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


Nahash "Wellong Aetertinas" CD (Drakkar Productions)

This release has been destroyed by a very bad sound quality. Nahash from Lithuania do epic Black Metal. The quality of their material are good, but the sound quality has completely ruined a good release. Give this band a good studio and they might come up with a good release.
**

Napalm Death "Inside Torn Apart" CD (Earache)

I have never been a fan of this overrated band. Not even their earlier albums. This album is just another Napalm Death album, as far as I am concerned. It is a good album, but that is all. The music is brutal and trendy. The music is a blend of brutal Thrash Metal, Hard Core and Rock’n’Roll. This album is nothing to get exited about. Fangorn do this far better than Napalm Death.
***

Nebular Moon "Mourning" CD (Last Episode)

The material on this album did not exactly surprise me. Symphonic, Gothic Black Metal bands are popping up everywhere these days. Especially in Germany. Nebular Moon are among the elite of these German bands. Their new (debut ?) album contains forty- nine minutes of well crafted Gothic Black Metal. The quality is very good. This album suffer from the lack of 2- 3 killer tracks. Except from that; this is a very good Black Metal album which should appeal to the rest of the metal community too.
****

Necrodeath “Into The Macabre” CD (Scarlet)

Old style Death Metal are back again with a bang. It is therefore more than suitable that one of the albums that kicked of the Death Metal scene, has been made available on CD. Although this album sounds a bit dated, the quality is surprisingly good. I am not surprised that the top Death/Black Metal bands in today’s scene rate Necrodeath as one of their favourite bands. Necrodeath are now on the comeback trail and will release a brand new album sometime next year. In the meantime; enjoy this album.
****

Necroghast "Onset Of Putrefaction" CD (Noise Solution)

I had expected a true Grind Core album, but I got a solid slab of Death Metal instead. Necroghast from Germany can best be described as a mix between Atheist, Morbid Angel and Yngwie Malmsteen (!!!). Brutal and ultra- technical Death Metal mixed with some long guitar solos, in other words. The music is still brutal as hell, but with some very interesting twists. The quality is great thoughout this album. Necroghast has certainly come up with a new formula and this album is like a breath of fresh air. I highly recommend this album.
****(*)

Necromantia "IV: Malice" CD (Black Lotus Rec.)

Based on my earlier experiences with this Greek band, I expected some ritual keyboard shit. Thankfully; I was wrong. Necromantia (feat. members from Rotting Christ) has finally become a fully blooded Black Metal band. The music is very much standard Black Metal anno year 2000. Nothing special, in other words. But the quality is good throughout the album. There is none outstanding tracks on this album. But there a lot of interesting details in this album to keep me interested. Not bad.
***

Nekropsi "Mi Kubbesi" CD (Ada Muzik)

What the f**** is this? Avant Garde combined with Dark Wave, Jazz, Arabic Folk Music and Prog Rock makes this a strange release. I would say that this band is very brave, but they might have lost the sight of their goal somewhere in the process. This is one of the strangest releases I have ever heard. Next time, they might come up with a masterpiece.
***


Nervochaos "Pay Back Time" CD (Muvuca Records)

By one reason or another; Hard Core and old style Thrash/Death Metal is very popular in Brazil and the rest of South America. Nervochaos is a new band in this scene. Their twenty- eight minutes long debut album are not the best album I have heard from this scene. Basicly; it lack any good riffs. The thirteen tracks leave no positive impressions. Neither do they leave any negative impression. This makes this a very average release, in my books. This band know what they are doing and their next task should be to write some good riffs and songs. Keep an eye on this band.
***

Nightfall "Lesbian Show" CD (Holy Records)

If I had written a review of this release based on my first opinion, I would had called this release an average metal release. But I gave this release some more time and that has benefited my life. This release becomes better and better after some hours.
Nightfall are here again with their fourth album. Nightfall has matured a lot since their debut album. Nightfall do grown-up Heavy Metal, with strong influences from Death Metal. "Lesbian Show" is a brutal album. The material are very good, with some very strong tracks. The sound quality is also very good. Nightfall has established themselves as one of Europe’s best metal bands and this album prove their position. This album is highly recommended.
*****

Nigthsky Bequest "Keep The Lonely Trees" CD (Counter Attack)

Doom Metal from Bulgaria. The sound are mainly based on acoustic guitar, keyboard and female vocals. It is more like Folk Rock & Prog Rock than Doom Metal. The eight tracks are filled with sadness and emotions. It takes time to fully appreciate this CD, but even then; the main fault of this CD become to obvious. The CD does not have any outstanding tracks and it is not varied enough to keep my interest up for 62 minutes. But the CD is not bad. The quality is high enough to keep my happy. The sound is crystal clear and the booklet are brilliant. It is obvious that the band know what they are doing.
This CD will appeal to all Doom Metal fans. You can get a copy of the CD through our address. You will not regret it.
****

Night To Die "All Evil Crying" MCD (Repulse Records)

