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Due to the endless amount of power metal crap out there that all sound the same, as of October 2003, we will concentrate on reviewing death, black and thrash metal. You submit other styles of metal at your own risk. You will be notified through e-mail when your stuff is on the page (if you do not submit an e-mail address it is up to you to check the site for the review), and your review will stay on the page for at least 3 months.

666 - masterpiece, 5 - very good, 4 - good, 3 - ok, 2 - not that good, 1 - sucks

All autopsies conducted by T. Richter unless otherwisely noted.
entries on October 26th
ATTILA CSIHAR - The Beast of (CD)
black metal (Cacophonous/Sound Pollution)
This "best of" by the Hungarian vocalist undoubtedly establish that his best work certainly lie far back in his career. The tracks by his original band Tormentor date as far back as 1988 but is still his finest moment. What he did with Mayhem on "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" have gone down in history as remarkable but if his input actually qualified as good is a matter of some debate. I personally have learned to like it so I can appreciate the Mayhem tracks and the Mayhem track covered by Emperor with Attila on vocals. The rest is total fucking crap. Aborym, Plasma Pool, Korog, Anaal Nathrakh, Professor Fate and Limbonic Art. Each song worse than the other. Ignore this release and get the "Anno Domini" CD by Tormentor instead.
graded: 2
BENIGHTED - Heljarför (MCD)
viking metal (self release)
Personally I am not enjoying this kind of music anymore. Plus that I am not sure if I ever did as Viking metal never really appealed to me. Still I find this a good example of the way black/viking metal sounded in the early days and I get a bit nostalgic. There was a time when I got lots of stuff like this every week and it got to a point where I was totally fed up with it. Now, as it was a very long time ago that I got something like this, I can appreciate it again. Fans of early Enslaved or Helheim should definitely check it out. Bear in mind that it is a demo and therefore it lack a bit production and sound quality wise.
graded: 3
BENIGHTED: benighted@email.com
BESTIAL DEVASTATION - Sores, blood & pus (MCD)
death metal (self release)
If you like your music noisy, distorted and low-tuned and don't really care if it's that tight or have a decent production, then you should check these Italians out. Contrary to what the name suggests they do not play thrash (I don't need to clarify why the name suggest they are a thrash band do I?). Instead they perform a sick and twisted mix of Carcass, Repulsion, O.L.D., Exhumed, Impaled and any one of Chris Reifert's endeavours (Autopsy, Abscess, The Ravenous etc.). It is far from my personal opinion of how good music should sound but I am quite aware that there is an audience out there for stuff like this. To that audience a grade of 3 would probably have been more fair. I can however not budge that much from my own conviction of what good music is. So…
graded: 2
BESTIAL DEVASTATION: bestial_devastation666@hotmail.com
DEMONIZED - s/t (CD)
black metal (Osmose)
You will recognize these guys from the mighty Ravager but don't expect the same ferocious and supreme death metal. As Demonized they have chosen to explore more black metal oriented territory. They do it pretty well and remind me a bit of American Summon (especially the vocals). It is far more interesting than your average Dark Funeral or Dimmu Borgir clone act out there but I still can't get as excited as I got over their main band Ravager's debut "Storm of sin". Simply because I enjoy death metal far more than I do black metal so I guess this is only natural. What I find most enjoyable is the drumming of Oscar Garcia (which was also one of the major highlights on the Ravager album "Storm of sin"). If you like raw and keyboard free black metal look no further for this is as good as it gets.
graded: 4
DEW-SCENTED - Impact (CD)
thrash metal (Nuclear Blast/Sound Pollution)
I had not heard that much of Dew-scented prior to this album (which is a bit odd as "Impact" is their fifth release) but I am glad to say that it blew me away. "Impact" is a fierce and furious thrash assault that bear traces of both classic and modern elements. Plus that it has a refreshing death metal touch to it due to the use of some blast beats here and there. The drumming probably have a lot to do with why I like it as it's not just the typical duple time beat all the time. Like with so many modern thrash acts there is of course a distinctive Slayer-influence but I still think that Dew-scented offers a far more interesting alternative to The Haunted, Carnal Forge, Corporation 187 etc etc. Really fuckin' good!
