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<title><![CDATA[Arch Enemy - " The Root Of All Evil " (Sweden) / released by: Century Media Records]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2683]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Arch Enemy seem to be on an all-time creative low. After releasing the terrifyingly mundane "Rise Of the Tyrant" in 2007 the band has released "Tyrants of the Rising Sun: Live in Japan" in both regular CD and DVD format, before their label issued a unnecessary compilation with "The Manifesto of...". "The Root Of All Evil" (a well-chosen title) is a selection of anthemic tracks of the band's little known past. Apart from the new intro track, all the songs are re-recordings from the first three Arch Enemy albums, "Black Earth" (1996), "Stigmata" (1998) and the absolutely stunning "Burning Bridges" (1999). Prior to this particular re-recording Century Media Records was so kind to re-release all these albums in their original form with expanded artwork and slight remasterings. Some of the bass lines have been reworked for this venture as well as some minor tweaking in the arrangements for, for example, 'Transmigration Macabre', 'Beast Of Man', 'Diva Satanica', 'Dead Inside', or 'Silverwing' to better fit Gossow's belching. For those who jumped on the bandwagon with 2002's "Wages Of Sin" the band has now re-recorded their early classics with their current line-up and all too smooth production values courtesy of Andy Sneap (Megadeth, Testament, Exodus). With many talented bands struggling to find a record deal in the underground Swedish/German outfit Arch Enemy continue to waste precious talent and resources with obvious cashgrabs such as this. "The Root Of All Evil" was completely uncalled for to begin with and to see a once promising outfit fall this low to stay within the spotlight is sad. Arch Enemy's best days are definitely behind them now. For melodic death metal with heart and soul, give Carcass' "Heartwork" another spin - coincidentally, the record that spawned this band.<br>http://www.centurymedia.de<br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 5]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Asphyxiate - " Ominous Depth " (Belgium) / released by: Self-financed]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2682]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Progressive death metal act Asphyxiate from Flemish Brabant, Belgium formed in 2006 and now releases their first promo. This self-produced effort is mostly inspired by Death's later works, "Individual Thought Patterns" and "Symbolic" chief amongst them. The tempo is midpaced with well-placed leads/solos and a prominent place for the bass guitar. Most famous member is bassist Jens Cautereels who cut his teeth with live work for French black metal combo Aosoth. Vocalist Jarno Verhelst is the weak link as his impotent grunt holds no power whatsoever. The bass-heavy production is sufficient and not too muddy considering this is a first demo. The guitar tone is crunchy only the snare drums sound too sterile. The addition of some tasteful keyboard and piano lines, coupled with acoustic guitar parts greatly add to the diversity. The logo is in vein of classic genre acts as Atheist and Massacre. Not to be mistaken with Indonesia's Asphyxiate who debuted on Sevared Records recently with "Anatomy Of A Perfect Bestiality". "Ominous Depth" is hardly a profound classic death metal record, but commendable in keeping a more traditional form of the genre alive. The amateurish artwork, design and lay-out keep this away from being an otherwise engaging and promising work for a young band. While the execution leaves yet to be desired and the songwriting muscle is yet to be fully developed, the spirit of Chuck Schuldiner, Paul Masvidal and Kelly Shaefer certainly can be felt through out this demo. Drop the tired grunt, trim the fat off the material, heighten the pace and Asphyxiate might just surprise us with their next release.<br>http://www.asphyxiate.be<br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 6]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Axegressor - " Command " (Finland) / released by: Dethrone Music]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2681]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Axegressor is the Finnish answer to up-and-coming neo-thrash metal acts Evile and Warbringer. This is war-inspired thrash metal from Turku, Finland that is high on aggression but low on originality. Despite being yet another throwback to the thrash sound of old "Command" actually know the strengths of the genre and work them to the best of their abilities. The playing is straightforward, the