- - -

CHARNEL VALLEY :
THE DARK ARCHIVES

Here's a question for you, what do you get when two Metal journalists get together to form a Black-Metal project? Well, apparently you get Charnel Valley's debut from Paragon Records, that's what! The band is a two-some made up of Marty Rytkomen (aka Worm) from the metal zine "Worm Gear" and Craig Zahler (aka Czar) from Metal Maniacs. This EP (clocking in at 29:23) is what one might call lo-fi, or extremely lo-fi, or even fuckingly brutal lo-fi! ...but in a good way... According to the band, this sucker was "arranged, rehearsed and recorded in five days with two microphones and preserved with a cassette 8-track, to uphold the true spirit of analog." Well, let me tell ya, no one's gonna be able to argue that fact... trust me! This sounds like it was recorded in your closet, and essentially, that's the whole point. The band is trying to capture (and has captured) the primitive, underground essence that was part of Hellhammer's "Apocalyptic Raids", as well as countless Black-Metal demos from the early 90s. ...A time before the net, when tape trading was a way of life for us underground Metal fans. Even the CD artwork is ridiculously unprofessional. So, with that in mind, some will fall in love with the pure, rehearsal-tape quality sound, while others will brush it off as just being juvenile and unbefitting for a label-released disc. I guess it will all depend on your background. Personally, I have no trouble getting into the vibe of this disc. The sound is a rough blend of what you would call "true" Norwegian Black-Metal, and the minimalist movement currently flourishing in the US. Tempos range from fast to a mid-paced plod, but never get too bogged down in either. The end result of all this, is something cool and fun ...in a creepy devilish way that is, but not something important enough to write home about. So, if you're a Black-Metal fan who's a member of the "Down With Pro-Tools" club, then you should at least give this a listen. If the only Black-Metal you like is the last disc from Dimmu Borgir, then I'd give this one a pass.
RATING = 6.5 Black-Metal (Released 2005)

- - -

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U/V W-Z

SOUNDTRACKS TRIBUTES COMPILATIONS

GOT A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF MY CD REVIEWS?
DO YOU AGREE WITH ME?
THEN GO TO THE

- - -

"Greatest hits albums are for housewives and little girls."
 -Bruce McCulloch K.I.T.H. '91

HOME

IF YOU THINK MY CD REVIEWS SUCK, CLICK HERE!

urotsukidoji_1@yahoo.com

This page hosted by GeoCities Get your own Free Home Page