Memories Yet To Come 2011

Some worthy mentions for 2011:

1. Absu - Abzu (Full-length 2011)

2. Acherontas - Vamachara (Full-length 2011)
3. Akrabu - Chants of Levitation (Full-length 2011)
4. Amnis Nihili - Christological Escalation (EP 2011)

5. Blood Axis - Ultimacy (Compilation 2011)
6. Blut Aus Nord - 777 - The Desanctification (Full-length 2011)
7. Book Of Sand - The Bees And The Butterflies (EP 2011)

8. Brotherhood Of Sleep - Dark As Light (Full-length 2011)
 9. Curse - Void Above, Abyss Below (Full-length 2011)

10. Jason Geaves - Dead Space 2 (Collector's Edition Soundtrack 2011)
11. Dephosphorus - Axiom (Full-length 2011)
12. Djevel - Dødssanger (Full-length 2011)
13. Epheles - Je Suis Autrefois (Full-length 2011)

14. Folkstorm - Valavond (Full-length 2011)
15. Hat - Vortex Of Death (Full-length 2011)
16. Inkisitor - Dysevangelist (Full-length 2011)

17. Isvind - Intet Lever (Full-length 2011)

18. Like Drone Razors Through Flesh Sphere - Alone With God 

(Full-length released 31/12/2010 but lets count it as a 2011 release)

19. Oskoreien - Oskoreien (Full-length 2011)

20. Panopticon - Social Disservices (Full-length 2011)
21. Ravencult - Morbid Blood (Full-length 2011)

22. Scythian - Kawir (Split 7'' EP 2011)
23 .Shining - VII: Född Förlorare (Full-length 2011)
24. Sorrows - Lethe (Cassette EP 2011)
25. Subrosa - No Help For The Mighty One (Full-length 2011)
26. Svikt - I Elendighetens Selskap (Full-length 2011)

27. Thrall - Vermin to The Earth (Full-length 2011)
28. Throne Of Katarsis - Ved Graven (Full-length 2011)
29. Wolves In The Throne Room - Celestial Lineage (Full-length 2011)

30. Yellow Eyes - Silence Threads The Evenings Cloth (Cassette 2011)

Cocteau Twins – Treasure (1984)

Country: Scotland

Tracklist

1. Ivo 03:53
2. Lorelei 03:42
3. Beatrix 03:11
4. Persephone 04:24
5. Pandora (For Cindy) 05:31
6. Amelia 03:29
7. Aloysius 03:26
8. Cicely 03:27
9. Otterley 03:59
10. Donimo 06:11

"Treasure is to this day cited as the favorite album by many Cocteau Twins fans, 

who sometimes see it as the band's peak record.

It marks a trend in Cocteau Twins music to blur the edges more, 

and further detach the music from any sort of definite structure. 

The songs themselves rely heavily on effects, and often the sounds one hears are reminiscent of the baroque 

or more modern gothic/synthetic music, accompanied by layers of delayed or fuzzed-out guitars, 

and the occasional acoustic-style strumming rhythm (as on "Ivo" and "Cicely").
Simon Raymonde's and Robin Guthrie's lustrous style of bass-playing create a flowing underlay, working well with the much louder and more powerful drums, which sound much less synthetic on Treasure than they had previously. 

Treasure disconnects the listener from reality on many levels, 

creating distinct and non-corporeal atmospheres conducive to free-association.
Elizabeth Fraser's lyrics are the most obscured of the early releases up to the end of 1984. 

There are real words here, even whole phrases, intermixed with old Scottish words or words of unknown origin. 

Elizabeth's voice is also more delicate than ever before, and more subtle.

The album opens with the bright, warm and absorbing melodies of "Ivo", bleeds into the thumping chimes of "Lorelei",

and flows quite naturally from there to the end, where the dark, 

whispered tones of "Otterley" precede the explosive finale of "Donimo".
Treasure will most likely continue to be considered by most fans and enthusiasts as exactly what its name implies, 

as well as continue to stand as a milestone in independent music history."

