Reviews A

This is reviews from 1998 to 2001.
They do not necessary represent my opinions now.

R A T I N G

**** = A brilliant masterpiece
* = A very good release
= A good release
* = An average release
** = A mediocre release
* = An awful relase

Abhorer "Zygotical Sabbatory......" CD (Shivaradshana Records)

Old style Black Metal from Singapore, Asia. This band have established themselves as a cult- group after a legendary demo they released ages ago. This CD is their debut CD and it contains thirty-five minutes of ultra- brutal Black Metal without female- vocals, synths and samplers. This is true Black Metal as far as I am concerned. A good record for those who are into old- style Black Metal.
****
Abominator "Damnations Prophecy" CD (Necropolis Rec.)

This Australian band consist of ex members of Destroyer 666 and Bestial Warlust. Nobody should be surprised when I tell you that their new band Abominator also do ultra- brutal, old style Death Metal. Abominator has turned the clock 10 years back in time with this album. To the times when there was no difference between Death and Black Metal. To the time when all- out aggression and speed was the normality. I guess you can call this album a Speed Metal album. The quality is OK, but nothing more. Most of the stuff on this album, is very average. This album is like water in a desert for those who are into old style Death/Black Metal, but I guess everybody else will avoid this album like a plague. This album is a bit dated in 1999.
***

Abramelin "Abramelin" CD (Repulse)

It's about time! Shock Records released this CD back in Abramelin's home- land Australia in 1995. It has been impossible to get it here in Europe, but thanx to Repulse (well done guys!); this CD is now available over here.
Australian Death Metal has never been for the faint- hearted. Put it on your stereo- rack on full volume and you will understand what I mean. It is like been hit by a jumbo- jet.
All eight tracks are bloody good. The ninth track is a Dead Can Dance cover that proves that this band consists of four brilliant musicians. A different track from the rest of this CD, but it works. This CD is going to be a classic; mark my words !
******

Aborym “Kali Yuga Bizarre” CD (Scarlet)

This is the new band of Attilla from Mayhem. Or he do some vocals on this Italian band’s debut album. The extent of Atilla’s involvement is questionable. But the quality of the music is very high. Aborym do dark infernal, symphonic Avant Garde Black Metal. Listening to this album is like staring into the abyss. At the same time; the music is very interesting and varied. This album should be taken for what it is: A musical inferno. This is a very interesting album and fans of Black Metal should check it out.
****

Abyssos "Together We Summon The Dark" CD (Cacophonous)

What a title on a metal CD !! I give the title full marks !! Maybe we should use this title on our reviews sections ??
Musically, this is another Black Metal release in the Dissection vein. Melodic and epic, yet very brutal. The quality is good, but not brilliant. This is a no-nonsense Black Metal release and releases like this are refreshing. This is a good investment for all metal fans.
****

Acid Death "Pieces Of Mankind" CD (Copro)

Copro has finally started to sign bands from the other side of the English Channel. Acid Death from Hellas more than justify Copro's change of policy. Acid Death does technical, melodic Thrash Metal. There are plenty of both guitar- harmonies and grind blasts in their music. The overall quality on the material on this album is very high. Acid Death is a class act and that shines through on this album. Again; the weakness about this album, is the lack of one or two killer tracks. But the music on this album has a lot of interesting details. Some of this material on this album reminds me about early Dream Theater. But most of the material reminds me of the kind of music Death/Control Denied is doing these days. Everybody will find something of interest on this album and it should sell tens of thousands of copies if it is proper marketed. That is the big question now. Get this gem.
*****
Acid Death "Random's Manifest" CD (Black Lotus Rec.)

"today's Death Metal". Hmmm….. I call it Thrash Metal with Death Metal vocals. A lot of these Thrash Metal bands are very occupied with telling the world that traditional Death Metal is dead. Hence the "today's Death Metal" tag they have awarded themselves with. Sorry, but this really annoys me.
I really liked Acid Death's last opus "Pieces Of Mankind" which Copro kindly released one year ago. That album really had class and a lot of originality. But instead of developing that sound, Acid Death has reverted back to a more safe Thrash Metal sound and the result is pretty boring. The main problem is the total lack of good ideas, riff and melodies. Only the added Jazz and Progressive Rock elements save this album from a total failure. But even the inclusion of these elements sounds uninspired. It is not a bad album; it is just that I have very high expectations when it comes to Acid Death and I do not like this album.
***

Admortem "Ad Extremum Supplicium" MCD (Noise Solution)

The French Black Metal record label Velvet International, has started a Death Metal sub label. This is the first release on this label. Strictly speaking; this is not a Death Metal release. It is a blend of Death, Thrash, Power and Heavy Metal. The quality is not bad. Technically; the band is good. But the material on their debut MCD leave a lot to be desired. It is simply not good enough. But the band has a lot of talent and I hope they will come back a lot stronger on their first album.
**

Adramelech "Seven" CD (Repulse Records)

This MCD contains two new songs, one old song with new title and two live tracks. For those who have yet to see the light; Adramelech is one of Finland’s best Death Metal bands. Their two first releases on Repulse Records was brilliant. This MCD are more or less a stop gap before the release of their new CD and it should not be taken to serious. The music on this MCD are good and what more can you ask for ?
****

Adversam “Animadverte” CD (Scarlet)

What a nice surprise. Following the path of Stormlord, Adversam are in the forefront of the new wave of Italian Black Metal. Adversam are doing ultra-intense, technical Black Metal in the vein of Immortal. The music has some symphonic touches, but most of all, the music is very intense and fast. The drummer are brilliant and the bearing element on this album. The lack of a couple of killer-tracks is the only negative thing I can come up with. But this album is a sure buy for those who are into Black Metal.
*****

Aeba "Im Schattenreich.." CD (Last Episode)

Corpse-paint. Norwegian names. German band. The first impression is not positive. Then hell break loose. Aeba do intense, ultra brutal Black Metal in the vein of Marduk. This is certainly not the worst album I have heard from a German band in the last days. Aeba has created a very good Black Metal album. Their brand of Black Metal cannot be called fashionable, but the quality of their material, should win them a lot of fans. Check out this album.
****

Afterdeath "Back Words" CD (Guardians Of Metal)

Portugal is much, much more than Moonspell. Afterdeath is a good Death Metal band in the vein of Obituary in their "Slowly We Rot" days. Afterdeath’s vocalist make a good copy of Obituary’s vocals. But the rest of the sound are more a blend of Death Metal and Prog Rock . If you blend Obituary and Dream Theather; the result would be this release. The quality of all ten songs are great and it has become one of my favorite Death Metal CDs from the last years. Check it out.
****
Agathocles "The LP’s: 1989-1991" Low Price CD (Morbid Records)

This is a collection of the LP’s Agathocles released between in 1989 and 1991. The Kings of GrindCore prove beyond any doubton this CD that they are worthy this title. This CD are a brilliant collection of Agathocles early material and a important piece of the history of Death Metal. Most Death Metal bands has been inspired by these LP’s and it is easy to understand why. The LP’s included on this CD, set a new standard in brutality back in 1989- 1991. Even today; this CD is ultra- brutal. This Low Price CD is not for the faint- hearted !!
****

Agathocles "Humarrogance" CD (Morbid Records)

There is something in life that never change. For example; it is colder during winter than in the summer (even in Scotland -ed), the Christmas comes at the end of December....and you know exactly what you get when you receive a new Agathocles release. Ultra- brutal GrindCore without any signs of compromise. Their list of released ‘7, split ‘7 LP’s, split LP’s, CD’s and split CD’s in the last years are very long & impressive. The quality are also high during their entire career. I recommend every release Agathocles has released and that include this release. The kings of GrindCore are back....long may you reign !!
****

Agathocles/Depression "split CD" (Depression)

Pure brutality. That is the only two words you can use on this split CD. Agathocles do not need any introduction. Their nine tracks on this split CD are on the same high standard as you can expect from the Gods Of Grind. Depression’s eight tracks comes as a nice surprise. Brutal GrindCore with a lot of originality. This band has so far only released ‘7, but they should really get their act together and release a full album. That would be an album worth waiting for. In the meantime; those who are into GrindCore and Death Metal should check out this split CD.
***

Agathocles/Scrawl/Seven Minutes Of Nausea "Rotten Fake" CD
(Ecocentric Rec.)

Three well known Grindcore bands doing Grindcore/Punk cover versions on one CD. Is these three bands funny, or what ? Only in Grindcore land. These three bands do not take themselves too serious and that is the reason why they have released this hilarious funny album.
Agathocles are OK and pretty straight forward. Scrawl are incredible weird with their mix of Grindcore and Jazz. Their weirdo stuff has to be heard to be believed. Seven Minutes Of Nausea is just noise. I guess die-hard Black and Death Metal fans would rather go to a Sunday service in their local church than buying this album. This album is only for Grindcore fans.
***

Agent Orange "Just Do It" CD (B.O. Records)

Agent Orange is living in the past on this album. To be more precise; in the Heavy Metal scene in the '80. I guess that this band would had failed miserable if they released this shit in the '80. This album is simply so boring and so bad that it count as a warning to all those who want to revive the Heavy Metal scene. The music is boring and featureless. This album is completely without any memorable tracks or riffs. What a waste of time.
*

Algophobia "Algophobia" CD (Pargan Records)

You have to admire Algophobia from Italy for their guts. Progressive, ultra- technical Death Metal is not the most commercial viable form of metal. Atheist was the most well known band of this genre. They did not set the metal world alight. Aurora Borealis is another, very underrated, band in this genre. Algophobia is very good musicians. It takes a hell of a long time to reach the musical level they are on. But their problem is the lack of memorable riffs and songs. Which is exactly the whole point of their chosen genre. Algophobia's music has more in common with Jazz than metal. That is exactly what this album is; a mix of a Jazz album and a Death Metal album. Seen in this light; this is a good album. Algophobia is a very rare Death Metal band and they deserve credit for this album.
****

Allegiance "Blodornsoffer" CD (No Fashion Records)

Another morning; another Swedish Black Metal release. The music is ultra- brutal. The material is typical, standard Swedish Black Metal. The music is not bad. Allegiance prefer safety in the middle of the road instead of taking the trouble of carving out their own identity. I am sure that their bank- manager is satisfied, but I am not satisfied. Do we need more releases like this ? I very much doubt it.
**
Allison "Symmetry" CD (Goldtrack Records)

I cannot be called a fan of the type of music Allison from Spain has brewed together on their debut album. But the Jesus Martyr album, the last We album and this album has given me a broader view on metal. I do not doubt that Allison, We and Jesus Martyr represent the progression in the metal scene.
According to the press sheet that followed this promo CD; Allison was formed to take Crossover (Hard Core, Industrial and Thrash Metal) a step further. Allison has managed to do just that. The music are still deeply rooted in Sepultura, but Allison has taken their music a step further. Allison use a lot of clear male vocals, melody and more aggressive rhythm structures than Sepultura. The result is eight very good tracks. This band can be the next big thing from Spain and all major labels should take notice. I bet a bottle of whisky that their next album will be released on a big independent or a major label. Anyone interested ?
****

Altar "Provoke" CD (Displeased)

This is the third release from one of the best Death Metal bands in the world at the moment. Altar has always had this "Deicide clones" label hanging over them. On "Provoke", they have moved away from the ultra- fast Death Metal terrain, into a more melodic terrain. It is still brutal as hell, but Altar has written good, well-structured songs this time. Their version of Accept’s classic "Fast As A Shark" might give a few hints about Altar’s future development. Altar confirm their position as one of the best Death Metal bands with "Provoke". This is just a release you cannot miss if you call yourself a Death Metal fan. You can always rely on Altar.
*****

A Mind Confused "Anarchos" CD (Near Dark Prod.)

