Artist: Rev 16:8
Title: Ashlands
Type: Album
Label: AFM

I wasn't really too certain what to expect when I got this. Sure a quick look at the band's website shows them in corpse paint, so the logical assumption is that they're going to be black metal, which they are. But is it going to be fast and aggressive, or orchestral and moody? These guesses fall very squarely into the former category. Opening track "Agenda" is, funnily enough, more of an atmospheric moody number at first, but as soon as the intro ends, then Nefastus' raspy guitar sound begins, accompanied by Talon's vocals and Pata's blasts. The rest of the album covers very much the same ground. They play fast abrasive blasts, with caustic vocals. There are the occasional breakdowns to slightly slower melodies as added dynamics, but they certainly don't appear to be interested in breaking any new ground. They do what they do very well, and probably see no reason to change anything because of it. Easiest comparison I can make would be to Immortal with their no frills approach to playing this style of metal. Coming as the longest track on the album "Rust Retinal Vein" also has the most dynamic changes, from walking pace drum tempos over spoken word, to frantic blasting over anguished vocals. The anguished screams are reserved for "Leave Me" as it culminates in eerie forest sounds on a one-way walk into the darkness. So, if you're looking for polished, full orchestral black metal, avoid this, but if you'd prefer it raw and angry, then dive right it and enjoy this for what it is, catharsis.

http://www.myspace.com/rev168
http://www.afm-records.de