CoC : Red Harvest - Cold Dark Matter : Review

Red Harvest - _Cold Dark Matter_
(Nocturnal Art, 2000)
by: Pedro Azevedo (7 out of 10)

Not being familiar with any of Red Harvest's previous output through Voices of Wonder, I cannot analyse their musical evolution; but on _Cold Dark Matter_, through the use of heavily distorted guitars, effect-drenched vocals and an overall oppressive atmosphere, Red Harvest produce a reasonably bleak yet hard-hitting sonic assault. Variety is considerable throughout the record, as the band seems equally likely to vaguely remind one of a darker version of Machine Head as to opt for a black metal-like approach (including Fenriz of Darkthrone on guest vocals) or imbue the music with more electronic sounds and rhythmic elements. This does not entirely work to their advantage, as I find myself clearly preferring the industrial black metal kind of approach. Nevertheless, the first half of the album does flow quite well. As the end draws nearer, however, interest clearly tends to decrease, although not to any dangerously low levels. The album does have some good moments and ideas, the quality level generally remaining quite acceptable, and overall it is different and interesting enough to justify some attention -- especially if the blending of generally dark electronic elements with metal attracts you. For me, however, Red Harvest's "matter" throughout a very significant part of this album still isn't quite "cold" or "dark" enough to be especially remarkable given its musical quality.

Contact: http://www.redharvest.com

(article published 12/8/2000)

ALBUMS
3/16/2007	J Smit	9	Red Harvest - A Greater Darkness
2/22/2005	J Smit	7	Red Harvest - Internal Punishment Programs
3/16/2003	A McKay	5	Red Harvest - Sick Transit Gloria Mundi

GIGS
11/20/2000	P Schwarz	Mayhem / Aeternus / Red Harvest	Declaring War on the Underground