Ekove Efrits - "The Wraiths Of The Forgotten Forest"

(Iran, Evil Distro, Black Metal, 2006)

The strangely titled Ekove Efrits are a one man Black Metal act from Iran. It's great to hear that Metal is truly a global phenomenon and some really interesting stuff can be found in the place you would least expect it. This is certainly the case for Ekove Efrits, who play an atmospheric type of Black Metal that reminds of Burzum and Xasthur. The keys are expertly played in an evocative intro, which is pretty much a song in its own right. Then we have "The End Of Holy Torments" which is where the Black Metal kicks in. Very raw, loud guitars drown out the mix (which is kind of murky, but I like that) and typical Black Metal screams and a drum machine are in the background. This is probably the most straight-ahead Black Metal track on the disc. This is followed by another atmospheric interlude, in fact these are good enough to be released on their own if Count De Efrits intends to make a Dark Ambient project... Haunting and sublime, yet with enough going on to keep interest. Track 5, called "Fading To Darkness", is the real star of this disc; the atmospheric elements are combined with the Black Metal very well on this track, it's easily the best on the disc and is full of raw guitar riffs and windswept atmospherics, sounding hauntingly depressive. If Ekove Efrits can write more music like this then their full length debut due out on Midwinter Records will really be something worth hearing! This is a pro-printed CD-R, on a black disc with a nice two page booklet. A really interesting release from Evil Distro, as is usual for them. Recommended to fans of depressive Black Metal!

Element - "Psychophenomenon"

(Poland, Self released, Death Metal, 2003)

Andi, the vocalist told me via e-mail that the new Element release will not be into Black Metal like the previous one ("Daemonopolis" from 2001) but Death Metal so I was very anxious to hear the change on the new CD. Well... I had a shock, this CD is much better than the previous one, a demo which I liked very much. The style is Progressive Death Metal that sounds like a combination between Hypocrisy and Kataklysm but with a very original approach. The tracks are different one from another, some played at high speed. "Another Reality" or "Daemonopolis 2002" and other like "PsychoPhenomenon" being almost Doom Metal. Everything sounds good here; thanks to the good production you can hear everything really clear, every instrument being audible. What can I say more... Excellent!!!

Elegi - "Sistereis"

(Norway, Miasmah Recordings, Experimental Classical/Ambient, 2007)

