Musica Eternal - De Tenebrae (1993)

Genre: Death/Black/Electronic Metal
Country: France
Year: 1993

1. Intro
2. Book Of The Dead Names
3. The Door Painted In The Sky
4. The Doom
5. Tenebrae
6. Nocturnal Eternal

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Here's something most of you probably haven't heard... and for good reason, too! Have you seen the genre description!? Fortunately, Musica Eternal does it well with some strange synthesized, drum-programmed Black/Death Metal. There are times where it seems more Black than others, but the Death does come out to play every so often, with the two styles fusing together quite fluently, making this a great success in experimentation, especially considering the time it was recorded at. They only released this one demo (maybe another), before disappearing forever.

The synths are used to a great extent on this demo, and have an eerily calming effect, amidst the metallic chaos everywhere else. Often cross-cutting (yes, I can describe music with film terms) between the synths and cutting guitars, great contrast is present, especially on the "Tenebrae" and "Nocturna Eternal" (best on the demo) track. Hell, there's even chanting and church bells going off! Truly a find from way out of left field, this is definitely something well worth listening to after taking a break from your traditional Black and Death Metal.

Strange... and highly intriguing...

Candle Serenade - Nosferatu's Passion (1995)

Genre: Melodic Black/Doom/Death Metal
Country: Portugal
Year: 1995

1. Overture
2. Balakian Rider
3. Chama Iberica
4. Celtic Lir's Sons (Sad Erin's Legend)
5. Interlude For Gothic Kings
6. Spell Of Carpathian Winter
7. Transylvanic Mistress
8. Last Vampire Dance (Finale)

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Nosferatu's Passion is one of those albums that grows on you. But here's the thing, it's not like after the first listen, you won't recognize the beauty and talent behind it. I was awestruck after first listening, and even more so with each subsequent listen.

The main vocalist is female, and does her death growls in a damn fine manner, indistinguishable from a male! And here's the kicker--she's got a gorgeous operatic voice, which she employs whenever she gets the chance! A true treat for the ears and just a privilege to listen to.

Gothic undertones permeate this release, and we're often subject to melodic instruments like piano and flute, as well as creative guitar riffing, building off of and perfecting the style they founded in their demo. The production is much cleaner and sharper, highlighting every riff and vocal trick.

Very doom-oriented, with some ridiculously catchy and engaging song structures, this is one that should be remembered for ages.

Candle Serenade - Tales From Walpurgis (1994)

Genre: Melodic Black/Doom/Death Metal
Country: Portugal
Year: 1994

1. Tales From Walpurgis

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Formed in 1993, Candle Serenade released their first demo, Tales from Walpurgis a year later. This should be called a single or whatever, considering there's only one song, but hey! Who gives a shit! It's music, and I know that's all that matters.

This is basically a mini preview of what's to come in their masterpiece album, Nosferatu's Passion. The production is a bit lacking, but it has all the fundamental elements present, in a raw, stripped-down form. There are female vocals, and a standard death rasp, bordering on Black Metal monotony. There is slight melody (you'll see more in the full-length). Consider this a sampler!

Abnorm - Schemes of Hate and Denial (2009)

Genre: Black/Death Metal
Country: France
Year: 2009

1. Intro
2. Occularis Infernum (The Devilish Contemplations)
3. The Dead End Path Passenger
4. Schemes of Hate and Denial

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This was released quite a while ago, back in February, but seems to have garnered absolutely zero attention. Bummer. A big, fat zero plays on Last.fm, and they really deserve more. Delving heavily in Black Metal territory, we hear many fast-paced, tremolo-picked riffs, but there's also a death/doomy side to things. The second track is a great example of this contrast; it starts a pure Black Metal ferocity, and about two thirds in, all of a sudden we're hit with some death/doom, and it sounds just like an old school Death Metal band. The vocals are very energetic and full of life, mostly death-based, and a great addition to the furious music. The riffs can be really cool at points, and are always very fast, so you know you'll never be left feeling unsatisfied after this first effort! A fantastic start for a band that I'm sure will go places rather quickly.

Endless Carnage - Black Empire (2006)

Genre: Death/Black Metal
Country: Brazil
Year: 2006

1. Black Empire
2. Warriors Of The Darkness
3. Total Devastation
4. To The Obscure Way

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I don't even remember where I found these recordings; I was just surfing through my library the other day, came across them, and decided to throw 'em up on the ol' blog. Endless Carnage play music as their name suggests: total chaos and really hateful Death Metal with a nice Blackened tinge on the side. The production is very raw and underproduced, especially when it comes to distinguishing the drums; they are seemingly out there, separated from the rest of the music. Still, and enjoyable and entertaining listen. Not exactly the most impressive stuff out there, but they are still fairly unknown, so it can't hurt to give these guys a shot!

Plus, they're from Brazil, and Brazil is automatically awesome when it comes to Death and Black Metal!

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.