Renaissance - The Death of Art (1994)

Genre: Progressive Doom/Death Metal
Country: Belgium
Year: 1994

1. The Death of Art
2. Archway

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Only two songs on this album, yet it spans over 70 minutes long. The first is 40 minutes, while the second is 30. I'll break this review up to describe each song, as they are very different from each other.

I would say that the first song, "The Death Of Art" is strictly Progressive Metal, in that there are no harsh vocals, only clean. The vocalist doesn't necessarily sing, at least not melodically. It's more of a fiercer type of singing. See for yourself. This is an incredibly varied song, a strange one in itself, what with all the tempo/time signature changes. It never gets boring because the band doesn't stick with one type of riff or melody, but instead do pretty much whatever the hell they want. "The Death of Art" is very free-sounding and a marvelous progressive epic.

The second song, "Archway" is an entirely different entity. Many of you may be wondering where the Death Metal is, well look no further. Much darker and heavier, it seems like an entirely different band playing on this track. The traditional death grunts are used in full force. The bass is quite prominent in the mix, sometimes giving the song a jazzy feel. Keeping in the Renaissance fashion, you can rest assured that this is also progressively... well, progressive. Sometimes rather weird, but overall a beautifully complex composition that would do well in anybody's library.

Recommended!

Darkified - A Dance on the Grave (1995)

Genre: Death/Black Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1995

1. Intro
2. Howlings From The Darkness
3. A Summond For The Nameless Horrors
4. The Forgotten City
5. Outro - Out From The Darkness
6. Sleep Forever...
7. The Forgotten City (1992 Version)
8. The Whisperer In The Darkness

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What the hell is an old school Death Metal blog without the legendary Darkified? Well, here you are; Darkified's 1995 compilation that contains both their Dark demo and Sleep Forever EP. Classic Swedish Blackened Death Metal with killer riffs all the way. The chainsaw guitars are ripping through this release, as per usual Swedish standards and the vocals are top-notch. There are several styles used, from death grunts to shrieking black metal cries of agony to gurgling chaos in vocal form. There are also some clean vocals done very well to fit with the general atmosphere of the music. There are also keyboards laced into the background of a few of the songs, especially in the back half. All in all, a remarkable effort. The definition of "hidden gem". Recommended.

Deteriorot - In Ancient Beliefs (2001)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 2001

1. In Ancient Beliefs
2. Unholy Return
3. The Afterlife
4. Fallen Misery
5. Spiritual Evocation
6. Endless Hauntings of Demons and Despair
7. Eternal Darkness
8. Manifested Apparitions of Unholy Spirits
9. Ritual Ceremonies of Blasphemous Horrors
10. Vile

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Metal Archives Rating: 100% (1 review)
Last.fm

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Having formed in 1990, and after a boatload of demos, Deteriorot finally managed to churn out a full-length in 2001. Personally, I'm glad they waited, because with all that time, they certainly managed to craft a flawless hunk of Death Metal. Skirting more on the doom side of things, this album is unique in that while it's not overly heavy like Incantation or Dominus Xul, the way it's performed and how the riffs make this album seem much heavier and crushing than it actually is. The riffs are very clear and you can feel the "oomph" behind each and every one of them. Nothing gets lost in the mix and tremendous atmosphere is generated to really make this release stand out.

The vocals are also very fascinating. I haven't heard much like these before. They are not your typical heavy, gutturals or roaring screams. It's hard to describe, but it seems like the guy here has a certain pitch to his growls, making them sound more demonic and engaging. The guy also sounds really pissed off, which helps to add to the atmosphere. Recommended!

Electrocution - Inside the Unreal (1993)

Genre: (Technical) Death Metal
Country: Italy
Year: 1993

1. Premature Burial
2. Rising of Infection
3. They Died without Crosses
4. Growing Into the Flesh (Bleed to Death)
5. Body's Decay
6. Ghost of the Past
7. Under the Wings Only Remains
8. Back to the Leprosy Death
9. Behind the Truth
10. Bells to the End

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Metal Archives Rating: 98% (1 review)
Last.fm

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An underrated classic and the only full-length from this monster of a band. Yes, it's sad and all that they only managed to pop out one LP, but it's for the better, considering the direction they were headed. Instead, we're left with this one goldmine of a Death Metal release. Everything about this album is perfect. Incredibly aggressive, this shit is right up in your face, taking quick jabs for the entire 37 minutes. Borderline thrash, the sheer speed and caustic riffs cut right through you like a hot knife through butter (hooray for over-used cliches!). The musicianship is top notch, and even though most of the songs are relatively short at under four minutes a piece, the structure is mind-boggling. Most bands with similar song lengths only know how to riff a few times, pull out a chorus and then riff some more. Not Electrocution. They mix in a wide variety of double kicks, riffs like lightning, and solos that spiral out of control into total chaos. This is brilliance in the most brilliant form. Inside the Unreal gets my crunchy five stars. Recommended.

Blasphereion - 93 Demo (1993)

Note: Artwork unavailable

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Belgium
Year: 1993

1. Desecration Of Christian Body
2. Satan Sublimations
3. Evil Messiah

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I see the light! It seems Blasphereion finally decided to go through the demo process after their first album didn't work out so well. This is actually quite an improvement. There is much more aggression on this demo, and the riffs seem livelier and more involving. The vocalist does try to vary his vocals a bit, so that's always a sure-fire sign of progress. However, their label dropped them soon after the release of this demo, meaning Blasphereion never were able to realize their true potential. 'Tis a shame.