"Sistereis" is the fantastic debut from Elegi, a project by Norwegian producer, composer, and recording engineer Tommy Jansen, who spends his free time as a shipwreck diver. Evidently, it is this hobby of his that is the inspiration behind Sistereis. The name of the album itself is a word that refers to a ship's final voyage before sinking, and every song here perfectly captures that feeling. Full of atmosphere and mood, this is an incredibly haunting album that manages to transport the listener to another place – a gray world devoid of hope where the only thing in sight is miles and miles of open ocean, perpetually circling the icy waters at the top of the world. Occasionally, dark forms break the surface, but you are alone here in this alien world.
The album's brief opener, "Despotiets Vesen", starts off with subtle bowed strings which go together to make a simple yet effective chord. Trailing in the wake left by the strings are minimal piano notes, stark and wandering as if lost at sea. The melodies created are lonely, but not really hopeless; sad, but not really depressive. There is no discernable rhythm or beat at first, just pure expressionist wanderings. The strings fade away then swell back in, as if being pulled by the tide. Throughout all this play field recordings which sound like they were made at a dock. Wood creaks as the tide comes and goes and shivered breathing is heard as though made by someone who has just left the icy water. The piano very gradually builds with the strings, making slight crescendos and decrescendos, yet the piece as a whole never loses its atmosphere. Everything is fantastically put together, the piano melodies painting a picture of complete isolation against the backdrop made by the strings, which back away at just the right times to let the piano stand out and swell in perfectly at other times to create wonderful harmonies with it. This song alone could be stretched out to make up the entire album and it would still be amazing, but just as quickly as it comes, it fades away, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Not all the tracks on this album are as melodic as the opener, however. Many are very close to Dark Ambient music in terms of atmosphere, utilizing sounds more than melodies. "Fyrtårnet Part 1", for example, starts with murky low-end strings (perhaps a cello or similar instrument) bowed into a droning smear of black slime which soon becomes the backdrop upon which odd creaks and high-end noises are applied. Odd alien noises drift in and out as though through a thick fog accompanied by metallic grating noises. "Fyrtårnet" parts 2 & 3 are similar odysseys, equally dark and icy, unsettling and foreign.
"Time Lapse", the standout track on "Sistereis", is equally as fascinating as the album's opener, yet perhaps slightly better due to its longer length, more detailed composition, and richer textures. The piece starts briefly with recordings of what sounds like someone searching through their belongings – footsteps, taps against wood, paper sheets being flipped through, a box opening etc. Perhaps it's a person getting their bare essentials before hurriedly leaving somewhere for good, or maybe something else – a captain looking through old photos as his ship sinks. A few seconds into the piece, after the first taps of the field recordings are heard, the piano comes in. It starts off subtly at first – delicate, single note lines that add a very interesting melodic depth to the piece, occasionally being treated with very subtle shimmery noises. Soon, lower notes ease in smoothly beneath the piano melody, creating beautiful, lonely chords. The ambience gets thicker and thicker – background noises that sound like brushes being scraped across a snare drum go together with the music to create an almost Jazzy feel. Though dark and lonely, it feels strangely peaceful, too. This piece sounds less like a lament of one's current situation and more like a celebration of the past. It is like a captain sinking with his ship and accepting his fate, not fighting it, choosing instead to think back on all the memories he'd had on that ship and how it had served him. Together with the next track, the surprisingly uplifting "Interbellum", "Sistereis" creates a nice intermission to the album, a short break from the oppressive atmosphere of everything else found on it.
Not enough good things can be said about this album. Honestly, every song on "Sistereis" could be a highlight. Each one has something to offer, either melodically or atmospherically, and paints a perfect picture for the listener. Relax, close your eyes, and filter out any other distractions, and the music on "Sistereis" becomes a portal to another world – a dark dreamland devoid of color. Each song is a different tale and a different place waiting to be explored. In this story, you are the main character. You are the captain lost at sea, the one abandoned by your crew. But you don't live to tell the tale. Tommy Jansen is the shipwreck diver who discovers your story and tells it for you. That story is "Sistereis".

Elisabetha - "Über Das Prinzip Der Unschuld"

(Austria, Beverina Productions, Dark Ambient, 2007)

Initially I thought I would loathe this CD, as the words "romantic" and "vampire" fill me with dread (Cradle Of Filth and a thousand crap Goth bands saw to that). Janis from Evil Distro persuaded me that there was much more to Elisabetha than that, and he was right.
Elisabetha are a rather unusual Dark Ambient act from Austria. Apparently they used to play Black Metal, but "Über Das Prinzip Der Unschuld" marks a new beginning for the band. Musically they are indeed influenced by horror soundtracks (in particular Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells", better known as "The Exorcist" theme) and conceptually by the writing of Edgar Allan Poe. The album does feature some narration of Poe's works, so it would seem Elisabetha are attempting to write Poe's musical counterpart with this release. One thing that did grate on me though, was that said narration was in German. OK, fair do's, this is Elisabetha's mother tongue and the language they will know Poe's work the best in, but it does sound strangely stilted, this gruff German voice interrupting every so often, quoting an English author in German to an Englishman! Similarly, I'm sure a Russian would find hearing Dostoyevsky's works being read in English a little strange. My point is though, it probably would have sounded better without these passages. I expect they sound fine if you're a German speaker though, who knows?
Nonetheless, Elisabetha have created a strangely likable CD. Fans of Victorian horror stories, old silent films (like F.W. Murnau's "Nosferatu"), and the kind of music that is incessantly played in cathedrals will find much to enjoy. This can be purchased in luxurious gold digipak from Evil Distro at www.evildist.com.

