Reviews E

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

Earthcorpse "Born Bleeding" CD (Shiver Records)

This is sadly an ignored release. Earthcorpse do painfully slow, grinding Doom Metal. The vocals are growling and tuned down in the mix. The vocals are almost like an instrument and not the normal, growling vocals.
"Born Bleeding" sounds like a Doom Metal version of Obituary from the "Slowly We Rot" era. But the references to Black Sabbath are also evident. Especially the guitars and the bass. This is a year old release, but put it on your shopping list. This is one of the best releases from 1997.
*****

Earthcorpse "The Taste Of Sin" CD (Shiver Records)

Earthcorpse from Guernsey in the English Channel are back again with their second album. I had high hopes to this album after the brilliant debut album. Earthcorpse's new album has not lived up to my expectations. They has this time chosen to add a lot of Avant Garde influences to their brand of British Doom Metal. The result is British Doom Metal with a large dosage of distorted vocals, guitars and rhythms. But this album is by no means a bad Doom Metal album. Their forty- seven minutes of music are good, but not as good as I expected. But I am sure Earthcorpse has a great future ahead of them. Check out this album.
***(*)

Earthtone 9 "Off Killer Enchantment" CD (Copro)

This Hard Core act from England created a fuzz with their debut album "Lo-def(inition) discord". I am pleased to report that their new (second) album is even better than the debut album. The ideas from the debut has been refined and developed. Their record label call the music New Age Metal. A label which does not say a shit. I think my own label "Haunting, Avant Garde Hard Core" is a far better label. I am perfect so I should know. The music is very brutal and vary between haunting slow to ultra- fast grind blasts. The music has a lot of somber feelings and it also very commercial. References are WE and Fear Factory. I am not a fan of this kind of music, but quality always shines through, whatever my musical preferences. This album is a high quality album. This album is recommended. Even to those who cannot stand Hard Core.
****

Ebony Tears "Tortura Insomniae" CD (Black Sun)

Ebony Tears are the new stars in the Swedish metal scene. They are as predictable as the rest of the scene. They try to carve out their own identity, with use of violin and some female vocals. But 95 % of the release are very much standard Swedish Death Metal. The music is good, but it do not leave any eternal impression. If you are into Swedish Death Metal; this one of the releases you must have. But I am not entirely won over by this release.
***
Ebony Tears "A Handful Of Nothing" CD (Black Sun)

On their second album; Ebony Tears has stripped down their sound. The only thing that remains, is bass, guitars, vocals and drums. This setup do pretty standard Death Metal the Swedish way. I cannot find anything negative to say about this album. On the other hand; there is not much positive to be said about this album too. The material is OK, without any outstanding tracks. There is some good guitar harmonies thrown in here and there for good measure. I hope Ebony Tears has a lot more potential than they show on this album. Otherwise; there is no hope for this band.
***

Eisregen "Zerfall" CD (Last Episode)

This German band has had a listen to the Gothic Black Metal stuff from Scandinavia and has managed to come up with their own version of this stuff. Eisregen do not bring anything new to the scene. Just pure Gothic Black Metal. The quality is good, without being impressive. This is a good Black Metal album and all fans of Black Metal should check it out.
***(*)

Embalmer "There Was Blood Everywhere" MCD (Relapse)

The title says it all. Ultra- fast tempo, spiced up with grinding mid- paced riffs. Add the usual growling and you have the recipe for a typical American Death Metal release.
When that is said; neither Embalmer nor this record is bad. The first four tracks are very good. The remaining four tracks is tracks we have heard thousand of times before. This MCD should appeal to every die- hard Death Metal fan.
***

Embolism "..And We All Hate Ourselves" CD (Erebos Prod.)

Another good Death/Grind album from Slovakia. Embolism has been listening a lot to Haemorrhage, although Embolism's music is a slightly more in the American Death Metal direction than the above mentioned band. Without loosing an inch of brutality. The quality is good throughout, without being impressive. No outstanding tracks though. The music is well crafted and the result is a solid Death/Grind album. No more, no less. Check it out.
*** Lord Loch Lomond

Embraced "In My Dreams..I Am Armageddon" CD
(Aftermath Music)

With an address in Norway and with a typical Black Metal vocal; it is hard not to brand Embraced's debut album as just another Norwegian Black Metal release. Which is a big mistake. Embraced has much more in common with the Swedish Death Metal scene than the Norwegian Black Metal scene. The lyrics are also not in the Black Metal vein.
The average length of the tracks is over six minutes, with one song lasting more than thirteen minutes. The music is intense and brutal. Embraced has included some female vocals to give the music some extra depths. The overall result is good. This album suffer from the most common of all problems; lack of one or two outstanding tracks. Hat would really make a killer out of a good debut album. This album is an obvious choice if you are into Swedish Death Metal. Embraced can be satisfied with their debut album and start to work on the follow up album. I am sure it will be even better than this album.
****

Eminenz "The Blackest Dimension" CD (Last Episode)

These German Black Metal veterans have released some albums before, but this is the first Eminenz album I have heard. Dark, gothic Black Metal is the label that fit their music best. Cradle Of Filth is a good reference. The music is very melodic with some great riffs and melodies. At times, the music is too predictable and stale. But it is still a great album. A friend of mine who are into Eminenz has told me that they have finally come of age on this album. I take his word for it. If dark and gothic Black Metal is your thing, this album should be in your collection of CDs. This is a good album.
**** Lord Loch Lomond

Emperor "Emperial Live Ceremony" CD (Candlight)

A brilliant live album and a true eye opener. Until now, I have not been a fan of Emperor, but I have obviously lost out on something special. The material on this album is brilliant. From old material as "I am the black wizard" to new material like "An elegy of Icaros", the quality is very high. The sound is also brilliant (perhaps too brilliant for a live album). The only negative thing about this album, is that the cuts between the tracks is not flowing. The live feeling is therefore a bit lost. But this album is good enough for me. Then I am off to the record shop to buy the rest of the Emperor albums…..
***** Lord Loch Lomond

Enochian "Night Monumental Evil" CD (Leviathan Records)

I am not sure if this CD is meant as joke or a serious attempt of doing a Black Metal CD. If the band is serious; they have created the worst Black Metal CD I have heard in my life. First of all; the band want us to believe that they are Vikings. They use Norwegian lyrics and I find this hilarious. The band does not have guts enough to create their own identity. Enochian are a copy band and a very bad copy band. Their attempts on creating their own music, fails miserable. This is a CD that should never had been released.
*

Enochian Crescent "Babalon Patrale De Telocuouim" MCD
(AvantGarde Music)

Some bands know how to make a good symphonic, Black Metal recording. This band from Finland has done everything right. The sound is symphonic, brutal and dirty at the same time. The five tracks are melodic and original. The result is a brilliant record. Enochian Crescent has everything to make a great Black Metal band. Watch this space. Great things will follow.
*****

Eros Necropsique "Pathos" CD (Adipocere Records)

Avant Garde music at it’s most extreme. This album is like sitting inside a huge cathedral, listening to psycho, taking out the pain in his tortured soul in a sort of singing/chanting. He is helped out by various acoustic instruments you normally find in a cathedral, before Count Crishnach (Burzum) burn it down. The CD is a very somber release with French lyrics, which give the release a new dimension. Normally; I dislike Avant Garde, but "Pathos" is a release I like a lot.
***

Erytrosy "Incomplete Minds" CD (Metal Age)

Another impressive release from Metal Age Productions (Slovakia). Erytrosy play ultra- brutal Death Metal in the vein of Suffocation and Cannibal Corpse. This CD contains nine brutal Death Metal tracks and you cannot ask for more. It is recommended for all fans of true Death Metal.
****

Eternal Oath "Through The Eyes Of Hatred" CD (Pulverized)

A blend of Goth Metal and Swedish Black Metal is the call here. More Goth Metal than Black Metal, in fact. I am sure this Swedish band has released something on Black Sun or WAR Records before, but I cannot remember this release(s). Their new album is rather good, without being impressive. It is a very typical Swedish metal release. Melodic and brutal at the same time. The sound is very good (recorded in Sunlight by Thomas Skogsberg). The lack of one or two killer tracks is the big problem here. The material is a bit too anonymous. But it is an OK album. If you are into this kind of music, you can do worse things than purchasing this album.
***

Eternal Solstice "Demonic Fertilizer" CD (Displeased)

This band is one of the most underrated Death Metal bands in the world. Eternal Solstice stands for ultra- brutal Death Metal in the best Tri- State tradition.
This CD includes four new songs and the material from the split- CD with Mourning, released on Midian Creation in 1992. This makes this CD to a mixed experience. The new songs are very good, but the old material sounds a bit dated. If you want to check this band out; this is a good start.
****

Even Vast "Hear Me Out" CD (Black Lotus Records)

An Italian band who sounds like The Gathering at their best….. Interesting, indeed. Even Vast has certainly produced one of the best CDs I have heard from an Italian band in ages. Their eight Goth Metal songs on this album are based around the very The Gathering influenced female vocalist Antonietta Scilipoti. Her brilliant voice is a major factor on this album. Her job has been made very easy with the eight, well composed songs on this album. Even Vast has not done the classic mistake of complicate things. They do simple and very effective, straight forward Goth Metal. But there is still a hell of a lot interesting details in their music. Enough to make this a brilliant Goth Metal album. This album is highly recommended.
*****

Evergrey "The Dark Discovery" CD (GNW)

This Swedish band has forgotten one very important rule: You have to include songs in a Heavy Metal release. Besides of this; Evergrey has released an almost perfect release. This album include a very good female and male vocalist, a good guitarist and an almost perfect sound. The artwork in this Digi Pack is also perfect. The big problem is the total lack of good songs. The "songs" on this album goes in one ear and out the other one, without creating any impact at all. What a bloody waste of time.
*

Evoke "Dreaming The Reality" CD (System Shock)

I believe this English band released their debut album on Adipocere Records. Their new album show a Death Metal band in full bloom. This is a technical and ultra- brutal album which take no prisoners. It borders to Grindcore. It is forty minutes of Death Metal in it’s purest form. I fully understand why Evoke are attracting interest from the big labels. Evoke is simply one of the most brutal bands around these days. As long as the music is as good as on this album; they really deserve a break- through. This album is recommended to all true Death Metal fans.
****

Evoken "Embrace The Emptiness" CD (Elegy Records)

I have never been a fan of the Dark Wave scene and this album will not go into the history as my favorite album from 1998. The melodies are based on dark emotions and they are OK. This album has no variations and no life, except from being a wallpaper. Black Metal goes New Age, if you understand what I mean. This album is OK if you need a soundtrack to your suicide.
**(*)

The Eye "Supremacy" CD (Velvet Music Int.)

