Here we find some of the darkest and most obscure black metal recorded in recent years. The band captures the real spirit this music should have, reminding me the first cult recordings from late 80's early 90's by such acts as Varathron or Mortuary Drape. Notice that I'm talking about the spirit and the aura, not the actual sound of it. This record is 2 years old. Whoever has the magnificent vinyl version that came out last year is a blessed human.
Verge is one of the best bands coming from Finland having connections with respectful acts like Saturnian Mist and the great Charnel Winds.
Their part in this split album is a constant dance on the edge that ends successfully. The bands tries to mix traditional prog or psych rock with the ways of black metal. Note that the don't blend the parts but they use them as wholes. Bold and intriguing. Blood Red Fog contribute some of their best songs but Verge are the band that shines here.
Dälek - From Filthy Tongue of Gods and Griots
For those that don't know, this is a hip hop or rap (I can't tell the difference between those) record. Of course it is hip hop in the widest sense of the term as there is much more happening here. Noise sound walls, drones, lyrics that matter and are a universe away from the usual lowlife garbage. This is hip hop for those that hate hip hop and is their first LP released in 2002. If you ever feel like listening to some rap Dälek the only choice.
Root's leader puts aside his usual tools and records some songs that are accurately described by the album's title. Great record for late night in the company of red wine. A lot of names come to mind when listening to this one...Tom Waits, David Bowie, Nick Cave and such. Big Boss proves that his crooning can be up there among the best of the kind. I can even listen to this with my wife and that is not something that happens often. Cheers.