Memory

Utumno – Syn Av Ei Ukjend Tid (Demo 1998)

Country: Norway

Tracklist

1. Kamp 07:34
2. Nocturnal Shadow Whispering 04:34
3. Syn av ei Ukjend Tid 04:31
4. Rebirth 07:09

 Syn Av Ei Ukjend Tid (Visions from an Unknown Time) 
the second Demo from Utumno a band that later changed their name to Emancer.
Cold Norwegian style Black Metal with mid tempo parts and lots of dark atmosphere.

Memory

Sanctum – The Answer To His Riddle (10'' EP 1998)

Country: Sweden

Tracklist

1. [ - ] 04:04
2. Madelene 07:19
3. In Two Minds (Fungus Version) 06:51
4. Euphoria 01:15

Enchanting emotional industrial mixed with classical and modern orchestral music elements.

Released by Cold Meat Industry.

 Memory

Arkhon Infaustus – In Sperma Infernum (MCD 1998)

Country: France

Tracklist

1. Invocation Of The War God 02:32
2. Machiavellian Knights 05:19
3. Excelse Domini Inferni 06:36
4. The Black Succubus' Whores 05:43

First official release from Arkhon Infaustus playing fucking brutal Satanic Black/Death Metal.

 Memory

In Death's Throes – Infernal Deities Transcending (1999)

Country: United States

Tracklist

1. War 06:46
2. Civil Disobedience 08:24
3. Requiem II 08:53
4. In Celebration II (The Port) 10:12
5. The Drug 07:13
6. Where God Is... 13:48
7. The Ancient Ones 05:18
8. I.D.T. ~ Est 10:47

In Death’s Throes consists of Brian Sutter and Stephen Petrus (Murderous Vision).
Here you can listen deep layers of dark soundscapes, samples, low-pitched echoes - voices

and a good dose of darkness via reverb and minor chords.

Often very close to noise.All this presented in a very haunting manner.
Infernal Deities Transcending was released by Live Bait Recording Foundation.

Memory

Forlorn – Forlorn (MCD 1996)

Country: Norway

Tracklist

1. A Battle So Bright 03:26
2. Ærefull Ferd 04:43
3. Drømmefanger 02:48
4. Heroes 06:38
5. Ragnarok 05:21

Melodic Black/Viking Metal with acoustic, folk parts, keyboards and clean vocals by Forlorn.
Featuring Sanrabb from Gehenna on vocals.

Memory

Sun Of The Sleepless – Poems To The Wretches Hearts (MCD 1999)

Country: Germany

Tracklist

1. Thou, Whose Face Hath Felt The Winter's Wind 06:00
2. Grimme Pain 04:43
3. Nebelmond 04:39

Debut EP from Empyrium member Markus Stock (Noekk, The Vision Bleak etc.), 

playing great cold Black Metal with some melodic touches.

Memory

Dreadful Shadows – Beyond The Maze (1998)

Country: Germany

Tracklist

1. Crusade 04:29
2. Fall 03:58
3. The Figures Of Disguise 04:33
4. Ties Of Time 05:20
5. Craving 04:07
6. The Soil 03:48
7. The Drowning Sun 05:41
8. Desolated Home 05:19
9. Burning The Shrouds 04:23
10. Beyond The Maze 06:33

A fully emotional Gothic-Metal masterpiece by Dreadful Shadows.
Heavy dark atmosphere, bleak emotions and deeply esoteric and poetic lyrics

by Sven Friedrich's great deep voice.

Piano and keyboard passages along with violin-violoncello and the heavy emotional guitar riffs 

create a grey desolate musical landscape.
A unique album full of depression, agony and despair.

Memory

Vágtázó Halottkémek – Hammering On The Gates Of Nothingness (1992)

Country: Hungary

Tracklist

1. Hunok Csatája / Battle Of The Huns 07:34
2. Aláírhatatlan Történelem / Unsignable History 05:23
3. Az Én Lőrései / The Loop-holes Of The Self 02:54
4. Feltámadt Kép / Ressurected Picture 04:01
5. Ősvilág / Instrumental 06:37
6. Álmodom / I'm Dreaming 08:44
7. Botrányos Probléma / Scandalous Problem 03:03
8. Örökkévalóság / Eternity 06:05
9. Halló Mindenség / Hallo Universe 04:15
10. Nincs Más Megoldás (Pótolhatatlan Halhatatlanság) / There's No Other Solution 07:14

Vágtázó Halottkémek (Galloping Coroners) an amazing, not so popular, band from Hungary.