Fred Estby from Dismember co- produced and engineered this CD. That explain the very similar sound.
His fellow countrymen A Mind Confused are a more melodic version of Dismember. A Mind Confused’ debut album sorely miss some good songs. It become a bit boring after a while. But if you are into Swedish Death Metal; this is a very good purchase, although I am not entirely convinced.
***

Amorphis "Tuonela" CD (Relapse/Nuclear Blast)

Everything good on this planet must end. Amorphis's first two albums was two outstanding, brilliant Death Metal albums with Scandinavian folk music flavor. I started to develop some doubts about Amorphis after their third album and their new album, their fourth album, is simply a forty- five minutes long suicide note. We are talking about a boring Metallica copycat alternative Rock'Roll band. There is nothing left of the Amorphis I love and respect on this album. Instead; I have to endure over forty-five minutes of second-rate Rock'n'Roll. There are some flashes of half-decent music on this album, but they are far between. Fans of Amorphis will get long noses when they hear this album. This album is an over hyped waste of time. Rest in peace, Amorphis.
*

Anasarca "Godmachine" CD (Repulse Records)

Some of you might remember Vomiting Corpses from Germany. They was signed on Invasion Records. Two of the members left Vomiting Corpses and formed Anasarca. The music is more or less the same; ultra brutal Death Metal the American way. And I stress; ultra- brutal Death Metal bordering to Grindcore. The quality of the material is very good. This release is recommended for all Death Metal fans.
****(*)

Anata "The Infernal Depth Of Hatred" CD (Season Of Mist)

Death Metal is rapidly regaining old ground. Even Black Metal labels are now starting to release Death Metal. Anata from Sweden would in any case deserve a record deal. Their material are stunning. The basis of their music is ultra brutal Death Metal the American way. But you also find a lot of Black Metal song structures in their material. In many ways; Anata combine the best from Death Metal and Black Metal. The quality throughout the eight tracks are very good. This is a band well worth following in the coming years.
****

Ancient Ceremony "Under Moonlight We Kiss" CD (Cacophonous)

If I am not wrong, this band released a CD on a German label some years ago.
Ancient Ceremony do Goth Metal and they do it better than most other bands. The sound is melancholic with female and various male vocals, synth, piano and guitars. All twelve tracks are brilliant. Ancient Ceremony deserve credit for this album. If you are into Doom/Goth Metal; this is one of the albums you should kill for.
*****

...And Oceans "A Dynamic Gallery Of Thoughts" CD
(Season Of Mist)

According to the press- sheet we received from their label; this band from Finland has added a new dimension to Black Metal with this release. Where have I heard this before ?? Ok, it is not completely wrong, but this CD follows the traditional Black Metal path well known from Emperor, Satyricon and countless other new bands.
The CD has it's highlights, but it is too few of them to make it to a classic. Black Metal are a music- style with it's strict limits and the band does not try to re- invent the wheel. It is another Black Metal release for the horde. But if you count yourself among the horde, you should check out this CD. It is recomended.
***(*)

...And Oceans "The Symmetry Of I, The Circle Of O" CD
(Season Of Mist)

I am one of the very few persons on this doomed planet who did not like this band's debut album. It was too standard, in my opinion. But …And Oceans has returned with a vengeance with their new album. Now, we're talking… There is plenty of variations and interesting details on this album. This in addition to the normal epic, Scandinavian Black Metal stuff, which …And Oceans do better than most other bands. ….And Oceans try to take Black Metal to a new dimension on this album and they have become very close to create the ultimate Black Metal masterpiece. Very close, indeed. This is a brilliant album. ….And Oceans should establish themselves as one of the biggest Black Metal bands with this album.
*****

..And Oceans/Bloodthorn "War Vol 1" CD (Season Of Mist)

When I first heard about this idea, I thought it was a sick joke. But I have been proven wrong. Two bands; And Oceans from Finland and Bloodthorn from Norway, are pitched against each other on one CD. They have four tracks each to prove their worth. Two of them are brand new tracks, one are a cover of each other songs (And Ocean do a Bloodthorn song and the other way around) + a cover track of GGFH. Let the war begin !! The result is good, without being impressive. The music is typical Black Metal (see the reviews of their albums).
Who won the war ?? According to the four Lords of The Infested Graveyard; we have to give the victory to …And Ocean, on points. Or to be more precise; 3 to 1.
After the war; both bands had a helluva party in Valhalla. Or something like that…. Anata from Sweden and Betzhaida from Norway are the next pair out in this unholy war. I hope the result will be better than this release.
***

Andras "Die Ruckkehr Der Dunklen Krieger" CD (Last Epitaph)

The scream that start this album, give the plot away. We are knee deep in Gothic Black Metal from Germany again. Andras are more Goth than Black Metal, but the result is the same. Another boring Black Metal album from Germany. This album is not bad. It is rather boring, well crafted Gothic Black Metal. But Andras are certainly not setting the world alight with this album. Maybe next time ?
***

Angelkill "Casket Lullabies" CD
(Lustful Records/Independent Records)

Old style Death Metal are more popular than ever. New bands, obsessed with Possessed, Infernal Majesty, Sodom and Sepultura, have swarmed the metal scene in the last to- three years.
Angelkill from USA are one of the better bands. This CD include over fifty minutes of no- nonsense old style Death Metal in the vein of early Sepultura and Atheist. Angelkill is a perfect blend of those to bands. Angelkill only consists of two members. Incredible ! This CD is recommended.
****

Angizia "Das Tagebuch Der Hanna Anikin" CD (Napalm)

This band released a split CD with Amestigon (also on Napalm) two years ago. I guess this is their only releases. Angizia has really had a positive development since that split CD. They have got rid of the Black Metal stuff and introduced a more melodic sound. It is still Goth Metal, but you can hear that they are heavy influenced by bands like Yes, Genesis and Jethro Tull. Angizia use a lot of different vocal styles; both female and male. "Das Tagebuch Der Hanna Anikin" is a concept album, with German lyrics. So it do not tell me a lot.
But the music is very good. This album is highly recommended to all Doom/Goth Metal fans.
****(*)

Antaios/Stigmatic Chorus CD (More Hate Prod.)

A split CD with a Norwegian and a Russian band is on the menu here. Antaios do traditional grim Black Metal in the Norwegian tradition. Quite middle-of-the-road Black Metal, although a bit more brutal than normal from a Norwegian band. The quality is quite good throughout the four tracks. Keep an eye on this band.
I guess Stigmatic Chorus has been produced and promoted by Lazar from Rossomahaar. It might even be a Rossomahaar side project. The music is very similar to Rossomahaar. Grim and brutal Black Metal with a lot of keyboards. The quality is good. Keep an eye on this band too. All in all; this is a good split CD.
****

Apotheosis "A Shroud of Belief" CD (MDD)

Oh, no. Not another Doom Metal band from Germany. Doom Metal bands from this country normally means a lot of brainless, drunken bierkeller refrains. Like the Doom-Metal-for-idiots albums Nuclear Blast has unleashed on this planet during the last years. The noises from the speakers in the Graveyard Office, came therefore as a nice surprise. This album is not Doom Metal for idiots. Quite the opposite. You have to give this album time and space before you understand it. It is not a masterpiece, but it is certainly far better than the usual German Doom Metal crap.
The music is brutal, symphonic, progressive and melodic. The vocals are the usual death grunts. You can compare Apotheosis to some of the early My Dying Bride stuff. The quality is high throughout this album. A couple of killer- tracks and this album would be the ultimate Doom Metal album. But this is a bloody good album and all true Doom Metal fans should get a copy of it. You will never regret it.
*****

Arathorn "Niemals Kronender Als.." CD (Folter Records)

Germany’s greatest classical composer are Richard Wagner. He composed very heavy music indeed. It do not come as a shock that German Black Metal bands are following the same path as Richard Wagner. Arathorn are one of these bands. Their brand of Black Metal are heavy, dark and symphonic. The booklet also give a reminder of the German musical heritage. Again; Richard Wagner.
The quality on the material are good. But I have to admit that this CD suits cold, winter days better than one of the few sunny evenings in Scotland. But check out this CD whatever weather. It might turn out to be your favorite release.
****
Arch Rival "Third Degree Burns" CD (B.O. Records)

B.O. Records means Heavy/Power Metal. Unfortunate for them and us; the quality of their releases is not good. Arch Rival are no exception from this rule. I am not sure if their music should be called Power or Heavy Metal. Anyway; the quality of Arch Rival's material are abysmal and I will never, ever put this disc in my CD player again. There is nothing I will remember from this album either. It is that bland and hopeless.
*

Arcturus "La Masquerade Infernale" CD (Misantrophy)

Besides of Dimmu Borgir’s many activities; the release of this CD was the most hyped event of 1998. And I cannot stand hypes….. Well, some of the hype are justified. "La Masquerade Infernale" is a ground- breaking release; there is no doubt about that. It will the standard bearer well into the next decade and millennium. Just like Celtic Frost’s "Into The Pandemonium" from 1988 was this decade’s standard bearer. Quality wise; "La Masquerade Infernale" is by no means a great album. It is more a leap into the unknown than a great album. But it is an essential album ‘cause of the impact it will have on the coming years metal scene.
How about the music itself ? The music is total Avant Garde Goth . It is probably wrong to label it as metal at all. The structures are more based on classical music than contemporary music like rock and metal. The quality of the material are pretty average, but this album will not be remembered for it’s quality.
Arcturus has now split up; just like Celtic Frost should had done after "Into The Pandemonium". Not a bad idea. The members of Arcturus has now returned to Mayhem, Ulver and other Norwegian Black Metal bands. We wish them good luck.
****

Arkona "An Eternal Curse Of The Pagan Godz" CD (Folter Records)

A compilation of two demos from a Polish Black Metal band do not exactly lighten up my day. But this CD is actually far better than I feared. The music on this CD are a blend of Goth and Black Metal. The vocals and the guitars are in the Black Metal vein, but the rest is typical Goth. You can call Arkona’s music Darkend Black Metal. The material on this CD are very good. Let this band record a new CD and they will come up with something interesting.
****

Artemisia "So Legends Tell…" CD (Dawn Of Sadness)

This album has rekindled my interest in Goth Metal again. Artemisia is from Italy and they do a very symphonic, emotional and avant garde brand of Goth Metal. It is not exactly the kind of commercial Goth Metal the big record labels release these days. Artemisia include a lot of Black and Death Metal stuff in their brand of Goth Metal. Still with some great melody lines and riffs. The melodies are very emotional. Artemisia are putting the word "goth" back into Goth Metal again. This is a very good release and it is highly recommended.
*****(*)

Artrosis "Hidden Dimension" CD (Hall Of Sermon)

Poland has also their fair share of Goth Rock/Metal bands. Artrosis is widely regarded as the best of the crop. It is therefore with interest I put their debut album in the CD player, in-between the festive arsons and funerals. Artrosis is one of the bands that bridge the gap between Goth and Classic Music. The album has some wonderful female vocals and grandiose sound. Only the heavy Paradise Lost inspired guitars, classify this album as a Goth Metal album. The problem with this album is the normal problem with most Goth albums these days; the lack of good songs. The music is like a nice wallpaper instead of proper songs. But except from this; this is a damn fine album. I am sure Artrosis will set the Goth scene alight in ’99 with this album. Or fail miserable. It is up to Artrosis and their label to do a proper promotion job.
****

Asgard "Chamane" MCD (Kaly Prod.)

