FourteenG Album Reviews 2010 Releases

Reviews

CD/DVD

2010 Releases

Based on a 5-Star Rating:

5 - \m/ Fuck Yeah!! (ALL hell breaks loose)
4 - Worth The Crook In The Neck (Something to headbang to)
3 - Not Bad... (Get it for the cover & artwork alone)
2 - Buzz Bin (A second hand record store purchase at best)
1 - The Axe (After selling their souls, the devil reneged on the deal...download it!)

1349

Demonoir

Prosthetic Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Last year the Norwegian black metal band 1349 released an album called Revelations of the Black Flame. Very different from previous releases, Revelations was more of a experimental album with dark ambience; some fans and critics were horrified saying they couldn’t believe how far off track 1349 had gotten with this album. Some were indifferent towards it saying that it was different for 1349 but not horrible. Whether or not you agree with either statement 1349 has shown why there are more than qualified to play black metal with their newest release Demonoir.

It starts with a track called “Tunnel of Set VI” which continues throughout the album and more or less serves as interludes for the other tracks. It leads you to believe that this album is heading into the same direction that “Revelations” was but not so my friends, not so at all. Ravn’s vocals deliver what we’ve been hoping for from beginning to end, he sounds purely demonic with “Atomic Chapel” and “When I Was Flesh” which are both insanely brutal and I swear Frost is not human at the speed that he is able to pound his drums at. “Pandemonium War Bells” is one of the darkest, primal, raw and one of my favorite tracks on here. “Psalm 7:77” is another track where they’ve managed to accomplish true evil with thrash inspired riffs and thoroughly aggressive drum work. You can tell that they’ve left behind their experimentation and returned to full black metal. Again though the “Tunnel of Set” interludes do help build upon the dark ambience they are trying to set here.

The production is crisp with Celtic Frost’s Tom G. fully at the wheel and helped 1349 regain their footing. Where Revelations was a nice attempt but didn’t quite work, 1349 has shattered the barrier with Demonoir. Fans across the board will be pleased with this work, they are one of the most technical black metal bands out there, they’ve carved their own niche in the metal scene, I highly recommend that pick up a copy of this album!!

AS I LAY DYING

The Powerless

Metal Blade Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

As I Lay Dying know how to deliver, they’ve always given 110% despite the different lineup changes and anything else they’ve been going through at the time. Powerful vocals, shredding guitar, and energy cranked up all the way. That’s what they’ve given us on The Powerless Rise as well.

Unfortunately, I was looking for something a bit more ummmmmm…different and have yet to find it on here. “Parallels” is probably one of my favorite tracks that are a bit more rhythmic before it heads full speed into brutality with a great melodic chorus and strong background vocals.

“The Plague” is another great track with nice melodic guitar work from Nick Hipa and Phil Sgresso with a shredding solo. “Anger and Apathy”, again, comes in with a strong guitar intro but unfortunately it sounds like all the others. I’d really like them to experiment more with their sound, they’re great know but they could be really amazing if they just opened up a bit more.

Tim Lambesis delivers incredible vocals that come across harsh but always have a positive twist to them and you can tell that there is a lot of thought put into the lyrics.

Like I said if they were just willing to experiment a bit more I think we’d all be pleasantly surprised with they’d come up with but this is all in all a very solid album with a lot of talent. I would definitely recommend that you check it out!

D.I.S.1/2

Critical Failure

Pulverised Records, 2008

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

D.I.S is a punk/metal outfit formed by legendary guitarist Bruce Reeves (formerly of Phobia) and includes Sean Vahle (Eat the Living), vocalist Mike Fisher (formerly of No Warning), bassist Kent Elmore (formerly of Mange), and guitarist Leon Del Muerte (Impaled, Exhumed, Intronaut, Phobia, and Murder Construct).

