1973 Japanese movie titled, 'Sex & Fury' the audience is treated to a fighting segment showing the beautiful (and quite busty) main actress Reiko Ike fighting off a horde of men completely nude! Yes my loyal readers this is Japanese sexploitation, a sub-genre that was very popular in Japan in the early to mid-70’s and I don’t suppose I need to explain why, but I will. Typical characteristics of these films were; hot badass babes, nudity, rape, lesbian sex, S&M, sword fighting, psychedelic imagery, dark humor, and a whole lot of blood! A tough as nails, sword in the sack, sexual deprived horny boys wet dream come true, these movies fucking rock!

Sex & Fury stars Ocho (Reiko Ike) a gambler and pickpocket during the Meiji era (1868-1912) in Tokyo, Japan, that has sworn revenge against the men that murdered her father when she was a little girl. Ocho picks up on their trail after helping an anarchist assassin escape from the law, eventually becoming implicated with a European gambler/secret agent (Swedish mega hottie Christiana Lindberg). As the movie progresses Ocho gains more information on her fathers killers, hoping to kill them off one by one, as the audiences eyes are dazzled with sexual debauchery and violent behavior. But it isn’t that easy for Ocho as eventually she’s captured by a horde of knife wielding nuns, and in one of the most shocking scenes, Ocho is bound with chains and whipped into bloody submission by Christiana Lindberg. Will she escape and avenge her father’s death or is our dear Ocho doomed? One can only imagine as this wild film continues onward.

Being from the 70’s there’s an absurd amount of corniness involved with the film, but that only adds to its charm. From tacky fighting to ridiculously looking blood (red paint, haha), and more than enough spank worthy scenes (don't forget the lube), 'Sex & Fury' has everything the male action fan craves. It’s really one of the best films you’ve never seen before…

…or maybe I just like hot naked Asian girls a little too much! Whatever!

Agarthus - Unearthed (2012)

Dissection planted a seed back in '93 when they released their debut, 'The Somberlain,' and from that seed the Swedish scene and extreme metal in general grew increasingly more melodic in the years to follow. These days you can see that influence every where, even in some odd place, like my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which is exactly where Agarthus is from. Formed in 2011, 'Unearthed' is the debut full-length from this Milwaukee based band that is led by guitarist/vocalist James Schreck with drummer Craig Hikade alongside him, as well as, bassist Jeno Vitrano and guitarist Matt Nielson.

As you've no doubt already guessed, Agarthus plays a style of Swedish melodic death/black metal not unlike the already mentioned Dissection, but other legends of that scene, such as, Sacramentum, Mörk Gryning, Unanimated, Vinterland, and, well you know the list.

With the music moving at a mostly speedier pace it has a naturally high drive to it, with competent melodies and some memorable leads that lock me in and keep my interest. There's also a sense of more traditional black metal character through the dissonant and blasting parts, though it seems there's always a good melody to back these portions up. The vocals are about as typical as you'd expect as they range from raspier screams to a more guttural approach, but it works well enough. Acoustics are briefly used, but there's a lack of guitar solos, which really would have escalated the record to the next level. Perhaps as a result of their absence, the songs will tend to sound quite samey from track to track, and the fact that the music is mostly fast with little variation in speed makes this seven track thirty five minute album somewhat blend together, in less of course you hear the songs on a more random basis.

Nevertheless, this is a decent debut record. If they could add the solos, vary up the speed, add more acoustics and get a fuller production they'd be nailing that classic Dissection sound, which is what I'm assuming they originally intended to do. If curious it can be downloaded HERE.

Hypnotic Dirge 2012/13 | Solipsist Anthems (2012)

'Solipsist Anthems' marks four years for the Canadian Record Label, Hypnotic Dirge Records. As in previous years, a free compilation has been released to commemorate. This year's compilation may very well be the largest one yet as the main audio portion is fourteen songs long as runs for nearly two hours with an additional six bonus tracks. Additionally there's six music videos to be downloaded and photos to be viewed, and of course the compilation also has fantastic downloadable artwork, which you could surely download and print up yourself after burning all the material to CDR's. However, if you want further details on the contents as well as a tracklisting you'll have to visit Hypnotic Dirge for all that. Therefore, why don't I cut to the chase and tell you a bit about the music present on, Solipsist Anthems.

