CoC : Various - Bestial Sampler: 1997-1998 : Review

Various - _Bestial Sampler: 1997-1998_
(Bestial, 1998)
by: Brian Meloon (7 out of 10)

This sampler contains a song from each of Bestial's eleven releases so far. It contains a song each from Dies Irae, Grimegod, and Abigail, all of whom are also reviewed this issue. The compilation showcases a variety of styles, which are different enough to make this an enjoyable listen. Each of the bands is competent musically, but the production is a little weak for a lot of them. Negora Bunget start the tape off, with a sound reminiscent of Satyricon's _The Shadowthrone_, but more rhythmically advanced and less repetitive. Keyboards are used sparingly, but effectively, and the music is quite good. Makrothomia is a death metal band (dubbed "progressive death metal") with black metal production. I don't find much about it that's "progressive", but it is a novel mixture of black and death metal. Deimos play industrial death metal. They're good, but it's not really anything you haven't heard before. All the elements that they use (keys, samples, guitars, etc.) are standard. Interitus Dei finishes off the first side, and they're very impressive. They play atmospheric doom/black metal. The music varies between guitar-based and keyboard-based, keeping a nice contrast between the two styles. God starts off the second side, and they're melodic/gothic/doomy black metal. They're good, but the various components of their style aren't terribly original. Archaos are up next, and they play very mellow gothic/ambient music, in the vein of Mortiis, but more complex. Gothic are up next, and they play melodic, guitar-driven doom. They're competent, but not really exceptional. The vocals are growled and clean, and the production is very good. Agathodaimon (now on Nuclear Blast) also appear, and although not an official Bestial band, they contribute one (long) song. They're melodic black/death metal, but not really any better than the other bands on the compilation. All in all, this is a worthy compilation, with enough diversity to remain interesting, and a good variety of classy bands, the best being Abigail and Interitus Dei. I was quite impressed by this label's output.

Contact: Bestial Records, Str. Caras 12, 1900 Timisoara, Romania

(article published 1/9/1998)

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