NAVRATHOS "Possessed From The Black Forest"

NAVRATHOS "Possessed From The Black Forest" CDr (Flying Axe Production / Draconian Production)

Two goats head on the logo, forest landscape as the cover, all in black and white; so what would you expect? Black Metal, precisely. Primitive black Metal, to be exact. NAVRATHOS' "Possessed From The Black Forest" is another manifestation of crude and rude black Metal devoid of anything else. The sole special thank to Satan on the inlay thrusted their point even more. There's nothing else here than black Metal made unholy initiated by DARKTHRONE in their "Under A Funeral Moon" album, the said album fumes and looming large throughout this disc. But at least NAVRATHOS does it decent enough. There is no question this is black Metal in and out, rendered with the right purpose and appeal. I'm sure the lyrics are as straightforward as the titles too. "Pig Devotee" is definitely an interesting song-title (and a good mid-paced song). For intolerant black Metal fanatics only. These guys eat emocorefukks for breakfast.

navrathos_666@yahoo.com

SUCCUBUS "Sadistic Rites Of Evil"

SUCCUBUS "Sadistic Rites Of Evil" demo EP (Metal Porn Production / Morbid Invasion Rex)

As I anticipate the onslaught of slurring good releases from local bands, this cassette tape EP find its way to me. I only heard positive words of them prior, since I, as usual, missed on their limited CD release. This similarly limited (200 copies) tape edition in four(4!) colors cover variations did not escape me though, and upon pre-listening and countless re-listening after, it is all justifiably, brilliant. What SUCCUBUS delivers is nothing new, but they done it the RIGHT way. "Sadistic Rites Of Evil" is a feast of over-the-top raw death Metal rotting away with straight in-your-face ripping underground thrash Metal of the old. POISON goes death Metal? MERCILESS with death-lier dose? Those kind of description might suit perfectly with it. Of the more recent bands I could recall the sorely missed VERMINOUS and substance of KAAMOS in their rabid savagery. Yes, those bands that rekindled pure essence of death Metal in all its filthy glory. Whatever people attributed themselves to 'rotten death Metal' these days, "Sadistic Rites Of Evil" is one such fine specimen. I do pride myself that it's coming from Malaysia, and I am pleasantly surprised too. They capture it with uttermost confidence. I did manage to compare this tape with the CD version, and I have to agree that the CD sounds much more savage. Remastered for the tape version? Whatever, the songs rip. They couldn't go wrong if this is to be judged. And try a little harder to get the tape too, it's gone as fast as the CD I think. Or rather wait for the re-release of the CD, and perhaps a release in wax soon enough. I'm sorry, this kind of death Metal, when it's done just right, I couldn't help but to lavish it with praises. Time for another listen.

metalporn666@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/MorbidInvasion

LAVATORY "Transgression"

LAVATORY "Transgression" EP (Morbid Invasion Rex/Vomit Blood/Vigil Studio)

I get enthusiastic whenever any chance of reviewing good, promising releases flourished every once in while, and looking at the current rate of materials received I can only anticipate good things. LAVATORY (the Malaysian ones, that is) is a name unknown to my limited local scene know-how, until they came out bursting with this EP on pro-tape format. "Transgression" is a nasty piece of 5 death Metal tracks in mostly old Swedish death Metal  vein. Name-dropping DISMEMBER as one of the main influence is easy, as one don't have to dig so much to hear that in their music. I find that throughout the entire listening here. LAVATORY is something of a darker, bastard version of the mentioned Swedish gods. It makes sense to visualize that renowned blueprint is being thrown and immersed into the cauldron of burning hell-fire to create what is known as LAVATORY. At least that much is prevalent throughout these five songs here. I have to mention the solos as well, they're excellent and really complement the songs whenever they are needed. The vocals pattern is very much in the Matti Karki way of arranging it too, not that they sound alike, but they are similarly 'placed', sort of. And more vocal parts (longer lyrics?) wouldn't hurt either (matter of preference, ok I admit). "Transgression" does more than enough for a first release, it is being pressed again on CD format by a US based label and took the band places for live shows so far, and they are signed to Pulverized Records more recently. It's a varied and more exciting local scene should more releases like these is on the line. "Transgression" is on a regular rotation here, and even if you put aside my interest in these kind of death Metal, it deserves your listening too.