Embryotomy - "Excecution Of Fallacy"

(Macedonia, Self released, Death Metal, 2005)

Embryotomy have set a precedent with their demo "Execution Of Fallacy"; they are the first pure Death Metal band from FYR Macedonia. So we are looking at a piece of Metal history right here! Musically, I was not disappointed with Embryotomy, they play fast, brutal and evil, the way true Death Metal should sound. Traces of early Entombed, Morbid Angel and Krisiun (the latter of whom Embryotomy supported during Balkan shows) can be heard in the racket these four demons create. The sound for a demo is adequate; you can hear all the instruments but it's really no more special than that. The guitars are pretty flat and lifeless and the sound gets a tad messy during the fast parts (most of the CD, in other words). But this is not something to worry about, Embryotomy make up for these shortcomings by playing with vigour and intensity throughout the 14 minutes of this promo. Tracks like "Entombment Of Fallacy" and "Forward To Kill" push all the right Death Metal buttons and the band finish off the demo with a great cover of "Lunatic Of God's Creation".
It would be great to see this band progress and record a full length debut, with more rehearsals and a better production it will be a killer!

Enshadowed - "Intensity"

(Greece, Black Lotus Records, Misanthropic Death/Black Metal, 2003)

The type of Death Metal which Enshadowed brings forth on this release is very intense and well played. Compared to nowadays Death Metal bands, where to play Death Metal means to be a Rock star (aka In Flames) or noisy and unintelligible as many Death/Gore ones, Enshadowed is a needed band. The style played is close to Incantation and Belphegor and there is no space for melody (well, excepting the intro/outro and an intermezzo in the song "Requiem Of Hatred"). The tempo is alert all the time and in my opinion there is a lot more Death Metal than Black Metal here, and I don't know why they label it as Black Metal. Anyway, the lyrics are anti-Christian and not recommended for people who still believe in God. There is still work to be done here, this is their second (official) release, but that when it comes to originality (who's original nowadays?), the rest is an intense album, very recommended! My personal favourite here is "Horrenda Nox", intense!

Entwerter - "...Und Das Ist Erst Der Anfang"

(Austria, Cometogether Records, Crossover/Nu Metal, 2005)

Entwerter (this term doensn't really exist in English, but it means something like devaluater) was found in 2002 by Hammer (guitars) and Rauch (bass). In 2005 Bischof (drums) and Bertl (vocals) joined the band and together they've evolved this style, which is a more or less original mix of modern Metal influenced by their diverse favourite bands like Clawfinger (there's still someone who likes them - respect!), Machine Head, In Extremo and even Mastodon or Behemoth! There are also a lot of Die Apokalyptischen Reiter influences in these tracks. There's always an interesting result when different people come together. Just think of Faith No More. OK you can't compare Entwerter to this brilliant band, but this debut is more than a good start.
My impression when I've read the press info was that they don't intend to take on the world with the music, but to have fun and entertain the crowd without obsolete guitar solos or ten minute long songs - which can be very cool of course, but not in this case.
The ten catcy songs on this (unfortunately too short) album are pure Rock'n'Roll, straight to the point even though each one stands for itself. There are no limitations, no repeats. The same goes for the (English and German) vocals: from clean singing to sprechgesang to aggressive Death growls, you can find all kinds of feelings here. My favourite track is "Die Fahrt Des Geisterschiffes" (the ghostship's journey) – the most original one, a mix of Rammstein's "Dalai Lama" and Fleischmann's "Hunger". The lyrics are in general about the varying facets of life but you have to form your own opinion about them - as the info says.
The fact that they've sent me a sealed CD together with a bottle opener (with the band logo on it) and a nice self made photobook proves that they care about themselves. All in all it's a professional start! ...and this is just the beginning! (also the translated title of this record).
Entwerter are currently in the studio recording the new album. If you're into this kind of Metal, check out the website (which is unfortunately only in German) where you can find some mp3's from this album as well as some new ones. Prost!

Entwerter - "The Mortal Engine"

(Austria, Cometogether Records, Modern Metal, 2007)

