#belgianmetal — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #belgianmetal, aggregated by home.social.
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https://www.europesays.com/uk/1205552/ Killer – The Grand Finale Review #2026 #30 #AC/DC #BelgianMetal #DefLeppard #Entertainment #HeavyMetal #HighRollerRecords #IronMaiden #JudasPriest #killer #Motörhead #Motörheadz #music #NWOBHM #Review #Reviews #Saxon #Sep26 #Slayer #TheGrandFinale #ThinLizzy #UK #UnitedKingdom
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Killer – The Grand Finale Review By ClarkKentA year before Slayer started their thrash party, Paul “Shorty” Van Camp and Fat Leo formed their band, Killer. However, their names are the only things these two bands have in common—instead of thrash, Killer play an energetic style of classic heavy metal that has drawn plenty of comparisons to Motörhead. One can also hear NWOBHM influences from Saxon to Iron Maiden as well as some Def Leppard, AC/DC, and Thin Lizzy. What some consider Belgium’s first metal band, Killer struggled to imitate the success of their influences, with lineup changes wreaking havoc and financial struggles leading to lengthy hiatuses. After 1990’s Fatal Attraction, the ’90s were a quiet decade for the crew until a burst of energy following a 20th anniversary reunion that led to the release of two records in 2003 and 2005. The Grand Finale marks their third album since 2005’s Immortal, their ninth overall, and, as the album title and tongue-in-cheek cover art suggest, the last of their career. Despite their age, these guys prove they aren’t too olde to rock.
On The Grand Finale, Killer embrace the Motörhead within them. The record doubles as their swan song and as a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister, including guest performances from Lloyd “Lemmy,” the vocalist of a Motörhead tribute band called Motörheadz.1 Things start off with that Motörhead energy on the catchy “Loaded Gun,” which also has the economic flair of AC/DC. It establishes the sort of simple, yet distinctive, riffs that give each track a memorable spark. It’s not all Motörhead all the time, however. “Welcome in the Real World”2 has the classic heavy metal feel of Judas Priest, and structurally the songs play out in a Def Leppard fashion with stripped-down yet catchy choruses. Yet, Motörhead does dominate the thematic content of The Grand Finale. The centerpiece, “Roll the Dice,” takes clear influence from “Ace of Spades,” using the same “life as a gamble” metaphor. Shorty and Lloyd “Lemmy” sing, “Life’s a casino” and “If you don’t play you never can win.” Yes it’s a bit on the nose for “Ace of Spades,” but still plenty fun.
Shorty is the only remaining member from the ’80s days, but these guys play with plenty of spunk for a trio that’s been together for 15 years. The 70-year-old lead singer proves the adage that age is just a number. Sure, his voice has a bit of a huskiness that weighs it down, but he sings with gusto and spirit. There’s no pity in his final performance—on “The Grand Finale,” he sings “Stop! The show is over” with the cheerful abandon of someone satisfied with their lot. He sees the silver lining in performing this finale: “It’s our very last chance to enjoy the passion, the treasure.” The joy is catching. The ballad “Gone Too Soon” is the true heart of the album, serving as a tribute to Lemmy. It’s a heartfelt piece that genuinely expresses Killer’s grief in a down-to-earth way that isn’t overly sappy. Along with the charismatic vocal performance, the memorable riffs and fun solos prove that The Grand Finale was borne from a spark of true passion.
Though The Grand Finale harks back to the days when Killer wrote tighter records, wrapping up in a concise 38 minutes,3 it does begin to grow stale in the back half. “Hard Day Coming” is one of the more interesting songs thematically, taking the “grand finale” theme in a more sinister and global direction by warning of a coming “hard day” ravaged by raging seas and “violence and hate.” It’s a fine tune, but it leads to a string of structurally similar songs that feel repetitive, following one after the other. Rescuing the record from a sluggish ending is the return of Lloyd “Lemmy” on the highly energetic “What You See is What You Get.” Frenetic riffs and blast beats snap awake sleepy musicians and listeners alike, allowing this one to end on a high note and keep the good vibes flowing.
