Stranger
Aeons

Vol. 4 No. 8 (ai Vol. 7 No. 8; #77)
November 13, 2000 A.D.
November/December Issue

by

Bill Vogel III

Darkness Falls...



Prelude...

Greetings from the outer realms of Darkness.  It is time for the shadows to 
fall and the Armies of the Night to rise as infinity dimly fades into eternal 
night.  This is the epoch of the new Dark Age.  Let us enter STRANGER AEONS. 
Enjoy, tribes of chaos.  Hail Darkness, and God.

Grit your teeth, and DARE it!  Grim journeys...    

In the news***

For a new darkness to come...  Dark Metal masters CENTINEX have released 
their new slab, "Hellbrigade."    

The Texas Death Metal SEVERANCE has signed with Repulse Records.  They've 
been stompin' around since the early '90s.    

Checkout the new self-titled debut by DREAMS OF DAMNATION.  Featuring former 
members of the legendary Deathrash Metal band DARK ANGEL, it is killer 
Deathrash seeping in the veins of SLAYER and DARK ANGEL.    

DERANGED's first 2 Mini-CDs will be reissued along with the "X-Rated" full 
length, all on one CD.  The latter release features a cover of "Paint It 
Black," originally done by the Rolling Stones.    

The Death Metal band SADISTIC INTENT has a new album ready for release.  It 
is titled "The Second Coming Of Darkness" and it will be out soon on 
Necropolis Records.        

INDECISION has sadly called it a day.  This brutal, discordant Hardcore act 
pushed the very limits of the genre.  Their style was so heavy that it 
bordered on Death Metal, being similar to acts such as ACID BATH, HATEBREED, 
and TURMOIL.  INDECISION had several releases, the peak of which was their 
last..."Release The Cure" on M.I.A. Records.  This is a moment of mournful 
silence.  

BLACK DAWN will be releasing their new album soon...    

ENSLAVED's new CD, called "Mardraum: Beyond The Within," will feature the 
following list of tracks...  

    Storre Enn Tid-Tyngre Enn Natt (Larger Than Time-Heavier Than Night) 
    Dandningekvida (Deadhymn) 
    Entrance-Escape (Inngang-Flukt) 
    Ormgard (The Hive) 
    'ges Draum (Aeges Dream) 
    Mardraum (Nightmare) 
    Det Endelege Riket (The Ending Empire) 
    Ormgard II - Kvalt I Kysk Hogsong (The Hive II - Strangled By Purity)  
    Krigaren Eg Ikkje Kjende (Warrior Unknown) 
    Stjerneheimen (Starhome) 
    Froyas Smykke (Freya's Necklace) 

GLENN DANZIG vehemently denies that he will reunite with the MISFITS.  Expect 
a new live, double CD from DANZIG soon.    

Expect a new release from ETERNAL OATH early next year on Pulverised Records. 
  
The new soundtrack to the horror movie "Dracula 2000" has new music by ENDO, 
SLAYER, HALF COCKED, STATIC-X, DISTURBED, SALIVA, FLYBANGER, SYSTEM OF A 
DOWN, GODHEAD, TAPROOT, PANTERA, POWERMAN 5000 (with the first single "Ultra 
Mega 2000"), LINKIN PARK, and MONSTER MAGNET.    

Check out the new CD by ROTTEN SOUND, aptly titled "Still Psycho."  Besides 
the great Grindcore cuts, including a cover of Carcass's "Reek Of 
Putrefaction," it has enhanced features that will run on a PC.  The added 
digital enhancements include live concert footage.  

DOWNER has a new, self-titled release out on Roadrunner Records.    

If you're into Goregrind Metal then you may want to try an Indonesian band 
called BLOODY GORE.  Their website is at:  

                       http://bloodygore.cjb.net

Metal Blade Records has signed THE FALLEN.  

RUDRA is a new Death Metal band.  Their latest self-titled CD features Indian 
and Middle Eastern musical influences.  

OFFSPRING has just issued a new videotape/DVD package called "Huck It."  
(Yes, that IS the name of it...)    

Mexican Grinding Death Metal freaks DISGORGE has finally released their next 
CD, titled "Forensick," on Repulse Records.  I've got it, and I guarantee the 
gory greatness of it.  You won't believe the medical dictionary song titles. 
They're whacked beyond all CARCASS...  Excellent stuff.  Expect a review 
soon.    

DYING FETUS has released their next album, titled "Destroy The Opposition," 
on Relapse Records.  


Among the other terrors in this issue are REVIEWS of the following albums:


        LUDDITE CLONE....................."The Arsonist And The Architect"   
        SERPENT OBSCENE..................."Serpent Obscene"        
        Various Artists..................."Power From The North"    
        OLD MAN'S CHILD..................."Revelation 666"  
        MALEVOLENT CREATION..............."Envenomed"      
        ORPHANAGE........................."Inside"     
        SHADOWS FALL......................"Of One Blood"        
        IMPALED..........................."The Dead Shall Dead Remain"   
        THY PRIMORDIAL...................."The Heresy Of An Age Of Reason"  
        Various Artists..................."Monsters Of Metal"    
        LOLLIPOP LUST KILL................"Motel Murder Madness"    
        GARDENIAN........................."Sindustries"        
        CATCH 22.........................."Alone In A Crowd"    

         
These are 13 CDs that are sworn to brutalize without any tinge remorse, or 
mercy for that matter.  I offer only the best and most savage, never anything 
less. Get brutalized!      