Blasphereion - Rest in Peace (1991)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Belgium
Year: 1991

1. Church of Lies
2. Dells of Pain
3. Demon's Blood
4. Decadence Life
5. Apocalyptic Visions
6. It's Still There
7. R.I.P.
8. Inside My Eyes
9. At the Bound of Madness
10. Future Earth
11. Listen to their Cries

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Metal Archives Rating: 72% (1 review)
Last.fm

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I guess the real issue with this album is that it gets old, rather quickly. It's not to say that this is a bad album, but best enjoyed in short, sweet segments. A lot of the songs have that samey feel, especially due to the guttural vocals. Reminds me of Suffocation and there doesn't seem to be any variation. Just one grunt after another. If you're looking for that bestial, demonic Death Metal, this would be great for you. The riffs aren't anything new, but they get the job done. I kinda feel like the band was rushed during the recording of this album, leading to the primitive and not-so-well-thought-out song structures. Even so, for those hardcore fans of underground Belgian Death Metal, this would make for a nice addition to your collection.

Creepmime - Shadows (1993)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Netherlands
Year: 1993

1. The Fruits of Ill Virtue
2. A Serenade for the Tragic
3. Suffer the Shadows
4. The Way of All Flesh
5. Chinese Whispers
6. Soon Ripe, Soon Rotten
7. Gather the Shattered
8. My Soul Flayed Bare

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This is really cool! In a lot of ways this sorta reminds me of Bloobath. But way better. Probably the most outstanding aspect of Creepmime is the vocalist's ability to growl and grunt, but also make it sound like he's singing. There's a lot of melody in how he sings and it's always very interesting to hear growls sound melodic (not like melodeath). This is especially present in the first track. Also, the riffs are quite good and seemingly inventive, probably because this band demonstrates hints of technicality in their music. Neat, but their other album is even better!

Judgement Day - Cir-Cum-Cis-Ion Of The Mar-Tyr (1995)

Genre: Death/Thrash Metal
Country: Netherlands
Year: 1995

1. Horror Pain
2. Daily Rituals
3. The Old Tree
4. Sexual Intercourse
5. Invincible Downfall
6. Clouds of Mordor
7. Pathology of Crowding

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I was just going to upload this to get it out there, but upon listening, I found that this is actually a surprisingly good hunk of Death/Thrash! Sheer aggression is what Judgement Day is all about, and they do it well. There are numerous blast beats and sharp, penetrating riffs all throughout this record. The drums are a highlight; they seem to be louder in the mix, and that's not a bad thing, considering how masterfully played they are. Tremolo picking is another staple, and some of the razor riffs almost seem like tame guitar solos. Intricate stuff. Also, out of nowhere came these female clean vocals. I was stunned, but also pleasantly surprised. They fit well and made for a nice break in the aggression. Great album, recommended!

Also, this album seems to slow down as it progresses, and the second half is way better than the first. Brilliant riffing. The last few songs are utterly mind-blowing. This is fantastic metal.

Abhoth - Divine Orphan (1994)

Note: Artwork unavailable

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1994

1. Condemned to Misery
2. Infinite Blessing
3. The Realm of Immortality
4. Dormant Reality

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Aha! This is the Abhoth we all know and love. Here we have their final demo (shame they didn't make it past the demo stage, they certainly had enough material for a full-length) and it's pretty good. The production is back up to par and the riffs are as fast and hard-hitting as ever. One thing that is different are the vocals. Not sure if they got a new guy, or it's just the production, but they do have more of a throaty sound, than the previous releases' guttural. Kinda hard to describe, but it seems like the foundation is Demilich-style vocals, but just a smidgen. Makes this more unique than the others as there seems to be more variation. Great stuff!

Abhoth - The Tide (1992)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1992

1. The Tide
2. Configuration

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Huh, did Abhoth regress or something? After the brilliant "Forever Vanished to be Therein", they released this single. While most of the musical elements remained, the production definitely did not. This is much more grating and scratchy and the drums! Oh the drums. Awful. At least I think they're drums. All you hear when listening is a "chunk" in the background, and while it may be lower in the mix, it has that piercing quality to it, making it really stand out. Not quite sure what to make of this, although the talent here is just as good. One for the collection!

Abhoth - Forever to be Vanished Therein (1991)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1991

1. Recantetion of the Forsaken 05:02
2. Forever to be Vanished There In 03:51
3. Darkness Greets

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Here's where it starts getting good. After a bunch of rehearsals, Abhoth finally got their act together and churned out a high-quality demo. Recorded at the infamous Sunlight Studios (where it seems a ton of other old school Swedish gems got their start), the production is actually quite good, much better than their first demo. The vocals have also improved and the inconsistencies practically gone. What we have left is a demo relying heavily on tremolo picking, with solid riffs and great vox! Not too bad of a combination at all! If any of these demos, grab this one!

Abhoth - A Matter of Splatter (1989)

Note: Artwork unavailable

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1989

1. Intro
2. Reduced to a Pulp
3. Liquified Skeleton
4. Fatal Inversion
5. Protained Existence
6. Evisceration

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Metal Archives Rating: 49% (1 review)
Last.fm

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I know you saw the little 49% there, but please let me describe why that is. It's not that this is a bad demo, the problem lies in that it's incredibly underdeveloped. I mean, the intro is longer than half the songs! There is a blatant disregard for song structure here and this almost sounds like it could be grindcore. There are only a few riffs in each song, maybe a quick solo and then BAM next song. Production is kinda awful (although not as bad as some other stuff on this blog), and the vocals are okay. Sometimes you'll get this odd clean singing, while there will be this strange gibberish growling at others. It seems like they just half-assed this one because later demos are so much better!

