Dark Fortress Profane Genocidal Creations
Red Stream RSR0146 15th February 2003
By Russell Garwood
As is apparent from the three-random-words-stuck-together title, German collective Dark Fortress are a black metal band, whose latest album "Profane Genocidal Creations" was released through Red Stream Records. To be more precise, their output is closest to symphonic black, harbouring epic and medieval touches, a "true" ambience, and occasional death metal elements. Azathoths vocals range from recitation to witch screams and growls, while the slightly tinny guitars, played by Asvargr and Santura are often layered. Occasional acoustics provide variety and further melody, and the bass, courtesy of Draug, is sporadically prominent, and always powerful. The keyboards of Paymon are varied; most commonly used to provide atmosphere, and rarely the melody, they are integral to a majestic sound. Seraphs drum-work is solid, while not hugely complex, the driving beats help form a successful rhythm section. Female vocals from guest performer Katrin Neeral add further diversity, and (rather unusually for such music) are used as the main vox in several places rather than being contained within a "supporting musician" role.
Standout tracks include the classically influenced, bombastic yet graceful instrumental introduction, composed and performed by Limbonic Arts Morfeus, and "In Morte Aeternitas", whose soaring guitar lines and bitter growls make the song a melodic, heavy epic. Dark Fortress are accomplished musicians; their songs, while not highly original, are well written, and often memorable. "Profane Genocidal Creations" will fit in any black metal fans collection, as well as appealing to select death, symphonic and epic metal lovers.
Red Stream RSR0146 15th February 2003
By Russell Garwood
As is apparent from the three-random-words-stuck-together title, German collective Dark Fortress are a black metal band, whose latest album "Profane Genocidal Creations" was released through Red Stream Records. To be more precise, their output is closest to symphonic black, harbouring epic and medieval touches, a "true" ambience, and occasional death metal elements. Azathoths vocals range from recitation to witch screams and growls, while the slightly tinny guitars, played by Asvargr and Santura are often layered. Occasional acoustics provide variety and further melody, and the bass, courtesy of Draug, is sporadically prominent, and always powerful. The keyboards of Paymon are varied; most commonly used to provide atmosphere, and rarely the melody, they are integral to a majestic sound. Seraphs drum-work is solid, while not hugely complex, the driving beats help form a successful rhythm section. Female vocals from guest performer Katrin Neeral add further diversity, and (rather unusually for such music) are used as the main vox in several places rather than being contained within a "supporting musician" role.
Standout tracks include the classically influenced, bombastic yet graceful instrumental introduction, composed and performed by Limbonic Arts Morfeus, and "In Morte Aeternitas", whose soaring guitar lines and bitter growls make the song a melodic, heavy epic. Dark Fortress are accomplished musicians; their songs, while not highly original, are well written, and often memorable. "Profane Genocidal Creations" will fit in any black metal fans collection, as well as appealing to select death, symphonic and epic metal lovers.