“Critical Failure” keeps in the old punk style mixed with some death metal vocals very much along the lines of D.R.I, S.O.D. and Slayer. It’s very fast and very angry with lyrics that talk about religious hypocrisy, blind capitalism, and interpersonal struggle that will appeal to both punk and metal fans alike.

“Fake” is one of the most crushing tracks that’s very dark and angry, it pretty much just wants you to get up and start breaking shit. I love the bass intro in the title track and mixes in with the guitar beautifully. “Lamentations” is one of the more groovy tracks (I don’t mean hippy kind of groovy, the one that’s got a good beat to it) that is a nice change from the usual force of brutality that’s on here. The only track that didn’t really do it for me is “Speak of Hate” but that’s only because it seems like they’ve could have done a better job of mixing drums on that one, it’s a little overwhelming and just doesn’t seem to mesh that well with the song.

This is not anything that hasn’t been done before but it’s a really solid album that’s fun to listen to. I know that I’ll be listening to it more that just a few times on my iPod and with the credibility that all these talented musicians hold, it’s definitely worth checking out!

DRAGONFORCE

Sonic Firestorm (Re-Issue)

Spinefarm Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Now this is the second album from the power metal unit, Dragonforce. What’s different about this is one is that it is in fact not remixed or remastered. Not sure why that is but I digress or something of that nature.

The album starts out powerfully enough with songs like “My Spirit Will Go on Forever” full of major hooks and a catchy chorus. One thing I do have to mention with bands like this one is that their songs are so friggin looooooooooooooooooong. These guys and Dream Theater! Ya know my attention span doesn’t last longer than about three minutes so it’s really hard for me to swallow these 15-20 minute tracks….no offense. But at the same time this gives Sam and Herman a chance to show off their chops.

There’s only a couple songs that truly drag on this album and Theart’s vocals keeps the momentum and energy going. But again, I’m not the best judge with the whole attention spa…..ooooohh shiny!!

Anyway, back to being serious. “Soldiers of the Wasteland” is probably one of my favorite tracks and picks the pace back up. Another solid album from these guys, again if you are either a first or long-time fan, Sonic Firestorm is worth checking out!

DRAGONFORCE

Valley of the Damned (Re-issue)

Spinefarm Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

We all know what Dragonforce is about, blistering solos, epic keyboards and powerful vocals. They don’t just dwell in the land of power metal but I’m pretty sure they have a permanent residence e and address there as well. Some say they are overrated, over the top but love them or hate them, it’s hard to deny that whole catchiness they got going on. Even thought their style hasn’t changed over the years, Dragonforce knows how to write good melodies with hooks that keep the fans attention.

“Black Winter Night” is one of the catchiest tunes on the album that builds up a nice momentum throughout the song and keeps the listener wanting more. “Disciples of Babylon” gives the album a nice change with a little jazzy interlude from their usual bombastic sound.

If you’re a first time fan this is a good album to start with. It’s cleaner and more focused on the dynamics of Theart’s vocals. Do I think this a particularly great album, or that I love it? I would hardly say that but it is a solid power metal album that fans will enjoy and if you’re a hater well more fuel for the fire for ya!

ENTHRONED

Pentagrammaton

Regain Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

The departure of a lead vocalist would rattle some bands’ cages but Enthroned stayed focused and on course despite Lord Sabathan’s leaving in 2006. Instead they moved guitarist Nornagest to the spotlight with his consent. Though 2007’s release of Tetra Karcist left some fans wanting it seems like Enthroned got a handle on their sound with Pentagrammaton.

There is no real concept here but the tracks do flow very well from one o the other. “Nehas’t” and “The Essential Chaos” gives the word intensity an entirely new meaning.

“The Vital Shell” is a brutal track that kicks up the energy to another level. The vocals are very diverse here with a little bit of Venom influence and it still gives you the sense of chaos that we all want and expect from an Enthroned album.