graded: 4
DIMENSION ZERO - This is hell (CD)
melodic thrash metal (Regain/Sound Pollution)
This is hell. Well, not really. If you think of hell as a place where Satan rules that is not half bad, then this is probably not the best suited music to accompany it. Better choose the new Vital Remains album or so instead. If you instead think of hell as a state that you experience as most unbearable, again this album does not qualify as it is not exactly bad. Although a lot faster and far more aggressive than bands like In Flames and Diabolique (in which some of the members can and once could, be found in), it bear some traces of the first mentioned act. Definitely not for me, but check it out if you're not heading down the hellward path as fast as I am. Now, where did I put that Vital Remains album?
graded: 3
DIVINE RAPTURE - The Burning passion (CD)
death metal (Listenable)
"The Burning passion" is a mixture of a lot of different metal styles. Good old-fashioned US death metal, melodic and black metal inspired Scandinavian death metal and some technical and bizarre twists. At times I enjoy it, but then something that seem out of place occurs and it only feel like a band that have not yet decided on what style to play. I can't say that it's bad but it does not exactly qualify as good either. Make up your minds guys, and try again!
graded: 3
DRACONIAN - Where lovers mourn (CD)
gothic doom metal (Napalm/Sound Pollution)
The artwork, music and lyrics go hand in hand in a most suitable way and manage to paint a very melancholic picture. This is indeed music for the person deeply submerged in depression or grief and who like it like that. There is no light at the end of the tunnel and no joy to lift the veil of sorrow. I am reminded of the early days of bands like My Dying Bride, Anathema or Paradise Lost, although not as early as when they could still be mistaken for death metal acts. This is slow and heavy gothic doom metal at its best. It also include female vocals to complete the male growls and whispers. There are probably more bands like this around today that I could refer to to make you understand exactly what it sounds like, but I simply don't know any as I am not into this kind of stuff. For people that are though, this is probably a goldmine of depressing bliss.
graded: 3
EQUINOX - Journey into oblivion (CD)
death metal (Still Dead Productions)
It's been seven years or so since Equinox released their first album. Apparently they had already discovered the style they were content with back then 'cause there's nothing really new to discover on this sophomore effort. They still pursue the not exactly complicated and rather mid-paced metal in which a Celtic Frost influence can clearly be noticed. They remind me a bit of other Frost-influenced yanks such as Scepter or Cianide but also have a black metal influence that these other acts have not. It's not exactly exciting and the cover of Possessed's "Séance" is pretty shitty. Still ok I guess.
graded: 3
HOUWITSER - Damage assessment (CD)
death metal (Osmose)
There's nothing really innovative about Houwitser's sound and they don't exactly impress with any advanced technical skills either. But who needs that? I love their liberating in-your-face approach which proves that sheer and simple brutality is what death metal should be all about. Their previous album "Rage inside the womb" was a fist in your face and "Damage assessment" is that same fist, still beating you to a bloody pulp, only know with a brass knuckle on it as well. This is great stuff and a must for anyone into old school death metal at its best.
graded: 5
IMPALED NAZARENE - All that you fear (CD)
black metal (Osmose)
On this, their 8th studio album, Impaled Nazarene have reached the point where they have achieved reliability. There is no longer any suspense preceding a new release from them as you know beforehand what to expect. This is however not necessarily a bad thing. Look at a band like AC/DC, everybody knows what their albums sound like, still they buy them. "All that you fear" is no different in that aspect. It sounds like an Impaled Nazarene album should. It's fast and filthy, has that sleazy black metal/rock'n'roll touch to it and pretty much run you over like a car without brakes and a working steering wheel would. Out of control and more than sufficient to make some heads bang.