Dark Millennium - Of Sceptre Their Ashes May Be (1992)

Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Country: Germany
Year: 1992

1. Spiritual
2. Wizardry Assemblage
3. Of Sceptre Their Ashes May Be
4. Medina's Spell (Valley of the Seventh Mystique)
5. Below the Holy Fatherlands

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First off, thanks to Valan_SDM for the upload of this demo.

This is the only Dark Millennium release with a different vocalist. Unlike Christian Mertens, Torsten Gilsbach's growls are much deeper and more what you'd expect from an old school DM line-up. A lot of these songs are from Ashore the Celestial Burden, except for the title track. The demo itself is much less melodic and that can definitely be attributed to the new vocalist. Instead, what we have is a much rawer, heavier and dirtier sound, completely different from all of Dark Millennium's other work. Sounds like a completely different band! Like I said before, the production is crunchier and the instruments stand out from each other more.

A very exciting demo and just as great, if not better, than Ashore the Celestial Burden!

Recommended!

Dark Millennium - The Apocryphal Wisdom (1991)

Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Country: Germany
Year: 1991

1. Intro
2. Bringer of Plague
3. Evil Whispers
4. Black Literature
5. Fading to Eternity
6. The Apocryphal Wisdom (of an Allegorical Apocalypse)

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Thanks to Valan_SDM for the upload!

The very first effort from the legendary Dark Millennium, yours to download! This is basically a glorious prelude to the brilliance to follow in later years. It sounds a lot like Ashore the Celestial Burden, which really shouldn't come as much of a surprise, considering that was released just a year later. If anything, Christian's vocals on this release sound a little more intense and much faster. Not by much though.

Those delicious and engaging riffs are still present, and Black Literature has been split up into two separate songs. The last title track song is a monumental 12 minutes long and really seals the deal for this monstrous band. Dark Millennium is going down in the record books. Recommended.

Dark Millennium - Diana Read Peace (1993)

Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Country: Germany
Year: 1993

1. Mission
2. Dead in Love
3. Of Sceptre Their Ashes May Be
4. Brotherhood Sleep... Back to Treasureland
5. Mechanismeffects
6. Fatehistory
7. Peace in My Hands
8. My Repertory of Grey
9. The Mindartist
10. In and for Nothing
11. Pandemonium
12. Myth

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What the hell, Dark Millennium? Can't you stay consistent for more than two releases in a row? First we've got a vocal change, and now we've got a Melodic Doom/Death thing going on here. What's up with that? Now don't get the wrong idea, that is in no way to imply that this is a bad album. Not at all. This is a very good album, just an incredibly different style.

For starters, clean vocals. Yeah, didn't see that coming, either, especially after Of Sceptre Their Ashes May Be. The first real track "Dead in Love" consists largely of clean vocals and slower, melodic guitar leads and melodies. Different, to say the least.

Another thing worth noting is that the guitars seem to be lower in the mix and their famous riffs sometimes get lost in the background, as in they aren't as noticeable. I also found that there was some technical experimentation going on here. Some don't even seem old school at all. Once again, not a bad thing, just prepare yourself for a different style if you come in here expecting to hear the same thing as on Ashore the Celestial Burden.

All in all, a good album, depending on your tastes and how open-minded you are.

Doom Snake Cult - Love Sorrow Doom (1992)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 1992

1. Carnival Freak Show
2. Doom
3. Sorrow
4. Love
5. Enchanted Cerebral Forest
6. Frozen Doll Land
7. Tribal Seance
8. Fertlity Rite

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Wow. It's not often I come across seriously high quality Doom/Death, and "Love Sorrow Doom" might just be one of the best in the genre. Former vocalist Ace Still of Goatlord (US) fame does the growls on this record and it is as strong a performance as ever! Not your usual Death/Doom vocals, Ace has a much more full-sounding raspy style, and you can literally feel the doom seeping deep inside your soul. Every word out of his mouth permeates everything, like a doomy, sinister fog creeping, just waiting for the opportune moment to suck you up!

And that's just the vocals. The production on this album is slightly overproduced and quite clear. The guitars sound bloated and atmospheric, blending remarkably well with the vocals, in that they both exude the same qualities. They way this album fits together so snugly is incredibly. The drums are consistent and sometimes can be heard "behind" the music, adding to the impending doooom. Love Sorrow Doom focuses more on the Doom side of things, than Death Metal, so you can expect slow, rhythmic riffs all the way. It's amazing that this band isn't receiving more recognition, even now. Obviously comes recommended with 5 stars.

Chronic Decay - Ecstacy in Pain (1990)

Genre: Death/Thrash Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1990

1. Ecstasy in Pain
2. 1st of September
3. Dark Before Dawn

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Metal Archives Rating: 91% (1 review)
Last.fm

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Total destruction. This EP is everything fast, furious and deadly dangerous about Death Metal. Not relenting for even a moment, Chronic Decay continue to pound your skull in, song after song. The riffs are pronounced and lighting speed, and they just keep going! If you're one to hold your breath when something intense is going on, you'll suffer massive brain damage because you won't be able to breathe for 11 minutes! The 1st of September is a prime example of the ferocity. It starts off with a hooking riff and eventually explodes into chaos and aggression. Awesome stuff.

The vocals also fit quite well. They are nothing like those found on the split. They are more deathy and less thrashy. Recommended!

Chronic Decay/Exanthema - Split 1993 (1993)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1993

Exanthema
1. Memories
2. In My Dreams

Chronic Decay
3. Return To Heaven
4. Silent Prayer
5. Visions Of A Madman

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Last.fm (Chronic Decay)

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This is a very solid split from two relatively unknown bands. I'm happy because it means more material from both!