Playing a kind of a wild shamanic psychedelic punk rock accompaniment by Attila Grandpierre's magical screams.
As the group says, it is a magical natural music, a cosmic vision about the origin of presence.
Formed in 1975 by Attila Grandpierre, a renown Hungarian astronomer, doctor of natural sciences, 

physical sciences (astronomy), professor, writer, poet and musician.

The band was one of the first to play outside of Hungary 

and during their existence they released 7 albums and finally split up in 2000.

Hammering On The Gates Of Nothingness (A Semmi Kapuin Dörömbölve) was released
by Jello Biafra’s record label "Alternative Tentacles".

Einstürzende Neubauten, Henry Rollins, Jello Biafra and Iggy Pop regarded Vágtázó Halottkémek 

as one of the most important bands.

Nowadays Attila Grandpierre continues as Vágtázó Csodaszarvas (Galloping Wonder Stag)

a same attitude band as the original using ancient instruments playing shamanistic folk music of the ancient Huns.

Memory

Tomografia Assiale Computerizzata – A Circle Of Limbs (1993)

Country: Italy

Tracklist

1. The Rising Of The Current 04:35
2. Hidden Gods 04:04
3. Swelling Womb Of The Earth 04:36
4. Pri-Ma-Teria 04:37
5. Cults Of The Shadow I 03:22
6. Dead Truth (La Part Maudite) 05:20
7. Where The Light Dies 06:07
8. Cults Of The Shadow II 02:39
9. Burial Rite 09:38
10. The Veil Of The Abyss 04:17
11. C Y (r) C L E - Energy 08:42

T.A.C. (Tomografia Assiale Computerizzata) is a post-industrial, experimental 

and electronica group from Cagliari, Italy.
Formed in Parma, Italy, in 1981, with five members, Andrea Azzali, Simon Balestrazzi, 

Giorgio Barbuti, Fabio Cortesi and Giampaolo Terenziani.
The name is the Italian for the medical imaging device Computed Tomography (CT).
The group was originally known for making a crossover between experimental music and avant rock,
involving treated tape loops, custom built synthesisers and metal sheet percussion on one side 

and guitar, bass and drums on the other.
A Circle Of Limbs is a collection of T.A.C. songs conceived and realized between 1988 and 1993, 

released by Cthulhu Records.

 Memory

Kampfar – Mellom Skogkledde Aaser (1997)

Country: Norway

Tracklist

1. Intro 00:06
2. Valdogg 08:46
3. Valgalderkvad 07:49
4. Kledd I Brynje Og... 06:12
5. Hymne 07:18
6. Bukkeferd 06:44
7. Naglfar / Ragnarok 01:40

First full-length release by Kampfar performing Pagan Black Metal with lyrics about Viking mythology.
All you need is here... Viking chants, folky parts, fast Black Metal and Pagan atmosphere.

Memory

In The Nursery – Anatomy Of A Poet (1994)

Country: England

Tracklist

1. Bombed 05:49
2. Anatomy Of A Poet 04:33
3. In Perpetuum 04:49
4. Motive 03:37
5. Hallucinations? (Dream World Mix) 04:36
6. Blue Lovers 05:45
7. Paper Desert 05:09
8. Byzantium 03:23
9. The Seventh Seal 05:03
10. The Golden Journey 04:27
11. Touched With Fire 01:56

Twin brothers Klive and Nigel Humberstone formed this Sheffield, England-based band in 1981.
In The Nursery are a neo-classical electronic band, known for their cinematic sound.
They have provided soundtracks to a variety of TV programmes and films

and are known for their rescoring of films.
Anatomy Of A Poet is their eighth studio release, a concept album, featuring author Colin Wilson 
reciting poetry from Ernest Dowson, Oscar Wilde, W. B. Yeats and James Elroy Flecker.
Also included a cover version of Scott Walker’s "Seventh Seal".
The Memory link is for the 1997 remastered reissue that contains 3 bonus tracks.

