MAAX (U.S.) Dawnbringer CD review by occultblackmetalzine



By OccultBlackMetal

Maax are a band from Indianapolis and Munice,Indiana and on this album they played a more raw form of black metal with satanic overtones and this is a review of their 2009 album "Dawnbringer" which was released by Abyss Records.

Drums are mostly slow to midpaced playing with some fast drumming and brutal blast beats, while the bass playing has a very heavy sound at times and there is a good mixture of slow and fast riffs being used.

Rhythm guitars are a mixture of slow and midpaced black metal riffs that have a depressive feel at times with some fast riffing and there is also a good amount of thrash influences being utilized, while the lead guitars are primitive guitar solos in the true black metal fashion mixed in with some darker thrash influences and on one song there is some classical guitars being used that have a very melodic feel to them.

Vocals are all high pitched black metal screams, while the lyrics touch on Satanism, Luciferian and other dark topics, as for the production it is very primitive and raw sounding.

In my opinion while Maax is probably not the most original or even one of the best black metal bands that I have heard, there are still a worthy band and this is worth a listen and adding to your collection if you are a black metal fan. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUD "Dawnbringer" "Veered In Impurity" and "Purge Of Depravity Luciferi Rex". RECOMMENDED

Review link: http://occultblackmetalzine.blogspot.co ... 09-cd.html




Maax links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/maaxmetal

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maaxmetal

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/maax

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Maax



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase MAAX - Dawnbringer CD and other Maax merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... words=maax

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uNDPFcYcdw

To preview a song from their new album "Unholy Rock and Roll" got to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYmZLEnfZ1o or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh4glzcSu1A

and to preview a song from their 2010 EP "Six Pack Witchcraft" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNCctZobOE

ITEM OF THE DAY


DARKTHRONE - PLAGUEWIELDER (COLOR) 12" LP - $25.00 + S/H



Limited Edition Gatefold on 180 gram color vinyl

1. Weakling Avenger
2. Raining Murder
3. Sin Origin
4. Command
5. I,Voidhanger
6. Wreak

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=12081

HUMANGLED (Italy) Fractal DIGI CD review by hatredmeanswar3



By OccultBlackMetal

Humangled are a band from Italy that plays a gory form of death metal with grindcore and thrash influences and this is a review of their 2010 album "Fractal" which was released by Abyss Records during the year of 2010.

Drums are mostly slow to midpaced with some fast playing and the ocassional blast beat, while the bass playing is all rhythm bass that follows the riffs that are coming out of the guitars and they sound very powerful at times.

Rhythm guitars are mostly fast death metal riffs that have some thrash influences mixed in with some slow heavy riffing being used at times, while the lead guitars are 90's era death metal sounding guitar solos mixed in with some progressive rock sounding leads.

Vocals are mostly deep death metal growls with some high pitched screams thrown in and on couple of the songs there are some clean vocals being used, while the lyrics cover flesh and tools, and personal cynic evaluations, as for the production it has a very heavy sound that makes the music sound very brutal.

In my opinion Humangled are a very good death metal, and if you are a fan of true death metal you should check out this band. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "From Empty Sockets" "Brutilize The Pedophile" "Liguidfire" and"As Individuality Fades". RECOMMENDED BUY.

Review link: http://hatredmeanswar3.blogspot.com/201 ... 10-cd.html




Humangled links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/humangled

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Humangled/50430188818

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/humangled

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Humangled



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase HUMANGLED - Fractal DIGI CD and other HUMANGLED merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... =humangled

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpLkU2593sk

MAAX (U.S.) Unholy Rock & Roll DIGI CD review by metalreview.com



By Dave Pirtle

You may not know it from my reviews or forum interactions, but I can be a real asshole sometimes. Hell, I already had this review half-written in my mind before even hearing a single note: a rant on the ever-cheapening meaning of the phrase “rock n’ roll”, and a snarky simile comparing the use of the “blackened” descriptor in music to its use in Cajun cooking. Another paragraph to prove my points, a witty conclusion, and I could call it a day.

Thanks for ruining my plans, Maax.

In reality, I could still do the above, but they just wouldn’t be the same with a positive twist. Maax does indeed rock and roll, just like Motorhead; they are also blackened, much like Venom, although maybe a bit burnt in the vocal area. Considering that Cronos, Mantas, and Abaddon themselves surely borrowed a thing or two from Lemmy, Philthy, and Fast Eddie, adding a few shades of evil to that high-octane rock swagger isn’t an entirely foreign concept. True to form, then, that Unholy Rock N’ Roll produced many a flashback to Venom’s debut – and not just because “Do What thou Wilt” seems to have lifted the main riff from that album’s title track. It almost comes as a surprise, since things lean more towards the darker death / thrash side at the outset. But when the chant of “We don’t give a fuck!” breaks out during the title track, you know you’ve just been flipped (off).

It may just be the similarity to “Welcome to Hell” but “Do What Thou Wilt” is ridiculously good, so much so that it bears repeating, apparently. The more rockin’ Venom-isms continue through the eponymous “Maax” and “Rot and Roll” before taking a heavier turn with “Overthrone” and “Black Thrash ‘Em All,” and then evening out for the final two tracks. All the while, Maax never sounds contrived or rehashed. Their influences come through loud and clear, but not in a way that comes off as simply aping them, rather that they identify with them and are just trying to continue down the road that they paved.

Maax prefers their metal to be rebellious rather than Satanic, and having exchanged the latter for the former, they keep the whole rocking, twisted, evil vibe without the over-the-top lyrical content. Part of their bio states “WE ARE HEAVY METAL,” eschewing finicky sub-genre labeling for simple truth. Check them out and rediscover all that you loved about this music in the first place.

Review link: http://metalreview.com/reviews/6575/maa ... ock---roll




Maax links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/maaxmetal

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maaxmetal

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/maax

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Maax



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase MAAX - Unholy Rock & Roll DIGI CD and other Maax merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... words=maax

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYmZLEnfZ1o

To preview a song from their 2010 release "Six Pack Witchcraft" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNCctZobOE

and to preview a song from their debut album "Dawnbringer" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uNDPFcYcdw

ITEM OF THE DAY


NAGLFAR - VITTRA (RE-ISSUE) CD - $13.00 + S/H



1. As the Twilight Gave Birth to the Night
2. Enslave the Astral Fortress
3. Through the Midnight Spheres
4. The Eclipse of Infernal Storms
5. Emerging From Her Weepings
6. Failing Wings
7. Vittra
8. Sunless Dawn
9. Exalted Above Thrones
BONUS TRACKS:
10. 12th Rising
11. The Evil That Men Do (Iron Maiden cover)
12. Pleasure To Kill (Kreator cover)

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=1471

ABYSS RECORDS Extends 10% off sale though end of February



We have extended the 5%-10% OFF most all items available on the Abyss Records website. Also get 10% OFF all Abyss Records official artist CD/LP releases and official band merchandise till the end of Feb 2012. Thanks for support Abyss Records since 1993 !!!!

Sale Items:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/​specials

Coming up March 2012:
FESTER (Norway) A Celebration Of Death CD (Black/Death Metallers Return)
DESULTOR (Sweden) Masters Of Hate CD (Extreme Metal debut Masterpiece)

Also be sure to check out our other label related links and to check out samples from Abyss Records artist, show information, up-coming release news and more....

ABYSS RECORDS
8063 S. Madison Ave. #360
Indianapolis, IN 46227
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone # (317) 887-2302
U.S.A.