graded: 3
INHUME - In for the kill (CD)
death/grind (Osmose)
Inhume perform pretty standard death/grind with two vocalists and the expected element of hardcore/crust parts here and there. They do it well but are not exactly special or that interesting. Good for elevator music on the way down to hell I guess.
graded: 3
LOST SOUL - Übermensch (CD)
death metal (Osmose)
The debut "Son of the mourning star" showed a lot of promise, something that on "Übermensch" is certainly fulfilled. Lost Soul is for sure one of Poland's best kept secrets, or at least they have been. The time have come to change all that. On "Übermensch" they show that they can really compete with the bigger acts from their country. In my opinion, only Behemoth and Hate can currently boast with being a bit better. Songs like "No salvation" and "The Source of thee" are masterpieces in violence whereas "Beast rising", "To the new light" or "Adoration of violet" in addition also possess strong and memorable choruses. An album without any weaknesses of what still must be called typical Polish death metal.
graded: 5
LUCIFERION - The Apostate (CD)
death metal (Listenable)
It's almost a decade since Luciferion recorded their debut album so I think it's safe to say that we are dealing with a rather slow band here. But as the only signs of life during this time have come in shapes of covers on different tribute albums, the band have probably been rather inactive and perhaps this should be considered more of a reunion kind of thing. Anyhow, I don't exactly think that "The Apostate" give you enough value for your money. Which has nothing to do with the odd use of keyboards added to their Deicide/Morbid Angel-mix. There are simply too little new material to get excited about. The first song is a strange epic in six parts that never really take off. As soon as it starts to get interesting, a new part takes over and kind of fuck everything up. Then there are three other new songs that are ok. The rest of the "album" consist of a shitty cover of the Celtic Frost classic "Circle of the tyrants" and a demo from 1994 with songs that were all on the debut album, but then in better versions. I think one could have expected more after all these years.
graded: 2
ROSWELL - Void (CD)
hardcore (Cacophonous/Sound Pollution)
What the fuck is this? Some metallic hardcore with Swedish lyrics here and there obviously. Not at all my kind of thing. I can't say that the direction the re-started Cacophonous Records is going in seem promising. First Scalplock (crappy grindcore) and Unsanctum (hardcore/black metal mix) and now this! I am losing faith here.
graded: 2
SERPENT OBSCENE - Devastation (CD)
thrash metal (Black Lodge/Sound Pollution)
Fuck, this was boring. Modern death/thrash completely without feeling and with no groove to it whatsoever. It has that infamous in one ear and out the other effect on me. When I wrote this review I had just finished listening to it only five minutes before and I couldn't remember what it sounded like.
graded: 2
SPAZMOSITY - Storm Metal (MCD)
black metal (self release)
From the looks of it I suspected I had to deal with yet another heavy/power metal band. There was however a vague recollection that I had come across this band before and then not as such an act that I expected. I had (the "From the underground" compilation CD) and I was also right when I remembered them as a semi-black metal act of the most common Swedish kind instead. Spazmosity are perhaps a bit more aggressive than most others but still have that touch of melody that don't exactly take them to the same sinister level that bands like Marduk or Setherial are at. I would put them in the same fold as Noctes or Immemoreal. Ok, but not really my thing.
graded: 3
SPAZMOSITY: spazmosity@hotmail.com
STRANGULATION - Withering existence (MCD)
death metal (self release)
Even if I already liked this Swedish lot's first demo, "Carnage in heaven", this is an improvement. "Withering existence" is in all aspects a more mature release. One can probably say that Strangulation now is pretty close to having found their own style and what is left to improve is only production and sound quality. Something that a record deal and a decent studio budget will probably bring with it. Their style is unlike other Swedish acts as it is not modern and ultra brutal like Immersed In Blood, Insision or Soils of Fate and it does not follow the path originally determined by the likes of Entombed, Dismember or Grave either. It sounds a bit like early 90's American death metal, which is probably why I like it so much personally. We should not have to review a third demo as the next step should definitely be an album.