Another project from the French Black Metal genius Vindsvaal. This time; it is a epic Black Metal opus in the Scandinavian vein. You can clearly hear references to his other project Blut Aus Nord. The Eye is a much more melodic and epic version of Blut Aus Nord. The quality is, as usual from Vindsvaal, very high. This release just confirm that Vindsvaal is the biggest musical talent the Black Metal scene has ever produced. This release more than prove my point.
*****

Exiled "Ascension Of Grace" CD (Slime Records)

Exiled comes from Portugal. On this CD; they do a blend of and Speed and Death Metal. There is nothing special about this release. It is not good, but not bad either. It is just boring. Another average release.
***

Faerghail "Horizon's Fall" CD (Shiver Records)

More Black Metal from Finland…… Does the Scandinavian youth of today have a life, except of unleashing Black Metal albums on the rest of the world ??? I just wonder……..
Faerghail's music is actually very good. They combine grim Black Metal with some elements from Goth Metal and Prog Rock. This include female vox and piano. The whole feeling in this album is melancholic. This is very good indeed. Faerghail has by no means invented the wheel with this album. But this album is certainly among the best Black Metal albums I have heard from Scandinavia in the last months. You can add Faerghail to your list of talented Black Metal bands from this region of this doomed planet.
***

Fangorn "Non- Rhapsodian" CD (G.U.C. Records)

The well known German metal magazine G.U.C. -‘Zine has taken things into their own hands and released a CD. Fangorn is a German metal band and the first band to release a CD on C.U.C Records.
It is difficult to describe this CD ‘cause it is very varied. Female vocals, Black Metal vocals and growling are not often to find on the same CDs. The music very brutal and a mix of Goth, Thrash, Death and Heavy Metal. The quality is high on all eleven tracks. If you are into brutal metal, you should check out this release.
****

Fifth Reason " Psychotic" CD (Heathendoom Music)

This is an interesting release. Fifth Reason consist of ex- members of Tad Morose, Memory Garden, Hexenhaus, Memento Mori and Abstract Algebra. This CD has been produced Mike Wead from Mercyful Fate. It should be obvious what kind of metal Fifth Reason are doing. This release are influenced by all these bands. But I would also include Sanctuary in this list. For those who do not know these bands; The music on this CD are a blend of Doom Metal and Progressive Metal. Without any female vocals and keyboards. This is certainly a release you should check out if you are into metal. This band has a future.
****

Fiurach “Chaosspawner” CD (Scarlet)

I thought I had seen the last of the Sci-fi Thrash/Speed Metal scene ten years ago, but Fiurach from Italy has decided to haunt me with their debut album. Fiurach’s earlier name was Agarthi and they released a MCD through Red Stream Records. Fiurach venture into all kinds of extreme metal on this album. Without making any impact. The material is pretty bland, with some very few inspired moments thrown in for good measure. Not impressive in mine ears. If technical metal is your cup of tea; this album might make your day. But not mine.
**

Fleshcrawl "Bloodsoul" CD (Black Mark)

This is this German Death Metal bands third release on the commercial metal label Black Mark. Incredible. Fleshcrawl do straight- forward Death Metal with as much commercial appeal as dirt in a bakery. The quality is OK, without impressing. Fleshcrawl is a good band who prefer to wander along the broad path instead of taking musical or commercial chances. Well, why not ?
***

Fleshless/Mastic Scum "Free Of Pain/Fake" split CD (Obscene)

Fleshless deliver technical, brilliant Death Metal in the best Florida tradition. Their seven tracks are brilliant. Keep an eye on this band.
Mastic Scum delivers eleven tracks of pointless, boring GrindCore in the vein of Napalm Death. But the band have a solid fan- base in Eastern Europe so they might be a lot better live than on CD.
***

Flotsam & Jetsam "Unnatural Selection" CD (Metal Blade)

I have always had a great deal of respect and affection for this band. Their two first albums, released over ten years ago, "Doomsday For The Deceiver" and "No Place For Disgrace" are two Thrash Metal classics. The four following albums was not that good, but it is fair to say that Flotsam & Jetsam has never produced a weak album. The quality has been good throughout their career. Flotsam & Jetsam are a very undervalued band. The main reason is their sound, which is far from commercial. Their sound is a mix of aggression, combined with a lot of maturity and sadness. You can call it a reflective & philosophical sound. I find their sound very fascinating. The material on this album is not sensational good. This album is too anonymous to be a best- seller. Give this album some time and you will see that it has a lot of qualities. This album is not as good as "No Place For The Disgraced" or "Quatro", but it is still worth an investment. Support these veterans.
****

Forbidden Site "Sturm Und Drang" CD (Solistitium)

A blend of Black Metal and Goth is what we get here. The booklet on this CD promise a lot, but this French band are not able to deliver. Bad musicians is one of the reasons. Lack of good ideas is another reason. The music on this CD goes in one ear and out the other one, without leaving any kind of impression in the small, but vital gray brain-cells between the ears. This CD is a good alternative to sleeping pills. I guess this CD fit the label "alternative medicine".
*

Forefather "Deep Into Time" CD (Angelisc Enterprises)

It hurt my Scottish pride to say something nice about things from England, but…..
Forefather comes from England and they are actually a very good band. By far, the best new Black Metal band I have heard from U.K. in the last five years. I would put Forefather right up there, together with Cradle Of Filth. Not in musically similarities because the two bands are very different, but in terms of ability and originality. Forefather has managed to renew the whole Black Metal concept with their music. The music is Black Metal, with strong elements of English folk music and guitar based Heavy Metal. Not miles away from Waylander and Burzum, but still very original. The vocals are a mix of clear vocals and Black & Death Metal vocals. The music is very good and at times; brilliant. The result is one of the best Black Metal albums released this year. Forefather is going to be huge, if they continue down the same path as they have followed on this album.
There must be some Scottish blood in the veins of the two guys in Forefather….. it is simply impossible for two Englishmen to create as good music as on this album.
*****

Forefather "The Fighting Man" CD (Angelic Ent)

…and Forefather has released the album I predicted back in '99 that they would do. At that time, I said that Forefather was as good as Cradle Of Filth. Based on their new album and their previous (debut) album, Forefather has left Cradle Of Filth for dead and taken over the position as the best Black Metal band in UK. Not only that, "The Fighting Man" is simply one of the best Black Metal albums ever to have seen the light of day. Why ?? The music on this forty minutes long epic is a blend of Waylander, Skyclad and Burzum. In other words, both folky (Folk Music) and brutal (Black Metal). I guess the term Viking Metal is not too far away from this music. It is almost unbelievable that Forefather only consists of two (2 !!) members. Their music is not the most technical music in the world, but there are still a lot of details in the nine tracks to keep me interested. The beginning of this album is very much more Black Metal (Burzum) oriented than the end of the album, which is almost a pure Folk Rock album. The sound is great throughout the album. Any highlights on the album ?? Actually, all nine tracks are obscene brilliant. If pressed to choose two favourite tracks, I would go for "A New Dawn" and "The Paths Of Yesterdays".
If you are going to buy one Black Metal album this year, get this one. If you are going to buy two Black Metal albums this year, buy their debut album "Deep Into Time" too. What more can I say other than to give this album top marks ???
******

Forgive Me Not "Tearfall" CD (Metalagen Rec.)

Even the Russians has picked up ultra- commercial Goth Metal these days… Forgive Me Not are actually one of the better Goth Metal bands at the moment. Their Goth Metal are very close to Rock and Pop, with a lot of very good guitar harmonies and catchy melodies. In other words; typical Stadium Rock music. I am sure this band is a hell of a good live band. This album is a very good Goth Metal album and it deserve a lot of attention. I am sure we will hear a lot more of this band in the future. They deserve it.
****

Frank's Enemy "Illumination" CD (Cling Records)

The Christians fascination for Death Metal has lasted for several years and they are now a major, commercial factor in the Death Metal scene. Frank's Enemy is one of the best Christian extreme metal bands. Their second album, are bordering to GrindCore. Frank's Enemy blend in a lot of musical genres in their music and they are not confined to the Death Metal genre. The quality of their material is OK. The main problem is the huge variations in music styles between each track. I almost get the feeling that this is a compilation album. But this album has it's highlights. Check out this album.
***

Funeral Mist "Devilry" MCD (Shadow Records)

What a band name !! In my ten years in the business, I cannot remember conditions like that, but…. That aside, this is another Swedish Black Metal band. They do ultra- brutal, technical Black Metal. At least on three of their songs. The fourth one (track four) are pretty melodic and epic. The overall result is not bad. This two man band know what they are doing. On the negative side; the band has yet to find their own identity. If they manage to find a label who are willing to release a full album with them; this might be a band with a future.
***

Funereum "Reflections In Metaphysica" CD (Nocturnal Music)

Gothic Black Metal is not my cup of tea. This release from this Italian band include everything you expect from a Goth release. Accoustic instruments, female vocals and strange lyrics. Funereum has forgotten one important details; good songs. This release never "take of". It is just plain boring. The band deserve credit for their no- compromise attitude, but nothing more.
**

Gaahlskagg "Erotic Funeral" CD (No Color Rec.)

Consisting of members of Gorgoroth and Trelldom, this Norwegian project is doing primitive, ultra- brutal and epic Black Metal in the Norwegian vein. Names as Mysticum and Gorgoroth pops up when comparisons are made. Gaahlskagg is perhaps more industrial and avant-garde than the average Norwegian Black Metal band. The quality is high throughout this album. At times; very high, indeed. My favourite track is the magnificent "Skullfuck". This is an album well worth the investment.
****

Galactic Cowboys "At The End Of The Day" CD (Metal Blade)

The fifth album from this Hard Rock band has been unleashed on us and not much has changed. They still sound like King's X. I am not a fan of this kind of metal, but this album is a welcome break from the normal Goth or ultra-brutal stuff I get from various labels and promotion companies.
After a while, I have come to really like this album. Galactic Cowboys operate in the same area as King's X. In other words; Hard Rock, with a lot of references to The Beatles, Sub Pop and Indie Rock. The material on this album is very good and I am not surprised to see that other music writers has given this album full marks. Although the music on this album is great, there are no classic songs on this album. That is the only negative thing I can say about this album.
If you are going to buy one Hard Rock album this year; please make sure that you check out this album before you fork out money on another album. It is a great shame that bands like Galactic Cowboys never get the commercial success they deserve. What a waste of time and human lives.
****(*)

The Gallery "Fateful Passion" CD (Hall Of Sermon)

This is the Swiss band's second album. If their first album is as good as this album, we are talking about a brilliant Goth Metal band. The music on this album is melodic Goth Metal. The material is varied with all kind of vocals. The music is based on guitars and not mountains of keyboards. Very refreshing, in my ears. They have also done a version of the Norwegian pop- band A-HA's classic "The Sun Always Shine On TV". A bloody good version, it is. This is a very good Goth Metal album and I recommend it. Switzerland is more than Lacrimosa.
*****

Gallows "The Butterfly" CD (Unicorn)

Brutal Doom Metal with Black Metal vocals are the recipe for this Israeli band first assault on the metal scene. The material on this CD are sometimes great; sometimes good; sometimes bad. As I gather from the booklet; the CD are based on some demos and this might explain why the quality vary from track to track. This CD is also badly let down by the sound quality. I hope that Gallows get a new chance because I do not believe that this CD do them justice. Good luck next time.
***

Gardenian “Soulburner” CD (Nuclear Blast)

After their debut album on Listenable Records, Gardenian has ended up on Nuclear Blast. No surprise here. The same goes for the music. Gardenian has come up with a melodic Death/Thrash Metal album. Very commercial and bank manager friendly these days. The sound is, as expected from a Nuclear Blast band, very professional and polished. Yet again, no surprises. Surprises is not a word I would use on the stuff from Gardenian. This band is milking the Swedish metal scene for what it is worth and adding a solid dosage of Sepultura and Iron Maiden in addition. The final brew is OK, but nothing more than that. I am sorry, but this album fail to stir up any emotions in my decomposing soul. Neither negative or positive. Check out this album for yourself.
***

Garden Of Shadows "Heart Of The Corona" CD
(X- Rated Records)

Atmospheric Death Metal is what this Mexican record label try to tell us Garden Of Shadows do. Well, Doom Metal is a more fitting label on Garden Of Shadows music. And they do damn good Doom Metal too. The vocals & guitars are brutal and the music is epic & melodic. The overall quality on the material on their album is very good. This is a CD well worth checking out if you are into brutal & epic Doom Metal. On reflection; maybe this album is an Atmospheric Death Metal album after all ? Sorry, guys….
****

Gardens Of Gehenna "Mortem Saluta" CD (Shiver)

Garden Of Gehenna from Germany has put the word "doom" into Doom Metal again. The referenses to Richard Wagner are many. The CD was recorded in Bayreuth; the birth place of Richard Wagner.
Garden Of Gehenna's brand of Doom Metal is very dark, doomy and brutal. No female vocals her. Instead; a growling Death Metal vocal that will give music lovers countless nightmares. The music is very good. On the negative side; I miss a real killer track that would lift the CD onto a higher level. But the band should have a great future. This CD is recommended to all Doom Metal fans.
****(*)

Genocidio "Hoctaedrom" CD (Molten Metal/Hellion) Brazil

Death Metal from Brazil...with a difference. It seems like this CD is a compilation of various recordings, ‘cause the material vary to much from each song. The basic problems with this CD and this band is the lack of own identity. The material is simply not up to the standard we should expect from a band from Brazil.
**

