Urgehal - The Eternal Eclipse - 15 Years of Satanic Black Metal

URGEHAL - The Eternal Eclipse - 15 Years of Satanic Black Metal (AGONIA Records - LP 2008)

I'm not usually a big fan of anniversary compilation releases, especially if all they have to offer are "the best of" kind of shit. But if the CD/LP program is based on exclusive or rare recordings, then this is usually a must to have. "The Eternal Eclipse" by Urgehal is a great example for such worthy compilation. As the subtitle "15 Years of Satanic Black Metal" says, it's been released because of the 15th year of Urgehal existence, back in 2007. And well, for me this is a great addition to "Goatcraft Torment" LP from 2006. And equally good listen.

So, what do we have here? Three unreleased songs from "Goatcraft..." session are first. And they're very much in the same vein as the album songs. They also have pretty much the same quality, so I have no idea what made Urgehal leave them behind. I guess it was just difficult decision and the album already had 50 minutes of material. Anyway, prepare yourself for some malicious, grim black metal played in mostly fast tempo. It's very powerful and hateful sounding satanic black metal at its best. For me "Guds fortapelse - Apenbaring av dommedag" is definitely the best song and one, which is the most worthy. But such "The Moors of Death" is also truly fuckin awesome... and for me these two tracks are better than half of the songs, which actually ended up on "Goatcraft Torment". The first one is insanely fast, while the second is slower, more hypnotic and colder, very grim. It's even slightly melodic, but so bloody good!

Next up there are two songs, which were released on the infamous "Demonrape" 7"EP. Which I happen to already have in my collection. But this is a great EP, very Darkthrone'ish. Arrggghhh, just check the title song, what a killer black metal. These songs are from 2002, from "Through Thick Fog Till Death" session, by the way. I have to say that I like their production a little bit more than the "Goatcraft...".  

Side B starts with four rehearsal recordings from different years... First there's song from "Satanisk Norsk Black Metal" split with Beastcraft from 2007. It's followed by brilliant Von cover "Veadtuck", which was featured on "Tribute to Von" 7" and "The Eternal Eclipse" recorded in 2007 (originally this song was on the first album). These are all great tracks and I have to say that even though they're rehearsal recordings, they sound damn great. Only the very last song "Bloodhunt" has much rawer and filthier sound, truly primitive quality. But who cares. Side B may not be as good as side A, but it's still killer black metal. And that cover of Von wins for me this side of the record!

So... We have here a great compilation LP. I love the music, but also the whole packaging of the vinyl is superb. A lot of archive photographs, which I have never seen before, some lyrics, good layout... Truly a worthy and recommended piece of black wax, in my opinion!

Standout tracks: "The Moors of Death", "Guds fortapelse - Apenbaring av dommedag", "Demonrape", "Veadtuck"

Final rate: 80/100