ABYSS RECORDS Official Label & Online Music Store:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

ABYSS RECORDS Official My Space:
http://www.myspace.com/​abyssrecordsofficial

ABYSS RECORDS Official FaceBook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/​Abyss-Records/164573050232055

ABYSS RECORDS Official ReverbNation:
http://www.reverbnation.com/label/​abyssrecords

ABYSS RECORDS Official Last FM:
http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

ABYSS RECORDS Official You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/​MinionfortheAbyss

FESTER (Norway) Silence Remastered DIGI CD review by scullfucker.blogspot



By Gravarson

The somewhat "forgotten" band Fester has been remastered & re-released by Abyss Records as a digi pack with new cover artwork & layout.
As I listen to this one it's not hard to tell what band it is. They have not changed their style much since the the first release,technical riff based tracks is what you get here,combined with some very nice melodies. The production,vocals & melodies are much better than on the debut "Winter Of Sin" At first I found it a bit boring,but after some more listening I discovered some great melodies. They have a lot of guitar solos that reminds me of classical heavy metal ,which is quite rare for black metal albums,but musically speaking this lends more towards technical death/thrash metal,but they sure as hell manage to create a beautiful atmosphere with this album.
I also prefer the vocals on this one,it's more whispering and suits the music much better.
They have their own unique sound that differs quite much from other norwegian acts at that time.
Well worth checking out,if you haven't heard it before or want to check out some metal history.

Review link: http://scullfucker.blogspot.com/2012/01 ... -2011.html




Fester links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/festernorway

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fester/204292849614033

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/festernorwaybm

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Fester



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase FESTER - Silence Remastered DIGI CD and other FESTER merchandise go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... rds=fester

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hiTvtM5hoY or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkSQoaAzGpQ

And to preview a from FESTER - Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKH4_MK_6DI

ITEM OF THE DAY


BAL-SAGOTH - A BLACK MOON BROODS OVER LEMURIA CD - $15.00 + S/H



1. Hatheg Kla
2. Dreaming of Atlantean Spires
3. Spellcraft & Moonfire (Beyond the Citadel of Frost)
4. A Black Moon Broods Over Lemuria
5. Enthroned in the Temple of the Serpent Kings
6. Shadows 'Neath the Black Pyramid
7. Witch-Storm
8. The Ravening
9. Into the Silent Chambers of the Sapphirean Throne (Sagas From the Antediluvian Scrolls)
10. Valley of Silent Paths

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=6012

THOUSAND YEAR WAR (U.S.) Tyrants and Men DIGI CD review by http://www.blistering.com



By Justin Donnelly

Thousand Year War are a relatively new act to join the melodic death metal scene, with the band coming together in 2008. Although they have only been together for a few years, they did manage to release their independent EP Shadow of the Colossus in 2009, which immediately caught the eye of Abyss Records, who are releasing the band’s debut full-length, Tyrants And Men.

Prior to knowing anything about this Alaskan act, I could have sworn that these guys hailed from Sweden. The opening track on the album “Defiance” has a strong Amon Amarth influence musically, and to some extent in the vocals (vocalist Hiram Lohr manages to get a bit more of a snarl in his delivery compared to those of Johan Hegg). While the similarities between the two acts are undeniable, “Defiance” is a solid enough track, and a fitting start to the album.

“The Sea” (inspired by Lohr’s passion for sea) is a powerful follow-up effort that features plenty of galloping riffs and aggressive vocals, which is emphasised all the more by the slower passages that allow the riffs to really stand out. The faster-paced pair of “No Gods, No Masters” and “Thousand Year War” has a strong Gothenburg vibe that brings to mind shades of Dark Tranquillity mixed with Amon Amarth with their dense riffing and greater emphasis of melody throughout the choruses, while “Open Casket” reveals a trace of thrash metal with its fast paced and abrasive riffing.

The cover of I’s “The Storm I Ride” is a strange choice, and while it’s a solid and faithful reinterpretation of the song, it does stand out on the album as a little too different in style (death ‘n’ roll versus melodic death metal) to really blend in enough with the rest of the album. The mid-paced “Warriors of Deceit” and the intense blast of “One Final Breath” are effective, but a little unmemorable around the latter half of the album, while the spirit and influence of Amon Amarth once again infiltrates the mid-paced crushing groove of “Spartacus.”

For a melodic death metal album, Tyrants And Men is a solid release. Unfortunately, Amon Amarth have been done countless times over, which means that as good as Thousand Year War are, they will always be second best. If you’re a fan of melodic death metal in the vein of Amon Amarth, you could do a whole lot worse than Thousand Year War. But if you’re looking for something unique, you may have to wait a while before the Alaskans finds their own identity and sound.

Rating: 7/10

Review link: http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpen ... 4/menuid/2




Thousand Year War links:

Official Website: http://thousandyearwar.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tyrantsandmen

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thousandyearwar

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Thousand+Year+War



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase THOUSAND YEAR WAR - Tyrants and Men DIGI CD and other THOUSAND YEAR WAR merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... d+year+war

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOlEjPkRPHE or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0jL7l9B9uA

MAAX (U.S.) Unholy Rock & Roll DIGI CD review by http://www.brutalism.com



By Death8699

Follow up release from the album "Dawnbringer", this album reflects that of Satanic rock and roll but is considered to fit into the genre of black metal. The lineup consists of Tim on vocals, Brett on guitars, Kyle on guitars, Jeremy on bass and James on drums. I wouldn't consider this band to be within the black metal genre at all except for the vocals sounding a little bit like Legion from Devian/Marduk. There is much to be said about this band that I will orchestrate.
Musically, they have distorted tone guitars with way heavy blues influence to their sound. All of the songs reflect this and aren't very fast paced at all. They have a distinctive groove to them featuring rhythm guitars with a crunch tone to them and heavy rock influence. If there's something to say about this band, it would be that they're highly skilled in achieving their album title as well as a very unique style of black metal that's finely played out.
Every song contains guitars that aren't highly difficult to play if you're a guitarist. They feature palm muted riffs galore mixed with distinctive rhythms that are noteworthy and highly innovative. The lead guitar bits are highly technical and played out with vigor. They suit the rhythms quite well and the vocals are raspy with occasional change ups, but not many. Tempos of the guitars for the most part are like I've mentioned, slow especially on the instrumental track. There's a clean tone guitar mixed with lead bits.
Even the faster tracks are still not that fast like blast beating. The song entitled "Overthrone" is one to YouTube because it's more on the black metal end than the rest of the songs. This band doesn't play anything that's overtly heavy. The distortion on the guitars make them sound more thrash metal based. This is featured throughout the album. Some songs darker than others. Most of them dark though with a little kick to them.
I haven't heard their debut release so I cannot compare this one to their debut. Something new is here with this album that I have yet to hear which is black metal played with a rock and roll style of guitar rhythms. I'm still perplexed by this. Not many bands that I've heard play like this, but the lyrical contents are mindless. It's not difficult to sing about Satanism. What is difficult is to hear a band play rock and roll style of guitar work with these lyrical concepts.
The mixing/production sound was a little bit flat sounding especially on the drums. But the vocals, guitars, bass, and drums are still in there pretty solid and well mixed together to compliment the album. The production could've been better, but for an underground band, the "raw" sound encompassed the album well to make it into a decent release. I suppose that they made this album with that kind of sound to fit into the overall darker fix to them.
Something's happened here that never does happen with a black metal band and again that's to be that of one who plays guitars with a rock base to them. This album isn't overtly heavy, but highly original and unique. I suppose that you could say "Unholy Rock and Roll" really fits with the sound of this album. If you're into rock, you may even take a liking to this release. I thought that it was highly unique and noteworthy. They really did a good job with achieving their goal of sounding highly original. Pick this up!

