Berserk Rites Of Supremacy
Oaken Shield Records FPG20 2003
By Russell Garwood
Spanish black metal collective Berserk comprises vocalist Nazak, drummer Frozen Wind, Forjstorm on guitar and Lord Monk (bass). Obitus, who has since left the band, performed keyboards on Rites Of Supremacy. The music is straight forward black metal with a true production and pagan-based lyrics and imagery. As such the guitars are relatively melodic but simplistic, with the keys providing little more than atmosphere and taking a back seat role. Occasional acoustic sections showcase good use of melody and adaptive drumming, while vocals utilise both a black metal growl and rough singing to good effect. The drumming in metallic sections is not complex, providing straightforward but driving beats, and the bass uses a similar approach.
The songs generally have a gloomy feel to them, and - like the music - this shows relatively little variation throughout. Instrumental track De Este A Oeste shows that the band are willing to escape the boundaries of true black metal, even if only for a short time, and I would be very interested to see them integrate this folk feel further into their music. Rites Of Supremacy is an album for black and pagan metal fans, and despite a lack of originality is enjoyable.
Oaken Shield Records FPG20 2003
By Russell Garwood
Spanish black metal collective Berserk comprises vocalist Nazak, drummer Frozen Wind, Forjstorm on guitar and Lord Monk (bass). Obitus, who has since left the band, performed keyboards on Rites Of Supremacy. The music is straight forward black metal with a true production and pagan-based lyrics and imagery. As such the guitars are relatively melodic but simplistic, with the keys providing little more than atmosphere and taking a back seat role. Occasional acoustic sections showcase good use of melody and adaptive drumming, while vocals utilise both a black metal growl and rough singing to good effect. The drumming in metallic sections is not complex, providing straightforward but driving beats, and the bass uses a similar approach.
The songs generally have a gloomy feel to them, and - like the music - this shows relatively little variation throughout. Instrumental track De Este A Oeste shows that the band are willing to escape the boundaries of true black metal, even if only for a short time, and I would be very interested to see them integrate this folk feel further into their music. Rites Of Supremacy is an album for black and pagan metal fans, and despite a lack of originality is enjoyable.
