CoC : Haat - Factum Luctisonus : Review

Haat - _Factum Luctisonus_
(Paniac, 2001)
by: Alvin Wee (8 out of 10)

Belgian label Paniac is steadily establishing itself as a reliable purveyor of truly underground black metal, proudly joining other vinyl-only institutions like End All Life, Sombre and Northern Heritage. This vinyl slab is no different, being a career-spanning document of Holland's elusive one-man Haat. Comprised almost entirely of demo material, _Factum Luctisonus_ makes no pretensions at being any well-produced piece of commercial stardom. Rather, the liner notes take pains to emphasize the "coarse and primitive" black metal cuisine served up by this lone butcher. Little remains to be said about the music -- raw, primal vociferations spewed over a torrent of barbed-wire chainsaws -- except for the fact that despite its incredible simplicity and non-musicality, the hate invoked on this record is almost palpable. Vitriolic and barbaric to the extreme, this is some of the most nascently negative music I've heard in a while. Though a tad under-developed for the most part, the effectiveness of this stuff is alarming given the right setting and frame of mind. Still, it's not a release for everybody, and seems calculated to appeal only to a core of dedicated underground maniacs. Well presented in a hand-numbered sleeve (250 copies, vinyl only), and boasts an insert that's both informative and nicely produced. A satisfying one that grows on you, and I'm proud to have it in my collection.

Contact: paniac@wol.be

(article published 12/8/2001)