While it may not compare to past releases such as “Prophecies of Pagan Fire” or “Towards the Skullthrone of Satan”, they have proven that they can still deliver a massive amount of brutality to their fans and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

EXODUS

Exhibit B: The Human Condition

Nuclear Blast Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Exodus is back! Of course, in my opinion they never left but regardless they are back and they are more brutal than before. Growing up in the Bay Area, I’ve always had a fondness for Exodus, they always had the ability to express the inner anger I carried as a teenager. I’m all grown up now (somewhat…I guess it depends on who you ask) and they are still delivering that raw anger that I’ve always appreciated.

Exhibit B is classic Exodus but shows off the confidence they carry that some may say has been missing with previous releases. They are not half-assing anything here, Rob Dukes vocals explode on every track and spews out hate-soaked lyrics that are aimed towards society, Hollywood and reality TV shows that in my opinion have in fact been plaguing our existence.

The only disappointment on the whole album is “Perpetual State of Indifference”. Not really a disappointment, actually, but the one track that kind of rambles on without any direction. The rest of the album is superb and shows off the incredible chops of Gary Holt and Lee Altus.

This takes me back to the days of Bonded by Blood and Fabulous Disaster, fans across the board to pick up a copy of Exhibit B!

FEAR FACTORY

Mechanize

Candlelight Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

I will be the first to admit I’ve never been a huge fan of Fear Factory. Their 1995 release, Demanufacture, was a great album but it didn’t seem like they could ever keep their shit together long enough to recreate anything close to that. 2005’s “Transgression” was a complete joke and the band was unraveling in the public eye. Fighting amongst themselves and bickering like a group of old ladies, Fear Factory’s future was looking rather bleak. But with some focus it seems like they were able to pull it together.

I’m not gonna blow smoke up your ass and say this is the best album ever or that my faith in Fear Factory has been reestablished because it hasn’t. I’m still not a huge fan but this is a decent album. With Dino Cazares back in the fold, Fear Factory has managed to bring back some of that classic sound but a little more evil. Burton’s clean vocals have a harshness that has been missing for quite some time now and Rhys Fulber’s piano work has a haunting and atmospheric technique that works very well.

“Powershifter” and “Oxidizer” are the most brutal tracks on the album and put together nicely with drummer Gene Hoglan. “Fear Campaign” helps break up the monotony and keeps things a bit more interesting.

If you’ve been waiting for Fear Factory to return to their original form then you’ll be more than happy when you hear Mechanize. The band’s gone back to their roots and that’s something true fans will appreciate.

GRAVE

Burial Ground

Regain Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Let’s face it, the Swedes know how to death metal, there’s no way around it, they crush when it comes it to delivering unrelenting, brutal death metal and Grave is no exception. Having been around since the late 80’s they’ve made a name for themselves and inspired a lot of bands with their style.

The artwork on Burial Ground is insane, I can’t stop staring at it, and it looks like something out of Lord of the Rings…..if it was completely taken over by Orks…..on crack. It’s done by Costin Chioreanu of Twilight13 Media and it is just awesome.

With singer/guitarist Ola as the only original member left in the band, Grave is still churning out some pretty decent tracks. They switch it up a little on this album without straying from their usual sound, “Semblance in Black” slows down to a nice chugging riffs with Ola’s death metal growls in the background before slamming into a shredding guitar solo. There is a little bit more of a groove but again not too much of a change from track to track.

While some say diversity is what makes a decent album great, Grave delivers solid riffs, brutal vocals and shearing guitar solos which, in my opinion, make a decent album sound pretty fucking solid in itself. Sure, it kind of sounds the same after awhile but you know what? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it and I don’t think Grave needs to fix a damn thing here!

HEATHEN

The Evolution of Chaos

Mascot Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Heathen hails from where I spent my teenage years listening to speed, death, and thrash metal. The Bay Area, California! Hitting clubs with my friends almost every night to see local bands play, I craved this music with every fiber of my being… and I still do. I would play their tapes in my walkman (yes, I said walkman….WTF?? Get over it) until either it would eat my cassette up (yeah, I said cassette…. seriously….get over it) or the walkman would just die and I’d have to get a new one. This is also where fellow thrashers Testament, Vio-Lence, Death Angel, and Exodus hail from and you can definitely hear some of that influence in Heathen’s music. It makes sense since the one of Heathen’s founders is current Exodus guitarist, Lee Altus.

