CoC : Psychon Vex - Bleak Remembrance : Review

Psychon Vex - _Bleak Remembrance_
(Bloated Goat Records, 2007)
by: Quentin Kalis (6.5 out of 10)

Psychon Vex's dosage of mayhem may be heavily indebted to the original purveyors of northern darkness, especially noticeable in the marriage between atmosphere and aggression, although the groaned vocals are probably a more obvious indicator. The album closer is perhaps the closest I've heard to pre-_Vilosophie_ Manes and is their most impressive song, although the gurgling pitch-shifted vocals are not appealing on first listen, but are surprisingly effective in this context. This is possibly a piece meal recording; the differing volume levels imply that the songs were recorded at different times or different places. This is mitigated somewhat by the chunky yet atmospheric bass and the comparatively complex drumming, both rarities amongst an underground dominated by hermits. Much more work is needed, but the fundamentals are in place and Psychon Vex may yet be a "name" band in USBM.

Contact: http://www.bloatedgoatrecords.com

(article published 6/1/2009)