Runemagick Requiem Of The Apocalypse
Aftermath Music 2002
By Russell Garwood
Formed in 1990, Swedens Runemagick first achieved a stable line-up ten years later, with Nicklas Rudolfsson (Guitar/Vocals), Emma Karlsson (Bass), Fredrick Johnsson (Guitar) and drummer Daniel Moilanen. Despite prior multiple line-up changes, the band managed to release three albums through Century Media before signing to Aftermath Music in late 2001. Requiem Of The Apocalypse, their first album to be released through the Norwegian label, is of similar form to their earlier efforts; dark, sporadically melodic and atmospheric death metal. A nice added extra on this release is a multimedia section with pictures, information, links, a screensaver, skins, MP3s of three rare tracks plus a remix, a biography and a discography.
At 62 minutes and 13 tracks this is a long album, with numerous highlights. Second song Temple Of Skin has catchy, slow guitars, and like much of the album is highly progressive. Track 4, On Chariots To Hades again demonstrates mid-paced guitars with a welcome acoustic section towards the end. The faster One Road To Megiddo introduces a more compelling rhythm section and enjoyable start/stop riffing. Other standouts include the short instrumental Bells Of Death, Memorandaum Melancholia for the impressive guitar (especially during the verses), and the melodic title track.
Overall, Requiem Of The Apocalypse is an accomplished melodic death album. At times the music can feel repetitive, and the drums overly simplistic, but the majority of the instrumentation is performed well. The production is good and clear, and mixing well executed. While Runemagick dont break any new ground with this release, it is competently written and something most fans of dark or melodic death would welcome.
Aftermath Music 2002
By Russell Garwood
Formed in 1990, Swedens Runemagick first achieved a stable line-up ten years later, with Nicklas Rudolfsson (Guitar/Vocals), Emma Karlsson (Bass), Fredrick Johnsson (Guitar) and drummer Daniel Moilanen. Despite prior multiple line-up changes, the band managed to release three albums through Century Media before signing to Aftermath Music in late 2001. Requiem Of The Apocalypse, their first album to be released through the Norwegian label, is of similar form to their earlier efforts; dark, sporadically melodic and atmospheric death metal. A nice added extra on this release is a multimedia section with pictures, information, links, a screensaver, skins, MP3s of three rare tracks plus a remix, a biography and a discography.
At 62 minutes and 13 tracks this is a long album, with numerous highlights. Second song Temple Of Skin has catchy, slow guitars, and like much of the album is highly progressive. Track 4, On Chariots To Hades again demonstrates mid-paced guitars with a welcome acoustic section towards the end. The faster One Road To Megiddo introduces a more compelling rhythm section and enjoyable start/stop riffing. Other standouts include the short instrumental Bells Of Death, Memorandaum Melancholia for the impressive guitar (especially during the verses), and the melodic title track.
Overall, Requiem Of The Apocalypse is an accomplished melodic death album. At times the music can feel repetitive, and the drums overly simplistic, but the majority of the instrumentation is performed well. The production is good and clear, and mixing well executed. While Runemagick dont break any new ground with this release, it is competently written and something most fans of dark or melodic death would welcome.