I had a good laugh when I read the press sheet. Repulse Records are branding their fellow Spaniards Night To Die's music as "melodic Death Metal with touches of Flamenco music". Very funny press sheet, indeed…. But I stopped laughing when the first track from this MCD hit my ears. Bloody hell; Repulse Records are right…. I would actually subscribe to Repulse Records description of Night To Die's music. The only thing I would add, is that Night To Die is a hell of a talented band. They are all brilliant on their instruments, the three tracks on this MCD are very good and that Night To Die are a very welcome addition to the metal scene. Oh, Repulse Records has also said that ??? Fucking hell….. They are right. Get this brilliant twenty- one minutes long MCD. Night To Die is a very promising band, indeed. They are signed on Repulse Records for three albums and the first one are scheduled for year 2000. I cannot wait….
*****

Nocte Obducta "Gottverreckte Finsternis" CD (Grind Syndicate)

The name of the record label sounds promising, but no…… It is Black Metal. To be more precise; symphonic, epic Black Metal. The sound is very German, with a hell of a lot references to Wagner. The result is seventy- three minutes of decent Black Metal, which means very good value for money if you are a devoted member of the Horde, but nothing more. This is a pretty average Black Metal album.
***

Noctuary "For Salvation" CD (Lost Disciple Reports)

Melodic Black Metal the Swedish Way has also got a foothold in USA. Noctuary do not bring anything new to the scene. Their debut album is a solid album without any major faults. It is a bit boring, but I am sure that it will please all those consider themselves as being a member of the Black Metal Horde.
***(*)

Nocturnal Winds “Everlasting Fall” CD (Aftermath Music)

Melodic Black Metal is the receipt this young band from Finland is trying to convince us is the right stuff. Maybe they are right, but not melodic Black Metal from the likes of Nocturnal Winds. This band has just started out on their (hopeful) long musical journey and it shows. Their music is very much naïve. The sound is also very thin. Nocturnal Winds reminds me about good old Fester (Norway). This band lack dept and musical conviction. The result is an acceptable album and only that. If this is your cup of tea, make sure that you check out this album.
***

Nomicon "Yellow" CD (Shiver Records)

I do not remember the Nomicon/Sarnath split CD, released on Shiver Records some years ago. But I am sure that I will remember "Yellow" for long time. This is a really extreme CD.
The sound is deeply rooted in Black Metal, but add a huge dosage of Avant Garde, Classical Music and Opera and we are pretty close do describe this madness release. The music is very dark and symphonic. It is like a visit into the darkest depths of a human being's soul. In other words; this release is not for the faint hearted. The quality on this CD is good and I would recommend "Yellow" to those who are interested in dark, extreme symphonic music.
****

Northland "Chernoboh" CD (Astral Wings)

Northland is a one man project and Nahald, the man behind this CD, are maybe playing in a another Black Metal band. I do not know and I do not care either. This CD contains of twelve tracks of slow and brutal Black Metal. The vocals are over-the-top insane. The cover contains the familiar view of snow and forest and the booklet includes the familiar view of a insane Black Metal loony in corpse- paint and trashing the forest with a sword. Get yourself a chainsaw and you could have a future as a lumberjack. The music is not bad so you can spend your money on a lot worse way.
***

Nowhere "J.A.M." MCD (Path Of Experience)

Nowhere is one of these bands who has been listening too much to Fear Factory and Pantera. The result is a trendy release which appeal to trendy people with baseball caps and shorts. I cannot stand this shit. Nowhere are not even near the standards set by the very few good trendy bands on this doomed planet. They are nowhere in this scene. There are some good attempts during these nineteen minutes, but most of the stuff on this MCD are below average shit. Not good enough, I am afraid.
**
The Now Noise "Raging Mad Insanity" CD (Morbid Records)

This is the vocalist in Obscenity’s side project. It is more Speed/Thrash Metal focused than Obscenity. The music is fast and furious. The title of this CD says it all, really. This CD is not a classic, but it has some good songs. The result is not bad, but I prefer Obscenity. Give this CD a try.
***(*)

Nox Intempesta "Damnanus Dominium" CD (Folter Records)

After two MCDs, it’s about time to release a full album. Although this is branded as Black Metal; the sound is typical Death Metal. Which make this a good album. The music is ultra- brutal, without the female vocals and acoustic instruments shit that has plagued the Black Metal scene in the last years. This is a very welcome "back to basis" Black Metal release. The material is good. If you are into this kind of stuff; this is a obvious investment.
****

Nox Intempesta "De Vermis Mysteriis" MCD (Folter Records)

Black Metal the Scandinavian way are the dish we get served by this German band. It is obvious that Mayhem has been a major influence on this band. The material on this MCD are pretty average. Only fanatical Black Metal fans will find pleasure in this release.
**

Nox Mortis "Im Schatten Des Hasses" CD
(Prophezy Productions)

This is another Goth Metal release from Germany. Nox Mortis do a very dark form of Goth Metal. This release are also highly influenced by Avant Garde. The material are OK, but nothing more. This band has a long way to go before they reach a good standard. This is a CD for the fans.
***

Obituary "Dead" CD (Roadrunner)

