Metal Reviews

I don't think Hammers of Misfortune has any kind of visible fanbase at all. I don't see their name pop-up in any metal discussion. Nevertheless, that should not hinder enjoyment of a cultured and a uniquely progressive metal band that is not very "relevant" these days. Whatever that may mean. On a personal level, I like them very much. All the power to them.

meticulously, deliberately, methodically razor sharp. Intended to alter the mind.

I think this recording is Akercocke at the height of their creative and technical abilities. Their ideal peak and an album that will be unthinkable if they ever manage to top as a band. I think not, but greater things have been achieved.

^one of my favorite death metal albums, and that Absu is sick too.

Yes, Steve. I agree, but I will say that the Absu album suffers from a slightly poor production. Otherwise, it's terrific.



Black metal from Poland. Morowe. This is their debut (2010). This is a ruthlessly powerful recording. Black metal to its core.

Words that Go Unspoken is a brilliant album. I don't listen to it enough.

And thanks for the reminder about Seven Bells, Dawn. I think Carved in Stigmata Wounds is still my favorite of theirs but it is very close.

Of course, North. It's the sharing of music that makes it all the better and abundantly more meaningful. I remember your aforementioned Secrets of the Moon album was easily purchasable from an HMV megastore in Toronto. Nowadays, never. At least not in Canada. This is over 20 years ago, of course, and so our social schemes are very different than what they were two decades ago. And I have the most difficult time with it, to be rather frank.

Absolute pandemonium. I think this may be my favourite Ahab recording. But I love all of them in more or less the same way, with slightest degrees of difference, but never too far from another. Extraordinary musical vision with an utterly debilitating measure of heaviness.

This recording is electrifying. Heavy as an anvil and feeling as the nightfall. I have always found this album to be such a pleasure to listen to because of how excellent the production and the musicianship is throughout and timing at just under 40 minutes. Very well-rounded.

Mighty excellent.

A magnificently imaginative recording. Night has fallen here. Let us sink, and ever closer to the profundity of its mysteries.

To end the night on a deepening peaceful sense.

Abigor - Fractal Possession (2007)

Digital insanity, Satan 2000. Still one of the better examples of how to introduce industrial elements into black metal without diluting it. Hail Abigor.

Decelerative, ominous and abhorrent. A manifestation of something truly profane and at the depth of the arcane. Outstanding recording and a band that will not reoccur for any time to come, at least not any foreseeable future.

Sakis' consistency and conviction impresses me. Without wavering and without any real compromise in making fine music all these years. Non-serviam.