 Memory

Dismal Euphony – Soria Moria Slott (1996)

Country: Norway

Tracklist

1. Prolog 00:48
2. Et Vintereventyr 06:35
3. Natten Loftet Sitt Tunge Ansikt 03:29
4. Alvedans 04:11
5. Trollbundet 06:37
6. Ekko 09:42
7. Isgrav, Det Siste Hvilested 08:34
8. Epilog 02:40

Atmospheric melodic Black Metal from Norway (Stavanger) with ethereal, 

haunting melodic vocal duets and buzzing tone Black Metal guitar riffing. 

Some folk parts with acoustic guitars, flute, piano, 

but the best part here is the beautiful female vocals and the keyboard parts.

The Memory link is for the remastered reissue that includes 6 bonus tracks.

Memory

Raison d'être / Svasti-ayanam – The Ring Of Isvarah (Split 1994)

Country: Sweden

Tracklist

1. raison d'être – Cantharsis 02:53
2. raison d'être – Mourning 04:59
3. raison d'être – Mezmerized In Sorrow 04:37
4. raison d'être – Out Of The Depths... 05:29
5. raison d'être – Dekay 07:02
6. raison d'être – Inquest 03:29
7. raison d'être – Disektion 07:19
8. Svasti-ayanam – Chakra-Puja 10:40
9. Svasti-ayanam – Varna-Sankara 04:36
10. Svasti-ayanam – Ugra-Karma 11:34
11. Svasti-ayanam – Zar 05:46
12. Svasti-ayanam – Yajña-Purusa 01:36
13. Svasti-ayanam – Adhyätmika 04:11

The Dark Ambient soundscapes of Raison D'être combined

with the more tribalesque meditative ambiance of Svasti-Ayanam.
Split tape released from the well known Italian industrial/noise label Slaughter Productions.
All performed by Mr. Peter Andersson (Atomine Elektrine, Grismannen, Necrophorus, Panzar etc.).

Memory

Thou Art Lord – Eosforos (1994)

Country: Greece

Tracklist

1. For the Lust of Lilith 04:18
2. Disciples of Black Sorcery 04:44
3. Eosforos Rex Infernus 05:11
4. Towers of the Autumn Moon 05:21
5. A Call to Chaos (Kaos - Keravnos - Kybernetos) 03:55
6. Through the Eye of the Hierophant 05:20
7. Warhammer 03:56
8. The Era of Satan Rising 05:47

Brutal Hellenic Black Metal with Death metal aesthetic and occult lyrics from Thou Art Lord, 

a band that started as a project with members of Rotting Christ, Necromantia and Mortify. 

Necromayhem on the lead guitars and backing vocals, 

Magus Wampyr Daoloth on the bass, synths and backing vocals 

and Gothmog on lead vocals.

Guest vocals from Mika Luttinen (Impaled Nazarene) and Gunther Theys (Ancient Rites).

Memory

Sad Legend – Sad Legend (1998)

Country: South Korea

Tracklist

1. Han 05:19
2. Dawn of Despair 05:35
3. Nocturnal Cries of Agony 06:48
4. Utter Emptiness on the Dusk Fallen Lake 06:16
5. Realm of the Soulless 03:56
6. Reincarnation 04:51
7. A Funeral in Solitude 07:15

Amazing melodic Black Metal from South Korea.
Nice compositions, great guitar riffs that get stuck in your head immediatelly,
keyboard parts and a combination of harsh Black Metal vocals with some clean and ... soprano vocals (!),
all performed by Naamah.
Most tracks are following mid paced rhythms giving importance to the whole atmosphere of the album.
All lyrics are in Korean.

Memory 

Plecid – Plecid (1996)

Country: United States

Tracklist

1. Leaves 07:38
2. Leave 05:49
3. Mortified 10:55
4. Love 05:42
5. Laughing 04:35
6. Lob 06:11
7. Lom 07:54

Plecid's self-titled CD was the first release for the well known label Ajna Offensive.
There are not many infos about this band except that the man behind this is David Woodard.
The entire CD booklet is just a black cardboard and contains nothing but only the bands name in the front cover.

Even the tracks are only printed on the CD.
The band released three cassettes in the late 80's and participated in some compilations.

This is the CD version of their first cassette released in 1986.
Their style is a strange mix of darkwave, gothic rock, with an ambient touch.Very hypnotic in times.
A cult release full of mystery.

