Spektr - 2004 - Et Fugit Interea Fugit Irreparabile Tempus

Out of France comes this horde consisting of members from Haemoth and Battlehorns. On this their first album we are presented with eight tracks of industrial tinged mostly fast Black Metal, intense and unlike most others. This is quite an impressive first release.

Musically this is a bit similar to ideas from 666 International era Dødheimsgard in structure, but taken many steps further, with some parts Thorns added. I am also reminded of Gaahlskagg's Erotic Funeral, but that is mainly due to the intensity and the sound on this recording. Samples are used extensively throughout the album, and here are also parts sounding like soundtrack music. It is quite a
varied album, composition wise, with crushing speed and aggression one minute, which then flows into calmer parts and then gets back to crushing your bones once again.

The vocals remind me quite a lot of Ildjarn, with a hint of Filosofem era Burzum, earlier Immortal and some early Gorgoroth as well, for good measure.

The soundquality on this album is very sharp and clear. Everything seems to be on the same level here, the guitars with their sharp, lethal sound, the crushing drums and the possessed vocals form a wall of sound where you can still hear the details. This is an album where you're not entirely sure what's coming next. Most excellent! This is an album that works best if you play it from start to finish. This is among the elite bands, along with such acts as Deathspell Omega, Funeral Mist
and Glorior Belli. Very highly recommended!

Standout tracks are "Reveal the Four Seals", "A Return to the Flesh", "Wizened Hand" and "Confusion/The Persistence (Ending Contakt)".

Wednesday October 15 2008, by :Vragh:

Obscurus Advocam - 2004 - Fervour and Devotion

This French Black Metal horde has unleashed their demo upon the underground. Presented on this tape are five tracks, including intro and outro, of mostly mid-paced Black Metal featuring members of Glorior Belli.

The music reminds me of the mid '90ies, with a sound reminding me somewhat of Ondskapt and Shining, being slightly melodic and depressive Black Metal. The vocals are at times similar to those by Attila on De Mysteriis, but mostly they sound like a more guttural version of those by Akhenaten
of Judas Iscariot.

The soundquality is a bit murky, and the volume of the recording is lower than average, but I really like this demo. It just emanates an aura of darkness. There's this dark feeling in the music that many bands of today just don't have.

Standout tracks are "II" and "V".

Tuesday January 4 2005, by :Vragh:

Goatlord Corp. - 2003 - Early Beginnings of War

The first release by French Black Metal legion Goatlord Corp. is indeed a work of high quality. Four tracks of mid-paced to fast Black Metal with a groove not too common in this kind of music.
Musically this has some Thrash and Metal influences, while still sounding very much french like Black Metal. They have that specialsound you get from those parts. Reminds me a bit of Antaeus, but
with a fuller sound, similar to their De Principii Evangelicum album. Some Dark Funeral also finds its way into their music.

The soundquality is clear, and the music has been given a dark and murky atmosphere. The vocals are somewhat reminiscent of those of Dark Funeral and Von, sounding very aggressive, almost as if the
vocalist were possessed. Absolutely a band to keep your eyes on. Limited to 999 copies. Don't miss out!

Standout tracks are "Tormentor 666" and "In the Name of the Black Lord".

Wednesday December 29 2004, by :Vragh:

Glorior Belli - 2004 - Evil Archaic Order

This French Black Metal act recently released this three track demo. Fast and slightly melodic Black Metal is what we get here, along with some furious sounding vocals. This recording reminds me of early Marduk and the first Trelldom album, Til Evighet..., with the vocals very similar to those done by Gaahl on that album.

The soundquality is slightly muffled, which is very suiting for the music, it just adds to the feeling of it all. These guys present their Satanic material convincingly. This is a very well played and well executed demo. Keep your eyes out for this band!  Yet another great release by Satanic Propaganda Records that also released the Obscurus Advocam demo sharing two members with Glorior Belli.

Standout track is "Eternal Torments".

Tuesday January 4 2005, by :Vragh: