49th part of short reviews.
BEWITCHER – Under the Witching Cross
Year of release: 2019
Label: Shadow Kingdom Records
Rating: 6,7 / 10
Last year I had the pleasure of reviewing the single “Too Fast for the Flames”, which preceded the release of this album. Then I was delighted with the ardent energy of the American group and its 100% old-school style. As it turned out, BEWITCHER is best taken in small doses. “Under the Witching Cross”, being sustained in the spirit of Heavy / Speed Metal with a bit of devilry, or some reason begins to tire after 5 minutes. Perhaps the main fault lies with extremely inexpressive vocals, but the music is quickly losing its catchiness as well. Usually I like albums similar to “Under the Witching Cross”, but this record just doesn’t work for me.
GRIFTESKYMFNING – Bedrövelsens Härd
Year of release: 2019
Label: Darker Than Black Records
Rating: 7 / 10
Another new album from the members of GRAV. Unlike “Svart Materia”, this one has a more decent sound and, as a result, is more convincing. The classic “vampyric" atmosphere of darkness and antiquity, depth, primitive synths and old-fashioned melodiousness - all that you need. For those who like to circle on leathery wings around black and white castles in the light of the full moon.
PERVERTED CEREMONY / WITCHCRAFT – Nighermancie / Black Candle Invoker
Year of release: 2019
Label: Nuclear War Now! Productions
Rating: 7 / 10
New work with the participation of the Belgians PERVERTED CEREMONY - a group that, unfortunately, is still more active than its adorable sister MOENEN OF XEZBETH. PE, like their Finnish split partners, are adherents of the most primitive occult metal once represented by the great BEHERIT. However, there is less chaos. Aside from that, everything is as it should be: from a dull analog sound to burping vocals and synthesizer parts made from one note. All in all, everything is perfectly fine, but for some reason it leaves me indifferent.
PLAGUE WEAVER – Plague Weaver
Year of release: 2019
Label: self-release
Rating: 6 / 10
A project of former bassist of AZARATH and DAMNATION, who emigrated to Canada. Dark doomy metal with anti(?)religious themes, made in a not very carefully disguised home sound. Pretty solemn music, but, in my opinion, its path does not lead anywhere. Rather, it's just a personal statement about something important to the author. However, the release of EP this year indicates that the musician has some ambitious plans, so I am probably wrong.
ARES KINGDOM – By the Light of Their Destruction
Year of release: 2019
Label: Nuclear War Now! Productions
Rating: 6,8/ 10
The latest album of the old pals from ARES KINGDOM is a reason for an excitement among the western underground metal listeners, but I again remain perplexed. Something in the music of these respected people breaks me. In general, they are great: they have both aggression and youthful anger, real militancy (with such a name, it can be only that way!). There is a living spirit of a very old school, and they play riffs. However, their music is too American for me, or something. It feels like second grade classic Death Metal from Florida. Everything is cool, but I won't come back.
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