They may lack the influence of many of their peers and won’t draw the same amount of attention as another “grand finale” released earlier this year, but it’s still bittersweet to witness the end of such a long career. Killer face this ending with such good spirits that it’s more sweet than bitter, however. I won’t speculate on where this one sits in their discog,4 but what matters is that it’s an enjoyable send-off, something fans will appreciate as well as newcomers who enjoy classic heavy metal.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
#2026 #30 #ACDC #BelgianMetal #DefLeppard #HeavyMetal #HighRollerRecords #IronMaiden #JudasPriest #Killer #Motörhead #Motörheadz #NWOBHM #Review #Reviews #Saxon #Sep26 #Slayer #TheGrandFinale #ThinLizzy
DR: 10 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: High Roller Records
Websites: Facebook | Official Site
Releases Worldwide: September 11th, 2026 -
Killer – The Grand Finale Review By ClarkKentA year before Slayer started their thrash party, Paul “Shorty” Van Camp and Fat Leo formed their band, Killer. However, their names are the only things these two bands have in common—instead of thrash, Killer play an energetic style of classic heavy metal that has drawn plenty of comparisons to Motörhead. One can also hear NWOBHM influences from Saxon to Iron Maiden as well as some Def Leppard, AC/DC, and Thin Lizzy. What some consider Belgium’s first metal band, Killer struggled to imitate the success of their influences, with lineup changes wreaking havoc and financial struggles leading to lengthy hiatuses. After 1990’s Fatal Attraction, the ’90s were a quiet decade for the crew until a burst of energy following a 20th anniversary reunion that led to the release of two records in 2003 and 2005. The Grand Finale marks their third album since 2005’s Immortal, their ninth overall, and, as the album title and tongue-in-cheek cover art suggest, the last of their career. Despite their age, these guys prove they aren’t too olde to rock.
On The Grand Finale, Killer embrace the Motörhead within them. The record doubles as their swan song and as a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister, including guest performances from Lloyd “Lemmy,” the vocalist of a Motörhead tribute band called Motörheadz.1 Things start off with that Motörhead energy on the catchy “Loaded Gun,” which also has the economic flair of AC/DC. It establishes the sort of simple, yet distinctive, riffs that give each track a memorable spark. It’s not all Motörhead all the time, however. “Welcome in the Real World”2 has the classic heavy metal feel of Judas Priest, and structurally the songs play out in a Def Leppard fashion with stripped-down yet catchy choruses. Yet, Motörhead does dominate the thematic content of The Grand Finale. The centerpiece, “Roll the Dice,” takes clear influence from “Ace of Spades,” using the same “life as a gamble” metaphor. Shorty and Lloyd “Lemmy” sing, “Life’s a casino” and “If you don’t play you never can win.” Yes it’s a bit on the nose for “Ace of Spades,” but still plenty fun.
Shorty is the only remaining member from the ’80s days, but these guys play with plenty of spunk for a trio that’s been together for 15 years. The 70-year-old lead singer proves the adage that age is just a number. Sure, his voice has a bit of a huskiness that weighs it down, but he sings with gusto and spirit. There’s no pity in his final performance—on “The Grand Finale,” he sings “Stop! The show is over” with the cheerful abandon of someone satisfied with their lot. He sees the silver lining in performing this finale: “It’s our very last chance to enjoy the passion, the treasure.” The joy is catching. The ballad “Gone Too Soon” is the true heart of the album, serving as a tribute to Lemmy. It’s a heartfelt piece that genuinely expresses Killer’s grief in a down-to-earth way that isn’t overly sappy. Along with the charismatic vocal performance, the memorable riffs and fun solos prove that The Grand Finale was borne from a spark of true passion.
