Ov Hell - The Underworld Regime

[General Zod]

A project by Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir), King (ex-Gorgoroth) and Frost (Satyricon, 1349). Interestingly, or perhaps not so interestingly, it strikes a perfect balance between Dimmu and Gorgoroth. It's far more polished than Dimmu... no where near as raw as Gorgoroth. Sonically, it sounds like Gorgoroth with Shagrath on vocals. As anything that could be considered an all-star Black Metal project, would automatically be considered anathema to the tr00 and the kvlt, this disc is mostly getting shit on by those most likely to review it. Don't believe it. It's very well done.

 

[edgeofthorns]

this disc is mostly getting shit on by those most likely to review it.

Why?

~Brian~

 

[Fire breath]

Do they fuckin' speed up or what? Slow black metal is a waste of time.
I'll take Keep of Kalessin any damn day of the week over this lame project. Mind you I hate black metal. I'd take Kenny Rogers over any black metal.

 

[nomisofsiman]

Why?

~Brian~

Because black metal fans are probably the most fickle of all metal fans period. If it isn't "true" in their eyes, it's shit.

As far as this goes, I like it. Never listened to Gorgoroth at all, as Gaahl is crazy as batshit and scared the hell out of me.

 

[dcowboys311]

Gaahl is a moron and Shagrath is just an ass.

This song isn't bad, per se...it's just...boring.

 

[General Zod]

Why?

Most Black Metal fans hate anything with any sort of hint of commercial appeal.

Do they fuckin' speed up or what? Slow black metal is a waste of time.

This is probably the slowest song on the album.

Mind you I hate black metal. I'd take Kenny Rogers over any black metal.

You hate Black Metal, yet feel this song isn't brutal enough?

Gaahl is a moron and Shagrath is just an ass.

Gaahl is clearly psychotic. However, he was neither with Gorgoroth when they started nor in their current incarnation. I've never met Shagrath, so I can't comment.

 

[Mavros]

Black Metal is not my forte, but this doesn't seem terrible by any means. Who was reviewing this and tearing it to pieces? Obviously not true admirers of black metal.

Mind you I hate black metal. I'd take Kenny Rogers over any black metal.

why'd you even bother then?

 

[dcowboys311]

Black Metal is not my forte, but this doesn't seem terrible by any means. Who was reviewing this and tearing it to pieces? Obviously not true admirers of black metal.

Are you sure you're aware of the culture surrounding the "true admirers of black metal?"

I love the genre to death but it is without a doubt the most elitist group of metal fans.

 

[Stingray11214]

This song kicks ass. That said, I saw an interview with Gaahl not too long ago. The man is clearly intelligent, a painter, and very well spoken. That said, he borders alongside Charles Manson and John Wayne Gacy when it comes to sanity. I would not be surprised if he ever should go thatt route.

 

[Fire breath]

Black Metal is not my forte, but this doesn't seem terrible by any means. Who was reviewing this and tearing it to pieces? Obviously not true admirers of black metal.





why'd you even bother then?

Actually I was sort of jesting there. I listen to some black metal once in a blue moon but only the accessible kind. my fave bm band ever is old man's child. The Pagan Prosperity believe it or not is in my top 20 albums of all time. I also like Immortal a lot but the comeback album disappointed me badly it was so boring. I love the Heart of winter, Damned and Sons trilogy. I hate Blizzard beasts and I hate early Immortal. I've actually seen 1349 live. I've seen some black metal gigs. I understand the genre and how their fans are truly elitist and hate everything other than Mayhem, Burzum and Darkthrone and only the 90s stuff at that. I was sort of pulling the General's leg cause he said that Keep of Kalessin was shite and then posts about some bm band that's pretty similar as if it's miles better or something. BM still blows next to melodic music, I don't care about balls or heaviness you've got me completely wrong. I like fucking pussfied wimp out AOR. My man John Frank will tell you that!

 

[dcowboys311]

nah the guys who are only into Mayhem and Burzum are posers.

it's all about Bicyklothorturerere.

 

[Mavros]

Are you sure you're aware of the culture surrounding the "true admirers of black metal?"

