Baalberith - Abortion of Religious Futility : Black Metal

Reviewed by Gird_09

Note: this is not the Baalberith you think it is.

Let's cut straight to the chase: the cover and name of this album is beyond infantile. However that is a genre trope, so I'm willing to overlook that. It looks like a cross between the aesthetics of the original Norwegian black metal bands, and something more modern. And that is what I'm expecting as I pop the album in the player. Old style lo fi, aggressive and dark as hell. If infantile track titles, covers and album names was a put off I'd never gotten into this genre in the first place. So that's fine. Though, as I grow older it becomes harder to look beyond this kind of stuff.

However what I'm getting is a different story alltogether. This album is piss. I don't mean that in a good way either. It's not disgustingly entertaining they way German piss-porn can be. It's just crap. The music is out of beat, poorly mixed, poorly arranged and completely unoriginal. It sounds like a one man band recorded live in studio - complete with guitars, drums, vocals and synth. It's bloody horrible.

The first three notes sound like there might be something here, but the rest is let down upon let down. Though the first track is the absolute apex of shit on this album. Thank the good lord it's only eight tracks. Cos nine tracks of this would make me reach for... anything...

There are upsides: The vocalist is good. The guitarist is mediocre, but the drummer should be shot. I don't think he manages to keep proper time for a whole bar through the entire album. Which of course makes everything else sound completely chaotic. (Again, in a bad way.)

If you ditch the drummer, or work in a genre where total imprecision can be a good thing I'll gladly give you another listen, but this is just beyond the pale. Form a crust-ambient band or a grind core outfit - or slip the drummer some cyanide.

This has got to be the worst review we've ever written here at Kaliglimmer. Thank you for that atleast.

2011, UK, Dark Meadow recordings, CD-album

http://www.darkmeadowrecordings.com
http://www.myspace.com/baalberithuk


1 Abortion of Religious Futility
2 Writhe in the Flesh
3 Battle for Blazing Dawn
4 Infernal Ruler
5 Encased in Blasphemy
6 Bearer of True Light (In Satan we Trust)
7 Bestial Creation
8 Consumed by Fire

Burzum - Fallen : Black Metal

Reviewed by Gird_09

Following up on last year's Belus is no easy task, and the cover does make me a bit sceptical. It's a sharp departure from the gloomy aesthetics we've come to associate with Burzum (while still deply rooted in romanticism). Even the fonts have been changed from gothic to a simple plain font with serifs. Belus was a powerful and personal album and one of the best comebacks of all time. With Vikernes' discography in mind he really needs to work hard to stay interesting.

The first track is an ambient introductory track and sets the level of expectations high. Much higher, alas, than the album can live up to. Apart from the two neo classical albums Burzum has been consistently interesting on all the releases, and Det som Engang Var, Filosofem and Belus represent some of the best metal albums of all time, as I see it. Like I said, not easily followed, and evidently Varg Vikernes has gone off on the deep end with this album. One of Burzum's strong points has always been a direct and primitive minimalism with harsh sounds and vocals straight from the throats of a dying troll. None of this is present on Fallen, and the arrangements are even at times something more akin to progressive metal. The vocals are quite simply sad. I will never forget when I first heard Vikernes' vocals, and when Belus came out I was a bit let down by the change in style (but it still worked well) – on this album the change is complete. Melodic clean vocals are combined with some of the most boring attempts at distorted vocals I've ever heard. Very sad, very sad.

It's commendable that Burzum changes style, and I respect Vikernes' intention with this, but it ends up being somewhat mediocre. It's hard to judge objectively considering Burzum's history and legendary status, but I'm not convinced. I can see this album growing on me, but I doubt very much that I will ever grow to like the vocals (though Vikernes sings better than you'd expect). The melodies are interesting and Burzum has matured in its expression and depth, but the content doesn't really match the ambitions. I wish there was a bit more power, and perhaps a little bit more of the primitive nerve of earlier albums. It's not entirely bad, but it's not really good either.

The lyrics nowhere near approach the mythical content of the earlier albums. Varg Vikernes is perhaps one of the very few black metal lyricists with any demonstrable ability to actually write a good lyric, but the ones on this album certainly doesn't represent his best work. The mystic dark gnosis has been replaced by very obvious psychological lyrics. For the most part anyway.

Fallen is Burzum's second album since getting out of jail, and the years of near isolation has evidently had effect – as is to be expected. You might say it sounds uninspired, but I suppose unfinished is more accurate. Despite evidently having been more meticulously produced and mastered than previous efforts. I recommend this album for completists. The rest of us are just gonna have to see what he comes up with next year. I do hope he comes up with something.