Obituary has always been my favorite Death Metal band. They have a very unique style. It is a very strange blend of Death and Doom Metal that none has managed to copy. The quality of their first two albums "Slowly We Rot" and "Cause Of Death" are brilliant. After these two albums; Obituary faded a bit.
"Dead" is their live album, recorded earlier this year. It contains a lot of their earlier stuff + some new stuff. The quality is very high throughout the sixty-three minutes of this album. If you are into Death Metal; you really must have a copy of this album. I really love this live album.
*****

Obliterate "The Feelings" CD (Erebos)

More Death Metal from Slovakia. Obliterate can best be described as a blend of Napalm Death and Cannibal Corpse. And I do not try to pay the two above mentioned bands a compliment by this comparision. The material on "The Feelings" (their debut album) is dull and without any good riffs. I cannot find anything worthy of my attention on this album. It is well crafted and that is all. But this band have plenty of talent. Perhaps next time ??
**

Obscenity "Human Barbecue" CD (Morbid Records)

By a reason I do not know; Germany have never really produced any great Death Metal bands. Morgoth and Atrocity was OK, but nothing more. The second wave of German Death Metal bands are more or less focused around Morbid Records and the reason for that are obvious; this label are only one of two record labels in Western- Europe (Repulse Records are the other one) who stay true to Death Metal and GrindCore.
This is Obscenity's fourth CD. They combine Death Metal with elements taken from both Heavy Metal and GrindCore. Obscenity takes their music into new territory but as the same time; they stay true to their roots. The result is a brilliant Death Metal CD. Throughout ten tracks; Obscenity re- write the ABC of Death Metal. There is eleven tracks on this CD and I would like to ask Obscenity why they have done a cover version of "Raining Blood" (Slayer). Do we need fifteen versions of this song ?? Anyway; this great CD are highly recommended.
*****

Obscurity “Damnation’s Pride” CD (Scarlet)

The trend of digging up and re-releasing old Thrash/Death Metal recordings from Scandinavia goes on and on…. It is a good reason why Obscurity from Sweden was not signed by one label between ’85 and ’97. The reason is that their material is not good enough to be unleashed on a CD. Scarlet from Italy disagree with this view and has released this album. Which was a mistake. The cover, the band-name and the song names are all great. The music is pretty hopeless old style Death Metal, rooted in Thrash Metal. References are Venom and Destruction. The difference is that these two bands was good. Obscurity should remain obscure forever and live on their reputation instead of expose their mediocrity to this world.
**

Obsecration "The Inheritors Of Pain" CD (Hammerheart)

Another great Doom Metal release hidden behind a bad cover. According to the art- work on the cover; the music are somewhere between Carcass and Cannibal Corpse. Nothing could be more wrong. This CD contains classic Doom Metal. Obsecration, who are a band from Hellas, can be compared to Mythological Cold Towers and Golgotha. Great music for peoples who prefer great music. Some of the tracks lacks identity, but as a debut CD; this is a good CD.
****

Obscure Disaster "Perish" CD (Obscure Disaster)

Another German self- financed album. Obscure Disaster do a blend of Death and Goth Metal. The music is good and solid. Exactly what you expect from a German band. But the material on this CD does not exactly set the world on fire. The songs are a bit predictable. Except from that; this is an OK album.
***

Obtruncation "The Callous Concept" CD (Damnation Records)

According to the press sheet we received together with this promo CD; this band from Holland has existed since 1989 and this is their debut CD. Which is a great shame because this is a very good Death Metal band. This forty- eight minutes long album is a journey through dark Death Metal. This album has both emotions, melody and intense, aggressive and ultra-brutal Death Metal. The result is a good album, with a widespread appeal. Sometimes it is good to wait ten years for something as good as this album. Obtuncation are currently preparing new material for a new album. Keep an eye on this band.
****

October 31 "Visions Of The End" MCD (Old Metal Records)

King Fowley (Deceased, Doomstone) are back again. This time with a band that reminds me a lot of Dark Angel. This MCD is a typical Thrash Metal release. The world became a better place to live when Death & Black Metal killed off the Thrash Metal scene at the beginning of this decade. This MCD is a scream from the museum. It should be sent back to the museum, without hesitation. The quality is far from good and the sound is very dated. If you are into nostalgia; this might be something for you.
**

Odes Of Ecstasy "Embossed Dream Of Four Acts" CD
(Raven Records/The End Records)

Hellas has again managed to produce another good Goth Metal band. Odes Of Ecstasy has earlier done a split '7 (see review on the vinyl page) and this is their debut CD. This debut shows a lot of promise.
Odes Of Ecstasy do brutal Goth Metal with some references to Black, Avant Garde and Industrial Metal. Odes Of Ecstasy has included everything a Goth Metal fanatic need on this album. That means plenty of guitars, female opera vocals, brutal male vocals and synths. The quality of the material is very good. I miss some killer riffs and melodies, but that is the only negative thing I can say about this album. Unfortunately; this CD only last for half an hour. That is too short for an album these days. I long to hear more from this band.
Please note that The End Records is Odes Of Ecstasy's record label. Raven Records has taken this album on license for Israel, from where I got this CD.
****

Odium "The Sad Realm Of The Stars" CD (Nocturnal Art Prod.)