Rating: 3/5

Review link: http://www.brutalism.com/content/maax-unholy-rock-roll




Maax links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/maaxmetal

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maaxmetal

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/maax

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Maax



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase MAAX - Unholy Rock & Roll DIGI CD and other Maax merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... words=maax

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYmZLEnfZ1o

To preview a song from their 2010 release "Six Pack Witchcraft" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNCctZobOE

and to preview a song from their debut album "Dawnbringer" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uNDPFcYcdw

ITEM OF THE DAY


KATATONIA - BRAVE YESTER DAYS DOUBLE DIGI CD - $12.00 + S/H



Disc 1:
Tracks 1-5 taken from Jhva Elohim Meth
Tracks 6-7 from Dance of December Souls
Tracks 8-9 from War Compilation Volume One ("Black Erotica" is an early
version of "12" from Brave Murder Day.)
Tracks 10-13 from For Funerals to Come

Disc 2:
Tracks 1-2 taken from Brave Murder Day
Tracks 3-5 from Sounds of Decay
Track 6 is an unreleased song from Sounds of Decay sessions
Tracks 7-10 from Saw You Drown

DISC 1
1. Midwinter Gates (Prologue)
2. Without God
3. Palace of Frost
4. The Northern Silence
5. Crimson Tears (Epilogue)
6. Gateways of Bereavement
7. Velvet Thorns (of Drynwhyl)
8. Black Erotica
9. Love of the Swan
10. Funeral Wedding
11. Shades of Emerald Fields
12. For Funerals to Come
13. Epistel

DISC 2
1. Murder
2. Rainroom
3. Nowhere
4. At Last
5. Inside the Fall
6. Untrue
7. Nerve
8. Saw You Drown
9. Quiet World
10. Scarlet Heavens

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=4150

BANE (Serbia) Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness DIGI CD review by maliciousintent666



By cweed

Excellent Melodic Black Metal
While I expected Bane to sound similar to other Serbian black metal bands such as May Result and the Stone, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this album. This is by far one of the best melodic black metal albums I’ve heard this year, and I could definitely see this band doing well for themselves on the international level.

What struck me as most memorable about this album was the atmosphere, as it wasn’t just “grim and frostbitten” all the way through like so many other albums of the genre. Bane balance things out very well, whether it’s the feeling of forgotten majesty in slower songs such as “The Haunting Presence”, the icy melodies of “Pandemonium” and “Inherited Infection”, or the creepy, carnival-like overtones of “Abhorrence”. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that those of you who are allergic to cheesy keyboards need not fear, as keyboards on this album are used sparsely and only in intro tracks (like in the awesome, early-era Mortiis-esque “Awakening of the Evil Spirits”, and “Dysthymia”, which recalls Ildjarn‘s ambient stuff). The ominous acoustic guitar melody in "Lost Shadows" is a nice touch as well, as it only further reinforces the album's atmosphere and also provides a brief break from the intensity.

While the songs are catchy, dark, and pretty much all you can ask for in a melodic black metal album, it’s worth calling attention to both the high-quality production and musicianship on this album as well. The guitar playing is flawless, the solos are classy, and the drums are top-notch, without sounding fake or over-produced. The vocals also suit the music quite well, as Branislav’s death metal growl and Khargash’s black metal rasp compliment each other perfectly and give the music another dimension. I could definitely see both black and death metal fans digging this album. It’s also good to see high-quality metal like this coming out of Serbia, as I’m not too familiar with what the metal scene is like there, but if Bane is any indication of the overall quality of the Serbian underground, then I’m excited to see what else this scene has in store for us.

When I first gave “Chaos, Darkness, & Emptiness” a listen I felt that I was listening to a Dimmu Borgir knockoff, and while I’m assuming that Dimmu is a huge influence on these guys, Bane definitely has enough of its own character to separate itself from the imitators. This and Istapp’s debut album earlier this year are, for me, some of the best melodic black metal to come out in 2010. I would definitely recommend this album for fans of Dimmu Borgir, Catamenia, Dissection, Old Man’s Child, etc.

Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/B ... 5254/cweed




Bane links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/baneband

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/baneband

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/baneband

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Bane



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook:www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Records/164573050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase BANE - Chaos, Darkness & Emptiness DIGI CD featuring bonus Dark Funeral cover go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10306

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP0LoHYAEBE

HYPERBOREAN (Sweden) The Spirit of Warfare CD review by heavymetaltribune



By Hong Rui

Melodic black metal has always been one of the genres that I tended to avoid, usually finding the riffs and instrumentation too cheesy and drowning out the underlying essence of the music. The Spirit of Warfare is the first full length release by Hyperborean, with the last release being the 2005 demo, Prey.

Fortunately though, Hyperborean doesn't bore listeners. The opening track Channelling the Spirit of Warfare begins with an almost black/thrash feel, unlike the styles of usual melodic black metal bands. However, as the chorus sets in, the melodic trem-picking of guitarist Andreas is instantly familiar to fans of melodic black metal. One thing that makes Hyperborean's songs stand out are the song structures, at times almost reminding listeners of progressive bands such as Dream Theater, with the complex riffing, constant shift in tempo and technical lead guitar parts. Right from the opening track until the end, odd time signatures are utilised, a further display of their technical-progressive influences. The lengths of the songs are also another factor with most songs hitting at least the 7 minute mark, making this record a particular tough one for those with short attention spans. The acoustic section in The Last Stand Of Leonidas And The Battle Of Thermopylae also adds a nice touch, complete with an acoustic lead guitar solo, further emphasising the emotional aspects of the music.

Vocalist Magnus' style is a tortured scream, very much like Code's Kvohst. However, he often contrasts that style with gruff and viking-styled growls, that brings to mind Amon Amarth's Johan Hegg, often layered on top of the screams to provide a fuller vocal effect. Couple that with the heroic themes and riffs unleashed such as on Weapon Mankind, it is forgivable that the listener might mistake this record for an Amon Amarth one.

Also unlike most melodic black metal bands, the keyboards in this record are almost non-existent, with the first hint of keyboards coming in in the form of a piano on Weapon Making. And for once, the album would have definitely benefitted from the increased presence of keyboards since the small amount of keyboard parts on the songs, with the exception of the beautiful intro of the epic The Last Stand Of Leonidas And The Battle Of Thermopylae, certainly made songs sound slightly awkward, such as on the closing track, The Sick Man of Europe. However, it is on this same track where the ingenuity of the band's songwriting shines. When the chaos provided by the guitars above, what the listener finds is a melancholic and almost beautiful piano piece hidden beneath.

The drums provided by Fredrik Widigs, while nothing particularly spectacular or quick, sets the foundation on which Hyperborean has built their album upon. Also, while there is the inclusion of various guitar effects and techniques by guitarist Andreas such as artificial harmonics (on A New Sun Rises)and pinch harmonics littered around the album, they tend to get slightly awkward and out of place at times.

However, overall this is certainly an album that is highly recommended for fans of melodic black metal, yet are looking for a fresh sound, or for those who are looking for a band similar to Amon Amarth with a more black metal sound.

Review link: http://heavymetaltribune.blogspot.com/2 ... it-of.html




Hyperborean links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hyperboreanofficial

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/hyperboreanofficial

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Hyperborean



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase HYPERBOREAN - The Spirit of Warfare CD go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10305

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4NkpxSrIjE

ITEM OF THE DAY


DESTROYER 666 - DEFIANCE CD - $12.00 + S/H



1. Weapons of Conquest
2. I Am Not Deceived
3. Blood For Blood
4. The Barricades Are Breaking
5. A Stand Defiant
6. The Path to Conflict
7. A Thousand Plagues
8. Human All Too Human
9. A Sermon To The Dead

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... ts_id=7621

ETERNAL HELCARAXE (Ireland) To Whatever End CD EP review by http://www.pitchline-zine.com



By pitchline-zine

From Celtic lands the Irish come to us Eternal Helcaraxe (named after a fictional place that appears in''The Silmarillion'') with the second edition of''name''To End Whatever self-published last year and that has allowed to sign a contract with the American label Abyss Records.