Memory

Aphex Twin – Come To Daddy (1997)

Country: England

Tracklist

1. Come To Daddy, Pappy Mix 04:23
2. Flim 02:57
3. Come To Daddy, Little Lord Faulteroy Mix 03:48
4. Bucephalus Bouncing Ball 05:45
5. To Cure A Weakling Child, Contour Regard 05:10
6. Funny Little Man 03:55
7. Come To Daddy, Mummy Mix 04:24
8. IZ-US 02:57

The album that made Richard D. James-Aphex Twin more known to the public.

Nice experimental break-beats sometimes more harsh,sometimes with an ambient feeling and of course Come to Daddy, (the more industrial song of the EP) that was responsible for one of the best videoclips ever directed by Chris Cunningham.

Memory 

Ancient Rites – The Diabolic Serenades (1994)

Country: Belgium

Tracklist

1. (Intro) Infant Sacrifices To Baalberith 01:16
2. Crucifixion Justified (Roman Supremacy) 03:55
3. Satanic Rejoice 03:56
4. Obscurity Reigns (Fields Of Flanders) 02:29
5. Death Messiah 02:38
6. Land Of Frost & Despair 04:45
7. Assyrian Empire 03:34
8. Longing For The Ancient Kingdom 03:46
9. Morbid Glory (Gilles De Rais 1404-1440) 03:36
10. Ritual Slayings (Goat Worship Pure) 03:53
11. Evil Prevails 04:28
12. Last Rites / Echoes Of Melancholy (Outro) 00:33

Ancient Rites first album and the most brutal and sinister considering their musical direction the later years.

With a "clean" production (for a 1994 underground album)
as it was recorded in a studio used only for classical music.

Lyrics about ancient - medieval history and occultism.

Very much influenced by bands like Hellhammer, Bathory and Venom,

this is a great mix between Black Metal and Death Metal.

Memory 

Ancient – Trolltaar (MCD 1995)

Country: Norway

Tracklist

1. Trolltaar 06:18
2. Nattens Skjønnhet 08:17
3. Fjellets Hemmelighet 05:48

Excellent melodic Black Metal from Ancient, their last release with the original line up.

Memory 

Άβατον – Eξ Aδοκήτω (1996)

Country: Greece

Tracklist

1. With a Few Celestial Words I Shall Begin 08:13
2. 02 I Do Not Wish I Were Wealthy 10:49
3. Melpeia 05:07
4. Aloessa 04:10
5. To My Hetaerae 07:18
6. For Those Who Lead A Happy Life 05:29
7. Hymenaon (Wedding Song) 07:52
8. Bacchus 08:22
9. Simoun 10:00
10. The Love For The Sun 06:08

Avaton formed in 1988 when Ιωάννης Παπαδάκης met Παναγιώτη Ξυδιά and they decided to join forces.
The band was discovered by Μάνος Χατζιδάκις, one of the most famous Greek musicians, 

who signed them and released their first self titled album through his label "Seirios" in 1991.
Two years later they recorded their second album "Ερως Αελίω",while in 1996 they released their
grand opus "Εξ Αδοκήτω" which made everybody talking about "The Greek Dead Can Dance".
Avaton was becoming on stage a 14 piece band trying to achieve an atmosphere of oriental mystery.
Having played live in many Greek festivals and other countries,

also writing musical scores for theatrical performances,
in 2001 they released their fourth album "Κόσμον", featuring Egyptian singer Natacha Atlas.
After "Κόσμον" they disbanded and in 2003 Ιωάννης Παπαδάκης 

released his personal album "Εξ-Άβατον",
while Παναγιώτης Ξυδιάς continues (as Pan. Kaperneka)

in bands Ghi & Thalassa(Earth & Sea) and Palyrria.
In "Εξ Αδοκήτω" (Unforeseen As It Was) you can hear musical influences from classical,

ancient Greek music,Armenian,Indian,middle east passages and jazz improvisations.
A mix of Byzantine music and traditional instruments with modern instrumentation.
The characteristic voice of Παναγιώτη Ξυδιά is floating over the compositions,

invoking the spirits of ancient times as he is capable of singing in Byzantine and Indian modes.
The lyrics are written in ancient Greek language and based on poems of the ancient Greek poet Σαπφώ.