Odium is one of the brightest new stars on the Norwegian Black Metal scene. Although they have existed since 1994. Before they ended up on Nocturnal Art Productions; they ran away from record contracts with Arctic Serenades, Embassy Production and Velvet Music International. In other words; this is not a band you should trust if you run a record label.
Odium do modern Black Metal with a lot of epic keyboards and melodic riffs. The material on this CD is good. This is a very good Black Metal CD and I am sure this band has a future. Check out this album.
****

Officium Triste "Ne Vivam" CD (Teutonic Existence Records)

This is one of the underrated bands from Holland. Officium Triste do brutal Doom Metal with death- grunts, no acoustic instruments & keyboards. In many ways; it is back to basis Doom Metal. All tracks on this album are very good. This is a good debut release and I hope to hear a lot more about this band in the coming years.
****

Olemus "Bitter Tears" CD (NSM Records)

Nice, clean Goth is what this band from Austria offer the overcrowded Gothic Metal market. Both the music and the sound are excellent. The same goes for the packaging of this album. Everything on this album is very clever….and very bland. This album lacks something that can wake you up from a slumber. A kind of a kick in the stomach. This album is soulless, no matter how good it is. But the music is good and the album is well worth an investment.
****

Olethrio Rigma "Fight For The Innocent" CD (Iron Palm Prod.)

The difference between Hard Core and metal is not easy to detect. Sepultura is a good example of this crossover between music genres. Olethrio Rigma from Hellas do a brand of Hard Core that border to both Death and Thrash Metal. At the same time as being ultra- commercial. Olethrio Rigma sing in their mother language and they also use some avant- garde female vocals. Refreshing. The quality of their stuff is rather average. None of the fifteen tracks leave any everlasting impression. Not in my ears, but I am sure Hard Core fans will like this album. Good luck.
*** Lord Loch Lomond

Opera IX "Sacro Culto" CD (Shiver Records)

Opera IX released a CD three years ago on a label from Italy (Sorry. I have forgotten the name).
That CD was very good. But this CD is even better. This CD includes six tracks with average length of eleven minutes. We are talking about true Avant Garde Black Metal. The male vocals are haunting and evil, the female vocals are beautiful, the solo guitarist is brilliant and the sound is full of keyboards and haunting sound effects. Welcome to hell. This CD is like a Black Metal Opera. This CD will spellbound you. You will never wish to waste your time on other Black Metal releases after you have heard this CD. Opera IX has come very close to release a perfect release. The rest of the Black Metal scene should take notice. Opera IX rules. OK ?
******

Otyg "Alvefard" CD (Napalm)

This must be a obvious booking for this year’s Turridon Folk Music Festival.
This Swedish band can be compared with Storm, the Norwegian band who released a CD on Moonfog some years ago. This band can also be compared with Skyclad, although it is more folky than Skyclad. The material on this forty minutes long release are OK, without leaving any everlasting impressions. I would give the release full marks for originality. If you are into Skyclad, this might be a release for you.
**

Ouija "Riding Into The Funeral Paths" CD (Repulse)

Black Metal is the recipe for world domination Ouija are using on this CD. The music is in the Scandinavian vein. Epic and brutal. The vocals are traditional Black Metal vocals. Ouija from Spain do Black Metal better than most other bands and this CD is a very good Black Metal CD. I do not think Ouija will get any fans outside the Black Metal Horde, but this CD should really give Ouija the attention they deserve in the Black Metal scene. This CD is recomended.
****

Overdose "Circus Of Death" CD (Pavement Music)

This band has managed to keep it going for 15 years in Brazil. Without the recognition outside their homeland they truly deserve. Mainly due to their existence in the shadow of Sepultura. In many people's mind; it cannot be as many as two brilliant bands from Brazil. Well, they are wrong because Overdose is a brilliant band. Which they prove on this album. I am not a huge fan of Thrash Metal, but I really like this album. It is full of high-class metal. Ok, the material sounds a bit dated, but it still works. This album contain nine very good tracks and over fifty minutes of pure metal. That is what I call value for money.
According to the press sheet from Pavement Music; we can expect a lot more releases from Overdose in the coming months and years. It seems like this band finally get the attention they fully deserve. That is what I call good news.
*****

Overlife "Between Passion & Madness" CD (GoldTrack Records)

In the newly established GoldTrack Records; we have got a record label that release old fashion. Heavy Metal. Listening to Overlife’s debut release; I remember the ’80 when I was young and stupid. But not even then would I fall for a release like this. This release include some mid- tempo tracks with a ballad thrown in. The quality are pretty poor too. I guess Heavy Metal fans will love this CD, but I cannot take another minute with this shit.
*

Oxiplegatz "Sidereal Journey" CD (Season Of Mist)

According to Alf Svensson, the man behind Oxiplegatz (and -ex member of At The Gates), this release are radical different from Oxiplegatz two earlier releases. I do not know, because I have never had the chance to hear them.
"Sidereal Journey" is a concept album. It is also a very progressive album, in the vein of the Prog Rock albums from the golden age of music; 1970-1977. It is off course very difficult to create a concept album and the most attempts on concepts albums are failures. This album are one of these failures. The main problem with this CD is that it is boring. There are few highlights on this CD. It is a pity because Alf Svensson has really done an honest attempt of creating something unique. Better luck next time.
**

