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Past
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BLOT
MINE - Porphyrogenesis (Near Dark)
Featuring ex-members of Setherial, Blot Mine play kinda vicious-like
black metal in the Swedish vein, but add a more melodic touch than
those other violent Swedes. The production, by Andy LaRoque, is
pretty much on the money; a cool raw semi-primitive feel. The sounds
from this CD do appease. But then again, how many times have I heard
this?
Chris Bruni -7-
ATOMIC OPERA - Gospel Cola (Metal Blade/Attic)
One King's X is enough thank-you. They're way better
than you are anyway.
A.Ristic -3-
BLACKSTORM - As Black As Thy Candle Burns (Darque
Records)
Managing to work wonders with atmospheric keyboards,
shredding guitars and wailing vocal cries, the music of Blackstorm
is an impressive showing of craftsmanship and strong production
(thanks to veteran James Murphy). Opening with the powerful title
track, Blackstorm's ride through the shadows of evil reveals a vast
assortment of masterful song writing and remarkable execution. No
real need to go with trends here, as Blackstorm manage to lose themselves
within their own darkened realm, rarely showing influences, though
Cradle Of Filth comes to mind at times. With 'As BlackS,' which
is much heavier than their atmospheric, keyboard-driven first offering,
it's no wonder they show off superior work in tracks "Beneath The
Night Air" and "The Flames Of Autumn Skies." The blackened plague
of Blackstorm will surely impress metal fans that come in touch
with it.
A. Bromley -8-
EARTH CRISIS - Slither (Victory Records)
Everyone's favourite hardcore/metal vegans Earth
Crisis come into 2000 with one of the most volatile and extremely
heavy-ass records. While not as bomb dropping as label mates Snapcase's
release, 'Designs For Automotion,' Earth Crisis return to their
roots and original label (after a one album stint with Roadrunner),
and the results couldn't have been more exciting. Managing to stir
up enough emotion and deafening cries of aggression, the band storms
through a sonic assault of heavy vibes and mosh pit worthy material.
As well, the music of Slither is chock-full of strong harmonies
to boot. Earth Crisis still rock, and it's nice to see that they
aren't afraid to turn things up and go to '11' Gotta love Spinal
Tap! This is a great record and full of gems, most notably the title
track, "Provoke," "Agress" and "Arc Of Descent ."
A. Bromley -8-
EINHERJER - Norwegian Native Art (Native North)
A lot of mixed potential rammed its way through this
album. One hand of the scale holds a weight of really beautiful
atmospheres and melodies, but then it's invariably offset by an
earful of cheesy guitars. There seems to be a pot-bellied abundance
of hardcore guitars and bass, and all that chugging is simply too
simple to "capture the atmosphere and feeling there is to Norse
mythology"; it captures more the feeling of wanting to go to Taco
Bell. The only reason why I'm being so harsh is because Einherjer
aimed to make this release more dismal, grim, and aggressive. Otherwise
it can be quite an acceptable album seen in a different light.
J. Hardaway -5.5-
ENTOMBED - Uprising (Music For Nations)
I don't believe this to be the rise to prior glory
that some have hyped it to be, but I must say Entombed are headed
in a much better direction after their embarrassing 'Same Difference'
release. Much more raw and angry than the last couple of albums,
'Uprising' features a strong stoner-rock influence to go along with
the ever-present heavy guitar sound and patented vocals of L.G.
Petrov. Don't expect a metal album here, as you'll be sorely disappointed.
Entrenched in death rock, their sound is more worthy of toe tapping
then headbanging. The grooves are unmistakable and memorable; it's
a solid record all around. Favourite tracks are the petrol fuelled
"Seeing Red" and the groove laden "Insanity's Contagious." No longer
a joke, Entombed can confidently hold their heads high; back on
the road of progression and maturity.
A. Wasylyk -7.5-
IMMORTAL - Damned In Black (Osmose)
Immortal's sixth (!) release suffers from Immortal's
decision to record it too soon, in this hack's opinion, after last
years crowning 'At The Heart Of Winter' glory. For though "Darkness
That Embrace Me" and the title track closer do stand out, 'Damned
In Black' as an entity doesn't shine with the songwriting quality
or convincing vitriol '...Winter' or immortal (yes, uncapitalised)
masterpiece 'Pure Holocaust' did. 'Damned...' has not been tuned
up enough; songs overstay their welcome an unwelcome number of times
and the riffs repeat past-glories, or fail to create present ones
with unpleasant frequency. However, Abbath's pained vocal flame
still burns high and Horgh's drumming, despite a few uninspired
sections, once again has superb power, laying on complexity where
necessary. Overall, 'Damned...' is more a filler until Immortal
create another crushing classic than a significant album of its
own right, but it still provides some great listening.
P. Schwarz -8-
KEVORKIAN - S/T (Independent)
Well, at least they've got the spirit. Inspired by
bands such as Napalm Death, Broken Hope, and every other blast band,
Kevorkian are the home studio version of death metal. Rough exterior,
rougher interior, songs are far from mind-blowing with under-produced
drums, tinny sound, and textbook songwriting. However, the band
have one very strong point, in a guitar sound that is heavy, sharp
and exploits killer riffs to an awesome level. Now, if they can
just get the rest of the shit to follow suit.
K. Carman -4-
MISERY LOVES CO.- Your Vision Was Never Mine To Share
(Earache)
Jack of all trades, masters of none. Riding the line
between wanky pop and raging goth metal, MLC are the Heinz 57's
of metal. Unfortunately for them, this means another injection of
weird industrial gunk that just makes the whole deal unpalatable
for all parties involved. The album drags along at a sluggish rate
and never quite seems to say whatever it is these guys are trying
to put out there.
K. Carman -5-
POWER SYMPHONY - Lightbringer (Pavement)
This is a clear-cut example of where European and
North American metal fans differ in taste. The symphonic/melodic
metal of Power Symphony could never cut it over here; it's just
way too cheesy. The lead vocalist is a female, whose pipes are decent,
but play a lop-sided roll in having too much passion and not enough
strength. The keyboards are highlighted in the mix so as to take
our minds off the guitars, which have little to no presence in any
of the seven tracks listed here. It seems as though Europe (Italy
more specifically) is a breeding ground for these types of bands,
and that's okay. After all, who am I to criticise coming from a
land who hail shit like Korn, Limp Bizkit and Kid Rock as metal?
A. Wasylyk -2.5-
USURPER - Visions From The Gods (Necropolis)
Hey-hey, this is for all you Usurper fans out there
(of which we know there are many - Ooh-Wah), who just couldn't wait
for their next release. A collection of demo and unreleased material
is what awaits you from 'Visions Of The Gods, 'and actually does
a bang-up job of telling you where the bands roots are from. Some
of the older material isn't as brutal as today's, or as aggressive,
as "Soultaker '96" has more of a thrash leaning to it, with plodding
death style percussion. The music is still neat to hear though,
as you can follow a logical progression from the bands early days
to their last release' Skeletal Seasons'. No surprises here folks;
just good, fun wholesome metal (with frosting on one side for the
kid in you, and whole wheat goodness on the other for the adult
in you). This should sate your appetite until their new full-length
hits later this year. Until then, enjoy this one - Ooh-Wah.
A.Ristic -8-
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