Calvarium The Skull of Golgotha
Dynamic Arts Records DYN002 January 24th, 2003
By Jason Jordan
There are telltale signs that a release is remarkably average. For instance, the cover art and album title depict anything having to do with the crucifixion at Golgotha, the song titles are basically black metal clichés, and the bands official photograph is goofy. Still, even though one of the band members has a thing for the Indiana Jones movies (hes holding a whip for Christs sake), The Skull of Golgotha is aggro black metal, and my musical diet as of late has been surprisingly devoid of BM.
It may seem like Im going to circumvent, as evidenced by the end of the first paragraph, but Im not going to. As far as Calvarium are concerned, I couldnt envision myself choosing them over classic BM bands like almost any of the groups from the second and third wave of said subgenre. But, Im not embarrassed to admit that there are some good ideas on this disc. Three Nails and the Hammer of Satan (gee, what could they be talking about?) is the opener, and you wont find any of the aforementioned, notable ideas within the introduction. And, when Horns of Hate enters in its old-school, Dimmu Borgir garb, you wont be noticing anything exemplary either. However, Jumalviha latches onto a methodical, plodding pace that works oh-so-well. Herramme on Saapuva starts as if its the cousin to predecessor Jumalviha, and the former actually houses creative rhythms, which is manifested by the nuance of the drums. Funnily enough, the non-English tracks are the diamonds in the rough. Lamentably, though, the trios soundscape is plagued with fuzziness that downplays the instrumentation.
One important note, which I havent mentioned until now, is that this is Calvariums debut album and thus that circumstance leaves some breathing room for The Skull of Golgothas faults. Frankly I dont believe these BM-purveyors will become the next Immortal, though they do have shrouded potential. Now, if they can only find it and harness it properly, then well be witnessing something much more gratifying. Either way, hail Satan I guess.
7/10
Official Calvarium Website
Official Dynamic Arts Records Website
Dynamic Arts Records DYN002 January 24th, 2003
By Jason Jordan
There are telltale signs that a release is remarkably average. For instance, the cover art and album title depict anything having to do with the crucifixion at Golgotha, the song titles are basically black metal clichés, and the bands official photograph is goofy. Still, even though one of the band members has a thing for the Indiana Jones movies (hes holding a whip for Christs sake), The Skull of Golgotha is aggro black metal, and my musical diet as of late has been surprisingly devoid of BM.
It may seem like Im going to circumvent, as evidenced by the end of the first paragraph, but Im not going to. As far as Calvarium are concerned, I couldnt envision myself choosing them over classic BM bands like almost any of the groups from the second and third wave of said subgenre. But, Im not embarrassed to admit that there are some good ideas on this disc. Three Nails and the Hammer of Satan (gee, what could they be talking about?) is the opener, and you wont find any of the aforementioned, notable ideas within the introduction. And, when Horns of Hate enters in its old-school, Dimmu Borgir garb, you wont be noticing anything exemplary either. However, Jumalviha latches onto a methodical, plodding pace that works oh-so-well. Herramme on Saapuva starts as if its the cousin to predecessor Jumalviha, and the former actually houses creative rhythms, which is manifested by the nuance of the drums. Funnily enough, the non-English tracks are the diamonds in the rough. Lamentably, though, the trios soundscape is plagued with fuzziness that downplays the instrumentation.
One important note, which I havent mentioned until now, is that this is Calvariums debut album and thus that circumstance leaves some breathing room for The Skull of Golgothas faults. Frankly I dont believe these BM-purveyors will become the next Immortal, though they do have shrouded potential. Now, if they can only find it and harness it properly, then well be witnessing something much more gratifying. Either way, hail Satan I guess.
7/10
Official Calvarium Website
Official Dynamic Arts Records Website
