CD

By now, GOATS OF DOOM should require no introduction. Since their formation in 2008, they've remained one of the Finnish underground's best-kept secrets, largely because of a somewhat misleading moniker, but make no mistake: GOATS OF DOOM are 100% black metal through and through. Their stout catalog has seen the band develop from a synth-based style of black metal during their first three albums; then, with an expansion from a trio to quintet, GOATS OF DOOM truly began their ascent with 2018's Rukous, where an uptick in aggression melded with the mysterious atmosphere of old. Aligning with PURITY THROUGH FIRE in 2020 for Tie on hänen omilleen, GOATS OF DOOM finally seemed to have gotten their due or at least raised their profile - not for nothing, that, as Tie on hänen omilleen was arguably the band's most powerful 'n' poignant record to date. But, a year later came the eclipsing Shiva, where they unloaded anthem after anthem, proving that the metal can be kept firmly within black metal without sacrificing its mystical powers.

Following something of a respite - unusual for the band, given the feverish release rate at which they operated since 2015 - GOATS OF DOOM return refreshed and recharged with INRI. The Finns' seventh full-length thus far, INRI is a rather unique entry in their gem-laded catalog: initially beginning as a disarmingly raw affair, the album soon opens up into a bountiful feast of alternately asskicking / ethereal black METAL. GOATS OF DOOM unload the entirety of their arsenal here - charging-hard speed, Bathorian gallop, medieval triumph, and pagan hymnal, all with a pronounced emphasis on melancholic, distinctly Finnish melodicism - and really give rise to heroic heavy metal leads, which seem strangely out of character for cold & raw black metal, but their burning-hot touch eventually melts the ice and floods the heart with emotion or at least reflection. The cleaner, choir-style vocals also aid this lateral move, imbuing INRI with a soaring / ascending sensation - or, again, ethereal in many senses of the word - that's absolutely perfect for the album's unique production style. As ever, when GOATS OF DOOM wanna get going, they kick ass with the best of 'em and exude charisma every step of the way; it's just that they're here able to incorporate more acoustic passages without losing steam, which also goes for album's track sequence, closing out the latter third of it in epic fashion. Thus, INRI is yet another triumph of ANTHEMIC black metal heroism: bow before these GOATS of greatness!

LORD AMONG THE GIANTS…

This is the solo project from EMPERORs Trym, featuring cinematic soundscapes telling an epic viking story.

Trym Torson who is widely known as the drummer on landmark albums of Norwegian Black Metal like EMPEROR`s Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk or ENSLAVED`s Vikingligr veldi and Frost moved into uncharted waters by composing music inspired by his longstanding passion for cinematic soundscapes and ambient music.

THRYMR doesn`t have much in common with Black Metal; instead, the 8 tracks that make up the debut album Saga Of The North are not to be missed if you are into dark sounds which tell their own stories and journeys.

Digipak-CD with silver hot foil, 20-page booklet

HELL MILITIA, an assemblage of the vilest and most depraved individuals the French underground has spawned who have earned themselves a bad reputation by participating in among others MÜTIILATION, ARKHON INFAUSTUS and TEMPLE OF BAAL burst onto the scene with their first full length in 2005.
Preceded only by an appearance on a split 7 inch and a demo, the aptly titled Canonisation of the Foul Spirit was unleashed to wreak havoc and soil anything pure and holy in utter contempt.
The album comprises 10 tracks (Psalms) with a professional but not too clean studio production allowing for each instrument to be easily distinguished from one another without resulting in sounding polished or sterile. The riffs which are not too far removed from what one can hear on some of the albums the members have had a hand in and the quality of the songwriting disclose the fact that HELL MILITIA are anything but newcomers. The demented vocals that grace jolly carols like “Burning Human Pigs”, “Prophecy from the Mutilated Children” or “Black Fucking Cancer” are cantillated by none other than Meyhnach from MÜTIILATION.
Listening to him preaching the false gospel and spewing foul bile in his characteristic, unmistakable way of madness is certainly one of the highlights of Canonisation of the Foul Spirit.

4-panel digipak-CD with a 12-page booklet.

Tracks 11 to 13 are bonus tracks.
Released in a jewel case, a 16-page booklet.

Sad Whisperings was formed in 1990 (as Desecrate) and released several demo’s in the 80’s / 90s up till their split in 2004 and gained a worldwide cult following. Sad Whisperings was pure doom death metal like their early inspiration Paradise Lost and with a touch of the Dutch school of doom death metal like The Gathering. Sad Whisperings got signed by Dutch cult label Foundation 2000 (The Gathering, Gorefest) and released their debut album in 1993 called ’Sensitive to autumn’. Demos 1995 & 1998 are a natural follow up to their debut, doom death metal, Dutch style.
The booklet contains rare and old pictures, flyers and posters. Extensive liner notes from Steven Willems (Rock Tribune, Streams of Ancient Wisdom: The History of Dutch Death And Extreme Metal