Welcome to Stranger Aeons.  These days are strange...  Farewell.


//////William the Bloody [a.k.a. Bill Vogel III]    

November 13, 2000 A.D.///////          










                            ***Hellion Crew***

This section has ten (or more) new or classic Cds that are cool.  They are in 
no particular order.

1.	"Exile" by Anorexia Nervosa [Brutal minimalistic Industrial Death 
            Metal.]    
2.    "The Death Of Art" by Renaissance [A epic 2 track classic of Progessive
            and Doomdeath Metal.]    
3.	"Unearthed" by Internal Void [Massive Doom Metal slag that is ultra 
            heavy.]    
4.    "Forensick" by Disgorge [Frenetic Gore Grind Metal with wicked, catchy
            grooves and ferocious attitude.  Gets better and more brutal with 
            every listen.]    
5.    "Renegades" by Rage Against The Machine [An album of their favorite 
            covers.]  
6.    "Drowning In Tragedy" by Eternal Suffering [Brutal Death Metal with a 
            crushing vibe.]  
7.    "Necronemesis" by Usurper [Death Metal in the old, sick style...  
            truly a cool thing to behold.]    
8.    "Let The Violence Begin" by Dreams Of Damnation [Deathrash Metal in the 
            Old School tradition ala Possessed, Dark Angel, etc.  Soul 
            scraping mayhem!]    
9.    "Follow The Reaper" by Children Of Bodom [Blackened Death Metal with
            monstrous, aggressive tempos...]    
10.   "The Gift Of Play" by Crazy Town [Industrial Rapcore Metal with touches
            of Techno.]      
11.   "...And Then You'll Beg" by Cryptopsy [Brutal Death Metal with a 
            killer groove.]    
12.   "Look Me In The Eye" by Project 44 [Cool, chaotic Aggro Industrial
            Death Metal.]       
13.   "Gift" by Taproot [Hardcore and Pop tinged Moodcore Metal with a  
            powerful edge.]    




                          ***Age Of The Blade***

More, more Metal news...


Century Media Records///  Here's a tentative release schedule for 2001...  


      JANUARY:

   THE FORSAKEN          Manifest Of Hate          January 23rd  
   ONWARD                Evermoving                January 23rd  
   TAD MOROSE            Undead                    January 23rd    

      FEBRUARY:

   NIGHTWISH             Wishmaster                February 6th    
   CRYPTOPSY             Blasphemy Made Flesh 
                            (reissue)              February 6th   
   CRYPTOPSY             None So Vile (reissue)    February 6th   
   LACUNA COIL           Unleashed Memories        February 6th    

      MARCH:

   HASTE                 When Reason Sleeps        March 6th      

      Upcoming Releases:

   And Oceans         -  Allotropic / Metamorphic Genesis Of Dimorphism
   Eyehategod         -  10 Years Of Abuse And Still Broke
   Marduk             -  Infernal Eternal
   Marduk             -  Obedience
   Krisiun            -  Apocalyptic Revelation (reissue)
   Krisiun            -  Black Force Domain (reissue)
   Madder Mortem      -  All Flesh Is Grass
   Soilwork           -  Steelbath Suicide
   Zyklon             -  World Ov Worms
   16                 -  You're Not My Real Dad
   V/A                -  CMR box set
   Katatonia          -  compilation
   Sonata Arctica     -  tba
   God Forbid         -  Nothing
   Stuck Mojo         -  tba
   V/A                -  Identity 7
   Skinlab            -  Channel III
   Onward             -  Reawaken
   Jag Panzer         -  tba
   Tiamat             -  tba
   Iced Earth         -  Horror Show
   Krisiun            -  tba
   The Gathering      -  B-sides
   V/A                -  video compilation
   Moonspell          -  tba    


Earth Crisis///  Earth Crisis's "Last of the Sane" will be released January 
23rd.  The CD features cover tracks, rarities and one brand new track.  
Tracks covered were by such acts as SLAYER, LED ZEPPELIN, BLACK SABBATH, and
the ROLLING STONES.  The crew is currently taking a break from their tour.
Straight-Edge!    

River City Rebels///  Here's some tour dates...     

      DECEMBER: 


  01 Dracut, MA @ THERESA'S CHURCH w/The Cool Kids
  08 Middlebury, VT @ MIDDLEBURY HIGH SCHOOL w/Big D and the Kids Table
  09 New Haven, CT @ TUNE INN w/The Pilfers
  16 Albany, NY @ VALENTINE'S w/Murphy's Law, Joe Coffee
  22 Winooski, VT @ HIGHER GROUND w/The Vigilantes, Kicked In The Head
  28 Boston, MA @ BILL'S BAR w/The Pilfers

      JANUARY:  


  06 Worchester, MA @ THE PALLADIUM (DOWNSTAIRS) w/Boy Sets Fire,
                           Bouncing Souls
  28 Woodbury, CT @ WOODBURY SKI RESORT (Winter Festival)

      FEBRUARY:  


  14 Woodbury, CT @ WOODBURY SKI RESORT (Snowboard Competition)    


Misery Loves Co.///  Has formally disbanded.    

The Damned///  Has signed with Nitro Records.    

Son Of Sam///  Has also signed with Nitro Records.    

Corvus Corax///  These esoteric masters of extreme Metal have released their 
new opus on Dark Symphonies Records.  Titled "The Atavistic Triad," it is a 
grim symphonic journey with elements of Black Metal, Gothic, Industrial, 
Doom, Classical, and Folk.    

Entombed///  Their new CD, "Uprising," will be released in the U.S. by Metal-
Is Records.    

Garden Of Shadows///  Has released their debut on Wicked World Records.  It 
is titled "Oracle Moon," and is a slab of Progressive Death Metal.  

Grade///  These Hardcore heroes have a new CD out on Victory Records.  The 
disc is titled "The Embarrassing Beginning."    

Reach The Sky///  Dying for some new Emocore?  Well, in March 2001 Reach The 
Sky will release their next offering, called "Friends, Lies, And The End of 
the World."  They've added some new elements here.    

Thursday///  Are currently laying down tracks for their new opus, "The Coming 
White Days," at Blue Meanie Studios in Jersey City, New Jersey.    

Yattering///  Their new CD, "Murder's Concept," is out now on Relapse 
Records.  Expect ferocious Death Metal...  

Berzerker///  Check out the self-titled opus by this one man Death Metal 
brigade.  He is from Australia, and he has created a relentless disc of 
Industrial Death Metal that is both acidic and addictive.  Expect a review 
soon.  

Downer///  Will have a new self-titled opus out soon on Roadrunner Records.  

Infestation///  Be on the lookout for their new opus, titled "Immolation," on 
Pavement Records.  

Unmoored///  Their new nihilistic vision is called "Kingdoms Of Greed."  This 
is Black Metal at its most vicious.  Excellent stuff.  Expect a review soon. 
 
Rossomahaar///  This Russian band has signed a 4 album deal with X-Rated 
Records, who will also reissue their debut "Imperium Tenebrarum."  
ROSSOMAHAAR is Black Metal.  

Necrophagia///  These Deathgore Metal monsters will re-release the classic 
"Death Is Fun" CD through Red Stream in the coming months.  The CD will be 
accompanied by special bonus and unreleased tracks including the self-titled 
"Necrophagia" and "Vomit", which are exclusives to this repackage.  



///Bill Vogel III
November 13, 2000 A.D.    




                            ***Tongue Lash***

This section contains quotes from songs, bands, band members, books, movies, 
TV, etc.  


"What is life? It is a flash of a firefly in the night.  It is the breath of 
      a buffalo in the wintertime.  It is the little shadow which runs across 
      the grass and loses itself in the sunset."         
                        -----Crowfoot.  


"A little fact is worth a whole limbo of dreams."    
                        -----Ralph Waldo Emerson.    


"Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers."    
                        -----Tennyson, "LOCKSLEY HALL."    


"Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he
      does not become a monster.  And when you look long into an
      abyss the abyss also looks into you."
                        -----from "Beyond Good And Evil" by   
                              Friedrich Nietzsche.


"Our truest life is when we are in dreams awake."    
                        -----Henry David Thoreau.    


"Bad is never good until worse happens."    
                        -----Danish Proverb.    


"What was given to us by the past is adapted to the possibilities of the 
      future."          -----Carl Jung.    


"Man is the cruelest animal."
                        -----by Friedrich Nietzsche.


"It is not a matter of survival of the fittest but survival of the fiercest." 
                        -----W.B. Vogel.  


"The end is where we start from."  
                        -----T.S. Eliot, "LITTLE GIDDING."        


"All great things must first wear terrifying masks in order to burn itself 
      into the minds of humanity."
                        -----by Friedrich Nietzsche.






                              ***Soulgrind***
 

This section contains album (Cd) reviews.  Enjoy...
 







              "'The Arsonist And The Architect' by Luddite Clone"
                                     by
                               Bill Vogel III





Friday, November 10, 2000 A.D.    


Dark realizations are the best...even better than epiphanies.  Such was 
hearing Luddite Clone for the first time, and they grow ever better with 
every dose.  The realization is this...Luddite Clone is the BEST NEW BAND of 
2000.  They are essential brutality, and their debut release "The Arsonist 
And The Architect" [Relapse Records] is easily one of the BEST of the Year as 
well.  

Luddite Clone is a beautiful disaster in action and intensity.  Their sound 
verges the fiercest qualities of Death Metal, Hardcore, Grind, and 
Sludgecore.  Mixing distortion, vicious growls, and heavy Psychedelic, sludgy 
guitars in tight and loopy rhythms is this New Jersey act's style of din.  
They obliterate the extremities of aggression as they redefine fuzzy Hardcore 
power with a psychotic's jagged, bloodstained genius.  

Luddite Clone is Psychedelic Sludge Death Metalcore at its finest and 
fiercest.  The growls are a vicious barrage of vocal deconstructionism, 
mixing with fiery, distortion drenched guitars with a guttural roar and 
bestial savagery.  Humorous, yet wicked spoken word samples open several 
cuts, offsetting the grinding, brutal rhythms and aggressive, artful 
melodies.  

Frenzied tempos augment the din, leaving beauty juxtaposed against pure 
aggression.  The effect is sheer, brilliant darkness.  All of the cuts are 
excellent, but my 3 favorites are the frenetic "Circle Template," the savage 
"Oratory Of The Jigsaw" (which is my favorite), and the title track as well. 
 

Overall, this is a soul-crushing, mind sharpening opus that will be 
remembered as a monumental piece of brutal beauty.  It is a definitive work 
by the BEST NEW BAND of 2000.  Forget the trendy junk, and get angry with 
Luddite Clone.  After all, anger is a gift.  Stay savage.  Farewell.    