graded: 4
STRANGULATION: strangulation@hotmail.com
TWISTED AUTUMN DARKNESS - Destroy the bastard and trinity (CD)
black metal (Def 2 Music)
I really wanted to like this as I am beginning to feel like a bitter and frustrated critic who do nothing but whine. When this failed I really tried to at least find something positive to say about the audible part of this release. Still I came up with nothing. The truth is that this kind of standard black metal bore the hell out of me as I have heard it a thousand times before. And with the hell gone, how fun is a black metal release? (I know, I know, black metal should not be fun. It was just a matter of speaking. You don't have to e-mail me and point it out. Continue to put the finishing touches to your corpse paint so your mother don't catch you with her make-up when she comes home from work.) Twisted Autumn Darkness doesn't even sound like any of the genres better and more established acts. The visual part of this album is more positive as it looks really good. Too bad that isn't what matters.
graded: 2
entries on September 28th
DESTRUCTION - Metal discharge (CD)
thrash metal (Nuclear Blast/Sound Pollution)
During the golden age of thrash, the States had their "big four" with Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeth. In Europe, in Germany, there was the "big three" with Kreator, Sodom and Destruction. The Americans may have stayed at the top longer and made more money but I think you agree with me when I claim that the Germans have stayed more true to their thrash roots. Something that probably apply best to Destruction. Kreator have done their excursions into other metal territories and Sodom have their punk core influences, but Destruction have pretty much always been metal thrashing mad. Songs that really stick with you were more in numbers on the predecessor "The Antichrist" but that does not mean that "Metal discharge" is a bad album. Songs like "Fear of the moment", "Made to be broken" and the title track stand out and it's definitely an ok release. I can however not quite shake the feeling that it is not a worthy follow-up to "The Antichrist" and suspect that it will go down in history as a rather mediocre album in-between something better.
graded: 3
EINHERJER - Blot (CD)
viking metal (Tabu/Sound Pollution)
Einherjer anno 2003 is not exactly bad but I can't say that I find them very exciting either. As background music "Blot" is ok but if you are looking for something more than that I am afraid that it fails to deliver. The style is quite repetitive and easily becomes monotonous and a bit boring. On the bright side, the vocal delivery is really good and those already into the band will probably enjoy it.
graded: 3
KRISIUN - Works of carnage (CD)
death metal (Century Media/Border)
I was instantly taken by "Black force domain" and then totally blown away by "Apocalyptic revelation". "Conquerors of Armageddon" however felt as the first sign of stagnation and "Ageless venomous" was both uninteresting and had a shitty production. Therefore I had no high hopes for "Works of carnage". I was not immediately convinced either but this album proved to be growing on me and I now hold the opinion that Krisiun is back on track. It is not as outstanding as "Apocalyptic revelation" but let's face it, that album was monumental and this was probably when Krisiun peaked. "Works of carnage" is however a much more interesting release than its two predecessors and good enough to achieve that blasting Brazilian effect.
graded: 4
MISERY INDEX - Retaliate (CD)
death metal (Nuclear Blast/Sound Pollution)
If you liked the blend of death metal, grindcore and hardcore that Misery Index performed on the "Overthrow" mini CD and the split CD with Commit Suicide (or appreciate Jason Netherton's and Sparky Woyles' former band Dying Fetus), you will be glad to know that this style is still intact. The loss of guitar player Mike Harrison and drummer extraordinaire Kevin Talley have seemingly not affected the band neither musically nor performance wise. New drummer Matt Byers prove himself a worthy replacement for Talley and play an important part in making "Retaliate" the awesome release that it actually is. It's built on pure energy and intense aggression that combined feels like a real kick in the head. Great stuff indeed and to top it all off you get a cover of Brutal Truth's "The Birth of ignorance".