Norway, 2011, CD album, Byelobog Productions

http://burzum.org/

1 Fra Verdenstreet [1:03]
2 Jeg Faller [7:51]
3 Valen [9:22]
4 Vanvidd [7:06]
5 Enhver til Sitt [6:16]
6 Budstikken [10:10]
7 Til Hel og Tilbake Igjen [5:57]

Delirium Bound - Delirum, Dissonance and Death : Black Metal

Reviewed by Gird_09

With a cover that looks like something has been wrapped in black plastic bags this promises to be both dark and suffocating.

Delirium Bound is a band consisting of Kim Sølve and Bjeima, known from a shotgun blast of different underground projects. With regards to Black Metal Kim Sølve is mostly known for his cover designs from Trine + Kim Design studio, but evidently he's also a capable guitarist and bass player. Bjeima on drums and vocals also does a very convincing job. (I'm always doubly impressed by a drummer if he is also the vocalist.) In addition the album has guest appearances by Mannevond and Petter Berntsen, respectively with background from Koldbrann and Urgehal for the former, and Swarms and others for the latter.

Genrewise this is a stripped down return to old skool black metal in the vein of Darkthrone and their likes, while also reminiscent of Satyricon at times (specifically the guitars). There are elements of crust here as well as touches of early BM like Venom and Sarcofago. It's a far cry from the progressive metal of the more outré bands like Dimmu Borgir, and thank fuck for that. (While I don't mind progressive I mind progressive that's really reactionary and lame.)

Most black metal these days is incredibly boring, with a few positive exceptions. While I'm not certain this release will stand out against the background it's still a very good release and it does deserve listening to. The music is threatening and seriousness, and delivers on the promise on the cover. This is excellent music if you want to wrap someones face in a garbage bag, or perhaps even if you're the one on the receiving end of the bag.

A capable release, and hopefully there will be more to come. The tracks on the album are short and to the point, and I feel any reivew of it should be to the point as well.

Adversum, Norway, CD album, 2010,

http://www.myspace.com/deliriumbound
http://www.myspace.com/adversummmx

1 Panic [4:39]
2 Coronated in Accidents [2:46]
3 God-faced dogs [1:52]
4 Delirium Bound [3:04]
5 Zippermouth [3:02]
6 Chiseled from Darkness [4:10]
7 Death Kings [4:05]
8 the Ominous One [3:02]
9 Knifepoint Departure [5:10]

Kuldvas - The Lightless Path: Ambient /Experimental/black metal

Reviewed by Gird_09

Kuldvas claims to be a type of black metal. Not sure I can agree with that. It takes a wee bit more than distorted guitar and liberal use of tritones. Granted, the type of distortion used is classic and perfect, but the guitar playing is far from inspiring for the most part of the album, and the best parts are nowhere near black metal in any way shape of form.

The first track is a complete waste. The guitar is unsteady and feels a bit labored. I have to be completely honest and say that the overall impression is amateurish rather than experimental. Skip it. The second track is slightly more exciting and the guitar is somewhat sinister and the melodies have some atmosphere in them. Still I feel the track lacks depth, and sounds more like a demo from a guitarist to his band. It could be a good basis for a really heavy song, but the way it is now it sounds like someone's passing time. Sadly it is the shortest track of the album. I'm not going to write about every single track, but the impression you get from these two unfortunately counts the for the rest of the album as well. The music is flat and I really miss more instruments. Some drums certainly would be welcome. At times the guitar playing is atmospheric and skilled, at other times it sounds like something I could plunk out. And believe me, I can't play guitar to save my life.

Of all the tracks I'd say number six, Last Branch has the greatest potential. It's structured and atmospheric and could work well as an instrumental track on its own, or with some more layers added. Still, like the rest of the album it sounds unfinished. The final track, Beyond the Horizon, could also work well. It sounds like a blend between a ballad by Metallica and Stanely Myers' music for the Deer Hunter. It's a good ballad, and should be further developed.

After having made music for quite some time now I've learned that what sounds good when you're messing around with sounds in your own room doesn't necessarily sound good to other people. It might be fun to play around, but that doesn't mean it's a finished product.