Related Bands:     Indecision, Hatebreed, Dim Mak, Anoxia, Blood For 
                   Blood, Dillinger Escape Plan, Turmoil, Today Is The 
                   Day, etc.    



Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             









                        "SERPENT OBSCENE (Self-Titled)"
                                      by
                                Bill Vogel III



November 29, 2000 A.D.    



Aeons can pass, but what is truly great will forever be great.  Not trendy, 
but great...and there is a vast difference between the two.  This law applies 
to art, easily.  A band that surpasses merely being good, and runs right into 
the middle of great is Serpent Obscene.  This vibrantly vicious outfit's 
self-titled debut, out on Necropolis Records, is a fiery slab of Blackened 
Deathrash Metal that is truly great.    

Fast, tenacious guitar work is just the base alchemy here.  Added to this 
core are critical elements including wickedly manic rhythms, monstrous 
growled vocals with a slight shriek, and enough jagged hooks to hang the 
ashen moon in a lower orbit.  Catchy, groove-digging tempos make their artful 
anarchy even more venomous and addictive.    

The most nihilistic (best) cuts include "Serpent Prophecy," the neck breaking 
"Morbid Horror," "Act Of Aggression," the frenetic "Rapid Fire," and the 
blackened brilliance of "Devastation" (which is my favorite cut).  Serpent 
Obscene has set a new standard for Deathrash greatness, surpassing even 
legendary acts such as the POSSESSED.    

Serpent Obscene (featuring members of MAZE OF TORMENT) has created a 
monumental release in their debut album.  It is no wonder that their last 
demo, "Massacre," did so well...it was just a taste of the brilliance to 
come.  Stay savage.  Farewell.    



Related Bands:     Dark Angel, Sepultura, Possessed, Dreams Of 
                   Damnation, Witchery, Marduk, etc.     




Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             











                 "'Power From The North' by VARIOUS ARTISTS"
                                    by
                              Bill Vogel III



December 8, 2000 A.D.    


From the murky darkness of the northlands there is a special grade of 
heaviness to music.  So was born an idea-Scandinavian bands covering other 
Northern bands.  "Power From The North" [Nuclear Blast Records] is that idea 
in motion and dark deed.  Don't think that it is a Black Metal compilation, 
because it's not.  While the area is famous for that style, such an 
assumption would be a mistake.  This is a varied sampler of heavy acts.    

While not all of the tracks are good, the ones that are really are terrific 
and more than reason enough to get this disc.  There are 15 tracks in total 
by acts such as Entombed, Transport League, The Crown (formerly known as 
Crown Of Thorns), Hammerfall, In Flames, Meshuggah, The Haunted, Quill, 
Southpaw, and others.  Each has their own unique style and dark grace...    

So here are the best ones of the lot.  In Flames begins the assault with a 
Melodic Death Metal version of "World Of Promises."  It's a trippy, visceral 
cut that breaks most conceptions of mayhem with sharp, dynamic guitars and 
fierce vocals.    

The next remarkable cut is Lost Soul's cover of "Deadly Legacy."  It stomps 
out an Aggro Death Metal barrage of crunchy instrumentals with vocal growls, 
and a slight Moodcore vibe.  We're talking testosterone and massive 
aggression here.    

One of the very best tracks is song 6.  It's a cover of "Crazy Sioux" done by 
the monumental act Transport League.  This Deathrock Metal with enough 
thundering groove to shake the teeth out of a charging rhino.  The word 
incredible comes to mind.    

Another of the very best cuts is track 15 by Meshuggah.  This cut, called 
"Attacked By A Shark," is a live rendition featuring Meshuggah's complex and 
interesting brand of Industrial/Grindcore Metal.  It's fast, ferocious, and 
amazing.    

The Haunted's version of "Well Of Souls" is excellent.  Sharp, midrange 
guitar solos are laid over a barrage of Technical/Deathrash Metal frenzy.  
The Haunted features former members of At The Gates.    

And there is "Burnin' Leather."  Covered by The Crown, this is a Death Metal 
charger with an attitude.  There's no meekness here, just direction and 
force.    

The crowning glory of this opus is Entombed's blistering version of "Albino 
Flogged In Black."  It's a swamp tinged Deathrock Metal masterpiece with a 
definite streak of darkness.  This cut is malevolent, beautiful, and brutal. 
 Entombed again illustrates here why they are still one of the world's best 
bands.    

In conclusion, this is an excellent compilation with several outstanding 
tracks.  That's reason enough to snag it.  Stay savage.  Farewell.    




Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             










         "'Revelation 666 (The Curse Of Damnation)' Old Man's Child"
                                    by
                              Bill Vogel III




October 20, 2000 A.D.   


One of the world's greatest Black Metal bands has returned with a fierce new 
opus...  The band is Old Man's Child, and the album is "Revelation 666 (The 
Curse Of Damnation)" [Century Media Records].  There is a bit more barbaric 
frenzy here, but without losing that brilliant skill and artful edge that 
makes Old Man's Child monumental among a growing pack of Black Metal bands.  

The vocals are a shrill, skull drilling screech with just enough lurking 
growl to serrate the edges for increased collateral damage.  The 
instrumentals are fast and ferocious, leaving no room for doubt in a 
darkening world gone mad.  It's a superior opus, even though it is not their 
best.  