Memory

John Williams – Images Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1972)

Composer: John Williams

Tracklist

1. In Search Of Unicorns 03:59
2. The House 02:37
3. Dogs, Ponies And Old Ruins 02:13
4. Visitations 02:52
5. Reflections 03:14
6. The Killing Of Marcel 03:12
7. The Love Montage 04:46
8. Blood Moon 03:15
9. Land Of The Ums 01:46
10. The Night Witch Ride 02:54
11. The Waterfall - Final Chapter 04:15

John Williams  is an American composer, conductor, and pianist. In a career spanning almost six decades, 

he has composed some of the most recognizable film scores.

In 1972 he composed the score for the psychological thriller "Images", 

directed by the American film director Robert Altman, 

(recorded in collaboration with noted Japanese percussionist, keyboardist and composer Stomu Yamashta).
Williams was inspired for the score by the "Sound Sculptures"
(metal and glass instruments) of Francois and Bernard Baschet.

As he described them: "They are stainless steel surfaces sculpted like floral petals.
Some of them are 16 feet high, they are prominent visual works. Vibrations from attachments of sawed off glass rods go through a wire and activate these planes of steel, making the most unearthly sounds, noises."
Bernard Baschet agreed to rent several of the sculptures with the condition 

only Stomu Yamashta would be permitted to touch them.
In addition Stomu Yamashta played conventional percussion instruments (timpani,hand drums,blocks, bells,marimba,Inca flutes and Kabuki percussions) while Williams orchestrated the entire score and played all the keyboards.
Watch the movie and enjoy this amazing darkly soundtrack.

Memory 

Diabolos Rising – Blood, Vampirism And Sadism (1995)

Country: Greece / Finland

Tracklist

1. Satanic Propaganda (S.N.T.F. Rising) 04:51
2. Circle Of Blood: Blood Lunar Cult 04:13
3. Blood Communion 05:24
4. Ilsa 02:09
5. Circle Of Pain: Sadism Unbound 05:42
6. Mantle Of Suffering 03:05
7. Circle Of Death: Necromanteion 03:41
8. Ashes To Ashes, Flesh To Dust 03:16

A great collaboration between Magus Wampyr Daoloth (Necromantia etc.) and  Mika Luttinen (Impaled Nazarene etc.) 
with the help of Divad (Necromantia) on guitars, 
maybe the first band to attempt mixing Black Metal with industrial elements.
Blood Vampirism And Sadism is their second album and here their sound seems more solid than their first release.
The industrial parts have increased and taken a more aggressive path going into even "noisier" fields in some songs.
The synths-programming by Magus Wampyr Daoloth is at top level giving you an "eastern" dark feeling in times 
and the only one that could provide the appropriate vocals to this obscure creation seems to be Mika Luttinen.
The album is divided in three chapters, Circle Of Blood, Circle Of Pain and Circle Of Death 
its one containing the relevant lyrical themes.
It was also released as a VHS cassette.A very dark-perverted and extreme album that was so ahead of its time.

Memory

Clock DVA – Buried Dreams (1989)

Country: England

Tracklist

1. Buried Dreams 04:02
2. Hide 04:31
3. Sound Mirror 05:47
4. Velvet Realm 06:46
5. The Unseen 05:22
6. The Reign 05:29
7. The Act 05:23
8. The Hacker 07:25
9. Connection Machine 05:57
10. The Sonology Of Sex I 04:26
11. The Sonology Of Sex II (Le Comtesse De Sang) 03:45
12. The Hacker (Video Mix) 03:24

"Buried Dreams", a slow dark techno-minimal-electronic masterpiece, with bleak vocals, sexual samples 

and an atmosphere full of perversion and death.
Possibly the darkest album Clock DVA has released.
Many movie samples used here along with themes of mysticism, occult, sexual violence 

and murder ("The Sonology Of Sex Part I and II").
Also some more futuristic stuff in songs like "Sound Mirror" and "The Hacker".
It is said that this record was found in the apartment of Jeffrey Dahmer when FBI arrested him.
A classic in electronic music. A journey into your darkest dreams.