This MCD could only be released by a French band. Bands like Darken, Kraal, Carcariass, Goden and Asgaard have no respect for the old Death/Black/Doom Metal traditions. That is why I like these bands.
Asgaard blend Death and Black Metal into their very own music. This MCD is brutal, weird and groovy at the same time. The problem is that the MCD is too strange for my liking. No disrespect for Asgaard. If you are into brutal & strange music; this is one of the CDs you should check out.
***

Ashen Mortality "Your Caress" CD (Forsaken Records)

I have been waiting a long time for this CD from the new owner of Birmingham’s Doom Metal throne, a position previously occupied by Black Sabbath. Ashen Mortality’s first release, the "Sleepless Remorse" MCD, was a very good Doom Metal release. Ashen Mortality do not release easy accessible Doom Metal. It takes some hours of listening before the music fully sink in. Ashen Mortality do not produce music for music consumers. They produce music for the serious music listener. On this CD, the female vocals from Melaine Sarah Bolton, plays a more withdrawn, but still important, role in the music. The male vocals are dominating the sound, together with the guitars.
The quality is very high throughout the thirty- seven minutes of this CD. Especially the title track and the brilliant "My Reflection".
It is difficult to compare Ashen Mortality to any bands, but if you are into the early stuff from The Third And The Mortal and Theatre of Tragedy; this release will delight you.
*****

Ashes "And The Angels Wept" MCD (Necropolis)

More Black Metal from Sweden….. This is the second release from this band. I missed out on their debut album and I do not think that was a significant loss. Ashes do standard Swedish Black Metal in the vein of fifty other Swedish bands, including Marduk. There is nothing new on this twenty- one minute long MCD. Just intense Black Metal with some added melodic riffs. Not bad, but nothing to die for either.
**

Ashes You Leave "The Passage Back To Life" CD (Morbid Records)

I got a tape version of this release from the ex -owner of Arctic Serenades one year ago. I have been listening to it every week. The CD has finally been released on Morbid Records, after the demise of Arctic Serenades. This release are simply one of the best CDs ever released from a Goth Metal band.
Ashes You Leave from Croatia do symphonic Goth Metal with strange, cold female vocals and violin, in addition to growling vocals. Ashes You Leave has been called "My Dying Bride with female vocals". That is not far from the truth. Ashes You Leave are very much in the vein of My Dying Bride’s classic debut MCD "Symphonaire.....". All seven tracks on "The Passage Back To Life" have their very own identity. This release is a masterpiece. I wonder how the history will judge this album.
****** Lord Loch Lomond

Ashes You Leave “Desperate Existence” CD (Morbid Records)

This Croatian band’s second album is a bit of a let down. Where the debut album had brilliant melodies; their new album consists of half decent ideas and only that. The tempo and intensity from the debut album has gone and been replaced by the normal, Goth stuff with some proper songs and elevator instrumental stuff thrown in. Ashes You Leave still prove that they are one of the best Goth bands on this planet, but the stuff on “Desperate Existence” are not good enough. Next time, perhaps…..
****

Astarte "Rise From Within" CD (Black Lotus Rec.)

An all female Black Metal band ?? Bloody hell, that is impossible to hear on this album !! Astarte do grim, melodic, technical and commercial Black Metal in the Norwegian vein. Astarte is really at their very best on the opening track "Furious Animosity". The rest of the material really does not match this brilliant track. But the quality is good throughout the album. As always; the lack of originality is the only major negative thing about this album. All true Black Metal fans should get a copy of this album.
****

Atanatos "The Oath Of Revenge" CD (Last Episode)

The intro gives it all away…. Black Metal fills the office and Lucifer, the office-cat, make a hasty retreat from the office and into the snowstorm outside. Lucifer has my sympathy. Atanatos is not the most exiting band in the world. They do the normal Scandinavian mid-tempo Black Metal stuff. This CD is OK, but nothing more. If you are into this kind of stuff and you have just won $ 10 million in a lottery; you should check out this album.
**(*) Lord Loch Lomond

Aurora "Eos" CD (Serious Entertainment)

This is a awesome album !! The music is ultra- brutal, but yet very progressive with some nice acoustic parts. The bass and the drums cross over to jazz rhythms in the acoustic parts. The vocals are in the Black Metal vein, combined with some female vocals. This give all ten tracks it’s very own identity. More than anything; Aurora write good compositions. The arrangements or the ten tracks are faultless. Aurora has created the perfect combination of Death Metal and Progressive Rock on "Eos".
This is one of the best debut albums I ever have heard. This band should have a great future.
******

Aurora Borealis "Mansions Of Eternity" MCD (self- financed)

Sadly; this MCD from 1996 was forgotten when we started this magazine in February. We was, quite correctly, reminded about our mistake by one of Aurora Borealis many fans.
This MCD contains of five Death Metal tracks. The music is both very technical, ultra- brutal and melodic at the same time. The sound are tighter than a duck’s arse. The result is a very good MCD.
****
Aurora Borealis "Praise The Archaic Lights Embrace" CD (Aurora Borealis)

Hyper technical and melodic Death/Black Metal. Those who miss Atheist, will find comfort in this CD. This CD has a Florida feeling. I feel like I have been taken back to 1991-1994, when Tampa, Florida was capitol of Death Metal. It is nostalgic feeling. Those who were around taht thime, will understand what I mean.
The music on this CD is extreme, the sound quality is very good and the musicians is brilliant. All nine tracks are of high quality. Compared to the MCD they released tow years ago (see above), the music is less melodic and more technical. If you are into Death Metal; you ought to have a copy of this CD.
****(*)

Autumn Verses "Tunes Of Disconsolation" CD (Solistitium Records)

Melodic, epic Black Metal from Finland. The endless amount of this type of releases continue. I do not mind when the quality is as good as this. I have never heard about this band before, but I am sure I will hear a lot more about them in the future. Autumn Verses are more symphonic and more melodic than the rest of the epic, Black Metal scene. The sound is crystal clear, which is a nice surprise.
This release are well worth checking out. Even for those who do not like Black Metal.
****

Avatar "...Memoriam Draconis" CD (Wood Nymph Records)

Corpsepaint, silly song titles and lyrics, tuned down guitars, ultra fast music, epic sound, football terraces choirs, acoustic guitars, spooky intros, screaming vocals, "evil" sound effects. Avatar has included everything on their debut CD "Memoriam Draconis". The result is an ultra-commercial Black Metal relase, who totally lack it’s own identity. Releases like this are going to be Black Metal’s downfall. This release is just a waste of time. I guess that Avatar are laughing all the way to their bank. They have just signed a contract with Displeased so I guess that this scam has worked for Avatar. They should be ashamed of themselves !
*
Avulsed "Cybergore" CD (Repulse Records)

Avulsed has re-mixed ten of their songs and created Techno/House -versions of them. In theory; a very interesting project. I cannot stand Techno/House, so I am not able to review this album as an Tehcno/House specialist would had reviewed it. I hope that Avulsed has been satisfied with this experiment and that their next album will be a straight Death Meal album. No disrespect to Avulsed; just forget this Techno/House album.
*

Avulsion "Dimensions Of Darkness" CD (Death Gasm Records)

I feared the worst when I received this CD. The packaging of this CD are on the ultra- budget level. The sound quality are also bad. In other words; it fits Avulsion’s brand of Death Metal/Grind.
This album is very similar to Cannibal Corpse’s first album. When that is said; this is not a bad album. Avulsion come up with some good riffs, but there are not many enough of them to brand this album as a good Death Metal album. But it is well worth keeping an eye on this band if American Death Metal is your kind of music.
***

Bal Sagoth ”The Power Cosmic” CD (Nuclear Blast)

The appearance of Bal Sagoth in the Nuclear Blast rooster do not exactly come as a shock. This label is signing up everything these days. When bands sign on Nuclear Blast, they get a more commercial sound. ”The Power Cosmic” has got a more commercial Speed Metal sound than on their predecessors. The massive orchestral sound is no longer a part of Bal Sagoth’s sound. Which is a crying shame because it has taken away most of Bal Sagoth’s identity. The only thing that remain is a hybreed between Helloween from the Keeper Of The Seven Keys album and old Bal Sagoth. This album is the weakest album Bal Sagoth has ever done. But it is still a good album. But I guess die hard Bal Sagoth fans will have some problems with this album. Check it out.
***(*)

Behemoth “Satanica” CD (Metal Mind Rec.)

This band has existed for a long time and released a hell of a lot albums. Without getting the recognition they deserve. I suspect that their Polish passports and the Black Metal scene’s overwhelming focus on Scandinavia is the reason for Behemoth’s lack of success. And perhaps their music, is a factor too. Their brand of Black Metal is complicated and not easy to understand for the average Black Metal teenager. Behemoth’s music is almost Avant Garde in it’s complexity. It take a hell of a lot time to get into Behemoth’s music. The main problem is that the music is not good enough. Complex as hell, but not good enough in today’s Black Metal scene. But the album is well worth checking out. The CD also includes a video for one of the tracks.
***(*)

Belphegor "Necrodaemon Terrorsathan" CD (Last Episode)

Extreme ultra brutal Death/Black Metal normally only mean a total one dimensional inferno from Hell. That is what the press sheet want us to believe. But this album comes with a twist and it is not as one dimensional as I expected. Belphegor has this time incorporated some elements from the more melodic Scandinavian Black Metal scene. Which has added a new dimension to Belphegor's music. By all means; this is a very brutal Death/Black Metal album. The quality on the material is very good and this is a hell of an interesting album. The last track on this album prove that this Austrian band do have a lot of talent. A talent I actually recognised back in '95 when they released their classic "The Last Supper" opus. This is a hell of a band and a hell of an album. Buy !!!
*****

The Bleeding "The Answerless Maze" MCD (Impaled Prod.)