graded: 4
MORBID ANGEL - Heretic (CD)
death metal (Earache/Sound Pollution)
"Bow down and worship" was my first sentiment as opener "Cleansed in pestilence" kicked off the most awaited new Morbid Angel album. As "Enshrined by grace" took over it was further emphasized that the gods of death metal was truly back. Most of the new material maintain the high standard that one would expect from Morbid Angel but the first two tracks are clearly superior to the rest of the album. "Praise the strength", "Stricken arise", "God of our own divinity" and "Within thy enemy" are however songs that grow on you and that also come close to true death metal bliss. If one should complain at something it would be the production that, like so often before when Juan "Punchy" Gonzalez have been involved, take some time to get used to. Plus that there, like on "Formulas fatal to the flesh", are a bit too many odd inputs in-between, at the end of the album and as hidden tracks. These are minor complaints though. See you in the chapel of ghouls to worship!
graded: 5
RE:AKTOR - Zero order (CD)
nu metal (Nuclear Blast/Sound Pollution)
A statement like "Re:aktor is metal for the 21st century" naturally make a reactionary such as myself feel a bit agitated. The slightly futuristic touch of Re:aktor did definitely not prove to be my kind of metal that's for sure. I am not sure if I even want to call it metal. To me, it is a rather weak mishmash of styles where comparisons can be made with Static X, White Zombie, Theatre of Tragedy, Marilyn Manson, Spineshank, Godsmack, Fear Factory and Strapping Young Lad. Not exactly the kind of music most appreciated by yours truly. If this is metal for the 21st century I prefer to stay in the 20th.
graded: 2
RESUSCITATION - Injection of insanity (MCD)
death metal (self release)
This Belgian outfit was indeed an injection. Not of insanity maybe but of good music. Their style belong in the early 90's and make me think mostly of Incantation, in the same way like say Dominus Xul does. Something which is probably why I enjoy it so much as I am a big fan of John McEntee's creation. Resuscitation unfortunately had to do this release with a drum machine, but you don't think of it that much. I however hope their next release will be with a real drummer as this will probably add another dimension to their sound. The whole packaging is very good and is professionally printed as well. Check this out. It will be worth it.
graded: 4
RESUSCITATION: bobceyssens@hotmail.com
SIX FEET UNDER - Bringer of blood (CD)
death metal (Metal Blade/Border)
Six Feet Under is a relieving example that you in 2003 still can come up with something quite cool by using the least means possible. With this I mean that despite very few and rather simple riffs in their songs they still maintain a quite captivating groove. Greg Gall have never provided any blending drum technique and the vocal delivery of Chris Barnes this time sure has its flaws. Still I like "Bringer of blood". Songs like "Sick in the head", "Murdered in the basement" and "Braindead" stand out as personal favourites. A word of warning however needs to be raised concerning the punk touch of a song like "Amerika the brutal" and a very wussy riff used in the title track. Six Feet Under may still not belong to my favourite acts and their idea of death metal is far from coinciding with mine, but like I said, I like it. At least for now.
graded: 4
TIDFALL - Nucleus (CD)
black metal (Nuclear Blast/Sound Pollution)
I actually can't remember what Tidfall's previous albums sounded like, but it doesn't really matter. "Nucleus" is a modern typically Norwegian release. The foundation is built on black metal but like most Norwegian bands today they try to be different. Comparisons can be made with present day Satyricon as well as early Myrkskog and Zyklon (before these two acts discovered real death metal and incorporated it). It is a complex and moderately interesting style but have a tendency to turn into a rather anonymous mass. "Nucleus" will soon disappear from my memory just as the albums before it obviously also did. And this is clearly not a good sign.
graded: 3
VADER - Blood (MCD)
death metal (Metal Blade/Border)
As always with a mini CD from Vader you get your moneys worth. Two new songs, one song from "Revelations" and three leftovers from that recording plus a Thin Lizzy cover. Definitely not a bad release but not exactly a very memorable one either. Vader deliver what is expected from them, they do it well but there is no real indication that they are heading back to the outstanding "Litany" -greatness. Still an essential release for every Vader fan. Also, if he stays, bass player Novy is now in Behemoth, Devilyn, Dies Irae and Vader. A busy man!
graded: 3
entries on August 31st
ANVIL OF DOOM - Died before dawn (?)