Though The Grand Finale harks back to the days when Killer wrote tighter records, wrapping up in a concise 38 minutes,3 it does begin to grow stale in the back half. “Hard Day Coming” is one of the more interesting songs thematically, taking the “grand finale” theme in a more sinister and global direction by warning of a coming “hard day” ravaged by raging seas and “violence and hate.” It’s a fine tune, but it leads to a string of structurally similar songs that feel repetitive, following one after the other. Rescuing the record from a sluggish ending is the return of Lloyd “Lemmy” on the highly energetic “What You See is What You Get.” Frenetic riffs and blast beats snap awake sleepy musicians and listeners alike, allowing this one to end on a high note and keep the good vibes flowing.
They may lack the influence of many of their peers and won’t draw the same amount of attention as another “grand finale” released earlier this year, but it’s still bittersweet to witness the end of such a long career. Killer face this ending with such good spirits that it’s more sweet than bitter, however. I won’t speculate on where this one sits in their discog,4 but what matters is that it’s an enjoyable send-off, something fans will appreciate as well as newcomers who enjoy classic heavy metal.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
#2026 #30 #ACDC #BelgianMetal #DefLeppard #HeavyMetal #HighRollerRecords #IronMaiden #JudasPriest #Killer #Motörhead #Motörheadz #NWOBHM #Review #Reviews #Saxon #Sep26 #Slayer #TheGrandFinale #ThinLizzy
DR: 10 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: High Roller Records
Websites: Facebook | Official Site
Releases Worldwide: September 11th, 2026 -
Killer – The Grand Finale Review By ClarkKentA year before Slayer started their thrash party, Paul “Shorty” Van Camp and Fat Leo formed their band, Killer. However, their names are the only things these two bands have in common—instead of thrash, Killer play an energetic style of classic heavy metal that has drawn plenty of comparisons to Motörhead. One can also hear NWOBHM influences from Saxon to Iron Maiden as well as some Def Leppard, AC/DC, and Thin Lizzy. What some consider Belgium’s first metal band, Killer struggled to imitate the success of their influences, with lineup changes wreaking havoc and financial struggles leading to lengthy hiatuses. After 1990’s Fatal Attraction, the ’90s were a quiet decade for the crew until a burst of energy following a 20th anniversary reunion that led to the release of two records in 2003 and 2005. The Grand Finale marks their third album since 2005’s Immortal, their ninth overall, and, as the album title and tongue-in-cheek cover art suggest, the last of their career. Despite their age, these guys prove they aren’t too olde to rock.
On The Grand Finale, Killer embrace the Motörhead within them. The record doubles as their swan song and as a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister, including guest performances from Lloyd “Lemmy,” the vocalist of a Motörhead tribute band called Motörheadz.1 Things start off with that Motörhead energy on the catchy “Loaded Gun,” which also has the economic flair of AC/DC. It establishes the sort of simple, yet distinctive, riffs that give each track a memorable spark. It’s not all Motörhead all the time, however. “Welcome in the Real World”2 has the classic heavy metal feel of Judas Priest, and structurally the songs play out in a Def Leppard fashion with stripped-down yet catchy choruses. Yet, Motörhead does dominate the thematic content of The Grand Finale. The centerpiece, “Roll the Dice,” takes clear influence from “Ace of Spades,” using the same “life as a gamble” metaphor. Shorty and Lloyd “Lemmy” sing, “Life’s a casino” and “If you don’t play you never can win.” Yes it’s a bit on the nose for “Ace of Spades,” but still plenty fun.
Shorty is the only remaining member from the ’80s days, but these guys play with plenty of spunk for a trio that’s been together for 15 years. The 70-year-old lead singer proves the adage that age is just a number. Sure, his voice has a bit of a huskiness that weighs it down, but he sings with gusto and spirit. There’s no pity in his final performance—on “The Grand Finale,” he sings “Stop! The show is over” with the cheerful abandon of someone satisfied with their lot. He sees the silver lining in performing this finale: “It’s our very last chance to enjoy the passion, the treasure.” The joy is catching. The ballad “Gone Too Soon” is the true heart of the album, serving as a tribute to Lemmy. It’s a heartfelt piece that genuinely expresses Killer’s grief in a down-to-earth way that isn’t overly sappy. Along with the charismatic vocal performance, the memorable riffs and fun solos prove that The Grand Finale was borne from a spark of true passion.