First, the Exanthema side. They've only got two songs, but they're both quite long and involved. I think this may actually be better than their Lunacy demo. Everything about this album is solid and very consistent. Excellent riffing, the occasional solo to keep things lively, and rad vocals. Drumming is also impressive.

Now, Chronic Decay's side: three songs, but all relatively short, which is a bummer. This is very fast-paced, borderline Thrash, and the vocals also reflect as much. Not quite growls, but not quite yells; somewhere in between. Two contrasting bands that make for an intriguing split.

Moondark - The Shadowpath (1993)

Genre: Death Metal with Doom elements
Country: Sweden
Year: 1993 (first recording), 2007 (re-release)

1. The Shadowpath
2. Inside the Crypt
3. The Dawn for Our Race
4. Dimension of Dakness
5. Trespassing Into... The Abyss
6. Concealling the Dayligtht
7. World Devastator

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Metal Archives Rating: 82% (2 reviews, 75% and 88%)
Last.fm

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Bone crushing. The first thought that popped into my head upon my first listen. This is one of those albums that's so unbearably brutal and overtly crushing, it's enough to make you cringe in your chair. The classic Swedish chainsaw riffs are there, but also downtuned ridiculously, giving "The Shadowpath" a very dark and twisted sound. Each and every riff is cold and deadly sinister, not to mention absolutely crushing (can't stress that word enough!). If I were getting ripped and torn to shreds by a meatgrinder on low speed or something, this is what would be playing as each limb were ripped off and squashed between the blades. The plodding, doom parts make this release all the more heavy and pronounced. Every riff and beat has meaning and you can feel each and every part of the song in your bones.

Enough about the instrumentation, what about the vocals? Pretty much the same deal. A very deep guttural, but once again, with that gritty, jagged sound, complementing the guitars quite nicely. One of my favorite vocal styles simply because of how much they affect me. I can really feel them, and it's impossible to glaze over and ignore them.

Carnage to the core.

Recommended.

Nerlich - Defabricated Process (2007)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Finland
Year: 2007

1. Defabricated Process
2. Substantial Alteration
3. Insane Creations/Inorganic Echoes
4. Entity of Sickness
5. Imminent Reprisal
6. Mask for the Faceless
7. Condemned
8. On Sarcastic Impact

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Metal Archives Rating: 93% (2 reviews)
Last.fm

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Only recently split up in 2008, this is a band that's had its ups and downs over the years. I'm not going to post the entire discography because, frankly, some of it's not worth posting. This album, however, is spectacular and most definitely the high point of their short-lived career.

There is a much more modern sound on "Defabricated Process", and that gives way to a vast variety of different genres within Death Metal. The basis is old school, but here and there, we catch glimpses of some brutal and technical overtones, with perhaps the thrashy riff. Not a boring album at all. The production is very good with quite an audible bass, but still filthy enough to satisfy any OSDM fiend.

There are a decent amount of creative riffs and guitar leads, not to mention solos. I haven't been listening to much of anything with solos as of late, so this sort of stuck out to me and I was pleasantly surprised. Don't worry, you're not going to get any blasting 20 minute long solo full of unoriginality and stagnant staleness; the solos on this album are short and sweet, to the point. That's what makes them great. Overall a startlingly impressive effort.

Exanthema - Lunacy (1994)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1994

1. Like a Dog
2. Growing Needs
3. Memories
4. The One Inside You
5. Tears Flowing Free

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Exanthema were a solid Swedish Death Metal band, and recently reformed in 2007. No word yet of any new material, but my fingers are crossed! This is really the only demo I could find from Exanthema (they do have a split with Chronic Decay that I might post later) and it is quite enjoyable. They didn't go out on any limbs to try anything new, but instead stuck to their guns and churned out some quality Swedeath with solid vocals and great instrumentation. The production is surprisingly very good and every instrument can be heard rather clearly. Lots of tremolo picking is used here and the riffs are short and concise, enough to keep me interested!

Cosmic Atrophy - Codex Incubo (2008)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 2008

1. Prelude to Phantasmagoria
2. Consumed from Within the X-Zone
3. Shattering of Terrestrial Reality (Invasion of Aberration)
4. Cydonic Adulations
5. Doomed by the Cancer Domus
6. The Granfalloon
7. Adrift in the Lifeless Sea of Black

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Metal Archives Rating: 92% (3 reviews)
Last.fm

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Oh boy, where to start... Obviously influenced by Demilich, Cosmic Atrophy play a more modern style of Death Metal, with touches of technicality and old school obliteration. A very impressive album, both technically and structurally. I'm reminded all too much of Timeghoul in that "Codex Incubo" exudes a certain mystique and spacey sound. I can hear the Lovecraft and sci-fi not only through the vocals, but through the music itself. Full of shining guitar leads and an abundance of riffs, this is a very enjoyable listen. Each song is quite unique and, I've got to mention it again, brimming with riffs. The riffs are spectacular and inventive, further adding to the solidity of such a promising debut. Recommended!

Damonacy - From Within (1992)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 1992

1. Infernal Desolation
2. Necromancer
3. Welcome Home
4. Carcinogenic
5. From Within

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A tiny band coming out of the useless wasteland that is New Jersey, Damonacy were obscure and unknown, and remain as such even today. That's not to mean they didn't produce some quality Death Metal, though! On this release, they play a very loud and thrash-tastic sort of Death Metal, similar to Ripping Corpse. Extremely fast at parts, and utilizing a higher-pitched sort of yelling growl vocal style, I get a very anguished sort of emotional vibe, which only adds another layer to this surprisingly good music.

