Ungod - Circle of the Seven Infernal Pacts (1993)

   Ungod was formed in 1991 as one of the earliest Norwegian black metal inspired bands. Despite not being famous about their productiveness, they earned cultic status and basically determined a specific sound and style that still could be sensed until this day at German black metal bands who prefer the old school direction of the genre. 
   The band relied less on atmospheric sound compared to the Norwegians, and this had advantageous effect on their evidently dark tone, thanks to the slightly better sound quality. By the basic themes, without sizzling atmosphere the main impression is more raw and aggressive. These basic themes are slower and remaining at middle tempo most of the time, intense hammering is more like occasional. This approach highlights the core essence of the genre, that leads back to Hellhammer and early Celtic Frost. But probably early Samael should be mentioned at first when it's about Ungod's direct influences, since there are plenty of similarities to find, not only if it's about the themes and the tempo preference, but the vocal style also reminds to what could be heard on "Worship Him" for instance. Ungod only couldn't keep up with the sound quality, but fortunately it didn't have much importance in black metal. In total, Ungod is a potential favorite for the fans of old school black metal.