Pagan Lorn "Black Wedding" CD (Pagan Lorn)

This is one of the most underrated releases from 1997.
Pagan Lorn comes from Luxembourg. This small country are situated between Germany, Holland and Belgium. Pagan Lorn do progressive, avant- garde Black/Death Metal. The music is both brutal and symphonic. They use a lot of different instruments; both electric and acoustic instruments. They also use all kind of vocals. The result is a very interesting album. Pagan Lorn really deserve a record deal on a big record label. This is a band we will follow with great interest in the future. In the meantime; get yourself a copy of this CD.
****

Pagan Winter "Inferos" CD (Last Episode)

Ultra- primitive Black Metal are OK…when it is properly recorded in a studio and not in a public toilet somewhere on the autobahn in Germany. The sound quality is in other words bloody awful. Pagan Winter has also included all the usual Black Metal cliches on this masterpiece. If you want your granny to die of heart- attack; this CD as a birthday present should do the trick. Thirty- three minutes in the company of this CD is a waste of time.
*

Paragon "The Final Command" CD (B.O. Records)

Judas Priest has left a huge impression on some bands. Paragon from Germany continue where Judas Priest left it after their "Painkiller" opus. The material on this release is good Heavy Metal. In my ears; the material is a bit dated, but it brings back happy memories from my youth. Before I met my wife. But I have been told by the more updated persons in the magazine that Paragon’s brand of metal is very trendy at the moment. So, where did I leave my spandex trousers again ?
****

Paragon Belial "Hordes Of The Darklands" CD (Folter Records)

Primitive Black Metal are the dish this German band serve us. The sound quality is abysmal and so is the music. Well, almost abysmal. They certainly do not bring anything new to the Black Metal scene. They follow ten years old paths. What more can I say ?
*(*)

Paranoid Agony "A View In Agony" CD (NSM Records)

This band has tried to combine Death and Gothic Metal on this album. The result of this fusion probably deserve the label Dark Metal. The sound is very dark, depressive and sometimes very desperate. The vocals are the usual death growls, but the music is very melodic. There are some female vocals at the end of this album, which gives this album an added dimension. The result is another good album from NSM Records. This is not a brilliant album, but this album is very solid, without any major faults. There is an open question how many albums of this kind the market are able to take before it collapse. I do not know.
****

Pathology Stench "Gluttony" CD (Immortal Souls Productions)

More ultra-brutal Death Metal from the Czech Republic. The music is pretty average Cannibal Corpse cloned American Death Metal. The sound quality is not good either. Releases like this, do not do the Death Metal scene any justice. You have to be even more fanatical Death Metal fan than I am to get something out of this release.
**

Path Of Debris "The Eyes Of The Basilisk" CD (System Shock)

Another melodic Death/Power Metal album from Germany. A certain, well known German record label, not System Shock, has a lot to answer for ‘cause the quality is not always acceptable. Path Of Debris is not one of the worst bands, but they have nothing new to bring to the genre either. The music is pretty average. None of the tracks are memorable or anything special. It is a solid Power Metal release, and nothing more. Power Metal fans might like this release better than I do. If you are into Power Metal; check out this release.
***

Pegazus "Breaking The Chains" CD (Nuclear Blast)


I wonder what kind of chains Pegazus are breaking on this album. Their new (third) album is a straight Heavy Metal album in the Manowar mould. Especially the song titles are very much Manowar. There is not even a slightest hint of musical innovations on this album. This album contains of exactly fifty minutes of good quality Heavy Metal. This is not my kind of metal, but I am sure Heavy Metal fans will love this album. Give me more Death Metal, please.
***

Penetralia "Carpe Noctem- Legends Of Fullmoon Empires" CD
(Last Episode)

This is a highly promising new Black Metal band from Germany. This is their follow up to their "Tribute To The Moon" MDC, which I have not had the privilege to hear.
Penetralia do a blend of Black Metal and Goth Metal. They use a lot of opera structures and female soprano on this album, and the result is very good. The main problem is the lack of good songs, a problem they share with most other bands in this genre. This album are more like an artwork than a collection of songs. If Bal Sagoth are your kind of music; Penetralia will be your new favorite band. Give this release a chance.
****(*)

Pentacle "..Rides The Moonstorm" CD (Damnation)

The ten second long intro from Tom G. Warrior (Celtic Frost) says everything about this release. Pentacle takes us back ten years in time. To the late ’80 when there was no such things as Black and Death Metal. Just aggressive, brutal metal. Not Thrash Metal or Speed Metal. Just aggressive, brutal metal as it was meant to be. The references to Obituary and Celtic Frost are obvious, but Pentacle are no retro- band. This release has it’s own identity and it is a damn good release. Pentacle has also included a version of Pentagram’s classic "Spell Of The Pentagram" track. Say no more….
****


Pentacrostic "The Pain Tears" CD (Molten Metal/Hellion) Brazil

Epic Black Metal is what Pentacrostic is offering us on this CD. The quality is good and this CD is the right choice if you are into this type of music. It is far better than most of the Epic Black Metal releases from Europe so it is a good choice if you are into this type of music.
****