Damonacy - Therapeutic Morbidity (1992)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 1992

1. Corpulent Carrion
2. Prince Of Perversion

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The last offering from Damonacy, and only a measly single, this is pretty much a continuation from their previous demo. The production hasn't changed much and, if anything, is a little thicker and more buzzy, but not by much. The same vocals are used and the same aggression is present, with the occasional doomy, trudging part.

Purtenance - Member of Immortal Damnation (1992)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Finland
Year: 1992

1. Intro
2. Black Vision
3. Deep Blue Darkness
4. Lacus Somniorum
5. The Lost Memories
6. A Dark Cloud Arises
7. In the Misty Morning
8. Reality isn't Disappeared
9. Misery of the Rebirth
10. Crown Waits the Immortal
11. John.3.16

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Metal Archives Rating: 90% (2 reviews)
Last.fm

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A Finnish classic and the only full-length of Purtenance, they left their mark in the Death Metal world. What we have here is a very intricate and well-structured release. Most DM records tend to meld together into one long mushy song, but not Purtenance. You'll never hear the same thing two songs in a row, as they alternate quite a bit between straight-up, ferocious Death Metal and slower, plodding, doomy parts interlaced here and there. The vocals are nothing to sneeze at and are the deepest of the deep, very sinister sounding. The production is also pretty cool and meshes well with the buzzsaw guitars. Overall, a very wonderfully fluent and interesting release.

Carnagoth - Forced to Suffering (2009)

Genre: Brutal Death Metal
Country: Venezuela
Year: 2009

1. The Carnagoth
2. Pact of Violence, Skies of Blood
3. Beheaded for Being Christian
4. Condemned Death

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A brand new demo from this new and upcoming band (not even on MA yet!), Carnagoth play a very heavy and almost brutal style of old school Death metal. Using a full guitar tone and a plethora of blastbeats and up-and-down riffs (if you don't know what I mean, just listen to it; it's like you're riding a roller coaster). Riffs are not forgotten and the vocals are solid. Reminiscent of Incantation. I have a feeling Carnagoth could be going somewhere.

Mastication - Mastication Demo 1991 (1991)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1991

1. Intro
2. Freedom's Death
3. Unholy Wickedness
4. Material Massacre

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Metal Archives Rating: 97% (1 review)
Last.fm

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Hey! Who the hell are these guys and why did they make such fucking amazing music!? After doing some digging, I found that these guys were actually legends from bands like Grave, Excruciate, and Unanimated all banding (harhar get it?) together to create a forgotten relic.

This album is heavy and intense. Double bass is used quite frequently here, along with blast beats to create an over-the-top chaotic and insane sound to their music. I'd say the demo gets faster as it progresses. The first song is a fairly long one and is quite varied throughout, with some neat processor-vocals towards the end. Not something you'd yawn to. And the last song is just fast. Some parts of this album almost go thrash with their riffing, and "Material Assassin" does not disappoint. A few guitar solos sprinkled here and there, but never too lengthy or grating, just the perfect icing on this magnificent piece of cake. Recommended!

Mastication - Demo #2 (1991)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1991

1. Satanized
2. Shreds of Sanity

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Back again for a second go-around in the same year, Mastication were at it again. This time, a shorter demo that seemed to be hinting at things to come, but unfortunately nothing ever materialized. Anyway, this demo seems a bit fuller in production and the vocals are stronger and more pronounced than the first demo. Of course, since it was recorded at the infamous Sunlight Studio, the production overall isn't phenomenal and there are a few spots that suffer, but those are negligible. The same crushing brutality is present on Demo #2, so don't worry about being shortchanged out of another gem!

Mystic Charm - Shadows of the Unknown (1994)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Netherlands
Year: 1994

1. Shadows of the Unknown
2. Mystic Charms
3. Window of Reality
4. Deadly Embrace
5. Saved Soul
6. Lost Empire
7. Beyond Darkness
8. Crushed Virginity
9. Endless Sickness

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives Rating: 93% (2 reviews)
Last.fm

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This one's up there in my list of favorite Death/Doom albums. I love this release for the fact that it's uncompromising old school style Death Metal, alternating with Doom. There is great contrast on this album, with some morbidly slow songs like "Mystic Charms" and "Lost Empire", while faster-paced gems like Window of Reality really embody the heart and soul needed for Death Metal.

Incredibly crushing, the vocal style melds perfectly with the instrumentation. Like the demo, the guitars are tuned very low, but also with a crunchy, crispy sound, as to not sound suffocating like Incantation. You know something good's coming the moment you hear that first riff. Then the vocals set it. I should clarify from my demo review, these vocals are nothing like that operatic bullshit in Gothic Metal or anything. These are growled with a demonic lust that send shivers up your spine. I can really feel the evil emanating from this piece, what with the apocalyptic guitars and throat-slitting demon vocals tearing out of the darkness. A very dark-sounding album and a must have for any Death/Doom fan. Recommended.

Mystic Charm - Endless Sickness (1992)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Netherlands
Year: 1992

1. Saved Soul
2. Faith Means No Just
3. Mystic Charms
4. Frozen Feelings

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As you listen to this release, you'll probably notice something funky with the vocals. Something you can't quite put your finger on... that's right, it's a chick! Way back in Death/Doom's early days, female vocals were unheard of, and these guys (and girl) smashed through that barrier to spit out this doomy, crushing demo. Unfortunately, the band never got that much recognition, which is a pity, considering their talent. It seems some Doom/Death bands can be a bit grating in that you get antsy listening to them, waiting for some speed or riffing. Mystic Charm are as slow as they come, but have a mystical charm about them that keeps the listener involved the entire way. Can't quite explain it, but listen to their classic track "Mystic Charms" and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Production isn't bad, but it's not good either. A few issues with mixing here and there and some crackling, but generally handles the down-tuned guitars quite nicely and makes this a solid piece of material that would lead to the pure devestation that was to come two years later in their full-length.

