Tuesday 26 May 2020

[Review] IN ABYSSUM - 'Apocalypsis Infernum' Demo. [Swedish Black Metal]


In order to appreciate this demo one must first cast aside preconceived ideas about how a music demo should be structured. Rather than coming at this as a fluent musical recording, try to experience it as an example of savage, unadulterated aural carnage. Opening this two track whirlwind of chaos is 'In Abyssum', which isn't what i'd describe as a song, more a collection of psychotic vocals growls, screams, howls, coughs and ravings, melded together with eerie, suspenseful synth work, rhythmic, primal drums and ear splitting, anarchic guitars. This isn't so much music as it is noise, and I truly mean that as a compliment. Feeding of influences such as Abruptum and Mordor, as well as other more experimental music and horror soundtracks, (You can definitely hear some Carpenter in there) the first half of this demo feels like being plunged into the darkest depths of a schizophrenics psyche.

Monday 25 May 2020

[Review] WYNTER MYST - 'End of an Era' EP [UK Black Metal]


You would be extremely hard pressed to find a physical copy of this little gem knocking around anymore, despite being released only a few short months ago. That alone speaks to the quality of work and high regard that Steve Blackwood finds himself in. Being a cornerstone of UK black/folk metal group Old Corpse Road is one thing, but delve deeper into things and you’ll find a series of impressive side projects and one man bands from Arcane North to Blood Countess, Peasant to Cave Dweller. Now to be added to this esteemed list is Wynter Myst and a debut EP in ‘End of an Era’ that is superbly crafted and pleasantly atmospheric.