More metal from Croatia…. This time; we are talking about old style Doom Metal in the vein of old Cathedral. The sound- quality is shit and it destroy a good release. The material on this twenty minutes long MCD are OK, but nothing more. If you are into old Cathedral; get yourself a copy of this release. Personally; I would rather spend my money on women & whisky instead of this release. But you do not get much women and whisky for ten pounds these days.
***

Bliss "Sin To Sin" CD (Massacre Records)

Until now; I have always said that it is better that the youth’s play in a band than become addicted on hard drugs. After I have heard this release; I am forced to change my view. The positive thing about drug addicts is that they do not play in a band like Bliss and release crappy releases. Bliss attempt’s on Goth Metal are bloody awful. It’s attempts of filling a whole CD with Goth Metal clichés sounds more like a parody than a serious release. But the press release leaves no doubt; Bliss must be taken serious. Which leaves only one question: Why did Massacre Records release this crap ?
If Bliss got a contract with them; I am sure that they are more than happy to sign my own GrindCore band Lord Loch Lomond & The Singing House Wives. With help from Massacre Records; we are going to be superstars. You are warned.
(*)
The Bloodline "Opium Hearts" CD (Serenades Records)

This is the album Paradise Lost should had released after "Icon". Or perhaps not. In any case, old Paradise Lost material ("Lost Paradise", "Gothic" and "Icon") is the best reference I put on The Bloodline's debut album. Add some female vocals and you end up with this album. The quality is very good throughout this album. OK, it is not particular original but that does not matter. "Lost Souls In The Land Of Delight" is the outstanding brilliant track on this album. If you are into old, brutal Goth; you need this album.
*****

Bloodthorn "In The Shadow Of Your Black Wings" MCD
(Season Of Mist)

This release was originally released as a demo two years ago. It was re- released again by Season Of Mist. If you had any doubts; this is Black Metal in the Norwegian style. It is another average Black Metal release from Norway and the market are now flooded by demos released as MCDs. We have to wait for this band’s full debut CD before we can pass judgment on this band.
***

Blut Aus Nord "Memoria Vetusta 1" CD (Impure Creations)

I have had this record in my possession in the twelve months without listening to it. Oh, what a big mistake !! When I was putting together the Velvet Music interview sheet; I put the CD in my CD player and got a big surprise… Blut Aus Nord do majestic, intense, epic Black Metal….without copying the Scandinavian scene. Blut Aus Nord are a very original band, indeed. Especially the guitars and the melody lines are very original. The sound quality are far from good and that is the only negative thing about this release. I understand that Blut Aus Nord is lead by Vindsvaal; the man behind The Eye and Children Of Maani. He is one of the biggest musical talents in the business today. There is no doubt about that. I recommend this release to all metal fans. Blut Aus Nord rules and a new album will soon be released. I cannot wait…….I cannot wait……..
*****

Brimstone “Carving A Crimson Career” CD (Nuclear Blast)

Heavy Metal is back again. Mainly due to Nuclear Blast’s push of Heavy Metal in the last two- three years. Some of the releases have been pure disasters. Some again has been very good albums. Like this album from the new Swedish sensation Brimstone. You can hardly hear that this is their debut album. The music on this album is so well-crafted that I first believed this is a veteran band in the scene. I am wrong, but this mistake is easy to make. This album consists of eight tracks. This band comes across as a blend of Judas Priest and Accept. Pretty aggressive, primitive Heavy Metal in other words. The quality of the material on this album is very good. A couple of killer tracks would have done wonders for this album, but you cannot expect everything from this band. A promising debut album, indeed.
****(*)

Buried Beneath "The Last Rays Of The Moon" CD (Majestic Union Records)

What a nice surprise this release is. Buried Beneath from USA split up in 1995 and this release is a compilation of their best songs. Ten of them, to be more precise. The music is Black/Death Metal. Some of the songs are quite melodic and atmospheric, in the vein of Swedish Death Metal. Long before the Swedish bands did this kind of metal. That is quite remarkable. This release is very good and a nice epitaph of a great band. I am left wondering what could had happened if this band had existed today.
****(*)

Caducity "Whirler Of Fate" CD (Shiver Records)

There is a lot of Death Metal bands from Europe who never has got the credit they deserve. Caducity from Belgium are one of these bands. Their new CD "Whirler Of Fate" (their second CD) is a very good Death Metal release. The music vary between ultra fast, mid tempo and grinding slow. Caducity has their own identity. Some of the tracks are average, but most of the tracks are very good. It is beyond me why Caducity has not got the credit they deserve. There is no justice in the music business.
****

Callenish Circle "Callenish Circle" MCD (Polar Bear Records)

I have heard a lot of positive things about this Dutch band and I was really looking forward to this release. It therefore came as a disappointment. Callenish Circle do Doom Metal with death- grunts. The four tracks on this MCD are pretty average, without any highlights. The band has a lot of talent and a large following. Let us hope that their next release will be far better than this release.
***

Cannibal Corpse "Gallery Of Suicide" CD (Metal Blade)

You can say what you want about Cannibal Corpse; but it is a fact that this have set the standard for all Death Metal bands. You cannot utter the two magic words "Death Metal" without thinking about Cannibal Corpse. You know what you get on a Cannibal Corpse release. Ultra brutal Death Metal. But there is a small development in Cannibal Corpse’s career on this release. They have scrapped their earlier cold, non- personal sound. Instead; the Cannibal Corpse has developed a more bestial sound on this album. They have added a new dimension to their style. This might be the work of their new producer Jim Morris. The quality of their material are as usual on a high level. I would rate this album as the best album Cannibal Corpse has released. You cannot live without it.
*****

Cannibal Corpse ”Bloodthirst” CD (Metal Blade)

Cannibal Corpse has become the Death Metal scene’s answer to AC/DC. In other words, a stagnant moneymaking band with few musical developments. Cannibal Corpse has become a solid brand-name, and not so much a band anymore. Herein lay the explanation why Cannibal Corpse are hated by socalled ”grown ups” + German and US politicians, and loved by the Death Metal scene. Cannibal Corpse is the symbol of Death Metal. No less, no more. Their new album contains over thirty-four minutes of the standard American Death Metal attack. Cannibal Corpse has laid down the law in this scene and they are following every letter of this law. A Cannibal Corpse album is not the most exiting thing on this planet, but they always deliver high quality Death Metal. Which is exactly what ”Bloodthirst” is, a high quality Death Metal album. No less, no more. Nuff said.
****

Cannibal Corpse "Live Cannibalism" CD (Metal Blade)

From the day I heard about this album early in the summer of year 2000, I had been eagerly awaiting this album. I love live albums (yes, I know I am a sad wanker) and the best of Cannibal Corpse - Live could only mean paradise. I was not let down. I have a big smile after some hours of listening to this album. Like it or not: Cannibal Corpse is the standard bearer of Death Metal. OK, other bands has released better albums than Cannibal Corpse, but no bands has over a long period (ten years) done Death Metal better than Cannibal Corpse. No bands have toured harder than Cannibal Corpse, doing no-compromise Death Metal. In these days of plenty for all Death Metal fans, we should not forget that Cannibal Corpse kept the Death Metal scene alive during the darkest years of let's-jump-on-the-Black-Metal wagon. Cannibal Corpse cannot get enough praise and respect, in my view.
On this live album, we get eighteen tracks from all their albums. All of the tracks are very good. We can argue for several years about which tracks should and should not be included on a Cannibal Corpse live album. But instead of arguing, just make yourself a drink with bourbon or scotch and enjoy this live album. It has everything you want. The sound and the tracks are very good. The live album close with the brilliant "Hammer Smashed Face". What more do a Death Metal head want ?? (hey, where is my dinner ??)
*****(*)

Carcariass "Hell On Earth" CD (Carcariass)

The opening riffs on the start (the title-track) of this album are bloody awesome. The rest of the album is almost as good. Carcariass from France are doing melodic Death Metal. There are some clear references to Joe Satriani in this album 'cause the guitarist in Carcariass clearly knows what he is doing. He dominates this album. But you also find the traditional Death Metal stuff on this album. This is an untraditional Death Metal album. The material on this album is also very good and I recommend this album.
*****

Carpathian Forest "Bloodlust And Perversion" CD (Nyx)

What can you say about a CD where the sound quality is so bad as this ? Not much. This CD contain two demos from this Norwegian Black Metal band. The sound quality is very bad, even for a demo. This CD contains an hour of extreme Metal. That is all I make out of this CD. Avoid this CD at all cost.
*

Carpathian Forest "Black Shining Leather" CD
(AvantGarde Music)

This band appeared on the Norwegian Black Metal scene some years ago. This band have so far released 2 -3 albums, as far as I know. I cannot remember that I have seen any interviews with this band in any magazines so I guess this is another fruitcake Norwegian run-around-in-the-woods Black Metal band. The music on this album is nothing more than standard textbook Black Metal. The quality is good, but you have to wonder who is buying this album. After all; it is a limit how many times you can re-invent the wheel before somebody start to ask some hard questions. In other words; this is another one for the die hard Black Metal horde and nothing I say or write will stop them buying this album. Fair enough because this is not a bad Black Metal album. Just bloody average.
***

Casket "Faithless" CD (Serenades)

Casket from Germany has released two albums and a MCD….without creating any impact. Very strange, because they do Goth Metal. Doom and Goth Metal is very popular in Germany. Casket's lack of success was a mystery to me….before I heard their last album. Casket is more a Rock band than a Metal band. Their sound is free of aggression and full of cliches. This is a Rock album with female vocals and stadium rock melody lines. The quality on the music on this album is abysmal. Overall; this album suffer from the total lack of good melodies. Do not waste your time on this album.
*(*)

Castigate "Bring Me The Head Of Jesus Christ" CD
(Pavement Music)

There has been a hell of a lot good Death Metal debut albums this year. The scene has never been healthier. Castigate’s debut album will be high on my list of the best debut albums of 1998. Castigate do pure Death Metal in the vein of Morbid Angel and Deicide. "Bring Me The Head Of Jesus Christ" has some brilliant tracks. Most notably the title- track, which is a coming classic. The rest of the album, is simply brilliant. It is almost a masterpiece. A couple of tracks in the same quality as the title- track and it would be the best debut album since Vader’s debut album back in the beginning of this decade. But "Bring Me The Head Of Jesus Christ" is an album that will keep me happy this winter.
*****

Castrum "Black Silhouette Enfolded In Sunrise" CD (Folter Records)

Black Metal has won new territories in the last years. Croatia can now be included on the list with Black Metal bands. Castrum do what you would expect from a Black Metal band anno 1998. Fast, furious Black Metal with some Goth piano thrown in. Castrum has also included some female vocals. Castrum do everything right according to the ABC of Black Metal. That is exactly the problem with this release. It is to standard. It is too middle-of-the-road Black Metal.
This is a good Black Metal release, but it is not good enough in a scene who are so overcrowded that releases like this are bound to flop. Nobody can afford to buy every Black Metal CD released this year. But this release will more than satisfy every Black Metal fan. If you regard yourself as a part of the horde; check out this CD.
***(*)

Catasexual Urge Motivation "The Encyclopedia Of Serial Murders" CD (Deliria)

The title on this CD says the most about the music. This is off course a Gore Metal release. This bands comes from Japan and they have allreade released some '7 and demos. This is their debut CD. The quality are OK and this CD are an essential purchase for Gore Metal freaks. The lyrics are not printed in the booklet. Shit !! This is another good Death Metal release.
***

Cemetery Of Scream "Deeppression" CD (Serenades Records)

This is one of the best Doom/Goth Metal bands from Poland. Or rather; they was one of the best bands from Poland. Their two first albums, released on a label in Poland, was brilliant. This album is not brilliant. But it is not mediocre either. The problem is that this band has a lot more talent than they has been able to show on this album. The material on this album contains of forty- eight minutes of good Goth Metal. Cemetary Of Scream use a lot of electric/acoustic guitars, piano, keyboards and various forms of male and female vocals on this album. Compared to their two previous albums; this band has slimmed down their sound. Which was a huge mistake. This album is just another Goth Metal album, although Cemetary Of Scream show flashes of their brilliance on some of the tracks. Cemetary Of Scream has under- achieved on this album and that is a shame. They are one of the best bands in this genre and it is about time they prove it. Next time…..
****