Odradek Room kick things off with a song titled, 'Faded Reality.' This Russian band delivers an intense song that borders between gloomy emotional death/doom to a more post-metal sound, which is not unlike some of the recent releases already found on HDR. The first half of the song is instrumental, though around the four minute mark some spoken vocals make their appearance quickly followed by some gravely deep death growls and raspy howls, in Russian, of course. Lycanthia, from Australia, follow with another doom/death song that tends to remind me of Draconian with with both growled male and soprano female vocals as well as violin and atmospheric synths. The Spaniards of Evadne present another lengthy melodic doom/death metal song that reminds me of Swallow the Sun, while Ekove Efrits's song is a despondent mix of doom and black metal performed masterfully. Netra whom I've reviewed and praised a bunch around here feature a song from their most recent album 'Sørbyen,' which is a strange mixture of trip hop-ish electronics with various metal elements to create something quite unique.

Epitimia continue the dismal mood with a song in their distinctive doom/black metal style, while Galaktik Cancer Squad have something that's a bit different, perhaps progressive depressive black metal could be a way to describe this one-man project from Germany. Another solo effort, Funeral Fornication from Canada is next with a depressive black metal dirge that's seomwhat Burzum-ish initially, but it also has some acoustics and progressive touches, while Old Forgotten Lands song is a very ethnic and diverse cinematic ambient piece that really just makes the mind wander to distant places. Inborn Suffering, from France continue the suffering with another doomy death metal piece, though apparently the band has recently split up, similarly musically, Nethermost from the USA give us more sorrow through their brand of melodic doom/death. Stroszek the solo band of Claudio Alcara of Frostmoon Eclipse offer up one of the songs from their recent 'Sound Graveyard Bound' release, which is a sort of acoustic rock with whispery vocals that I've enjoyed greatly since his first release a few years back. Subterranean Disposition are featured with one the better songs from the bands self titled debut effort, again doom/death metal here, while The Howling Void from Texas close out the main audio portion of the compilation with a stunning fourteen minute symphonic funeral doom piece called, 'The Womb Beyond the World,'

As already mentioned, six bonus tracks are also featured. Alexander Machtakov and Alexander Kremnev are (I think) the guys from Epitimia doing something a bit different, not really explainable, but certainly interesting, while A Dark Fantasy sort of keeps that theme going with a heavily synth based instrumental metal track and Wikk, Infernal offers up a rather melancholy acoustic piece. Both Subterranean Disposition & Stroszek are next with exclusive material, while Melankolia end the bonus material with an ambient piece of quite ethereal grandeur that sounds very spacey and soundtrack-ish in style.

Additionally the video and photo portion of the compilation is pretty much up to you the listener to view and enjoy, fortunately the extra video material as well as the audio portion of the compilation can be all be discovered on YouTube.

All said, Solipsist Anthems features its fair share of bands within the doom/death genre, but even the more eccentric acts all present a mood of gloom to the listener. I found it to be an enjoyable, but sort of hard listen because I felt my mood changing mid-way through and generally I'd prefer to remain on the more positive end of things. Still, such music reminds that life isn't all rainbows and sunshine and that each and every one of us has our darker melancholy sides. For those days or random moods, I'm glad there's music like this and good labels such as Hypnotic Dirge Records making it available to all of us.

Again, DOWNLOAD HERE!

Spectral Lore / Locust Leaves - Duty / Promise (2012)

Released nearly a month after the bands most recent full-length, 'Sentinel,' Spectral Lore partners up with fellow Greeks in Locust Leaves for this two song split album. Limited to just 300 numbered copies (mine is 235), the split comes packaged in what looks almost like an album sized matchbook, while the CD itself is in a paper sleeve, which has the lyrics from both bands printed in English and Greek.

