Spectral Voice / Phrenelith - Split

SPECTRAL VOICE / PHRENELITH Split (IRON BONEHEAD / DARK DESCENT 7"EP 2016)

At the time, when I was buying this split 7’EP I had not much clue about both of the bands participating on it. I was eager to get this piece of wax anyway, because they seemed like interesting newcoming acts and Dark Descent always knew where to look for killer, unknown death metal bands. Couple of years later Spectral Voice and Phrenelith have already released their debut full length albums and I think that they immediately became everyone’s favourites. Yes, definitely these are two hot names in the field of underground obscure death metal movement. And this split is not so easy to find anymore, so I am very happy that I bought it when it was still new.  

And what can I say... these bands were seriously good even before they did “Eroded Corridors of Unbeing” and “Desolate Endscape”. On this split 7” each band delivers one song, which is exclusive for this release and each really blows my head off with this filthy, mutilating death metal. Very downtuned, brutal, fast, yet with some massive slower parts to get more interesting and monstrous result, these are some wonderful tunes. Sure, the production is rather obscure, especially in Spectral Voice's song, but I would never say it's something what would have a negative influence on the music.  

Especially Phrenelith's "Once Fertile Soil" sounds powerful and really makes my ears bleed, when I play this track loud. Their riffs are fantastic, the atmosphere is really dark and sepulchral, which is something I like a lot. Only the vocals make me think that they were done without idea, just few grunts here and there to accompany the guitar wall. Meanwhile Spectral Voice's "Peeled Veins" is faster, more brutal, nastier... but equally killer. In the end, I think, we get two absolutely fantastic songs from two great bands. And so, this split is just a must to have, in my opinion. And you better also get yourself a copy! 

Verdict: 85/100

Angstridden - Fuck Humanity with Pride

ANGSTRIDDEN - Fuck Humanity with Pride (CRYPTIA Productions CD 2008)

Back in 2007 I received a letter with debut demo CDR from new Greek band called Angstridden and I remember that I fucking loved “Mutilators of Conscious”, as this is what this demo was titled. But soon I lost the band from sight, until few years later when I saw “Fuck Humanity with Pride” CD for some a price of one beer. So, I did not hesitate a second, bought it and I have to say that I still like Angstridden music a lot. Which is why I decided to write few words about them, because they’re very little known, but the music is awesome. 

Yeah.... but what can a band called Angstridden play? Angstridden is the title of one of Satyricon’s songs from their “Volcano” LP. And yes, this is a close shot, because Angstridden sounds fuckin a lot like mid-era Satyricon, but in much harsher way. I would also add Gehenna’s “WW”, Disiplin and even a bit og mid-era Behemoth to that source of influences. Everything with nasty, raw sound and more uncompromising style of playing. Now you may have some idea how does “Fuck Humanity with Pride” sound like. And believe me, this EP is great. I like Angstridden’s riffs, ideas they had for their music and that they do not waste time, but mostly rip through with fast, blasting mutilating black metal. This is vicious stuff, but interestingly, a lot of these riffs are quite catchy without losing its aggression and savagery. Which is how “Anti-Life” or “WW” sound like also, right? Angstridden may not play the most impressive thing, their music is also far from being very original, but I do enjoy it a lot. I also like that cold, inhuman, nihilistic atmosphere of it, plus the diversity - from ultra-blasting “New World'z Terrorizm” to the eight minutes long monolith “Subsonic Society”. 

Good EP then. It contains all songs from “Mutilators of Conscious” demo, but in new versions, so I feel very glad to have both releases in my collection. Now I need to find a copy of “Secta Nova” split.  

PS. Hey, Panzerfaust zine is there in the thanks list, which is always awesome to find! 

Standout tracks: “Tyrant Syndikate” 

Verdict: 75/100

Aeternus - Dark Sorcery

AETERNUS - Dark Sorcery (HAMMERHEART - CD 1997)

If I was going to name Norwegian bands, with the most distinguished, original sound and style, then I would definitely mention Aeternus among them. They were (and still are, actually) completely different to all other bands from Norge and despite being formed in the golden era of Norwegian black metal, they never had much in common with the likes of Gorgoroth, Darkthrone, Emperor or Immortal. Which did not prevent them from being an important part of the scene! And that makes me think why the hell it feels like they are so underrated and almost forgotten nowadays? 

Anyway, Aeternus music was always very original and interesting. And it was such from their very first recording - which is amazing, I think! You could listen to a small part of their music and you'll immediately know that this is Aeternus playing, because there have never been another band, which would sound alike. I have to admit that I enjoy all Aeternus albums, but my favourites are those early recordings, especially "Dark Sorcery" EP, which is so fuckin awesome piece of music. Maybe one of the reasons why I enjoy it a bit more is the fact that it's a shorter recording (27 minutes of music on the Hammerheart digipack edition, which I own), so it is easier to get into. Aeternus music can sometimes feel a bit monotonous, as they often put songs through similar kind of slow-paced tempo, with that harsh, yet incredibly heavy riffage and monstrous, deep growl of Ares. So, it works the best on shorter recordings. And as such, "Dark Sorcery" is close to perfection, with no weak parts at all. 

