KROMLEK

"Finis Terrae" (SMP/Trollzorn Records; 2011)

Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton

"Finis Terrae" is wild, fast and furious black metal and, as such, the cookie monster vocals kind of turned me off. I’m not sure any other vocal style would have worked here, mind you. The growling fits the music and its rumbling aggression perfectly, so the problem with the vocals is mine and not necessarily yours.

The musicianship throughout is amazing and the songs are well-written and -produced. The music has a progressive, melodic black metal style that is powerful and dark and yet somehow almost smooth. "Finis Terrae" sounds a bit like Dimmu Borgir, albeit somewhat darker in style.

I can't help but wonder what this album might sound like with a different style of vocals but then, it probably wouldn't be considered black metal anymore and that's obviously what the band wants to deliver.

For more information, check out http://www.kromlek.de.

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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Copyright © 2011 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 16:55:53 -0400.