CoC : Sadistic Intent - Resurrection of the Ancient Black Earth : Review

Sadistic Intent - _Resurrection of the Ancient Black Earth_
(Iron Pegasus, 2000)
by: Alvin Wee (9 out of 10)

By no means a new release, this superb re-edition of Sadistic Intent's two MCDs on vinyl by German guarantee-of-quality label Iron Pegasus still deserves a few kind words considering its relative obscurity up till now. Like their Polish cousins Vader, pretty much every drop of old-school death these boys spill turns to gold in the hands of their cult followers. 1994's _Resurrection_ fills side A with a monumentally heavy, bone-chilling darkness, easily putting the entire death metal boom of 1992/3 to shame. Jump forward to 1997, and strangely enough, _Ancient Black Earth_'s looser, more primitive assault chucks the band firmly back to the eighties, and in true Ulver style throws anyone expecting any progression since '94 quite decisively off their feet. Still immensely enjoyable in the face of increasing commercialism in the death metal arena back then, _ABE_ brims with a raw, primal evil that remains terrifyingly convincing despite the looseness of playing and understated production values. Two live tracks wrap up the ceremonies, unremarkable in terms of sound but nevertheless showcasing the band's formidable live presence well on "Ancient Black Earth". Superb layout by Iron Pegasus makes this an essential in any self-respecting death metal freak's collection. Picture vinyl may be sold out, but limited copies of two different vinyl colors still available from the label.

Contact: Iron Pegasus, P.O. Box 1462, 56804 Cochem / Mosel, Germany

(article published 19/10/2001)

GIGS
4/18/1996	N Bassett	Morbid Angel / At the Gates / Dissection / Sadistic Intent	Morbid Angel / At the Gates / Dissection / Sadistic Intent