I'd say that the person behind Kuldvas should recruit some more people and start a band, or atleast bide his time and gain some experience before putting out more stuff. I might be very harsh in this review but this album is not a finished product. The tracks are sketches and need alot of work before they should be distributed to the general public. Giving away music for free doesn't mean you can expect people to listen to just anything. As a guitarist he is obviously skilled, but nowhere near as skilled as to let the guitar carry a whole album, with some occasional experimentation to make it interesting. Come back later.


USA, free download, 2010

1 A walk in the day
2 Uncertainty
3 Gone in forests forgotten
4 An incessant fear
5 Shadows in the mist
6 Last Branch
7 Sinking in the decay of sanity
8 Amidst the trees
9 Lost eternally
10 Beyond the horizon

http://www.myspace.com/kuldvas

Ov Hell - The Underworld Regime : Black Metal

Reviewed by Gird_09


The second product to be released after the aformentioned conflict over the brand name Gorgoroth is Ov Hell's The Underworld Regime. Ov Hell was originally planned as a collaboration between Gaahl (vocals) and King ov Hell (bass), called God Seed. Gaahl bowed out however, and King ov Hell recruited Shagrath of Dimmu Borgir fame to do the vocals for the a new project Ov Hell. This knowledge, toghether with the cover of the album makes me fairly sceptical. Dimmu Borgir hasn't exactly won my heart over – you might say. Ov Hell has been dubbed a supergroup, which is no wonder considering the names on the sleeve, and the projects they've worked with. In addition to King ov Hell and Shagrath Ice Dale (Enslaved etc), Teloch (Umoral etc) and Frost (Satyricon, 1349 etc) have contributed extensiviely, while Silenoz, also from Dimmu Borgir has written some of the lyrics.

Thankfully however Ov Hell doesn't sound like Dimmu Borgir part two. Ov Hell is less infantile (with the screaming obvious exception of the track Hill Norge) and less over produced or over arranged. Still, it does retain some of the pompousness of Shagrath's more well known project – especially in visual design. The musicians are more than capable, and there is no way to fault the music, or production. To me the music sounds like a half breed child of Immortal and Dimmu Borgir, with Frost on drums, and that's all well and fine, if a bit redundant. I would much rather recommend Immortal's latest album "All Shall Fall", a much better album in the same landscape.

The tracks Invoker and Krigsatte Faner stand out as the most interesting tracks to my ears, as they have more drive and weight than the rest of the album. While tracks like Post Modern Sadist feels a bit too over the top. The progressive elements detract from the energy of the music, while the complexities aren't developed enough to merit attraction on their own. I'm glad most of the album leaves out the temptation to toy further with these elements. The final track, Hill Norge, however, is quite simply embarrassing and childish, and would've been better left at the scrap heap.

The result is something akin to pop-black-metal, and I'm certain it will strike a nerve with a great deal of listeners. Personally I don't feel it, but I think it's a simple matter of taste. I'd prefer more brutality and more credible "darkness" – for a lack of better words. It's definately not a bad album though and I'm sure I would have a different reaction if it were released a decade ago. Now however it feels a bit like something I've heard too many times.

Norway, Indie Recordings, CD Album 2010

1 Devil's Harlot
2 Post Modern Sadist
3 Invoker
4 Perpetual Night
5 Ghosting
6 Acts of Sin
7 Krigsatte Faner
8 Hill Norge

http://www.myspace.com/indierecordings
http://www.ovhell.com/

Gorgoroth – Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt : Black Metal

Reviewed by Gird_09

The prolonged conflict over the legal rights to the name Gorgoroth was well publisized and doesn't need a reiteration here. Personally I have to admit I was unsure what Gorgoroth would be without Gaahl. Granted, he was only the band's vocalist for a limited time, but the way I see it that particular period was their prime.

However, from first note of this record my fears are dispersed. The extreme aggression is in no ways dimished, and Pest (the original vocalist) certainly knows his stuff. His style is different from Gaahl's and the change in sensibility is clearly discernable, and though I personally find Ad Majorem Satanas Gloriam to be their absolute best album this one is certainly a head above most anything that goes on in the metal scene today. The style is more melodic and slower, and perhaps closer to "classical" black metal – but more mature sounding. As such the album is an absolute success, though I am afraid it might also be a bit anonymous compared to earlier efforts. A consistent feature with Gorgoroth over the years has been intense beats, despite going through quite a number of different drummers. I am happy to say that this album continues in that vein.

In fact, considering the number of musicians that have at one point been associated with Gorgoroth it's an impressive feat from Infernus to maintain this level of musical quality and consistency over the years.