www.facebook.com/lavatory.bandpage
www.facebook.com/MorbidInvasion

TOOLS OF THE TRADE "Pulse"

TOOLS OF THE TRADE "Pulse" EP (Stoneville Records)

This short and sharp burst of musical extremity deserves a similarly rapid reviewing apparatus. And while the journey is a bit swift, what a bursting swiftness it is. "Pulse", the cassette tape EP of TOOLS OF THE TRADE cemented their reputation as one of the best straight-out ballsy grind bands ever to emerge from the Malaysian soil. Everything you need from a good grind release is all here, the songs are frighteningly to the point with all the techniques and baggages firmly engaged. Didn't came as a surprise to know that they embarked on a European Tour not so while ago, this short tape presentation is all I ever need for a testimonial that they clearly deserve to do that. An album ("Defy"), has been released soon after this one, which I did not manage to get my hands on just yet, but "Pulse" is a positive indication if anybody wish for one. Like the cliche says, grind on. And it is all for the right reasons.

http://stonevillerecords.weebly.com/

http://toolsgrind.blogspot.com/

AMENORT "Die"

AMENORT "Die" Cdr (Metal Porn Production)

Another band in the thrash Metal vein, AMENORT presents us this release via Metal Porn Production, limited to 60 copies, hand-numbered. Unending obssession with robots and hatred for zionist prompted this 5-tracker of old-school thrash Metal with strong crossover influences ala D.R.I and the likes. Strictly for the listeners of  the sound I am typing above, because that is all "Die" is. A matter of taste exclusively. AMENORT is doing it by the book, and that is all you can expect. No standout tracks to be found, all of them are in almost the same level in-between. The productions is decent for its level. There. I think I summed up "Die" good enough for you to understand. 

metalporn666@gmail.com

www.myspace.com/amenort

READY DISASTER 3-Way Split (HEREAFTER, DEMONIFICATION, HIDING FEAR)

READY DISASTER 3-Way Split (HEREAFTER, DEMONIFICATION, HIDING FEAR) CDr (Metal Porn Production)

A 3-way thrash Metal split featuring two Malaysian bands (HEREAFTER and HIDING FEAR) and Singaporeans DEMONIFICATION, offering 3 tracks each. HEREAFTER is the first in line, and yes they're still delivering their thrash Metal the way they know it. No surprises here, it is still HEREAFTER, therefore good ol' thrashing will be served as usual. A particular mention for the song "Orang Jahat", a catchy assault complimented with the honest Malay lyrics. DEMONIFICATION, as the name suggests, is the evil one this time. A rather direct thrashing approach with screaming vocals, reeking back to older days. Their songs here leave little room for breath (and imagination). More than perfect to match up with HEREAFTER, the score will be pretty even. HIDING FEAR closes the proceeding, and they're probably the worst produced band here. The sound is way too compressed, but I am trying to ignore that and focusing on the tracks here. And they prove to be the least interesting of the lot, the songs are simplistic but that won't be a problem if they don't sound this bland and chaotic. I'm left numbing after hearing their part, which prompted me reverting back to the HEREAFTER and DEMONIFICATION tracks. Limited to 150 hand-numbered copies.

metalporn666@gmail.com

KILLLER CORPSE "Death Rising"

KILLER CORPSE "Death Rising" MCD (Stoneville Records)

Besides the surging of Thrash infested bands lately, I also realized the death Metal troops creeping up quite healthily in the local scene too. And do take note that most of them are quite good actually, to say the very least. Enter out of nowhere (for me) KILLER CORPSE with this, their MCD "Death Rising". Bowing their heads towards the once glorified Florida, US death Metal deathbed; with a tendency for that doomdeath heavier hoarding of song structures. Nothing groundbreaking, yet they do it decent enough. There's also some similarities with the equally promising HUMILIATION to be found here too, check out "Horror Of War"for example, it will fit perfectly tact with any HUMILIATION releases comfortably. Even the production stays close to that of their counterpart. But I dare say KILLER CORPSE seems to be a bit more varied, as this fine MCD release shows. Decently packaged as well and for the right price to pay. Death Metal worth listening. 

www.killercorpse666@gmail.com

www.stonevillerecords.com