I love the genre to death but it is without a doubt the most elitist group of metal fans.

As I said, black metal is not my forte, which means I'm not within the fan base so I know little about the 'elitist quality' of black metal fans. I just assumed it was most like any other brand of metal with passionate fans that could look at it from all angles. Though, with more thought...

 

[BenMech]

As I said, black metal is not my forte, which means I'm not within the fan base so I know little about the 'elitist quality' of black metal fans. I just assumed it was most like any other brand of metal with passionate fans that could look at it from all angles. Though, with more thought...

And it does.

Certainly, the worst of all <add subgenre here from list below>metal fans are ridonkulously unpleasant to get opinions from, from either black or power or doom or death or prog or 80s Hairspray or AvantGarde or melodic rock, etc etc etc.

But the hardcore base (as opposed to, if you will, a HardCore base) is just the smallest fringe of the spectrum, no matter where you go or how loudly they argue their opinions.

 

[General Zod]

As I said, black metal is not my forte, which means I'm not within the fan base so I know little about the 'elitist quality' of black metal fans.

No worries. What I was eluding to, was in fact the elitist quality others have mentioned. In Black Metal circles, you'll typically find a band's first demo to be their most widely praised work. Any attempt at commercialism, no matter how small or insignificant, is looked upon as pissing upon the true nature of the genre. And in some senses, that may be true. Early in the genre's history, many releases were only pressed with 1,000 copies. Not because they couldn't sell more, but more because the music was never intended for a wider audience. Essentially, the idea of a popular Black Metal band is an oxymoron. To that end, the idea of a "super group", goes against the grain of the genre. And more to the point, nothing Shagrath is involved with will ever be seen as tr00 Black Metal. Since the release of Enthrone Darkness Triumphant, Dimmu Borgir has been viewed as sell-out.

 

[BenMech]

True, Greg Zod. and, umm, trOO.

Also, Dimmu and Gorgoroth were never really part of the, ehem, extracurricular activity scene, so anything they said or sang read as half-assed corporate rockhacks at best.

 

[edgeofthorns]

Gaahl is clearly psychotic.

Why do you say that? I honestly have no clue, but I'm finding all of this interesting.

~Brian~

 

[nomisofsiman]

No worries. What I was eluding to, was in fact the elitist quality others have mentioned. In Black Metal circles, you'll typically find a band's first demo to be their most widely praised work. Any attempt at commercialism, no matter how small or insignificant, is looked upon as pissing upon the true nature of the genre. And in some senses, that may be true. Early in the genre's history, many releases were only pressed with 1,000 copies. Not because they couldn't sell more, but more because the music was never intended for a wider audience. Essentially, the idea of a popular Black Metal band is an oxymoron. To that end, the idea of a "super group", goes against the grain of the genre. And more to the point, nothing Shagrath is involved with will ever be seen as tr00 Black Metal. Since the release of Enthrone Darkness Triumphant, Dimmu Borgir has been viewed as sell-out.

The Dimmu thing has always thrown me. Pretty much from the get-go they were a symphonic black metal band, and they've continue to add those symphonic parts. I never understood how being a symphonic black metal band was selling out by having a, you know, symphony on Death Cult Armageddon.

Why do you say that? I honestly have no clue, but I'm finding all of this interesting.

~Brian~

Just find interviews of him. You'll quickly find why. As a starting point though just watching his interview on Metal: A Headbanger's Journey will give you a good understanding. Actually, that's a good flick anyways and recommend it highly.

 

[General Zod]

Why do you say that? I honestly have no clue, but I'm finding all of this interesting.

Brian... go here and search for "Black Metal". There's a pretty fascinating 31 minute documentary on Black Metal and Gaahl. Even if the music has no interest to you, it's a pretty engrossing documentary.

http://www.vbs.tv/

 

[General Zod]

The Dimmu thing has always thrown me. Pretty much from the get-go they were a symphonic black metal band, and they've continue to add those symphonic parts.

There's a fairly substantial style change between Stormblast and Enthrone Darkness Triumphant.

 

[nomisofsiman]

There's a fairly substantial style change between Stormblast and Enthrone Darkness Triumphant.

Oh I know. That was just one example.