Spectral Lore kicks off the split with the fifteen minute, 'Duty,' which begins with a slightly calmer and more melodic approach than the material found on 'Sentinel.' Noticeably, Ayloss opts for a more raspy shrieking vocal style rather than the guttural approach from the album, though the main vocals are complemented with some cleaner and more narrative moments too.

For the first several minutes the song moves between this style with a slightly progressive edge and what feels like a myriad of riffs before arriving to a smooth acoustic section shortly after the six minute mark. Moving between both acoustic and heavier parts for the next few minutes, the song reaches a point of utter chaos and with a underscore of epicness somewhere after the eight and half minute line, and continues as so until a little into the eleventh minute. From there the ensuing lead is absolutely beautiful and majestic in its delivery while the song evens out and gives way to a few remaining minutes of heroic symphonic ambiance and militaristic percussion as this unbelievable piece of music fades away. Overwhelmingly gorgeous, is the only way I could describe it... WOW!

Locust Leaves continues the split with a song titled, 'Promise,' though a little background on the band is surely needed. Locust Leaves have been secretly making music for about ten years now, though I believe this is the first material released in any sort of physical format, thus sort of unlocking the secret. I'm really not sure if Locust Leaves is a solo effort like Spectral Lore, but one thing is for sure and that happens to be that this band has influenced Ayloss' work greatly.

'Promise' initially hits harder and more up front, again quite melodic and filled with riffs. The beginning offers up a few parts that sound distinctively death metal, pummeling and aggressive, though the song largely lacks the more atmospheric touch of, 'Duty,' at first. Shortly into the third minute, the song goes soft with lush acoustics, and a spoken passage amongst a more progressive backbone as the song continues. From there the vocals shift to a more gravely sick rasp while the music itself stays rather tranquil but moves towards a more aerial and slightly epic territory with cleanly spoken vocals for its remaining time.

Totaling in at just a little under thirty minutes, this split allows the listener a passage into the world of these two unique Greek entities. Seeing that its quite limited I'd have to advise you to act fast, because its absolutely worth it regardless if just two songs are present. It should be interesting to see if the next album from Spectral Lore is similar to this, 'Sentinel' or something completely different. Similarly, I look forward to hearing more from Locust Leaves as soon as possible.

'Zine Review: Liquid Cheese #34

Liquid Cheese is a fanzine based out of Wisconsin that has a history dating back to 1993, thus making this its 20th year of publication. The 'zine is the brainchild of one Dave Kosanke, though over the years friends have occasionally contributed stubs of extras, in fact I became aware of Liquid Cheese because a friend has been participating with his music reviews for many years now. As far as contents, the 'zine mostly centers around cinema, though as already mentioned music reviews have their presence and little other tidbits can be found.

After the table of contents the first thing you'll see is the expected editorial notes followed by a few pages of photos with cinematic personalities posing with the 'zine called, 'Look Who's Reading Liquid Cheese. The most notable ones being Pam Grier and John Carpenter, I guess. Next up is a live review of The Cold Beyond return gig, which you may recall me writing about back in late October. It made for a good read since I attended the gig, but also because it was interesting reading an article on black metal from someone who is more of an outsider to the genre.

From there we move on to reports on various movie conventions around the US that Dave attended. I've never been to a convention of this sort, but based off what is written I wouldn't immediately jump to one either. It seems like the allure is standing in line, paying ridiculous amounts of money (in some cases) to meet actors and directors of mostly past glory. Personally, I'd never do that, because autographs never meant a damn thing to me, similarly even meeting people I admired never meant much, but I guess everyone has their interests. A good portion of the article is just commented on how these talents are charging too much for their John Hancock and how its pretty much bullshit. Nevertheless, I'm sure the conventions are pretty rad for merchandise and meeting like minded folks, so it might be something to consider for the future, but I'll avoid the lines.

