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- ALBUM REVIEWS -
- D -
- Dark Celebration [2009] Phlegeton - The Transcendence of Demon Lords -
Label: Paragon Records
Review by Mark Howitt
RATING: 5 \m/
Dark Celebration has been around for over a decade now and have just released a brand new full length release entitled Phlegeton – The Transcendence of Demon Lords. This Brazilian death metal band is not so much a typical death metal band as described my many sources. The sound Dark Celebration portrays has been compared to the likes of Morbid Angel, Deicide, and fellow Brazilians Krisiun, however I do not hear much of a comparison with these bands. Dark Celebration reminds me of a cross between thrashier death metal stuff like The Crown and I can definitely hear some early Goatwhore influence in there, especially with the vocals in some songs. The tracks on this album never let up in true Brazilian fashion, a constant whirlwind of fury, however there is much more experience to be gained from this band. It is safe to say though that Dark Celebration has a sound of their own which is often hard to find these days within a sea of monotonous striving artists.
However, that being said there is not so much energy or life going on within the passages of this album. Sure there is some catchy riffs and potential within the structures but Phlegeton has nothing that truly stands out or demands repeat listening. It must also be noted that tracks like “Sulphur” and “Legacy of Fire” have appeared on previous albums making the material on the new album not so new. The re-recordings of the songs sound much better than their predecessors however, having much more maturity in the overall production yet still lacks that grasping effect death metal albums often contain. For instance, the song “Sulpher” sounds like it actually goes off of the beat in a couple of spots and the thrashy riff in combination with the vocals and lyrics make it seem as though this band is still working off the first songs they had written. Perhaps this is not true, but in a world of top notch bands and a healthy worldwide scene, it will take a lot more than what this album offers to become a dominating force.
Perhaps my own personal pet peeve on the album is the vocals, sounding very annoying and amateurish at times. The spoken word part in Legacy of Fire nearly had me chuckling, along with the solo following. They do not hit the notes with the heavy vocals in a lot of parts and this distracts from what is happening musically greatly. Perhaps influenced mostly by old thrash stuff, in this writers opinion they do not blend well with the music at all. The music is very groove ridden and soaked with potential however perhaps with a more sinister sounding vocalist the songs would sound much more intense. I want to like this album, however this time around Phlegeton has not struck a nerve, and may never will. Five horns.
- De Magia Veterum [2009] Midgal Bavel -
Label: Transcendental Creations
Review by Mark Howitt
RATING: 8.5 \m/
De Magia Veterum is not your average Black Metal act, as they incorporate drastic industrial elements amidst the chaos of their second full length release “Migdal Bavel”. There really is no structure on this album, however this seems to be an efficient factor as the swirling mess of sound forms a very rusted aura about the music. With chaos comes order, however in the case of De Magia Veterum order has no place and is not welcomed warmly. This is some powerful stuff I assure you.
The Netherlands has always offered quality music and De Magia Veterum is no exception. All musical elements are handled by one man, who calls himself Mories, or simply ‘M’. M is also responsible for work in his other project Gnaw Their Tongues in which he is also the sole member. Perhaps M does not work well with others, but this does not matter as the music potrayed on “Migal Bavel” is truly genius. I am constantly reminded of acts such as Blut Aus Nord or early Anaal Nathrakh when I hear the album, however it is my opinion that although M perhaps takes influence from these acts, De Magia Veterum is truly in another mindset and plateau of existence. The melodies captured in tracks like ‘Curse of Canaan’ are truly mesmorizing. The riffing in ‘I am the Vine’ sounds like steel being grinded against skullbone. Chaos, true chaos.
This form of chaos captured in ambient form has always been an effective formula for Black Metal however De Magia Veterum far exceeds this threshold. Demons are listening to this in Hell I am certain. If you are looking for true evil captured in psychotic matrimony then look no further than “Migdal Bavel”. Complete with custom digipack, silver print on black cardboard, a truly unique album in its entirety. Transcendental Creations is a label that I was not aware of in the past, however it seems that they offer quality materials and my investigation into their world will now be under way.
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