Though it lacks somewhat in originality, Heathen still manages to bring what they got to the table with kick-ass old school style. Starting with a middle-eastern sounding intro, the band then kicks it into full thrash gear with the second track “Dying Season”. David White’s vocals are harsh with a little of Chuck Billy influence but he still manages still croon out lyrics with a great amount of power and melody.

The almost completely instrumental track, “No Stone Unturned” that lasts for eleven minutes is something straight out of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightening”. Not saying that it’s bad but it’s not anything that I haven’t heard many times before. Not putting down Altus or Kragen Lum’s guitar work here, it is pretty phenomenal and this band as a whole has some pretty killer musicianship.

The songs are a bit long but that can be expected seeing how long it’s been between releases, I would think they have a lot of material saved up. Old school thrashers will be more than happy to have Heathen back in the midst and I am definitely among that crowd!!

Ok, I’m feeling nostalgic, I gotta break out my Exodus and Testament cassettes….wait….where’s the fuck’s my walkman??!!

MASTER

The Human Machine

Pulverised Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Master is one of the earliest death metal bands around, if you don’t remember these guys (like I am embarrassed and ashamed to admit that I don’t fully remember...I know I suck….) they are definitely worth the time to look them up and familiarize yourself with them. They were first formed in 1983 in Chicago first with the name Warcry but was put on hold due to internal conflicts and then changed to Deathstrike and then later changed to Master. This is a band that has earned and deserves some major respect in my opinion. They are the “Masters” of death metal if you will.

“It’s What You Can Do for Your Country” is by far one of my favorite tracks on here; it’s got a nice chugging groove to it and I thoroughly enjoyed the political commentary from vocalist Paul Speckmann.

“Twisted Truth” is fast, hard, and aggressive with some darker vocals and has that old school metal vibe to it and raw production. “True Color” is another brutal track with a ripping guitar solo from guitarist Alex Nejezchleba and it sounds like Paul is just screaming bloody murder here. Drummer Zdenek Pradlovsky is just bludgeoning his drum set on the track “Suppress Free Thinking” but then slows down to a sludgy pace before returning to it’s normal ferocity. “Faceless Victims Expelled” is another favorite of mine which contains more of that old school thrash vibe that I always love and can’t get enough of.

This is a killer album all the way through, old and new metal fans will dig this and hopefully peak their curiosity to dig through some Master’s older catalog!

NACHTMYSTIUM

Addicts: Black Meddle Part 2

Candlelight Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Extreme metal and psychedelic rock is not something one would normally put together in my opinion but with Nachtmystium it is all about people opening up their minds and their normal viewpoints to embrace something that’s completely different. With their prior release “Assassins” vocalist/guitarist Blake Judd has wanted to get rid of preconceived notions of what metal should sound like and just wanted to let the band be able to do their own thing.

“Assassins” blew me away the first time I heard, like I said I am one of those people who don’t really see metal and psychedelic rock as something that’s meant to be fused together but I was impressed with Blake Judd and Nachtmystium’s talent from the first listen.

They have managed to raise the bar even further with Addicts, with a mixture of rock and roll, black metal and punk rock/industrial (think along the lines of Ministry and Killing Joke). “Blood Trance Fusion” is one of the wildest tracks on the album that takes you on a dark ride inside the world of cocaine and drug addiction. Actually the majority of the songs are about the same, cocaine use and drug addiction as you might be able to see just from the album cover alone. “High on Hate” blasts through in a three-and-half (give or take) minute record with true black metal in its rawest form. While “Ruined Life Continuum” has a nice groove to it and shows off the drummer’s talents fairly well.

