Archaic Torse - Sneak Attack
Fast, reasonably heavy Deathrash. In the vein of Sepultura. Yet AT has a more underground feel. This is a good album, but something about the band, perhaps the recording, makes me like this CD quite a bit. There is no overabundance of heaviness, brutality, technicality, or originality. But they have something on their side. And it’s enough to make this album memorable and well worth ordering.
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Antisma - Rehearsal Tape ‘92
Fairly extreme Death, but what really stands out are the vocals. Maybe it’s because this was recorded so poorly, but these are the heaviest vocals I’ve heard for a while. It’s utterly impossible to distinguish the lyrics and at first I though the vox were an ultra-distorted (and really loud) bass. Also employed is the occasional higher-pitched scream. In a studio, this might totally rule, since the songs seem pretty memorable in addition to their rawness. Cool.
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Angra - Reaching Horizons
Anyone out there remember a band called Helloween? These guys sound sort of like how they did around their Keeper of the Seven Keys days. Yes, Angra are that talented, maybe actually more so. Even the vocals are similar. But if you don’t like this sort of melodic, high-register, vocal style, the music is of such quality that you will still be stunned. I was. I can hardly wait to hear more from them.
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Angels in Exile - Angels in Exile
Pretty Thrashy sounding, but with obvious Death elements. Very clear production, and a lot of energy on these four tracks. Good musicianship along with memorable songs, and a little experimentation (like the wind/piano intro and outro for “Time for a Killing”).
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Anathema - They Die
I got this from A.R.T. records, so I guess you can order it from them as well as Witchhunt. [Or could have, back in 1992. -Editor] Both songs are slow, atmospheric Doom. The vocals and production are pretty raw, which makes for a harsh sound, very much unlike the smoother sound of their Serenades album. In fact, from listening to this 7-inch, it’s hard to believe this is the same band that recorded “Dreaming: The Romance.”
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Amorphis - The Karelian Isthmus
The combination of the slower, Doomy parts with the faster stuff has been done really well here. In fact, everything about this album is done really well. Check this out. ‘Nuff said.
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Amorphis - Amorphis
The occasional lapses into extreme speed cause these two songs to fall back into average. Amorphis’ strength lies in their slower passages, dark and full of power. The speed destroys the atmosphere. But still, this is great. I can see room for improvement, however, and since this release, they have done just that.
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Allegiance - Torn Between Two Worlds
Energetic Thrash. Six songs that once would have been unbelievable, but just aren’t now. Everything here is right: Production, songs, lyrics, vocals, and whatever. But, something seems to be missing. I still like this, but it feels like I should like it more than I actually do.
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Alastis - The Just Law
This is Black Metal, as dark and raw as you would expect. But there is also a very present Doom element, in both the music and lyrics, and other experimentations. All of which totally pay off, and sound great. I’m anxious to hear more from this band.
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