Ghoulvault "Woityla Masturbation" MCD (Dawn Of Sadness)

Violent Black Metal is the label the record label has put on this MCD. Infernal Black Metal from the asylum would also cover the contents of this disc. This MCD contains some insane screaming, with some very brutal Black Metal tracks in between. The music is pretty average and nothing to shout about. The average Black Metal fan will probably avoid this MCD because it is to avant garde and brutal. This is an insane release, made by insane people, for insane people. That's conclude this review.
***

Giants Causeway "Destination: Insecure" CD (Serenades Records)

This is the third album from this German Goth/Dark Wave act. As usual; I have not heard their first two releases, so this is my first meeting with this band.
The material on this release is very mainstream. Almost like Rock. This release could had been released by a band like Garbage. The feeling on this album is very dark and very German, with the spirit of Richard Wagner very evident in this album. You find the usual Goth female vocals on this album. The material is good, without being brilliant. I guess this album would appeal to all Goth fans. It is not my cup of tea.
***

Glacial Fear "Frames" CD (Nocturnal Music)

Italy has produced some good metal bands in the last years. Glacial Fear is one of the best. This band released a MCD some years ago. Ultra- technical Death Metal was their music that time. Glacial Fear has made total change on their debut album. This time; they do Avant Garde Death Metal. The vocals are both death grunts and female vocals. They have also included a lot of keyboards on this CD. There is also plenty of guitar harmonies. But the music is still very brutal. The material on this release is very good, with a lot of very interesting details. Glacial Fear has matured on this release and they should have a long career ahead of them. I hope….
*****

Gladiator "Made Of Pain" CD (Skvrna Records)

Thrash/Speed Metal has never gone out of fashion in Eastern Europe. This has given the metal scene in these countries it's bad reputation. Gladiator is one of these dinosaur bands. Their CD is pure crap Thrash/Speed Metal. This is CDs I would prefer is not in my possession when I die. I have my reputation to think about.
*

Goden "Episode Of The Apostle" MCD (Agony Records)

Goden are another great band from Holland. Their music is rooted in Doom Metal, but they also venture into Death and Thrash Metal territory on this MCD. Their music is in other words very varied. The main reason is that Goden has written some good songs on this release. The result is a good and very promising release. I am sure we will hear more about this band in the future. I give my thumbs up to this MCD.
****

Godgory "Resurrection" CD (Nuclear Blast)

There are some disturbing similarities between Godgory and Darkseed. Both started up on Invasion Records and were very good prospects at that time. Then they sign on Nuclear Blast and the standard of their work, fall like a stone. I have commissioned a group of scientists from Strathclyde University to look into this matter. This serious scientific report will be released later this year.
Back to Godgory and their new CD. As indicated above; this is far from an acceptable release. Godgory do Goth Metal in the German, bombastic way. The music is overstated and overdone. Worst of all; this album completely miss out on any good tunes and riffs. There are some few positive signs on this album; most notably the Accept cover, but they are far between. This album is a huge disappointment.
**

Godkiller "The End Of The World" CD (Wounded Love Records)

If this is the same band who released the bloody awful "The Rebirth Of The Middle Ages" MCD some years ago on the same label; they have had a 180 degree change of direction. Today's version of Godkiller do a blend of Black Metal and trendy, electronic Industrial Metal. Their new album is very commercial. The music is not impressive and it tends to become very boring. I am sure this album will fill the dance floor (our office cat, Sir Lucifer, was actually dancing when we put on this CD), but I cannot find any other use for this CD. There are some good parts on this CD, but they are not many enough to salvage this album from a near disaster. Godkiller remains a band without interest to me.
**

Godless Truth "Desperation" CD (Deadsun Records)

The Czech Republic are still producing good Death Metal bands. Godless Truth are one of them. Their brand of Death Metal are both melodic, brutal and technical. With a lot of flair. The result is a good Death Metal release. It has both some real good tracks and some average ones too. This band has a lot of talent and it is a matter of giving this band a good record deal on a big record label and this band will become the next big thing in Death Metal. Mark my words.
****

Golgotha "The Way Of Confusion" '3 MCD (Repulse)

Four old songs from Golgotha released on one '3. A good release because some of the songs are taken from their classic "Caves Of Mind" MCD and this MCD has not been available for a long time. I regard Golgotha as one of the best European Doom Metal bands and this '3 prove my point. I am really looking forward to their new CD, who will be released through Repulse later this year. In the meantime; this '3 will keep me happy.
****

Golgotha "Elemental Changes" CD (Repulse)

It would take a miracle to come up with an album as good as their debut album "Melancholy" from 1995. This is one of the best Doom Metal albums done by a European band. "Elemental Changes" follows in the same path as "Melancholy". A mix of aggressive, melodic and symphonic music. Golgotha certainly has their very own style. The eleven tracks are all great. The only negative thing to be said about this album is the lack of a killer track. But that does not diminish this album. If you are into Doom/Goth Metal; this is an obvious purchase. As a bonus; you get Golgotha's untraditional cover version of the Kiss classic "Love Gun". Not to be missed….
*****

Gooseflesh "Welcome To Suffer Age" MCD (GoldTrack Records)

I thought GoldTrack only released Prog and Heavy Metal. Gooseflesh are certainly not one of these bands. We got the first warning on the Sepultura tribute CD (out on Black Sun. See review) where they did a good version of "Slave New World". Gooseflesh do brutal and catchy technical Thrash Metal/Hard Core. The material in this twenty minutes long MCD are very good. The MCD do not leave any doubt that Gooseflesh has a great career ahead of them. I cannot wait to hear their debut album.
****

Gorelust "Reign Of Lunacy" CD (Cryptic Soul Prod.)

You cannot keep a good release away from the market. This release was released on New World Symphony Records (Canada) back in 1995. This record label went bankrupt and Cryptic Soul Production bought the rights for this release and added some extra tracks, including a brilliant version of Kreator’s classic "Extreme Aggression". Gorelust do ultra- brutal Death Metal the American way. The music is great and this band is well worth following with interest. My doctor has ordered me to listen to more good Death Metal releases and this release will give me a good health during this summer.
****

Gothic "Criminal Art Motivations" CD (Apparition Ent.)

This French cult act has finally released their debut album. Or rather a collection of material earlier unleashed on tapes and '7. Gothic's blend of Death/Black Metal is extreme, chaotic and violent, with some industrial tracks thrown into this brew. The quality of this material is not particular impressive. Gothic does not have any of the qualities a good band have. Which means that this album falls flat on it's face. There is some decent tracks on this album and that is all.
**

Gothic Sex "Laments" CD (Repulse Records)

No, this is not a printing error. Repulse Records HAS finally released a Goth release. Gothic Sex from Spain. began their career back in 1989. They have released three albums on some small labels before they ended up on Repulse. The music on this release is brutal and melodic Goth, with death grunts, female vocals and plenty of majestic melody lines. The problem is the lack of good songs. There is no outstanding tracks on this CD. This is only a decent Goth release and nothing more. This is an album only for the Goth fans, I am afraid.
***

Graphic Violence "Graphic Violence" CD (Conspiracy Records) ‘98

I am amazed that we have seen a return of second rate Speed/Thrash Metal in the last two years. This type of music is so pointless that it defy belief. Like this album. The vocals are horrendous, the music are horrendous and the rest of the package are not better. It is like trying to outrun a Ferrari on a highway. This is a bloody awful album. Send both the band and this album to a museum.
*

Graveworm "Underneath The Crescent Moon" MCD (Serenades)

Gothic Black Metal has become the leading metal trend in the last two years and Graveworm from Italy has jumped on the bandwagon. This MCD opens with some average grim Black Metal, followed by some female vocals and acoustic, goth inspired music, which then again is followed by some Doom Metal. This MCD is so bloody typical for this epidemic Gothic Black Metal scene. This MCD is so standard as it can get. Why waste time on releases like this ??
**

The Great Kat "Guitar Goddess" MCD (The Great Kat)

Those who have read the interview with The Great Kat (if you have not done so; do it) know that The Great Kat has some very strong views on her music and this release. It would be very easy to slag this MCD off, but that would be too easy. It is a fact that The Great Kat is taken dead serious in the music scene in USA. She has got more PR in serious newspapers than all other underground metal acts......put together. We got a very professional promo package from The Great Kat. Her web- site is also very impressing. Even the best underground labels has a hell of a lot to learn from The Great Kat when it comes to marketing. She know what she is doing. There is no doubt about that.
It is a pity that her music do not match the rest of the package. Punk and Speed Metal blended with Classical Music is a very radical blend of music styles. The Great Kat call this blend Cyberspeed.
The music is wild and furious. The Great Kat’s versions of Rossini’s "The Barber In Seville" and Sarasata’s Gypsy Violin Waltz is pure vandalism, to put it mildly. Very entertaining....
This is a very original MCD from a very original artist. The Great Kat are exploring new ground with this MCD. The metal scene need artists like The Great Kat, who take huge chances and sometimes fails. There is not many artists like The Great Kat in the metal scene.
The Great Kat’s next project is the desecration of Vivaldi’s "The Four Seasons". I cannot wait....
**
The Great Kat "Bloody Vivaldi" CD (The Great Kat)

The Great Kat are back again. This release is very good marketed and the music are simply not up to standard, to put it mildly. She desecrate the memory of Vivaldi on this CD and she get some free publicity on this. The Great Kat’s only asset, is her ability to shock. Both with her insane music and her visual effects. Like the front cover on this CD and her videos. She sell CDs on her reputation and notoriety. Her fans are either nutcases or understand the humour behind The Great Kat. Even my grandmother are able to come up with material like "Bloody Vivaldi". If I was The Great Kat; I would re-consider my position. She has now released four albums with the same concept. It is time to come up with something new, before she become boring and predictable.
If you think ultra- fast guitar masturbation and insane female screaming are your kind of music; order this release.
* (her music) or **** (for a laugh)

Grievance "Grievance" MCD (Head Not Found)

This MCD was released during the summer of 1998, but as always with Head Not Found and their worldwide distributor Voices Of Wonder; the promotion are crap or non- existent.
I guess this band is from Norway, but I am not sure. Their record label has not bothered putting their address on this MCD. The music is straight forward symphonic Black Metal the Norwegian way. The quality on the three proper tracks are good. Grievance know what they are doing and they are highly talented. Their brand of Black Metal are both melodic and brutal. Grievance has established themselves as a band well worth checking out.
There is rumors about a full length album from Grievance, but I cannot confirm this. The activities of Head Not Found and Voices Of Wonder are hidden in a thick layer of fog. If you can find this MCD and the full length album; buy it (them). This band deserve all support they can get and a record contract on a decent record label.
****

Grin "L.P.M." MCD (..And Puppets For All)

These Germans has delivered twenty- two minutes with pure aggressive Thrash/Death Metal and nothing else. Just pure aggression and no finesse. It is like sending empty oil drums down a mountain. The sounds (music) is pretty average and nothing to write home about. Grin could at least try to vary their one- dimensional music. But I am sure this band is a hell of a live band. In a living room, over the speakers of hi-fi system late August night; their music sounds pretty abysmal.
**

Groinchurn "Fink" CD (Morbid Records)

This is the first album I have heard from the much talked about Groinchurn from South Africa. These grindsters created a fuzz with their first album. They were quickly signed up by Morbid Records and the result is their second release "Fink". The music is certainly not as brutal as I expected. The music is more like groovy Rock'N'Grind than straight GrindCore. This make this release very varied. The result is a good release. It will be very interesting to follow this band in the future.
****

Groinchurn "Already Dead" '3 MCD (Happy Hamster Rec.)