performances adequate across the board and the overall tempo is breakneck. Vocalist Johnny NW barks, shouts and spits his way through the 10 cuts of this record while drummer Atte Mäkelä is a name to watch out for. "Command" sounds as a hellish mix of Bay Area thrash (early Slayer) and classic Teutonic thrash like Destruction. Recorded at Red Studio by Danil Venho and Ville Taina "Command" comes with a relatively clean production that puts emphasis on the band's bottom end heaviness. The guitars sound clear but miss bite a bit but the heaviness of the dominating bass guitar compensates that minor flaw greatly. The panzer on the cover make this look as a Panzerchrist record, which couldn't be farther from the truth. "Command" isn't quite the second coming for the neo-thrash movement but it certainly is a strong contender for a band that might eventually become a worthy second-tier act.<br>http://www.dethronemusic.com<br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 6]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Azaghal - " Teraphim " (Finland) / released by: Moribund Records]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2680]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Since forming in 1995 Finland's Azaghal have hardly rested on their laurels. With 8 albums and more than a dozen splits/EPs to their name they are a true force of nature and give no signs of letting up anytime soon. Offering no novelties compared to past records "Teraphim" is fast black metal in the vein of Marduk, Setherial and Dark Funeral while integrating the typical Finnish melodies underneath the all consuming gloom and doom.  Where Narqath's most recent work with Wyrd was disappointing Azaghal have been on a upward spiral since 2005's "Codex Antitheus". The occasional clean vocals, slow and melodic sections and even light use of keyboard don't deter Azaghal from its chosen path. The majority of this record comprises of hellish high speed black metal in the typical scorching Finnish tradition. 'Hänen Musta Liekkinsä' is a good example of Azaghal's slower and more doom-oriented cuts, which has a great acoustic intro as well. The production is fittingly raw while not becoming underproduced in the process. At its core "Teraphim" is no-frills, razorsharp black metal that is orthodox in approach and destructive in execution. "Teraphim" might not be the big surprise of black metal records in 2009 - but it is certainly a consistent and most welcome one in a scene that has lost much of its original charm over the years.<br>http://www.moribundcult.com<br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 7]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Bestia - " Ronkade Parved " (Estonia) / released by: Hexenreich Records/Evil Distribution]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2679]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Formed in Tallinn, Estonia in 2000 Bestia is on to their second record with "Ronkade Parved" after releasing a number of demos. The original element in Bestia's rather typical mix of atmospheric black metal is the prominent use of the saxophone, viola and flute which add a classic doom touch to the whole. The overall style is Nordic black metal but the bass-heavy approach and violent playing also closely relate it to death metal. Vocally, this is classic Satyricon worship, while musically this has more in common with the early works of Immortal, Marduk or Emperor (without the keyboards). Tempos vary from blasting inferno to the darkest of dirge tempos adding great to the atmosphere of gloom and oppression. The production is solid with a prominent place for the bass guitar, the guitar tone is crunchy only the snare drums sound inert and rather powerless. The artwork is good for what it intents but the comic execution leaves a lot to be desired. A painting by Kris Verwimp, Mateusz Karpow or Graveland's own Rob Darken would have fitted this better. Overall, Bestia have delivered a good second record with "Ronkade Parved", although it remains to be seen whether they will able to break out of their native Estonia with it. Nevertheless, a charming little atmospheric black metal record this is.<br>http://hexenreich.estmetal.ee/ , http://www.evildist.com/<br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 7]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Bleeding Fist - " Bestial Kruzifix666ion " (Slovenia) / released by: Moribund Records]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2678]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Slovenia's black/thrashers Bleeding Fist return more bestial than ever after their more straightforward thrash oriented debut "Immortal Hate". Washington-based black metal specialist label Moribund Records has done an outstanding job offering them a contract as their style fits perfectly with their other signing, Ayat. Influences from (early) Slayer, Beherit, Impiety but also Bewitched, Impaled Nazarene, Necromessiah and the early records of the German thrash scene had a pivotal in shaping Bleeding Fist's assault. 