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- ALBUM REVIEWS -
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- TRIBULATION [2008] The Horror -
Label: Pulverized Records
Review by Mark Howitt
RATING: 8 \m/
Yet another solid fucking slab from the good people at Pulverized Records. This labels roster is impressing me more and more, and Tribulation’s latest offering The Horror is no exception. Upon hearing the intro, I was perhaps expecting some keyboard soaked Black Metal but instead was treated to a menacing yet simplistic Thrash/Black/Death hybrid. Full of catchy hooks and upbeat tempos, Tribulation are a force to be reckoned with. From the first song “Crypt of Thanatophilia” to the closing and fitting Apocalypse now sample used as the outro to the album on “Graveyard Ghouls”, I was taken through Hell and back on a twisting roller coaster ride. The outro is perfectly fitting indeed, as the listener hears Marlon Brando’s repeated whispers saying “The Horror…”
It would almost seem that everything on the album is at its perfect blend, the drum beats and cymbal work used is very effective, and combined with great black metal influenced raspy vocals and catchy thrash based riffs, we are left with an album that demands repeated listening. Personal favourite tracks include “Sacreligious Darkness”, “Crypt of Thanatophilia” and “Beyond The Horror”. The band successfully blends classic sounding thrash solos in with the mix, however this in my opinion is the weakest point on the album. The solos are good, don’t get me wrong, but I think by the next album the skills will be much enhanced. By no means however are the solos lacking, because they fit the music quite well. Near perfection, is the best way to describe this.
All members of the band do their parts well, and the song writing skills contained on “The Horror” is excellent. Production is also done very well, leaving a fulfilling listening experience. The album art is also quite impressive, wrapping up the package quite nicely. Big things are in store for Tribulation in the future, and with Pulverized Records backing them up only time will tell what the next release shall hold. If you like Thrash/Black/Death hybrid bands then do yourself a favour and give this album a listen. I am almost certain you will be impressed by the outcome.
- THRONE OF KATARSIS [2009] Helvete - Det Iskalde Mørket -
Label: Candlelight Records
Review by Mark Howitt
RATING: 7 \m/
Throne of Katarsis have recently unleashed their second full-length attack in the form of “Helvete – Det Iskalde Mørket” on Candlelight Records, and I must say I am quite impressed with the end result. They have managed to capture the old school Norwegian Black Metal sound we have all grown accustomed to in bands such as Dissection, Emperor, and Burzum without exceeding or for that matter, cut corners with production. A raw, yet atmospheric production blesses this release, as a clear and mastered mix would not have done these songs justice. Perfection through imperfection, as they say.
What we have here are five solid tracks of Melodic Black Metal, with songs clocking in at over fifteen minutes in length. Very solid tracks, which never seem to stay too focused on riffs or sections of the songs. The riffing on this album, together with the vocals is very influenced by the late Dissection. Many bands are influenced by them, but it would seem that Throne of Katarsis have really studied their formula. This album sounds like it could have been the third Dissection album, if of course Jon was not imprisoned. Some riffs even sound like they are taken straight from the earlier Dissection albums. A very striking resemblance, however there is a significant difference in the approach that Throne of Katarsis has taken. For instance, the Attila influenced vocals near the 6:30 mark into the first track, “The Winds of Blasphemy”. There are several other comparisons to other bands that could be listed here, which does take from the originality factor but due to the variety and dimension of the songs, Throne of Katarsis are harvesting their own sound.
Personal favorites on the album include The Darkest Path, with its sluggish yet dark, atmospheric intro and the seventeen minute title track. This album is thorough in its intent, and full of solid Black Metal structures fans of the genre have grown to love. I would recommend this album to anyone who has been searching for a band that keeps the old tradition alive. Throne of Katarsis are not afraid to pay homage to the Kings of Black Metal Past, carrying the torch with yet another solid release of Norwegian Black Metal. Keeping the essence of Helvete alive and well, dark things continue to brew from our Scandinavian friends.
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