The songs of visceral note include the frenetic "Phantoms Of Mortem Tales," 
the ominous "Into Silence Embrace," "Hominis Nucturna," and the vicious "In 
Black Endless Void."  Every song shreds, but these are the best.  Excellent 
creative maliciousness is shining bleakly here...  

Overall, this is easily one of the best Black Metal albums of 2000.  And for 
sure a milestone classic of the genre.  If you're into Black Metal, then Old 
Man's Child is the way!  Farewell Sunlight.    


Related Bands:     Viking Crown, Mayhem, Immortal, Marduk, Emperor, 
                   Dark Funeral, Lord Belial, Children Of Bodom, 
                   Summon, Thornspawn, etc.    



Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             










                   "'Envenomed' by Malevolent Creation"
                                   by
                             Bill Vogel III




December 13, 2000 A.D.       



Every silver cloud has its black lining.  That's why I love dark days...the 
blackness suits me.  And yet another dark day has fallen.  Malevolent 
Creation has returned with a new killer opus, titled "Envenomed" [Arctic 
Records/Pavement Records].  And what a dark day it is.    

Returning with an added ferocity, Malevolent Creation's sound is Florida 
Style Death Metal with a Hyperblast tinge to their massive maelstrom.  Fast 
barrages of machine gun rhythms impale each onslaught with blasting 
intensity, as colossal tempo changes swing into loopy, Florida style guitar 
grooves with a meat-hook digging catchiness.    

The vocals are a medium, and a deeper guttural growl.  The drumming is a 
frenetic artillery assault of cluster bombing beats that explode mercilessly. 
 The total effect is devastatingly beautiful, like blood running down a blade 
in the pale moonlight.    

Every track shreds, but the best ones include "Bloodlines Severed," 
"Conflict," "Halved," and "Night Of The Long Knives."  But my favorite cut is 
"Homicidal Rant," a frenzied rage with blasting segments of guitar fury and 
more controlled moments of hook burying aggression.  Scarring, abusive 
barrages of instrumental brutality highlighted by supersonic drumming and a 
bestial vocal roar are just the beginning of the chaotic glory.  This is 
their best album to date.    

Overall, this is a brilliant, perceptive, and hostile work of blunt force 
eloquence that should, and will, be a must for Death Metal and Extreme Metal 
freaks.  Let the darkness fall.  Stay savage.  Farewell.  



Related Bands:     Diabolic, Monstrosity, Internal Bleeding, Lowbrow, 
                   Kataklysm, Deicide, Morbid Angel, Hate Plow, etc.    




Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             








                          "'Inside' by Orphanage"
                                     by
                               Bill Vogel III



November 28, 2000 A.D.        


Darkness is infinite.  For every direction taken, there are those 
immeasurable numbers left undone.  One band walking the dark paths of 
eternity is the abyssal Orphanage.  This Gothic Death Metal outfit sharpens 
their edges with an ethnic tinge.  On their latest work of moribund delights, 
called "Inside" [Nuclear Blast Records], they recast the darkness.    

There is no need for mercy here.  Bludgeoning guitar riffs, guttural Death 
growls offset by female vocals (of an angelic and slightly operatic variety), 
and powerful Celtic rhythms burrow through this opus of the night like the 
conqueror worm.  Keyboards and pipe organs interplay through this sublimely 
bleak cacophony.  Lyrics of a mythic quality are used, as this somber act 
from Holland interweaves silence into their minimalistic brand of Gothic 
Death Metal.    

The songs are slow and brooding, often beginning with an acoustic/vocal intro 
or sometimes just a bare vocal.  The most epic of the tracks include 
"Behold," "From The Cradle To The Grave," "The Stain Remains," and "Pain."  
The arrangements are complex, and George Oosthoek's deep, guttural growls are 
contrasted greatly by Rosan Van Der Aa's ethereal vocals.    

In conclusion, this is a stark, abysmal work of Gothic Death Metal with a 
unique characteristic and beauty all its own.  While it does demand a few 
listens to really find its true strengths, for those who do it will leave an 
everlasting impression.  This one will appeal to fans of Gothic Death Metal 
and the more eclectic Dark Metal freaks.  Farewell Sunlight.    



Related Bands:     Darkseed, Aion, Babylon Whores, Cemetary, Sundown, 
                   Diabolique, Gothic Sex, My Dying Bride, etc.    




Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             










                       "'Of One Blood' by Shadows Fall"
                                     by
                               Bill Vogel III




November 28, 2000 A.D.    


There's a brave new world out there.  ...A place where shiny, happy people 
make all of our decisions for us.  It's a world where we don't have to think, 
or even dream.  Who the hell wants that?  Not me.  So let the shadows fall, 
and the stars burn for evermore.  I can see God in that night...  He is, and 
I am.    

And from that mighty darkness comes the band Shadows Fall.  On this 
Massachusetts act's new opus, "Of One Blood" [Century Media Records], they 
take Melodic Death Metal to complex and beautiful extremes.  By using 
multiple, intricate arrangements and a triple vocal assault they add a unique 
edge to this brand of Death Metal.  Brian Fair, a former member of the 
Metalcore outfit OVERCAST, does a dual leading vocal barrage consisting of a 
manic Death growl and a somber, clean utterance.    

The guitar work is precise, and they use heavy, crunching guitar highlighted 
by Classic Metal ax wizardry ala Iron Maiden and early Metallica.  It often 
has a slight Progressive Metal vibe in these old school guitar licks.  The 
end result, though, is a powerful, melodic, and melancholic piece with a 
dark, almost Gothic feel.    

