Jump to content

Overshadowed/Underrated

BlutAusNerd

By BlutAusNerd
in Black Metal

 Share

Recommended Posts

BlutAusNerd Newbie

BlutAusNerd

Posted
Posted

This is a thread for bands that you feel don't get a fair shake. This isn't necessarily for bands that nobody has heard of, but bands that you feel should stand with the more popular acts in the genre/regional scene or are actually better than the bands everyone talks about. I'll start with some examples from the Norwegian scene: Hades - Alone Walkyng: KLonp1RQ3bY Hades were one of the first viking black metal bands, along with Enslaved, but they NEVER get as much recognition as them, nor even as much as many newer and inferior bands playing a similar style. Their sound could almost be described as Hammerheart/Twilight of the Gods era Bathory seen through an early Immortal/Burzum Norwegian perspective, and I think it's great. Give them a listen if you're into viking metal or just plain old Norwegian black metal, they're awesome either way. Taake - Nattestid Ser Porten Vid I: pPqIRPgI9Es Taake does get a pretty good amount of recognition, and I hear almost all good things about them, but for some reason they're not usually mentioned in the same breath as Darkthrone, Gorgoroth, Immortal, Burzum, or the other "big name" Norwegian black metal bands. Nattestid Ser Porten Vid is one of my favorite black metal albums, and I think it overshadows many albums that are held to be the pillars of the scene. Their melodies are brilliant, their execution is passionate, and their songwriting is pretty much perfect. If you have ANY interest in Norwegian black metal, this album is absolutely essential. Aeternus - White Realm: ALr4b3fYqkQ This certainly has a bit of death metal influence, but I would take Aeternus' brand of contrasting punishing blasted passages with strummed melodic lines over Immortal's early approach to a similar sound any day. For some reason, Aeternus just feels a great deal more cohesive, less jarring, and more interesting and engrossing to listen to. The atmosphere of their first couple of albums just sucks me in, in a way that many of their peers just don't. Their later work is good too, but they shifted to playing death metal and just aren't as good at it as they were at black metal. Give them a listen if you haven't already. Manes - Under Ein Blodraud Maane: RdFFIqJoTHw This album is just about as good as it's closest Norwegian soundalike, Arcturus' Aspera Hiems Symfonia. While Aspera tends toward a more epic and melodic direction, this album uses it's electronic influence to accomplish something creepier, and it's quite a compelling listen. This is what symphonic black metal should sound like, I wish that there were more albums out there that were able to perfectly balance symphonic melody with cold black riffs/atmospheres. This is their only black metal album (aside from some demo comps and re-recordings), as they followed the path of Arcturus and others towards the avant-garde, though Arcturus definitely has them beat on that front.

1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Os Abysmi Vel Daath Newbie

Os Abysmi Vel Daath

Posted
Posted

Re: Overshadowed/Underrated

Manes - Under Ein Blodraud Maane: RdFFIqJoTHw This album is just about as good as it's closest Norwegian soundalike, Arcturus' Aspera Hiems Symfonia.
And has a much nicer cover. :D I personally think that Ulver - Bergtatt is every bit as good as (or better than) most Norwegian black metal albums, but it is rarely talked about with the same reverence by mainstream black metal fans.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
BlutAusNerd Newbie

BlutAusNerd

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Re: Overshadowed/Underrated I can agree with those. Honestly it's probably Musta Surma's fault for doing all those splits and no stand alone releases though. Ragnarok's Arising Realm album is awesome, and probably would have been next in line after my five initial Norwegian picks, as well as Zyklon B's blood must be shed. I'm surprised you mentioned Lord Belial, I guess they could be called underrated, as Enter the Moonlight Gate and Unholy Crusade are pretty good albums, but I think they're rightfully overshadowed by other (better) Swedish BM.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 4 years later...
BlutAusNerd Newbie

BlutAusNerd

Posted
  • Author
Posted
I think Arckanum and Avsky from Sweden are underrated compared to Watain, for instance. Just my 2 cents..

Definitely. Arckanum is one of the best black metal bands from Sweden IMO, they deserve a great deal more attention than they receive. Same goes for Avsky, and also the band they remind me most of, Craft, whom I like slightly more.

