Death-Symbolic

Band: Death
Album: Symbolic
Genre: Old School Death Metal
Origin: United States Of America (Tampa, Florida)
Lyrical Themes: Death, Society

Review:
100%

I have always been a fan of Death, owning everything by the band, I have had a good listen to all of their music. This particular album, "Symbolic," however, is by far my favorite work by them. Death made a complete turn in their sound with this album, primarily vocal-wise, changing from normal death metal grunts all the way to thrash metal/black metal like screaming from Kreator or Sodom. This change, however, did not upset me, nor did it upset the fans, in fact, it has impressed them.

Chuck is brilliant in this album, combining anger/brutality with beautiful atmosphere, Chuck has proven himself to be an exceptional vocalist. His volume and tone are beyond perfect, becoming more intense, and beautiful than ever before.

The guitar work in this album sounds nearly orchestral. Death metal music is well known because of the dark symphonic classical music influence. Nowhere is this more noticeable than in Symbolic, primarily in the track "Crystal Mountain," the guitar solos sounding like a metalized Wagner symphony.

The drum work in this album seems to consist of mainly blast beats, which after a while can get boring by just merely paying attention to the drums, but when looking at the album as a whole together, it blends in beautifully and supporting the atmosphere displayed in this album ever more vibrant and intense.

This album, all in all, is beautifully made with perfect guitar work and vocals, and great drumming. This is a must listen for any death metal connoisseur , and is guaranteed to not disappoint.

Tracks:

1. Symbolic (6:33)
2. Zero Tolerance (4:48)
3. Empty Words (6:22)
4. Sacred Serenity (4:27)
5. 1,000 Eyes (4:28)
6. Without Judgement (5:28)
7. Crystal Mountain (5:07)
8. Misanthrope (5:03)
9. Perennial Quest (8:21)

Download:
Link: Megaupload
Password: [none]

Cannibal Corpse-Tomb Of The Mutilated

Band: Cannibal Corpse
Album: Tomb Of The Mutilated
Genre: Brutal Death Metal
Origin: United States Of America (Tampa, Florida)
Lyrical Themes: Gore, Violence, Torture, Zombies

Review:
97%

Cannibal Corpse, possibly the most well know death metal band to date, is familiar to nearly everybody, metalheads and non-metalheads alike. And this particular idea is based on the fact that this album is a masterpiece, containing possibly their two greatest songs, "Hammer Smashed Face," and "I Cum Blood." Tomb of the Mutilated, though not the most brutal of death metal out there, has such an angry tone to it that makes you want to listen to it over and over again, though if you are a beginning Cannibal Corpse fan, may be hard to do if you know their lyrics to the songs. Even the names of the songs may be enough.

The opening track to Tomb of the Mutilated, "Hammer Smashed Face," is known to be one of the greatest death metal songs in history. It is pretty hard to say why this is, considering that it is a pretty simple song, guitar wise, drum wise, etc. The lyrics to this song are not the greatest I have heard, but still...this song just sounds great. Some say that simplicity can sound the best, which is possibly true with this song. I have to say the thing about this track that I like is the changes of tempo, which were timed perfectly, and sounded quite perfect. They just made the song. The guitars in the song, though simple, had quite a good sound as well, though they don't really compare to Cannibal Corpse's other songs.

The second track, and possibly, at least in my opinion, the most disgusting, is the song "I Cum Blood." Though "I Cum Blood" did not get as much attention as the previous track "Hammer Smashed Face," overall has a better sound. The guitar riff in this song is what really crafts it very well. The guitars are fast paced, not too simple, and are crafted perfectly for the mood for the song. The lyrics as well are quite brutal, and are enough to make any mainstream music listener puke is horror, which is one other reason why I like it.

Overall, I give this album a 95% instead of a 100% because the album seems a little simple instrumental-wise, but I still gave them a great rating because of the fact that they pass by with an exelent and brutal sound that is great to mosh by, and to just listen to when you are angry. If you have never listened to Cannibal Corpse, and are interested in listening to them, check out this album first. You will not regret listening to it.

Tracks:

1. Hammer Smashed Face (4:04)
2. I Cum Blood (3:42)
3. Addicted To Vaginal Skin (3:31)
4. Split Wide Open (3:03)
5. Necropedophile (4:06)
6. The Cryptic Stench (3:57)
7. Entrails Ripped From A Virgin's Cunt (4:16)
8. Post Mortal Ejaculation (3:37)
9. Beyond The Cemetary (4:54)

Download:
Link: Rapidshare
Password: [none]

Burzum-Aske

Band: Burzum
Album: Aske (EP)
Genre: Second Wave Of Black Metal / Depressive Black Metal / Ambient Black
Origin: Norway (Bergen)
Lyrical Themes: Folklore, Fantasy, Gloom, Longing

Review:
92%

Burzum is one of the most well known Black Metal bands to date, and are often credited with the invention of both Depressive Black Metal and Ambient Black Metal. The atmosphere in this album proves just that. This is a one man project, and for a one man project, it is damn good. The atmosphere is completely ambient, depressive, cold, and dark, and it is done so perfectly, it inspired numerous sub genres of the Black Metal scene.