Cenotaph "Voluptuously Minced" CD (Hammer Muzik)

Death Metal from Turkey. Suffocation springs to mind as most of the American Death Metal bands from the period 1990- 1993.
The sound is OK and all tracks are very good. For fans of traditional Death Metal; this is a very good release. This CD is recommended.
****

Cenotaph "9 Epic Tales & Death Rites" CD (Oz Production) Mexico

Another band with the name Cenotaph. This time; it is a Black Metal band from Mexico. Their sound is, to put it mildly, very similar to the Swedish Black Metal band. But when that is said; this CD is very good. All nine songs, or epic tales if you want, are well above most of the Swedish standard. This CD has been on the market in Europe for a while, it has sold very well and it has got a lot of brilliant reviews. The success is justified.
*****

Centaur "God Complex" CD (B.O. Records)

Ahh.. B.O. Records has also tried to break into the Progressive Metal market with this band. The result is not bad. Centaur has a lot of talent, just waiting to come out. They have not managed to strike gold on this album. Most of the material is to weak to call this a masterpiece. But there are some very interesting technical details on this album. Keep an eye on this band if you are into Progressive Metal.
***(*)

Centinex "Reborn Through Flames" CD (Repulse Records)

I must admit that I have never heard this band’s two previous releases. I guess I have missed out on two good releases. That really sums up my life.
Centinex do old- style Death Metal. The sound is a blend of the American and the Swedish sound. The music is not brutal. It is between Death and Thrash Metal, with some melody thrown in here and there. The quality is good. I have been listening to this CD in three weeks before I wrote this review. My impression of this CD has certainly improved through these three weeks. This is a good CD, although without any outstanding tracks.
***(*)

Centinex "Bloodhunt" MCD (Repulse Records)

Centinex does not disappoint their fans with this six tracks MCD. The accelerator is still firmly planted in the floor and the name of the game are very much maximum brutality, the Swedish way. The quality of their material is good and this MCD is an essential investment for Centinex fans and those into ultra- brutal Swedish Death Metal.
****

The Chasm "Death Cult For Eternity; The Triumph" CD (Oz Prod.)

This Mexican band has always been one of the main merchants of technical, ultra- brutal Death Metal. They continue in the same style on this release. The Chasm has also included a lot of elements from Black Metal in their ultra- brutal, technical mayhemic Death Metal. The result is a brilliant release. The Chasm is one of the few bands who are able to develop their own style within the frames of Death Metal. This release more than prove that The Chasm is one of the most interesting bands in Death Metal today. This release is highly recommended.
*****

Children Of A Lesser God "Towards A Grief" CD (NSM Records)

NSM Records has certainly given the Austrian Goth Metal scene a record label to release their albums on. Some of is good, some of it is hopeless and some of it is like this album. Neither good or bad. This band do minimalism, aggressive Goth Metal with female and growling vocals. No keyboards or symphony orchestra on this album. The result is a good album, but at the same time, quite an anonymous album. There are a couple of good tracks on this album, but my overall impression is that this band has released a bland Goth Metal album. This band must do better in the future or the Goth Metal scrapheap is the next destination for this band.
***

Children Of Maani "The Veil Of Osiris" MCD (Velvet Music Int.)

This must be a perfect blend between a Guitar Hero album (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Masi. etc. etc.) and a Black Metal album. Children Of Maani are the solo- project from Vindsvaal (Blut Aus Nord and The Eye). The material on this CD are melodic. It can be compared to Dissection, with added solo- guitars. All four tracks are brilliant and I would suggest to Vindsvaal that he drop everything he are doing and put together a full CD. This band is the future of Black Metal.
*****

Christ Agony "Elysium" CD (Metal Mind Prod.)

These veterans from Poland are back again with their sixth album. Due to various reasons; Christ Agony has never got the break- through in the metal scene. The temptation to go soft and more commercial, must be overwhelming and Christ Agony has been overwhelmed. The result is forty minutes with dark, commercial Heavy Metal that is going nowhere. The lack of good riffs and melodies are the main letdown with this album. The musicians are doing a very good job, but that is all.
I get the feeling that this album has only been written and produced for the German market. That says everything about this album. I prefer Christ Agony's first five albums instead of this album.
**

Christ Denied ".Got What He Deserved" CD (Gulli Records)

This is a Dave Rotten (Avulsed/Repulse Records) side project. Christ Denied are an ultra- brutal, true old style Death Metal band. This CD is not bad, but you get the feeling that you have heard everything before. References are Deicide. It is just another release for the die-hard Death Metal fans.
***

Con Anima “The Book Of Riddles” CD (Scarlet)
Together we dive down to the Goth Metal la-la land where all the good ideas are re-circulated and used again, again and again. Con Anima from Norway does not introduce anything new to the scene with this album. They are just spinning the same record over and over again. Their music is totally bereft of new ideas. When that is said; the music is not bad. It is just total brain-dead. Which sometimes is OK. I would check out this album if I were into Goth Metal.
**

Confusion Corporation "I.F.F./Decontrol" CD (self- financed)
Scotland is not a country you hear a lot from with new bands, but Confusion Corporation is actually a nice little surprise. That is, at least the first part of this demo CD which consists of their new material, of a crossover between death and industrial metal. Maybe a bit too obvious their hints towards Fear Factory at times, but still they sound more aggressive at times, and yep, this is a band I think will do good if they just develop the music the last small steps.
The second part of this demoCD consists of their "Decontrol" recording from 1996. This is pure death metal, with hints to the grindlike metal. Not my cup of tea basicly, but they have some parts that are enjoyable enough here and there, so it's not that bad. Maybe because they also here dare to include some original solutions to the music, so it doesn't sound so boring? Anyhow, the second part of the CD is far from great, and nothing over the general demo stage these days, but in 1996, maybe? As for a grade upon this demo, I will only judge the first "I.F.F." part, as it is only that one that is important now. Contact the band here:
C.C., Alan McFarland, 183 Dumbuck Road, Dumbarton, G82 3 NU, Scotland.
**** Haavard Holm (Aftermath Music)

Conquest "Rage" CD (Scream Productions)

The word "reincarnation" springs to mind here. Conquest = Testament from the "The New Order" era. Unfortunate for Conquest; their songs are not on the same level as the quality of Testament's songs. But they deserve credit for the attempt. For me; this release is a trip down the memory lane and only that.
***

Control Denied "The Fragile Art Of Existence" CD (Nuclear Blast)

I am and I will always remain a huge fan of Death's three first masterpieces. In my view; "Leprosy" and "Spiritual Healing" is true masterpieces. I will always be grateful towards Chuck Schuldiner for those two albums. Control Denied is another cup of tea, though. The music is more in the Heavy Metal vein, but you can still hear Death in the background. The main reason, is that Control Denied also include some of the best musicians in the metal business. The result is a technical Heavy Metal album with Heavy Metal vocals. I would call this album a melodic version of Death's "Human" album. With some Heavy Metal cliches thrown in for good measure. This album is not my cup of tea, but I must admit I like it better and better every time I listen to it. This album is not a classic, but it is still bloody good. Make sure that you check out this album.
****(*)

Corporal Punishment "Stonefield Of A Lifetime" CD (Black Mark)

This cannot be Corporal Punishment….It is ??….Really ??….The Christmas turkey is served !!! This previous decent Death Metal act from Finland, has turned into a boring, dreary Goth Metal act. The material on this album are, to put it mildly, abysmal. Corporal Punishment has obvious has obvious kept an eye on their bank- balance when they recorded this shit. The result is an everlasting example for other bands who think they should become more commercial. Don’t do it !!! It will end up like this turkey.
*

Corpse "From The Grave" CD (Cling Records)

Corpse is a bunch of long- haired, evil looking bible- bashers from USA. Their music is not Gospel. It is Death Metal the American way. The music is medium brutal, slow to medium pace, and not particular technical. Just straight Death Metal. Corpse can be compared to old Massacre. The quality on Corpse's material are good, without being impressive. This album is a very solid Death Metal album. I am sure we will hear a lot more of Corpse in the upcoming years.
****

Count De Nocte "Sorores Nocte Genitae" CD (Mad Lion Records)

Finland has a strong Black Metal scene. This band has existed since 1992 and this is their debut CD. In other words; not the most productive band in the world. Which comes as a relief, when you listen to this CD. Epic Black Metal is the phrase most suitable for this CD. The quality is very average, with only good track; the mellow "As Darkness Descends". Count De Nocte do not bring anything new to the scene. But it is not a bad CD. Just average and boring.
***
Crematorio "El Rostro De La Opresion" (Sick Boy Records) Argentina

This is a very good Hard Core/Thrash Metal CD. I guess this is a compilation of songs from this band’s releases on ‘7 or cassettes ‘cause the ten songs are written between 1992 and 1994.
The music is ultra- brutal with Death/Black Metal vocals. All ten songs are great and this band should have a future. But I have no idea what Crematorio are doing now.
****

Crematory "Act Seven" CD (Nuclear Blast)

Bloody hell….. I thought Crematory had left the Goth Metal scene and moved to la-la-la-la land. The awful "Awake" album suggested that. But I am again proven wrong. Their new (seventh) album is step in the right direction. Good crafted, dark Goth Metal is the brew we get on "Act Seven". Their main vocals are old fashion Death Metal vocals, with some help of clear male vocals and female vocals. Very brave, these days. The music on "Act Seven" are mid-tempo, medium brutal dark Goth Metal with some piano and synths in addition to the normal bass/drums/guitars setup. The quality of the material on this album is surprisingly good. I have never rated Crematory, but this is actually an album I like a lot. Nobody is more surprised than I am.
*****

Crimson Moon "To Embrace The Vampyric Blood" CD (Abyss Prod.)

