Band: REV 16:8
Title: Ashlands
Label: AFM Records
Distribution: Sure Shot Worx / Rock Inc.
Release date: April 8th 2011
Review: CD

REV 16:8 were evoked about three years ago from the remains of Bloodshed, originally as a quintet. After a while, two members left, not being replaced (yet), so the remaining members (Talon, Nefastus and Pata) continue as a trio at this very moment.
In 2009 the band released the debut, Grand Tidal Rave, through Temple Of Darkness Records – a very highly appreciated album, even voted as ‘album of the month’ in one of France’s best known magazines. This time REV 16:8 did enter the famous Necromorbus Studio (Desultory, Demonical, Valkyrja, Merrimack, Ofermod, Vanmakt and lots of others) to record the sophomore full length, Ashlands (duration: 41:33). Great and professional studio, which certifies the massive sound, powerful production and well-balanced mix.
Ten tracks in the vein of Grand Tidal Rave with a slightly less brutal sound, that is what Ashlands stands for. Indeed, it means the audible expression of total disgust for human life! The songs are mainly (blasting) fast, intense and brutal, yet they come with many decelerations, industrialised excerpts and epic intermezzos. In general it does not refresh the scene at all. Broadly the whole dwells within the same spheres like Watain, Setherial or Dark Funeral, but luckily in combination with an own, angry, attitude, and a persuasive performance. Even though I do miss ‘highlights’ (imagine my search, notwithstanding my sad insignificance), I can’t find any stupid filler either, and at large the niveau is cogently above average.

83/100

Ivan Tibos.