The average length of the six songs on this MCD, are two minutes. In other words; we are talking about another GrindCore release from South Africa's premier Grind monger. Two of the tracks are live tracks and the remaining four tracks are collected from Groinchurn's long career. The quality is OK, but nothing more than that. This '3 is a collector's item for die hard GrindCore fans and that's it.
***

Grotesque "In The Embrace Of Evil" CD (Black Sun)

This is a re-release of another old and (almost) forgotten Swedish Death Metal release. The music is old style Death/Black Metal. Chaotic, fast and brutal. The material are good and justify the re- release of this old release, although it cannot be called a classic. Check out this release.
***

Haemorrhage "Grume" CD (Morbid Records)

The Spanish masters of gore deliver fourteen tracks with useful information for every hobby surgeons. After a careful study of the lyrics, you should be in business. Put the CD on full volume in your chosen operation- theatre (for example the living room) and your patient would be able to follow every step of the operation. After the operation, sit down and enjoy this CD again with your granny.
By the way; this CD are recommended if you are into Death Metal in the vein of Autopsy.
***
Hades "Savior Self" CD (Metal Blade)

This American band has had a remarkable career. Their first two albums were released ten years ago. Then there was a total silence, except from a string of reunion gigs, until last year when they released their third album "Exist To Resist". That album was made up by over ten years old songs. Their new album "Savior Self" contains new material and it is a pretty impressive album. "Savior Self" contains of over thirty-six minutes of aggressive, dark, progressive Power Metal. A good reference are Flotsam & Jetsam, although Hades certainly have an original sound. All eleven songs are very good, although a bit bland. I hope I do not have to wait another ten years for the next Hades album. This band certainly know what metal is about.
****

Hadez "Even If You Died A Thousand Death" CD (System Beyond)

Some mythical bands should remain just that and never release anything. Hadez is one of these bands. I have been waiting for 7-8 years for Hadez (Chile) debut album. When I received the promo version of this album, I have to say that this long wait has been wasted. Behind this Hadez hype, is there some Death/Black Metal in the South American vein. The music is chaotic with some "spooky" keyboards thrown in now and then. The sound is primitive and not helped by the very bad vocals. The quality on Hadez material is not very impressive. There are some good ideas well hidden in some of the tracks, but they are far between. This album would have impressed me 15 years ago, but not today. The world has moved on and left Hadez behind in nowhere land. Not good !!!!
**

Handful Of Hate "Qliphothic Supremacy" CD (Northern Darkness Records)

The booklet leaves no doubts. I have to suffer through another fortyfive minutes with average Black Metal. After the fortyfive minutes of torture; I am left with one, big question: Who's the fuck is buying a release like this ? The material are so average on this album that every Black Metal fans with respect for themselves, must have heard the music on this album done thousand times before by far better bands than Handful Of Hate. I find it difficult to take this album serious. The booklet and the song titles are a stupid Black Metal cliché. I am sure Handful Of Hate must scare the shit out of the children in the local kindergarten. Only children would take this band and this hopeless record serious. My copy of this crap release has been donated to my local kindergarten. I am sure they will like it more than I do.
*

Hateplow "Everybody Dies" CD (System Shock)

The art- work did not give me much hope. It is a stern warning about the kind of shit some labels release these days. You know; political correct Sepultura/Fear Factory clones with the latest fashion accessories and skate-boards under their arms. Harghhh !!! Harghhh !!! Harghhhhh !!!!!!!!!!!
But Hateplow are not that bad, although I have my doubts about their Death Metal credibility. I think it is wise that I have not been shown a picture of the band….. That aside; Hateplow do Death Metal, heavy influenced by Hard Core. The music is very fast & brutal, indeed. The material are quite average, but nothing more. I am sure the hip-hop shagger element of the metal scene will love this CD. Their problem is that they do not know how good Death Metal is. This is not a Death Metal album.
***

Det Hedenske Folk/Abyssic Hate "Split CD" CD (Bloodless Creation)

Those who are into ultra- brutal Black Metal with shitty sound, should check out this split CD. Det Hedenske Folk include Abbath from Immortal and their three tracks are OK. The same can also be said about Abyssic Hate's six tracks. Overall; this is a good split CD.
***(*)

Helgrindr "Cold Might Of Winter War" CD (Velvet Music)

French band with Norwegian Viking names and countless other references to Norwegian winters… Hmm, I am not sure if this band should be taken serious. Then their epic Black Metal hit my ears and I am convinced that Helgrindr is a bunch of pompous arseholes. The forty three minutes of Black Metal, are badly under-produced, with all the right Black Metal cliches. I guess Helgrindr has just been spat out of a kindergarten. You must be an incurable Black Metal 'ead to enjoy this brainless crap.
*

Hellstorm "Fucking Bleed" CD (Head Not Found)

This review is based on a tape I got from a friend of the band. Hellstorm from Norway do a blend of Speed and Black Metal. I have been told that Hellstorm do not take themselves too serious. Which explain why the music is fast and furious, without any variation to speak off. The quality of their music is actually quite good, although it is not a release with a long lifespan. The music is OK for half an hour, but not longer. If I can find this CD in a shop in U.K., I might consider a purchase.
***(*)

Hexecution "Beyond All Evil" MCD (JMG)

United Kingdom are not exactly overcrowded with melodic Death Metal bands at the moment. The scene is pretty dead. Hexecution has not produced the most inspiring melodic Death Metal release either. Their fourteen minutes of music are pretty average, with some inspired moments thrown in here and there for good measure. But Hexecution are talented and I am looking forward to their debut album, who are set to be unleashed later this year.
***(*)

Hideous Mangleus "All Your Friends Are Dead" CD (Ecocentric Rec.)

Nice title of this album…and it get even nicer. The music is extreme Gore Metal/Grindcore. The lyrics are actually very serious, dealing with the sick things that surround us in this society. The music is brutal as hell. The overall quality is good. I would certainly say that this band from USA are one of the best Grindcore bands at the moment. The references to Carcass are many, but Hideous Mangleus has their own style. This is a good album, which will also please Death Metal fans, in addition to the Grindcore fans. Check it out.
****

Hin Onde "Songs Of Battle" CD (Aftermath Music)

This band from Finland tries to be everything at all time. Their brand of Black Metal are supposed to be rooted in Folk Music, but their music are equally as rooted in German Heavy Metal as Folk Music. One of the first tracks are also very Art Rock (Master Of Reality) inspired. To a certain extent, Hin Onde can be compared to the masters of this genre; Forefather. But where Forefather is just brilliant, I have my doubts about Hin Onde. The sound is not great and I am a determined hater of German Heavy Metal. Which there is too much off on this album. But the tracks where Hin Onde's brand of Black Metal is in the Folk Music vein is great tracks. This band has a lot of talent and a debut album will never be more than just that. I guess we will hear a lot more of this band in the years to come. Check out this album yourself and make up your own mind. I am a bit undecided.
***(*)

Hollow "Architect Of The Mind" CD (Nuclear Blast)

Oh, no. The worst elements from the Heavy Metal scene are back again. That means….no, I do not have to describe the type of music I refer to. Those with good memory, will know what I say. You find all the Heavy Metal cliches on Hollow's second album. This album is also free of good melodies and interesting details. I guess this album will go down well among Heavy Metal fans in Germany, but not in my grave.
*

Horna "Kohti Yhdeksan Nousua" CD (Solistitium Records)

Wild, extreme Black Metal from Finland. The references to The New Norwegian Wave Of Black Metal are many. This CD is so average Black Metal that you have to be dedicated Black Metal fan to get anything out of this release. I have far better things to spend money on than this release. Another CD for the Black Metal horde.
**

Hypocrisy "Hypocrisy Destroys Wacken" CD (Nuclear Blast)

Hypocrisy has finally made it into a live-album status band. This band is a very underrated band in my view and they prove that they deserve more credit than they have got so far. This live album include eleven of the best tracks Hypocrisy has graced this planet with through their long career. Hypocrisy has also included four studio tracks on this album and they are all very good tracks. This album is full of life, energy and sophisticated Death Metal. That is exactly the essence of Hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy has decided to continue after a lot of speculations about a split. A new album will be released later this year. I am among those who cannot wait to put that album in my CD player. In the meantime; enjoy this album.
*****

Hypocrisy "Hypocrisy" CD (Nuclear Blast)

This is a strange release…. I get the feeling that this CD include several different bands; not Hypocrisy. My point is that the variations between the different music- styles are huge on this album. From straight Thrash/Death Metal to Goth Metal. I really like that bands try to put some musical variations in their releases, but Hypocrisy has taken it too far. When that is said; the quality on the material on this CD is very good. This is a great album. Hypocrisy has gone a far way from "Penetralia" and those who still love that album, will hate this album. But that is musical development for you. "Hypocrisy" contains of forty- five minutes of potent metal and that is all I can say.
****

Immolation "Failure For Gods" CD (Metal Blade)

I don't really know what to say….. I wish this CD was a really killer so I could be nice to Immolation. These veterans from USA's new CD is not a killer and that creates a bit of a problem for me… Immolation has by no means released a bad CD. This is a very solid Death Metal album with some very good tracks. The main problem is that Immolation has created an album with a lot of recycled ideas. Immolation is at the moment running around in a narrow circle. The result is music for the Death Metal purists and only them. Like for example myself, if the truth is to be told. But even I have problems with this CD. If Immolation had incorporated a couple of new, but not radical, ideas on this album; the result would had been brilliant. Immolation has chosen to follow the safe middle-of-the-road Death Metal route and the result is only a good, solid Death Metal album. Where bands like Malevolent Creation and Vader has developed; Immolation has stagnated. Like it if you want.
****
Immortal "Damned In Black" CD (Osmose Prod.)

I have never been a fan of this band and this album will not change anything. Immortal's intense one dimensional Black Metal has been very hyped in my view. This album is no exception from that rule. Immortal has slowed down since the first albums and that is a pity. But Immortal has not added anything interesting into their sound. The result is therefore a pretty average Black Metal band. "Damned In Black" is well crafted and safe Black Metal album. Nothing more. I prefer other Norwegian bands instead of Immortal. Immortal have now left Osmose and joined the scapheap of metal (Nuclear Blast). Why ??
***

Immortal Dominion "Endure" CD (Immortal Dominion)

This is an original brutal metal release. The music is rooted in Death Metal, but it often venture into Heavy, Thrash and Speed Metal territory. You can call this band a blend of Pantera and Mortification. The quality on the material is good. The only negative thing, is the lack of good and memorable songs. This band has tons of talent and well worth following with interest. It is just a matter of time before they get their well deserved break through. But not with this release. A big plus for the art- work.
Go to our links page and order this CD through their web- site.
***(*)

Impiety "Skullfucking Armageddon" CD (Impiety)

After an impressive MCD some years ago, Singapore's darkest sons are back again. The title of the album really says it all. Ultra-brutal Thrash/Black Metal is what you expect and that is what you get. But where many bands fail, Impiety succeed. Impiety do retro-Black Metal with conviction, style and flair. The material on this album is really good. The same goes for the sound. This album is a fly in the face to those who do melodic Black Metal and a eye opener for the rest of us. The only problem with this album, is the lack of really killer tracks. But Impiety are currently in the studio again and we await another skullfucking armageddon from Singapore.
****

Impious "Evilized" CD (Black Sun)

Another Swedish Death Metal band with their debut album. I do not mind as long as the quality is high. As this album. Impious do a blend of American and Swedish Death Metal. Their music is far more brutal than we are used to from most Swedish bands. The quality on their material is high and this is an album all dedicated Death Metal fans should check out.
**** Lord Loch Lomond

In Battle "In Battle" CD (Napalm)

The title of this release gives away the content on this release. Total war; total primitive Black Metal. In today’s Black Metal scene; this brand of Black Metal is as relevant for the Black Metal scene as the T- Ford from the 1920’s are for the car industry. That says the most about this release. But primitive Black Metal can be great, when it is done properly (as Mayhem did on "Deathcrush"). This is not the case for this release. The music and the sound quality is poor. It is a truly awful release.
*

Incantation "The Forsaken Mourning Of Angelic Anguish" MCD (Repulse)

After a long pause; Incantation has been unleashed on us again. You know what you get; fast & brutal old- style Death Metal. I can only find one positive thing to say about this MCD; the cover of Death's "Scream, Bloody Gore". Only the most die- hard Death Metal fans would like this MCD.
Both Repulse and Relapse have released this record. The Relapse version includes four old tracks. Do not ask my why this MCD are popular among the labels.
**

In Extremo "Weckt Die Toten" CD (Metal Blade)

One part of the metal scene, in particular the Black Metal scene, has become obsessed with Folk Music in the last years. It started with Thin Lizzy over twenty- five years ago and continued with bands like Skyclad, Waylander and Ulver, among others. In Extremo from Germany can be added to this list. Their music is heavy loaded with a form of Folk Music. I detect a lot of Celtic folk music in the music, but I guess Germany has a Folk Music scene and In Extremo might be very influenced by this scene. I do not know. "Wecht Die Toten" is more like a folk music album than a metal album.
The result is forty- five minutes of reasonable good music. There is no outstanding tracks on this album and the music is a bit boring. This album will not be a regular guest in my CD player, but I guess Skyclad fans will find joy in this album. Good luck.
*** Lord Loch Lomond

Infamy "The Blood Shall Flow" CD (Repulse Records)

Infamy has finally made it on CD after the death of their main-man Joshua Heatley. This album is a fitting tribute to him. Infamy does orthodox, technical Death Metal. End of story. The overall quality is good. I am afraid this album will only appeal to Death Metal fans. Only die- hard Death Metal fans understand the fine details in this album. Those who like melodic music will loathe this album. That is the whole point of this album. Brutality for the sake of brutality. If you consider yourself to be a Death Metal fan; this is one of the albums you should check out.
***(*) Lord Loch Lomond

Infernal "The New Dawn" CD (Tribulacion Prod.)

