Black Altar - Death Fanaticism (2008)

   The rougher direction of black metal was introduced by Black Altar, a Polish band seems to take more seriously the "no compromises" thing than most others. They've committed that by simply not following the trends that might seem theoretically clear if it's about this genre, but practically it's not.
   In their music the influence of Marduk and Mayhem could be discovered, but by not turning too raw or brutal. A mystical, occult atmosphere is waving back from the background while the blackening heaviness evolves. Thrashing themes also showing up sometimes that are turning the main impression more old school. The sound is also closer to black/thrash, than to the odrinary sound of black metal, but therefore their rough tone is more sensible. The album is quite intense, and portrays well, how is it possible to fit the most authentically to the concept of the genre. As one of it's most exaggerated mainfestation. In this case the atmosphere isn't too strong and it's also not serving as an emotional lightening, sounds more like the soft touch of the Netherworld, that's on it's way to consume the living. And by the band's main concept the idea of being consumed like that is greedily embraced. Strongly recommended for black metal fans!