Black Metal has become a trend and the Americans want a slice of the cake. Crimson Moon has failed to come up with the kind of goods that would give them a piece of the action. Their brand of grim, symphonic Black Metal are quite average. There is nothing positive or negative things on this album. Just forty- four minutes of music that do not leave a lasting impression. Europe still has the best Black Metal bands.
***

The Crown "Hell Is Here" CD (Metal Blade)

After two good records on Black Sun Records; The Crown, previously known as Crown Of Thorns, has finally ended up on Metal Blade. The signing of The Crown is a smart move by Metal Blade. The Crown's new record is a development of their earlier stuff. The tempo is fast and furious, with a lot of guitars and……… bloody hell….. guitar harmonies and guitar solos. The Crown is still deeply rooted in the Swedish Death Metal sound, which is no disadvantage in today's metal scene. The Crown has finally unleashed some of their potential, but I still feel there is a lot more to come from The Crown. This is a good release, well worth checking out.
****

Crown Of Thorns "Eternal Death" CD (Black Sun)

Ultra brutal Swedish Death Metal has found it’s home in Black Sun Records. If my memory is right; this band released their debut CD on WAR Records three years ago. "Eternal Death" is their second album. The result is a solid Death Metal album. Did I call it a Death Metal album ? Sorry; my mistake. The album is actually a hybrid between Death and Black Metal. The music are fast, furious and very brutal. It is almost a Speed Metal release. The quality is good, without being convincing. Lack of variation during the fifty- two minutes long inferno, explain my lack of interest after a while. But this band are definite one to watch. The band has just changed their name to Crown. A new album is soon to be released.
***(*)

Crusher "Daymares" CD (KB Music)

This is another good, underrated CD. This CD contains ten tracks and over forty minutes of great Death Metal bordering to Thrash Metal. Those who are into retro- Death Metal should check out this CD.
***

Cryptal Carnage "Rozelowe" CD (Last Episode)

I thought that I finally was about to sink my teeth into a German Death Metal album, but I was wrong. This album is a mix of everything. To be more precise; Goth, Black and Death. Especially Goth. I guess brutal Goth are the most fitting label on this album. The quality on this album is good. The problem is the lack of good melodies. This album gets a bit boring and predictable after some minutes in the CD player. A bit more variations and this album could have been a good album.
***

D.A.B "Best Of The Blood Angels 1992- 1997" CD (Pargan Records)

This is a compilation CD of the best material from the two albums this French Death Metal band has released. I guess this album is only released in Japan. It found it's way to our shores through a French magazine. D.A.B has so far failed to impress me. It is a second rate Death Metal band. The material on this CD is not impressive, but it is not bad either. This is one of the releases that I can say is neither good nor bad. It is just very average. But give the band a chance.
***

Dag Mora "Chaos Breed" MCD (Endgame Managment)

Ahhh…. A band from Scotland who take the plunge and release a MCD. No pussyfooting here….. Dag Mora do aggressive Heavy Metal, bordering to Thrash Metal. There is also a lot of melancholic Rock stuff on this twenty- eight minutes long MCD. The sound are also good. The quality of the material on this MCD is good. Surprisingly good, in fact. The first track "No Dawn Only Darkness" is bloody brilliant. There are some pretty average stuff thrown on this MCD too, but I would certainly say that Dag Mora deserve a hell of a lot credit for this MCD. I would not be surprised to see Dag Mora release an album on a German Heavy Metal label next year. Dag Mora is almost in the Promised Land. At last, we can raise the Scottish flag in this magazine.
Order this MCD from Endgame Management, 32 Balmalloch Road, Kilsyth, Glasgow, G65 9NH, UNITED KINGDOM.
***

Dalmerot's Kingdom "Ha'Mistorin Ha'Nittzchi" CD (MDMA)

Unholy Black Metal from the holy land Israel. Anti- Semitism is rife in parts of the Black Metal scene and I guess this band will be hated by a lot of narrow minded wankers. So be it. Dalmerot's Kingdom do pretty standard melodic Black Metal, but with a great deal of added Eastern and Middle East flavor. There are a lot of very strange rhythms on this CD. The material on this album is very good. Dalmerot's Kingdom is a very unusual band in the world wide Black Metal scene. The addition of this band to the scene is very welcome and I guess we will hear a lot more about this band in the future. Good.
****

Darken "Arcane XIII" CD (Kaly Productions)

Some bands try to get a dark sound. Darken is one of the few bands that have a genuine dark sound. This French band’s brand of Goth Metal is very original. This album (their debut album) also has some elements from Industrial and Death Metal. Their guitar sound remind me about Paradise Lost before they became Pop stars. The vocals are very dark and haunting. The sound quality is crystal clear. All nine tracks on this CD are brilliant. This band should have a great future ahead of them. This is a band to watch. Thanx to this album; I might forgive France for the World Cup ticket scandal. But that is not a promise.
*****
Darklands "Darklands" CD (Heathendoom Music)

Sweden has produced a lot of good Doom Metal bands in the last ten years. Darklands is the new stars in this scene. They released a very good MCD some years ago. This is their first album. Darklands do a blend of The Doors and Type O Negative. Only a bit darker and groovy. The quality of the material is very good. If you are into this kind of Doom Metal; this is a perfect release for you.
****(*)

Darkseed "Romantic Tales" CD (Serenades)

This re-release is a timely reminder about how good this band's was before they released a bierkeller- metal album on Nuclear Blast. If I am not mistaken; that album was called "Spellcraft" and it was a musical suicide note. Avoid it at all cost. "Romantic Tales" on the other hand, is a very good Doom Metal album. There is a hell of a lot good melodies on this album. If you are into Doom Metal; this is an album you should check out.
****

Darkseed "Give Me Light" CD (Nuclear Blast)

Darkseed are back again after the horrible "Spellcraft" album. Their new album is a small improvement from that album, which is not difficult. Darkseed has changed from a good Doom Metal band on their two first albums, to be a sort of a commercial, Goth Metal band. Welcome to la-la-la-la land. There is some good tracks on this new album, but most of the material is very dull and bland. This album is a typical German Goth Metal album and those who dislike this kind of music, will hate this album. Darkseed might be a bloody good live band, but they are almost a waste of time on CD. This album should be handled with extreme care.
***

Darkside "Evolution" CD (NSM Records)

This is Darkside's third album. Their first album was OK and gave Darkside the recognition they deserve. They have appeared on various Goth Metal samplers from Nuclear Blast. This Austrian band has been branded a Goth Metal band, but their new album is a blend of most aggressive metal styles. Yes, there is a healthy dosage of Goth Metal in their music, but you can also add Thrash and Death Metal in the material Darkside has managed to come up with on this album. The best label on their new material are Dark Metal, I guess. Darkside are certainly not a commercial band. The material are dark and twisted and their new album demand a hell of a lot from the listener. This is not metal for new-beginners. Neither is this album recommended for suicide candidates. The album have some very good tracks, but not many enough to give the band the recognition they deserve. This album is simply not good enough and I guess this album will be crushed to death in the rush of extreme metal CDs this year. But you should check out this album. It might be the best album you have ever heard in your life, 'cause this is a love/hate album. This album should not be ignored.
***(*)

Dark Storm "Four Lucan Emperors" CD (View Beyond Records)

This band consist of the two remaining members of Maniac Butcher. Both has now left Dark Storm. There are definitely some similarities between these two bands. The music on this release, Dark Storm’s first and probably final album, are epic, majestic, brutal and ultra- fast. The sound are tighter than a duck’s arse. Dark Storm (and Maniac Butcher) do Black Metal as it was meant to be: Dark, evil, ultra fast and brutal. There is no keyboards or females on this album. The overall quality are very good. This album is another very good Black Metal album from the Czech Republic.
****

DarkThrone "The Roots Of Evilness" CD (Agustin Rec.)

This is a recording from one of DarkThrone’s few live shows. The recordings are from 1990 to 1992.The "Thulcandra" demo from 1988 are added as a bonus. Most tracks on this live album are from "Soulside Journey". It is sold through all official mail- order labels (that is how we got it), so it is not a bootleg (????), although the horrible sound quality suggest it is a bootleg. I guess this is an attempt from someone to cash in on DarkThrone’s good name. The material serve as a reminder how brilliant DarkThrone’s debut album "Soulside Journey" was. If you are a DarkThrone fan; you will buy this release anyway. Other persons should go for a copy of "Soulside Journey" .
**

Dawn Of Decay "New Hell" CD (VOD Records)

This is the debut album from this old Swedish band. Based on the quality of this CD; this CD is well overdue. This CD is a thirty- two minutes long orgy in balls-to-the-wall old style Death Metal.
Bass, guitars, drums and growling vocals are the only instruments on this CD. No fancy, avant garde stuff here..
Sometimes; the scene need albums like this to fully appreciate the power of true aggressive metal.
All ten tracks are brilliant and this CD makes it well worth running this magazine. I am sure we will hear more from this band. Support this band.
*****

Dawn Of Relic "One Night In Carcosa" CD (Wicked World)

The press sheet are bordering to hilarious in it's attempt to add some magic to Dawn Of Relic. The noises that comes out of the speakers at The Infested Graveyard office are clearly not magic. It is melodic Black Metal and Dawn Of Relic is pretty much a middle-of-the-road Black Metal band from Finland. Nice try, Wicked World, nice try……. Although the press sheet is a bit of a distraction; the music is good. Dawn Of Relic has produced eight very good Black Metal tunes. No killer tracks, but this album is still a very good. This album is Dawn Of Relic's debut album and they are clearly one of the biggest talents in the Black Metal scene. Those into brutal Black Metal will hate this album, but the rest of the Black Metal scene should raid their local record shop.
****(*)

Dead Infection "Human Slaughter...’Till Remains" CD
(Morbid Records)

This is a seventy nine minutes long collection of Dead Infection’s pre- CD material. The music is ultra- brutal Death Metal/GrindCore and the sound quality is acceptable considering the bad quality of the studio masters. The quality of all nineteen tracks are not as good as their brilliant last album "A Chapter Of Accidents" CD, but they is more than good enough being more a collectors item than a real album. This CD is a very good investment for all fans of true, ultra- brutal Death Metal.
****

Deathless "The Time To Be Immortal" CD (Goldtrack Rec.)

I am not a fan of this commercial Swedish Death Metal light scene. Too many albums have been released with the exact same sound. Deathless is one of these bands without their own identity or sound. But when that is said; their debut album, recorded some years ago in Sunlight Studio, Sweden, is not a bad album. This Spanish outfit do it better than most of their Swedish counterparts. There are some good tracks on this album. The two opening tracks, for example. But most of the tracks get lost in a minefield of anonymity. This is by no means a bad debut album, but Deathless must get their own identity on their second album.
***

Death Of Millions "Frozen" CD (Dies Irae Prod.)

This album is not exactly scoring any points on originality. The links to Cannibal Corpse and Death is too obvious. Death Of Millions from USA has also borrowed a lot from countless other Death Metal bands. But when that is said, this is not a bad album. It is a good, standard medium brutal Death Metal album, deeply rooted in the '90 -'93 Florida/Scott Burns/Morrisound Studio era. Nothing new, in other words. The material lacks sparks and originality, but since I am a Death Metal fan; I let them off the hook this time and give them some stars. But they must do better next time.
***

Death's Bride "The Millenium" MCD (Death's Bride)

This band from Belgium has walked down the melodic Swedish Death Metal path…and lived to tell the tale. The nineteen minutes of this promotion CD are not bad at all. This band should attract a lot of record labels with their music. This band has a lot of talents. I am sure we will hear a lot more from this band in the future. Give this band a chance to prove it.
***(*)

Deathwitch "The Ultimate Death" CD (Necropolis Records)

Deathwitch return with their second full album. There has been some line- up changes and Deathwitch now consists of four Swedes. But the style is still the same. Uncompromising Death/Black Metal. The music on this release are very much influenced by bands like Mayhem, Venom and Sarcofago. The result is a good release. The sound are tighter than a duck’s arse. Which is exactly what you should expect from an ultra- brutal metal release. This release is another slap in the face of those faggots who release family friendly Black Metal. Metal are meant to be ultra-brutal. For example like this release.
****
Decomposed/Psychopathia "Overcome Fear/Meeting The Life" split CD (Obscene)

Decomposed deliver a hell of a strong Death Metal recording with their twelve songs. Brutal, but memorable Death Metal in the vein of Vader & Krabathor. Good stuff.
The same cannot be said about Psychopathia. The music is not bad, but they are let down by the sound quality. But keep an eye on both bands.
****

Deeds Of Flesh "Inbreeding The Anthropophagi" CD (Repulse Records)

This band has read the ABC of Death Metal. They do everything right, according to this book. Not a single attempt of creating their own identity. The material is OK, but not impressive. This album is standard Death Metal and that is OK for me. But I would not mind if Deeds Of Flesh tried to write good material, instead of walking down the safe Death Metal path. I do not get the impression that Deeds Of Flesh has put their soul into this album. It is therefore a very laconic and uninspired Death Metal album.
***

Deinonychus "Ark Of Thought" CD (Supernal Music)

This one man act has released two CDs on Cacophonous before it was signed by this new English label. It is difficult to label Deinonychus music. There are strong elements from Gothic Rock and Doom Metal on this CD. I would compare this album to Celtic Frost’s classic "Into The Pandemonium" CD and that mean that we are over in the Avant Garde Metal territory. The overall quality is good. The material on this release becomes a bit boring after a while. This release is not a kind of releases I would listen to if I had the choice, but I will recommend it to Avant Garde Metal and Goth Metal fans.
***

Dementor "The Art Of Blasphemy" CD (Quabalah Rec.)