Perpetua "Irrational" CD (Perpetua Records) Argentina

A mix of Death Metal, Industrial and Hard Core. It is pretty good copy of Machine Head. It is so called modern metal.
This CD is not bad, but it is pretty average. I guess this CD has gone down well in South America. It is well worth checking out.
***

Pentagram "Anatolia" CD (Raks Muzik)

This band has, according to rumors in Turkey, attracted a lot of interest from the biggest underground labels in the world. I do not know if this is true, but Pentagram is without any doubt, the best band from The Middle East, and that include bands like Salem and Orphaned Land. Pentagram released their debut CD two- three years ago. I cannot remember it’s title or the music. As far as I remember; it was pretty bad Thrash Metal. Pentagram has on "Anatolia" changed style to a more Progressive Metal style, but they have incorporated some Arabic Folk Music in most of the thirteen tracks. The quality are very high, but I must admit that this is not my type of music. But fans of Progressive Metal, will love this release. This release is recommended.
****

Perished "Kark" CD (ISS Records)

These veterans in the Norwegian Black Metal scene, has finally released their debut album. About time. "Kark" is not a masterpiece by any standards. It is another album in the epic, Black Metal style.
The music is raw, in your face Black Metal, with some epic, melodic synth parts thrown in now and then to add another dimension to the guitar and vocals based sound. Perished do not bring anything new to the Black Metal scene with their debut album. But the album is quite good and well worth checking out if you are into Black Metal.
***

Perkussive Perlokution "Forced To Decay" CD (System Shock)

This is a new name for me. This band sings in German so I guess it is a German band. But you never know these days…. The music is Industrial Goth. Very technical and brutal, but also very dark. The quality is surprising good. The music is catchy and commercial. I guess it will catch the market like a fire in a dry forest. This is a band with all the right things to become big. Only a minor, giant detail like "luck" will decide the faith of this band. Get a copy of this release if you are into this kind of music.
****

Pessimist "Cult Of The Initiated" CD (Lost Disciple Records)

I have heard a lot of positive things about Pessimist, but this is the first time I have had chance to listen to their brand of American Death Metal. Pessimist do a mix of melodic and ultra brutal Death Metal. They are clearly influenced by the Swedish melodic Death Metal scene, but their sound are deeply rooted in the American Death Metal scene. Bands like Morbid Angel and Brutality springs to mind. The quality of the material on this album is very good. This is a good Death Metal album.
****

Pessimist "Blood For The Gods" CD (Lost Disciple Rec.)

This American band has established themselves as one of the best Death Metal acts on this planet. Their debut album "Cult Of The Initiated" was a killer and the follow up album are in the same vein. That means ultra- brutal and technical Death Metal the American way. The quality of the material on this album is very high. Pessimist do Death Metal as it was meant to be. Orthodox and no- nonsense. Death Metal is back again with a vengeance. Enjoy or perish.
*****

Plan E "Songs For A Rainy Day" CD (Solardisk)

I have some vivid memories about the two ‘3 MCDs this band released in 1996. My hope was that Plan E was a kind of an experiment from the two guys in Impaled Nazarene and that Plan E would never surface again. I was wrong. They are back again with their debut album. Plan E do a sort of Avant Garde Rock, with distorted vocals and ditto sound. Plan E will never be my favorite band and I find this album a total waste of space and time. Nuff said.
*

Posthumous "My Eyes, They Bleed" CD (Evil Horde)

Thundering, melodic Black/Death Metal the South American way is what I would describe the latest offering from Brazil as. This album contains a lot of melodic guitars and intricate melody lines. The material on this album is good. The main problem is the lack of killer tracks. It cannot be said that Posthumous is an original band, with their own identity. They are doing safe middle-of-the-road Death/Black Metal. The lack of identity is both Posthumous and this album's biggest problem. This album is a solid metal album, but not more than that. A bit more creative next time around ??
***(*)

Postmortem "Repulsion" CD (Morbid Records)

A disappointing release, this one. I had high hopes after their "The Age Of Massmurder" epos from last year. But Postmortem has returned with a bland, typical German Bierkeller inspired Death/Power Metal album. There are no tracks on this album in the "Der Totmacher" league (from the "The Age…." album). When that is said; this is not a bad album. Postmortem's big problem is that they set a high standard on "Der Totmacher" and "The Age Of Massmurder". Their new album "Repulsion" are not on this standard. But "Repulsion" is still a good Death/Power Metal album.
Postmortem has also included a good cover of AC/DC's "Sin City" on this sixteen tracks long album.
***(*)

Postmortem "Screams Of Blackness" CD (Morbid Records)

Postmortem’s second release this autumn is a re-release of their first album. Compared to their latest album "Repulsion"; Postmortem has not changed much. It is still Death’n’Roll. The quality is very good. I actually think this album is better than their brand new album "Repulsion". "Screams Of Blackness" has better structured songs. This is a good release and it confirm Postmortem’s position as one of the bands worth following with interest.
****

Primal Fear "Jaws Of Death" CD (Nuclear Blast)

