'War Against Morals' MCD (2002)

Review by Mike Sulphur (www.gnosiszine.com)

What I really like about this Stormweaver release, it solidifies my belief in an

Australian black metal sound, as pioneered by the likes of Abyssic Hate and

Carbon. The sound is not as much cold and lifeless, as hot and sunblasted,

with a lack of air and only a sweltering buzzing in your head. Its as painful

as the northern cold landscapes, and just as lethal.

Stormweaver is the work of Sydney's Xeraxis, who previously released a

demo under the 'Soulblighter' name. Since then a lot has changed, the reverb

and rawness of the sound is very much appreciated, while the vocals I

personally do not enjoy as much as the demo. The drum work is outstanding

and each song is truly malevolent, at times reaching the highly acclaimed

madness of Ildjarn.

3 long songs make up this 20 minute release, and there is plenty variation

during tracks with some strange volume level transitions during 'The Moral

Epidemic'. The sound of this release is its strongest feature, and also the

very strong guitar work which luckily does not rehash any old overused riffs.

I find Stormweaver to be fresh and powerful, a very good start to a young

band, doing without the kult claims and statements, letting the music speak

scream for itself.