Tangorodrim- "Unholy and Unlimited" - 2003

I can think of few bands that are more influential than Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, and Darkthrone when it comes to black metal, and I have a feeling Tangorodrim probably would agree (check out the back cover of this album and it should be clear). Ostensibly formed in 1996, Tangorodrim's members are of Russian descent, located in Israel, a land not exactly known for having many metal bands.

What we have here on their third full length Unholy and Unlimited, is straight-up, no bullshit Celtic Frost/Hellhammer worship of the highest caliber. The first song on the album "Bestial Scent", grabs you by the balls with a hellishly deep growl over an awesome riff reminiscent of early Darkthrone. The rest of the song straddles the early Darkthrone style as well, but the remaining songs on the album have more of Celtic Frost/Hellhammer vibe that are extremely well done.

The guitars are thick and heavy, and perfectly suited for the style. The drums have a natural unpolished sound that compliment the thick guitar tone that relentlessly pummels you with riff after riff of headbanging bliss. I'm really hoping to grab this release on vinyl as I have a feeling it would really shine through all the more. The aforementioned deep vocals are vaguely similar to Tom G. Warrior's infamous delivery, but with a bit more force and less distinction.

I can't imagine any fan of Celtic Frost/Hellhammer not immediately falling in love with this release. There's really not much more I can say other than this is seriously fucking mandatory. A greater homage to an old school sound I almost could not imagine.

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Tangorodrim Bandcamp

Current Label: Southern Lord

Blut Aus Nord- "777 Sect(s)" - 2011

Few bands have been able to push the boundaries of black metal in recent years as much as French act Blut Aus Nord. Since their debut release of "Ultima Thule" in 1995, Blut Aus Nord has climbed their way to the forefront of the black metal genre, utilizing a bizarre but extremely effective style, that has evolved impressively throughout their career. Although the band has developed a large amount of recognition for their work prior to this release, "777 Sect(s)", the first of the "777" trilogy, has cemented the band's reputation as an innovator of progression within the black metal genre.

A brilliant combination of dissonance, melody, and atmosphere come together to create an extremely impressive collection of songs that move the listener through bizarre passages of absolute insanity and melancholy.

Although the band utilizes a drum machine, the lack of acoustic drums do not affect the quality of the songs. The sterile drum sound creates an almost industrial feel, but is offset by a menacingly thick and heavy guitar tone. The combination of the two create a sound that is somewhat polished, but manages to compliment the near flawless composition of the songs, evoking a very ominous sense of atmosphere. Contrasted with other passages that remain more melodic, the outcome is a sound somewhere between Deathspell Omega and Godflesh, with more melody and a small ambient vibe.

My only criticism would be the lack of focus on the vocals, which are mixed fairly low on the album. The downright stellar composition  more than makes up for what the vocals leave to be desired. I can think of few albums that are as chaotic and bludgeoning while still maintaining a sense melody and memorability.

The three songs posted here are probably my favorite from the album. "Epitome II" being my favorite by far. 

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Label: Debemur Morti Productions

Evilfeast- "Mysteries of the Nocturnal Forest" - 2004

Evilfeast, a one man black metal act from Poland, quickly became one of my favorites after listening to the debut full length "Mysteries of the Nocturnal Forest". The musicianship on the album is very impressive for a one man project, and the composition is as equally well done. There is a lot of musical complexity and variation that result in really dynamic songs, that remain easily accessible and memorable.  

While themes such as nature, evil, misanthropy, and death may sound all too familiar, there are few albums I can think of that evoke the aforementioned atmospheres as well as "Mysteries...". The album starts off with an instrumental introduction via synth. Typically, these types of introductions for black metal albums are superfluous and not very satisfying, but this one in particular is really intriguing. There is a sophisticated sense of melody and composition that slowly draws the listener in, and sets the musical tone for the rest of the album very well.

The production on the album is pretty straightforward, but manages to capture a really nice guitar tone that fits the album perfectly. There are synth passages and melodies throughout, tastefully integrated into the mix and adding to the majestic nature of the album. The drums sound natural without too much reverb or compression, taking a backseat to the guitars, elevating the almost trance like nature of the guitar melodies.

The style of the songs are nothing completely unique, but combine different styles of riffs and tempos that are quite compelling. A typical song will contain riffs varying from melancholic, evil, atmospheric and near classical. The combination of different style riffs makes this album incredibly enjoyable throughout its entirety, resulting in a symphonic sound of the highest caliber. Recommended for fans of the fellow Polish, one black metal act Hellveto.

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Current Label: Nykta Records

Hivelords- "The Cellar Scrolls" - 2011

While the local Philadelphia metal scene has grown a lot over the past years, few bands have grabbed my attention more than the recently formed black/funeral doom outfit, Hivelords. Hivelords play a mixture of slow funeral doom, contrasted with faster, more traditional black metal riffs. The songs are very heavy and very long, evoking a delightfully disturbing atmosphere. The dynamic vocals sound completely insane and really set this band apart from other similar doom metal acts. The riffs are circuitous and very well composed for a debut release, making this band all the more promising.

