Apostate (Fin) - Flight Of The Halcyon (1999)

Genre: (Melodic) Death Metal
Country: Finland
Year: 1999

1. Bewitched by thy Flame
2. Hunger for Blood
3. Flight of the Halcyon
4. Pakkasukko

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Here's another band I don't see much around the nets. Started off as Apostate and is now Godskill and still hasn't produced much in the past years, so who knows where this project is right now. So this is me keeping it alive!

As hinted in the genre descriptor, this one's got a melodic fringe to it. It's trying to be death metal, it really is, but what we're left with in the end is Death Metal Lite^TM. That's not to say it's bad, of course!

Not sure the best way to describe the vocals beyond that it sounds as if he's straining like he is going to blow a blood vessel or something. We've also got some mediocre clean vocals thrown in, but it's the guitar work that makes the demo.

"Hunger For Blood" has some incredible tremolo riffing throughout and for the most part, the riffs are pretty damn catchy. It's a shame they're set so far back in the mix, though.

Funereum - Re-Velatio (1996)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Italy
Year: 1996

1. Great Silver Eye
2. Re-Velatio
3. Moonless Night
4. Black Silence
5. Of an Endless Farewell
6. Time Will Cure Me
7. Dreaming of Eternal Sadness

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Italy seems to do that whole melody thing quite well and Funereum are no exception. Here we have a moody and darkly melodic piece of gloomy doom/death. The first song starts out with the rhythmic chime of a bell followed by spastic guitars exploding into melodic keyboards. Right off the bat you know you can expect something a bit different from the norm.

As melody ensues, female vocals burst through the foggy production complemented by violins and just when you though it couldn't get any more varied, the usual harsh male vocals change to clean! Not entirely sure what to make of these, but they're used sparingly.

All of that in the first song!

The rest of the demo follows suit, hinting at an urgent sense of impending doom. Ominous synths permeate the atmosphere as much as cheery keyboards add light to the darkness. And I haven't even touched upon the guitars! Quality riffs meld wonderfully with the other instruments showing just how beautiful something called death metal can be.

The back half of this demo emphasizes the doom n' gloom with some catchy rhythms and more female vocal showcasing. Hell, "Of An Endless Farewell" is 100% woman! Some truly unique metal and quite a refreshment from trudging through the veil of darkness surrounding traditional doom/death metal. Recommended.

Chamber of Dismay - Dark Clouds (1993)

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

1. Intro
2. Forgotten Woods
3. Simerion Winter

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

From the obscure depths of Finland (and where it's likely to remain) is Chamber of Dismay. Not much is known about this band; not even the names of the band members! It's too difficult to discern their names from the only tiny scan on the internet... so please, if anybody has any information regarding this band, come forward! Just wanna give credit where credit is due. :)

On to the music. A relatively quick demo here; hardly a sampler of this low-key, melodic Doom/Death Metal. This is the only demo from these guys, and it was likely a side project of some sort that never got off the ground. Two songs and a demo, and unfortunately they suffer from poor production; way too much bass in the background and everything seems far back in the mix. I occasionally describe music as "suffocating", but I suppose this is the true definition of the word. Could definitely use a remaster and re-release!

As previously mentioned, there is a fair amount of melody here, similar to Cauteror. A single, lonely guitar breaks loose from the filth and grime, making this an almost sorrowful demo. Not terribly much in the way of song structure, and the songs can get a little long without variation, but the riffs are pleasant, and I'd go as far as to classify this under the "easy listening" category of Doom/Death Metal. It's quick, it's simple.

Internal Putrefaction - What Prophets Foretold (1997)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Netherlands
Year: 1997

1. The Rudiments In Dm (Intro)
2. When Trepedation Turns Into A Qualm
3. Public Ceremony
4. Metaphisical Awaiting
5. Lacerated Stigmatization
6. Aqua Tofana
7. The Age Of Enlightenment (Outro)

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Beginning with an eerie, foreboding, and almost majestic intro (could this be what the prophets foretold?), we're quickly lead into fast and furious riffing that doesn't let up until the exact midpoint of the second track with a desperate call out to the heavens. From this stage on, a more melodic direction is taken with impressive riffing and enveloping song structure.