Two years after "...Und Das Ist Erst Der Anfang" Entwerter have managed to record seven new songs for this album which is unfortunately a little short. Because of the small budget they only had two (!!!) days to record these songs in the Fastforward Studios in Vienna. The question is, of course: Why didn't they wait until more money was on hand?
Anyway, the songs were recorded almost live but you can't hear this fact at all. I think it's a more than acceptable sound, for an underground band it's perfect in any case, even the bass got it's deserved position, a fact which I always enjoy since I've heard Steve Harris for the first time... and this was 18 years ago ;) It's a dirty unpolished sound and in my opinion it's the right one for this kind of music, which is hard to categorize: A mix of bands like Crowbar or Unbound with some Nu Metal, Hardcore and Thrash/Death Metal influences, not forgetting the Neue Deutsche Härte. Generally I'd say it's just pure (modern) Metal or Entwerter Metal, like another reviewer wrote shortly...
All in all there are no big differences to the debut album, this time the songs are also very varied, each one is different, there are almost no repetitions though there is a golden thread in the compositions.
The angry dirty vocals and the accent Bertl has when singing in English remind me of a filthy, chain smoking outlaw, fitting to the music and the album cover. The German lyrics seem to be more poetical, obviously because he can play with the words a little easier... For non-German speakers these lyrics also may sound very interesting, I prefer the English ones though...
Of course it's not the perfect album, but I think there's a lot of potential here! I'd suggest they leave some German lyrics behind and save some money for a bigger project and then it would be no problem to conquer bigger territories. What I miss is a better artwork and design (the CD as well as the presentation) but this is rather a minor problem...
You can download the whole album (in low mp3 quality) but you can also support the band trough purchasing it online. Check out "Execrate" and "Hybrid Fear" first! I eagerly wait for their next steps...

Epidemic - "Earth Penitentiary"

(Israel, Self released, Modern Death/Thrash Metal, 2006)

Epidemic is an Israeli Death/Thrash Metal band which is influenced by all subgenres of Metal/Rock. "Classic" bands like Megadeth, Metallica, Death, and Slayer are listed in the same row with acts like Pantera, Marilyn Manson or Strapping Young Lad. For me as an open minded music fan it's the perfect combination.
Founded in 2001, they've released two EP's so far ("Evil Against Evil" in 2005 and this one last year) as well as two singles, "The Man That Kills Himself " and a new one this year, all of them being demos.
For a demo the production is pretty good (though a little bit thin), they handle their instruments very well and seem to know how to write a catchy song. Here and there some small mistakes can be heard but in the main I've got nothing to complain about, except maybe for the fact that it's not really something new...
You can hear the Death influences in "Carcinoma" (which is opened by a Hammond organ!) while "Six Years Old" reminds me of Metallica's first two albums and the mighty instrumental title track has all the ingredients "The Call Of Ktulu" has. Maybe it's a little exaggerated but just concentrate on the riffs or the great guitar solo in "For What?" and you'll know what I mean! Other positive aspects are the subtle keyboards, placed just right to make the songs a little more special as well as the many tempo-changes without losing the tracks. Sounds professional to me, I bet you wouldn't recognize the difference to established acts...
What I really don't like are the clean vocals, I don't know how old Joseph (the vocalist) is, but he sounds like 16 when singing clean, the same goes for the distorted "Free Jazz Metal"-part in "For What?", sounds a little cheap to me... Someone has mocked about the political themes they have in the lyrics, but I couldn't find them anywhere so I can't say anything about them. The ones I found on MySpace are pretty simple (not to say childish), but they're OK in a way...
I've enjoyed this kind of music a lot about 10 years ago and I still like it very much though my tastes evolved a lot since then but this one makes me put on Kreator's "Coma Of Souls" and feel like 18 again ;)
I don't know much about the Israeli Metal scene but this band kicks ass and I wish them good luck, I think they have the potential to get much bigger if they improve the sound a little and leave out the parts I've mentioned... Give them a chance, not only if you're into 80s Thrash with modern influences!

Epidemic - "The Man That Kills Himself"

(Israel, Self released, Modern Metal, 2006)