The stench from the Helloween carcass is strong on this album. This is German Power Metal in full bloom. High- pitch vocals and guitar solos are the most remarkable things about Primal Fear. The melodies are pretty standard cliches and nothing to shout about. Primal Fear had done all the metal cliches on this album and it should guarantee some very nice sales figures indeed. Primal Fear has reserved the use of their brains to their regular visits on the toilets and not on creating this album. Do not expect anything brainy on this album. Just fifty- four minutes of cliches. Which in my book is fifty- four minutes of wasted time.
**

Procosmian Fannyfiddlers "...And Silver’s Quality" LP (Langt Lem Records)

Some records defy belief. This is one of them. Procosmian Fannyfiddlers describe their music as Goetheian post-jazz retro-Vergil, Kristeva pop core, symphonic trip hop-Dante, regressive -progressive space - country - Johan B, avantgarde - realism brass - techno anti - computer- walts, Faust pornographic preindustrial rock -roots, and bebop Wergeland, psycedelic bossanova Death Metal.
Believe or not; this sums up the music on this LP 100 %. For those who did not understand a shit of the above mentioned statement: This LP contains nearly fifty minutes of weirdo Prog Rock, deeply rooted in the ’70. The music are OK. The lyrics are insane. This release will only appeal to insane people. This release has been a huge hit in our pub, and says it all.
Order this LP (or a CD version) through Procosmian Fannyfiddler’s web- site in our Links page.
***
Profanity "Shadows To Fall" CD (Brickhouse Music)

This German band prove that there is light at the end of the tunnel. They are not doing family friendly Black Metal or Goth Metal. Instead; we get a (un)healthy dosage of Death Metal. Yes, ultra- brutal, technical Death Metal the American way; not Rock’n’Death or GrindCore. Profanity has also added some melodic guitar solos here and there so spice up the sound. With success. The quality on the eight tracks are very good, although it is not a perfect release. Some of the tracks are a bit well standard. But all fans of Death Metal should find comfort in this release.
***(*)

Promethean "Somber Regards" CD (AvantGarde Music)

What the hell is this band doing on AvantGarde Music ?? With all respect for AvantGarde Music, but Promethean are a Prog Rock band; not a Doom/Black Metal band. Promethean has nothing in common with the rest of the AvantGarde Music bands. But don't get me wrong; AvantGarde Music deserve a hell of a lot respect and credit for signing this band.
Promethean comes from Finland and their brand of Prog Rock are deeply rooted in the '70. A good reference is Jethro Tull. From the Prog Rock platform; Promethean has expanded their music into Folk Music and Jazz. The result is awesome. Promethean takes us through a forty- one minutes long journey of brilliant music. There is a lot of interesting details in their music. The only negative thing I can say about this album is that the last part of the album is to experimental and too much Jazz- influenced. But this album is still one of the best albums I have ever heard from a band from Finland. Buy, buy, buy !!
*****

Psalm "Threshold Of Escape" CD (Craziness Musix)

A typical French metal release. This album is heavy influenced by all kinds of metal. Death, Goth, Thrash, Industrial, Black, Hard Core; you got it all on this album. I guess you can call this album a modern metal album. The quality is pretty average. There is not much to report about this album; just a wall of noise.
**(*)
Purulent "Patologia Grotesca" CD (Sylphorium Records)

Ultra-brutal Gore Metal from Colombia. Purulent are actually far more technical than the average Gore Metal band and they can be found in the same area as Morbid Angel. The sound quality on this, their debut album, could have been better, but the quality of this material shines through anyway. This is a good Death Metal album. Purulent is about to sign on a European label for their second album and this is a band we will hear a lot from in the next years.
***(*)

Raventhrone "Malice In Wonderland" CD (AvantGarde Music)

What do you get when you mix sing-along German Bierkeller music and Black Metal ?? Probably something like this album. The problem is the lack of good melodies, which makes this a far from convincing album. Most of the stuff on this album is dead boring and uninspired. The band know what they are doing, but they are not able to show their potential on this album. Another album for my sinbin.
**

Reaction Ecstasy Trance "In Memories" CD (Sheer Records)

This band's debut CD was very good. The follow up album is even better. R.E.T. do avant- garde, melancholic Doom Metal. It is impossible to compare them with other bands. There is plenty of violins and acoustic instruments on this CD, but at the same time; the music is very heavy and massive.
This is great CD and I strongly recommend it if you are into Goth/Doom Metal.
*****

Rebellion "Land Of Hate" CD (Rebellion) Venezuela

Old style Thrash/Speed Metal are still alive in South America. With bands like Rebellion; it is perfectly clear why this music style is popular. This CD include nine very good songs and the sound quality are also very good. This CD has become one of my favorite CDs from South America.
****

Reincarnation "Void" CD (Repulse Records)

This CD is a real standard Death Metal CD with the usual growling vocals and twisted guitars. This CD has it all. You will not find any innovative music on this CD. Reincarnation sounds like a blend of Suffocation and Cannibal Corpse. In other words; The same as 85 % of all Death metal bands. They released a good MCD (also on Repulse Records) three years ago, and this CD is in the same vein as that release. If you are into good, traditional Death Metal; this is a CD for you. But you could use your hard earned money on far better CDs than this CD.
***

Rhymes Of Destruction "A Sun Revolution" CD (Shiver Records)

