Omega Massif - Geisterstadt

Back from the dead, literally. Omega Massif is a German band that plays instrumental Sludge in a very, if I can say it, relaxing way. This is one of those bands that the listener doesn't actually need to focus on the actual music, everything flows in a very subtle and 'elegant' way. The riffs are very good, some of them kind thrashy, others doomy, and others punkish. One thing that I particularly like about this band is how it sorts of takes you to a trip, specially the last song of the album. The riffs are the reason for this, they are slow and with a nice glass of Belgian beer you could go wherever you want with their music. The bass is present throughout the whole album, it would have been better if he was more present in the foreground rather than on the background, but still a good record and I won't take any points for that. The drummer is very proficient at what he does, knows when and how to fill the spaces and keep the listener interested. The production is flawless, no need to even use an EQ, using an EQ misses the whole story of this album which is to feel how is life in a mine. I would particularly recommend, if available, to listen to this album with a good pair of Headphones or IEM, the trip would be even better. I rate this album 10 out 10.

Ramesses - Baptism of the Walking Dead

This may well be one of my most precious EPs I own. This is Ramesses at their best. It's mysterious, dark and above all skullsmashingly heavy. Ramesses begins with a quote from the famous Christopher Lee horror flick Dracula A.D 1972. Ramesses' vocalist Adam and at the same time bassist, deserves a special mention. His deep death growls and evil snarls add so much to the general mood of this EP. He sounds like the ultimate misanthrope, who calls upon all evil to emerge (just like Johnny Alucard) and enslave the weak human race. There's no laid back hippie bullshit to be found here. Nothing but the deepest contempt for humanity and the worship of all that is ugly, filthy and misanthropic. The artwork is stunning and contributes highly to the overall feel of the EP. Fans of old horror classics or of the sabbathian riff need this NOW! One of the best of 2009 and a personal favorite.

Ramesses - Baptism of the Walking Dead (320)

Saturnalia Temple - UR

UR is fuzzy, psychedelic and all-around heavy. Saturnalia Temple presents the ultimate way of escaping, through the tick smokey stoner riffs that create a mist through which these occultists preach their ways. The vocalist sounds particulary peculiar with his echoing, soothing, but sometimes also harsh voice and generally dramatic performance although not to the extent which S:t Erik took it. UR allows you to get lost in occultists traditions, black magic and darkness created through psychedelic leads and riffs that build to a certain momentum or just get endlessly repeated until you've completely passed out, while the drums provide for the perfect backdrop. Saturnalia Temple is slowly leaving the demo phase behind and have recently released a split album with some black metal bands, as well as a new EP. If you worship the altar of Come My Fanatics... or Baptism of the Walking Dead, then you know what to do.

Saturnalia Temple - UR (320)