The vocals are in the Norwegian Black Metal mould. The rest of the stuff on this album is more melodic, but it is still Black Metal. Or to be more precise; Black Metal from Colombia. The music has some ethnic flavor, but it is most straight forward Black Metal. The quality is good throughout this album. I am not a die-hard Black Metal fan, but I must admit I really like this album. If you are into Black Metal; get a copy of this album.
****

In Flames "Colony" CD (Nuclear Blast)

Me, in flames ?? Well, this album has not put me on fire. In Flames do quite standard melodic Death Metal in the Swedish vein. The main problem with this album, is that they have forgotten do write any killer tracks for this album. There are some interesting details on this album, but not many enough to make a good album. I am sure this album will be hyped enough to make it to a best seller, whatever I say. I can hardly hide my indifference over this very average album.
***

In Memorian "Insantifacation" CD (Rock Machine) Brazil
Melodic Black Metal in the Nordic vein. This release is a very good Black Metal release. It is very melodic and very much in the Scandinavian Black Metal vein. The band should have a great future.
****

In-Quest "Operation: Citadel" CD (Shiver Records)

The first thing I noticed, is the total anonymous CD booklet and artwork. It lead me to believe that this another Korn copycat, but that is wrong. The second thing I notice, is song titles like "Festung Stalingrad" and "Battle Domination". What the f*** ?? Then the music kicks in….
In Quest do a blend of Black and Thrash Metal. The music is largely very brutal. The material is not particular good or original. This album and it's material is simply to anonymous in today's world. I expected something better than this.
**

Insanity "Phobia" CD (Rock Machine) Brazil

The music is more in the vein of old style Death Metal. The music is pretty outdated by the standards of 1998. But it is an OK release if you are into Death Metal.
***(*)

Insanity "Mind Crisis" CD (Muvuca Records)

Insanity's new album is a rather confusing mix of genius and pretty awful things. Half of this seventy four minutes long album is pretty horrible or average; the rest of it is very good or brilliant. Insanity (from Brazil) do Thrash/Death Metal in the vein of Sepultura. If you have heard the three last Sepultura albums; you have a pretty good idea where you find Insanity. This is one of the best bands from South America and this album prove my point. Although this album is a confusing album, it is also a good album. Check it out.
****

Internal Suffering "Supreme Knowledge Domain" CD

No points for originality and very few points for musical quality too. Internal Suffering from Colombia do Death/Grind Core with bad sound and vocals recorded through the arse of a gorilla. Internal Suffering sounds exactly like dozens of other bands who has released albums during the last two years. When you fork out twenty dollars for a new CD, you should expect more than the album you bought last month by another band. There is hope when it comes to Internal Suffering but a bit more identity and better material is the things they should try to get. But if mindless Death/Grind Core is your thing, you can do a lot worse things than buying this album.
**

Intestine Baalism "An Anatomy Of The Beast" CD (Repulse)

Oh dear, oh dear. Swedish Death Metal done by a band from Japan. References are Dismember, Unleashed and Carnage. But Intestine Baalism have their own identity and it it unfair to call them copies. This release are very good and fans of Swedish Death Metal will love this CD. But all other Death Metal fans should also check this CD out. This is definitely a band to watch.
****

Inverted "There Can Be Only One" CD (Shiver Records)

I have always been a fan of this band. Inverted combine the best from Black and Death Metal. Inverted has this time scrapped the Black Metal stuff and gone for a pure Death Metal release the American style. The material on this release are good, but nothing more. Perhaps next time ?
***

Isegrim "Isegrim" MCD (Last Episode)

A German band with a Norwegian name….hmmm. The music confirm my fears. This is pretty average fast & furious Scandinavia Black Metal, with all the commercial ingredients to make it to Nuclear Blast’s mailorder catalogue. The music is not bad, but it do not exactly give Isegrim an identity. This record could had been recorded by anybody in the scene. But I have heard far worse Black Metal than Isegrim has done on this MCD.
***

Isvind "Dark Waters Stir" CD (Solistitium)

All the best Norwegian Black Metal bands are signed by the other record labels and desperation enter the record companies who has been left out. Then, the shattered label manager receive a tape from a hopeless Norwegian band. Ahh, I can finally cash in on this trend, think the label manager and release the shit on CD.
After I had suffered through fifty minutes of hopeless Black Metal in the nordic style, I would not mind if Norway vanished from the face of the earth. It would be a decent punishment for this crap.
*

Jesus Martyr "Sudamerican Porno" CD (Repulse Records) ‘98

In my many reviews in this magazine; I have more than once expressed that I cannot stand Death Metal who are polluted by Tecno, Hard Core and Industrial shit. Well; you are up for a shock. Jesus Martyr’s debut album "Sudamerican Porno" contains all the things I cannot stand….but I actually love this album !! The reason is that Jesus Martyr has done their homework and delivered an album who are so brilliant that even I have been won over. "Sudamerican Porno" is both ultra-brutal and melodic. The album has a lot of variation and depth. The album is also very progressive. Jesus Martyr are probably the best "modern Death Metal" band in the world at the moment. They are far better than Fear Factory, Sepultura and the rest of the posers. Get this album. It is your ticket to the next century.
*****

Jim Martin "Milk And Blood" CD (Steamhammer) ‘98

Jim Martin was kicked out of Faith No More ages ago and a lot of rumours about new bands followed. The result is this release. Nobody expected miracles and miracles has not been delivered. This is a boring Faith No More rip off Rock’n’Roll album, without any overriding concept. My granny will soon get a surprise in her mail box. Hopefully; it will kill her.
*

Jungle Rot “Slaughter The Weak” CD (Morbid Records)

Yes, this is the same album which was released on Pavement Records some time ago. This is the European version of the same album. Jungle Rot does ultra- brutal Death Metal the American way. Jungle Rot has earned themselves a good reputation as a no- nonsense, hard working touring band in USA. Their Death Metal is also pretty basic, but very effective and groovy at the same time. In other words, very effective on a stage somewhere on this doomed planet. On CD, their music become a bit too basic. But this album is by no means a bad album. Sometimes, an album like this is needed and Jungle Rot has delivered the goods. Check it out.
****

Juvenes "Riddle Of Steel" CD (No Colors rec.)

Another bloody epic Black Metal album in the Bathory "Hammerheart" vein. OK, I can live with Bathory's epic Viking Metal albums, but I cannot stand their copycats. Juvenes from Poland is one of these bands. Their debut album is massive unimpressive. The music is epic and helpless boring. The tone is set during the first minutes and the tunes do not wary at all from this tone. The musicianship is rather lacklustre too. I have seen the future of metal and it is not Juvenes. Get this shit out of my CD player !!
*

Kaviar Kavalier "Klinik" CD (Tentamen Records)

It will always remains as a mystery why this CD have not got the recognition it deserve. It is simply one of the best Goth CDs ever released. I guess this is Kaviar Kavalier's debut CD. They have obviously been very influenced by Type O Negative, but Kaviar Kavalier continues where Type O Negative should had continued after "Bloody Kisses". Kaviar Kavalier introduces elements from Jazz, Rock and Prog Rock in their brand of Goth. They also use female vocals a great deal. The music is very sophisticated. It is very difficult to describe this CD, except from that it contains seven outstanding tracks.
*****

Keep Of Kalessin "Through Times Of War" CD (Avant Garde)

This is another Black Metal release in the epic, nordic vein. Nothing is new on this release. It could had been released by a dozen of other bands. Keep Of Kalessin is just another band without it’s own identity. This is a release only the Black Metal Horde can take serious.
*

Killers "Fort Interieur" CD (Brennus)

French metal is, to put it mildly, out of this world. Killers was formed in 1984 (!) and has managed to release eight (8) albums, without getting a name outside France. Incredible. One of the reasons is their lyrics in French. It is not the most popular Rock'n'Roll language… Killers brand of Speed Metal do not exactly set the world on fire either. The material on this album is bloody boring, with some few exceptions. It is exactly this kind of music that labels like Nuclear Blast release these days. With great success. If aggressive Heavy Metal from the '80 are your cup of tea and you tolerate lyrics in French; this might be your cup of tea. This album is too bland for my liking.
**

King's X "Tape Head" CD (Metal Blade)

King's X has never released easy accessible music. That is why this hard working band has never got the break they deserve among the average music consumer. Which is a bit odd, because King's X do music The Beatles would had done if John Lennon had not been assassinated and The Beatles had reformed this decade. OK, King's X music is a bit harder than The Beatles in their golden period of '66- '70, but the similarities between The Beatles and King's X are too many to be ignored.
King's X have again released a new album and they deliver much of the same stuff as they have always done. Groovy, sophisticated Hard Rock, with the very special King's X sound. The material is good, but I feel that King's X are in the process of running empty. Each of their albums has included one or two brilliant musical pieces. Their new album do only contain twelve good King's X tracks and only that. This album is King's X weakest album in their over ten years long career and it is still a good album. On their best; King's X blow away every band on this planet, with exception of Rush. That says a lot about King's X.
***(*)

Knell Odyssey "Sailing To Nowhere" CD (Goldtrack Records)

This is a very impressive debut CD from Knell Odyssey. This band from Spain do Progressive Metal in the vein of Elegy and Trivial Act and bands like Helloween and Blind Guardian. The standard on all eight tracks is very good and the release has some really outstanding tracks. Most notably; the brilliant "Blind". This is a seven and a half minutes long, epic track. If the band can keep the standard from this track in the future; this band will be among the great metal bands in the next millenium. The rest of the CD are also great. It is great that Spain manage to produce a band that do not do Death/Doom/Black Metal. Incredible, but true !! Do whatever you can to get your copy of this CD.
*****

Kovenant "Animatronic" CD (Nuclear Blast)

Kovenant, ex Covenant, are still living high on their Norwegian Grammy award. Their new album,might win them another Grammy because it is so weird that it is fashionable among the rock intellectuals. Let me start to say that this album has nothing to do with Black Metal. This album is a sick and twisted combination of Opera, Techno, Dark Metal and Industrial Metal. Commercial is the last word I would use on this album. The quality is good and there is some nice tracks thrown in for good measure. I must be a bizzarre person, because I like a lot of the material on this album. For those who dare; this is the album. This is perhaps not everybody's cup of tea, but this album is well worth checking out.
****

Kraal "Mutant" MCD (Agony Records)

Strange, French Death Metal. Kraal twists and bend every rule in the book. The result is something Sepultura would have approved. Kraal has even included some female vocals in their inferno- like music. The three songs on this album are very good. They are also very varied and full of surprises. If you are into Sepultura like Death Metal; this is a release you have to have. This release is highly recommended.
*****

Krabathor "Orthodox" CD (Morbid Records)