Gothenburg style (demo)
Spanish Anvil of Doom perform a less commercial form of the infamous "Gothenburg-sound". Less commercial as the vocals as well as some other inputs could just as well be found in a semi-black metal band. There can however be noticed an In Flames-influence and they also use the same guitar virtuosity as Children of Bodom. As this is a demo recording it is however hard to say if they are on the same level as these bands. It sounds ok though, but I would be lying if I said that I enjoyed it. This have to do with my personal taste in music though. If you like this kind of sissy metal, perhaps you should check it out. Album on Xtreem Music in 2004.
graded: 3
ARCH ENEMY - Anthems of rebellion (CD)
melodic death (Century Media/Border)
If you have a fancy for catchy songs of semi-brutal character with countless guitar solos and a monotonous yet harsh vocal approach, you are in for a treat. "Anthems of rebellion" is pretty much a natural continuation of its predecessor "Wages of sin" without any surprises. What in my opinion stand out is the In Flames-sounding "We will rise" and the rather aggressive "Despicable heroes". The rest is a rather modest collection of typical Arch Enemy songs with a slight Kreator-feeling (the "Outcast"-era). It's not at all bad, but obviously too soft for my personal taste, plus that the solos drive me crazy.
graded: 3
DEFACING - The Beginning of human cruelty (?)
death metal (demo)
If you appreciate speed and brutality, this Chilean act is definitely worth checking out. You certainly can't complain at the intense blasting at a breakneck pace or the relentless brutality that will totally crush you. As an extra spice, the performance is on a very high level and for a demo, the sound quality/production is pretty darn good. The only fly in the ointment is the vocals that like with so many other ultra-brutal bands of today lack character and just sound like a pig oinking or a frog croaking. As the music is as good as it is though, I can overlook it for now. A whole album could perhaps feel a bit repetitive. I guess we'll have to wait and see till the debut is released by Xtreem Music in 2004. Despite my doubts about the vocals, I still look forward to the album. In the meantime you should definitely get this demo.
graded: 4
DIVINE EMPIRE - Nostradamus (CD)
death metal (Olympic Recordings)
Divine Empire blew me away with their debut "Redemption" but managed to gravely disappoint me already on the follow-up "Doomed to inherit". "Redemption" was like a natural continuation of the Malevolent Creation album "In cold blood" that Jason Blachowicz, J.P. Soars and Derek Roddy all played on. Brilliant, but perhaps not that original. On "Doomed to inherit" Blachowicz and Soars tried to break new ground using Alex Marquez as session drummer. Black metal elements was introduced and in their attempt to move away from the Malevolent Creation sound the music was a lot domesticated. On "Nostradamus" they have kept the black metal influences but also returned a bit to the sheer violence of "Redemption". Although there are no such obvious masterpieces of brutality such as "Out for blood" or "Silent carnage", "Nostradamus" is clearly a step in the right direction. New man behind the drum kit is Duane Timlin whom I personally only know from black metallers Sarcophagus.
graded: 3
INCAPACITY - Chaos complete (CD)
modern death/thrash (Cold Records)
I do not normally think highly of bands that have been put together by their label. Plus that I usually don't listen to modern aggro-thrash that this probably should be considered as. There is however something with Incapacity that appeal to me. Something that I can't really put my finger on. Like I have already said, the foundation is built on modern aggro-thrash, but there are traces of other styles as well. At times there can for example be felt an atmosphere of good old Swedish death metal. If you think vocally, this is apparent all the time though as the voice of Andreas "Drette" Axelsson (Edge of Sanity, Infestdead, ex-Marduk) is just enough brutal. This sets them apart from other bands like this. Another thing with Incapacity is that they use a lot of melodies, but not as sickly-sweet as all those "Gothenburg style" -bands. Their melodies are rather melancholic and has an almost sad, ominous ring to them. Personal favourites are "Reptilian breed", "Amputate god" and "CancerChrist". I am a bit embarrassed to say it because of my dislike for acts put together, but I really like this. It's really good.