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

1
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Mictlan Newbie

Mictlan

Posted
Posted
15 minutes ago, BlutAusNerd said:

Definitely. Arckanum is one of the best black metal bands from Sweden IMO, they deserve a great deal more attention than they receive. Same goes for Avsky, and also the band they remind me most of, Craft, whom I like slightly more.

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

Craft is amazing as well I use to own Terror propaganda, and Fuck the Universe.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
BlutAusNerd Newbie

BlutAusNerd

Posted
  • Author
Posted
15 minutes ago, BlutAusNerd said: Definitely. Arckanum is one of the best black metal bands from Sweden IMO, they deserve a great deal more attention than they receive. Same goes for Avsky, and also the band they remind me most of, Craft, whom I like slightly more.

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

Craft is amazing as well I use to own Terror propaganda, and Fuck the Universe.

Those are my favorites. I could be seeing them at MDF this weekend, but that didn't pan out...

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Mictlan Newbie

Mictlan

Posted
Posted
42 minutes ago, BlutAusNerd said:

Those are my favorites. I could be seeing them at MDF this weekend, but that didn't pan out...

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

Bummer, hopefully there's a next time!

HOLY SHIT, MDF IS STACKED!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
BlutAusNerd Newbie

BlutAusNerd

Posted
  • Author
Posted
42 minutes ago, BlutAusNerd said: Those are my favorites. I could be seeing them at MDF this weekend, but that didn't pan out...

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

Bummer, hopefully there's a next time!

HOLY SHIT, MDF IS STACKED!

It always is. I went last year and the year before, and was bummed that I couldn't make it this year.

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites
BlutAusNerd Newbie

BlutAusNerd

Posted
  • Author
Posted
Come hell or high water I'll be there next year or at worst 2018. No doubt it's worth the twenty odd hours on a plane and painful dealings with customs etc.

Oh also Arckanum are awesome. Really should check out Craft one of these days. BAN, you bastard, STOP ADDING SHIT TO THE LIST!!! [emoji3]

I don't think you want to see my wish list...

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 1 year later...
Balor Enthusiast

Balor

Posted
Posted
On 12/31/2011 at 1:02 PM, Os Abysmi Vel Daath said:

Re: Overshadowed/Underrated

And has a much nicer cover. :D I personally think that Ulver - Bergtatt is every bit as good as (or better than) most Norwegian black metal albums, but it is rarely talked about with the same reverence by mainstream black metal fans.

That was a really good album, really underrated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
BlutAusNerd Newbie

BlutAusNerd

Posted
  • Author
Posted
3 hours ago, Balor said:

That was a really good album, really underrated.

It's hardly underrated, I've always heard it spoken of in high regard by many fans. It isn't often mentioned in black metal circles because it's barely a black metal album, it's mostly folk metal. Only two of the five songs have significant black metal elements, so I don't typically think of it in that context.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Balor Enthusiast

Balor

Posted
Posted
2 hours ago, BlutAusNerd said:

It's hardly underrated, I've always heard it spoken of in high regard by many fans. It isn't often mentioned in black metal circles because it's barely a black metal album, it's mostly folk metal. Only two of the five songs have significant black metal elements, so I don't typically think of it in that context.

Honestly, that makes more sense.  The album certainly seems to lack some of the darker aspects of black metal.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Fenririus Newbie

Fenririus

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, caramon29 said:

Taake - for sure. I hardly ready about Taake, which is a shame, yes the songs are complex one might even say progressive  but it is so so epic. Would love to see them live, missed their last gig in Glasgow.......

Wouldnt say underated but yeah taake are very unique missed them more than once myself.. bummer..

Link to comment
Share on other sites
BlutAusNerd Newbie

BlutAusNerd

Posted
  • Author
Posted
4 hours ago, Fenririus said:

Wouldnt say underated but yeah taake are very unique missed them more than once myself.. bummer..

I would. Taake is easily one of the best and most consistent black metal bands to ever come from Norway, and they've never received anywhere near the recognition of the bigger acts.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Join Metal Forum

    joinus-home.jpg

  • Our picks

    • Sacred Reich "Awakening"

      MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,

      Whichever tier of thrash metal you consigned Sacred Reich back in the 80's/90's they still had their moments.  "Ignorance" & "Surf Nicaragura" did a great job of establishing the band, whereas "The American Way" just got a little to comfortable and accessible (the title track grates nowadays) for my ears.  A couple more records better left forgotten about and then nothing for twenty three years.  2019 alone has now seen three releases from Phil Rind and co.  A live EP, a split EP with Iron Reagan and now a full length.