Not too sure if this is a concept demo or what, but I certainly like it. Church bells ring, surrounded by confused religious cries with atmospheric melodies scattered throughout. What Prophets Foretold has a unique sad sound, separating itself from the rest of the pack for a refreshing and intoxicating listen.

With a name like Internal Putrefaction, this is the absolute last type of music I expected... but it works exceedingly well. I haven't been able to track down their 1991 demo (somebody hook me up!), but I'd take a gander that it's down and dirty Death Metal, more deserving of its name. However, this 1997 effort has a very mature sound, deeper and more meaningful than any ol' DM band. Not sure where these guys went wrong after this demo, but I'm sad they did, because they've got talent. Recommended.

Cauteror - They Fell... (1993)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Netherlands
Year: 1993

1. Before I End My Breathing
2. They Fell
3. Night Has Ceased
4. On Wings Of Blasphemy

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

I mentioned these guys in my last post, and so a bright idea dawned on me... why not post them on this blog? BRILLIANT. I know. And what's even better, is that the front man behind this genius band is none other than Mories from Gnaw Their Tongues! Expect great things from this four-song demo...

Probably the most overwhelming genre descriptor for They Fell... is DOOM. The Death Metal pops up in the vocal style, with sprinkles of melody scattered throughout. Very slow paced and deliberate, the crunchy, muffled guitars slowly plod along, with lightning bolts of melodic riffing striking down on the musical caravan every step of the way. The atmosphere invoked here is otherworldly... not quite sure how to describe it, but suffice to say that it is the sound of somber sorrow. Very slow-paced, it's an almost sad sound. Especially notable is the title track. When the chorus singing "they fell" breaks out, it's overwhelming, to say the least. The kind of music that you just submit yourself to, accepting that it is better than you, and allowing yourself to fuse with it on a visceral level.

This demo strikes many a chord within me, and regardless of how cliche that sounds, this is something that simply cannot be ignored. Highly recommended.

Godcrucifier - Jerusalem (1994)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Italy
Year: 1994

1. In the Mist
2. Useless Tears
3. Genesis
4. Jerusalem

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Godcrucifier’s breakthrough release, Jerusalem! The perfect blend of doom, death, and sorrowful melody, all contained in a rough, scratchy atmosphere, ready to blow you away. The first band I thought of when listening to this was Cauteror, which probably doesn’t mean much to you all, since it’s about as obscure as this band. Oh well! Herein you’ll find alternating switches between rocking Doom/Death and bizarre, melodic interlude passages. On the first song “In the Mist” there is even some tape manipulation and it sounds as if the tape is rewinding; obviously included to help further the atmosphere and strangeness found within! Overall a great song, look out for parts like at 4:20, which just sound like the atmosphere itself is collapsing all over the place! Neat stuff, to say the least.

The rest of the demo follows suit, the two promo songs have been cleaned up and appear sharper here, with the riffs clearer and more hard-hitting. The vocal performance on all of these songs consists of a heavy male vocalist, growling menacingly in tune with the music—the kind of “creeping” vocals, where it sounds like the guy is gonna getcha! Also mixed in are some clean vocals, if not just serving the purpose to shake things up a bit.

“Jerusalem” is one hell of a track to finish it all off, and features one of the best introduction minutes I’ve ever heard in a song, slowing creeping into a withering whisper and infectious acoustic guitar..ing. The transition into the metal part of the song is seamless, and keeps the whispers, while layering the acoustic on top of the electric guitars. Really cool effect, and the subpar production actually helps with the throbbing, depressive doom of some of the main riffing parts. A liberating song, and you’ll sure as hell feel it when listening!

Overall a fantastic demo, and a great effort from these heathen bastards. It’s amazing how a band with such a blunt name can make such beautiful music. Recommended!

Godcrucifier - Promo 1993 (1993)

Note: Artwork unavailable

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Italy
Year: 1993

1. Useless Tears
2. Genesis

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

What we have here is very riff-centric Doom/Death Metal. It has a certain grooving beat to it, often repetitive in nature, with sprouts of melody flowing throughout in the forms of guitar solos, energetic riffs, or soothing keyboard interludes. It can get rather hypnotic at times, plodding slowly into the depths of doom… doing so in style!

