REVIEW: ΙMMORTAL, Pure Holocaust

 

ΙMMORTAL, Pure Holocaust (1993)

Osmose Productions

Η απαρχή του αέναου ψύχους

Μετά το ομότιτλο EP και το πρώτο τους άλμπουμ, οι δύο Νορβηγοί μουσικοί (ασχέτως της φωτογραφίας στο εξώφυλλο), Abbath Doom Occulta και Demonaz Doom Occulta, ξεκινούν την ξέφρενη πορεία τους στο ψύχος και το έρεβος των φανταστικών — ή και μη — πεδίων της μουσικής τους.

Το νορβηγικό Black Metal, το οποίο έχει ήδη εκραγεί εκείνη την περίοδο, έρχεται να δώσει αέρα ανανέωσης στη σκληρή μουσική, η οποία στις αρχές των 90s δεν διαθέτει πλέον πολλά περιθώρια εξέλιξης. Ο δίσκος κινείται σε ταχύτερα τέμπο από τον προκάτοχό του και το μυστικιστικό, αλλά ταυτόχρονα παγωμένο ύφος που οι Immortal θα καλλιεργήσουν ακόμη περισσότερο στη συνέχεια της πορείας τους είναι ήδη έντονο σε συνθέσεις όπως τα The Sun No Longer Rises (ίσως το πλέον χαρακτηριστικό κομμάτι του δίσκου), Unsilent Storms in the North Abyss, A Sign for the Norse Hordes to Ride, Frozen by Icewinds, Storming Through Red Clouds and Holocaustwinds και Pure Holocaust, τα οποία εμπεριέχουν τα βασικά συστατικά της συνολικής τους υπόστασης.

Δεν υπάρχουν εδώ αναφορές στο δίπολο φωτεινού και σκοτεινού δαίμονα, ούτε αξιοποιείται η αντιπαράθεση Θεού και Διαβόλου, στην οποία η πλειονότητα των σύγχρονών τους black metallers είχε αναλωθεί, τοποθετώντας τους δύο πόλους σε μια διαρκή σύγκρουση και υποστηρίζοντας σχεδόν πάντοτε τον δεύτερο. Αντίθετα, η φύση και οι εικόνες της μέσα στο ζωφερό σκοτάδι αποτελούν τη βασική πηγή έμπνευσής τους. Για τον λόγο αυτό, παρακολουθώ πρωτίστως αυτούς, έπειτα τους συμπατριώτες τους Darkthrone και αμέσως μετά τους Emperor.

Πρόκειται για ένα άλμπουμ που, λογικά, βρίσκεται ήδη στις συλλογές της συντριπτικής πλειονότητας των φίλων του ακραίου Metal και το οποίο, στην τελική, δεν χρειάζεται ιδιαίτερη ανάλυση.

Αξίζει, τέλος, να σημειωθεί ότι η παρουσία του αείμνηστου πλέον ντράμερ Grim (επάνω δεξιά στη φωτογραφία) ήταν μάλλον μια απλή guest συμμετοχή. Όλα τα κρουστά, καθώς και το μπάσο, τα πλήκτρα και φυσικά τα φωνητικά, ανήκουν στον Abbath!

English:

The Beginning of the Eternal Frost

Following their self-titled EP and debut album, the two Norwegian musicians (regardless of what the cover photo might suggest), Abbath Doom Occulta and Demonaz Doom Occulta, embark on their relentless journey into the frost and darkness of the imaginary—or perhaps not so imaginary—realms that define their music.

At a time when Norwegian Black Metal had already erupted onto the scene, bringing a breath of renewal to heavy music, which by the early '90s seemed to have little room left for further evolution, this album pushed things forward. The record adopts faster tempos than its predecessor, while the mystical yet freezing atmosphere that Immortal would continue to refine throughout their career is already fully present in songs such as The Sun No Longer Rises (arguably the album's defining track), Unsilent Storms in the North Abyss, A Sign for the Norse Hordes to Ride, Frozen by Icewinds, Storming Through Red Clouds and Holocaustwinds, and Pure Holocaust. Together, these compositions contain all the essential elements of the band's identity.

There are no references here to the duality of a benevolent and malevolent demon, nor to the God-versus-Devil conflict that so many of their contemporaries in the Black Metal scene had become preoccupied with, portraying the two forces in perpetual opposition while almost invariably siding with the latter. Instead, nature itself—and its imagery shrouded in bleak darkness—serves as their primary source of inspiration. For that reason, Immortal have always been the band I followed first, followed by their compatriots Darkthrone and then Emperor.

This is an album that, in all likelihood, already occupies a place in the collections of the vast majority of extreme Metal fans and, ultimately, one that hardly requires extensive analysis.

Finally, it is worth noting that the presence of the late drummer Grim (pictured in the upper-right corner of the photograph) was most likely nothing more than a guest appearance. All drum performances, as well as the bass, keyboards, and of course the vocals, were handled by Abbath himself.

Τάκης "Ε-Μortal One" Γιώτης

REVIEW: PALLAS – XXV

 

PALLAS – XXV

Mascot Records

PALLAS is a UK-based progressive rock band that emerged as one of the pioneering acts within the neo-progressive movement during the early 1980s, a period marked by the resurgence of progressive rock’s second wave. Alongside contemporaries such as Marillion, IQ, and Pendragon, PALLAS contributed to a revitalization of the genre at a time when progressive rock was largely considered unfashionable, overshadowed by the prevailing influence of pop and new wave music—not to be confused with the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (N.W.O.B.H.M.).

Originally founded under the name RAINBOW, the band changed its moniker following Richie Blackmore’s departure from Deep Purple and his formation of a new band called RAINBOW. PALLAS began performing regularly in the club circuit, riding the grassroots wave of progressive rock’s revival, which sought to reconnect with the genre’s more elaborate and melodic roots.

Their seventh studio album, XXV, continues to demonstrate the band’s proficiency in crafting compelling melodies within the progressive rock framework. The album’s compositions are characterized by strong melodic lines and atmospheric textures, showcasing the band’s experience and songwriting skills. Notable tracks such as “Falling Down,” “Crash and Burn,” and “Sacrifice” stand out for their memorable hooks and emotional depth.

It is worth noting that XXV presents a somewhat introspective and contemplative tone, which may require listeners to engage with the album multiple times to fully appreciate its nuances. Its reflective nature adds to its depth but might challenge casual listeners expecting more immediate impact.

In conclusion, XXV is a solid addition to PALLAS’s discography and a commendable release within the progressive rock genre. While it may not quite reach the artistic heights of landmark albums like Beat the Drum, it nevertheless exemplifies the band’s continued craftsmanship and dedication to their musical identity. For fans of the genre and the band, it offers a rewarding listening experience that rewards attentive and repeated listens.

Ioannis Kaskamanidis