'Celebration Of the Third' and 'Sabbath Ov Mist' are re-recorded cuts from their 2003 "Crowned In Blood" EP. "Bestial Kruzifix666ion" was recorded live in Studio Panorama on December 20, 2008 in eight hours. Produced by Marko Gigon and Bleeding Fist resulting a production that is somewhere between Bewitched's "Diabolical Desecration" and Death's seminal "Scream Bloody Gore". The main cover artwork was created by Sickness666 who is stylistically similar to Chris "Thorncross" Moyen. "Bestial Kruzifix666ion" is far from pretty but Bleeding Fist's mix of nuclear thrash, bestial black metal and primitive death metal make this a feast for people who like their metal bereft of any contemporary influences. Moribund is hellbent on keeping the traditional values in metal and for that they should be applauded. Bravo, gentlemen, Bleeding Fist is your finest discovery yet.<br>http://www.moribundcult.com<br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 8]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Blood Mortized - " Blood Mortized " (Sweden) / released by: Vrykoblast Productions]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2677]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Like Death Breath, Chaosbreed, Ribspreader and Bloodbath  before them Blood Mortized is another Swedish death metal act made up of semi-famous scene veterans as an ode to the Stockholm sound of old. Consisting of current and former members of Amon Amarth, Excruciate and Crypt Of Kerberos "Blood Mortized" sounds as if 1992 never passed. Primary influence seems to be Unleashed's milestone 1992 "Shadows In the Deep" album. Vocally, this is more down the line of (early) Dismember and Entombed. Essentially, if you have heard "Clandestine" or "Shadows In the Deep" you know what to expect: crunchy semi-melodic death metal with barked vocals that is as stripped down and full of darkness and melancholy as once was the benchmark. "Blood Mortized" is a solid record in its own right, it won't however dethrone one of the Swedish genre classics anytime soon. While there's no shortage of supergroups to choose from today Blood Mortized are a worthwhile addition to the old school scene. Although a self-recorded and self-produced affair this record sounds as if it was recorded at Sunlight Studios with Tomas Skogsberg. The artwork look as a budget version of Necrophobic's "Hrimthursum". A good throwback to the sound of old. Be sure to give a listen.<br><br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 7]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Condemnation - " Abyssies Of Anguish " (Poland) / released by: Solar System Production]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2676]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Poland keeps churning out the most amazing and consistent death metal in Europe. Consisting of Leopold "Leo" Srebo and Novy (ex-Behemoth, ex-Vader) Condemnation is the latest in a long tradition of Polish death metal acts. The execution is wild and out-of-control, pretty much reminiscent of the first two Yattering records. Srebo's manic vocals are in the vein of Unleashed's Johnny Hedlund and Meshuggah's Jens Kidman. Novy's funky bass tracks remind of Roger Patterson (Atheist), Sean Malone (Cynic) and Steve DiGiorgio (Sadus, ex-Death). Leads/solos and harmonies form an integral part of the compositions while the ambient interludes give "Abyssies Of Anguish" an alien and otherworldly aura. The drumming is highly rhythmic and while it doesn't adhere to conventional genre standards it doesn't shy away from blastbeats either. Overall, the pace is incredibly high and Condemnation's highly percussive approach make their instrumental mastery all the more impressive. The production was done at a number of studios in Europe and the emphasis lies on Novy's bouncy bass lines and the crunchy choppy riffs of Srebo. "Abyssies Of Anguish" was mastered by Bob Katz at Digital Domain (Necrophagist) in Orlando, Florida. The artwork, design and lay-out are lush, expansive and not typical for the death metal genre, which is a plus. The writing errors in the production notes are however inexcusable. Generally considered the packaging is somewhat similar to Sweden's underrated Theory In Practice. Condemnation are Poland's best kept secret and need to break out of the underground and claim their place amongst the genre's elite.