The vocals in this EP seem to inspire Depressice Black Metal the most. The vocals have a "crying" kind of approach, which adds a superior amount of atmosphere.

The guitar work is pretty slow and minimalist, but just right for the sake of this album, and works perfectly at getting their target emotion out.

The drums are pretty good in this album, slow and atmospheric, but I have heard better from Burzum when it comes from drums.

I don't really have an official favorite song, because all are equally good in my opinion. For Black Metallers, this is a must listen. Supposedly, the first copies of this record actually came with a lighter, so you can burn down churches in style!

Tracks:

1.

Stemmen Fra Tarnet

(6:09)

2.

Dominus Sathanas

(3:02)

3.

A Lost Forgotten Sad Spirit

(10:51)

Download:
Link: Megaupload
Password: [none]

Peste Noire-La Sanie Des Siècles - Panégyrique De La Dégénérescence

Band: Peste Noire
Album: La Sanie Des Siècles - Panégyrique De La Dégénérescence
Genre: Modern Black Metal
Release Date: August 2, 2006
Lyrical Themes: Aesthetics of Evil,Medieval Demons,Decadent Poetry
Origin: France (Avignon, Vaucluse)

Review:
97%

Black Metal, at least nowadays, is known to try and become softer and more atmospheric, rather than trying to introduce thick atmosphere in brutallity. Peste Noire was able to accomplish just that. Not only did they attempt to combine brutallity with atmosphere, but they succeeded big time, making one of my favorite Black Metal albums.

The vocals are possibly some of the best Black Metal vocals I have ever heard. They are so inhuman, painful, depressive, and intense, that you cannot help but enjoy them. The vocals are so high pitched and loud that can nearly swear that you are listening to a demon scream or talk.

The guitar work is not the most impressive I have heard, but still very atmospheric. The guitar work consists of mainly power chords repeating over and over, but Peste Noire is able to use those power chords correctly unlike one of these shitty modern day pop punk, pop hardcore, metalcore, or emo bands.

The drumwork was impressive. It is very fast and pretty technical for Black Metal. It gives the song both speed and extra atmosphere throughout the entire album.

If you are a Black Metal fan, this is a must listen. You will not be upset, especially with the vocals.

The best song in my opinion is "Phalènes Et Pestilence - Salvatrice Averse." It has a great, calming, classical-style, acoustic opening, and then clashes in as the most intense song on the album.

Tracks:

1.	Nous Sommes Fanés (2:18)
2.	Le Mort Joyeux (4:40)
3.	Laus Tibi Domine (6:57)
4.	Spleen (5:47)
5.	Phalènes Et Pestilence - Salvatrice Averse (11:46)
6.	Retour De Flamme (Hooligan Black Metal) (4:18)
7.	Dueil Angoisseus (Christine De Pisan, 1362-1431) (7:02)
8.	Des Médecins Malades Et Des Saints Séquestrés (9:09)

Download:
Link: Z Share
Password: [none]

Necrophagist-Epitaph

Band: Necrophagist
Album: Epitaph
Genre: Technical Death Metal
Release Date: August 3, 2004
Lyrical Themes: Gore, Pathology (past) Abstract, Society (present)
Origin: Germany (Karisruhe, Baden-Württemberg)

Review:
89%

Necrophagist has always been a great musical gem in the Technical Death Metal scene. Epitaph shows their potential in creative measures, as well as technical measures. Here, you will find some of the best guitar solos I have heard in a long time. In fact, that is the most memorable part of this album. The bass in this album, also was very good however.

Now, the guitar work is some of the best I have heard, though no where near any "Spawn Of Possession" when it comes to technicalilty, the sound is often times powerful and heart pumping. Solo after solo, this album is a thrill to listen to. The guitar solos in this band sound like a more-complex version of Nile, but the "epicness" turned up an extra notch.

The drum work in this album was not too impressive, but it fit in pretty well. The biggest problem I had with the drumwork was that it seemed like it only consisted of blast beats and nothing else... At least that was all that I noticed.

The bass was excellent in this album. The sound was thick, intense, and atmospheric throughout.

The vocals were alright, they just seemed a little weak. They kinda sound quiet, if you listen past the microphone. If it werent for that microphone, anyone would hear that he is kinda a weak vocal tone.

Overall, this album is worthwhile mainly for the blistering guitar work and thick bass. If you are into the work of these instruments in metal more than anything, definately give this album a listen.

Tracks:
1. Stabwound (2:48)
2. The Stillborn ONe (4:24)
3. Ignominious and Pale (4:01)
4. Diminished To Be (4:59)
5. Epitaph (4:15)
6. Only Ash Remains (4:11)
7, Seven (3:42)
8. Symbiotic in Theory (4:36)

Download:
Link: Megaupload
Password: [none]

Forgotten Woods-As The Wolves Gather

Band: Forgotten Woods
Album: As The Wolves Gather
Genre: Raw Black Metal
Release Date: 1994
Lyrical Themes: Depressive, Occult, Nature, Night
Origin: Norway (Etne/Ølen)

Review:
100%

One thing that I have always loved about Forgotten Woods was that in each and every album they have released, they have had a different stylistic approach to their raw sound, and yet, with all of their different styles used, they still pack the originality like crazy. As The Wolves Gather is no exception. From the raw, and raspy vocal styles of their first few demos to the traditional black metal screams, to screeching, etc., they always have something new to present to their very small audience.

The atmosphere of this album overall will send chills down your spine. You can nearly hear the howls of the wolves in the distance, the snow against your feet, and the breeze of the wilderness beating against your body. It is absolutely remarkable. The guitar work in this album, though relatively simple, is absolutely outstanding, primarily in the tracks, Dimension of the Blackest Dark, and the title track As The Wolves Gather.

The atmosphere of these riffs is what makes this album outstanding in my opinion. The guitar work in this album also range in emotion from angry/exciting like in "As The Wolves Gather" all the way to being depressive and cold like "Dimension of the Blackest Dark." No matter what kind of emotional style of Black Metal you are into, that being depressive, angry, hateful, nihilistic, or whatever, there will be a little something for everybody in this album.

The vocals in this album are loud, and echo a lot, which adds to the atmosphere a lot. At times, they even sound like a wolf's howl, which helps add to the atmosphere even more. The only drawback to this album are the lengths to some of the songs, reaching nearly 10 minutes, which gets annoying not because of the length primarily, but because the riffs get a little repetitive at times, and go on for ten minutes of the song, only giving a couple breaks through out the song for a few seconds.

Overall, this album reigns as one of my favorite black metal albums because of its absolutely outstanding and cold atmosphere. I suggest this album to any fan of any of the black metal genres, from first wave of black, second, third, raw, depressive/suicidal, melodic, and beyond. It will entertain any black metal fans. You will enjoy this album. I sure did. The best songs in this album in my opinion are "As The Wolves Gather," and "Dimension Of The Blackest Dark." Some of the best riffs in Black Metal are on this album. It is definitely worth the listen.

Tracks:

1. Eclipsed (6:26)
2. As The Wolves Gather (10:29)
3. In My Darkest Visions (8:45)
4. Winter (0:48)
5. Grip Of Frost (5:55)
6. Dimension Of The Blackest Dark (7:13)
7. Svartedauden (1:49)
8. Through The Dark And Forgotten Valleys (9:01)

Download:
Link: Rapidshare
Password: [none]

Spawn of Possession-Cabinet

Band: Spawn of Possession
Album: Cabinet
Genre: Technical Death Metal
Release Date: 2003
Lyrical Themes: Death, Unholy
Origin: Sweden (Kalmar)

Review:

95%
Now, I have always been a large fan of the Technical Death Metal scene, my favorite bands being Cryptopsy, Decapitated, Cynic, Necrophagist, etc., and seeing the guitar work of all these bands makes me think I have seen the most technical music can get. I was wrong. REALLY wrong. Spawn Of Possession is, and most likely, will always be the most technical band I have ever heard. Being all over the fretboard, even one of my best friends who has played guitar far nine years was unable to play even a few seconds of the song.

Now, onto the sound itself. This is quite possibly the best Technical Death Metal album released since Cryptopsy's "None So Vile," making a mark as a true death metal band. With only two full length releases, Spawn Of Possession has intensely rose in popularity rapidly.

The three best tracks on this album on my opinion are "Inner Conflict" and "Spawn Of Possession." The guitar work, being my favorite aspect of this work by Spawn of Possession is very unique and original, bringing in classical music influence to the writing of the guitar work, making the guitars very technical and complex, yet melodic and catchy. It nearly feels as if you are listening to classical music... really heavy and brutal classical music.

The drum work on this album is also very good. Like the guitars, it is extremely technical, and give the album a groove feeling to it, yet using blast beats and technical drumming styles at the same time.

The vocals are not really anything special really, they are just typical death metal vocals, which kind of takes away the enjoyment a little because the rest of the album is very original and unique, but then there is the vocalist is not. He is a good vocalist, don't get me wrong, but he does not offer anything new. Hopefully he will do a different attempt on his next album, which I am very eager to listen to.

In conclusion, this is one damn good death metal album due to the originality in the instrumentals. Go ahead and listen to it! Any death metal fan is sure to love it!My favorite track on this album is "Inner Conflict." The opening is absolutely astounding, and leaves you addicted.

Tracks:

1. Lamashtu [Opening] (0:53)
2. Swarm Of The Formless (3:12)
3. Hidden In Flesh (4:29)
4. A Presence Inexplicable (4:00)
5. Dirty Priest (3:20)
6. Spawn of Possession (4:01)
7. Inner Conflict (3:02)
8. Cabinet (3:32)
9. The Forbidden (4:39)
10. Church of Deviance (3:34)
11. Uncle Damfee (4:10)

Download:
Link: Mediafire
Password: [none]