By: Anders

Posted: May 18, 2007

This is a sampler released by the German webzine Metal Message, the sampler presents 14 bands from around Europe and one from Israel and one from India and then some really good artwork from Kris Verwimp.

Most of the bands present folk/viking metal either based on black metal notes or more traditional darkened heavy metal. The pagan touch on the release is immense and a part of why the bands on here stand out from the crowd. The folk rhythm patterns and traditional folk instruments from the bands' respective countries, often add a lot to the music and atmosphere.

The band that stands out the most here, is the Israel based band Arafel which builds their music upon Russian folklore, as the members of the band has Russian roots, really good aggressive metal with huge atmospherically parts weaved into the music. Another good track is 'Skoddefjeldet' from the upcoming Norwegian band Mistur, I think we'll hear a lot of good things from them in the future. The German band Lost Legacy is also delivering a good atmospheric track, with a good note of symphonic elements.

The bands from the Czech Republic, Heiden and Trollech, are also delivering good tunes, with their base in raw black metal, with a good and sincere intense atmosphere. The Indian band Demonic Resurrection surprised me a lot with a great composed song, big and melancholic vocals and well played atmospheric heavy metal with a subtle use of synth, not a very original composition, as it lends quite a lot from Borknagar, but really well performed and the vocalist is also doing a good job.

There aren't any tracks that are directly bad on this compilation, of course there are tracks better than others, that is how it has to be, but no directly bad tracks, that’s seldom seen. If you are hooked on arcane atmospheres and well played yet harsh metal, big choirs and folklore, this is a sampler to check out!

Metal Message Vol. III

Kindly supplied by Metal Message

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