Rites of the Black Mass

I prefer the early demo material to this album, but this is still some great Satanic Death Metal. No it is not "brutal", yet has an evil atmosphere both by production and structure. Want great production listen to some (c)rap metal band. Death Metal should be dark dirty and possessed!!! The speed of the album varies and the vocals are not guttural but mostly dry, deep, and shouted. Nothing in “The Rites...” is ground breaking but that does not mean it is not good. There are several tracks of cult gatherings and summoning that are descent and add a demonic touch, though not necessary. If you crave cult satanic sound then this is a moderate dose of it! Sorry... no devastating riffs or mind blowing song writing, but good morbid (prod) atmosphere, intentional or other wise.

Unfortunately Acheron has become parody of it self. Stupid gimmicks like; vampires and sex has made the already plastic sounding new albums even worse! Early Media attention over the satanic connection of the band has gone to Crowley's bald head and has made the music take a back-seat to trends. Another Death Metal band that should have called it quit$$$!!!