I don’t see this as a second part to Assassins but a continuance of some great ideas and a perspective of metal that we all should take a closer look at.

OUIJA

Adversary

Extreem Music, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Ouija has returned with a vengeance with a revamped line-up that consists of the two original members, Midgard (vocals) and Map (guitars) as well as three members from Spellcraft; Fulgur (drums), Aldromk (bass) and Murcilag (guitar). The mini CD was released in 2010 by the Spanish label Extreem Music and contains four tracks that are packed with an incredibly raw and powerful black metal sound. Ouija draws you into the darkness with a sense of ferocity and purpose, having you feel like you are a part of the music instead of just listening to it.

“Flagellate Me” starts out with an unstoppable force of shredding guitars and drums that are all in balance with each other while Midgard enters with his vocals that seep out nothing but pure evil. “Magma” is another great track that keeps within the old school black metal tradition while maintaining their own style as well. “The Blood Centurion” takes over your senses with complete brutality; Midgard’s vocals show no mercy while Map and Murcilag rips away at your soul with searing guitar and Fulgur keeps an insane tempo going on the drums throughout. They close out the CD with “Yrasrevda” that holds a haunting melody with acoustic guitar and ghostly whispers in the background that pulls you even further into the infinite darkness.

Ouija knows how to deliver pure black metal and does it well, if this is just a taste of what’s to come then I can’t wait to hear what’s in store for us in the future!

RAGE1/2

Strings to a Web

Sonic Unyon Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Rage is a band that many have known and appreciated over the years but what gives them true staying power is their ability to progress throughout the years while remaining true to their roots. This being their now eighteenth album, Strings to a Web show off some of their classic trademarks but bring in new elements as well. The power choruses, solidly fluent guitar riffs and up tempo drumming give the band their household name but you can tell that Rage have definitely stepped up their game.

Peter Wagner shows that his vocals are in more than fine condition with tracks such as my favorite track “Empty Hollow”. Starting out with a great groove and shredding riff, then shows more of a symphonic element, Wagner enters combining growls with melody and finally crushes with an epic chorus. “Fatal Grace” is beautifully done with soft piano and intricately played acoustic guitar, not something you would expect but very nicely done. “Connected” again not only shows a softer side of Rage but shows the true craftsmanship of their music. “Saviour of the Dead” carries a nice groove with a bluesy edge and remains plenty heavy with wailing guitar from Victor and more of Peter’s low growls.

“Hellgirl” is a nice tribute to drummer, Andre Hilgers, little girl and shows off Andre’s drumming skills as well. The soft and flowing “Through the Ages” steps away from Wagner’s harsher vocal style and is a nice welcome to the album. “Tomorrow Never Comes” is more up tempo and a little more technical that will satisfy the progressive metal fans out there. This a solid album that will hopefully break through to more of the power metal fans out there. Rage’s music has never truly caught on in the U.S. but hopefully that will change with Strings to a Web A solid effort from a solid group of talented musicians

RAGNAROK

Collectors of the King

Regain Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Even though they’ve had the bad luck or curse of the ever-changing lineup, Ragnarok have always remained a solid black metal band and veterans of the black metal scene.

Collectors of the King contains a raw sound with blistering guitars and throaty rasps from vocalist Hans Fyrste. “Stabbed in the Horns” is an aggressive opener and sets the standard for the rest of the album. Ragnarok definitely goes back to the basics with each track roughly around the four minute time, the band cuts to the chase with an ongoing attack of blast beats.

This doesn’t really differ or offer anything new as far as black metal albums go which put turn off some of the hardcore fans out there but this is a well done album from start to finish. There are a few tracks that off some melody and diversity such as “The Ancient Crown of Glory” and finishes off with a blistering finale with “Wisdom of Perfection”.

Definitely worth your time to investigate!!

