Kristian Grave

Since the dark year of 2004, Nekroforest has continued along a path of almost total obscurity. After changing their name from Azimuth, a demo was released entitled “Kristian Grave.” Formerly of Azaroth, Destructor holds up the band, playing all instruments.


This demo is crushing and abrasive with four tracks of a sinister purpose. “A New Eternal Day” begins with subtly melodic guitar riffs and an echoing scream. Just like good, raw, black metal, the music is simple, stripped down, and contains no flourishes whatsoever. The riffs are not too technical and have a nice solid pattern with just enough variation to keep things moving on. The vocals enter on high, sounding above the instruments, putting together that infamous wall of sound. Things are ironically set aflame for “Morbid Winter” as the music plays under a night ablaze. Yet, amongst the light of fire, the music is a bit darker on this track. “Grave” stamps out the fire and fixes the moon into the sky with snowstorm riffs. The total old school worship is what makes this track stand-out for the better. Nekroforest's Mayhem cover of “Deathcrush” is also well done, conjuring up an even dirtier feeling than the original.


“Kristian Grave” is an interesting demo. Writhing from the deep chasms of the unknown, Nekroforest and their unforgiving style of black metal will rise to the tongues of many underground black metal supporters.