Bergraven - 2004 - Fördärv

Here we have the first album by this Swedish one man Black Metal act. Seven tracks ranging from slow to fast and furious Black Metal is what you get here. The demo tracks have been re-recorded and are present as well as four brand new ones.

The sound is much sharper and clearer than on the demo, with the drums feeling a bit less mechanical, and the guitars sounding much more aggressive and  deadly.

Musically this is a continuation of the demo. I still hear both Shining and Taake in the music, mixed with the own ideas, but the new material is more towards the faster spectrum of Black Metal. The vocals are better and harsher here, mostly reminding me of those done by Legion on Ophthalamia's Via Dolorosa album and Vorph of Samael. This is truly a crushing debut! Limited to 1000 copies.

Standout tracks are "Den Förpestade" and "Autofagia".

January 10 2005, by :Vragh:

Bergraven - 2003 - Ty Döden Färdas Snabbt Demo

This Swedish band features only one member on this recording, so a drum machine is used. Fortunately the drum machine sounds better than most. Presented on this demo are three tracks of  depressive Black Metal in the vein of Shining and the likes, with some slight Taake influences at times - slower, moody Black Metal with faster parts.

I really like the guitar sound here, grim and dirty, but still with a good soundquality. The intro sounds a lot like earlier Mortiis, but this intro continues into the first track, and when the guitars kick in you have forgotten about the intro altogether. The vocals sound a bit guttural and really great, there's a slight Immortal feel to them.

Good material and well executed. Be sure to keep an eye out for the fullength that will be released during summer 2004.

The tracks that stand out are "Dagen Efter Döden" and "Offer (för Döden)".

Wednesday May 26 2004, by :Vragh: