AMON AMARTH (SWE) "Fate of Norns" (2004) [MetalBladeRecords]
The crusade of the norsemen continues, and with the fifth fullength
album AMON AMARTH once again pleases the pagan hearts and minds throughout
the world.
Istrongly recommend berserkish navigation towards the store since also this release comes in a delightfully wrapped limited special edition, including a live-concert on a bonus-dvd.
AMON AMARTH´s music is just as outstanding as it always have been. The only little complaint I could possibly have on this album would be at the highly mixed bassdrums which I consider to be a bit too salient. But apart from that trifling matter, my northern brothers have once again accomplished a really great album of melodic deathmetal.
I am simply caught in the web , woven by AMON AMARTH.
Review by Elias Axellson
BLOODBATH (SWE) "Nightmares made flesh" (2004) [Century Media]
A blessing for all metalheads in form of a second fullength album from the swedish starband BLOODBATH. And the music is equal to the
feeling of being beaten with a meatcovered piece of wood ! I want more !! :)
The biggest difference in comparison to previous MCD and album is the production. While those two gave the impression to have been recorded and produced 10-15 years back in time, "Nightmares made flesh" is far more up to date. This concerns however only the production. Musically it´s still deathmetal of the old school.
The line-up has changed a bit since last time. Notorious Dan Swanö (EDGE OF SANITY etc.) have given up the drums in benefit of
Martin Axenrot (WITCHERY, SATANIC SLAUGHTER) and have instead picked up a second guitar. Mikael Åkerfeldt (OPETH) has le
ft the band, and the vocals are nowadays belched by Peter "God" Tägtgren (HYPOCRISY). Do I really need to mention that the vocals
are great ?! Usually I´m not too fond of this kind of "star-contellati
ons". But BLOODBATH is a clear exception without any doubts whatsoever !
The music is more traditional than pioneering. More reactionary than innovative. It´s simply deathmetal as it is supposed
to be !
In my last BLOODBATH-review I wrote "You won´t be
disappointed" , and I´m absolutely sure that those words are applicable also to "Nightmares made flesh".
In stores 27 september. Run and buy !!
Review by Elias Axellson
KHOLD "Mörke gravers kammer" (2004) [Candlelight Records]
The norwegian masters of pain are back with their third album. Without my
knowledge they have apparently left Satyr´s mighty Moonfog Productions and instead laid their great germinal destiny into the hands of the english label Candlelight Records. Luckily there are no other changes apart from this. Both music and lyrics are as coldspirited as ever before, and there are ten new blackmetal-tracks of various speed and heaviness to enjoy.
All lyrics are as usual written in norwegian to keep the true oldschool feeling. And as usual the lyrics are written by Hildr, who certainly has a gift. Just like on previous albums you get the feeling of a grim black veil surrounding you throughout the entire listening.
The darkness and mystery within songs like "Åtselgraver" and "Död" immediately crawls in under the skin. And the same goes for "Hevnerske" that is already a classic livesong. The song "Död" is also executed on
a featured multimedia video.
Review by Elias Axellson
LOSS (SWE) "No sanity left" (promotion-cd) (2004)
In the year 2001, the italian label Scarlet Records released the debut album of my friends in the swedish death constellation LOSS. During the following year a promo-cd was recorded. And now LOSS are back with
yet another promo. On "No sanity left" you´ll find three promising death hymns, which I´m sure will draw a certain attention from a handfull labels.
The recording is done at the legendary Studio Abyss, with Tommy
Tägtgren at the helmet (and with myself as a drunk supervisor hehe......).
In other words, this is a top quality production !!!
The man, the myth, the metalbrother Matte Andersson of GODGORY have been recruited as vocalist, and his growls fits perfectly to the mix of catchy riffs and brutality.
Watch out for this bands second album, expected and demanded in recordstores as soon as possible!!
Support the mighty Legion of LOSS!!!
http://www.loss.se
Review by Elias Axellson
VOMITORY "Primal massacre". (Metal Blade Records 2004).
"My hometown boys are back.....". Those are the words I used in my
last VOMITORY-review, and I´m glad that I´m able to say these
words once again. Album number five strikes as a baseball bat
between the eyes, and of course it´s powerful deathmetal from the
beginning til the end. They have changed from Berno Studio to
Studio Kuling that is located on a more convenient distance. Yet they
have used Henrik Larsson as a producer once again, so the typical
VOMITORY sound is still present.
I hope this release and their recently finished tour with HYPOCRISY, DEICIDE etc. will bring VOMITORY the success which they in my opinion so well deserve. Sometimes they seem to be a bit underestimated, and only Satan
knows why !?
"Primal massacre" unfortunately doesn´t contain any
songs which can be compared to previous hits like "The Voyage" and
the 10" vinyl version of "The art of war", both featuring former
monstergrowler Jussi Linna (your days at the front are remembered
Jussi). Still there are a number of great songs which constantly invites
you to bang your head. Since I began with a quotation from my
last VOMITORY-review, I shall also end in the same way. "....you
should definitely buy this record........ Hail VOMITORY !".
Review by Elias Axellson