Dementor from Slovakia has existed for eleven years and is regarded as one of the pioneers of East European Death Metal. It is a crying shame that this is only their second album because Dementor is a brilliant band. Their brand of Death Metal is very much in the Morbid Angel vein. In other words; ultra- brutal and technical Death Metal. The quality is very high throughout this album. This album lack a couple of killer tracks. That is the only negative thing about this album. Those who are into Death Metal, should check out this highly enjoyable album.
****(*)

Dementia "Answer" CD (Kaly Prod.)

Dementia’s second album is a difficult release to have an opinion about. It is a very varied release. Their record company has tried to brand it as Atmospheric Dark Metal. That is not far from truth, but not the whole truth. Dementia has adopted the Swedish Death Metal sound. You can hear it in the guitars, drums and vocals. Dementia also include melodic elements in their music. The material are good, but nothing more than that. The big problem with this release, sit he complete lack off good riffs and melody lines. This is an OK album.
***

Denata "Departed To Hell" CD (Ghoul Records)

Oh dear… Another slab of retro Thrash Metal from Scandinavia. The music is deeply rooted in Sodom and Fester. The music is aggressive and furious. The music is not bad, but I have the feeling that I have heard everything before during the last 15 years. Nill points for originality, in other words. Both the sound and the music is decent and if retro Thrash Metal is your cup of tea; this is a CD for you. But not for me, I am afraid.
***

Deranged "III" CD (Listenable Rec.)

Deranged has established themselves as one of the leading European Death Metal acts. Their earlier releases (two '7's, two MCDs and two albums) has always been of highest quality and I am pleased to report that Deranged continue to unleash high quality, ultra-brutal Death Metal on their new album. "III" are their best and most brutal album to this date. The music, very much aided by a superb sound, just rips you to pieces. The material is also a bit more groovy than we are used to from Deranged. There is not even a hint of melodies on this album. The quality is very high throughout the thirteen tracks. "III" is not a landmark in the Death Metal genre. It is just Death Metal at it's best. That is enough for me. More than enough. Death Metal is alive and deranged.
*****

Der Gerwelt/Nargathrond "Split CD " CD (More Hate Prod.)

This is the second Black Metal split CD from More Hate Production in the last six months. This time, this album does include two Russian bands. Der Gerwelt's music is in the Norwegian vein (Burzum, Immortal). This is a good band and they have a lot of interesting details in their grim Black Metal. The problem with this split CD is that the bands are too similar to each other. Nargathrond is more gothic and melodic. Piano and synth intros is mixed with slabs of symphonic Black Metal. It is very trendy Black Metal in my view. I prefer Der Gerwelt, but Nargathrond is also a hell of a band. These two bands should go far in the Black Metal scene. But then there is the small matter of nationality and the narrow minded Black Metal scene…..
****

Desert Rain " Across The Burning Sky" CD (G.U.C.)

Oh fuck, I really do not want to hurt the people in G.U.C., but this release is crap. Only god know why the same label who released the brilliant Fangorn CD, got involved in this release.
Desert Rain do a mix of the worst elements from Heavy Metal, Goth and Thrash Metal. The result is twenty minutes of pretentious, larger than life bierkeller German Metal. I have heard everything on this release before. Desert Rain has re-cycled old ideas on this release. This is ideas I hoped was long dead. These twenty minutes are therefore sheer torture in my ears. Nuff said.
*

Desire "There Where Candles Fade" CD (Noxious Rec.)

Gothic Metal can be a very interesting form of art when it is well composed and there are variations in the music. This is something Desire from Sweden has yet to learn. Their new album start with a good song and you think "this is promising". The problem is the CD continues with the same song, with only minor variations, throughout the rest of this album. Same song; new song-titles. This CD are becomes boring after twenty minutes. With a total running time in excess of forty- five minutes, that is not good enough. This is a very average album.
**(*)

Destiny "The Undiscovered Country" CD (GNW)

This Swedish band are true veterans in the scene. After a seven years long pause; they have returned with this album.
Destiny do dark, progressive Power/Heavy Metal in the vein of King Diamond, Savatage and Metal Church. Destiny have their own style and it is almost impossible to describe their music. It therfore takes time to get into this album. The quality of their material are very good. Unfortunately; there are no real outstanding tracks on this album. That is the only negative I can say about this album. It is a solid Power Metal album from a very good band. Give this album a chance.
****

Destiny Dreaming "Water Breaks Stone" CD (B.O.Records)

The German Heavy Metal scene was very strong in the '80. Not in quality, but in quantity. This scene was down and out for about 7-8 years, but it has now returned again. New decade; same shit. Destiny Dreaming can be compared to Queensryche. Only a lot worse. Destiny Dreaming do a slightly progressive version of Heavy Metal. This album is very melodic, but it fails to come up with good melodies. The last half of the album is good, but the first half of this album is close to a total disaster. The band has a lot of talent and they should get another chance. Check out this album if you are into Heavy Metal.
***

Deteriorot "Unholy Return" MCD (demo CD)

…and by the way; this is not Grind Core. Although this American Death Metal trio know how to turn up the speed, their music is more slow and brutal. They remind me a lot about Decomposed from England. I do understand why Deteriorot has attracted a lot of attention from record labels around this globe. The four tracks on this album is very good. Deteriorot know how to craft a good Death Metal composition. Although the material is far from original and very much based on the '90 -'93 Florida Death Metal scene, this is a good demo CD which I recommend. I guess this demo CD will be re-released on a label sometimes in year 2001. It will be worth the wait….
****

Dew Scented "Ill-Natured" CD (Grind Media Syndicate)

This German band are back again with a new ultra-brutal Thrash Metal attack. Somebody would say that Dew- Scented are doing Death Metal, but they are wrong. OK, Dew- Scented's music are bordering to Death Metal during this forty- five minutes of music, but most of their music are fast and solid Thrash Metal. The overall quality is good, indeed. No killer tracks, though…..The band know their trade and I am not surprised to hear that Dew- Scented are rated as one of Germany's best live acts at the moment. A break- through for Dew- Scented outside Germany are long overdue and they should get it with this album.
****

Diabolic “City Of The Dead” MCD (Fadeless Records)

This is the first stage in this band’s supposed assault on this world. The next step is a full album on Conquest Music later this year. Hopefully with far better artwork than on this MCD. Diabolic is doing the normal American Death Metal stuff. Ultra-brutal and technical Death Metal in other words. The quality is OK, without being impressive. It is great to see the arrival of a new generation of American Death Metal bands. I give Diabolic the benefit of the doubt.
***

Diabolical Masquerade "Nightwork" CD (AvantGarde Music)

I have heard a lot of positive things about this band's earlier recordings and I had high hopes when I put this album in my CD player. I was not let down. Diabolical Masquerade is one of Blackheim's (Dissection, etc. etc.) many bands. Dan Swano are one of the guest- musicians on this album. High quality is therefore guaranteed. Diabolical Masquerade do melodic Black Metal, influenced by Heavy Metal. There are some female vocals, keyboards and flute on this album, but this album is mostly dominated by raw vocals and the normal bass/drums/guitars setup. The sound is the typical Swedish Death/Black Metal sound. The quality of the seven tracks on this album is very good indeed. This album is by no means innovative or original, but it is a damn fine metal album. Enjoy !!!
****(*)

Diabolique "Wedding The Grotesque" CD (Black Sun)

Goth Metal without the usual female vocals. Is that really possible ? Yes, it is. It is like Christmas without Santa Claus, but it works. The male vocals are clear, at the same time, very dark. The music is sad and in the melancholy mode. It is supported by some great guitar work and some other great musicians. The material on this release is not instant. You need time on this release. The quality is very good, although this release also has it’s weak points. This is an almost- there release. This band release a new CD in October and we are very much looking forward to that. In the meantime; get yourself a copy of this release.
****
Die Allergie "Dunkelgraue Lieder Fur Das Nachste Jahrtausand" CD (Rise Up)

Behind this long title in German, will you find a Hard Core album from Germany. Hard Core is something I like as much as a bucket of water over my head and the music from the speakers in my office, did not exactly create happiness in my heart. Die Allergie’s brand of Hard Core are pretty extreme and ultra- commercial. I am sure this album will sell hundreds of thousands of copies so my disapproval of this album are not relevant for the matter in any case. I do not like Hard Core and that is all. But when that is said; I have heard far worse albums than this album. I guess Napalm Death fans will love this album.
***

Dies Irae "Etherial" CD (Oz Prod)

Goth Metal has finally reached the shores of Mexico. It seems like nobody will be spared from this plague.... When that is said; this release are a decent release. Dies Irae use all kind of vocals in their melodic brand of Goth Metal. So far; so good. The main problems is the quality of the material. It is simply not good enough. There is no memorable tracks on this release. But this release is a good debut release. Better luck next time.
***

Dim Mak "Enter The Dragon" CD (Dies Irae Prod.)

