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Book of Black Earth – Horoskopus
Prosthetic Records – 14 Oct 2008
by Ryan Starr
I was first introduced to Book of Black Earth at the Watain tour. Since their mix through the PA was less than stellar, I was eager to get their latest record to see what it really should sound like. Horoskopus is somewhere between black metal, death metal, and thrash. I hear subtle amounts of Slayer and Lamb of God transformed into a heavy black metal sound that may be unique but perhaps too familiar.
While I like the idea of taking the black/thrash style into the 21st century, I think Horoskopus edges close to pedestrian. I wouldn’t say it’s completely average; actually it doesn’t really get close. But when I hear the Lamb of God style riffs I get concerned. I feel like it takes away from the epic feeling that these riffs could have, if they were just played with a little less groove. Now that my concerns are voiced, I still think this is a great album. The less thrashy parts are well written and really help you capture an iniquitous atmosphere. ‘God of War’ is a great example of this, starting with a doom-like intro leading into a blitzkrieg black metal riff. The tension builds up throughout the intro until the song ultimately explodes into a sinful rage. It’s this sort of writing that makes Horoskopus a release worth buying.
So while some small parts may creep towards ordinary, the rest is pretty damn cool. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit more modern but is not destined for Headbangers Ball.
Official Book of Black Earth Myspace
Official Prosthetic Records Website
http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/...ightbringer-vision-mara-13-oct-08-denver.html
Prosthetic Records – 14 Oct 2008
by Ryan Starr
I was first introduced to Book of Black Earth at the Watain tour. Since their mix through the PA was less than stellar, I was eager to get their latest record to see what it really should sound like. Horoskopus is somewhere between black metal, death metal, and thrash. I hear subtle amounts of Slayer and Lamb of God transformed into a heavy black metal sound that may be unique but perhaps too familiar.
While I like the idea of taking the black/thrash style into the 21st century, I think Horoskopus edges close to pedestrian. I wouldn’t say it’s completely average; actually it doesn’t really get close. But when I hear the Lamb of God style riffs I get concerned. I feel like it takes away from the epic feeling that these riffs could have, if they were just played with a little less groove. Now that my concerns are voiced, I still think this is a great album. The less thrashy parts are well written and really help you capture an iniquitous atmosphere. ‘God of War’ is a great example of this, starting with a doom-like intro leading into a blitzkrieg black metal riff. The tension builds up throughout the intro until the song ultimately explodes into a sinful rage. It’s this sort of writing that makes Horoskopus a release worth buying.
So while some small parts may creep towards ordinary, the rest is pretty damn cool. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something a bit more modern but is not destined for Headbangers Ball.
Official Book of Black Earth Myspace
Official Prosthetic Records Website
http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/...ightbringer-vision-mara-13-oct-08-denver.html