Though The Grand Finale harks back to the days when Killer wrote tighter records, wrapping up in a concise 38 minutes,3 it does begin to grow stale in the back half. “Hard Day Coming” is one of the more interesting songs thematically, taking the “grand finale” theme in a more sinister and global direction by warning of a coming “hard day” ravaged by raging seas and “violence and hate.” It’s a fine tune, but it leads to a string of structurally similar songs that feel repetitive, following one after the other. Rescuing the record from a sluggish ending is the return of Lloyd “Lemmy” on the highly energetic “What You See is What You Get.” Frenetic riffs and blast beats snap awake sleepy musicians and listeners alike, allowing this one to end on a high note and keep the good vibes flowing.
They may lack the influence of many of their peers and won’t draw the same amount of attention as another “grand finale” released earlier this year, but it’s still bittersweet to witness the end of such a long career. Killer face this ending with such good spirits that it’s more sweet than bitter, however. I won’t speculate on where this one sits in their discog,4 but what matters is that it’s an enjoyable send-off, something fans will appreciate as well as newcomers who enjoy classic heavy metal.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
#2026 #30 #ACDC #BelgianMetal #DefLeppard #HeavyMetal #HighRollerRecords #IronMaiden #JudasPriest #Killer #Motörhead #Motörheadz #NWOBHM #Review #Reviews #Saxon #Sep26 #Slayer #TheGrandFinale #ThinLizzy
DR: 10 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: High Roller Records
Websites: Facebook | Official Site
Releases Worldwide: September 11th, 2026 -
Killer – The Grand Finale Review By ClarkKentA year before Slayer started their thrash party, Paul “Shorty” Van Camp and Fat Leo formed their band, Killer. However, their names are the only things these two bands have in common—instead of thrash, Killer play an energetic style of classic heavy metal that has drawn plenty of comparisons to Motörhead. One can also hear NWOBHM influences from Saxon to Iron Maiden as well as some Def Leppard, AC/DC, and Thin Lizzy. What some consider Belgium’s first metal band, Killer struggled to imitate the success of their influences, with lineup changes wreaking havoc and financial struggles leading to lengthy hiatuses. After 1990’s Fatal Attraction, the ’90s were a quiet decade for the crew until a burst of energy following a 20th anniversary reunion that led to the release of two records in 2003 and 2005. The Grand Finale marks their third album since 2005’s Immortal, their ninth overall, and, as the album title and tongue-in-cheek cover art suggest, the last of their career. Despite their age, these guys prove they aren’t too olde to rock.
On The Grand Finale, Killer embrace the Motörhead within them. The record doubles as their swan song and as a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister, including guest performances from Lloyd “Lemmy,” the vocalist of a Motörhead tribute band called Motörheadz.1 Things start off with that Motörhead energy on the catchy “Loaded Gun,” which also has the economic flair of AC/DC. It establishes the sort of simple, yet distinctive, riffs that give each track a memorable spark. It’s not all Motörhead all the time, however. “Welcome in the Real World”2 has the classic heavy metal feel of Judas Priest, and structurally the songs play out in a Def Leppard fashion with stripped-down yet catchy choruses. Yet, Motörhead does dominate the thematic content of The Grand Finale. The centerpiece, “Roll the Dice,” takes clear influence from “Ace of Spades,” using the same “life as a gamble” metaphor. Shorty and Lloyd “Lemmy” sing, “Life’s a casino” and “If you don’t play you never can win.” Yes it’s a bit on the nose for “Ace of Spades,” but still plenty fun.