What we will find Black Metal cutting is more epic and melancholy being compared to bands like Immortal or neighbors Norwegian Forefather, but without the element of the British folk, although such comparisons are rather talking about above and we will find elements for everyone with great personality and always heroic and emotional atmosphere. And not surprisingly, his entire strip of land lyrical concept of paganism, mythology and epic battles.

To End''''Whatever is in the form of MCD consists of an introduction and four cuts reaching the half-hour. If they had gotten a perfect theme could have been released a long time especially if we consider sound so good and professional they have achieved more in line''for''a full length MCD. And even when fully appreciate that they have given all the instrumental arrangements and reviewing carefully every detail that sets apart a musical superficiality aside, giving a delicious richness to your music. Something that many recordings of DCM (and obviously give with equal or greater length) is scarce and leave all this for a long post as many bands, especially among those who publish their first publications, prefer to save their efforts in this last format.

Following the introduction of sad and melancholy piano keyboards, two and a half minutes without notice comes the title track where the first minute I left somewhat misplaced because it does not hit with the first idea I had of the band. Start with a serious tone riff more like Death Metal to Black Metal, indeed, this peculiar and brawny beginning is completely different to what is going to sound in the later minutes of all the MCD can not find hardly anything similar. But behind this emotion is transformed into sound reminding I Abbath, reinforced by the similarity of the voice, and ending in a disparate manner of how it began, with a sublime final clean keyboards and vocals includes reinforcing the atmosphere as well the addition of a score worthy of mention. With''Kin, Comrades & Country''which follows the line of the former being the subject less varied,''Strife''comes from a powerful performance with very Drudkh start as it passes and gets closer to the last work of the already Austere and ending separate the style of Black Swedish. The last and great cut titled''All the Battles to Come''is the longest and light''disk''but possibly with the same name the best of all the work where emotion evident on all four sides plus some touch another folkie. Note that although the fund does not have much to do, the latter track has many similarities (relatively speaking) with the''Souvenirs d'un Autre Monde Alcest''of the couple and both Amesours Agalloch, if 're a fan of these bands know what I mean.

In conclusion, a pleasant surprise this demo of Eternal Helcaraxe band, totally unknown to me, which will be especially aware of their first full length due out later this year or early next. If you like Black Metal with personality in almost all aspects and especially the epic and emotional, these Irishmen are to your liking.

Rating: 8/10

This review was originally written in Spanish and has been translated using Google Translate. To view the original review in Spanish click the link below.

Review link: http://www.pitchline-zine.com/reviews.i ... ?id=002104




Eternal Helcaraxe Links:

Official Website: http://eternalhelcaraxe.net/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eternalhelcaraxe

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/eternalhelcaraxe666

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/eternalhelcaraxe

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Eternal+Helcaraxe



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase ETERNAL HELCARAXE - To Whatever End Demo CD EP or their first Demo CD EP "Palest Kingdom" go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... +Helcaraxe

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ih4eXw283s

And to preview a song from their first Demo CD EP "Palest Kingdom" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_44LhwIvXwA

HAT (Norway) Vortex of Death DIGI CD review by metal-revolution



By Bato

Hat is a Norwegian classic black metal duo formed in 1993 under the name of Ravner. During the period of 1996 to 2006 the band was inactive for soon after to reunite under the new moniker, Hat. The band released the demo Livet Ebber Ut in 2008 and a year later their debut full-length entitled The Demise Of Mankind. To prove that Hat is not ‘one-album-project’ the band is now ready with a follow-up Vortex Of Death.

Vortex Of Death is a eight-track long offering filled with chaos and destruction. The album reflects and holds the energies that make Hat what it is; a true Norwegian Black Metal. Key-words are; misanthropy, chaos, death and destruction – forged in the flames of eternal hell. Their music is fierce and grim, slipping from total classic old-school style Nordic blasting blackness. Meanwhile, it also has this groovy and sometimes even epic side which makes it quite listenable. Overall pace of the album is mid-tempo, with occasional shifts. Cover artwork is mediocre, but I like their lyrical mix of both Norwegian and English lyrics.

The only downside of this particular record is the fact that almost all songs sound similar to each another. There’s a very little variation and diversity, but also maybe a bit of harshness and rawness that was present on their debut.

Still, I consider Vortex Of Death opus to be ‘above the average’ and something that can be recommended for fans of Satyricon, Tsjuder, Immortal, Taake, Emperor, Gorgoroth and similar old-school, authentic & misanthropic Nordic black metal acts.

Rating: 77/100

Review link: http://metal-revolution.com/plugins/con ... ntent.3476




Hat links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/Evighat

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hat/154439157951339

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/evighat

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Hat



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase HAT - Vortex of Death DIGI CD and other HAT merchandise go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... hat+vortex

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX-KoqPnUJY
or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7XWXxp5LRk

And to preview a song from there first release "The Demise of Mankind" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJD28wHlPpU

ITEM OF THE DAY


JUDAS PRIEST - BRITISH STEEL 12" LP - $23.00 + S/H



Limited Edition gatefold on 180 gram vinyl
British Steel was recorded at Tittenhurst Park, home of former Beatle Ringo Starr, after a false start at Startling Studios, a recording studio located on Tittenhurst's grounds. Sampling did not yet exist at the time of recording, so the band recorded the sounds of smashing milk bottles to be included in "Breaking the Law", as well as various sounds in "Metal Gods" produced by "trays of cutlery" and "billiard cues". It was released in the UK at a discount price of £3.99, with the advertisements in the music press bearing the legend, "British Steal". Songs "Breaking the Law", "United", and "Living After Midnight" were released as singles, while the track "Metal Gods" earned the band members their moniker.

1. Rapid Fire
2. Metal Gods
3. Breaking The Law
4. Grinder
5. United
6. You Don’t Have To Be Old To Be Wise
7. Living After Midnight
8. The Rage
9. Steeler
Bonus Tracks
10. Red , White & Blue
11. Grinder (Live)

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=12089

BODYFARM (Netherlands) Bodyfarm CD EP review by http://www.mariosmetalmania.com



By Sammy De Maere

The Netherlands have always had a strong reputation when it comes to death metal. This reputation has again become stronger by adding another promising band. Bodyfarm is band that brings strong, non compromising death metal influenced by the great bands of the Dutch, Swedish and American scene. Together with an intro this EP contains 4 very nice songs. The rythmn section is very tight, the lead guitars are playing killer riffs, fine hooks and some nice breakdowns, but luckily not enough to turn into some boring modern act. The vocals complete this record in style, they are brutal yet quite understandable for the trained ear. If you like the newer records of bands as Grave and Vomitory go support your local underground and pick this one up!

Rating: 80/100

Review link: http://www.mariosmetalmania.com/CDDVDreviews.html




Bodyfarm Links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/bodyfarmnl

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bodyfarm/107945989258106

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/bodyfarmnl

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Bodyfarm



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase BODYFARM - Bodyfarm CD EP and other BODYFARM merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... s=bodyfarm

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4M4NwkjrWU

FESTER (Norway) Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD review by http://www.wintertorment.com



By Patrick

winter of sin was originally released in 1992 but thanks to the u.s label abyss records it is now being re-relased so both old and new black/death metal fans can bask in the greatness that is fester! fester comes out of the legendary norwegian underground and lets face it back in the early 1990's no other country came close to releasing great black metal like norway.fester was defintly ahead of their time and went against the norm {remember this was originally in 93 before black/death was blended together by so many} instead of the raw,primitive style that norway was known for fester played fast black metal but their guitar riffs/chords were a little thicker and even had a few solo's entertwined the riffs to give them a death metalish feel and sound.fester even went a little further to make winter a sin a "classic" within the black metal scene by adding some avantgarde and melodic interludes to their already gloomy and grim sound.even today in 2011 festers-winter of sin still stands out a great and original masterpiece. defintly get this if you like original and dark black metal.