graded: 4
MISANTHROPIC - Soulreaver (CD)
melodic death (Xtreem Music)
Misanthropic have a melodic/atmospheric presence in their music yet at the same time a raw and fairly brutal edge. The brutal aspects bear traces of the early Swedish style, but as the melodic/atmospheric parts don't quite fit in with that I would prefer to draw comparisons to early Finnish acts like Amorphis, Sentenced or even Demigod. Then there is also a more modern approach that remind me of semi-black metal like Amon Amarth or A Canorous Quintet, something probably due to some members having black metal pasts in bands like Agathodaimon and Nocte Obducta. Now I have described the style, what do I think of it then? Well, not much actually. I find it too simple to be interesting and not brutal enough. It's "death metal lite" so to speak. I guess it's ok, but it kind of bores me.
graded: 3
NIGHTFALL - I am Jesus (CD)
melodic death (Black Lotus/SureShot)
Nightfall anno 2003 offer mainly mid paced melodic "death" with black/death metal vocals and a touch of melancholic guitar harmonies. By the fifth song or so I surrendered to Hypnos and realized that this was definitely not a band for me. If you appreciate atmospheric metal you should check it out. Now, please let me sleep!
graded: 3
NUNSLAUGHTER - Goat (CD)
death/thrash (Revenge Productions)
Nunslaughter is cult! The band have been around since 1987 and have both changed more members and put out more underground releases than anyone can remember. Yet "Goat" is only their second real studio album. But it is a great one. Their diabolic, uncomplicated death/thrash have never sounded better. As have been the case since the addition of Duaniac (guitar) and Grim (bass), Nunslaughter is today as tight as any band but this have definitely not destroyed the old school feeling that they pride themselves in having. This is a must for people who hail "Scream bloody gore" as the epitome of death metal. Hell, this is a must for anyone into death metal!
graded: 5
VERMINOUS - Impious sacrilege (CD)
death/thrash (Xtreem Music)
If you manage to look beyond the obvious similarities with a contemporary act like Kaamos and a defunct legend like Grotesque, there are also touches of great old death/thrash such as Slayer, Sacrifice or Slaughter Lord. I don't know how aware of this the band themselves are, but it doesn't really matter as the Kaamos/Grotesque comparisons will probably be most often mentioned. Perhaps one day to the point where it will drive Verminous insane. At the moment, they should be rather satisfied with themselves though as they have come up with a quite interesting album. The sound is perhaps not what you'd expect from an album but it's crude and aggressive and sounds honest and solid. Like with Kaamos, there are only a couple of songs that really etch themselves in your mind, but it doesn't really diminish the generally positive impression. Really cool and not at all trendy.
graded: 4
VISCERAL DAMAGE - The Feast of flesh (?)
death metal (demo)
A band that are being described as a mix between Immolation, Incantation and Disgorge (the Mexican I am sure) definitely gets my attention (especially as Immolation and Incantation are among my favourite bands). Even if I can't say that Visceral Damage sound like any of these bands, the description is still accurate. I find some Immolation and Incantation like riffing, some deep vocals á la early Incantation and that particular bulldozer approach that Disgorge has. This is quite good, but I am not yet convinced that a new "mega star" is born. The album out through Xtreem Music in 2004 will have to further convince me. But it's definitely a good demo, no question about it!
graded: 4
ZYKLON - Aeon (CD)
death metal (Candlelight/Border)
At first, "Aeon" is a really pleasant affair with a violent work of art like "Psyklon Aeon" and mighty songs like "Core solution" and "Two thousand years". One can clearly notice that the band have taken yet another step away from the black metal scene that its members were connected with before. "Aeon" breathes more death metal than the debut "World ov worms" and is at times quite brilliant. Unfortunately something happens approximately four songs from the end. "Aeon" suddenly turns rather boring and the pleasant beginning of it seems awfly far away. What first felt like an obvious four suddenly became a two. In all fairness I guess I'll settle for a three. It will be interesting to see where they go from here.
graded: 3