Review: Bonjour Tristesse - Par un Sourire

BONJOUR TRISTESSE was created by sole-member Nathanael in 2009; “Par un Sourire” is the first full-length album from the band. The band name “Bonjour Tristesse” translates to “Welcome Sadness” & is inspired by the 1954 book written by French author Francoise Sagan. Bearing in mind this carefully considered moniker, it comes as no surprise that the music itself is of the most atmospheric and emotional variety of Black Metal. The initial comparison would be to BURZUM due to the intense and dramatically screamed vocals, however here the similarity ends as the compositions themselves have a far more modern edge. The album itself combines two main contrasting themes; as you would expect there are elements of depression, negativity, loneliness, fear, sadness, alienation. However, there is also an underlying element of hope, personal strength, and confidence... Post Continued Here

Review: Cloaca - Ghost Town

“Ghost Town” is the 2008 release from British band CLOACA and though this is described as an EP, it consists of two epically proportioned tracks that clock in at a closer length to a mini-album. At present CLOACA share links with the highly acclaimed UK Doom band ATAVIST and also the progressive Pagan Black Metal band WINTERFYLLETH; so you can be assured that quality is guaranteed on all levels. However, any pre-conceived notions you may have of this project are likely to be shattered once you hear “Ghost Town” as CLOACA is very much a separate project in terms of approach. The two tracks that appear on this EP are an excellent introduction to CLOACA and not only highlight the fact that the sound encapsulates some of the most successful elements of underground music today, but also that CLOACA are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to live performance and effect... Post Continued Here

Review: Sleeping Peonies - Rose Curl, Sea Swirl

The term “Black Metal Art” is thrown around quite a lot, though in the case of SLEEPING PEONIES it is an accurate description in all senses. The band resides in the East of England & consists of one main sole member……a welcome discovery for those looking to find outstanding Black Metal from the UK, as in my case. All elements of “Rose Curl, Sea Swirl” reflect a pensive, expressive and artistic approach; from the dreamy sensitively created atmospheres, nostalgic yet pleasingly melancholic CD artwork, to the beautiful & profound poetic lyrics. SLEEPING PEONIES combines a number of genre styles and influences resulting in an individual and creatively rich sound. It is possible to hear a number of influences throughout the release, however SLEEPING PEONIES has a strongly formed character as their imaginative moniker and track-titles would suggest. The... Post Continued Here

Review: Xasthur - Portal of Sorrow

“Portal of Sorrow” has been released as an alternate swansong for XASTHUR and although I believe the full-length predecessor “All Reflections Drained” has its merits, “Portal of Sorrow” is most certainly a superior release. The album is interesting firstly in that it combines recognisable song structures that hark back to the earlier days of XASTHUR whilst also encompassing new ideas and techniques. For example; I am reminded of early albums such as “Nocturnal Poisoning” as “Portal of Sorrow” features similarly unsettling compositions that take those unexpected paths that makes XASTHUR such compelling and obsessive listening. This is where “All Reflections Drained” was not so successful as despite it being a well-composed and thoroughly listenable release, the sense of character was not so prominent. I remember reading an interview with... Post Continued Here

Review: Fornost Arnor - Escaping the Abyss

“Escaping the Abyss” is the debut release from UK band FORNOST ARNOR, it is also the first release for new label Witch King Records. Although this is the band’s first release, they have already had reasonable coverage in well-known publications such as Zero Tolerance magazine and it is easy to see why. It’s hard to believe this is a debut release due to its mature approach, technical precision, effective production and overall professional quality. Although the band name references J.R.R Tolkien, that’s as far as it goes, in fact the most obvious influences that may be heard when listening to “Escaping the Abyss” are OPETH and ENSLAVED. FORNOST ARNOR combine elements of Black Metal, Folk, Pagan Metal, Doom, Technical Death Metal and of course progressive extreme Metal. The similarity to OPETH is striking, though it’s obvious FORNOST ARNOR have incorporated... Post Continued Here