SETHERIAL

Ekpyrosis

Regain Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Setherial is an exploding force of nature that will soon need to be reckoned with. Actually, scratch that, they’re beyond reckoning and prove that with their latest release, Ekpyrosis. A very familiar style that would be compared to their black metal compadres Dark Funeral and Marduk and contain the same type of brutality.

Vocalist, Infaustus, is merciless with his onslaught of shrill screams and low growls filled with rage and ferocity. Drummer, Mysteriis shows off his talent with constant pattern changes and savage blastbeats.

This being their sixth release, the album sounds polished but still has a rawness to it that I like, definitely nothing lacking anywhere here. Also, there are a lot of varying riffs and rhythmic changes, like in “The Devouring Eye”, that keeps the listener interested. “Enemy of Creation” tops off the album with dynamic vocals that vary from high shrieks, to low growls, to somewhere in the mid-range. There’s a nice break in the middle of the track before Infests sets in again and you’re thrown right back into the thick of it.

Not skimping in the darkness area, the meaning of the title, Ekpyrosis, is about the metaphoric connection to the unavoidable conflict of the universe through the satanic angle and perspective, according to Mysteriis. Yeeeeeah, just got chills as I was writing that.

Not released until June will still have to sit on their hands and wait it out for this release but trust me say that you will not be disappointed!!

TRIDENT

World Destruction

Regain Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

First I have to say that this band contains some phenomenal musicians such as Johan Norman, former guitarist of Dissection and a couple members from Necrophobic so there is definitely not a lacking of talent with the members of Trident.

This is a decent album but not really anything that would make you stop what you’re doing and buy it right away...It’s a good mix of black and death metal that these guys have done extremely well over the years. The vocals are raw and angry and the guitar is fast and brutal with sweeping riffs. But this is the basic set speed of the whole album: fast and faster. Not too much room to experiment with and the structures of the songs are pretty standard which surprised me (yeah, are there enough s’s in this sentence)….sadly. World Destruction has a lot of great ideas but not executed as well as they could have been.

The title track is the best one on the album with Slaves to Anguish a close second. We all know the band’s capabilities and I guess I was expecting a bit more. But I am looking forward to see what these guys will deliver with future releases!

VALDUR

Raven God Amongst Us

Bloody Mountain Records, 2010

Reviewer: Kate Wilcox

Not being all that familiar with Valdur, I was pleasantly surprised to find out they came out of one my favorite places in California, near the eastern Sierra’s. I was also pleasantly surprised to hear them deliver an infectious form of black metal with perfect balance of brutality and melody.

Raven God Amongst Us begins with an avalanche which is probably a familiar sound living in the Sierras and sets the dark tone for the album. Followed by “Wound Fires in the Afterlife” and “Great Abyss Unfold” which both a carry a solid combination of aggression and speed supported by Thor’s rasping vocals. Lord Sxuperion’s drumming is the backbone to these tracks and William’s bass tone is a heavy force that resonates throughout, each showing the strengths that these musicians can bring to the table.

“Berserrker” is a crushing track that is filled with power from beginning to end with Thor’s vocals packed full of venom. There are some vocal effects here that make the song even more epic. “Vicious Existence” is full of majestic riffs with classic black metal style and Lord Sxuperion pummels you into submission with his drumming. “Creation” is just plain brutal from beginning to end, there’s no doubt in my mind that these guys know what they’re doing.

I’m seriously impressed with Raven God Amongst Us and will be keeping my eye out for them in the future!

Watain

Lawless Darkness

Season of Mist Records, 2010

Reviewer: Josh Thorne

So, this is my first contribution to Fourteen G in a while. If you're wondering why, look around at the extreme metal scene. It became harder to write about something that was on the verge of total stagnation, with the genre mainstays releasing sub-par albums and newer bands sounding like the audio equivalent of week-old leftovers from China Garden. Two years later, and metal is once again on fire with a host of new talent. From the Scandinavian Death revival of bands like Trap Them and Black Breath, to the inventive New Wave of American Black Metal of Nachtmystium, Ludicra and Wolves In The Throne Room, extreme metal is making a forceful and inspired comeback.