Moving on there's a lengthy interview with a gentlemen named Eric Caiden whom runs 'Hollywood Book and Poster,' which is a store active since '77 that is largely themed around exploitation cinema and probably a place I'd enjoy visiting. One of the articles in the 'zine that I enjoyed the most was Dave pulling out old VHS tapes from twenty some years ago and reporting on the contents. I somewhat regrettably tossed most of my VHS tapes when DVD became the new hip thing, but I've still got a few and if I had a VHS player it would probably be fun to scan through them. In any case Dave reports back on a version of Jaws, Kiss, Commando and some wrestling stuff, which is all pretty funny to read about.

Oh no, look who's reading Liquid Cheese now!

A few more interviews follow, one with Mark K Allen - a comic artist, as well a little chit chat with Louis Justin, whom is the mastermind behind Massacre Video and Dan Kinem, a fellow 'zinester. Following are some book and 'zine reviews, followed by numerous music reviews and fortunately its mostly my sort of sounds, so it makes for a good read, even if some of the albums are summarized in a few sentences. And other than a few ads at the end, that concludes Liquid Cheese #34.

Obviously this is a 'zine that's mostly centered around the movie fanatics, which I can't entirely claim to be, but for those that are I'd imagine it to be a trove of sorts. Furthermore, I can state that Dave puts a hell of a lot of work into his 'zine, from the layout to the contents themselves it all makes for a pleasing and easy read. As I said earlier this is my first experience with Liquid Cheese, but I'd certainly be curious to see the next one too!

[If you'd like to order this issue (or back issues) get in contact with Dave through the Facebook profile or via email, dkosanke@aol.com. $7 is the cost.]

Ravensblood - From the Tumulus Depths (2004)

Ravensblood was a short lived ('01-'04) black metal duo from Metz, Lorraine, France. Guided by multi-instrumentalist Stéphane Casier and vocalist Christophe "Wolfnacht" Straub, this pair released a split cassette in '03 as well a demo in early '04 and finally their one and only album, 'From the Tumulus Depths' in the summer of the same year through Christhunt Productions.

Conceptually the album is related to Norse Mythology, though of course both men are of French origin, which isn't as bad as say an American band with Viking or Norse mythology lyrics, but it just seems odd having Frenchmen delivering a retelling of tales that has probably nothing to do with their heritage. Speaking of which the lyrics are wrote in English, German and French, which just further proves that these lads are a bit confused, but when Wolfnacht starts screaming it doesn't matter much, anyway.

As far as their brand of black metal is concerned, were talking hyper speed black metal on this debut with a drum machine that's played at a velocity honestly comparable to a band like Mortician. The bulk of the album is just a rumbling double bass sound, snare hits and the occasional rolls. This is of course matched up with ridiculously hasty played tremolo chords, some minor melodic touches and a few neat leads, and the already mentioned harshly screamed vocals as well as some epic narration.

The music also offers some brief slower moments, which serve to build up momentum before molliwopping the begjesus out of the listener again as well the music will very briefly touch upon some epic territories. There are also a few short instrumental pieces, such as the acoustic, 'Echoes From The Past' or the little majestic number, 'The Way to Victory...,' which also has swords clanking around in the background. No keyboards are used either, which is good or band depending on your preference for their presence in black metal.

The whole album is a totally simple affair that's said and done within thirty nine minutes and although what I described above could be viewed as negativity its really not a bad album at all. With such rapid acceleration the music is overly energetic and even in an odd sort of way catchy, because the songs are not really poorly wrote at all. Its just the drum programming will be hit or miss, but either way, this is hardly an everyday album or anything I'd see anyone getting completely obsessed over. But you never know...

Ravensblood called it a day after this album and neither men continued playing music either. As a final note, the album seems a bit hard to find, but is certainly worth the hunt if you're the sort of black metal listener that needs to be completely trampled by barbaric black metal decimating force.

