Decrepit Cauldron - 2005 - Wirkligkeit Altera Pars

Out of the Ukraine comes this Black Metal outfit with their 5 track debut. Presented on this album
are 4 long tracks of mid-paced to fast, slightly melodic technical Black Metal with an epic feel. Apart from the intro, all of the tracks are over 10 minutes long.

Musically this reminds me of a lot of different bands. Stiny Plamenu, Kampfar, Sorhin and Ophthalamia are some of the bands I hear in the mix here, as well as some Metallica-sounding
parts plus influences from both Death Metal and Thrash. I heard quite a few later Ophthalamia parts, which was somewhat unexpected. There is at times a rather Eastern European feel to the music as well, but it is surprisingly absent most of the time.

The vocals remind me somewhat of those by Kampfar, though more muffled and distant, as well as those in early Fleurety.

The soundquality is not at all bad. At the front of the mix there is the drum machine and the keyboard, followed by the guitar and then the vocals further back. The drummachine does get a bit annoying at times, I must say, though I am not fond of the sound of one, so I might be extra sensitive to this. However, this is a rather interesting and quite unpredictable album to listen to, which is most refreshing.

Standout tracks are "Prae Porta Ad Noctum", "Incarnation for the Blackest" and "Opus Aexestentialis". If you like your music varied and quite unpredictable I suggest you check this out.

Sunday October 12 2008, by :Vragh:

Among the Living/Dominatör - 2005 - Split

Two bands from the Netherlands are presented on this split effort. Among the Living play slightly melodic Thrashing Death Metal, with some small amounts of Doom in the mix, and are represented
here with four tracks. The music is actually really heavy, reminding me of both Slayer and early Metallica.

The vocals are barked out, reminding me more of Punk/Hardcore style vocals. They actually remind me somewhat of Max Cavalera's vocals, mixed with something I can't put my finger on at the moment. Can't really describe them better than that. At first I wasn't really that fond of them, but after a while you notice that they actually fit the music rather well.

The soundquality is very good indeed. The instruments can be heard clearly in the mix, and the sound is sharp. I would say that this is actually a lot better than average. This was the bands last recording.

Standout track is "Drown".

Dominatör plays a somewhat slower Thrashy Death Metal, with more Doom in the music, and are represented with five tracks, the last one being a live track.This is slower than Among the Living, and with a different heaviness as well. Traces of Slayer are present here as well, as a bit of Megadeth and even some slight amount of Testament.

The vocals are somewhat similar to those by Nathan of Graves at Sea, and they also remind me a bit of those by Chuck Schuldiner of Death, although these are not as highpitched.

The soundquality is somewhat murkier than the tracks by Among the Living, but I like it, and the individual instruments can still be heard clearly. The live track has a remarkably good soundquality, as well.

Standout track is "600 Days".

Saturday October 21 by :Vragh: