I'm writing for Maelstrom.nu[views:4811][posts:15]___________________________________ [Dec 9,2005 5:27pm - paganmegan ""] My first review is up on the site. Here it is for those who don't want to search the site http://www.maelstrom.nu DESTROYERS FROM THE WESTERN SKIES - As Night Devours the Sun - CD - Killzone Records - 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- review by: Megan Leo This collection of United States black metal, according to the booklet insert written by Nathan T. Birk, "is an ideological compiliation. One of intent, of propaganda, of dire PURPOSE." The mission here is to show that black metal, ladies and gentlemen, is not just about Norway and burning churches anymore. Sure, the roots lie in the icy Norsk lands, but the point of this comp is to show that the U.S. has achieved its share of grimness and heresy by making some pretty damned profane and unholy black metal that rips without ripping off the Scandinavians. The most noteworthy and undeniable aspect of this collection of 17 bands (some of which contributed exclusive tracks and mixes, including Harvist, Xasthur and Leviathan) is the range of sounds and mixes incorporated into the sub-genre known as black metal. From the acoustic guitar laced blackened sound of Azrael's "Illumination" to the black death of Harvist's "Foundations," to the synth sampled collection of demonic noises of Draugar's "Running From Us," which bears little to no melody (or musicality, really), in contrast with Krieg's more standard fare of guitar / drum blasting onslaught in " Every Wound Burned." All are equally menacing. The tracks are arranged so each songs compliments the next all the more, in their wide range of style. Sure, they're all "blackened," but Summon's "Beating of Christ" is a far cry from the droning style of chain saw hum that is Xasthur ("Maane's Natt"). This makes the comp that much more interesting, as the listener is drawn in by the sounds one hears at any given moment, but also in anticipation for what carnage the next track may hold. Some noteworthy attributes of the various contributions on this collection include Typhus' "Satanic Goat Fuck Lust." Now, from the song title, you might expect an abrasive wall of chaotic sound, perhaps in the vein of Black Witchery. Nope. While it is raw in production style, it has a very long intro, and some gothic style melodic vocal lines, that eventually speeds up and culminates in a classical guitar outro. The next track on the comp is Leviathan's "Hissing and Sullen,", which is one of the stand out tracks. The atmospheric, moody guitar and synth intro is gradually joined by a fade in of drum sound, rising into the mix like a ton of steel and vitriol. Upon repeated listens, this disc only becomes more compelling. The artists and their respective contributions are distinct in their own right, and this disc is one that boasts creativity and a plethora of originality. Some tracks are much more distinctive than others, but as a whole, this is a compilation vastly superior to other, weaker efforts. Never mind the fact all the artists hail from the West, there is plenty here to distinguish these Western shores from the Nordic counterparts. (8.5/10) |
| _________________________________ [Dec 9,2005 9:35pm - pam nli ""] Megan, if you really get into writing reviews, I'm looking a for a new staff writer or two come springtime for my next issue. From what I gather you probably know a hell of a lot more about BM than I do, and I always feel wrong reviewing it. Just an idea, let me know if you might be into that. I'd send you CD's and you can review whatever else you want, zines, dvds, demos, whatever. I'm not starting work on Issue 3 for a few months, but when I do, I could use a good writer to jump on staff. It's a print zine with a website as well. |
| ____________________________________________ [Dec 9,2005 9:50pm - DrinkHardThrashHard ""] Looks good, and I like that you get involved in the individual tracks, which shows you actually listened to it (unlike a great deal of reviewers). Keep on keeping on. |
| __________________________________ [Dec 9,2005 10:32pm - pam nli ""] yeah that's rare with reviewers. I understand why, you get so jaded, but that's why I take a year off between issues...so that doesn't happen to me. Well, that and I'm lazy. |
| ____________________________________ [Dec 10,2005 1:01am - paganmegan ""] I listened to the entire CD about three times until I felt even remotely qualified to pick up a pencil to take notes, let alone write the review... I just wouldn't feel right otherwise. Pam, I'd definitely be interested in reviewing for ... your zine is called ruptured zine right? I'll do it and thanks for the feedback guys |
| _____________________________________ [Dec 10,2005 1:45am - AUTOPSY_666 ""] Get the TYPHUS full length CD if you don't have it yet. |
| _____________________________________ [Dec 10,2005 2:08am - AUTOPSY_666 ""] :satancross: |
| _____________________________ [Dec 10,2005 4:21am - pam ""] paganmegan said:I listened to the entire CD about three times until I felt even remotely qualified to pick up a pencil to take notes, let alone write the review... I just wouldn't feel right otherwise. Pam, I'd definitely be interested in reviewing for ... your zine is called ruptured zine right? I'll do it and thanks for the feedback guys haha I do that too, got a notebook in hand everytime I listen. That's awesome you're into the idea. I'll give ya some details and crap tomorrow when I'm not so plastered. ;):NEWHORNS: |
| _______________________________________ [Dec 10,2005 5:55am - Anonymousity ""] awesome meg, your mind is in for detailed review. Do what has to be done! |
| _____________________________________ [Dec 11,2005 11:10pm - paganmegan ""] thanks! |
| _______________________________________ [Dec 11,2005 11:23pm - Anthony nli ""] Megan, this is a great review. Would you maybe be interested in reviewing Sanity's Aberration for this zine? Do you have a copy? |
| _____________________________________ [Dec 12,2005 12:31am - paganmegan ""] I do have a copy, and I would be glad to write a review, whether its for maelstrom or whatever other zine/site cares to use it |
| _____________________________________ [Dec 12,2005 12:32am - paganmegan ""] and thanks Anthony |
| __________________________________ [Dec 12,2005 1:13am - dan nli ""] nice kid keep em comin. i got somethin for you to hear. im gonna be in boston on tuesday afternoon and wednesday night. you got my number...call me if you are free. oh yeah and sorry for missing your show. i dont really have a good excuse ive just been a shut in lately. |
| ________________________________ [Dec 12,2005 7:19am - Abbath ""] :NEWHORNS: yar good job paganmeg |
| _____________________________________ [Dec 12,2005 11:08am - babyshaker ""] good use of plethora |