Review link: http://www.wintertorment.com/2011/04/ne ... -3-11.html




Fester links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/festernorway

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fester/204292849614033

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/festernorwaybm

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Fester



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase FESTER - Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD and other FESTER merchandise go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... rds=fester

To preview a song go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKH4_MK_6DI

And to preview a song from FESTER's "Silence" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hiTvtM5hoY or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkSQoaAzGpQ

ITEM OF THE DAY


WITCHFINDER GENERAL - DEATH PENALTY (COLOR) 12" LP - $25.00 + S/H



Limited Edition Gatefold on 180 gram colored vinyl

1. Invisible Hate
2. Free Country
3. Death Penalty
4. No Stayer
5. Witchfinder General
6. Burning A Sinner
7. R.I.P.

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=12083

CORROSIVE CARCASS (Sweden) Rot.In.Pieces Demo review by http://www.mariosmetalmania.com



By mariosmetalmania

In today's death metal the keywords seem to be over the top brutality and extremely loud productions. And then you have some underground bands who still make music that sounds like it was recorded 20 years ago in some dark basement in Stockholm. Luckily for me Corrosive Carcass is a band of the second group. This Swedish band formed in 2004 released their first demo which proves that these guys have been doing nothing else than listening to the big death metal bands from their home country non-stop. It's been a while since I heard such an honest tribute to bands as Dismember without being an actual cover band. They have an old school sound of guitars and drums, and an overall filthy production just the way it should be. The music itself is pure death metal which should be enough said. The riffing is awesome, the buildup of the songs is great, the vocals are raw and filthy without being to guttural like the new bands and the rhythm section is tight as fuck. If 'Like an Ever Flowing Stream' and 'Into the Grave' are in your top records of all times go check this band out!

Rating: 95/100

Review link: http://www.mariosmetalmania.com/CDDVDreviews.html




Corrosive Carcass links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/recreation666

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Corrosive ... 2603437551

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/corrosivecarcass

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Corrosive+Carcass



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8L3vNU6JGg

NOCTIS IMPERIUM (Venezuela) Nihil CD EP review by http://www.masterful-magazine.com



By masterful-magazine

Death/black metal from Caracas, Venezuela featuring session studio drums by Nick Barker (ex-Cradle Of Filth, ex-Dimmu Borgir, Lock Up, Twilight Of the Gods). This EP is a precursor to their upcoming debut "Glorification of Evil: The Age of the Golden Dawn". Noctis Imperium sounds as a mix between Swedish act Mutant ("The Aeonic Majesty") and later day Behemoth ("Pandemonic Incantations" and onward). As per usual Barker's work behind the kit is nothing short of fantastic. Most of the material is culled from Noctis Imperium's earlier demo recordings. These new tracks show a great display of majestic arrangements and improved technical skill of all involved. The 'Ra-hoor-khuit' intro is only a minute long and adds nothing to the record. The cover of Morbid Angel track 'Maze Of Torment' is a nice choice and fits well with this band's direction. Noctis Imperium are on a crossroads of sorts now being able to explore either their death – or black metal leanings further in future material. The clean production makes the performances shine even more. The two last tracks are live cuts which only serve to pad out the running time. The EP was mastered at Mastersound Entertainment by Alexander Krull (Atrocity, Leaves' Eyes) in Germany. As a precursor to their upcoming full length "Nihil" is an ideal place to start from.

Review link: http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recen ... je&id=2915



Noctis Imperium links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/noctisimperium

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Noctis-Im ... 8160549224

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/noctisimperium

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Noctis+Imperium



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase NOCTIS IMPERIUM - Nihil CD EP or other NOCTIS IMPERUM merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... s+imperium

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26gonSRg_vI

ITEM OF THE DAY


OPETH - BLACKWATER PARK DOUBLE 12" LP - $25.00 + S/H



Special Collector's Edition 180 Gram Gatefold Double LP

Recorded at Fredman Studio, August-October 2000
Blackwater Park is named after a 70s hard rock band from Germany.

1. The Leper Affinity
2. Bleak
3. Harvest
4. The Drapery Falls
5. Dirge for November
6. The Funeral Portrait
7. Patterns in the Ivy
8. Blackwater Park

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=12103

DIE HARD (Sweden) Evil Always Return / Emissaries of the Reaper DIGI CD review by masterful-magazine.com



By masterful-magazine

Taking their name from a Venom song, these Swedish fiends play old school black/thrash in the vein of Barathrum, Possessed, Sodom and "Kill 'Em All" era Metallica that is fueled by beer and Satan. "Evil Always Return" features Watain drummer Hakan Jonsson donating his services. The hoarse vocals of Andreas "Hasse" Hansson remind of earliest Sepultura, circa "Morbid Visions" and "Bestial Devastation" and to a lesser degree of Unleashed frontman Johnny Hedlund. This is bestial black/thrash with some minor death metal leanings. The playing is fiery and most tracks are quite catchy. The explosive lead/solo in 'The Weak Leading the Blind' is a plus and it's a pity there are so less actual leads/solos to be found here. 'Necromantic Action' is probably the least interesting cut of this record. "Evil Always Return" is a serviceable throwback record that can compete with the best of them, given the pedigree of its members. Recorded at Blueflame Productions Studio in Uppsala, Sweden (Loch Vostok, F.K.Ü.). The collage artwork is definitely old school in execution and very fitting for a retro band like this. Die Hard will appeal to retro-black/thrash metal bands such as Bewitched, Nifelheim and Merciless.

Review link: http://masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_ ... je&id=2878



Die Hard links:

Website: http://www.diehard.se/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/diehardthrash

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Die-Hard/148666655155328

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/diehard

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Die+Hard



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase DIE HARD - Evil Always Return / Emissaries of the Reaper CD and other DIE HARD merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... s=die+hard

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWxOGt_zEqY

TORTURE DIVISION (Sweden) Evighetens Dårar DIGI CD review by autothrall



By autothrall

A concrete boot through the exit pipe

Torture Division is a name that you'll constantly see pitched around various metal forums or recommendation lists, and rightly so: they're a trio of Sweden's finest death mavens working in unison to produce material that dwells safely in the characteristics of the classic death, grind and d-beat rhythms of their other projects, yet never seems to fail to kick ass. As the band involves bassist and vocalist Jörgen Sandström (Entombed, Grave, The Project Hate MCMXCIX, etc), guitarist Lord K Philipson (God Among Insects, Dark Funeral, The Project Hate MCMXCIX, etc.) and drummer Tobias Gustafsson (Vomitory, God Among Insects, and once again also The Project Hate), it's not a surprise that their output is studio album quality and could easily span several full lengths, yet they've seen fit to go another route.

Essentially, the band seems to release a string of demos (three in 2008, three in 2009-2010) and then collect them onto compilations. Evighetens Dårar is thus the accumulation of Evighetens Dårar demos I, II and III, collecting that material in one affordable location (Abyss Records), as a follow-up to their prior comp With Endless Wrath We Bring Upon Thee Our Infernal Torture from last year, the separate visages of the band members (which graced each of the three constituent demos) joined together at last for 10 tracks of war stomping, aural rushing madness. The sounds produced by the band mirror some of their past works (namely God Among Insects or Entombed), but they also dwell in that loud, simplistic category of purist death metal that might thrill fans of a Hail of Bullets, the Rogga family of bands like Paganizer and Ribspreader, or even the German Horned Almighty. The latter has a decidedly more black metal spin on their style, of course, but the simple flow of the rhythms and bass have a similar undercurrent.