Shorty is the only remaining member from the ’80s days, but these guys play with plenty of spunk for a trio that’s been together for 15 years. The 70-year-old lead singer proves the adage that age is just a number. Sure, his voice has a bit of a huskiness that weighs it down, but he sings with gusto and spirit. There’s no pity in his final performance—on “The Grand Finale,” he sings “Stop! The show is over” with the cheerful abandon of someone satisfied with their lot. He sees the silver lining in performing this finale: “It’s our very last chance to enjoy the passion, the treasure.” The joy is catching. The ballad “Gone Too Soon” is the true heart of the album, serving as a tribute to Lemmy. It’s a heartfelt piece that genuinely expresses Killer’s grief in a down-to-earth way that isn’t overly sappy. Along with the charismatic vocal performance, the memorable riffs and fun solos prove that The Grand Finale was borne from a spark of true passion.
Though The Grand Finale harks back to the days when Killer wrote tighter records, wrapping up in a concise 38 minutes,3 it does begin to grow stale in the back half. “Hard Day Coming” is one of the more interesting songs thematically, taking the “grand finale” theme in a more sinister and global direction by warning of a coming “hard day” ravaged by raging seas and “violence and hate.” It’s a fine tune, but it leads to a string of structurally similar songs that feel repetitive, following one after the other. Rescuing the record from a sluggish ending is the return of Lloyd “Lemmy” on the highly energetic “What You See is What You Get.” Frenetic riffs and blast beats snap awake sleepy musicians and listeners alike, allowing this one to end on a high note and keep the good vibes flowing.
They may lack the influence of many of their peers and won’t draw the same amount of attention as another “grand finale” released earlier this year, but it’s still bittersweet to witness the end of such a long career. Killer face this ending with such good spirits that it’s more sweet than bitter, however. I won’t speculate on where this one sits in their discog,4 but what matters is that it’s an enjoyable send-off, something fans will appreciate as well as newcomers who enjoy classic heavy metal.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
#2026 #30 #ACDC #BelgianMetal #DefLeppard #HeavyMetal #HighRollerRecords #IronMaiden #JudasPriest #Killer #Motörhead #Motörheadz #NWOBHM #Review #Reviews #Saxon #Sep26 #Slayer #TheGrandFinale #ThinLizzy
DR: 10 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: High Roller Records
Websites: Facebook | Official Site
Releases Worldwide: September 11th, 2026 -
Killer – The Grand Finale Review By ClarkKentA year before Slayer started their thrash party, Paul “Shorty” Van Camp and Fat Leo formed their band, Killer. However, their names are the only things these two bands have in common—instead of thrash, Killer play an energetic style of classic heavy metal that has drawn plenty of comparisons to Motörhead. One can also hear NWOBHM influences from Saxon to Iron Maiden as well as some Def Leppard, AC/DC, and Thin Lizzy. What some consider Belgium’s first metal band, Killer struggled to imitate the success of their influences, with lineup changes wreaking havoc and financial struggles leading to lengthy hiatuses. After 1990’s Fatal Attraction, the ’90s were a quiet decade for the crew until a burst of energy following a 20th anniversary reunion that led to the release of two records in 2003 and 2005. The Grand Finale marks their third album since 2005’s Immortal, their ninth overall, and, as the album title and tongue-in-cheek cover art suggest, the last of their career. Despite their age, these guys prove they aren’t too olde to rock.
On The Grand Finale, Killer embrace the Motörhead within them. The record doubles as their swan song and as a tribute to Lemmy Kilmister, including guest performances from Lloyd “Lemmy,” the vocalist of a Motörhead tribute band called Motörheadz.1 Things start off with that Motörhead energy on the catchy “Loaded Gun,” which also has the economic flair of AC/DC. It establishes the sort of simple, yet distinctive, riffs that give each track a memorable spark. It’s not all Motörhead all the time, however. “Welcome in the Real World”2 has the classic heavy metal feel of Judas Priest, and structurally the songs play out in a Def Leppard fashion with stripped-down yet catchy choruses. Yet, Motörhead does dominate the thematic content of The Grand Finale. The centerpiece, “Roll the Dice,” takes clear influence from “Ace of Spades,” using the same “life as a gamble” metaphor. Shorty and Lloyd “Lemmy” sing, “Life’s a casino” and “If you don’t play you never can win.” Yes it’s a bit on the nose for “Ace of Spades,” but still plenty fun.
