This review deals with an untitled split release in between two excellent projects from Down Under, Illimitable Dolor and Promethean Misery. The material is available via digital sources and on compact disc, which you can order via their Bandcamp pages. The latter comes in an edition of 500 (few hand-numbered) copies.
I have to admit that, when it comes to Dungeon Synth Music, I can be extremely aroused, or immensely irritated. Some projects delve deep into mystery and magic spheres, while others just try to create a superficial would-be world of fake phantasies. Dungeon Synth, as it was once created for, needs depth, content and significance. At least, that’s my opinion, but those semi-happy 8-bit oriented projects that are conquering this scene lately do insult the essence of dark-spirited Aural Art.
Of Wolves And Men is the first official full length (aka EP, but the album lasts for more than thirty-five minutes, so it is not exactly an EP – yet that’s a discussion not of importance right here, right now) by DXVXDXD SXLF. The band’s name in fact comes from The Divided Self: An Existential Study In Sanity And Madness, one of the earliest works by British author / psychiatrist / philosopher R.D. Laing.
Despite being formed more than a decade ago, Krasnoyarsk-based duo Истина (aka Istina, which is Russian for ‘truth’) has not such a huge curriculum vitae. But hey, that’s all about the philosophical question: do you prefer quantity or quality? Since I do absolutely and deeply prefer the latter, quality, I am glad that this band focuses on a long-time writing and recording process rather than releasing an overload of inferior stuff.
I admit that I had not heard of the Russian band MØR before. Investigation taught me that this band did record a handful of albums before, yet I think their brand awareness was locally focused especially. Their latest release, however, gets distribution support by Symbol Of Domination Productions (Satanath Records), so it might result in more international opportunities.
Every time when Ilya send me a new release I am excited because Corona Barathri never disappointed me before. But every time it also gives some kind of stress because it is not easy to write about this Luciferian project. This is not really music you have to listen to, it is more something you have to undergo. It’s the feeling the music gives that makes Corona Barathri so special. But writing about the feeling is quiet personal and for some like me who has some kind of objectivity issue is it an hard test.
If there is one thing about Corona Barathri is that I like is that a song never is just a song. It’s much more than that. A trip, a journey, an experience. With the right imagination it is possible to travel to the deepest caverns of Hell. Anima Tenebrarum is a recording for the Kalpamantra compilation Suiyase.
Most of you will probable recognize the name of Nicolas Skog as the (sympathetic) guy behind one of Canada’s finest labels, Hypnotic Dirge Records. But he’s the guy as well who plays in Ancient Tundra, a project that surprised me enormously last year with Lost In Claustrophobic Thoughts.
I will start with a sad advertisement: Misandreproductions are no more (weeping smiley included…). The store is still active, but unfortunately there will be no more new releases in the future. Don’t ask me why, for that’s of no importance, but I’ll miss them.
Almost three years ago, five musicians from the region of Nantes (France) joined forces under the Clouds Of Dementia banner. Their aim: paying tribute to the greatness of the Heavy / Doom Metal scene of Old. They composed a couple of tracks, which the band performed live on stage, often alongside known acts such as Svart Crown, The Bottle Doom Lazy Band or Ataraxie.
