various artists

Iran… Known for its repressive government, Shiite-religious fundamentalism, millennia-old Persian civilization (more than 2,500 years of culture, including a huge heritage of historical remnants – praise and respect!), beautiful women (these women have the most beautiful eyes in the world), tasteful ab kusht, even a successful wrestling team and a fabulous, undeniably attractive anti-appreciation for our Earth’s newest Caesar, Mister Donald T... But when it comes to Music, well, that might seem quite limited, even narrow-minded, in our western countries.

We must ponder, cogitate, muse on the dual ideas on truth. ‘Which choice holds the right opinion?’ Are we able to think for ourselves, to make our own choices based on what we think that is right or wrong? Are our thoughts and ideas constructed in our Inner Self as being part of a greater concept? Is having an opposite opinion good or wrong? And what is a good or wrong opinion on certain matters? ‘Differences of opinion do not make anyone heretical or orthodox.

A short review, this time. And yes, I know this compilation was released more than a year ago, in the meantime, but so what?...

This review deals with the fourth volume within Darknagar Records’ series that pays tribute to the huge, yet sometimes underestimated Death Metal scene from Russia. Seen the title, you smartass was aware of that, of course…

After Russian Death Metal and Russian Death Metal vol. 2, we can finally enjoy Russian Death Metal vol. 3, indeed the third volume with nothing but Russian Death Metal. I guess the smartest ones amongst you were aware of that; but just to make sure you’re perfectly informed, it’s my pleasure to make sure you’re with me… You’re welcome…

After Russian Death Metal and Russian Death Metal vol. 2, we can finally enjoy Russian Death Metal vol. 3, indeed the third volume with nothing but Russian Death Metal. I guess the smartest ones amongst you were aware of that; but just to make sure you’re perfectly informed, it’s my pleasure to make sure you’re with me… You’re welcome…

I guess Reutoff are one of the most influential Industrial / Ambient acts from Russia, known for an unconventional yet quite impressive elegance. So I do not think it’s a wonder that this project deserves a tribute album, which includes some of the major acts that dwell around the Drone / Post-Industrial / Dark Ambient / Neo-Folk scenes lately. Ere wie ere toekomt! (something like ‘honour to whom deserves honour’).

Why you’d call a CD with Christmas songs Ragnarok Juletide is a mystery to me.  A Juletide – correct writing should be Yuletide by the way being a pre-Christian festival associated with Winter solstice, so the only link is that the period is around the time we Christians celebrate Christmas, and Ragnarok – correct spelling should be Ragnarök being  a series of future events in Norse Mythology, including a great battle during which a fair number of important Norse gods, likeThor, Odin and Loki die.

Kaotoxin Records are one of those labels that comes with an enormous variety in releases, though mainly Death Metal and Grindcore-based. One of the genres they are known for is the Grindcore-scene.

Kaotoxin Records are one of those labels that comes with an enormous variety in releases, though mainly Death Metal and Grindcore-based. One of the genres they are known for is the Grindcore-scene.

This compilation supports the local scene of the Baden region. The project started with Rise Of The Griffin in 2008, and now continues with a second sampler, called Flight Of The Griffin. Two additions: 1) a griffin is a heraldic beast, symbol for the Baden region (amongst others), and 2) the compilation’s subtitle is taken from the eighties Metal band Griffin.