Swedish Label Nordvis were focusing on their native scene especially in the past, but with some open-mindedness they are signing bands from other countries too, and that’s a good thing. Especially when thinking about their joint-venture with Bindrune, you might find some non-Swedish formations. Anyway, another name to add to this list is Izah. Izah are a Dutch collective, releasing their debut full length via Nordvis.
Polish horde Gurthang (another reference to the great Tolkien-sagas!) finally returns with new work. In the first years of their existence (they were formed in 2010), they did record and release quite some stuff, but as from half of 2013 nothing seemed to happen anymore. Until now…
Well, sometimes surprises are great. And it has not always to do with renewing details or superb quality – though in this case both options I just mentioned are part of the greatness too. But it’s especially the style versus the label that did confuse me, albeit the positive way. I’ll explain why.
Devouring Star are a pretty young and quite mysterious horde from Finland, which I knew from one single demo only. Now they come up with a studio full album, consisting of five pretty lengthy compositions (i.e. lasting in between five and ten minutes), written for this release exclusively (meaning: these tracks were not on the 2014-demo).
One of the most active guys from the Extreme Metal scene from Spain must be a guy who goes under many nicknames, amongst which Erun Dagoth.
Greek outfit Abyssgale finally seem to crawl out of the depths of the Netherworlds. They were created ten years ago, and they recorded / released an EP, called The Coming Plague, in 2006. Then several changes in line-up followed throughout the next years. And, which is an important element to mention, Abyssgale were able to perform live on stage with great acts such as Rotting Christ, Impaled Nazarene, Aura Noir and Necros Christos; impressing it is, not?!
Ever heard about Shed The Skin? Never did I. But you know, this band’s line-up might be known, believe me.
Sagrario Mortis can be considered the next step within Chamán’s history, after they sort of split up. Actually, the Spanish act Sagrario Mortis was formed somewhere in early 2014, and Murb and Nefert (in mean time, the duo recruited some permanent members) recorded this stuff pretty soon after.
Lvpi Gladivs are an Italian act that did release a full length last year. The interesting Hau Ruck! label released the album Veritas in February 2014 in an edition of 500 copies. But actually there’s quite a pre-history.
I’ve mentioned it a hundred times before, but Belgium was quite an impressive yet hugely underestimated country during the glorious days of Old. The U.S.A. and Sweden, as well as Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland, that were some of the protagonists, but back then countries like Greece, Spain and Belgium were at least as impressive, at least when talking about quality (the quantity, that’s another story).