The best songs on this disc are "Crushing Belial" [my favorite one], "Revel 
In My Loss," "Pain Glass Vision," and "The First Noble Truth."  Shadows Fall 
uses several tempo changes per song, sometimes massive ones.  But the groove 
is never lost, and the hooks only dig in deeper...    

In summary, this is a brilliant slab of Dark Melodic Death Metal.  Fans of 
Melodic Death, or just quality Death Metal, will find this is an essential 
piece.  I know that I will be looking for their debut, "Somber Eyes To The 
Sky" [independently released in 1997].  

...And so the shadows fall.  Stay Dark.  Farewell.    



Related Bands:     In Flames, Godgory, Gardenian, etc.    




Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.       


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.   

Copyright 2000.             









                  "'The Dead Shall Dead Remain' by Impaled"
                                    by
                              Bill Vogel III



December 9, 2000 A.D.    


From the sunny coast of Cali comes something brutal.  Oakland's own rotten 
sons Impaled have stepped forth from that California glare with their 
excellent debut release.  Titled "The Dead Shall Dead Remain" [Necropolis 
Records], this amazing slab features ripping midrange guitar leads excising 
through dense, heavy rhythms of molten Death Metal.  The vocals are a sharp, 
guttural assault similar to that of Usurper's.    

The lead guitar riffs are Technical, yet frenzied.  Drumming is tight and 
precise, creating a tempo of mechanized aggression.  Every track also carries 
a good size dose of lyrical dark humor, reminding one of the legendary 
Carcass.    

The best cuts include "All That Rots," the rotten stomp of "Back To The 
Grave," "Spirits Of The Dead," and the malicious "Flesh & Blood."  Each track 
has a definite, uniquely brutal slant.  Surprising what can mutate and thrive 
under all of that nasty California sunshine.    

Impaled is excellent.  In summary, this is one riotous slab of full-on, heavy 
gauge Death Metal that is rotten to the gore.  And that's just part of its 
charm.  Stay savage.  Farewell.    



Related Bands:    Usurper, Maze Of Torment, etc.        



Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             









              "'The Heresy Of An Age Of Reason' by Thy Primordial"
                                    by
                              Bill Vogel III



December 12, 2000 A.D.    


Some bands make a name for themselves based on sheer hype, while others do so 
on skill.  One band that is well deserving of its reputation is Thy 
Primordial.  Their new album, "The Heresy Of An Age Of Reason" [Pulverised 
Records], is a hellish wonder to behold.  Taking Swedish Black Metal to new 
extremities of creative darkness and beauty, they have forged a monumental 
opus as well as one of the best Black Metal releases of the year.    

Isidor's vocals are a powerful raspy growl-shrill but not a shriek.  The 
instrumentals are a blasting barrage of Blackened fury with a heavy dose of 
melody sharpening their malicious intent.  This use of melodious brutality 
makes for an entrancing and venomous experience that digs in, and then 
explodes with an artful cruelty.    

The most primal and devastating cuts include "The Enigma Of The Fall," "The 
Dead Live-Shining Crown Of Night," "Ex Opere Operatu," my favorite "Ceased, 
To Decay," and "Mere Are They..."    

Overall, this is a brilliant Black Metal opus that will shine as being one of 
the best of the genre.  Thy Primordial is chaos unleashed, and unsurpassed.  
Stay savage.  Farewell.    



Related Bands:     Emperor, Marduk, Immortal, Nokturnal Mortum, Mayhem, 
                   Children Of Bodom, Dimmu Borgir, Siebenburgen, etc.    




Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             









                       "'Tales From The Crypt Presents: 
                    Monsters Of Metal' by VARIOUS ARTISTS"
                                    by
                              Bill Vogel III




December 7, 2000 A.D.    



Over the last few years there has been a great insurgence of Metal 
compilations and soundtracks.  Some were remarkable, several sucked or were 
unnecessary, and the rest were average.  But it is better to have too many 
choices as none...    

The latest addition to this maelstrom is "Tales From The Crypt Presents: 
Monsters Of Metal" [Right Stuff Records].  Featuring a wide sampling of 
modern Metal bands like Entombed to classic acts such as Black Sabbath and 
Dio, it throws down a challenge.  If your thing is a mixture, or you just 
want to sample several bands or types of Metal, then this CD is for you.    

The best cuts were the instrumental Deathrock Metal psychosis of Entombed's 
"Wolverine Blues," the hyper assault of Deathrash Metal from "Hollow Ground" 
by the Haunted, and the Technical Deathrock Metal blast of "Dead Inside" by 
Arch Enemy."  But I enjoy these heavier bands more than other styles.    

There are other excellent cuts here though.  The brilliant Powerthrash Metal 
rampage of "Bordello Of Blood" by Anthrax (originally from the "Tales From 
The Crypt: Bordello Of Blood" soundtrack) is a definite must have.  For the 
Pantera fanatic there is "Cemetary Gates" (Demon Knight Edit)...originally 
from the "Tales From The Crypt: Demon Knight soundtrack."    

Next there are classic cuts such as "Heaven And Hell" by Black Sabbath, "Eyes 
Of A Stranger" by Queensryche, and "Don't Talk To Strangers" by Dio.  Who 
could forget the Industrial Metal stomp of "Snap Your Fingers, Snap Your 
Neck" by Prong?  It's here as well.  Rounding out the disc are songs by 
Megadeth, Armored Saint, Judas Priest, Mercyful Fate, and humorous spoken 
word intros done by the Cryptkeeper.    

