Skaldic Curse Contagious Psychic Misery
Self released demo 2004
By Russell Garwood
Londons Skaldic Curse play harsh black metal. Traditional elements ring of the early nineties, while an extremity rarely seen in the genre marks the band apart somewhat - from their contemporaries. Vocalist Woundz provides guttural yet undeniably BM-orientated screams and screeches, a worthy front to the barbaric music. A new addition is occasional singing, buried deep below the other instruments, this is extremely effective, without lessening the impact of the sound. Guitarists VX and Astynax are responsible for the wall of noise most noticeable while listening to these four songs. High in the mix, their instruments carry some grinding melody, while discords add to the twisted feel which runs throughout. Non-distorted sections are harsher and fewer than their previous demo yet still filled with the same eerie melodies. Monoliths bass is unusually audible for a black metal demo, and of a high standard. Drummer Theutus provides plenty of blasts, but an overall varied assortment of beats for the mid-paced music. He matches the changing dynamics with ease, as well as changes in tempo.
This, Skaldic Curses sophomore demo, follows 2002s debut Hated By Matter Itself. The music shows relatively little change in style, yet there has been development into a fuller sound. Better production is also welcome, while the recording is still muddy enough to leave black metal traditionalists satiated. This is a successful demo, which fans of the harsher side of metal are likely to enjoy greatly.
6.5/10
Official Skaldic Curse website
Self released demo 2004
By Russell Garwood
Londons Skaldic Curse play harsh black metal. Traditional elements ring of the early nineties, while an extremity rarely seen in the genre marks the band apart somewhat - from their contemporaries. Vocalist Woundz provides guttural yet undeniably BM-orientated screams and screeches, a worthy front to the barbaric music. A new addition is occasional singing, buried deep below the other instruments, this is extremely effective, without lessening the impact of the sound. Guitarists VX and Astynax are responsible for the wall of noise most noticeable while listening to these four songs. High in the mix, their instruments carry some grinding melody, while discords add to the twisted feel which runs throughout. Non-distorted sections are harsher and fewer than their previous demo yet still filled with the same eerie melodies. Monoliths bass is unusually audible for a black metal demo, and of a high standard. Drummer Theutus provides plenty of blasts, but an overall varied assortment of beats for the mid-paced music. He matches the changing dynamics with ease, as well as changes in tempo.
This, Skaldic Curses sophomore demo, follows 2002s debut Hated By Matter Itself. The music shows relatively little change in style, yet there has been development into a fuller sound. Better production is also welcome, while the recording is still muddy enough to leave black metal traditionalists satiated. This is a successful demo, which fans of the harsher side of metal are likely to enjoy greatly.
6.5/10
Official Skaldic Curse website