Memory 

Presumed Guilty (1998)

Label: Misanthropy Records

Tracklist

1. Dream Into Dust – Stormbringer 05:51

2. In The Woods... – Let There Be More Light 06:30

3. Solstice – The Sleeping Tyrant 06:11

4. Hagalaz' Runedance – The Oath He Swore One Winter's Day 03:45

5. Primordial – Journey's End 08:00

6. Burzum – Et Hvitt Lys Over Skogen 09:04

7. Amber Asylum – Dreams Of Thee 03:27

8. Babylon Whores – Somniferum 04:07

9. Madder Mortem – These Mortal Sins 05:05

10. Mayhem – Ancient Skin 04:57

11. Beyond Dawn – Need 05:17

12. Endura – Vestigial Horn 01:49

13. Aphrodisiac – Lux Et Tenebrae 04:09

14. Monumentum – The Colour Of Compassion 07:30

A great compilation of artists by the mighty British label Misanthropy Records, 

Elfenblut and Heroine sub-labels containing unreleased and album tracks.
Released in order to protest against censorship in music business. 

The booklet contains thoughts by each individual artist regarding censorship 

and an essay by Tiziana Stupia (owner of Misanthropy Records).

Many different styles of quality music here but of course the highlight of the compilation is the unreleased,

back then, Burzum track "Et Hvitt Lys Over Skogen" which travels you back to the early days of Black Metal.

One of the best Burzum tracks ever, recorded at Grieghallen in 1992.
Hear it and feel the chills running down your spine.

 Memory

The Future Sound Of London – My Kingdom (MCD 1996)

Country: England

Tracklist

1. My Kingdom (Part 1) 10:50
2. My Kingdom (Part 2) 03:15
3. My Kingdom (Part 3) 07:11
4. My Kingdom (Part 4) 05:12
5. My Kingdom (Part 5) 03:54

The Future Sound of London are often credited with pushing the boundaries of electronic music experimentation 

covering most areas of it and of pioneering a new era of dance music.
"My Kingdom" is the first single from Future Sound of London's 1996 release "Dead Cities". 

It is written in a theme and variation format on the song "My Kingdom" (Parts 1 to 3), 

Part 4 returns to the original theme and Part 5 is the radio edit.
You can hear samples taken from "Pungent Effulgent" by Ozric Tentacles, "Once Upon a Time in America" by Ennio Morricone and "Blade Runner" soundtrack by Vangelis.
Beautifully arranged ambient textures mixed with dance music.

Memory

Esoteric – The Pernicious Enigma (1997)

Country: England

Tracklist

Disc 1
1. Creation (Through Destruction) 13:13
2. Dominion of Slaves 16:01
3. Allegiance 11:50
4. NOXBC9701040 12:48
Disc 2
1. Sinistrous 12:40
2. At War With the Race 02:52
3. A Worthless Dream 13:09
4. Stygian Narcosis 13:17
5. Passing Through Matter 19:15

Esoteric is a British band from Birmingham founded in 1992 that incorporates extreme Doom Metal
with distorted vocals and samples over slow paced, down-tuned riffs and atmospheric melodies.
The Pernicious Enigma is their second studio album (double CD) that was released in 1997 through Aesthetic Death Records.
Ultra slow Funeral Doom (also some faster parts or songs included),heavy rhythm guitars, using reverb and delay effects (creating a "psychedelic" dark ambiance feeling), shifting bass rhythms and low guttural vocals.
Nice usage of samples over tracks and some jazzy parts also exists in songs like "NOXBC9701040".
A very good album with a lot of dark noise elements ,heavy ambiance and power.

Memory

Part 1       Part 2

The Nefilim – Zoon (1996)

Country: England

Tracklist

1. Still Life 03:38
2. Xodus 03:47
3. Shine 06:48
4. Penetration 03:31
5. Melt (The Catching Of The Butterfly) 05:02
6. Venus Decomposing 06:06
7. Pazuzu (Black Rain) 06:38
8. Zoon (Parts 1 & 2) (Saturation) 09:41
9. Zoon (Part 3) (Wake World) 05:28
10. Coma 02:38

Well, this is an album that made all "Goths" staring at it with their mouths open,
while a question mark was hanging above their heads.
Carl McCoy after the disbanding of Fields Of The Nephilim and a 5 year hiatus,

formed The Nefilim and released Zoon, going into more brutal musical fields.
The album is a move away from the rich soundscapes that characterized earlier works of 

Fields of the Nephilim, towards, a darker more industrial - Death Metal sound.
Dark atmospheric industrial parts, pleasantly distracting keys, thundering drums and metal-slashing riffs
mixed with the deep characteristic voice (almost death metal) of Carl McCoy.
Zoon is a concept album, and while McCoy remained largely silent about the themes,

one possible explanation is that the story revolves around the "Watchers" and the "Book of Enoch".
The word "Zoon" is derived from Greek, meaning "living creature-animal" or "beast".

