Released: 2004
“Avant-garde” is a term that’s thrown about a lot, particularly in regards to black metal bands and while there are some aspects of this in Azrael’s music it’s actually quite difficult to say if they’re really treading new ground. The indistinct, fuzzy cover art and the concept of not naming any of the tracks on the basis that such behaviour is “too human” should certainly enhance their credibility with black metal’s purists although one wonders what their thoughts may be on a band with such beliefs coming up with such a contrived name for their album.
The first two tracks stretch out for a painfully long time. At over 12 minutes apiece, these are sure to test the patience of even the most devout BM devotee. Coarse, raw, and primitive, the sound is typically thin, enhanced now and again by non-metal touches but hardly enough to push this into the genuine “avant-garde”. On track three Azrael try the patience even further with six and a half minutes of twisted, distorted noises like some kind of demonic brass band. More long, long songs follow: ‘5’ runs for 11 minutes and track six clocks in at almost 13, but for the most part Azrael could say what they’ve got to say in less than half the time.
Atmosphere and a sense of evil is most certainly present on this album, but the overall feeling is that of spectacular self-indulgence.
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Rating: 25%
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