Dim Mak is the sad remnants of Ripping Corpse. This band released at least one album back in the beginning of the '90 and made a name for themselves as Morbid Angel's favourite band. Eric Rutan from Morbid Angel was a member of Ripping Corpse. The rest of the band formed Dim Mak. There is no major differences between Ripping Corpse and Dim Mak. Chaotic, hyper fast, medium brutal Death Metal with Hard Core vocals and a solid slab of Thrash Metal thrown in. In other words; everything I hate on one single CD. There is nothing I can say I like with this album. The quality of this material is everything but good. There is some good riffs here and there, but they are far between. Dim Mak is at least ten years too late with this album and that is a pity. Not my cup of tea, I am afraid.
**

Dimmu Borgir "Godless Savage Garden" MCD (Nuclear Blast)

I have never taken this band serious. In my view; they do average Black Metal and they are hyped like hell. When it comes down to music, this band has little or nothing special to offer. I have been listening to this MCD during the last days, without getting anything out of it. Dimmu Borgir is the most selling band in the history of Black Metal, and I would put that down to Nuclear Blast’s promotion machine. Dimmu Borgir’s music is not bad. Just very average. Their version of Accept’s "Metal Heart" is also very average. I still need to be convinced about the Dimmu Borgir’s qualities before I take them serious.
***

Dimmu Borgir "Spiritual Black Dimensions" CD (Nuclear Blast)

I guess the hype will go into overdrive with the release of this album. Some of the hype is justified. Dimmu Borgir has not become the biggest band in the Black Metal for no reason. Their music is bloody good. There is no doubt about that.
Dimmu Borgir does symphonic Black Metal. The music is both brutal… and commercial. There is some surprisingly good guitar solos on this album too. I thought guitar solos had been banned from the metal scene five years ago, but I was proven wrong. If Dimmu Borgir has set a new trend…I will be eternal grateful to them. In addition to the guitars, bass, drums and Black Metal vocals setup; Dimmu Borgir also use a lot of keyboards and piano. They have also managed to include some clear male vocals on this album. The result is a good album. It is nothing to get over-the-moon exited about, but it defend some of it's hype. I have to give them that.
I guess that this album will be hated by the "purists" in the Black Metal scene and loved by the rest of the scene and win Dimmu Borgir & the Black Metal scene a lot of new fans and respect. Dimmu Borgir, and Cradle Of Filth, is symbols of the changing times in the Black Metal scene. Black Metal has grown out of the kindergarten and into the world of music. This album is a bloody good album and it might be the first Black Metal album that break through the 500 000 sold copies barrier. Dimmu Borgir actually deserve commercial success with this album. I have to admit that I think this album is brilliant. That is very much against my will.
*****

Disfigured Corpse "Flash Of Pain" CD (Sheer Records)

I was expecting another GrindCore release, but I was wrong. Melodic Death Metal, or modern Death Metal as some choose to call it, is this Czech band's brand of metal. This CD can be compared to Dominius second CD. The vocals are still brutal, but the music is well constructed. A good CD indeed.
****

Disgorge (MEX) "Forensick" CD (Repulse Records)

This is hardly more than a brutality-for-the-sake-of-brutality album. Disgorge from Mexico has massively underperformed on their second album. "Forensick" is just a blurr of very bad Gore Metal. There is no "push" in the sound or any good riffs. This album's socalled brutality has been hidden somewhere in the mix or the mastering. The result is a seriously unimpressive album that is best forgotten.
*(*)

Disgorge (US) "She Lay Gutted" CD (Erebos Prod.)

Brilliant. Two Death/Grind bands from America with the same name. Fantastic. Incredible. In the battle of the two bands; the US band win. The sound and the material is far better than the Mexican incarnation of Disgorge. The lack of originality is there to see. But it is still a good Death/Grind album. The riffs are good and the songs do remind me about some of the old Pungent Stench material. Disgorge actually comes over as a blend of Pungent Stench and Cannibal Corpse. You can do far worse things than listen to this album.
***(*)

Dismal Euphony "All Little Devils" CD (Nuclear Blast)

I have missed out on this Norwegian band's first two albums. If they are in the same vein as this album; I have lost out on something good. Dismal Euphony from Norway does Goth Metal with both female and brutal male vocals. Their style is thankfully not as sane/dull as the rest of the other Goth Metal bands from Nuclear Blast. Dismal Euphony has their own style and they deserve credit for that. The material on this album is also good. Some of the tracks on this album are a bit dull and featureless. If this album had a couple of killer tracks; it would had been a masterpiece. But this is a good Goth Metal album and I am sure Dismal Euphony get the attention they deserve with this album.
****

Dispatched "Promised Land" MCD (Kshatryas Prod.)

This Swedish band do the normal Swedish Black/Metal routine on this MCD. In other words; not to exiting and innovative. There are some good melody lines and good keyboards hooks here and there, but the material really never get off the ground and become really good. But if you are into this kind of music, this MCD should interest you.
***(*)

Dissolving Of Prodigy "Lamentations Of Innocents" CD (Sheer Records)

I heard rumours about this band a long time. According to the rumours; this band was the next big thing in the European Doom Metal scene. When I finally received this CD; I was not let down. This CD can be compare with a more accoustic version of My Dying Bride's first MCD ("Symphonaire..."). The music is total Avant Garde Doom Metal. Lots of violin, sad male- vocals and death- growls. All the eight tracks are great tracks and this is one of my favourite CDs from 1996- 97. The band has just released a new CD and we will come back to it later.
*****

Dog Faced Gods "Random Chaos Theory In Action" CD (GNW)

I was not to willing to risk my sanity on this release when I received it. The cover gave me a warning about a CD with Hard Core or even worse; Industrial Metal, inside this Digi Pack. But I finally had to give in and put the CD in my CD player. The Digi Pack did not include any positive surprises. The music is a blend of Hard Core, Thrash Metal and Industrial Metal. Or modern Death Metal as somebody call it. The music is rather good. The CD has some catchy melodies in the vein of Sepultura. I have actually listen to this album five times. But would I go to a shop and buy a copy of this album if I lived in a more civilized part of this earth than Scotland ? Not a chance in hell, I am afraid.
***

Dolorian "When All The Laughter Has Gone" CD (Wounded Love)

This band from Finland is new to me. Dolorian do a kind of slow, symphonic and atmospheric Black Metal. The problem with this CD, is the total lack of good melodies and quality of their material. Some of it is good, but most of this fifty- three minutes long album is boring and pretty average. Dolorian has by no means done a great, innovative album, but I guess most die-hard Black Metal fans think this album is a breath of fresh air. They are all wrong. If you are into this kind of stuff; this is an album for you.
***

Dominance ”Anthems Of Ancient Splendour” CD (Scarlet)

The title sums up this album. By one reason or another, the Black Metal kids think this planet was a wonderful place some hundred years before they were born. They are either dreaming about the Vikings or the Romans. Or the Saxons, or the…whatever. I have no clue why. A case of being spat-out-of-the-kindergarten, I guess. Behind the fine words about ancient this and that; the music is pretty average melodic Death/Black Metal. I guess the brutal Doom/Goth Metal label also partly fit the bill. The quality is pretty average and nothing to write home about. Another boring album for the masses. Who’s buying ?
*** Lord Loch Lomond

Dorso "Big Monsters Aventura" CD (Inferno Records) Chile

This is a hilarious CD !! The basis is Hard Core, spiced up with Heavy Metal, Death Metal, Funk and Jazz. The result is a strange, but a good release. But it is to much technical masturbation for my liking. Those who are into Meshuggah will like this CD. It is a pity that this CD is difficult to get hold of outside South America. It deserve world wide distribution.
****

Drawn "Plan Be" MCD (Prophecy Prod.)

This MCD are a true gem. It was released back in 1998 and it has sadly been ignored. Only God knows why. It cannot has been ignored because of the music, because the musical standard on the twenty- nine minutes of music is far better than most of the music unleashed from Norway in the last two years. Drawn do a crossover between Progressive Rock and Goth Metal. In short; this means Progressive Rock melody lines and rhythms and Goth Metal female and both male death grunt and clear vocals. This MCD contains of four pieces of music and the overall quality is very, very good. A real killer track would had given this MCD maxium score, but it is still close to get max score. This MCD is going to be glued to my CD player for a long time. Bloody hell !!
*****

Dream Child "Reaching The Golden Gates" CD (Metal Blade)

I am not a fan of melodic, progressive metal. Except from bands like Accept, Iron Maiden, Guns'n'Roses, and Tesla; I cannot stand the spandex trousers Heavy Metal scene from the '80. I find bands like Manowar and Hammerfall pathetic. In other words; Metal Blade has sent the promo CD from this French band into the lion's den and the lion has got the message. I have listen to this album some times, mostly through the speakers in my mortuary, and it is not as bad as I expected. The vocals are the typical, irritating high- pitch Progressive Metal vocals. That aside; the music is not bad. Dream Child has managed to come up with a couple of decent tracks. The rest of the album is a waste of space. But as I said; this type of music is not my cup of tea and those who are into Progressive Metal should take notice.
**

Dream Theater "Falling Into Infinity" CD (EastWest America)

Is this the same band who did the BRILLIANT "When Dream And Day Unite", "Images And Words" and "Awake" albums ??? How is it possible for a band like Dream Theater to release a mediocre album like "Falling Into Eternity" ?? I regard myself to be a Dream Theater fan, but "Falling Into Eternity" is an album I have started to hate after four months listening to it. The quality on the eleven tracks are on disaster level, compared to their earlier stuff. How Dream Theater could release this mediocre album, will always remains a mystery. The music is still Progressive Metal, and that is the only thing I can say about this CD. The music is mediocre. I will always listen to their previous albums. They have all become a part of me. But this album is crap, compared to their earlier albums.
**

Dreams Of Sanity "Masquerade" CD (Hall Of Sermon)

This band from Switzerland has chosen a slightly odd band name. Personally; I am happy to be slightly insane, but everyone has their dreams and aspirations.
The music is, unfortunately, pretty sane and bland Goth Metal/Rock in the vein of The Gathering. The female vocals are OK and the sound is grandiose. They have the same problems as most Goth Metal/Rock band have these days; a lack of good songs. Except from this; Dreams Of Sanity has delivered an acceptable album. Check it out.
***(*)

Drecksau ”Schmerz” CD (Grind Syndicate)

I do not know what they call this kind of music, but I have heard the word “sludgecore” mentioned. Basicly; the music is a blend of Hard Core and Doom Metal. The result is a highly infectious form of metal. You cannot sit still and listen to this album. Full headbanging is required. Which was not particular popular in the office where I work…… This album was made to play loud. It is not particular ground breaking, technical or progressive. Just damn heavy and infectious groovy. Drecksau has a reputation of being a brilliant live band. Based on this album, I would certainly recommend a visit to one of their gigs. This is a very good album and highly recommended.
****

Dunkelgrafen "Im Schatten Der Ewigkeit" CD (Last Episode)

Germany has become one of the super powers in Black Metal…when it comes to quantity. The quality of the releases are still abysmal, with exceptions of some very few bands. Dunkelgrafen are not one of these bands. They deliver thirty-seven minutes of larger-than-life Black Metal on their debut album. You have to be an extreme die-hard Black Metal fan to find any pleasure in this album. I cannot find a single positive word to say about Dunkelgrafen and their new album. Shit is shit.
*

Dying Fetus "Killing On Adrenaline" CD (Morbid Records)

Dying Fetus are back with a new brilliant Death Metal album. During their whole career; this band has established themselves as one of the leading forces in Death Metal. The material on their new album is by no means pioneering material. It is straight Death Metal The American Way. The quality is very high. This is an album those us who are into Death Metal are willing to die for. Those who has yet to understand Death Metal, will hate this album. That is your problem.
*****

Dying Sun "Nondescript" MCD (Attitude)

Sometimes; my promise to be honest in my reviews in these pages, is like a millstone around my neck. I have good contacts with the guys in Dying Sun. They live in Glasgow and I do not want to offend them. But then again; honesty….
Dying Sun do a kind of Stoner Metal, combined with a lot of Indie stuff and some death growls. Dying Sun are venturing into various other styles on this three songs long MCD, without impressing me. Although this band is one of Kerrang's and Terrorizer's favorite British bands; I have still to be convinced about their qualities. Neither of the three tracks are anywhere good. The musicians in Dying Sun are very good though. That is the only positive thing I can say about this MCD.
**

This is reviews from 1998 to 2001. They do not necessary represent my opinions now.

R A T I N G ****** = A brilliant masterpiece ***** = A very good release **** = A good release *** = An average release ** = A mediocre release * = An awful relase

This is reviews from 1998 to 2001.
They do not necessary represent my opinions now.

R A T I N G

**** = A brilliant masterpiece
* = A very good release
= A good release
* = An average release
** = A mediocre release
* = An awful relase