      Notable addition to the ranks for the current throng of releases is former Machine Head sticksman, Dave McClean.  Love or hate Machine Head, McClean is a more than capable drummer and his presence here is felt from the off with the opening and title track kicking things off with some real gusto.  'Divide & Conquer' and 'Salvation' muddle along nicely, never quite reaching any quality that would make my balls tingle but comfortable enough.  The looming build to 'Manifest Reality' delivers a real punch when the song starts proper.  Frenzied riffs and drums with shots of lead work to hold the interest.


      There's a problem already though (I know, I am such a fucking mood hoover).  I don't like Phil's vocals.  I never had if I am being honest.  The aggression to them seems a little forced even when they are at their best on tracks like 'Manifest Reality'.  When he tries to sing it just feels weak though ('Salvation') and tracks lose real punch.  Give him a riffy number such as 'Killing Machine' and he is fine with the Reich engine (probably a poor choice of phrase) up in sixth gear.  For every thrashy riff there's a fair share of rock edged, local bar act rhythm aplenty too.

      Let's not poo-poo proceedings though, because overall I actually enjoy "Awakening".  It is stacked full of catchy riffs that are sticky on the old ears.  Whilst not as raw as perhaps the - brilliant - artwork suggests with its black and white, tattoo flash sheet style design it is enjoyable enough.  Yes, 'Death Valley' & 'Something to Believe' have no place here, saved only by Arnett and Radziwill's lead work but 'Revolution' is a fucking 80's thrash heyday throwback to the extent that if you turn the TV on during it you might catch a new episode of Cheers!

      3/5
      • 5

        Reputation Points

      • 10 replies
      MacabreEternal

      Picked By

      MacabreEternal,

    • Immortal Bird "Thrive on Neglect"

      MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,

      I
      • 1

        Reputation Points

      • 2 replies
      MacabreEternal

      Picked By

      MacabreEternal,

    • Vltimas 'Something Wicked Marches In'

      MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,

      https://www.metalforum.com/blogs/entry/52-vltimas-something-wicked-marches-in/
      • 3

        Reputation Points

      • 3 replies
      MacabreEternal

      Picked By

      MacabreEternal,

    • Candlemass "The Door to Doom"

      MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,


      https://www.metalforum.com/blogs/entry/48-candlemass-the-door-to-doom/
      • 3

        Reputation Points

      • 2 replies
      MacabreEternal

      Picked By

      MacabreEternal,

    • Overkill "The Wings of War"

      MacabreEternal posted a blog entry in Album Reviews,

      Full length number 19 from overkill certainly makes a splash in the energy stakes, I mean there's some modern thrash bands that are a good two decades younger than Overkill who can only hope to achieve the levels of spunk that New Jersey's finest produce here.  That in itself is an achievement, for a band of Overkill's stature and reputation to be able to still sound relevant four decades into their career is no mean feat.  Even in the albums weaker moments it never gets redundant and the energy levels remain high.  There's a real sense of a band in a state of some renewed vigour, helped in no small part by the addition of Jason Bittner on drums.  The former Flotsam & Jetsam skinsman is nothing short of superb throughout "The Wings of War" and seems to have squeezed a little extra out of the rest of his peers.

      The album kicks of with a great build to opening track "Last Man Standing" and for the first 4 tracks of the album the Overkill crew stomp, bash and groove their way to a solid level of consistency.  The lead work is of particular note and Blitz sounds as sneery and scathing as ever.  The album is well produced and mixed too with all parts of the thrash machine audible as the five piece hammer away at your skull with the usual blend of chugging riffs and infectious anthems.  


      There are weak moments as mentioned but they are more a victim of how good the strong tracks are.  In it's own right "Distortion" is a solid enough - if not slightly varied a journey from the last offering - but it just doesn't stand up well against a "Bat Shit Crazy" or a "Head of a Pin".  As the album draws to a close you get the increasing impression that the last few tracks are rescued really by some great solos and stomping skin work which is a shame because trimming of a couple of tracks may have made this less obvious. 

      4/5
      • 0

        Reputation Points

      • 4 replies
      MacabreEternal

      Picked By

      MacabreEternal,
    View All
×
×
  • Create New...