This is a two track single that followed shortly after the "Earth Penitentiary" EP. The title track is 08:20 minutes long and it seems to me that they've put all the ideas in it which could be enough for other bands to fill a whole album. It sounds more like a preview of every song of an album that could follow, but it isn't ...or is it just a test, to see how the reviews will turn out? Nevertheless it somehow fits together. The rhythm-changes, the breaks, the switches from a genre to another may be a chaos to some but I like it very much. Death Metal (especially the growls remind me of Dismember) and Thrash Metal alternate with Hardcore, Nu Metal and similar sounds. At about 04:30 Korn-like ("Blind") melodies set in which are suddenly interrupted by Mr. Bungle passages featuring a flute and a trumpet, then again a change, this time System Of A Down-like riffs which lead back to Death Metal, the way it was played back in the 90ies. Furthermore you can hear the singer performing almost every possible vocal line the Metal/Rock genres has to offer... Strange song! You can (and should) check it out on MySpace.
The sound and the techniques are much more improved when comparing it to the EP they've released only some months before. I'm curious what direction will follow, or rather which will remain, the newest song on MySpace is again pretty pure Death/Thrash Metal...
The second track here (which is listed on the CD as "Hidden Track") is even stranger that the first one. It's built of keyboards and piano only, with a little bass and drums but without guitars and the lyrics are in their mother tongue. Sounds like a Metal ballad with traditional (?) influences. Maybe I'd understand this one if I knew what it's about, but in general I don't like it... Anyway, it's an interesting release so get in touch with them if you'd like to offer them a deal or something.
Note: the rating is only for the title track!

Erebos - "Descent To Beyond"

(Austria, Self released, Melodic Death Metal, 2006)

Erebos is a young Melodic Death Metal band from Styria that was founded in 2002. They've released a demo ("Crucifixion Made In Austria", 2003) and two albums so far, "The Chaos Chronicle" in 2004 and this one in December 2006.
I didn't know them until I got this CD at a gig in Graz last month. When I've read their biography on the (well done) website it scarred me a little. Five small town guys have found each other to play Death Metal, driven by tons of beer and the most important thing in life: to fuck! Oh yeah, not forgetting their main aim: A tour with Slayer... They seem to be about 20 to 25 years old, have "common" favourite bands like Pungent Stench, Carcass, Obituary and such, and intelligent quotes like "Who sucks dicks and stinks like a pig, has no girl" (loose translation)... Yeah, right!!! Question to the band: Whom do you want to have as fans with an image like this one??? Well, I'm pissed off a little because of such people and my theory, that sometimes it's better to just listen to the music without knowing the musicians, has been proven true again in this case. Fortunately, the music is a lot more qualitative!
An ingenious intro is leading into the opener "Wasted Time" which is a harmonically composition built of double bass drums, apocalyptic guitar leads and great guttural vocals performed by Baby (the singer's funny nickname - check him out online and you'll know what's amusing about it). It continues that way, a mix of U.S. Death Metal with some Swedish influences (as well as some Austrian ones, of course) is blasting through the speakers. The songs are mostly in mid tempo but spiced with technically perfect speedy attacks where the band is proving that they can handle their instruments. A lot of innovative breaks and the continually changing (dark) melodies are making the songs pretty diverse. Only to the end it gets a little boring but at least five of the eleven tracks are more than just good! My favourites are the opener (which is a secret "hit" in my opinion) and the melancholic though brutal "Halo". The production is also quite perfect, especially for a self released album. What I like most here are the drum parts. I've read some negative critics because of the unnatural sound but that's just what I like about it! Besides that, Gerhard seem to be a very talented and uncommon drummer. I love how he hits the crash cymbals just when you don't expect it...
Now don't get me wrong, this release is OK but I somehow miss originality and individuality. I've heard it a thousand times before, it's a band which is influenced by bands which are influenced by bands that were/are unique... So, this is the rating (and also the review) I would have given it about five years ago, but if you're into quality underground Death Metal, be sure to check it out! Let's wait until they grow up, I think there's more to come from this band! I wish them good luck in any case!

Escualo - "Ritual" + "Advanced Promo EP 2003"

(Chile, Virtual Records/Self released, Nu Metal, 2002/2003)

On this self released CD the Chileans from Escualo bring forth an innovative Metal genre played very personally, there is no time to get bored here because you'll never know what's coming next. The many influences are coming from the Nu Metal genre but this are very well mixed with Chilean Folklore (you can hear pipes, horns and many other unconventional instruments!), I don't know many bands who could offer this kind of musical discourse and I'm pleased that someone found something new to add to a musical genre about who many think that is limited or plainly mainstream.
Escualo are capable of hitting high in the Nu Metal scene but there must be someone there to find and support them. They really deserve attention from you because they do have the potential of a big band. The best songs on this album are "Aquila Sideral" (which is having a very melancholic atmosphere), "Exmaquina", and "Nuevo Ciclo".

