OK, review numer zwei (that's "two" for those who don't speak German) for me. And what a fine album to review. Celtic Frost's "To Mega Therion." I'm gonna come right out and say this was one of the best purchases I've ever made. For those who don't have it, I recommend going out and buying it (after reading this perferably). Anyway, here's the review:
The Band:
Reed St. Mark - Drums, percussion
Thomas G Warrior - Vocals, guitars
Martin Eric Ain/Dominic Steiner - Bass
Innocence And Wrath
For a 1:09 intro song, this is actually a very good thrash-metal song. Very heavy and fast- which I like. As mentioned eralier, it serves as an intro to the next song, "The Usurper." Overall, 4/5.
The Usurper
Not too much to say about this song. The main riff is a continuation of the one started by "Innocence and Wrath." Basically, with its fast and aggressive sound, it's 3 and a half minutes of pure thash-metal glory. Even includes 3 small distorted guitar solos. 4/5
Jewel Throne
This is more of a Black Metal song. A lot of heavy guitar and deep and growling, yet understandable vocals. The song basically follows the same riff for a bit, but then changes for an extremely nice distorted guitar solo. No complaints from me at all. 4/5
Dawn of Megido
Compared to the speed and tempo of the previous songs, this one is rather slowed down. The guitar enters with a depressing riff that sets a dreary, yet interesting mood. That sad, depressing mood continues for most of the song, untill the guitar solo hits. Basically, the song just speeds up. Back into the main depressing riff and the song ends. To get the real feel for this song, think Metallica's "The Thing That Should Not Be." Not terrible, but not their strongest work. 3/5
Eternal Summer
Back to thrash-metal with this one. And it's a lovely little ditty about nuclear holocaust. Take these lyrics for a sample- "the clouds burn/or is it fire?" The tempo stays nice and fast for most of the song, but slows down right before entering into a fast, somewhat Megadeth-esq distorted guitar solo. Once again, another small slow-down in tempo and then WHAM! Right back into the speeding main riff. They hit the nail on the head with this one. 5/5
Circle of Tyrants
This is an interesting combination of thrash and black-metal. The vocals are very deep and the main riff is starts off fast. However, there are a lot of tempo changes in this one. It slows down and speeds up all throughout the song, which isn't necessarily bad, but I feel it's a bit distracting. I do like the double-bass kicks and the very good guitar solo, though. Once again, not bad by any standards, but not the greatest. 3/5
(Beyond the) North Wind
Back to black-metal with this one. The riff here is repetitive but very fast. And this song keeps tempo, which is a nice change from "Circle of Tyrants." As mentioned, the riff remains fast throughout the whole song, even through the guitar solo. Very good black-metal song. 4/5
Fainted Eyes
Not too much to say about this one. It's shining moment is the blistering main guitar riff. Fast song that will fill any thrash or black-metal fix. 3.5/5
Tears In a Prophet's Dream
Ever wonder what it sounds like to enter Hell? Listen to this and you'll find out. This isn't really a song, it's more of a bunch of eeree sound effects that'll send a chill down your spine. Sets one Hell of a mood (pardon the pun...). 5/5
Necromantical Screams
All I can say about this song is that this is the theme-song of Hell. 100% evil in every way. This is the one that'll scare the neighbors. In between the blistering, heavy riff, when Warrior growls "Necromantical Screams," you can actually hear the painfull, dying screams of the dead. What a freakin' amazing song. 5/5
What a great album. My only real complaint about it is the lack of shining moment for the bass. No bass solos or anything of the sort (as a bassist, that disapoints me...). Despite this lack, there is audibe bass in the album. Which is good. Overall, this is a damn-near perfect album that every thrash or black-metal fan should own. 4.5/5