This is just a promo, mind you, so the production isn’t so hot, the instrumentation and vocals are often a bit muffled, but this is some quality stuff in the end. These two tracks were later rerecorded on their much better Jerusalem demo in 1994! Look out for it!

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)

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

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

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

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!

Ars Onirica - Utopia: A Winternight's Traveller (2004)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Italy
Year: 2004

1. Grey
2. Married in Death
3. Dellamorte Dellamore
4. Wounds

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Dunno where I stumbled across Ars Onirica; perhaps it was because I noticed one of their songs, "Dellamorte Dellamore" shared the same title as one of my favorite movies, but regardless, this really isn't a bad bit of modern metal!

Emphasis on the melody, the first song "Grey" opens with an acoustic intro, setting up the majestic atmosphere that's to follow. Calm and calculated metal with a few great vocal melodies, both harsh and clean, Ars Onirica delivers a breath of fresh air into Italy's metal scene with this release. It's a pity they split up, since this listener feels that they were well on their way.

Not entirely chill, this demo has its angry moments, but for the most part, Utopia keeps up a serene atmosphere. Those clean vocals might catch you off guard, but as long as you come into this demo not expecting anything like what's already on this blog, you'll find it very much enjoyable.

Graveless - Eternal Lies (1999)

Genre: Doom/Death Metal
Country: Norway
Year: 1999

1. Eternal Lies
2. Nothing's Sacred
3. Morbid Visions
4. Tears From the Blind

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Wow! This is one hell of a lively and energetic recording, without intending to be! Some of the most emotional vocals saturate the music displayed here, and most likely, the first thing that stands out to the listener is the downright infectious and catchy vocal lines. The way they mesh perfectly with the music and induce foot-tapping is something otherworldly. I haven't had this much fun rocking out to a doomy Death Metal release in a long time. In addition to the harsh vocals are nonchalant, laidback clean vocals first displayed in "Nothing's Sacred" (one of this EP's highlights). They come out of nowhere, but fit so well, I often find myself throwing that short bit toward the latter half on repeat.

The very same melodic tinge is brought pack from the 1994 demo Portrait of Pain, mostly found in the short, but simple riffing style and occasional atmospheric guitar solo. For the most part, relatively upbeat and exciting, just a blast to listen to!

Monasterial Crypt - Stárí (1999)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Czech Republic
Year: 1999

1. Odevzdávání (Intro)
2. Strach
3. Andìl
4. Sklenìné Vìže
5. Sen
6. Podzim a Stárí
7. Hloubka Skrytých Smyslù
8. Holotropie (Bonus)
9. Zapomenuté Bytí (Bonus)
10. Spálená Já (Bonus)
11. Zahrada Radosti a Smutku (Outro)

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

How should I put this... this is a very, er, persistent release. Not that it's particularly fast-paced (hell, it's doom, yeah?), but the riffing style is sort of Hellenic in that it's very quick and up and down like a roller coaster. Difficult to explain.

The guitars seem to take a back seat in the mix, and as a whole, this album feels a bit thin. Still, that actually works for Monasterial Crypt, as it gives Stárí that detached feel that allows for the listener to "choose their own adventure", marveling over the guitars or vocals. Me? I prefer to find the best in both; I'm just saying it's possible to listen to this album a variety of ways (adding to replay value!).

Two types of vocals are employed: harsh, gurgling male and billowy, female sing-song vocals, both sung gorgeously in Czech, making this album hard to ignore. It continues to grow on me with every listen!

Odium - Decay (2008)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Russia
Year: 2008

1. Decay
2. The Last Spring
3. Storm

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

A relatively recent release, Odium have sprung up out of nowhere (read: Russia) with this incredibly well-polished demo of impressive melodic proportions. They've since changed their name to Inner Missing, and perhaps I'll throw their other EP up here sometime, but for now, I'm really into this one! Only three songs, but all fairly long and in-depth, displaying an artistic talent, full of life and energy. They've got a knack for coming up with infectious guitar leads and lethal melodies to keep the listener hooked all throughout

Lethargy - The Dark Embrace of Silence (1999)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Greece
Year: 1999

1. Celestial Tears
2. Spleen In The Morning Mist
3. Where The Wind Whispers Your Name
4. Under A Broken Moon
5. As My Soul Bewails
6. Veils Of Sorrow
7. These Bitter Words