Wanderlust - Monolithes entre ruines (2012)

'Monolithes entre ruines' is the debut effort from Wanderlust, which is a completely solo effort from the ever busy Élan "Der Pestarzt" O'Neal, whom resides in Chicago, Illinois. I mention the busy part, because Élan seemingly must spend ever minute of free time he has creating music as he's currently involved in a nearly ridiculous amount of bands, most notably, FIN and Old Forgotten Lands, but also Day of Ascension, Élan, Maugrim and Wék (as well as three others I know nothing about). Can you say prolific, you fucking right you can!

Conceptually Wanderlust is a project based around history, romanticism, nostalgia and medievalism, and since this is a black metal venture its a refreshing detour from the usual and often times tired out genre standards. Musically however the band isn't entirely distant from the genre's early pioneers.

Perhaps the first thing to point out about Wanderlust is that Élan is first and foremost a drummer, which means no drum programming to endure. Fortunately, he's quite talented as a drummer too, often moving between mid-paced terrains to occasional blasting sections, there's also tons of rolls, interesting fills, militant beats and quick drum intros that make it explosively dynamic to hear. Its one of those albums where I find my feet mimicking the double bass parts, which to me has got to be a sign of something special.

The guitars hold the customary raw buzzing tone with riffs that are often played in a foreboding tremolo style, though there's also a few notably more epic-ish licks and these more rockin' head bobbers that remind me of Darkthrone around the 'Plaguewielder' era. Audible bass guitar in bands such as this is surely a rarity as well, but Élan's bass is there, playing these jangly folk-ish notes that sort of remind me of early Graveland. The main vocals are delivered in an aggressively screamed manner that doesn't sound especially different, but with the often times fast paced driving nature of the music and the passion poured into these howls it works out quite well. There's also some brief cleanly sung parts in , 'Smoke Upon Hallowed Ground ,' while the intro, 'Exclamavit' is a majestic choral piece, which seems deceiving for what's to come, but it preps the listener for the oncoming storm either way. It should be also mentioned that the recording is loud and active and just sort of begs you to turn it up even louder as the album progresses.

'Monolithes entre ruines' is a simple affair as far as originality is concerned, but through great musicianship and song writing its a memorable recording worth looking into. An EP titled, 'The Endurance of Bronze' was released in conjunction with this album, as well another EP, titled, 'The Tradition, The Mural, The Scythe' is on the way, both of which I'd like to get my hands on soon!

Atrum Inritus - Where Serpents Dwell (2012)

In conjunction with recent tour dates, Atrum Inritus has been offering this new three song demo, titled, ' Where Serpents Dwell.' The packaging is a simple affair of just a CDr in a black envelope with artwork, which has the tracklisting, recording line-up and such on the reverse side. This recording welcomes in new drummer Senex Morte, replacing, Occipitus who played on the debut album, 'Prognatus In Vorago.'

'In the Presence of Kings' initiates with a similarly gloomy, oppressive and atmospheric mood as the debut album, while the song moves through mid-paced to speedier tempos amongst Vindicaré's spectral howls and ethereal keys. Senex Morte makes his presence known quite early on with a drum introduction and throughout the song his rolls and fills make it all the more enthralling as this six plus minute song plays out. 'Fire and Brimstone' has a catchy, though quite dark lead riff to it that tends to remind me of something out of the Watain or Behexen camp, with an almost driving sort of spirit to the song, it eventually calms down for a more chilling part and a spoken dialogue before picking up dramatically and pulverizing for its remaining duration. 'Pestilence' opens in a doomy and absolutely creepy manner before gaining in speed and quickly becoming one of the bands fastest songs to date. The tremolo plucked guitars carry and ever present evil tone and again the drums are absolutely impressive for this final song.

As far as I know this demo is only available at the bands live rituals, but if you were a fan of the debut you'll definitely want to get your hands on this new recording somehow. It shows the band going in a very slightly new direction, but its surely just as ill-lighted, bleak and beastly as the debut.