I have waited a long time for this release. Their "Lies" opus, released some years ago, was a masterpiece and "Orthodox" are a brilliant follow up to "Lies". The title of the CD says it all; ultra- brutal old style Death Metal. But Krabathor has developed their style a lot since their last release. The last two tracks on this CD; "Parasites" and "About Death" are brilliant examples of this development. If you are into Death Metal; this CD must be a part of your CD collection. If you are not a dedicated Death Metal fan and want to know why so many people dedicate their lives to this kind of musical destruction; this CD will answer your questions. "Orthodox"; Death Metal anno 1998.
*****

Krabathor "Unfortunately Dead" CD (Impact Rec)

So, Paul Speckmann has joined Krabathor ?? That has certainly brought a lot of changes. Krabathor's last album "Orthodox" was exactly that; orthodox. That album was 100 % Death Metal. On their new album, Krabathor is progressive like never before. There is still a lot of old Krabathor left, but Krabathor is now more looking for the good riff and……wait for it…. melody. The result is a very varied album who work on several different levels. In spite of this; the result is not convincing. There is something very lacklustre over this album. The material is simply a bit faceless. This is not a bad album, but I expected better things. I have spent a lot of times on this album and I have some serious problems with making up my mind. But I have landed on a "must-do-better" verdict on this album. But for your own sake; get a copy of this album and decide yourself.
***(*)

Lacrimosa "Elodia" CD (Hall Of Sermon)

I have been listening to this album for three weeks before I finally got time to review it. Lacrimosa's new album is a rock opera in three parts. It is not easy listening music and that is why it has taken me three weeks to form an opinion. Which is a bit waste of time because my impression now is the same as when I listen to it for the first time. I am not particular impressed by this album. The complete lack of good melodies is the main fault with this album. The music on this rock opera also lack dynamic progression. There are some good music here and there, but most of the album are stagnant and of dubious quality. This album is by no means a bad album, but I expected a lot of this album and Lacrimosa has not delivered the goods. This is a pretty average Lacrimosa album. Their best album is still "Inferno" from 1995. "Elodia" is nowhere near that album when it comes to musical quality.
***(*)

Lake Of Tears "A Crimson Cosmos" CD (Black Mark)

I have never been a Lake Of Tears fan. Their new album has not manage to win me over either. Dead boring Goth Metal with some female vocals and keyboards to their brand of Goth Metal. There are signs of hope in the material, but these signs are drowned in a pool of predictable, commercial Goth Metal. This is not my cup of tea.
**

Lambs "Lambs" MCD (Lambs)

Send the lambs to the slaughter……
Lambs are one of these PunkRock bands from Finland who are looking for record contract. They have produced their own DIY MCD and kindly sent us a copy. Not a bad idea because everybody know that I hate this kind of music. Every PunkRock label manager know this and they sign every bands I dislike. This review should secure Lambs a great future. Lambs has produced ten minutes/four tracks of shit in the vein of Offspring and their offsprings. To hell with both Offspring and Lambs. Nuff said.
*

Less Than Human "To Breed True" CD (Yperano Records)

Yperano Records has finally released something after a long period of building up the business. And when the release is as good as this; the wait has been worthwhile !!
Less Than Human is a Thrash Metal/Hard Core band from Hellas. Their music can be compared to Sepultura at their best. I am not surprised to hear that the Rock DJs in London love this album. The music is ultra- commercial and a true crowd pleaser. The bearing part of this album is the riffs from the band's rhythm guitar. These riffs give Less Than Human a very tight and catchy sound. All elleven tracks are very good. This type of music is normally not my cup of tea, but the quality of this album is so strong that it cannot be ignored. I cannot wait to hear more from this band.
*****

Liar Of Golgotha "Ancient Wars" CD (Mascot Rec.)

Liar Of Golgotha has been around for many years. This is their latest opus of Black Metal. Their brand of darkness is both brutal, symphonic and at times; melodic. Liar Of Golgotha does everything a lot better than most other Black Metal bands. This album is a well varied album and it retain my interest throughout the forty-six minutes this album last. This is a very solid album, but it miss one or two real killer tracks. "In Praise Of Cthulhu" come close, though… Their version of Exodus classic "Piranha" feels out of touch with the rest of the album and is the weakest track on this album. If you are into Black Metal, this is one album you need.
****(*)

Liars In Wait "Spiritually Uncontrolled Art" MCD (Black Sun)

This is a nearly ten years old release, re- released on Black Sun Records. Liars In Wait was one of the founding fathers in the Swedish Death Metal scene. Seventeen minutes of old styles Death Metal is what you get on this release. The music is fast and furious. The style is American Death Metal not far away from the likes of Deicide. The material is OK, without leaving any everlasting impression. If you are interested in a piece of the Death Metal history; get this release.
***

Liege Lord "Master Control" CD (Metal Blade)

Originally released ten years ago and newly re- released on Metal Blade again. Power and Heavy Metal are popular these days (grrrrr…..) and Liege Lord has made their humble contribution to the scene with this re-release. "Master Control" was released back in 1988 ago and it does not sound outdated in 1999. That says everything about both today's metal scene and the quality of this album. Liege Lord does aggressive Heavy/Power Metal, not many miles from Judas Priest. Their material is very good and the musicianship is excellent. Liege Lord are showing the new, upcoming bands how Power Metal should be done and the new spring- chickens better learn fast or perish. This album is the best Power Metal album I have heard so far this year.
****

Lividity "Fetish For The Sick" CD (Ablated Records)

Welcome to USA; the land of filth and sick perverts. Like the guys in Lividity. Their debut CD include eleven songs with total playtime just under twenty minutes. The music in itself is not especially brutal, but the song- titles and the art- work should secure this band a cult- status. The quality of the music not especially good, and the only reason to get a copy of this CD, is the art- work. This release is just another standard Death Metal release the American way.
***

Lividity "Age Of Clitorial Decay " CD (Unique Leader/Erebos Prod.)

Behind a wall of pre-pubertal activities; Lividity actually produce some good Death/Grind. Their music is a blend of American Death Metal and Grind Core. No work of a genious can be detected on this album, but Lividity does Death/Grind better than most other bands. But the annoying sound extracts from porn movies destroy what could had been a truly great album. Due to the overdose of these sound extracts, I question how serious the band take their music. Lividity's music is more than good enough to fill an album without these banalities. Give us the music next time, please !!!!
***

Lobotomy "Kill" CD (No Fashion Records)

This is the second or third album from this Swedish band. I know they released one record on Thrash Corner Records in Puerto Rico some years ago. Without leaving any everlasting impression. Their new release is a melodic, Sepultura inspired Thrash/Death Metal album. Half of the material on this release are good. The rest is crap. If you are into this kind of music; this release will satisfy your needs.
***

Lobotomy "Technology ?" CD (Sick Boy Records) Argentina
Mortem "Course" CD (Sopa Fria Records) Argentina

It seems like Hard Core and Thrash Metal are popular in Argentina. These two releases suggest that. These two releases could had been released in 1987...or in 1999.
Lobotomy’s brand of metal are very similar to Fear Factory. But the material on this releases are simply not good enough. It is pretty average stuff.
The same can be said about Mortem. Their brand of Thrash Metal and Hard Core are very commercial. The material completely lack any form of identity. The quality are not impressive either. This is an OK release, but nothing more.
*** (both releases)

Long Winters’ Stare "Cold Tale Eternal" MCD (Pantheon Records)

Warning. Warning. Warning !! This release contains twenty minutes with Avant Garde Doom Metal. This release is not for the faint hearted. Or those who like light- hearted music. It is like t/r Hell, through deep valleys of sorrow and pain. The music is slow and deeply emotional…and very good. It lack some really killer tracks, though. And it is only twenty minutes long. I want more from this band. Give me a full album next time, please.
****

Long Winter's Stare
"Before The Dawn. So Go The Shadows Of Humanity" CD
(Dragon Flight Records)

The name of the band and the album gives most of it away. We are talking about Progressive, Avant Garde Goth Metal. This album is not for suicidal people. Somebody should put a health- warning sticker on it because it is an extremely gloomy and dark album. Not as extreme and slow as Skepticism, but still miles away from mainstream Goth Metal. The introduction of piano and the synths is a big plus and it is to a certain degree the two bearing instruments on this album. The vocals are insane. There is not much daylight in this music. The quality on the fifty- two minutes of music are very high, though. It takes time to get into this album, but those who are patient are richly rewarded. This is an album I will listen to again and again in the coming months.
*****

Lord Wind "Heralds Of Fight" (No Colors Rec.)

….And this years Nobel's price in Medicine should had been given to No Color Records for their release of this album. No Color Records and Lord Wind (Rob Darken from Graveland) has produced THE perfect cure against insomnia. This absolute awful records consists of an hour long hymn, parted into several different "tracks". Absolute nothing worth mentioning happens through this hour. Absolute nothing. It is just one, awful long monotone battle hymn.
Through my three years in this magazine, this is the worst album I have the displeasure of dissecting. And I have reviewed most of the shit albums this scene has produced. Bring me the head of Rob Darken on a plate before he release another Lord Wind album. Please.
(*)

Lost In Misery "Carousel Of Memories" CD (Hammerheart)

Holland has managed to come up with a new great band in the last ten years. Lost In Misery can be added to this list. Lost in Misery can be compared to The Gathering. Same kind of sound and both bands has very strong female vocalists. Lost In Misery is more Heavy Metal than The Gathering and that is the main difference. This CD include seven very strong tracks. If you are into Goth/Heavy Metal; you cannot live without this CD.
*****

Lungbrush "Old School, New School" CD (Pavement Music)

…And this months price for weirdest band-name has gone to Lungbrush…..
I am sure Pantera fans will fall over in pure joy when they hear this album. This new band from Chicago, USA, was signed on Pavement due to their very strong live shows. They blasted through the Mid- West of USA on their many tours like a tornado before they got this well deserved record deal. I guess Lungbrush is a far better live band than a studio band. The quality of the material on this album is never above average. This album do not have any good songs and killer riffs. But it is still a very charming album, in all its unlimited aggression. I had a big smile on my face when I was listening to this album (promo CD) and I can assure you that this promo CD will be a regular feature in my CD player for a long time. Make sure that you check out Lungbrush if they do a gig anywhere near your grave.
***(*)

Malevolence "Martyrialized" CD (Maquiavel Music)

Malevolence has returned with their second album. Their debut album "Dominion" was a huge success and it is always difficult to follow up successes like that. Malevolence new album is a concept album. Malevolence has also moved to a new and unproven label. The combination might be very unhealthy in the short run.
Malevolence's new album is a blend of all sorts of underground metal. Everything is incorporated in Malevolence's music. Even some Heavy Metal guitar solos. Basicly; this is a brutal metal release. The main problem with this album, is that it is bland and boring. It does not include any good riffs or melody lines. Half an hour with this stuff do not leave any everlasting impression, except from the angry feeling of wasting half an hour. But the band does have a lot of talent and there are some positive things on this album. But they are far between. Perhaps, next time ??
**(*)

Malevolent Creation "The Fine Art Of Murder" CD
(Pavement Music)

A new album from the veterans from the Death Metal scene in Florida. I must admit that I did not like the three albums they released through Roadrunner Records in the beginning of this decade. But they released a hell of a good album in 1995 named "Eternal". This CD has now been re- released as a low- price CD. Check it out !
Back again to their new album "The Fine Art Of Murder". This is a bloody brutal Death Metal album. Malevolent Creation is a high quality band and it shines through on this album. Their original singer Bret Hoffman and guitarist Rob Barret (-ex Cannibal Corpse) are back again in Malevolent Creation. This is probably the ultimate Malevolent Creation line up. The quality of this release is very good. Malevolent Creation is one of the best American Death Metal bands today and this album is a must for all true Death Metal fans. Do I need to say more ?
****(*)

Malignant Eternal "Far Beneath The Sun" CD (Napalm)

The Emperor copy band are back again for a new dosage of milk from the big Black Metal nipple. Their debut CD was OK, but nothing more. On their second CD; they have massively improved their sound. But they have forgotten to add their own identity to their music. This release is as safe as taking a trip on the local commuter train. No thrills whatsoever.
**