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Greece is my new favorite country for music. Such talent coming in such small, unrecognized bursts! This is very melodic in that gorgeous melodies are employed regularly, giving this a very sophisticated and sorrowful sound. Catchy riffing meshes beautifully with both male and female vocals to create an atmospheric and majestic air about it. Moody and depressing in some respects, both harsh and clean vocal styles are utilized, and the operatic singing blends fantastically with the female operatics, complementing each other quite nicely, before dipping into doomy Death Metal chugging with harsh vocals. Great contrast throughout this album, with myriad instruments used, including, but not limited to, synths and flutes! Unique, to say the least, and a very engaging listen! Recommended!

Engraved - Before the Tales (1994)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Year: 1994

1. Winter Sleep
2. Shores Of Despair (A Storm, pt. II)
3. Calm And Crimson

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

I don't know if it's because I've become jaded of late or what, but I've been hard-pressed for some GOOD music recently. It's bands like Engraved that, well, they keep me young. It's incredibly rare for me to come across a band displaying such a youthful, invigorating energy as this one. Believe me, I search high and low all over the damned place seeking out the best of the best, and I can recommend you Before the Tales with the utmost confidence that you will enjoy it.

Only three songs, but each of them delivers such an emotional punch, I'm left on my knees, entirely at its mercy, wondering where the hell they disappeared to! I want more! Often times very melodic with powerful guitar solos and upbeat riffing, this definitely borders more on "happy" Death Metal, if such a thing exists. Each and every song is in itself a highlight, a masterpiece. I haven't regarded a demo this highly in a while, since Depression (Rus), so you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to grab this while it's hot.

Depression - Распятье Богов (1995) [Remastered and Original]

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Russia
Year: 1995

1. Де Сад
2. Зона Смерти
3. Инквизитор
4. Меланхолия
5. Предсмертный сон

Download at Mediafire [Original]
Download at Mediafire [Remastered]
Metal Archives
Last.fm

NOTE: Use 7zip when decompressing the archives. WinRAR might have trouble with the Cyrillic characters.

—————————————————————

HOLY SHIT

I have no idea where I came across this absolutely massive, obscure Russian demo, but I am sure as hell glad I did. One of the best demos my ears have had the pleasure of imbibing and they cannot thank me enough!

Monstrously huge, expansive Doom/Death Metal, with a heavy emphasis on the Doom. The tracks are quite lengthy, often extending past the ten minute mark, with an average of about 9 minutes each, allowing for multitudes of varying degrees of experimentation and gripping melodies. There's a little bit for everybody; often melodic, but at the same time crushingly heavy and suffocating, aided by the overpowering vocals. Evoking nostalgic and eye-opening atmosphere, I sit here stunned, mouth open, entirely at the mercy of this hypnotic and haunting obscurity. Long, winding instrumental passages saturate throughout, thick with melody and entrancement.

No other information about this band. Hell, their MA page hasn't been updated since the day this demo was submitted two years ago. Consider this a feast for the ears, a real treat to behold. Breathtaking.

EDIT 03/06/2012

Depression's classic 1995 demo has been remastered and rereleased in 2010. Link is included.

Visceral Evisceration - Rehearsal 1994 (Unreleased Tracks) (1994)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Austria
Year: 1994

1. Unreleased Rehearsal Track
2. Butchered Magnificence
3. Impassioned Arousal (Jam Session)
4. Chewing Female Genital Parts (Stoned Accoustic Reh.)
5. I Am Enamoured (Of Dead Bodies) (Reh.)
6. Chewing Female Genital Parts (Reh.)
7. Tender Flesh... on the Bier (Reh.)

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Just when you thought you had it all... here's one more thing for the truly dedicated Visceral Evisceration fan: a rehearsal tape containing seven full recordings from rehearsal sessions during September/October of 1994, after the full-length was released.

Included are two more unreleased tracks, one untitled, and the other "Butchered Magnificence". Both sound more like what you'd expect from Visceral Evisceration, compared to the other rehearsals on this blog, probably due to the fact that these are later recordings, after they settled into their sound. In fact, there is a possibility that those other rehearsals aren't even Visceral Evisceration, although they certainly sound like them, and there's no denying the "Gangling Menstrual Blood-Broth for Supper" rehearsal track.