Falkenbach - Tiurida (2011)

As one of the originators of Pagan and Norse mythology themed heavy metal, Vratyas Vakyas, the sole member of Falkenbach has never really been that prolific over the twenty plus years the band has been active, but generally when it does come time to release something new you can expect quality. 'Tiurida' is the fifth Falkenbach album since '89 when the band was originally formed and it marks a six year gap between the last album, 'Heralding - The Fireblade,' which was a Re-recorded version of an unreleased album from '95.

As a starting point it should be pretty obvious that this record is slightly different and generally pales in comparison to the bands earlier efforts, namely, '...En Their Medh Riki Fara...' & '...Magni Blandinn Ok Megintiri...,' but it does uphold some of the strengths that are known of the band from the last two albums.

Opening with a short 'Intro' that features a slowly building synth melody amongst nature sounds, it would be assumed that the first song, '...Where His Ravens Fly...' would burst fourth from your speakers, but that's not quite the case. In fact, its quite a calm and folky piece of music at first with Vratyas' cleanly voice leading the charge and for the next six minutes or so the listener is taken on a majestic journey through Northern mythological tales and the familiar Falkenbach metal-ness. 'Time Between Dog And Wolf' shows the first signs of the 'heavier' side of Falkenbach with a solid leading riff and raspy growls the song moves at a mid-tempo Bathory-ish pace and quite similarly to Quorthon's Viking era it has the occasional choral vocals and even a well placed solo.

By the time you reach the fourth song, 'Tanfana' you've sort of already got everything that this album has to offer. Again this one has a sort of bouncy folky drive to it that may either be seen as epic or silly depending on your tastes, but its not really a bad song, its a well played instrumental that doesn't sound entirely different from the ones found on the first two albums, but hardly matching in overall quality. The remaining four songs are certainly decent, they don't really stand out dramatically, but they offer nothing new from the first four songs or Falkenbach albums.

I can admit there was a time when stuff like Falkenbach seemed to lift my soul and take me to heavenly grandiose places, and I get that a bit out of the second song, but the whole album hardly does and music in general rarely does that for me. I guess the older I've gotten I've realized that the world is what it is and I know full well that there isn't some bronzen hall up in the sky where I'll feast after I die in battle... still, I find Norse mythology and stuff related to it to be amusing, occasionally.

'Tiurida' will probably not appeal much to those that have been listening to this band since the early albums, as I have, but if you're new to the style or sub-genre its entirely possible that you'll be moved in that ceremoniously triumphant manner that music like this once did for me all the time.

Metal Parties, part II

New Years 2012 brought about the third annual gathering at my place, which I've dubbed, 'Joe's Non-stop to Midnight Metal Massacre.' Its a rather simple affair of drinks, metal and pretty much just drunken shenanigans. Its not as effective as a backyard metal party, but it works well enough during the winter. Each year its been a lot of fun and since were all pretty good friends it makes it all the better. A few new faces joined us this year, but otherwise it was the usual cast of characters and good people I typically spend time with when I get out of the house. I'm by no means the most hip cat around here, so its not like people are knocking my door down and you better believe chicks take special measures to avoid me by several miles, but then again that's been my life story. In any case, I think we all had a good fun time putting back several drinks, jammin' on some video games, punching each other in the nuts and rockin' out to some good tunes along the way. Here's what we ended up playing throughout the night:

