CoC : Tulus - Evil 1999 : Review

Tulus - _Evil 1999_
(Hammerheart Records, 1999)
by: Aaron McKay (9.5 out of 10)

I am inspired by this supreme black metal manifesting itself as Tulus! The Norwegian band known for transforming into the live line-up for Old Man's Child has struck the mother lode of elemental iniquitousness. Coming off an apparently less than adequate relationship with Hot Records due to budget and promotional concerns, I understand, Tulus inked a deal with Hammerheart to kick out _Evil 1999_. First, the core of this spectacular effort is the musical craftsmanship. The instruments, all powerful and all bludgeoning, are also separate and imaginatively distinctive. Second, the bass work is absolutely incredible. Black metal, in my opinion, does not have the world's best track record for astounding low-end bass manipulation, but Tulus changes that completely. As evidence, listen to track three, "Draug". Without a doubt, one of the most inspired couplings of bass and guitar riffing I've heard in recent years. My personal favourite is "Salme", song six on this masterful release. A perfect blend tilting towards the harmonious in the track's aggressive black metal approach. I assure you, with each listen, I am sucked deeper and infinitely deeper into the furious and pandemoniac world Tulus creates with _Evil 1999_.

(article published 12/10/1999)

ALBUMS
6/7/1998	P Schwarz	5	Tulus - Mysterion