What a mess this band from Belgium has created on this album. The music is thrown into a CD without any concept or idea how an album work. The basis is Black and Heavy Metal, wrapped with some Goth clothes. The album is totally without any memorable parts or melodies. There is nothing positive to be said about this crap and it is best forgotten. Nuff said.
*
Ringevond "Nattverd" CD (Edgerunner)

A good Black Metal album shot dead by a bad production must be the conclusion here. Ringevond from Norway is a good band and it is possible to detect that this album is going somewhere, but the sound is killing this album. Ringevond's brand of symphonic, grim Black Metal really demand a crystal clear sound too fully appreciate it. Not a sound from the arse of a sheep. This album is a case of could have been. The music on this album is very good and it is worth while keeping an eye on this band. They may be the next big thing from Norway. If they can get their act together.
***

Rossomahaar "Imperium Tenebrarum" CD (More Hate Prod.)

Finally; the Russian Black Metal scene has spawned a great band. Actually; Rossomahaar has probably released the best Russian metal album ever. The music on this album is both grim, gothic, melodic and symphonic. At the same time. It is very much a release in the Norwegian tradition. The only problem is that the material on this album lacks a bit originality. But with the strenght of this material; that is not a big problem. This is a solid Black Metal from a band I am sure we will hear a lot from in the future. By the way; their version of Metallica's "Call Of Ktulu" is great.
****

Rot "Sociopathic Behaviour" CD (Ecocentric Rec.)

Rot from Brazil are back again. Their album on Morbid Records did not set the world alight and neither does this album. This album consists of thirty- four minutes of noise, divided on thirty- three tracks. The music is not particular brutal either. This album is very much a cross between Grindcore and Punk. Most of the music on this album is uninspired and quite boring. With some very few positive signs of creativity thrown in here and there on this album. I do not understand why this band is so popular in the Grindcore scene. They fail to impress me. Then again……
**

Rotten Sound "Under Pressure" CD (Repulse Records)

I have no clue if Rotten Sound from Finland is a project band or a real band. I have never heard about this band before. Rotten Sound do ultra- brutal Death Metal the Scandinavian way. Rotten Sound can be compared to bands like Grotesque and Liars In Wait from the impressive Black Sun Records. The music sometimes border to Punk, GrindCore and Black Metal. The sound quality is very good and far from rotten. Their choice of band name therefore remains a mystery.
The quality on the twenty- two tracks are very impressive. The pace vary from mid- paced to full speed. But the music is always ultra- brutal. The vocals are both screaming and growling. A very good combination. The only negative thing about this release, sit the lack of the real killer tunes. But I hope that the band will follow up this release with another release. Keep an eye on this band. This release is a very good Death Metal release.
****

Royal Hunt "Fear" (Steamhammer) CD

Keyboards….Denmark….popular in Japan….Hmm. Normally a big turn off for me. But Royal Hunt do keyboards based Progressive Metal better than most bands. There is a lot of references to Europe in their music, but they are (almost) forgiven. There is also a lot symphonic music in Royal Hunts music. But not enough, in my view. If Progressive Metal is your kind of music; you can do far worse than checking out this album. There is no killer tracks on this album and that is the only negative thing I can say about this album. Recommended.
****

Ruination "Visionary Breed" CD (GoldTrack Records)

Is this the new Paradise Lost CD ? Wrong; it is their fanclub (I guess) in Lithuania who has recorded a CD under the name Ruination and released it on GoldTrack Records. They have even toured Europe with their music. I am sure they have been greeted with delight by fellow Paradise Lost fans. The material are off course not copies of Paradise Lost tracks. Their sound and vocals are identical to Paradise Lost from their "Icon" period. The material are quite good, but Ruination will never score any points when it comes to originality. If you are a Paradise Lost fan; order yourself a copy of this release. If you do not do so; you will regret it for the rest of your life and you loose the right to call yourself a Paradise Lost fan. This is also a good release for Heavy Metal fans.
***

Rush "Different Stages -Live" Triple CD (Atlantic)

I have been waiting on this album in over two years. Before you read the rest of this review; please keep in mind that I am a fanatical Rush fan. This three man band from Canada has formed my view on music in the last fifteen years. During these years; the quality of their releases has varied from barely acceptable to very good. But as all Rush fans will tell you; this band had their best period in the ’70. Their brilliant trilogy "2112", "A Farewell To Kings" and "Hemispheres" are cornerstones in progressive rock. Actually; these are three cornerstones in the history of recorded music. In my view; Rush are, together with McCartney/Lennon, the best composers of music since Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Rush has previously released three brilliant live albums and I had my doubts about the new live album. But I had no reason to worry. Rush are adding a new dimension to their old material, at the same time as they give their new material the life and dynamic structure the studio versions sorely miss. The result is an orgy of brilliant music.
This triple album consists of two CDs with a blend of new and old material + a CD from a Hammersmith Odeon (London, U.K.) gig in 1978. The quality of the three discs are stunning. Rush are in their own class, both on stage and in the studio. Words cannot describe the amount of pleasure this triple CD album has given me in the last days. In 60 years time, when I take my last breath and leave this planet; I will probably die as a fanatical Rush fan. Nuff said.
******