Aeternus style of music is something between black metal - with that dark, very epic and monumental sound, slightly alike to bands such as Hades maybe, yet very different at the same time - and death metal, with that massive sound, overwhelming crushing heaviness and very deep growl of Ares, who sounds like he was summoning gods in the battlefield frenzy, not just "singing" some words. Riffs are quite special here, and I have to say that I love how Aeternus combines their heavy nature with a bit of majestic melody and sometimes even folky tunes. If you listen to these songs carefully then you will immediately recognize great potential and fantastic atmosphere, which this music brings. Yes, monumental, epic, war-like and truly destructive. It may feel slightly one dimensional in the beginning, but it's still very exciting and inspiring stuff, especially if you listen to such fantastic, thunderous tracks like "Raven and Blood" or "Victory". Their music has all these little details, like melodic bits, acoustic guitar parts, howling vocals, which gives even more impressive result. Absolutely essential part of the Norwegian metal scene, in my opinion. So, if you don’t know them, then check Aeternus out now. 

Standout tracks: "Raven and Blood", "Victory" 

Verdict: 85/100

Isolated - Descent on the Cross

ISOLATED - Descent on the Cross (Self released demo CDR 2001)

This album would actually be pretty damn good, if only the production was better. But damn, the sound is crap! Thin guitars, everything’s so damn artificial, with quite weak sounding vocals and not even a small hint of powerful punch, which would knock you out... Like death metal should! But the songs are solid and with better, more meaty and crushing production they would work very well. 

Isolated were Polish death metal band, but to be honest I don't remember much about their history. I would have to dig out some old fanzines. I think they were mainly active in the early 00's, when they recorded "Descent on the Cross" (2001) and "Demonss Conclave" EP (2005). But they both were little noticed, I'm afraid. I only had a chance to hear the 2001’s material. And as I already mentioned, "Descent on the Cross" songs are not bad, if you like Vader or Decapitated. Or Deicide and Cannibal Corpse, then this shit is for you. Some absolutely great riffs, many good ideas and arrangements... This is brutal stuff, but well balanced between faster and slower parts, so from that point of view I don't really have anything bad to say. But the production and a lot of vocals killed the effect. Such a thin guitar sound and drums. And the vocals also sometimes are ruined. 

Anyway, I had not listened to this band in ages. So, I’m surprised that my old promo CDR is still playable and I could check Isolated again after all those years. It must be quite rare recording nowadays. It's not something I could really recommend, but if you dig very underground and obscure death metal releases, then you may like to check this shit out. 

Verdict: 55/100 

Aura Noir - Black Thrash Attack

AURA NOIR - Black Thrash Attack (MALICIOUS Records LP 1996)

Black fuckin Thrash Attack!!! This title is such adequate to the musical content of this record. And is best description for what you'll find there. It says everything - about the influences of Aura Noir members, which are deeply rooted in the 80's legendary records, like thrash classics from Sodom, Slayer and Destruction, and in 80's primeval black metal from Venom, Bathory, Hellhammer and all other beauties from the ice age. It says everything also about the ferocious, aggressive attitude of the music, its vulgar sound and really dark, obscure atmosphere. Yeah, this is Aura Noir. 

First time I have seen this band's name was probably in interview for Thrash'em All Magazine (I may be wrong though) in mid 90’s. Soon later I bought "Black Thrash Attack" cassette from Mystic Production and loved it from the first listen. It sounded so fuckin great! For me Aura Noir proved that you can still play black metal in that more archaic, ancient way, but sound fresh and really powerful at the same time. And adding the sodomizing thrash feel was also clever and absolutely fantastic idea. Of course, many accused Aura Noir for stealing old riffs and other such bullshit, I remember reading a lot of such stupid comments back then. But that was absolutely useless and untrue opinion. Who cares? What mattered was that "Black Thrash Attack" contains a whole bunch of killer songs and not even a second of dull stuff. Written half-half between Apollyon and Aggressor, each having his own style, this is a killer album, where every riff is razor sharp and cuts deep into the flesh. It forces to bang head, like classic metal records always do and you know it’s impossible to resist. The result is even more interesting, because Aggressor writes more like old Venom songs, while Apollyon songs sound like Sodom or Hellhammer. That gives a quite varied effect, also because each of them sings in his own songs. But yeah... From “Conqueror” through “The Pest” and up to “Fighting for Hell”, it’s insane record. 20 years later I still love to play it and I can only recommend it to those, who have never had a chance to listen to it. 

Standout tracks: “Conqueror”, “Caged Wrath”, “The Pest”, “Fighting for Hell” 

Verdict: 90/100