On the "Advanced Promo EP 2003" they are using a new vocalist which growls much more than the one they've used on the album :) There are 3 songs here: "Botar La Piel" & "Exmaquina" in two versions. Their new vocalist is bringing their music into other spheres, they their music is angrier than on the "Ritual" CD from 2002. I'm looking forward to see the evolution of this promising band!

Estuary - "To Exist And Endure"

(U.S.A., Ibex Moon Records, Melodic Death/Thrash Metal, 2004)

What a strange name for a Death Metal band... I really don't see any connection between this band and their moniker. But so what, there are tons of bands around with stupid names and this is just one of them. Musically "To Exist And Endure" isn't much cop either, being very pedestrian Death/Thrash with Maiden-esque melodies. The only thing I liked were the vocals, which were sufficiently coarse, but they ended up sounding very out of place in amongst all this melodic clap-trap.


Ethereal Woods - "In The Forest Of Arden"

(U.K., Supernal Music, Black Metal, 2005)

It hasn't been long since Ethereal Woods first CD, "Thickthorn", was released, yet with "In The Forest Of Arden" the band is showing a lot of positive progression and is establishing its sound with a lot more confidence. Now a two piece, with fellow ex-member of Excarnation Adam Yarnell on drums joining Mark Britton, "In The Forest Of Arden" is a lot more natural and organic sounding than its predecessor. For those who aren't aware of Ethereal Woods' style, think mid-tempo forest Black Metal with lots of majestic synths, similar to "Forests Of Witchery" by Thy Serpent.
The production is clear and the drums in particular sound very good. The guitar playing is much better on this second album, there are a lot of good riffs that complement the omnipresent synths well and give the music heaviness. I guess it would be too tempting for the band just to play tremolo-picked root notes as a backing for the synths, something they did too often on "Thickthorn", yet they don't fall into this trap here, which is commendable.
This is an interesting and varied work, which contains some good riffs and atmospherics. Those seeking relentlessly harsh Black Metal might not be into this, however, those that like well produced Black Metal should greatly enjoy Ethereal Woods particular brand of forest magic.

Evil Angel - "Ritual Sacrifice"

(Finland, Self released, Death/Black Metal, 2005)

Hailing from Finland, Evil Angel plays old school Death/Black Metal à la old Beherit/Samael. Two short and in your face pure unaltered Metal songs will strike you after you will push the play button on your player. The sound is raw, the production is rehearsal like and the mix is low, this is in no way a release that sounds like the ones produced today. I will always listen to this when I'm in my nihilistic mood and I can't get enough of Beherit. Cult!
Limited to just 50 copies, and I suppose that they are already sold out, I believe that not many of you grabbed/will grab this piece of rotten music. This is a total non poser release. Hail the Hordes!

Evolution - "Empire Of Time"

(Germany, Self released, Heavy Metal, 2001)

The German band Evolution plays a Heavy Metal which is similar to Metallica (especially the "Black Album" era). They do a great job on this demo CD... you really think that you are listening to a Metallica CD! They even have a cover version of "Wherever I May Roam". The production is good (maybe a weak point is the production for the solo guitar which is a little to low), the vocals are played in James Hetfield's style. This band plays as Metallica should play. I recommend this CD for every Metallica fan. Anyone could enjoy this music. Metal at its purest form!!! Maybe if in the future they should bring more original elements they could really become a big band.


Evolution - "Dark Dreams Of Light"

(Germany, Commusication/Point Music, Heavy Metal, 2003)

Not really a new material from this band, this is their first full length album consisting of ten tracks (five tracks from their demo "Empire Of time", and five new ones). With such a great quality of song writing it's not a wonder that they signed to a label. I keep my opinions about this band (as in the other review) and the same advice, try to be more original, and then the world will turn to you and hail you as one of the best bands around. Worthy to buy! I just can't wait for their next release. Remarkable is the crystal clear production. My favourite track here is "Just One Thing".


