The Beginning of the End

Despite the difficult market situation, Fallen-Angels Productions releases a sampler. It seems that the Corean guys are either completely crazy or old school as hell (and these options are not mutually exclusive). However, one thing is for sure, this publication makes them likable. Four bands fight in this special "European Song Contest" which - this much can be revealed - does not lack of quality.

The Italians of Krigere Wolf get in the ring at first. Blackened thrash metal is their metier and each and every of their three songs is a massive and vehement assault. Their powerful sound has a sinister touch and the opening riff of the large-sized "War's Ancestral Prophecies" hits the bull's eye before the song transforms into a speed grenade. As far as I see, this fury of eight minutes length marks the best track of the group so far. 80% is an appropriate rating for their pieces that shine with great guitar leads and the right amount of tempo variations, albeit the last number is a little bit at risk to drown in chaos.

Italy and Austria are neighbours and the music of Waldschrat lies in close proximity to that of Krigere Wolf as well. But their lead vocalist prefers a more black metal orientated style. His coarse nagging is hardly understandable, even for a native German speaker. Yet it is more important that his performance intertwines with the morbid leads in a formidable manner. Due to his totalitarian way of expression, this guy would probably be a very good tyrant. But honestly speaking, one dictator from Austria was enough. Anyway, "Wer Wind sät" is a killer track. Unfortunately, the second song lacks a bit of clarity, but due to the sharp mix, all pieces reach at least a more or less convincing level. 75% for Waldschrat.

Notre Amertune, the third group of this compilation, has to struggle in order to be more or less on an equal footing with the previous artists. The ponderous, slow-moving black metal that they offer does not generate a dark maelstrom. The crucial challenge for slow black metal is that its melodies are able to drag the listener into the depth of hell. This is the point where Notre Amertune fail, at least to a certain extent. The final track is a positive exception, because the more the song progresses, the more its atmosphere grows. In addition, the band gets away from its usual composition formula and delivers a short speed section. Nevertheless, the here presented contribution of this international combo is to weak to challenge its competitors successfully. 60% for a solid, but not exciting presentation.

Antiquus Scriptum do not need three tracks to display the whole spectrum of their creativity. They have worked very efficiently and have realized every possible synergy effect. As a consequence, one song is enough. Well, it has a playtime of more than 17 minutes, but this little blemish is of minor relevance. The decisive factor is that these guys from Portugal are obviously totally insane. "Primordium / The Skeptic Beholder" offers so many different parts without lacking of structure that I really do not know why this formation still seems to be absolutely unknown. From the fanfares at the beginning to the variation of the main theme at the end, from the excellently flowing verses to the alarming chorus, everything fits. Despite a few crude moments, this song is (almost) simply perfect. Amongst other things, the masterly use of the chopping keyboards and the variable guitar work shape this monumental diamond from the western end of Europe. Not to mention the original vocal performance that combines dotty casualty with expressiveness or the orchestral, sometimes demonic back vocals. What kind of genre is this? A very special form of black metal, dwarfish and larger than life at the same time? However, I have made a highly intense experience. 95% for the surprise of the year, although the dudes have integrated a short and spooky chamber music section.

As said above, Fallen-Angels Productions has released this album and I fear that nobody will buy it. My friends, listen to what I have to say, just this one time. To ignore this disc would be a great sin of omission, because "The Beginning of the End" shows some of the most interesting, different facets of the pulsating underground. It leaves no doubt that the magic of extreme metal is unbroken and it feels good that true idealists do not care about minor details such as commercial success. Despite or exactly because of this attitude, they deserve our support.