Cretaceous - Demo 2008 (2008)

Genre: Crusty Death/Thrash/Dinosaur Metal
Country: USA
Year: 2008

1. Torn To Pieces
2. What Once Was...
3. Terror-Dactyl
4. Tsunami of Blood
5. Megalodon of the Dead

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Plain and simple, this is a fun release. And you heard me right... Dinosaur Metal! These guys sing about those ancient creatures, while adding in their own touch of old school deathy thrash chaos to make for a wild ride. Very fast-paced and with quick riffs that'll leave you nodding your head and tapping your foot along.

Oh, and I came across this recording many many months ago, but when I tried to search for them again, I had no luck, so you may as well download this here, as you won't be able to anywhere else! Enjoy!

Credits go to this guy at this blog in this post!

Drowned - Viscera Terrae (2007)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Germany
Year: 2007

1. Embrace The Beast
2. Key To The Lunar Waters
3. Abyssic Dead, They Sing For Me
4. Viscera Terræ

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Metal Archives Rating: 90% (1 review)
Last.fm

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Featuring the vocalist from Necros Christos, this band has made quite a splash with their latest demo/EP offering. They play down-and-dirty old school Death Metal, uncompromising, the way it's supposed to be played. As previously mentioned, the guy from Necros Christos grunts on this record, and if you've ever listened to NC, you know how evil-sounding this guy can be, which goes so far as to give this album a bit of a Black Metal feel to it, as I can see the similarities to NC here and there.

Tuned very low, this release has great tone and feel to it, while still being very clear in that no instruments are left out. At points, it can seem too simple, but there's nothing wrong with that if they do it right (which they do). This is your basic DM, nothing weird or experimental, no egomaniacal wankery or technicality, just gritty Death Metal. A fine release.

Crimson Relic - Purgatory's Reign (1996)

Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Country: USA
Year: 1996

1. Thane Of Torchless Night
2. Innocence Lost
3. Crimson Relic
4. The Lust Primeval
5. In Dismal Bliss
6. The Solemn And The Wicked
7. Descent Of The Blackshroud
8. Essence Of Dawn
9. Velvet Of The Godless
10. Prince Of Midnight

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Metal Archives Rating: 97% (1 review)
Last.fm

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Formerly known as Divine Eve, Crimson Relic unloaded "Purgatory's Reign" on the world in 1996 and it has gone down in history as a pinnacle of not only American Death Metal, but Death Metal as a whole. This is a truly masterful album. Very heavy and crushing, morbid riffs saturate this release and fills it with an atmosphere of desolation and dooooom. Each and every song is carefully crafted into unique, individual mini-masterpieces, all coming together to form one of the greatest Death Metal albums of all time. Vocals sink back a little bit, but I'm perfectly fine with that, since I'm more concerned with the plodding music, than vocal strength, but I will say that no matter how this is mixed, it still blends together beautifully. A lost gem that will never be forgotten. The only problem is that not enough people know about this... Recommended.

Soter - October 94 (1994)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Croatia
Year: 1994

1. Neither From The Sky, Neither From The Depth
2. Time Of Cross From Dust
3. Prisoner Of Suffering

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The second demo from Croatia's Soter, this is more of a rehearsal demo, and in my opinion, surpasses the first demo in terms of quality. There is a much fuller sound present and a sharper guitar lead. It's also even more on the doomy side, with crushingly slow melodies and solid riffing.

Soter - Demo I (1994)

Note: Artwork unavailable

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Croatia
Year: 1994

1. First Ones (Heller Cover)
2. Return of Messiah
3. When the Gods Turn Their Backs
4. Unknown Title

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Soter is an obscure band from Croatia, whom recorded several demos, some released and some unreleased. This is their first demo from 1994, and what you have hear is largely Doom Metal, but with Death Metal taking a backseat. Sounds similar in nature to bands like Sempiternal Deathreign and Rippikoulu. It has its chunky moments and slow, doomy overtones. A solid demo for sure!

Vasaeleth - Demo MMIX (2009)

Genre: Heavy Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 2009

1. Figures of Chained Spirits
2. Adorned and Iridescent

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A very short demo, at just under seven and a half minutes, Vasaeleth looks promising. Incredibly heavy a la Incantation, bone-crushing Death Metal with a Touch of Black and maybe a little Doom will suffocate you for the entire playing time. Has a sort of wall-of-noise vibe that I really enjoy and can't wait for a full-length.

Revokation - Reincarnated Souls of Hell (1999)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1999

1. The Old One's Abbey
2. Sacrilegious Copulation
3. Angel's Bane
4. Reincarnated Souls of Hell

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The moment you start up the first track, you're gonna fall for this. "The Old One's Abbey" starts will a refreshing and atmospheric riff that paves the way for the rest of the demo. It seems many bands have forgotten the art of the riff, but not these guys. Revokation know how to craft one hell of a riff and deliver song after song for your listening pleasure. A very furious-paced record, with riffs slicing at you every step of the way, sure to satisfy any fan of riff-tastic old school Death Metal.

Putrid - Morbid Awakening (2009)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 2009

1. Intro/Morbid Awakening
2. Life Beyond Death
3. Coffinshaker

LINK REMOVED UPON REQUEST
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Fairly new to the Death metal Scene, Putrid released their first demo in January of this year. What we have here is raw-sounding, very gritty and underproduced old school DM with chainsaw-like riffing and a very steady, orthodox pacing. The production gives off that lo-fi effect, sometimes making you feel like your head is throbbing in beat with the music, every count crushing your brain from the inside. Very appealing if you're into noise like I am. Highly enjoyable and a sign of good things to come (hopefully).