Excarnation - "Ancient Monuments"

(U.K., Self released, Black/Death Metal, 2004)

An interesting release from U.K.'s Excarnation. "Ancient Monuments" is much more original than the bands self titled debut, and features some nice de-tuned Death Metal riffs which are offset by dark keyboard atmospherics. The band now have the benefit of a full line-up, in particular the drum performance is very strong. The vocals, however, are very weak. It's not quite a Black Metal voice; I suppose the idea was to make the lyrics more audible, but it comes out sounding very amateurish. I would opt for some more Death Metal vocals to match the heaviness of the music.
All in all, Excarnation offer quite an original sound on this release, something like "Swansong" era Carcass meets atmospheric Black Metal. I liked it, although clearly the band has some elements that need working on.

Exhale - "Festerfiction"

(Czech Republic, Bizarre Leprous Production, Grindcore, 2006)

A very good product recorded at the end of 2005; and a band that took its constituents from Gride and Bizarre Embalming, genuine combos of death and terror in the most pure extreme Grindcore style. Recorded and mixed in Hellsound Studio from Cestice, and mastered in Hacienda Studio by the very known sound engineer Dodo Dolezal, "Festerfiction" was officialy launched at the begining of 2006. This album contains 19 tracks into extreme Grindcore, something à la Nasum, Cephalic Carnage or Cryptopsy style. On the whole we can find some similarities between Exhale and the well known Canadians Cryptopsy, but not an obvious one. On the other hand Exhale seems to be closer to Pigsty on "Pigs Are Back" album. Exhale's fonic menu contains a very interesting compartiment compound by the singer's voice and guitarist's diversity. Probably one of the best Czech guitarists ever, Honza succeeded fo free oneself fom Bizarre Embalming's label, creating a genuine Grindcore jewel! Exhale's ultra brutal Grindcore Metal mixture is very well combined with some Hardcore Metal parts, but with a lot of virtuosity moments too; that makes "Festerfiction" to be a very mature album and I'm sure the fans will gonna love it as much as I do. I also would like to remark Cert's drums section, although isn't a very fast one at all, but his beats makes this album to sound somehow groovy. Although the rhythm changes are extremely frequent I'm sure that you'll probably imagine that the rhythmical section is very well combined with band's other instruments. I very much like the vocal score, especially for the high growling tonalities used by Pepa; a very good singer into Glen Benton's way of playing. We can hear a screaming voice too, something into the newcomers Noisecore vein. I have no ideea about the bass guitar, 'cause the record level is very low and I can't hear frequently?! I'd like to remark Exhale's last 2 songs "Turn Face" and "Splattered Cadaver", cover versions made in original by well known Brutal Truth and Repulsion. On the whole this CD shows us very interesting ultra brutal Grindcore arrangements, an interesting and very personal Grindcore musical style; probably the most interesting in the latest years. Well compound and produced "Festerfiction" prooves to be an extreme Grindcore terrorism messenger, that will surely attract fans attraction.

Exquisite Pus - "Dead [Forgotten]"

(Spain, Xtreem Music Records, Technical Death Metal, 2009)

I have to admit that Exquisite Pus is a new band for me; and that's not a shame for me concerning that in the latest years thousands of bands arose almost in every corner of this world! Now, if this is a good or a bad combo will see! And in the end if this is something to keep on eye on it I will do it with a great pleasure! Influenced mainly by Carcass, Suffocation, Morbid Angel or Cannibal Corpse, this Spanish band introduce us a Death Metal filth with plenty of old school moments but nothing that can be interpreted as a copy of its very known predecessors that I mentioned above! Very technical, Exquisites Pus decided to fill its Death Metal attitude with a few technical guitar solos that reminds me a little bit of mighty Carcass on "Swansong" or "Heartwork"! Although this is a very good Death Metal way of playing we have to deal with some slower moments and a lot of Core Metal elements that brings this combo near Lividity or Fleshgrind! But as I said before the technical level makes the difference in almost all the compartments, starting with the vocal score that deals with a guttural and growling voices in the same time, until band's drums section, a very good one indeed although the rhythms are very simple! I have to repeat that the guitar solos are the main attraction point of this material, and although some lines seems to be the same from time to time we must take into consideration that this combo tries to put something original on the extreme Metal market. In the end I'd like to add that I was very surprised by band's easiness to pass from slow or mid-tempo passages to raw and aggressive lines, all of them filled, again, with technical elements, Core Metal phases and with very skilled guitar solos, even vocal lines too! Probably one of the most interesting materials that I heard this year, besides the well known names!