Shorty is the only remaining member from the ’80s days, but these guys play with plenty of spunk for a trio that’s been together for 15 years. The 70-year-old lead singer proves the adage that age is just a number. Sure, his voice has a bit of a huskiness that weighs it down, but he sings with gusto and spirit. There’s no pity in his final performance—on “The Grand Finale,” he sings “Stop! The show is over” with the cheerful abandon of someone satisfied with their lot. He sees the silver lining in performing this finale: “It’s our very last chance to enjoy the passion, the treasure.” The joy is catching. The ballad “Gone Too Soon” is the true heart of the album, serving as a tribute to Lemmy. It’s a heartfelt piece that genuinely expresses Killer’s grief in a down-to-earth way that isn’t overly sappy. Along with the charismatic vocal performance, the memorable riffs and fun solos prove that The Grand Finale was borne from a spark of true passion.
Though The Grand Finale harks back to the days when Killer wrote tighter records, wrapping up in a concise 38 minutes,3 it does begin to grow stale in the back half. “Hard Day Coming” is one of the more interesting songs thematically, taking the “grand finale” theme in a more sinister and global direction by warning of a coming “hard day” ravaged by raging seas and “violence and hate.” It’s a fine tune, but it leads to a string of structurally similar songs that feel repetitive, following one after the other. Rescuing the record from a sluggish ending is the return of Lloyd “Lemmy” on the highly energetic “What You See is What You Get.” Frenetic riffs and blast beats snap awake sleepy musicians and listeners alike, allowing this one to end on a high note and keep the good vibes flowing.
They may lack the influence of many of their peers and won’t draw the same amount of attention as another “grand finale” released earlier this year, but it’s still bittersweet to witness the end of such a long career. Killer face this ending with such good spirits that it’s more sweet than bitter, however. I won’t speculate on where this one sits in their discog,4 but what matters is that it’s an enjoyable send-off, something fans will appreciate as well as newcomers who enjoy classic heavy metal.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
#2026 #30 #ACDC #BelgianMetal #DefLeppard #HeavyMetal #HighRollerRecords #IronMaiden #JudasPriest #Killer #Motörhead #Motörheadz #NWOBHM #Review #Reviews #Saxon #Sep26 #Slayer #TheGrandFinale #ThinLizzy
DR: 10 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: High Roller Records
Websites: Facebook | Official Site
Releases Worldwide: September 11th, 2026 -
Swords of Dis, Serpent Ascending, Ôros Kaù, Midnight Odyssey – From the Waters of Death – A retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh Review By Thus SpokeIn case you’re unfamiliar, The Epic of Gilgamesh is an ancient Mesopotamian poetic narrative, whose first complete form is dated to approximately 1800 BCE. It follows a story of King Gilgamesh and his dealings with gods and other mythic monsters, culminating in a journey for the secret of immortality.1 What better way could there be to consume this rich, literary epic than have it interpreted by the collection of artists behind From the Waters of Death? Obscure black/doom duo Swords of Dis; death metal veteran and experimenter Serpent Ascending; Neptunian Maximalism’s darker, heavier incarnation Ôros Kaù; and ambient-black dreamer Midnight Odyssey. All are infamous—if you know who they are—for their strange, unconventional styles and love for long-form expression that borders on the self-indulgent, which may make them ideally suited to a Gilgamesh retelling. You may already be experiencing a sinking feeling of dread at those name-drops. But together these artists achieve something that exceeded my expectations even as it met them squarely.
While appearing to be a split, Waters is more of a collaboration as each individual contributes vocal or instrumental talents across multiple songs, including on those they wrote and take the lead in themselves. Spearheading the whole thing are Richard and Alice Corvinus of Swords of Dis, who have a hand in all lyrics and appear on every track. These lyrics, inspired by the words of the epic itself, consist of narration interspersed with dialogue between the various characters, and the five musicians rotate and share roles depending on who is involved in the corresponding part of the story. 2 This improves the album’s internal coherence—which might otherwise be hindered in a split format—whilst also allowing each movement to take on the personality of its lead artist. As a form of adaptation, the five tracks of reverb-filled, noisy, strange, melodramatically or demoniacally vocally-led, black-adjacent fringe metal lean into the grand, frightening side to the tale whose gravity us modern-age folk probably can’t appreciate properly. And it’s that excessive, almost absurd commitment to being different, which—and I can’t believe I’m saying this—actually works.
