Kvikksølvguttene - Gamlem (1997)

Genre: Death Metal
Country: Norway
Year: 1997

1. Skullcrusher (Vomit cover)
2. Grave Violator
3. Violent Death

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You all remember that old Norwegian Death Metal band from the mid to late 80s? Vomit? OF COURSE YOU DO. Well, this is an attempt by some of the members to reform the band, under a different name. Expect more jokes, but do not be discouraged, as this is very listenable music. The name Kvikksølvguttene means The Mercury/Quicksilver Boys, which is an ironic reference to the famous Norwegian choir called The Silverboys. Already, you know you're in for something good. ;)

Gamlem was the name of a Norwegian man who was beaten to death in a gay hate crime in Sofienberg Park in 1991, so despite the raucous nature of these guys, they're conscious enough to raise social awareness! Not quite sure what the intention was exactly since the music they're recording is rather violent in itself, but let's look on the greener side of things and assume it was in good nature! ;D

The music on this EP consists of three quick songs, the longest being the last, "Violent Death", and also includes a cover of the former band, Vomit, back in its glory days, the eerily catchy tune "Skullcrusher". Hell, most of the material here is just rehashed Vomit stuff, rewritten for new songs, as well as some unrecorded material left over. Great riffs to rock out to, and vocals old school to the bones; a bunch of guys making music for the hell of it, the way it should be!

Beyond Dawn - Heaven's Dark Reflection (1991)

Genre: Old School Doom/Death Metal
Country: Norway
Year: 1991

1. The Underworld (Intro)
2. The Mourner
3. Baphomet's Refuge
4. Epitaph
5. God
6. Second Nature
7. The Sound of Wings
8. The Tempest

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Beyond Dawn's second effort, and it does sound like they're settling into a sound, and picking a direction to go. Much more cleaned up from their last demo, they chose the melodic, faster-paced Death Metal route, with traces of technicality. Heavy use of bass is incorporated, along with the guitarists showing off their skill.

The vocals range from the dark rasp we heard on the first demo, to a squealing, hissing growl, upping the evil-magnitude a few notches. The vocals even have melody to them, and seem to rock with the music, which doesn't happen much in Death Metal! This is especially noticeable on "Epitaph".

As previously mentioned, the demo is sped up as a whole, although the occasional doom element is still tastefully employed. It seems that the band is moving towards a more groove-oriented, jamming sound (the beginnings of their electronic career). However, this makes the demo a very enjoyable listen, and easy to get into!

Recommended because this is unique!

Beyond Dawn - Tales From an Extinguished World (1990)

Genre: Old School Doom/Death Metal
Country: Norway
Year: 1990

1. Beyond Dawn
2. Blind In Ritual
3. Nemosis Symphosis

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Beyond Dawn were (are) a Norwegian band whose earlier works comprised of a doomy, plodding death metal sound, and later evolved into electronic (?). Not sure where and how that change was inspired, but hey, let's ignore the Beyond Dawn of today, and instead highlight the Beyond Dawn of yesterday.

Straight up Doom/Death, often with a melodic tinge, like in the first song. Powerful guitar leads erupt out of nowhere, loud and contrasting with the muffled doooooom. These guys obviously haven't settled on their sound, and you can tell just by listening to the music speed up to grindcore status, then slow down to painfully slow chugging, which the occasional guitar solo and creative riffing thrown in here and there.

Beware, this tape rip sucks, but it's the best I could find... probably a generation 3 or 4 rip by the sound of it. Still, production has never bothered me, and if you're reading this blog, there's a good chance you're into old school DM, so it shouldn't bother you, either!

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

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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!

Graveless - Portrait of Pain (1994)

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

1. Portrait of Pain
2. Sorrow
3. Demoniacal Possession
4. Evil Shades
5. Mind in Despair
6. Dying Thoughts

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A very unique band, I really can't say I've heard much of anything else like this. The recording's from 1994, but the style and energy displayed is from an entirely different time period... another reality somewhere out there.

Often quite melodic (even more so on the EP) without meaning to be, and a lot of this stuff is just straight up catchy; the kind of stuff that grabs your attention on the first listen, and never looks back, yet also never gets old or stagnant. Intoxicating riffs find their place spattered throughout, often a bit repetitive, but they're so good that it makes no difference! The vocals consist of a low rasp, which is changed on the EP. Great stuff!