Miasmal - Miasmal (2008)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 2008

1. Abduction of the Soul
2. Kallocain
3. Apocalypse Legion
4. Anima Sola

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives Rating: 95% (1 review)
Last.fm

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Here we have a delightful piece of Swedish Death Metal, reminiscent of Carnage, Entombed, and Dismember. Yeah, this is good. All four tracks are filled with a fiery ferocity with good, clear, full-sounding production and cutting riffs. Quite the impressive first demo, truly showcasing their obvious talent. Keep an eye out; Miasmal is going places!

Dark Millennium - Ashore The Celestial Burden (1992)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Germany
Year: 1992

1. Below the Holy Fatherlands
2. Spiritual
3. Black Literature
4. Inside the Sunburnt Thoughts of Frost
5. Father Legatus: Of Symbols, Nature and Birth
6. Beyond the Dragon's Eye
7. Wizardry Assemblage
8. Medina's Spell
9. Disillusion
10. The Atmosphere

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives Rating: 98% (1 review)
Last.fm

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A lost gem, this album is very close to perfection. Why not perfect? Well, the answer is simple: perfection does not exist, but Ashore The Celestial Burden comes pretty damn close. The moment I gave the first track a spin, I knew this was going to be mind-blowing. The opening riff to the opening track is beyond catchy and gripping. Words cannot describe it. And I haven't even gotten to the rest of the album! Sure enough, each and every song follows suit, trotting and plodding along.

Probably the highlight of this record is the atmospheric and melodic riffs. It seems like each and every song has it's own unique and memorable riff, always infectiously catchy and involving. Not a single track disappoints here, and the fact that every song is different in its own way keeps me listening until the very end, a melancholic instrumental track and then the final colossus unfolds. Such an amazing and memorable album.

I hate to drag this on, but it's also worth noting the vocal style. It's not your standard old school DM grunt/growl, but a more high-pitched and emotional type of growling. Very clear and heartfelt, I love these kinds of vocals because they can vary quite a bit throughout an album and are excellent attention grabbers. I could never fall asleep to something as animated and invigorating such as this.

Recommended; can't stress that enough.

Utumno - Across the Horizon (1993)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1993

1. The Light of Day
2. I Cross The Horizons
3. In Misery I Dwell
4. Saviour Reborn
5. Sunrise
6. Emotions Run Cold

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Metal Archives Rating: 90% (2 reviews)
Last.fm

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Utumno plays a cleaner, more concise style of Death Metal. The production is excellent here, which is rare, considering the year this was released. I'd say that this actually is more closely related to modern DM than old school, because of the quicker rhythm and tight riffs. The riffs actually remind me a bit of thrash in that they are razor sharp and lightning fast, unrelenting, so if you're a fan of faster-paced DM with a cleaner sound, go for this.

Utumno - The Light of Day (1991)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1991

1. Saviour Reborn
2. In Misery I Dwell

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This is just a single from Utumno's earlier days. The songs here are also present on their famous EP "Across the Horizon". Really the only noticeable difference is the production. It's a lot more gritty and hollow-sounding on this single when compared to the EP's crystal clear sound. If you want to read up more on Utumno's style, check out my other post!

Rippikoulu - Musta Seremonia (1993)

Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Country: Finland
Year: 1993

1. Kadonneet Jumalat
2. Kuolematon Totuus
3. Ikuinen Piina
4. Anteeksiannon Synkkä Varjo
5. Pimeys Yllä Jumalan Maan
6. Musta Seremonia

Download at Mediafire (ORIGINAL)
Download at Mediafire (REMASTERED)
Metal Archives Rating: 97% (1 review)
Last.fm

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Here we have Rippikoulu's last demo, and boy is it one hell of a goodbye for them, as they broke up after their guitarist died and realized the band just wasn't the same. The production is much better and fuller on Musta Seremonia than their previous effort, and that really makes all the difference. Relying heavily on percussion, especially cymbals and stuff, Rippikoulu slows down their path of destruction even more, slowly crushing your soul into oblivion. Fun!

The riffs are there and the vocals are especially fitting; everything flows seamlessly on this release, making for an addicting listen. Watch out for songs like "Pimeys Yllä Jumalan Maan", slower than molasses in February, bordering on Funeral Doom/Death! This is going to kick your ass... and you'll enjoy it.

Rippikoulu - Mutaation Aiheuttama Sisäinen Mätäneminen (1992)

Note: Artwork unavailable

Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Country: Finland
Year: 1992

1. Verinen Lapsuus
2. Tuskainen Sairaus
3. Tulevaisuuden Ruumiit
4. Pimeyden Kirous
5. Maailma Palaa
6. Sisälmyksiä Katukivetyksellä

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Starting as a punk metal band way back in the day, Rippikoulu turned around their act and are credited as the first Death Metal band to sing entirely in Finnish. Only releasing a measly two demos, these guys made quite a splash in the DM community among their cult, underground followers. They play a rather heavy mixture of Death and Doom, sometimes going all out like any other old school DM band, while in other songs, we experience the morbid, dragging Doom elements that saturate the track, dripping with painfully slow rhythms and chunky destruction.

The production on this particular demo seems a lot deeper than their other release, and is, frankly, much worse. You'll hear crackling and speakers being blown, but that only adds to its charm. In fact, I actually like this demo much more than their other, more recent effort because of the sound. An unrelenting and crushing listen, it comes very recommended.