Overall, this is a wicked little slab of Heavy Metal that is a good cross 
section of the old and the new.  It will add a nice dimension to any Metal 
collection.  Stay ghoulish.  Farewell.    



Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             












                 "'Motel Murder Madness' by Lollipop Lust Kill"
                                     by
                               Bill Vogel III



December 2, 2000 A.D.    



"There is nothing more satisfying than playing music that really pisses off 
parents," stated Dead Greg, guitar player for Toledo's own Lollipop Lust 
Kill.  And on that positive note...    

The renegade strain that is Lollipop Lust Kill is a chaotic mixture of 
Thrashcore, Industrial, Gothic, Noise, and a slight touch of Death Metal that 
strides the verge between White Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Ministry, and a nasty 
attitude.  Their debut release, "Motel Murder Madness" [Megaforce Records], 
is a dynamic and ferocious slab of anarchy.    

Given their influences, at first glance one would think that it's just 
another trendy release.  But it's not.  LLK scorches the earth in their own 
way.  Sometimes the sideshow is better than the main event.  Such is 
LLK...better than the BIG DEAL.    

Evvy Pedder's vocals vary from a somber drone to a bestial growl.  Roaring 
guitars, dark keyboards, whacked samples, and frenetic rhythms flow eerily 
through the mix.  The result is a crunchy, mood driven musical mayhem of a 
most dreadful awe.  It is an excellent work, and tenebrously wicked.    

The coolest cuts include "Bury You," the raging "Knee Deep In The Dead," 
"It's Cold Inside," and the malevolent "Murder, House Of Love."  The effect 
is a freaky, relentless slab of pure Aggro drenched aggression.    

In summary, this is a killer dose of Mood/Industrial/Thrashcore Metal with a 
serrated edge and a jigsaw charm.  Lollipop Lust Kill takes a new step down a 
well-traveled road.  So when the neon sign flickers on, remember there's 
always room at the Bates Motel, and in the grave.  After all, in Lollipop 
Lust Kill's world it's all just sex and horror.  Farewell.    


Related Bands:    Coal Chamber, Cold, Ministry, Marilyn Manson, White 
                  Zombie, Godhead, Deftones, etc.       



Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.       








                       "'Sindustries' by Gardenian"
                                   by
                             Bill Vogel III




December 12, 2000 A.D.       


From the subtle darkness, a shining, beautiful tenebrous shadow fell across a 
glowing horizon.  In one breath it smote out the sun.  And all was a wondrous 
night...  

Gardenian was cast from just such an eloquent darkness.  Their new opus, 
"Sindustries" [Nuclear Blast Records], is a searing combination of Melodic 
Death Metal and powerful Doom Metal.  It is both sublime and savage, as it's 
beauty enthralls and then crushes mercilessly.    

Melodic guitar leads dance gracefully over stark, tenebrous growls and 
backing instrumentals.  The bleak union of these elements is an artful, and 
aggressive, experience of the darkest beauty and melancholic atmosphere.  It 
is an excellent quality, making this album Gardenian's best yet.    

The best cuts include "The Heartless," "Sindustries," "Funeral," the raw-
edged number "Long Snap To Zero," the morose "Self Proclaimed Messiah," and 
my favorite, the powerful and epic cut "Doom And Gloom."  They're visceral, 
melodious, and dark.    

In summary, this is a great release that tempers Gardenian's style even 
further.  Fans of IN FLAMES and AMORPHIS will love this.  So get ready for 
that long snap to zero...  Stay savage.  Farewell.    



Related Bands:     Amorphis, In Flames, Godgory, Pyogenesis, Beseech,  
                   Babylon Whores, Aion, Darkseed, etc.       




Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             









                     "'Alone In A Crowd' by Catch 22"
                                    by
                              Bill Vogel III



November 28, 2000 A.D.   




Catch 22 is a Ska Punk act of a different sort.  First, they're cool.  I tend 
to despise most Ska, as the misuse and abuse of horns annoys me...really 
enrages me.  So, it takes an exceptional Ska band, a heavy and skull-
pummeling act, to overcome this revile that I have.  Catch 22 has succeeded 
where most have not.    

Catch 22's new release, "Alone In A Crowd" [Victory Records], is a discordant 
mixture of pummeling, midrange Hardcore Punk and wailing slabs of horns that 
disturbs the edges of the extreme and the eclectic.  At times the horn 
sections are overwhelming, but the snotty Punk attitude and sarcastic wallop 
more than makes up for it.  The vocals are a smooth midrange yell with a 
powerful, thundering quality.    

The best cuts include "What Goes Around Comes Around," "Guilty Pleasures," 
and "Thinking About Things."  My favorite song though is Catch 22's cover of 
the old Beach Boys' song "Neverending Story."  (Yes, you read that right...) 
 It's an amazing cut.  They worked it over thoroughly, giving it a heavy, 
tempered edge of angst filled aggression.  There are no horns in this cut.  

Then there is the hidden track.  It is a hilarious redneck parody song with 
twanging acoustic guitars and bad country-western vocals.  This song is a 
riot!  It is reason enough to get this disc.  Humorous and sarcastic, it 
rounds out the album with a subtle kick in the face.  Quite a nice touch in 
levity...  It is track 22 and starts 22 seconds in.    