<br>http://www.myspace.com/condemnationband<br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 8]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Divine Heresy - " Bringer Of Plagues " (USA) / released by: Century Media Records]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2675]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Divine Heresy's second album is partially sidelined and effectively overshadowed by the pending legal hassles and member infighting of its mother band Fear Factory. "Bringer Of Plagues" is the first record to feature contributions from journeyman bassist Joe Payne (Domination Through Impurity, Lust Of Decay, Nile touring bass) and new frontman Travis Neal. Dino Cazares and Tim Yeung are however the core duo here and "Bringer Of Plagues" sees both upping their assault in speed and heaviness. 'Facebreaker' - the first single of this album - immediately sets the record straight. Divine Heresy now sounds meaner, leaner without compromising its catchiness and sense for melody. Travis Neal is a better match for the band than original singer Tommy 'Vext' Cummings. Neal's more death metal oriented style complements Divine Heresy's intent better while retaining the melodic choruses and emotive clean sung sections. Third track 'Undivine Prophecies' is a minute long ambient keyboard track that better served as a prologue or epilogue, but feels awkward in its current position. Yeung delivers his fastest work with this outfit and Dino Cazares continues to batter out his relentless machine-gun styled riffing with some excellent leads/solos to boot. The exotic riffing of bassist Joe Payne complements the main duo rather nicely. Once again produced by Logan Mader and Lucas Banker for Dirty Icon Productions "Bringer Of Plagues" comes with a pristine production that retains enough heaviness while benefitting from today's technology. The limited digipack of this record comes with an exclusive bonus track 'Forever the Failure'. The splendid horrific artwork, design and lay-out make this an admirable second album for a promising outfit that is now establishing itself as an entity all its own.<br>http://www.centurymedia.de<br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 7]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Drawn and Quartered - " Assault Of Evil " (USA)<img class="wyroznienie" src="http://www.masterful-magazine.com/img/dvd.gif" align="right" />
 / released by: Moribund Records]]></title>
<link><![CDATA[http://www.masterful-magazine.com/recenzja_result.php?wynik=detail&rodzaj=recenzje&id=2674]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Seattle, Washington death metallers Drawn and Quartered have been around since the mid '90s and released 5 albums. "Assault Of Evil" is the band's first foray into visual media and encompasses the band's entire career thus far. The main event of this DVD is the band's show at Seattle and Tacoma as part of "Assault Of Evil" tour in support of the band's most recent release "Merciless Hammer Of Lucifer". Produced by King of Hearts Productions (Himsa, Deftones, Zeke) the main set is captured with multiple cameras and comes with excellent sound and image quality. Drawn and Quartered deliver 7 tracks culled from their "Merciless Hammer Of Lucifer", "Hail Infernal Darkness", "Return Of the Black Death" and "Extermination Revelry" albums. Herb Burke is a commanding frontman and guitarist Kelley Kuciemba is one of the genre's unsung heroes of today. The sound quality is excellent, although there seems to be no 5.1 Surround available. The image quality is uniformly great, even when viewed on bigger screens. Additionally, there are 4 historical "bootleg" shows which vary wildly of quality in image and sound. The two track set at Goldie's, Seattle 2003, for instance, is far better in quality compared to the entire set captured at Gathering Of the Sick in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2001. The sets recorded at Ballard Firehouse, Seattle (2000) and Jimmy Z's in Everett, Washington (1996) also don't offer optimal quality in image and audio, but are interesting for the earliest material captured live here. As a bonus, the band's three promo videos (the godly and unmatched 'Hail Infernal Darkness', 'Merciless Hammer Of Lucifer' and the animated 'Orgiastic Feast Of Excremental Blasphemy'), discography, a photo gallery from the band's archives, plus some web links. The artwork painted by Drawn and Quartered regular Gabriel T. Byrne is the original work of which "Merciless Hammer Of Lucifer" only used a small segment.<br>http://www.moribundcult.com<br><br> written by: Wouter / pts: 8]]></description>
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