Merkstave are a new Oregon-based act with experienced members (formerly or currently active in e.g. Velnias, Oak, Leech, Mania, Hell etc.). There were two demos in the recent past (which seemed to escape from my attention, and I am oh so sad about this), but this self-called debut full length will lift this band to the top of the Funeral-oriented Doom-scene. At least, I will help to do so, even though this review deals with a very limited vinyl-edition.
Actually, I have never been that enthusiastic with any of Coronatus’ previous releases. And to be honest, I will not after this album either. With Recreatio Carminis, this German so-called ‘female fronted’ Gothic Metal act brings forty eight minutes of slightly pathetic orchestrations. It’s a collection of bombastic and symphonic Metal-injected Opera-Gothic songs with classical skilled voices, predictable riffs and rhythms, über-catchy melodies and poppy-approachable structures.
Beyond hail from Bavaria, Germany, and were formed in 2008 under the moniker of Shapeless. As Shapeless, they released two demos, and under their current name, there was a demo in 2011 (from which two tracks have been redone for this debut full length) and an EP in 2012, which was called Enter Transcendence (also their Iron Bonehead-debut).
The legendary Czech act Root, with Jiri ‘Big Boss’ Valter (also a founder of the Czech-Slovakian Church Of Satan), must be one of East Europe’s oldest and most influential bands. Together with, let’s say, Vader, Tormentor, Master’s Hammer, Behemoth and a couple of others, Root sort of metalized the musical expressions behind the Iron Curtain.
Mortal Throne Of Nazarene is / was Incantation’s second full album, after Onward To Golgotha, originally released via Relapse Records in 1994. I have no idea why, but Hells Headbangers are about to re-release this stuff with nothing additional at all, so I’m kind of disappointed (no bonus songs whatsoever???). Haven’t we all this stuff in our possession?
For more than fifteen years in meantime, the German label Iron Bonehead brings highly qualitative releases that dwell within the sleaziest spheres of underground-oriented Thrash / Black / Speed / Death Metal (the European answer on Hells Headbangers???). But as from a couple of years ago on, they did sort of conquer the hard-metallic worlds with an increasing number of releases that aren’t here but to please undersigned ear drums. Respect!
Swedish outlet Facebreaker was formed at the very end of last millennium. A demonstrational and a promotional recording during the early 2000’s made the band draw attention of Rage Of Achilles, whom the band signed to shortly after. The band recorded a first full length, Bloodred Hell, but because of financial problems at the Rage Of Achilles headquarters, the promotion on that album unfortunately was far beneath acceptance (‘unfortunately’ because of the exceptional high quality).
Norwegian act Extol return after a long period of relative silence. The band was formed during the first half of the nineties, and throughout the years, they recorded a couple of EP’s (1999’s Mesmerized and 2001’s Paralysis) and four full lengths: Burial (1998), Undeceived (2000), Synergy (2003) and The Blueprint Dives (2005). The latter, by the way, was nominated in Norway for a Grammy Award.
The Hundredth Name is the full length debut by Las Vegas-based band Demon Lung. This act was formed in 2011 and recorded an EP before, called Pareidolia.
Since I am a divine appreciator of these two bands’ earlier efforts, I was extremely pleased to find out they did joined forces, more or less, with resulting in a split-collaboration. All together: hurray! Actually it was released in 2012 for the American market especially via Red Stream, and the vinyl freaks will appreciate the re-release on EP for sure.