If there is anything I miss it would have to greater variation. It's good moody album, but I do have trouble seperating between the songs after the first listen. Knowing that the album was formed over such a long period, and during the aforementioned conflict makes this quite understandable, but still it does detract somewhat from the final product. Tracks like Aneuthanasia, Satan-Prometheus and Introibo ad Altarare Satanas easily stand out as the ones with most personality, while the others tend towards some degree of anonymity. (Sadly the final track is both the strongest and the shortest one.)

The album cover is a tasteful and minimalist rendition of a skull, with the band logo beneath it. Some of Gorgoroth's covers have been arty and more reminicent of something you'd expect from industrial ambient – while others have been more metal'ish. This cover is a blend between the two, and the imagery serves well to communicate the uncompromising bleakness of the band.

The album is no longer news however, as it was released nearly a year ago and we are allready eagerly awaiting a follow up – tentatively set to be released next year. Only time will if the conflict has damaged Gorgoroth as a "brand", but judging by Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt Infernus will keep the name at the forefront of contemporary black metal for some time to come. We can only hope that this album is a new beginning and not a swansong.

Norway, CD album, Regain Records, 2009

1 Aneuthanasia
2 Prayer
3 Rebirth
4 Building a Man
5 New Breed
6 Cleansing Fire
7 Human Sacrifice
8 Satan-Prometheus
9 Introibo ad Alatare Satanas

http://gorgoroth.info/
http://www.regainrecords.com

Verfallssymptom – Written in Blood : Industrial ambient / Power noise / Electronic Black Metal

Reviewed by Gird_09 and Batcheeba

We have no idea what kind of equipment he's used to produce his album, but it really takes us to countless hours spent in various basements with fasttracker II and other primitive equipment. Old school. In addition to the minimal electronic beats and phrases Verfallssymptom utilizes vocals very reminiscent of black metal in portions of the music. (And in fact black metal inspiration can be heard on several tracks.) This combination could easily land you in endzeit hell, but not on this release. The most similar music I have heard would be K.I.F.O.T.H.'s two first album, but certainly much more minimalist, less EBM-like, more scrapy and less disco friendly. But the comparison is certainly good.

The production is notably lo-fi, and one might expect Verfallssymptom to sound muffled and grungy, but he has a talent for finding sounds that fit together without turning into porridge. The drums carry the music steadily and with enough punch that the rest of the music can ride on top. The music is very introvert and doesn't ask for anyone's approval. It's not over produced in any way, and the focus is more on emotion than sound construction. While the two don't need to clash there is no doubt that if we have to chose we'll go for emotion any day. Especially when the content is as interesting as this. There is nothing we hate more than over produced trite.

There are two things we miss on this album though. There could have been more vocals, as Verfallssymptom's vocals really fit the music and adds depth. The instrumental tracks are certainly good on their own, but the vocal tracks were the best of the bunch. The other thing is that there are too many tracks on the album. At certain points we find ourselves losing concentration because some of the tracks are a bit similar to each other. Each single track is a killer track, but as an album it tends towards monotony in some portions. This is mostly a problem with the midsection of the album however, as both the first and last thirds of the album is one interesting track after another.

The coolest tracks on the album are definately on the last third. Abstraction, with its intensely noisy beat and drudging arrangements is a hard hitter and heavier than most anything we've heard. It has layers of distored sounds, noise, beats and all the while retaining Verfallsymptom's melodic sense. Inspiring. This one is certainly going to be played over and over. The track is followed by Stacheldraht and Written in Blood, which are ambient black metal tracks with electronic sounds. The vocals are intense and the melodies subtle, as well as the beats. Still it's consistent with the rest of the album. This is what Aphex Twin would sound like if he was into black metal. More of this! We beg you!

Verfallsymptom is kind enough to release his album free of charge through thee Brad Miller's Kill Your Godz (a blog we will certainly return to from time to time here). If you're sceptical to people who release their music for free, perhaps because you expect it's not good enough to meet the "high standards" of a record company, you should download this release and let it dispel any disbelief you might have.

Tracks:
1 Bigotte Hybris
2 Kollaterale Hysterie
3 Agapes Jahwist
4 DHKDF
5 Homogene Kontradikturie
6 Polyaeon
7 Todeskandidat
8 Abstraction
9 Stacheldraht
10 Written in blood
11 Gefilde der Tristesse
12 Misanalog

Germany, self released (file), 2008

http://www.myspace.com/verfallssymptom
http://theebradmiller.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/verfallssymptom-written-in-blood-2008/