Torture Division knows how to hook you on a basic riff and provide enough dynamic fiber that you won't be able to escape listening through the entire 2-3 minutes. Yes, they keep their material short, perfunctory and powerful, without experimentation or the excess 6-7 minutes of bloated viscera that often define some of the more confused acts of this type. "Heretics! Now!" exclaims itself like a hammer on the neck, blasted, almost grinding force that measures itself out into thrashing perfection, while "Eld Och Plågor" crawls along as if it were a mid-90s neanderthal written Morbid Angel groove diluted with the bluntness of a Grave, which later segues into this brilliant old school Entombed melody, and then a fist fucking breakdown. Want something faster? The band provides "Righteous Fore Ensemble", "Under Fire Command" and the :9 second epic "The Axe Murderer". Want something more meaty, with grooves? Take "Ravishing Rampage Sluts" or "Overtorture" for a spin.

Thanks to a Dan Swano mix, the material sounds just as professional as nearly anything else coming out of this turf, and therein lies another comparison, to another Swedish super group. Surprisingly, Torture Division have written a set of songs here that easily match the works of Bloodbath, and to the worshipers of those primal panderers, I grant you: your new gods. So if you think there's still room left in the arena (i.e. your wallet) for another class act of Swedish barbarism, there is simply no way you're going to lose with this recording, which should reserve some space on your CD rack next to its predecessor. It's not perfect, but it will beat the living tar out of you.

Rating: 82%

Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/T ... autothrall




Torture Division links:

Official Website: http://www.torturedivision.net/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/torturedivisionsweden

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Torture-D ... 7566534436

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/torturedivision

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Torture+Division



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:
To purchase TORTURE DIVISION's Evighetens Dårar or other TORTURE DIVISION merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... e+division

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35Q5Zl2Q8HI

To preview TORTURE DIVISION's 'With Endless Wrath We Bring Upon Thee Our Infernal Torture" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SIkZUsvT2A

ITEM OF THE DAY


MORBID ANGEL - BLESSED ARE THE SICK 12" PICTURE LP - $20.00 + S/H



Special Limited Edition of 1500 copies on 12" Picture vinyl

1. Intro
2. Fall from Grace
3. Brainstorm
4. Rebel Lands
5. Doomsday Celebration
6. Day of Suffering
7. Blessed Are the Sick / Leading the Rats
8. Thy Kingdom Come
9. Unholy Blasphemies
10. Abominations
11. Desolate Ways
12. The Ancient Ones
13. In Remembrance

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=12110

CHAOSSWORN (Sweden) Chalice of Black Flames CD EP review by http://www.metallian.com



By Ali "The Metallian"

Chalice Of Black Flames is merely the band’s demo re-pressed on disc and issued by Abyss Records. As such, it merely features three songs and 15 minutes of music. As much as one would like to hear more music to be convinced the Swedes have achieved a high degree of proficiency and have released a convincing wave of brutal and melodic death metal with enough variety to be dynamic, without ever leaving the borders of metallic taste.
Of the three tracks, Crowned & Winged has a militaristic and pseudo-industrial beat, Bringer Of Storms hits the hardest and fastest and the title track offers the most variety, raging and chanting vocals and most intricate guitar work. The band’s closest analogy is none other than Necrophobic. Given that band’s infrequent stops at the studio picking up this Chalice is a good occasion to get some intense Swedish death. The sound is perfectly fine despite the disc’s demo origin.

Rating: 80/100

Review link: http://www.metallian.com/chaossworn.php




Chaossworn links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/chaossworn

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chaossworn/167302977421

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/chaossworn

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Chaossworn



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase CHAOSSWORN - Chalice of Black Flames CD EP and other CHAOSSWORN merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... chaossworn

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZR_svLB6yM

The GARDNERZ (Sweden) The System of Nature DIGI CD review by diabolicalconquest.com



By Kunal

The Gardnerz (such a pain to spell it right) are a doom/death metal band from Sweden. I checked out a song or two and thought their music was interesting enough to write on it. These guys are playing something like a heavier, death metal version of stoner doom. I know that tag could apply to The Dead circa Ritual Executions which most of you are familiar with but in spite of that fact these guys sound quite different. For starters their music is rooted in doom than death and sounds mellower. You would have to think of European bands for reference such as Runemagick, mid-period Amorphis and a bit of stoner era Celestial Season. Yep, good enough indeed, especially the Runemagick comparison.
If you are familiar with the above bands, you know what to expect: groovy, plodding death/doom with emphasis on riffs (than atmosphere, for example). The riffs have a stoner quality to them which makes you drowsy but doesn't put you off to sleep. Thanks to the Runemagick influence, you have middle east-tinted riffs and solos that you will find instantly appealing. Their hooks are very strong and you are likely to repeat them in your mind well after the album is over. Between their trippy riffing you will have melodic breaks which include well placed acoustic parts and faster and heavier death metal trudges. It all is very coherent and tastefully done, and proves that the band has remarkable poise. The songs progress ever so slowly and naturally, you never feel something is forced or doesn't fit in despite them covering a wide range of subjects. It seems like every song has its own tale to tell, even with the story having common characters each time, which is quite a compliment. Not many bands can weave an engrossing tale this effortlessly. I particularly appreciate the moody, indulgent air of the musicians; it is of the kind that makes you deduce that they are creating music for themselves and not someone else and in all likelihood they will not bow down to external pressure.
The System of Nature is an absorbing album and makes for a very good listen. Given its mildness and generally easy pace, it is best to treat it as a doom metal album than a death metal one. Don't expect to headbang wildly to it, though you will be given plenty of headbang-worthy parts. It is the kind of album that will put you through a state of silent but active enjoyment. The Gardnerz were unsigned when I got this promo from the band but I am glad to know that they have been picked up by Abyss Records. Hopefully soon you folks will be able to obtain this album soon. It sure is worthy of your attention.

Rating: 7.7/10

Review link: http://diabolicalconquest.com/reviews20 ... nature.htm




The Gardnerz links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thegardnerz

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thegardnerz

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thegardnerz

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/The+Gardnerz



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase The GARDNERZ (Sweden) "The System of Nature" DIGI CD go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=11199

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iXL-YXoWSk

ITEM OF THE DAY


BATHORY - TWILIGHT OF THE GODS DOUBLE (BLACK) 12" LP - $25.00 + S/H



Limited Edition Double LP version on 180 Gram Black Vinyl & Re-mastered

BATHORY "Twilight of the Gods" This heavy and gloomy album contained a bombastic and multi-layered operatic metal.
Philosophy and misantropy shaped the seven tracks on this cult release. A must-have for the heaviest of the heavy.

1. Twilight of the Gods
2. Through Blood by Thunder
3. Blood and Iron
4. Under the Runes
5. To Enter Your Mountain
6. Bond of Blood
7. Hammerheart

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=12113

FESTER Prepares To Unleash A Celebration Of Death via Abyss Records



Norwegian pioneers in Blackened Death metal, FESTER has risen from their grave to unleash the fury that is A Celebration Of Death. The band's first offering of new material in 17 years, A Celebration Of Death is a whirlwind of dark musical flavors mixing Black, Death, Thrash, Heavy Metal and Jazz. FESTER returns to celebrate death with this vicious assault of old-school and sinister riffing. This truly is the band's darkest offering to date. Guitarist/vocalist Bjorn "Tiger" Mathisen elaborates, "FESTER has never made music to please a certain crowd and this dark anthem really proves that darkness and death can come in many different disguises."