In summary, this is a good CD and a nice diversion from the usual Punk 
aesthetic.  It should appeal to any Punk fanatic who likes something a little 
on the quirky side.  Stay savage.  Farewell.    



Related Bands:    River City Rebels, The Urge, Sublime, Edna's 
                  Goldfish, etc.       




Keep the faith, and the AGGRESSION.  Piece.    


Email address:	StrangeAeons@compuserve.com    


Provided courtesy of Stranger Aeons.    

Copyright 2000.             





                           *** Full Access ***

This is the place where you find out where and/or how to get Stranger Aeons
magazine.

On the World Wide Web:  

Official Site...


         https://strangeraeons.tripod.com/index.html


Secondary Sites...  

         http://www.student.nada.kth.se/~d90-two/music/stranger_aeons/

or

         http://huizen.dds.nl/~pax/metal.html  

***ATTENTION***

Hate Box is looking for a new assistant to do the mass
emailings for it, the Death/Grind Metal List, and my various
other scribings.  Please apply through email at:

     StrangeAeons@compuserve.com
     LifeEraser@aol.com

I can pay you nothing, but you will have my undying gratitude.
Thanks.
                 
          
                            *** Metal Slag ***
                           
More Metal news than one person can stand in one issue!    

HAUNTED, featuring former members of AT THE GATES, has released their 
sophomore effort on Earache Records.  This Deathrash Metal maniacal fit is 
titled "The Haunted Made Me Do It."  

The first 2 albums by Atmospheric Death Metal freaks NOCTURNUS, "The Key" and 
"Thresholds," have been reissued with bonus tracks.  Be sure to check-out 
their latest, "Ethereal Tomb," as well.      

HIDEOUS MANGLEUS, the Gore/Grind outfit, is currently hammering together 
their next release.    

TOTTEN KORPS has finished mastering their next opus, "Tharnheim: Athi-Land-
Nhi, Ciclopean Crypts Of Citadels."  It includes 11 tracks and is scheduled 
for November 1st, 2000 through Repulse Records.  Totten Korps is from Chile. 
   
DYING FETUS, the Grindcore/Hardcore/Death Metal band, has released their new 
CD on Relapse Records.  It's named "Destroy The Opposition."  

NONPOINT's new CD is called "Statement."  

REHAB will release their debut, titled "Southern Discomfort."  

INTERNAL SUFFERING, Colombia's most Brutal Death Metal act, has a new CD out 
called "Supreme Aknowledge Domain."    

MURDER CORPORATION, a new Death Metal band formed from the ashes of the 
legendary Death Metal act DERANGED, has released their debut album.  It is 
fittingly titled "Blood Revolution 2050."  

CATASTROPHIC, a new Death Metal band featuring former members of OBITUARY, 
has signed to Metal Blade Records.  

Stay evil.  Hail Darkness.


          
Stranger Aeons///  We're still evolving here.  Please send comments and 
responses.  All input is gladly welcomed.  Let the stones fly.  Later.

Record Labels///  Would you like to have your items promoted through Stranger 
Aeons?   Contact us.  All Metal is welcome.             

You can email me at this Internet address:

                           StrangeAeons@compuserve.com

Thank you.  Later.

December 15, 2000 A.D.       








                              ***Eye Tripz***


These are the best videos of the month.             

1.	"Synthetic" by Spineshank.         
2.	"Just Got Wicked" by Cold.             
3.	"Can't Get The Best Of Me" by Cypress Hill.  
4.	"Power Struggle" by Sunna.                        
5.	"Turn Me On Mr. Deadman" by Union Underground.  
6.	"Drag You Down" by Finger Eleven.  
7.	"Last Resort" by Papa Roach.
8.	"Back To The Primitive" by Soulfly.  
9.	"Again & Again" by Taproot.      
10.	"Leader Of Men" by Nickleback.     

      
 

                          *** Rogue's Gallery ***
 

I still claim all rights to the names "Angst Industry" and "Hate Box,"  and 
to the concept.  Old issues of it can be downloaded, and distributed under 
the same rules as Stranger Aeons.

Writers: B. "William the Bloody" Vogel III

Editors: Bill Vogel III (Managing Editor)

Layout Design by B. Vogel III

Coverpage Design by B. Vogel III

Published by Bill Vogel III

Produced by Anarchy Productions (TM.), in cooperation with Death Jam (TM.), 
Night-Creatures, and The D.E.A.D. Ones (TM.).

Legal Junk: This is copyrighted material.  It may be distributed freely, as 
long as it is in its complete and original format, or credit is given for 
quoted portions.  We are not liable for changes made by idiots after they get 
it or if they misinterpret it.  

Note*** If you have a magazine and would like to use portions of Stranger 
Aeons, contact me.

All scrivener's errors (typos) are the sole responsibility of me, B. Vogel 
III.  Any flak directed at other writers should be sent to me...I do not want 
my friends besieged by silly crap.  My views do not necessarily reflect those 
of Rocknet, Compuserve, Prodigy, America Online, the World Wide Web, 
Internet, the other writers, my friends, my church, my family, Jimi Hendrix, 
James Hetfield, Glenn Danzig, or anyone else.  So there.  :)

Note to Pro-Censorship types: Bite me.

Beware of people who can do nothing but gripe, whine, and moan...by writing 
or speaking trite, naive, and idiotic crap (i.e. certain members of the U.S. 
Congress, and most of the White House).   

Finished December 15, 2000 A.D.             














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