Manegarm "Nordstjarnans Tidsalder" CD (Displeased)

I cannot understand why their record label are so exited for this release. Manegarm are just another Emperor/Satyricon clone. The music itself is pretty average. Unless you have spent the last five years on the moon, you have heard everything on this CD before. The eleven tracks on this release completely lack identity. Releases like this are very boring indeed.
**

Mangled "Ancient Times" CD (Fadeless Records)

I was really looking forward to this release, but as usual for this year’s releases; I was left down. Mangled has been over- ambitious and tried to include all kinds of metal styles on this CD. The result is an impotent release without an own identity. The material are dead boring, with some few exceptions. I prefer the stuff Mangled released on Wild Rags.
**(*)

Maniac Butcher "Lucan- Antichrist" CD (Pussy God Records)

After their debut CD "Barbarians"; I thought I had heard the last from this band. No record- label with respect for themselves could possibly give this band a new chance? I was proven wrong.
Their second CD "Lucan - Antichrist" will not go down as a milestone in the history of Black Metal. Maniac Butcher does simple, basic Black Metal without fancy synths, samplers and female vocals. Nuff said.
**

Maniac Butcher "Krvestrch" CD (Pussy God Records)
Maniac Butcher "Cerna Krev" CD (Pussy God Records)

Maniac Butcher’s earlier releases, was very one-dimensional Black Metal. But the two guys in this Czech band has finally understood that you can add one or two more dimensions to the music, without adding female vocals or keyboards. The result of this new thinking is two very good Black Metal release. "Krvestrch" from 1997 and "Cerna Krev" from 1998. The music is ultra- brutal, epic, grim and evil. Maniac Butcher has finally grown up. About time !! We can expect some more good releases from this band in the future. Brilliant !!
**** (both albums)

Manos "At Mania Of Death" CD (Morbid Records)

This classic release has finally been re- released Morbid Records. Manos do basic old style Death Metal in the vein of early Sepultura. The music is ultra- brutal, but on the same time; melodic. It will appeal to fans of early Sepultura. This release has the same feeling as Sepultura’s classic "Schizophrenia" album. The quality on the eleven tracks are very good. It is a pity that Manos did not get the support they deserve ten years ago when this kind of music was huge. The devastating problem of being on the wrong side of the Berlin wall, was their main problem when they recorded this album. But the quality of this album is great and it is a perfect choice if you are into old style Death/Thrash Metal. Choose original bands like Manos, not fakes like Inferno and Gehennah.
****

Marduk "Live In Germania" CD (Osmose)

Marduk has released a lot of CDs. None of them has entered my office. Black Metal is not my favorite kind of music, although I have got more respect for Black Metal through the work for this magazine. Marduk is a very good band. Thankfully; they do not use any female vocals or keyboards. Just the standard bass-drums- guitars sound. The music is intense and ultra- brutal. The material are good. This is a good Black Metal live album.
****

Martyr "Murder X - The End Of The Game" CD (System Shock)

Martyr is a co-operation between Christopher and Skull (Krabathor) and Paul Speckmann (Master). Paul Speckmann has now joined Krabathor. Martyr is not many, if any, miles away from Krabathor and the value of putting this material under another name than Krabathor are dubious. Martyr is slightly more Thrash Metal than Krabathor (& Master and Vader). But do not let this put you off this good Death Metal album. "Murder X - The End Of The Game" is by no means the re-invention of the wheel. The music is very much safe and standard Death Metal. It is just a reminder how good Thrash/Death Metal can be, done by professional musicians. I have really enjoyed this album and I will continue to do so during the next years. But this album is not a masterpiece.
****

Masacre "Sacro" CD (Lorito Records) Colombia

Masacre was the first band who released a CD on Osmose Production in France. This record label has been one of the forerunners in the Black Metal scene. Masacre did not taste the same success after their two fairly decent albums on Osmose. This album is a good Death Metal album, without any weak points. But there is not any good tracks either. Our web- master has told me that he love this album. That says everything about web- masters.
***

Mass Psychosis "Necroporno" CD (Still Dead Productions)

More ultra- brutal Death Metal from USA, released on an up and coming record label from Poland. The music is pretty average and not much to shout about. It is very varied, with some good ideas. But they tend to drown in boring riffs and brutality for the sake of brutality stuff. But the band has talent, so this is an album well worth checking out.
***(*)

Master "Faith Is In Season" CD (System Shock/Pavement)

Hey, Master is back !! Well, I do not really care. Some of their earlier releases was good, but their last album was shit. Their new album is not much to write about either. It is full of boring, uninspired Death Metal. Paul Speckmann’s vocals are not up to standard, to put it blunt. The same can be said about the sound-quality of this album. It is horrible thin and dominated by the drums. The guitars are hidden somewhere in the mix. There is some good tracks on this release, but the weak sides of Master’s come- back album are too many. Better luck next time, if somebody gives this band a new chance. I do not think so.
**
Master’s Hammer "Jilemnicky Okultista" CD (Ivories)

This is the original version of the CD Osmose released four years ago with English lyrics. This release changed the Black Metal scene completely and it has had a great influence on all Black Metal bands. This release STARTED the epic Black Metal style. This CD was originally released six years ago and it is still sound fresh and new. It is a true concept album and it’s roots can be found in the Progressive Rock scene in the ’70. There is no doubt that this is one of the best Black Metal albums ever released.
*****

Masters Of Reality "Welcome To The Western Lodge" CD (Brownhouse Records)

A very strange release indeed. Masters Of Reality do a very strange version of Hard Rock. I am not able to compare them with any bands, but I guess fans of King's X and Dream Theater will love this record. I am really fascinated by the music on this CD. It is very different from my daily diet of extreme metal. The quality are also high throughout this CD. Master Of Music has produced a record for the brain of the listeners; not their hearts. Fascinating stuff, indeed. This is an interesting release from a very interesting band. Visit your local record shop and spend some minutes listening to this record. You will not regret it.
****

Mayhem ”Mediolanum Capta Est” CD (Avant Garde)

A new live album from Mayhem. This album is meant to kill off the countless Mayhem bootlegs. Mayhem is probably the strongest brand- name in today’s extreme metal scene and too many scumbags are cashing in on this band these days through releases of dubious bootlegs. The sound quality on this album is not everything either, but it is certainly not bootleg quality. This is a very honest live album and it capture Mayhem as they are on stage. Raw and brutal. Naked and full of aggression. Mayhem do the most basic, primitive Black Metal among the ”big” names in Black Metal. Finesse is an unknown word in Mayhem. This album contains of tracks from ”Deathcrush”, ”Mysteries Dom Sathanas” and ”Wolfs Lair…”. This is a good live album.
****

Maze Of Torment "Faster Disaster" CD (Iron Fist Prod.)

The Serenade/Harmony split CD on Arctic Serenades was a horrible album. What has this to do with Maze Of Torment ? Well; Harmony was their name until 1995 and the split CD include Maze Of Torment’s earlier work. They changed their name to Maze Of Torment and released a CD called "The Force" on Corrosion Records (can somebody get me a copy of this release ?) two years ago. Of the two bands from the split CD, Serenade has messed up big time. But Harmony, under their new name Maze Of Torment, has improved big time. This is now an old style Death Metal band. Their new release is an infernal piece of art. The music is ultra- fast and aggressive. It is like being hit by a train. In the face. The material on this CD is very, very good. Maze Of Torment has finally found their formula and a new fan; namely me. This CD is highly recommended.
*****

Medieval Demon "Demonolatria" CD (Unisound)

According to their record- label Unisound; the band raped and tortured a seventeen years old blind girl. The band are now in jail. What a brilliant career move !!
When you hear the music, it start to dawn on you that this band must be a sick joke. Thirty minutes of primitive Black Metal with some odd keyboard parts thrown in for whatever reason. The music is horrible and I hope that the band spend the rest of their life in prison. That means that they cannot record and release a new CD. These thoughts fills me with intense happiness.
*

Melek Taus "Expulsion From The Realms Of Light" MCD (Near Dark Prod.)

This is an interesting release from this Swedish band. Melek Taus combine melodic Black Metal with some accoustic piano parts. The result is good, although the accoustic piano parts are rather dull. Melek Taus are very talented and I am therefore waiting for their CD with interest.
***

Memory Garden "Tides" CD (Heathendoom Music)

I fully understand why Metal Blade has signed this band. Memory Garden are the band who took over the Swedish Doom Metal throne from Candlemass. The material on this CD are very good. I am normally not a fan of retro-Doom Metal, but I give Memory Garden my approval. Get a copy of this CD before it is sold out.
****

Mercenary "First Breath" CD (Serious Entertainment)

Denmark has one of the best Death Metal scenes in the world. Mercenary are one of the bands who give this scene it’s good reputation. Their blend of brutal Death Metal and melodic Heavy Metal are brilliant. Mercenary are very much influenced by the melodic part of the Swedish Death Metal scene. All the eleven tracks on this CD are great and I guess that we will hear a lot about this band in the future.
*****

Mercyful Fate "9" CD (Metal Blade)

I have never been a Mercyful Fate or King Diamond fan. Both acts are quite over- hyped, in my opinion. Their new album does not change my opinion. The material on this album is quite average dark, theatrical Heavy Metal. The quality are pretty average. This album does nothing for me, but I guess fans of Mercyful Fate will run to their record shop, whatever I say.
***

Miasthenia/Songe D'Enfer "Visions Of Nocturnal Tragedies"
Split CD (Evil Horde Rec.)

Two highly talented Black Metal bands from Brazil on one CD, is an opportunity not to be missed. Both bands are in the melodic, gothic corner of the Black Metal scene. The quality is high throughout both bands contributions to this very good split CD. I hope these two bands will be allowed to release their own albums in the near future. That will certainly ruffle some feathers in the Black Metal scene in Europe.
****

Mind’s Eye "Into The Unknown" CD (Sensory/Laser’s Edge)

This Swedish band has released an impressive debut CD. As the name of the band suggest; we are dealing with a Progressive Metal band. The guitar based music on this release is both melodic and technical. The material are very strong. Fans of Dream Theater should take notice. Mind’s Eye are not copies of Dream Theater, but there are enough similarities to make this release interesting for Dream Theater fans. If you are into technical challenging & melodic music; this release should satisfy your needs.
****

Minas Tirith "…Demons Are Forever" CD (Facefront)

This Norwegian Avant Garde Metal band is probably unknown for most of you and I guess Minas Tirith will still remain as a well kept secret. Facefront are distributed world wide by Voices Of Wonder and their distribution are notorious bad. You are extreme lucky if you find this album in a shop near you. Minas Tirith’s new album are not too different from their last album "Art Of Becoming". In my ears; "…Demons Are Forever" are a development of the ideas on "Art Of Becoming". The references to songs from the previous album are many on the new album. It seems like Minas Tirith are running around in a circle at the moment, I am afraid. The material on "…Demons Are Forever" are good, but it lack a lot of the charm and innovative ideas from "Art Of Becoming". The material are also a bit soulless. But Minas Tirith’s new album is far better than most of the shit from Norway. Minas Tirith has their own identity and that is far more than you can say about most of the other Norwegian bands. Give this album a chance.
***(*)

Misericordia "Painful Dream" CD (Black Lotus Rec.)

