BURZUM has been described as “music to make mortals dream,” and The Ways of Yore (Candlelight) will do just that, because it’ll put you to sleep. I guess living in France can’t be that cheap; it seems like Varg cranks records out once a year or so. I’m not going to delve into his politics, the fact that he’s a murderer or anything like that. This release is not black metal at all — not that anyone really expected that. Clocking in at a little over an hour, this is a fully realized dark ambient piece. It may seem like I like this; I don’t. This comes across like that part in Zeppelin’s “No Quarter,” you know, before it kicks into the jam. Certainly, this is no Filosofem. The synths here sound dated, a little like old Pink Floyd, and the whole album seems to drag a little too much for my pecking taste. There are parts here and there that don’t completely sound like overindulgent Rick Wakeman worship, but there’s no overall feeling of despair or dread. You certainly won’t be jamming this one on a road trip. So, like, get your pink underwear on and, I dunno, go get Filosofem if you want something like this. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzz. 3 Fucking Pecks.
I can’t say I’m too sure what to make of BLOODSOAKED‘s new one, Religious Apocalypse. It’s not really a record, because it’s like three new songs, some covers and some live stuff. The new songs are cool, guttural death metal that don’t just rely on pig grunts and blast beats. The material is strong and goes for the jugular. Old-school death metal that’s pretty mean, with a little groove. As far as the covers go, I don’t think you’ve lived until you’ve heard death metal versions of Cinderella and Ratt. The live songs here lend to the vibe of the record and let you know how good the “band” can be. Overall, this is a pretty fun release, and I’ve gotta say I’m glad I heard it, but I’m not sure I’d buy it. 6 Fucking Pecks.
So, I haven’t heard the new PHOBIA EP, Grindcore, on Deep Six, but I’m willing to bet that it rules. Phobia rules, and if you didn’t know, now you do.
Waldo out.