A Celebration Of Death is scheduled for a mid-March release date through Abyss Records. Album track "Rites of Ceres" is currently streaming at the band's Myspace page. Visit this location: http://www.myspace.com/festernorway/mus ... s-85280419 to experience the return of Fester!



Rites of Ceres
The Black Tower
March of Death
I'll Hunt You Down
Metalized
Jeg Spytter På Deg
Last Day of Battle Pt.I
Last Day of Battle Pt.II
A Face for a Funeral (bonus)
Rites of Mortiis (Remix of Ceres by Mortiis)


In addition to core members Jon Bakker (bass), Thomas Andersen (vocals) and Bjorn "Tiger" Mathisen (guitar/vocals), A Celebration Of Death also features Audun Kleive (session drums), Raymond Pellicer (additional guitars, programming and synth), Eivind Aarseth (additional guitars), Guido Saint Roch (guest vocals on "Metalized") and Mortiis (Dark Converter). The cover for A Celebration Of Death was painted by artist Eliran Kantor (Testament, Sodom, Atheist, Sigh, Anacrusis). The rest of the layout was done by Joce of Industrie Chimere Noire (Portal, Ghäst, Total Holocaust). The CD release will include a 16-page booklet. Flooga Records will be issuing a vinyl version of the album with laminated gatefold and heavy inner sleeve. Total Holocaust Records will release a limited edition cassette version (100 copies only) with alternate, hand drawn cover and artwork. For more on Fester, visit the band's Facebook page. Norway's atmospheric masters will once again change the face of black/death metal. Prepare yourselves and let the feast begin!



**FESTER is currently available for interviews. Please contact [email protected] for promos and press inquiries.**

http://www.myspace.com/festernorway
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Scott Alisoglu / Ryan Ogle
Clawhammer PR
http://www.myspace.com/clawhammerpr

HYPERBOREAN (Sweden) The Spirit of Warfare CD review by http://www.brutalism.com



By Paul Maddison

Following 10 years of work, Sweden’s Hyperborean debut starts with furious drumming and many progressive metal guitar influences that will infect your hearing; this is music with soul, in a black metal genre I often find lacking this trait. Purists will slay it for being too “clean”; there are thankfully no inclusions of synths or keyboards in any of the major song structures and it does not pretend to be lo-fi rubbish that infects the scene from time to time. To be really critical, some of the mixing is a little hit and miss, but you are reminded that this is thinking mans melodic death/black metal, the tracks are strong enough to carry off any misgivings you may want to find in this effort in relation to the mix.
‘The Sick Man of Europe’ in particular is teeming with a genuine state of execution; there is a consistent flow throughout the effort. This is a release especially for fans of Abigor, Limbonic Art and little bits and pieces of latter day Immortal, its not in the same league, but a positive step in the right direction ensuring that the long wait for this album is certainly worthwhile.

Review link: http://www.brutalism.com/content/hyperb ... of-warfare




Hyperborean links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/hyperboreanofficial

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/hyperboreanofficial

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Hyperborean



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase HYPERBOREAN - The Spirit of Warfare CD go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10305

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4NkpxSrIjE

ITEM OF THE DAY


ELECTRIC WIZARD - DOPETHRONE DOUBLE 12" LP - $28.00 + S/H



Limited Edition 180 Gram Gatefold Double LP

1. Vinum Sabbathi
2. Funeralopolis
3. Weird Tales: i Electric Frost ii Golgotha iii Altar of Melektaus
4. Barbarian
5. I, the Witchfinder
6. The Hills Have Eyes
7. We Hate You
8. Dopethrone
Bonus Track
9. Mind Transferral

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=12107

FESTER (Norway) Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD review by http://www.minacious.org



By Patrick Schroeder

"Winter of Sin” was originally released in 1992 but thanks to the US. label Abyss Records it is now being re-relapsed so both old and new Black/Death Metal fans can bask in the greatness that is Fester! Fester comes out of the legendary Norwegian underground and lets face it back in the early 1990's no other country came close to releasing great Black Metal like Norway. Fester was definitely ahead of their time and went against the norm (remember this was originally in 93 before Black/Death was blended together by so many) instead of the raw, primitive style that Norway was known for Fester played fast Black Metal but their guitar riffs/chords were a little thicker and even had a few solo's intertwined the riffs to give them a Death Metalish feel and sound. Fester even went a little further to make “Winter a Sin” a "classic" within the Black Metal scene by adding some avant-garde and melodic interludes to their already gloomy and grim sound. Even today in 2011 Fester’s “Winter of Sin” still stands out a great and original masterpiece. Definitely get this if you like original and dark Black Metal.

Review link: http://www.minacious.org/rev-fester_-_w ... f_sin.html




Fester links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/festernorway

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fester/204292849614033

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/festernorwaybm

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Fester



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase FESTER - Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD and other FESTER merchandise go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... rds=fester

To preview a song go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKH4_MK_6DI

And to preview a song from FESTER's "Silence" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hiTvtM5hoY or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkSQoaAzGpQ

FESTER (Norway) Silence Remastered DIGI CD review by http://www.funeralrain.net



By General Blaspheme

Abyss Records is one lucky label. They’ve picked up Fester, one of the truly original black/death bands from Norway, and are in the process of re-releasing some of stuff, including the classic Silence from 1994.
Reminding me a lot of Cynic’s work, with more blackened elements, there is a reason this album is an underground classic. It kicks ass!
The technicality of the instruments is a lot higher than most black metal, with some gorgeous sounding clean parts and evil distortion.
Vocally, Bjørn “Tiger” Mathisen is one of the most understandable blackened vocalists ever. You can actually hear what he’s saying, he is enunciating, and the style is not shrieked but rather a rough smoker’s voice; a cross between death growls and black shrieks. This has brought him close to the front of my favorite vocalists.
I definitely recommend this for fans of melodic black or death metal, especially fans of Cynic and Dissection.

Rating: 8 out of 10.

Review link: http://www.funeralrain.net/2011/05/21/fester-silence-2/




Fester links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/festernorway

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fester/204292849614033

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/festernorwaybm

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Fester



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase FESTER - Silence Remastered DIGI CD and other FESTER merchandise go to:
http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... rds=fester

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hiTvtM5hoY or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkSQoaAzGpQ

And to preview a from FESTER - Winter of Sin Remastered DIGI CD go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKH4_MK_6DI

ITEM OF THE DAY


BATHORY - BATHORY (GREY) 12" LP - $20.00 + S/H



Limited Edition on 180 Gram Grey Vinyl & Re-mastered
Recorded in June, 1984, at Heavenshore Studio, Stockholm, Sweden.
Produced by Boss and Quorthon.
Album cover design by Quorthon.

BATHORY "Bathory" The debut by one of the most influential act's in extreme metal history. Nine classic tracks and a sound that would change the world. Twenty years later, we can proudly say: this is where it all started.