The first unreleased track is very riff oriented, while the second focuses more on drumming.

But wait, there's more! Also on this tape is an earlier recording of the song "Impassioned Arousal" from the Promo 1995, and an acoustic version of "Chewing Female Genital Parts". They were possibly stoned, although I've been told that they didn't usually smoke at their rehearsals. Regardless, an incredibly interesting take on this classic song.

Closing out the rehearsal are rehearsed versions of the two songs that weren't featured on the 1993 demo Savour of the Seething Meat, and what appears to be their favorite track, "Tender Flesh... on the Bier".

You're welcome.

Absurd Existence - Silence (1993)

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

1. Intro/Gates of Nemesis
2. Silence
3. Earth Rape
4. Myself in You
5. Theds
6. Psychopatic phobia

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Hailing from Germany, Absurd Existence play a very melodic and melancholic style of Doom/Death, reminiscent of Visceral Evisceration. I'm not saying they sound anything like VE, but there are those occasional piercing riffs that just make your spine shiver and your mouth salivate. I much prefer the approach on the full-length, mainly because the production is better. For this style of music, clean production is a must, and the muddled feel of "Silence" kinda takes away from the epic feel that you should be experiencing. Also, the vocals are a bit high in the mix, sometimes drowning out the beautiful guitar work. Still, the vocals themselves are fantastic and very raspy, perfect for the doomy goodness encapsulated within them. There are also some more wild higher-pitched growls as well! Great demo, and something different. Look out for their full-length!

Absurd Existence - Angelwings (1994)

Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Country: Germany
Year: 1994

1. Sorrow
2. Black Sun
3. Beyond All Beauty
4. Dawn Of Lies
5. ...And We Dream
6. At The Gates Of Nemesis
7. Ode To The Setting Sun
8. Silence
9. Carried By The Wings Of An Angel

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Back again, with their only full-length, entitled "Angelwings", these Germans created one hell of a masterpiece. Even more melodic than their demo (didn't think that was possible), these guys really know how to write riffs and write them well. My ears keep telling me I'm listening to Visceral Evisceration and Rapture, but there are also original elements to the music, making this stand out over those pansy melodeath bands. Still retaining their Doom/Death genre, it feels like the melody is separated from the music itself, which sounds funky, but it actually works very well. There are alternating sections between downtuned riffing and slow, sludgy Death Metal, and also parts that are basically minute long guitar solos, making for some very nice contrast. They have an orgasmic habit of slowing the music down, then speeding it up while turning on the riffing making some sections completely overwhelming in the best way possible. My heart begins to race and I just want MORE! Recommended.

Dawn of Might - Dawn of Might (2006)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: France
Year: 2006

1. Crawling Away
2. Eternal Trip
3. Roots of our Pain

Download at Mediafire
Metal Archives
Last.fm

—————————————————————

Okay, so this might be breaking the rules a bit, as this isn't exactly OSDM but hey, this is my blog so fuck you! I actually opted to throw these guys up here because they're relatively new and seemed to have gained absolutely zero attention thus far. I'm convinced that that's because they're not trying or really half-assing it. I mean, take a look at their Myspace. Only a couple hundred views, two friends (including Tom), no photo, no bio, no other inforamation, and nothing in the music player. Last.fm: one listener (me!) and two plays. Jeepers, these guys really know how to promote their work.

Anyway, I'm here to take that task off their hands. Yay! Dawn of Might! This really isn't half bad, but pretty much nothing like the rest of the stuff on this blog. You'll notice that after the quick ambient intro, we're hit hard with... a melodeath riff. Happy, and full of life, like a giddy schoolboy skipping down the hallway. Okay, so it's not that bad, I was just feeling a creative writing spurt (which is odd, considering it's 4 in the morning here, and quite evident by the fact that I'm incoherently rambling). Ahem, I'm hoping you're all enjoying this as much as I am.

Relatively slow-paced, and seemingly sticking with the same basic riffing style all the way through, this demo sounds like it would plod on without end, but I managed to make it through in one go. An enjoyable listen, and nothing too straining on the ol' ears!