This French band has been described by their record label as a marriage between Theatre Of Tragedy and My Dying Bride. For a change, a record label is spot on. This band must be one of the biggest French talent in today's metal scene. This album include a couple of awesome tracks and some very good tracks. It is not a thorough brilliant album, but it is close enough. If the two above mentioned bands is among your favorite bands; this album is simply something you must have.
*****

The Mist "Gottverlassen" CD (Repulse)

The Mist includes an ex- Sepultura member and they have released some CDs in Brazil before Repulse brought their music to Europe. We are not gratefull.
I have never understood the point of the Thrash Metal retro- wave that has plagued the underground scene in the last two years. Morbid Angels "Altar Of Madness" opus killed off Thrash Metal and the world became a better place to live. I have tried to like this CD, but I find it completely worthless.
*

The Moaning "Blood From Stone" CD (No Fashion Records)

The amount of Black Metal bands in Sweden are impressive. Some bands are not impressive. Like The Moaning. They are doing the familiar melodic, yet brutal Black Metal recipe. Without being more than another below- average Swedish Black Metal band. This release is simply not good enough on a market littered with Swedish Black Metal CDs. Where is the quality- control in No Fashion Records ?
**

Moonstruck "First Light" CD (Dragonheart)

Solid Power Metal from Germany is the call here. Some influences of atmospheric, melodic Death & Black Metal have also been added to the brew. The result is a very safe release, which should not offend anybody in the European metal scene. The quality is pretty average. There are no highlights or negative things on this album. Just pure Power Metal. It is up to you if you want to spend money on this CD. I would not do that, if I got the choice.
***

Morbid Death "Echoes Of Solitude" CD
(Independent Records)

Death Metal ? No. GrindCore? Not even close. This is actually melancholy Doom Metal. The vocals are growling and the sound are massive. It take time to get the feel for this CD. It is very complex and avant garde. The main problem with this CD is the lack of good melodies and the vocals. Some parts of this CD are great, but it soon become boring. It is difficult to keep the concentration throughout the whole CD. On the positive side; the band has a hell of a lot talent. But this CD do not do them justice.
***

Mordeth "Cybergods" MCD (Rock Machine) Brazil

Their debut album earned them the title "the new Sepultura". This MCD is therefore a step in the wrong direction. Mordeth is a very technical Thrash/Death Metal band, but this is on the expense of good tracks. It is therefore an anti- climax after their debut CD. What will the future bring for this band ?
***

Morgain "Frostbitten Nakedness" CD (Erebos Prod.)

The Goth Metal bands from Poland has a very high standard, with some exceptions. Morgain is one of these exceptions.
The male vocals on this album are simply horrendous and these vocals destroy this album. These vocals sounds like one of Santa Claus's wounded reindeers and both Santa Claus and reindeers seems a bit out of place in Poland. This album is also badly under-produced and the sound is therefore another major let down on this album. The music itself on this album is not bad, but you cannot call it innovative and exiting either. Morgain do not take any chances on this album and the result is a very bland album, without character. This album is therefore bound to drown in the flow of Goth Metal from Europe. You have to be a Goth Metal junkie to really like this album.
**

Morgul "Parody Of The Mass" CD (Napalm)

A really interesting CD. Morgul combine the beauty and the beast on this release. The release are another release in the familiar nordic, epic Black Metal landscape. But Morgul also incorporate elements from Industrial, Doom Metal and Rock’n’Roll in their music and that give Morgul it’s very own identity. The result is a very good and varied release. Morgul has certainly used every minute of this forty minutes long release, wisely. Morgul create genuine, good music.
Morgul is a one of the best Black Metal bands in the world. If you have any doubts; check out this release.
***** Lord Loch Lomond

Mork Gryning "Return Fire" CD (No Fashion Records)

Beware; this is another Swedish Black Metal release. You get everything on this release; "scary" BM vocals, ultra- brutal music and tons of metal clichés. The material is good, but not impressive. I guess that the guys in Mork Gryning, who are posing in the snow in the booklet (the ultimate Black Metal cliché.) do not even know the meaning of the words "identity" and "original music". If you are into Swedish Black Metal; you will like this release.
***

Mortem "Demon Tales" CD (Huasipungo Records) Peru

Death/Black Metal is very popular in Peru. Hadez should be well known for Black Metal fans. "Demon Tales" contains forty five minutes of high quality old style Death/Black Metal. All songs are very good. The sound quality are very good. This CD is recommended.
Mortem has just released a new CD on Merciless Records. Review and interview can be found somewhere else in this magazine.
****

Mortem "The Devil Speaks In Tongues" CD (Merciless)

Mortem has finally released their follow up to their brilliant "Demon Tales" CD. Mortem comes from Peru and they do old- style, Death Metal. The main difference is that Mortem’s sound are far darker than the rest of the trendy old- style Death Metal bands. All twelve tracks are ultra- brutal. Those who are into dark, satanic Death Metal, will love this release. Those who do not understand the power of this kind of music, should avoid this release. Mortem certainly means business.
****

Mortification "Triumph Of Mercy" CD (Rowe Productions)

I have a morbid fascination for Mortification. They fascinate me, on the same time as they disgust me. For those who do not know; Mortification are a Christian Death Metal band. They are therefore selling CDs like hot cakes to uncritical Christian teenagers. In their eyes; Judas Priest are Devil worshippers, but Mortification are a brilliant band, whatever they release. What a mad, mad world we are living in.....
The quality of Mortification’s releases vary from the brilliant "Scrolls Of The Megilloth" to the truly awful "Primitive Rhythm Machine". Actually; all their releases has been awful or below-average, with "Scrolls Of The Megilloth" as the only flash of brilliance. Their new album "Triumph Of Mercy" is a concept album based on Steve Rowe’s (the leader of Mortification) "miraculous" recovery from leukemia. According the booklet; he had only two hours left to live when the "miracle" happen. Everything is described in detail in this release. As an atheist; I do not take the lyrics serious, although I sympathize with Steve Rowe. Mortification desperate needed a far bigger miracle to save the music on this release from a musical disaster. The music can be described as dirty, under produced Death Metal. Mortification has a very special, irritating sound which I find impossible to describe. The sound is tolerable as long as the material is good. Which is it not the case on this album. This is the weakest Mortification album I have ever heard. And that says a lot. This is a truly awful release..... but it will outsell all other Death Metal releases this year with ten to one. There is no justice in this world. No justice at all.
*

Mortuary Oath "Once Upon A Dreary.." CD (Majestic Union)

Bloody hell. What the.....?? Ahh, Mortuary Oath’s only member are Blakk from Angelkill. Yes, we have reviewed the last CD from Angelkill. Whatever kind of metal Blakk do; it has a horrible, primitive sound- quality. I wonder which public lavatory this CD was recorded in. They really need to refit that lavatory. The lack of sound quality ruin a good back-to-basics Doom Metal release. The music is good, but as I said; record your next release in a record studio next time, Blakk.
***

Mosh "Private Place" CD (Primal) Brazil
Every scene has a band that is so horrible that it is difficult to take it serious. Mosh must be South America’s biggest joke. This Power Metal trio are fronted by a female vocalist. If this band had talent, she has destroyed it with her horrible vocals. The CD has been released ten years to late. This CD’s awful mix of Power Metal and ballads is so awful that it is not worth more space in this magazine. Burn, burn, burn !!!
*

Mundanus Imperium "Ode To The Nighsky" MCD
(Velvet Music Int.)

It seems like the landslide of Norwegian Black Metal releases will never end.
Here is another band with it's debut release. I have never heard about this band before and it might be a side- project of an established band. This MCD consist of three melodic Black Metal hymns. They are not especially good, but they are not bad either. It is just another Black Metal release from a scene who are being drowned by a landslide of average releases from average bands. Only time will tell if this band/project has a future. I very much doubt it. Another release for the Horde.
***

Mundanus Imperium "The Spectral Spheres Coronation" CD
(Nuclear Blast)

….And I was mistaken when I said that this band had no future. Not only did Nuclear Blast sign them on a multi album deal; they were also nominated to the Norwegian Grammy award for this album. Not bad for a hopeless band without talents ??
Mundanus Imperium do their own brand of heavy, progressive Power Metal with Star Wars lyrics. A bit spaced out music, in other words. Members from the well known Norwegian Heavy Metal bands TNT and Vagabond are involved in this album, both as musicians and producers. You can hear a lot of influences from these two bands. The material on this album is good, without being impressive. Some of the material are a bit anonymous. I guess you need a lot of time to fully appreciate this album. Give this album a chance.
***(*)

Murder Corporation "Blood Revolution 2050" CD (Qabalah)

This side project of Deranged (Sweden) can best be described as Europe’s answer to Morbid Angel. The music is fast, furious and ultra- brutal. The references to Morbid Angel, past and present is so evident that it is impossible not to compare them to this band. The only difference is the vocals. But Murder Corporation has thankfully not copied Morbid Angel’s music note by note. The quality is good. This CD is a obvious choice for all Morbid Angel fans.
***

Murder Corporation "Murder Corporation" CD (Regain Records)

Murder Corporation = Deranged. So why do the same set-up two different bands ? Well, Murder Corporation is much more GrindCore focused than Deranged. Murder Corporation has got rid of the similarities with Morbid Angel from their "Blood Revolution 2050" opus. The sound is very brutal and raw. Much rawer and back-to-basic than Deranged. The quality is good. This album will probably not set the world on fire, but it is a good Death/Grind album.
***

Murder Rape "Celebration Of Supreme Evil" CD (Cogumelo Records) Brazil

This release are one of the best debut releases I have ever heard from a band from Brazil. Murder Rape do a blend of Death, Doom and Black Metal. The music is ultra- brutal, grinding slow and mean. The material on this CD are very impressive. If you can get a copy of this release; regard yourself lucky. It is difficult to find.
A review of their new release "...And Evil Returns" can be found at our review pages.
*****

Murder Rape "....And Evil Returns" CD (Evil Horde Records)

This is a very interesting follow up to their brilliant debut album (see review in the South America report). Murder Rape has changed style to Goth influenced Black Metal. The material on this release are very good indeed. This is one of the more interesting band from South America at the moment.
*****

Mystic Circle "Infernal Satanic Verses" CD (Last Episode)

According to the press-sheet; this is a legendary band from Germany. I do not know if this is true or not. Their music is pretty good Black Metal with female vocals and grandiose sound. The music is epic and to a certain degree, symphonic. But the music is still deeply rooted in ultra-brutal Black Metal. The quality is good and this album is well worth an investment if you find pleasure in music for the Horde.
***

Mystic Prophecy "Vengeance" CD (B.Mind Records)

Wow!.wow..and once more.. woooooow! It has been years since I've liked a Classic Metal Record that much. This album includes 10 monstrous songs that will grab you (guess where from.) for the whole duration of the album (51+ minutes) and will make you want to play this record again and again. This is the debut album -if only every band could deliver such a diamond of debut, the world of Metal would become a better place to be- of this multinational quartet. The band consists of two Greeks: singer Dimitris Liapakis who is a also a member of the Germans Valley's Eve and young guitar player Gus G. (Nightrage), German bass player M.Albrecht (Valley's Eve, ex-Stormwitch) and the young Swede drummer D.Ekdahl (Raise Hell). Liapakis knows how to handle his vocals perfectly and add power, melody and real emotion instead of trying to scream all the time or hit high notes just for the hell of it. The guy can sing everything really well and his vocals are the big plus in this record. I think that he really steals the show, but thankfully not in the same way that 99.99% of the Classic Metal / Power Metal singers are trying to achieve that. Instead, he achieves that by the sheer class that he possesses and his professional attitude and delivery. He is also responsible for producing the album and doing a really good job in delivering a warm, rough and powerful sound. Especially brilliant is the mix, since all instruments are in a perfect level and everything is coming out of the speakers loud and clear. Great deliveries can be expected from all the other 3 members and especially the guitar player, that while restrained when playing his powerful and solid as a rock riffs, when the song calls for a solo he really lets rip with his perfectly timed and never overlong melodic soloing. I find impressive the fact that not only there is not a weak song to be found here, but also the balance is absolutely perfect. You will find fast songs, mid tempo songs and even 2 power ballads (that really kick ass mind you), that give great variety to the album and are placed in such a way that keep the music flowing so that the listener won't get bored. Their music may be rooted in the glorious '80s, but the delivery is fresh, exciting and I will say it once more, very balanced. Why? Well, because you are not going to find a single moment where any of the 4 members of the band tries to impress the listener with something unnecessarily over the top. Everybody plays for the song in this album and this is why the end result is so perfect. Therefore I believe that this album can be considered as a goodlesson and a point of reference for all the Classic Metal / Power Metal bands that are trying to impress the listener with over the top "musicianship" and end up sounding ridiculous. Band members and fans of this type of music should buy this album and realize how things should be done from now on. Don't settle for second and third rate bands when top bands like Mystic Prophecy release albums like this one.
****** Georgios Sidiropoulos

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

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