Start Time: 7:15 PM
King Diamond - Sleepless Nights
Demolition Hammer - Human Dissection
Grim Reaper - Final Scream
Katatonia - July
Megadeth - This was my life
Slayer - Hardening Of The Arteries
Metallica - Trapped Under Ice
Pantera - Walk
Iron Maiden - Children of the Damned
Venom - Live Like An Angel, Die Like A Devil
Decameron - My Shadow
Mercyful Fate - Into the Coven
Sepultura - Slaves of Pain
Anthrax - A Skeleton In The Closet
Helloween - I want out
Kreator - Ripping Corpse
Gehennah - Hellstorm
Slayer - The Final Command
Sepultura - From the Past Comes the Storm
Death - The Philosopher
Down - Never Try
Sahg - Denier
Mötley Crüe - Live Wire
The Devil's Blood - Queen of my Burning Heart
Pentagram - Forever my Queen
Edge of Sanity - Blood Colored
Blind Guardian - Don't Talk to Strangers
Sodom - Incest
Heaven & Hell - Double the Pain
Mercyful Fate - Desecration Of Souls
Accept - Losers and Winners
Immortal - One By One
Guns N' Roses - Used to Love Her
Barren Earth - The Rains Begin
Megadeth - Family Tree
Hellhammer - Messiah
Cobalt - Blood Eagle Sacrifice
Judas Priest - Better By You, Better Than Me
Slayer - Read Between the Lines
Venom - Poison
Ravencult - With Hunger in Eyes
Alice in Chains - Would?
Moonspell - Alma Mater
S.O.D. - Kill Yourself
Motörhead - Jailbait
Dr. Shrinker - Germ Farm
Barathrum - Last Day in Heaven
Gehennah - King of the Sidewalk
Recipients Of Death - The Aftermath
Venom - Women, Leather And Hell
In Flames - Artifacts Of The Black Rain
Vader - Blood of Kingu
Atrophy - Violent by Nature
Destruction - Mad Butcher
Judas Priest - Rock Hard Ride Free
Corrosion Of Conformity - King of the Rotten
Dismember - Dismembered
Dio - Stand up and Shout
The Crown - Rebel Angel
Urgehal - Through Thick Fog Till Death
Grave - Brutally Deceased
The Sword - How Heavy this Axe
Darkthrone - Paragon Belial
Megadeth - Diadems
Skeletonwitch - Within my Blood
Inquisition - The Initiation
Opeth - Epilogue
Summon - Of These Sins...
Green Carnation - Just When You Think It's Safe
Heathen - Dying Season
Testament - Practice What you Preach
Anal Vomit - Alcoholocausto
Tokyo Blade - Warrior of the Rising Sun
Dimmu Borgir - Mourning Palace
Bruce Dickinson - Abduction
Flotsam & Jetsam - Der Fuhrer
Moonsorrow - Tulkaapa Äijät!
Skid Row - Youth Gone Wild
Exodus - Metal Command
Candlemass - Solitude
Carnage - Blasphemies of the Flesh
Morbid Angel - Fall From Grace
Sepultura - Dead Embryonic Cells
Possessed - Evil Warriors
Overkill - Iron Bound
Mercyful Fate - The Uninvited Guests
Saint Vitus - Born Too Late
Iron Maiden - Sanctuary
Watain - Four Thrones
Daemonarch - Corpus Hermeticum
Autopsy - Meat
Entombed - Supposed to Rot
Grotesque - Ripped from the Cross
Sepultura - Mayhem
Lazarus A.D. - Damnation for the Weak
Burial Ritual - Full Spectrum Dominance
FIN - Upon Our Enemies Ruin
Toxic Holocaust - Ready to Fight
Nachtmystium - Seasick (Part III: Silent Sunrise)
Massacre - Cryptic Remains
Judas Priest - Bloodstone
The Obsessed - On the Hunt
Grim Reaper - See you in Hell
Sigh - Ecstatic Transformation
Dark Tranquillity - The New Build
Black Sabbath - Supernaut
Holy Terror - The Immortal Wasteland
Evangeli - Follow Me...
Celtic Frost - Dethroned Emperor
Amorphis - Better Unborn
Enslaved - Roots of the Mountain
Armored Saint - Reign of Fire
Impaled Nazarene - The Endless War
Megadeth - Mary Jane
Rush - Anthem
Zyklon - Terrordome
Stop Time: 3:58 AM

Some of the nights cast of characters.