1. Storm of Damnation
2. Hades
3. Reaper
4. Necromansy
5. Sacrifice
6. In Conspiracy With Satan
7. Armageddon
8. Raise the Dead
9. War
10. Outro

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=12112

FETUS STENCH (Sweden) Demo 2011 by http://www.globaldomination.se



By Lord K Philipson

Can you smell it? The fetus stench, bitches! You get a somewhat good picture about what these guys can possibly present on this demo just by looking at the moniker. Yep, it’s a shit name for a band, but it’s also perfect in the sense that it oozes death metal. Which, ofcourse, is what these kids are playing. Fuck did you think?
They are Swedes, which is almost always a promising thing, and they feature members from acts such as The Law, Slaughterous and Blood Red Throne. Drummer Emil is the only fucko/drummer who’s replaced Tobben “Golden T” Gustafsson for a Vomitory show (The Golden One had back surgery and they needed someone to fill the spot). That should say a few things about his skills, apart from the fact that he’s playing with Norwegian killer deathsters Blood Red Penis. The very same Tobben recommended Fetus Stench to me, so you know this is bound to be above decent. Tobben is one picky muthafucker.
And it fucken is. Despite the quite poor production job (biggest downside being the insanely annoying snare sound in the blast sections), Fetus Stench fire up 4 tracks of very catchy and groovy death metal, proving they demand attention in the scene. And they might very well deserve it too, that’s how good this demo is. Give these Fetus-fuckos a few years and a better budget (so you can hire Dan Swanö to do the sound, meaning your potential will really come through) and they might very well be able to enter the next level.
To hand out a debut demo of this caliber is a very good sign and I can only agree with my Torture Division/The Project Hate MCMXCIX colleague, Tobben: this is some good shit. With an ace production this would most likely have blown me the fuck away. Now it’s “just” better (alot better) than your average death metal band of today. Not to mention their logo looks neater than most of the logos out there. All this leads up to a score of: 7.5/10

Review link: http://www.globaldomination.se/demons/f ... -demo-2011



Fetus Stench links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/fetusstench

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fetusstench

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/fetusstenchsweden

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Fetus+Stench



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31JNCijGc1s

HAT (Norway) The Demise of Mankind CD review by Phuling



By Phuling

Hat apparently formed all the way back in 1993, was put on hold in 1996 and resurrected ten years later. I’d never heard of them before, which might not come as much of a surprise seeing as this is their debut album. So their roots are definitely firmly set in the older days of black metal, and it doesn’t take long into Guds skitne avkom to realize they’re still hell-bent on maintaining the sound of the genre’s former glory days.

After a very effective intro the album sets off with a relatively fast pace (I say “relatively” since they don’t come anywhere close to the ultra-blasting we find in metal nowadays) and a surprisingly melodic guitar lead. The similarities with acts like Taake and earlier Gorgoroth are quite instant, and it’s undoubtedly old school black metal – spiteful, grim and filled to the rim with blasphemy. But Hat adds to that a keen sense of melody, which comes across through the guitar leads. While the tempo might be predominately fast-paced, they throw in tons of variety with slower sections, alternating drum patterns which on occasion offer a little quirk or two (like for instance the brief militaristic drumming during Schadenfreude). The main vocals are extremely harsh, albeit still with the classic black metal pitch, adding a load of brutality to their sound. For Inner demons the vocals take on a different approach and sounds much more hoarse and sore, giving it a desperate touch. Very unorthodox.

This two-man unit does absolutely nothing to reinvent the wheel, they harvest the crops sowed by their predecessors, but they do a damn fine job. Minor twists, a good sense of song writing, a cold atmosphere and hookfilled melodies makes it a great addition to any black metaller’s record collection, at least if your love for Norwegian old school is strong.

Review link: www.metal-archives.com/reviews/Hat/The_ ... 28/Phuling




Hat links:

Myspace: www.myspace.com/Evighat

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Hat/154439157951339

Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/evighat

Last fm: www.last.fm/music/Hat



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Records/164573050232055

Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase HAT - The Demise of Mankind CD and other HAT merchandise go to:
www.officialabyssrecords.com/advanced_s ... hat+vortex

To preview a song go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJD28wHlPpU

And to preview a song from their newest release "Vortex of Death" go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX-KoqPnUJY
or www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7XWXxp5LRk

ITEM OF THE DAY


IMMOLATION - FAILURES FOR GODS 12" LP - $20.00 + S/H



Limited Edition of 500 copies on 180 gram Gatefold black vinyl
Recorded at Millbrook Sound Studios - Millbrook NY in July 1998.
Mastered at Quadim Studio.
Produced, Written, Art Concept, Layout, Design by Immolation.
Icons by Andreas Marschall.
Back cover graphics/icon enhancements by John Vigna.

1. Once Ordained
2. No Jesus, No Beast
3. Failures for Gods
4. Unsaved
5. God Made Filth
6. Stench of High Heaven
7. Your Angel Died
8. The Devil I Know

To Order: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=12111

MAAX (U.S.) Dawnbringer CD review by Phuling



By Phuling

I didn’t realize until after I’d reviewed Maax’s EP Six pack witchcraft that I also had Dawnbringer to review; their debut album released a year before the EP. Eventhough I had looked through the entire pile of promos from Abyss Records I never made the connection between the two records, and I suppose it’s due to the fact that the logos on the two releases look so completely different. So after hearing the EP first I expected this to sound similar, and I couldn’t have been more wrong.

This is melodic, sleek and slick, sans the intrusive burliness of Six pack witchcraft. As soon as Blut reich…blood dawn begins I get a strong Lord Belial vibe, with very reminiscent riffing, melody and even vocals. As the similarities to said band dissipates over time, the black metal doesn’t. I’m not sure I’d guessed the band to hail from the States if I hadn’t known, simply ‘cause it sounds fairly European in style. Melodic riffing, not driven by leads but by a core of melodic riffs, going by both like a hurricane and like a slowly driven bulldozer. They’re mainly focusing on slower paces, rarely indulging themselves in blasting. It comes across as quite raw yet melodic, old school Norwegian yet 90ies European, and with a drizzle of modern American black. When they pick up speed, such as in the title track, the aggressiveness of their music is really terrific, whereas the slower tunes have a more chilling and eerie atmosphere, drenched in darkness.

I’m extremely surprised this is even the same band, although there are a few moments where the thrash influences shine through, the rock stays far away from their sound. Dawnbringer’s a damn evil-sounding album with a marvelous atmosphere, blending almost every style of black metal together very well. It’s far from anything unique, but it’s nonetheless bloody satisfying for a black metal freak.

Review link: http://www.metal-archives.com/reviews/M ... 91/Phuling




Maax links:

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/maaxmetal

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/maaxmetal

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/maax

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Maax



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase MAAX - Dawnbringer CD and other Maax merchandise go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/adv ... words=maax

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uNDPFcYcdw

To preview a song from their new album "Unholy Rock & Roll" got to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYmZLEnfZ1o or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh4glzcSu1A

and to preview a song from their 2010 EP "Six Pack Witchcraft" go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giNCctZobOE

Diabolical (Sweden) Ars Vitae CD review by pestwebzine



By Adrian

Diabolical are back after 3 years since the release of their third studio album, although this new CD seems to be only one intended to let the people know they are still alive. "Ars Vitae" is composed of 4 new tracks, 9 live ones and as bonus, their debut EP from 2000, Deserts of Desolation, so you can't call it a real live album either, it's more of a compilation of 70 minutes of Black Death Metal made by Diabolical. The 4 new tracks sound very good, dark, epic and catchy, so I'm sure their fans won't be disapointed. The live part has a very polished, studio-touched sound so if it wasn't for the public screaming at the beginnings and endings of the songs I wouldn't have said this is a live recording. The 2000 EP is remastered, but it still has that raw feeling and the music is slightly different, more inclined onto a technical Thrash Death Metal rather than the Black Death they are playing now. A good release for their fans, I can't see anything wrong with it.

Rating: 9/10

Review link: http://pestwebzine.ucoz.com/index/june_2011/0-398




Diabolical links:

Official Website: http://diabolical.se

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/religionist

Official Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/diabolicalofficial

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/diabolicalswe

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Diabolical



Abyss Records links:

Online Label & Online Music Store: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/abyssrecordsofficial

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abyss-Rec ... 3050232055

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/label/abyssrecords

Last fm: http://www.last.fm/label/AbyssRecords

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/MinionfortheAbyss



Other links:

To purchase DIABOLICAL - Ars Vitae CD go to: http://www.officialabyssrecords.com/pro ... s_id=10307

To preview a song go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Mg35q4yfLE