From The Waters Of Death by SWORDS OF DIS
Drama is at the heart of oral poetic tradition, and it’s Waters’ drama that similarly grounds its best aspects. Utmost credit goes to Alice Corvinus and her fierce (“From Egalmah They Rode…”3, operatic (“Araru Births the Lord of the Wilderness,” “From Egalmah…,” “Blood Stains The Altar…”4), sometimes eerie (“Into the Wailing Darkness”5) vocal performance. Her presence dominates as she provides some narration in addition to voicing every female character (and there are a lot of goddesses involved). Dark, minor tremolo refrains and Middle-Eastern-inspired melodies support her delivery, and the theatrical, flowing style Swords of Dis employ lends itself to this expression perfectly. In a different vein, the inhumanly gurgling snarls of Guillaume Cazalet (Ôros Kaù) make for a barbed contrast to otherwise vague, even beautiful, passages (“Blood…”), and can be genuinely frightening (“Into The Wailing Darkness”). All vocals—clean or harsh—are odd to a degree, sometimes even off-putting (“Araru…”). Yet most breaches of the cringe line are brief, and ameliorated by interesting instrumentation (“Blood…,” “From the Setting…”6). Those totally averse to what we anaemically refer to as ‘avant-garde’ in extreme metal can beg to differ, but the back and forth between dissonance and harmony (“Araru…,” “Blood…”), and between uncomfortable slowness and sudden speed (“From the Setting…”), is not only well-performed, it makes sense for the record’s narrative concept. A journey represented through a monotonous pattern (“From Egalmah…,” “From the Setting…”), the fury of a deity by means of an operatic surge (“From Egalmah…”).
Waters embodies the manner of epic poetry so well, however, that its digestibility is harmed as well as helped. Whether appropriate or not, its near-90-minute runtime makes engaging with its entirety a daunting prospect, and this is a record that fares best when you do give it the time and space to immerse you.7 The very aptness of the compositional style—long repetitive sections on the one hand, and frequent switches between tempo, melody, and vocalist on the other—which mimics recitation amongst orators, can prove taxing. It creates a dynamic of brilliant moments and stand-out performances, scattered unevenly inside overextended filling. It’s perhaps not a coincidence that the album’s midsection—the two tracks led by masterminds Swords of Dis—is by far the best and most even in quality, whereas its final act—Midnight Odyssey’s—is the least engaging and unable to support its length.8
Though Waters cannot escape the idiosyncrasies of the artists behind it—and so inherently restricts its audience—as an expression of this epic poem, these approaches to black metal are surprisingly apt. If you have the time to go on this adventure with Serpent Ascending, Ôros Kaù, Swords of Dis, and Midnight Odyssey, there’s plenty to enjoy. But if nothing else, let it be an excuse to learn about the original myth that inspires such weird, sometimes wonderful music.
Rating: Good(!)
#2026 #30 #Ambient #AtmosphericBlackMetal #AustralianMetal #BelgianMetal #BlackMetal #BlackenedDeathMetal #BlackenedDoom #DeathMetal #ExperimentalMetal #Feb26 #FinnishMetal #IVoidhangerRecords #MidnightOdyssey #ÔrosKaù #Review #Reviews #SerpentAscending #SwordsOfDis #UKMetal
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 256 kbps mp3
Label: I, Voidhanger
Websites: Album BC | Serpent Ascending BC | Serpent Ascending FB | Ôros Kaù BC | Ôros Kaù FB | Swords of Dis BC | Swords of Dis FB | Midnight Odyssey BC | Midnight Odyssey FB
Releases Worldwide: February 13th, 2026