Setherial From the Ancient Ruins
Napalm Records 2002
By Russell Garwood
Setherials latest release through Napalm Records features three tracks from an unreleased studio session, three from their 1994 "A Hail To The Faceless Angels" demo and a song recorded in a 1995 studio session. Unsurprisingly the demo recordings have weaker production than the studio ones, with slightly tinny guitars and poorer mixing, while the studio tracks are less raw. The group play relentless black metal, of the purely organic type, for the most part using only guitars, bass, drums and screams. Despite numerous line up changes between the two releases, the music remains relatively constant; crushing guitars hold some melody but generally concentrate on their bludgeoning qualities, while fast drums help create the solid barrage. Caustic screams front the harsh sound, and powerful bass creates a solid low end. Occasional symphonics are an interesting addition, but rarely play anything other than a minor role in the sound.
This collection of rare tracks is a must for fans of the evil Swedes, and other fans of more traditional black metal will appreciate their work. The production is not a problem, being of a higher quality than many similar black metal releases, and what the band lack in originality they make up for in aggression.
Napalm Records 2002
By Russell Garwood
Setherials latest release through Napalm Records features three tracks from an unreleased studio session, three from their 1994 "A Hail To The Faceless Angels" demo and a song recorded in a 1995 studio session. Unsurprisingly the demo recordings have weaker production than the studio ones, with slightly tinny guitars and poorer mixing, while the studio tracks are less raw. The group play relentless black metal, of the purely organic type, for the most part using only guitars, bass, drums and screams. Despite numerous line up changes between the two releases, the music remains relatively constant; crushing guitars hold some melody but generally concentrate on their bludgeoning qualities, while fast drums help create the solid barrage. Caustic screams front the harsh sound, and powerful bass creates a solid low end. Occasional symphonics are an interesting addition, but rarely play anything other than a minor role in the sound.
This collection of rare tracks is a must for fans of the evil Swedes, and other fans of more traditional black metal will appreciate their work. The production is not a problem, being of a higher quality than many similar black metal releases, and what the band lack in originality they make up for in aggression.
