| The First Wreath (Demo CDr) | 2005 | None |
What is most unique about these guys is the fact that they have two vocalists. One of them does dark yet majestic death metal grunts. The other one does black metal screams. When they combine forces they bring the music over the top and into slow yet pure aggression. I guess it can best be described as really malevolent.
Musically they rely on firm riffage with a pushy attitude, something that isn't very normal within the genre. Another interesting thing is the use of a cello in some of the tracks. While cellos are normally soothing and sombre, they have found a way to adapt it to their music.
While the lyrics obviously originate in depression and betrayal, they don't have any notable feeling of sadness in the music. Instead it's all about the searing pain inside the soul. In fact, it portrays that feeling so strongly that it almost feels like they have made it a bit too extreme to be recognizable for most who have felt that pain.
I would say that this is recommended listening for fans of bands such as My Shameful, Ningizzia, and Runemagick. They indeed do have a lot of similarities in both their aura and ways of music. Still I think this is quite original stuff. Just make sure that if you want a copy, go get it now as there will only be 123 copies made.
1. Prelude
2. The Wretched Of This Afterbirth
3. The Time Is Now
4. Signs Of That Grim Malady
Approx. 20 minutes
| Beneath The Frozen Soil / Negative Reaction Split CD (Split CD) | 2007 | Totalrust Music |
The four first tracks by Beneath The Frozen Soil are re-recordings or re-masterings of the demo 'The First Wreath'. There was a drum change in 'The Wretched Of This Afterbirth' that really bothered me, probably because I'm used to the demo, which have gotten a fair share of airplay in my living room. The remaining changes are all improvements according to my ears. In general, the music is less raw and some listeners might as such prefer the demo. But the main traits are still there, especially the double black and death vocals that are so characteristic. They remain as strong as ever. The fifth track is brand new. It follows the same dark style and will certainly feel right at home for those who like their other tracks.
Bands like Noothgrush and Grief both come to mind when listening to Negative Reaction. Negative Reaction might be less underground and obscure than them because of better recording equipment, but the similarities are many. All of them play heavy, chugging, slow and hate-filled sludge/doom. The core influences like the vokills and socially accusing lyrics also hint towards the old school of sludgecore. One of the main differences that seperate Negative Reaction from the other two is the excessive heaviness and strong focus on bass. In short, they've got most of the qualities that one would look for in a sludge band and the agression is especially a strong point in their music.
This extreme doom metal split is printed in a total of 1000 copies, which should make it accessible for most. I'd also consider it to be a good buy for those who want a more than decent agressive doom record.
Beneath The Frozen Soil:
1. Preludium
2. The Wretched Of This Afterbirth
3. The Time Is Now
4. Signs Of That Grim Malady
5. So Still, So Overwhelmingly Silent
Negative Reaction:
6. Origin of Hurt
7. Shroud
8. Wish You Were Dead
9. Origin of Hurt part II
Approx. 53 minutes