Review: Highgate - Highgate

The first thing that strikes about HIGHGATE is the similarity to bands such as KHANATE, OTESANEK, NEGATIVE REACTION, STUMM, WRECK OF THE HESPERUS and GRIEF. However the most striking similarity is to KHANATE certainly when bearing in mind their slower, more abstract offering of “Things Viral”; the style of vocals HIGHGATE use is very much in this vein, in fact astoundingly so, though perhaps less restrained and a little more tormented than KHANATE (that is just about possible!). “Highgate” is basically a combination of Sludge, Black Metal and Doom Metal with a few elements of Noise, Drone and synth experimentation thrown in here and there plus the sort of sampling you would expect from EYEHATEGOD in places. The album consists of one long track of almost an hour in length so a moderate degree of perseverance and patience is needed when giving it a listen and therefore... Post Continued Here

Review: Reaktor 4 - Reaktor 4

Total Holocaust Records are one of those labels that always release excellent quality releases one way or another. REAKTOR 4 is no different in that it is another fine example of a THR release, but it is also highly experimental and has a clinically cold atmosphere that Swedish bands in this vein seem to create so well. Along with bands such as LIFELOVER (this release does actually feature B. of LIFELOVER as session vocalist) and WOODS OF INFINITY; REAKTOR 4 have created a sound that blends together some very random influences, approaches and samples / electronic effects in a very clever and profoundly strange manner. This is what makes the release so instantly compelling as it transmits a really strong and eccentric character that it is impossible not to be absorbed by. REAKTOR 4 are one of those bands who have real personality and obviously don’t give a fuck about what anyone else... Post Continued Here

Review: Velnias - Sovereign Nocturnal

“Sovereign Nocturnal” consists of three epic nature-inspired tracks of Pagan / Down-tempo / Folky Black Metal. Although this looks like an EP (and is also priced as an EP), it is actually more like a full length album as the tracks are such lengthy compositions. However, it is easy to see why the tracks had to reach such proportions of length. The emphasis here is most certainly on gradually building towards Post-Rock / Post-Metal style crescendos whilst also creating a sombre and majestic atmosphere. The subtle development of the shadowy atmosphere here is something that certainly can’t be achieved through break-neck speeds or crudely thrown together melodies. VELNIAS use mature song-writing techniques (border-lining on progressive), making use of many moody acoustic passages and slow, sorrowful riffs that gradually build and shift throughout each track. Although it is possible... Post Continued Here

Review: Gorgon - Immortal Horde EP

Released by Wounded Love Records in 1993, “Immortal Horde” is a rare underground gem from classic French band GORGON. When listening to the three tracks on offer, it is difficult to believe that GORGON did not achieve more recognition as even in their embryonic stages the band already had not only a strong character formed but also a highly recognizable and unusual sound. Listening now, it is amazing to think these tracks were written so long ago as they still sound fresh, original and timeless. Of course, there is that 1990s atmosphere present that many Black Metal bands aim to recreate today, but there is nothing like the real thing. In this sense, the atmosphere of dark nostalgia also makes this release obsessive compulsive listening. The first track entitled “Ephaistos” begins with an experimental keyboard piece, before launching into a blistering Black Metal onslaught.... Post Continued Here

Review: Hammemit - Spires Over the Burial Womb

“Spires Over the Burial Womb” is the debut release for HAMMEMIT; the new identity of UK Black Noise project EMIT; though now featuring additional members to the enigmatic U.I./Malachi. Released by the well-respected label Total Holocaust Records (a personal favourite of mine), this is a truly stunning album, steeped in confounding mystery and evoking a morbidly religious Medieval atmosphere. After following EMIT for a number of years I was keen to hear the difference in direction that inspired the name change to HAMMEMIT, and I have to say that the album is perhaps the most consistent and effective to date. Whereas EMIT are in a similar vein to ABRUPTUM (although undeniably superior to ABRUPTUM), HAMMEMIT is totally fresh and individual. After many productive years in existence for EMIT, “Spires Over the Burial Womb” is a superlative work that takes the band to a higher... Post Continued Here