 If you like the "The Cellar Scrolls" debut, be sure to check out their follow up EP "Grand Cromlech". Both can be downloaded and streamed  from their Bandcamp page linked below. Although you have the option to pay what you want, do the band a favor and give these guys a few bucks if you like what you hear. They will be touring this summer and could use the support.

Their live show is also worth mentioning as the vocalist really steals the show with intense vocals and theatrics, that add a lot of energy to their already awesome live show. If you have a chance to see these guys live, do not miss it. Hivelords will be on tour this summer with fellow Philadelphia doom band Sadgiqacea. You can find tour dates on their Facebook event page linked below.

Hivelords @ Bandcamp

Hivelords @ Facebook

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Hivelords/Sadgiqacea US Tour: Facebook Event Page

The Haunting Presence - "S/T Demo" 2011

A very promising demo from the death/black metal band known as The Haunting Presence, a member of the Black Twilight Circle. I should start off by saying that there is nothing on this demo you haven't heard before, but it tends to shine through for reasons I find hard to articulate. The songs are fast, the riffs are almost incoherent at times, and the vocals are in a wash of delay. The production is a little rough on the listener, but actually adds the chaotic nature of the songs. This a very primitive release, and somewhat different from the other BTC bands, but still maintains a similar atmosphere. Highly recommended, and one of the most enjoyable bands I've seen at a live show

Really awesome live footage of these guys....

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Label: Crepusculo Negro

Dishammer- "Vintage Addiction"

Floating somewhere between black/thrash and crust/punk, Dishammer's Vintage Addiction doesn't exactly tread new ground, but after reading the album title what else would one expect?  Raw, energetic, filthy, and full of riffs, Dishammer have produced a very accessible and almost irresistible album in the nebulous territory between punk rock and metal.

Utilizing a mainly 80's thrash metal sound, the songs are fairly simple and straightforward, but the composition really sets them aside from the crowd. Each song is filled to the brim with head banging riffs that are short and diverse enough to avoid getting stale. The rhythm rarely changes with the exception of a few slower passages, but the melodies remain memorable and catchy all the way through. The album clocks in at just under thirty minutes, but manages to leave you wanting more after each listen.

The production is appropriately raw for the intensely energetic music. The songs have a very "live" feeling to them, and evoke a befitting sense of space. The result is the album sounding like a live show played in a basement before a drunken mosh pit. A better sound I could not conceive for a band such as this.

The vocals are harsh and reminiscent of standard black metal vocals. With songs like "Into the Bong" and "Pain in the Ass", the lyrical content isn't exactly thought-provoking, but well-suited for the music. Throughout the album there are hints of Hellhammer, Darkthrone, Motorhead and Discharge (not too surprising for a band named Dishammer). The style is fairly similar to Darkthrone's more recent throwback sound, but rawer, and with more of a punk rock influence. 

Whether you are fan of punk, thrash, crust, black metal, or all of the above, Vintage Addiction will most likely not disappoint. If this album doesn't make you want to get drunk and bang your head, nothing will.

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Label: Hell's Headbangers

Band Myspace

Furze- "Reaper Subconscious Guide"-2010

Norway's Furze is a one man act that has released a very interesting album with his fourth full-length Reaper Subconcsious Guide. Varying somewhere between mid paced heavy metal, black metal, and doom, Furze create circuitous songs that are very well written and distinguished. The riffs resemble Black Sabbath combined with a dusting of 2nd wave black metal influences. While there are many moments on this record that left me scratching my head for a minute, it is a rather unique and enjoyable release that stays true to the sound of old while treading new ground.

The vocals are strange to say the least, but a good fit for such an odd sound. Alternating from a mutated whisper to a demonic yell, the vocals are clean for the most part, sounding somewhere between Mayhem's Atilla and King Diamond. A strange combination to say the least, but conducive to the entirely insane sound of this release. With enigmatic song titles such as "Immortal Lecture" and "Essential Wait", it seem the lyrics were not released, which adds to the already obscure and occult nature of the album. 

The production is also noteworthy and outstanding for a such an obscure release. Recorded with all analog equipment, this is a good example of what old school metal is supposed to sound like. The drums sound exactly as they should, no frilly reverb or triggers. The guitars are subtle and not too loud in the mix, but exceedingly heavy when combined with the audible bass and near flawless drum sound. The instruments combine to create a dark, heavy sound that still leaves you breathing room. The result is a production that essentially sounds like an early Black Sabbath record, slightly updated. This album really set itself apart from most modern black metal production that tends to be overly loud and compressed. 

Between the stellar riffs, near flawless production, and unique sound overall, this is a very impressive release that delivers old school black/doom metal with enough experimentation to set itself apart from the crowd. Despite a few very bizarre and confusing parts that seem completely random, this should be enjoyable for all fans of old school black, and heavy metal.

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Official Site

Label: Agonia Records (Myspace)