However, for all of the great bands and records coming out in metal this year, not one can measure up to the latest offering by Watain. Lawless Darkness is an aptly titled 70 minutes of classic, thrashing Black Metal as only our friends in Scandinavia can create. For over a decade, Watain has been ferociously pushing the barriers and breathing a new life into Black Metal, not seen since the original Norwegian scene of the early 90's. They began with the savagery of Rabid Death's Curse, followed by the hypnotic groove of Casus Luciferi all the way to 2007's punishing and awe-inspiring Sworn To The Dark. So, where does their latest offering of Anti-Cosmic rebellion stand in the collection?

The answer is simple. Lawless Darkness stands head and shoulders above every Watain release that came before it, as well as every metal album this year. Rather than try to reinvent the wheel or shift musical directions for the sake of being different, Watain has steadfastly sharpened the musical blade handed down from fellow Swedes, Bathory and Dissection, to create an album worth of being called an instant classic.

However, being at well over 70 minutes in length, this is not an easily digested album. Thus far, I've seen several reviews from people who don't seem to understand that. "Lawless Darkness" is not an album that can be judged on one listen, or even two. Then again, neither could "Master of Puppets" or even "Blood, Fire, Death". Once upon a time, bands demanded something more from the listener but more importantly, from themselves. Watain demands no less from the listener, nor from themselves having spent almost two years composing this record.

We begin, back to back, with "Death's Cold Dark" and "Malfeitor". Both songs are vintage Watain, in every sense of the word. Displayed within the songs are melody, chaos, and most importantly, good old fashioned heaviness. Following this, "Reaping Death" delivers a swift, thrash-influenced kick to the ass and is immediately followed by the powerful, building "Four Thrones". The fifth chapter, "Wolves' Curse", will likely end up being one of the first anthems off of "Lawless Darkness" as the liner notes explain that the song was written for all of the worldwide disciples of Watain. In this case, Watain's fans should feel privileged as the song stands as one of the best in the entire Watain catalogue.

Now, while I'm normally not one for instrumentals, the title track is a very cool instrumental interlude. It's done properly! It's an instrumental that works as a full song without vocals, rather than random noise to balance out a record (I'm looking at you on this one, 1349...) and eat up time. It's immediately followed by two flawless, classic Black Metal tracks, "Total Funeral" and "Hymn To Gayin". There's not much more I can say about the songs than that. If you appreciate the genre, those songs will just make you appreciate it more.

Next up, "Kiss of Death" looms like an impending apocalypse in the face of mankind. It's steady and fast, but the vibe is ominous. It's not really explainable, but then again...maybe it wasn't meant to be. All of these songs lead up to one of the brightest moments in the history of Black Metal. That moment being the album's closing track, "Waters of Ain".

If ever there were such a thing as a Black Metal epic, this is it. At a little over 14 minutes in length, this track is destined to be called legendary in the years to come. Emotionally jarring, beautifully composed and accented by the surprising yet welcomed guest appearance of Carl McCoy (Fields of The Nephilim), "Waters of Ain" stands as the album's highlight. It also stands, for this writer, as one of the best metal songs of the new millennium.

All of this being said, let's just forget that most of you know of Watain. Let's forget that you've seen them live, or seen the visuals of their live experience. Strip all of that away from many bands, and those bands are left with nothing. However, Watain's longevity will remain secured because the music stands alone as being passionate, sincere, and heartfelt. Regardless of whether or not you agree with their Satanic message, the three core souls that make up Watain have crafted a testament to what they believe. And truly, it's a testament that the fallen purveyors of Black Metal are undoubtedly smiling proudly upon from the great beyond.

I end this review, with a line from "Waters of Ain" which sums up everything far more simply than my long-winded review ever will.

"Do not mistake me for a star, though I'll shine like them at night. But behold instead the darkness in between them: The Devil's Light."