Rough Edge: Belfegor CD Reviews

BELFEGOR

"The Kingdom of Glacial Palaces" (World War III Records; 2001)

Immortal, anyone? Belfegor's brand of ultra-fast, icy-cold black metal immediately reminded me of Immortal. Hailing from Poland, Belfegor are part of a metal resurgence in this Eastern European country that has produced Vader in more recently a host of other bands. "The Kingdom Of Glacial Palaces" is Belfegor's latest effort.

Those of you with little experience listening to black metal will undoubtedly relegate Belfegor's songs as 'all sounding alike.' Those of you that are familiar with the black metal style will appreciate Belfegor's attention to chilling rhythms and raging (yet somewhat controlled) mayhem.

While not quite technical enough to capture my complete imagination, Belfegor are very tight and display a penchant for arrangements that keep the songs moving forwards at all times. On top of all that, Belfegor is a trio - not bad for three guys who create a maelstrom of cold, blackened noise.

There are twelve tracks on "The Kingdom Of Glacial Palaces." Although this is a lot of music for a black metal CD, Belfegor have no trouble varying the songs despite the fact that there are no rhythmic break-downs or slow bridges for any respite.

With a little exposure, Belfegor will lead the new wave of Polish metal to what they hope will be world domination.

"The Kingdom Of Glacial Palaces" is masterfully produced. The sound and clarity is stellar and much needed for a disc of this intensity and speed. Perhaps there is a little too much reverb on the drums which are blasting all the time so maybe that's a good thing in retrospect.

For more information visit http://www.ww3music.com.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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