Dominus Xul - The Primigeni Xul (I Condemned my Enemies) (1998)

Genre: Heavy Death Metal
Country: Chile
Year: 1998

1. The Primigeni Xul
2. Jesus the Christ (False Son of a False God)
3. Dominus (Impurity)
4. Mystical Key of the Azo Nei's Dominion
5. Hear me Satan
6. Rule with your God
7. Penetrating the Nazarene
8. Polar Son of Lucifer
9. The Voice of the Buried
10. Inferior Magicus Fluxus Luna
11. Chapel of the Bewitchers

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Holy shit. If you want hard-hitting, monstrously heavy Death Metal in the vein of Incantation's "Onward to Golgotha", look no further. Dominus Xul is monumentally bone-crushing. I never thought I'd witness something like that Incantation album, but sure enough, look hard enough, and good things come. I am immensely satisfied with this record and it is sure to satiate any craving for your bones to be crushed to dust.

For the most part, this is a slower-paced album, but at times, you get that chaotic fast part that blows you out of the water. The balance between the two styles is impeccable. Just when you think the music is chugging painfully slower, so much that it causes your heartbeat to slow down, out of nowhere, you're impaled upon savagely maddening chaos. Drums and lightning quick riffs being shoved down your throat, with wildly chaotic guitar solos in the background; it's enough to run off screaming! But, before that happens, the music slows back down. I just love how this album unfolds. A great listen - recommended.

Timeghoul - Unreleased Recordings (????)

timeghoul
Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: Unknown

1. PROJECT-1
2. PROJECT-2
3. PROJECT-3

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As heavy and hard-hitting as ever, these tracks are definitely worth a download if you liked Timeghoul's other material. Keep in mind that these are only concept tracks, unfinished recordings of a potential new album or demo. The sound is raw and stripped down here, and production isn't the greatest, but don't forget what I said earlier.

No vocals at all, just Timeghoul's innovative riffing and atmosphere present on three lengthy tracks. Listening to these kinda makes me depressed that they split up so soon. If they had only kept going, they would be legends in the Death Metal world. These guys were going places.

Timeghoul - Panaramic Twilight (1994)

timeghoul
Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 1994

1. Boiling in the Hourglass
2. Occurence On Mimas

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Outstanding. That same esoteric sound fond on the first demo is still there, enriching the atmosphere that much more. The same chant style is used occasionally, creating a very Gregorian and dark/far out feeling. Their SciFi lyrical themes are definitely represented in the music itself and once again, I'm struck in disbelief at the ideas these guys are coming up with. I've never heard anything like this in an old school Death Metal band before and it's very refreshing. But what really gets me is that spoken part in the first track:

"I am a God. The prime being. I shall impale you on the crumbled pillars of the millennia!"

Very crushing and eye-opening. Truly depicts the desolateness that is to be described on the second track, of Earth becoming a cadaver world. Thought-provoking and very mysterious.

Even the demo name "Panaramic Twilight" is filled with mystery and wonder. Why did they misspell "Panoramic"? Was that their intention all along? Is that even what they meant? Nobody will ever know, and that only adds to the fuzzy fog surrounding this music.

Timeghoul - Tumultuous Travelings (1992)

timeghoul
Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA
Year: 1992

1. Rain Wound
2. The Siege
3. Gutspawn
4. Infinity Coda

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives Rating: 95% (1 review)
Last.fm

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These guys are the definition of "elegance", if that's even possible in old school Death Metal. What you find here is nothing like those myriad other bands spewing from every crevasse in the early 90s. I definitely detect a very unique and refined sound with a pinch of enigma. A very mystical sound exudes from this band, and you can't help but feel minuscule compared to this music, staring up in awe at the behemoth that is Timeghoul.

Atmosphere is a big deal, and Timeghoul certainly knows how to invoke it, as evidenced by the first track. It builds up from a sense of mystique, what with the saddening riffs and other soundscapes eventually collapsing into dominating chaos, exerting its power over the listener. Brilliantly crafted and an intoxicating listen. Highly recommended.

Belsebub - Elohim (1992)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1992

1. Chemical Warfare
2. Infected Organs
3. Masses to Reveal

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives Rating: 92% (1 review)
Last.fm

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Elohim was Belsebub's last offering to the Death Metal world, and their presence is sorely missed until this day. I would have very much liked to see these guys churn out something more, as they had some serious potential going for them.

This is a single; ignore the "EP" I tacked onto the end of the Mediafire link, I don't know what I was thinking then.

This album is a bit sharper in terms of production (but not too much!) and the riffs are more audible and grabbing. A great sense of melody is present here, especially on "Masses to Reveal". The song flows very nicely, and those infectious riffs saturate everything. Also, the single gives off a sort of vibe that somebody's chasing after you in the way it flows. Very cool!

Belsebub - Lord of Lucast (1990)

Note: Artwork unavailable

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1990

1. Satan Cross
2. One Of Darkness
3. Cannibal Minds
4. In The Mercy Of Satan
5. World Nightmares
6. Two Sides Of Life
7. Lord Of Lucast
8. Human Sacrifice

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These guys are ancient and one of the more obscure Swedeath bands that were popping up all over at the time. So what sets these guys apart from that classic old school Swedish DM sound? Dual vocals. A brand new concept at the time, nobody had even thought of using two separate vocalists in their DM. This is not to say they were the first, but their influence is certainly felt today. You get your basic death grunt, very deep and dirty, but there is also a higher pitched Autopsy-like set of vocals to accompany the growling. May have seemed like a bad idea at the time, but Belsebub managed to pull it off quite spectacularly. The two styles complement each other perfectly and it almost sounds like they're having a conversation, which makes this a very interesting, and attention-grabbing listen. Go for this if you're curious as to where it all started.