Memory

Musta Surma – Riena (MCD 1999)

Country: Finland

Tracklist

1. Riena 04:29
2. Nouskoon Pimeys 05:36
3. Hämärä Ikuisuus 06:27

Ex-Crimson Evenfall members formed Musta Surma (Finnish for "Black Death") in 1997 

and after recording a demo in 1998 Riena was their first official MCD release.
Excellent cold Finnish Black Metal with some mid-tempo parts and very good guitar riffs.

 Memory

Tangerine Dream – Zeit (1972)

Country: Germany

Tracklist

1. Birth Of Liquid Plejades 20:00
2. Nebulous Dawn 18:00
3. Origin Of Supernatural Probabilities 20:12
4. Zeit 17:43

Tangerine Dream reached the height of their early experimentation with their third studio album Zeit.
"Zeit" is the German word for time and time seems to stand almost still during this long four tracks.
The album takes on an entirely different direction than the psychedelic acid kraut-rock
elements of Tangerine Dream's first releases.
Slow moving parts,dark sonic atmosphere,lots of spacy electronic effects,eerie cello lines,
all creating the perfect soundtrack for cosmic voyages. A "Largo in four movements", as it is subtitled.

As explained in the liner notes for the 2002 remaster reissue:
"Zeit was based on the philosophy that time was in fact motionless and only existed in our own minds."
And continues:
"Just as something is about to happen, it doesn't."
A musical visualization of the vast atmospheres of outer space.

Memory

Marduk – Opus Nocturne (1994)

Country: Sweden

Tracklist

1. Intro / The Apperance Of Spirits Of Darkness 00:32
2. Sulphur Souls 05:40
3. From Subterranean Throne Profound 07:47
4. Autumnal Reaper 03:31
5. Materialized In Stone 05:10
6. Untrodden Paths (Wolves Part II) 05:26
7. Opus Nocturne 02:32
8. Deme Quaden Thyrane 05:06
9. The Sun Has Failed 07:21

 Marduk with "Opus Nocturne" are not only trying to use the "play as fast as you can" style (like their later albums).
Their purpose is to combine this with some more slower and melodic tunes, thus creating a freezing atmosphere.
Fast guitars but also mid-paced breaks, raw Black Metal but with a touch of melody.
Important part plays also the great production from Dan Swanö (Unisound studios) 

that helps the band to create their cold feeling.
Recognizable bass lines and drums straight from the pits of hell (listen to the beginning of "Deme Quaden Thyrane"). 

Early Marduk at their best.

Memory 

Black Lung – Silent Weapons For Quiet Wars (1994)

Country: Australia

Tracklist

1. The Banque Of Worms 03:32
2. Theme From The Black Lung Pt. 2 06:26
3. The Trilateral Commision 06:48
4. Prozac Parade 05:34
5. Somatime 02:41
6. Rex 84 05:40
7. Ridjeck Theme 03:24
8. The Battle Of Brazil 04:16
9. Supermarket Dream 06:31
10. Everything You Know Is Wrong 04:02
11. Theme From Black Lung Pt. 1 07:30
12. Death Squad Blues 02:54
13. Meat Manager 03:56
14. The Bilderberg Group 10:03

Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars, was mostly composed of instrumental tracks
taken from Snog's first album Lies Inc. and the Hey, Christian God single.

Cinematic, electronic soundscapes mixed with David Thrussell's fascination for conspiracy theories.

Memory

Death In June – But, What Ends When The Symbols Shatter? (1992)

Country: England

Tracklist

1. Death Is The Martyr Of Beauty 03:50
2. He's Disabled 04:08
3. The Mourner's Bench 02:31
4. Because Of Him 03:46
5. Daedalus Rising 04:52
6. Little Black Angel 04:18
7. The Golden Wedding Of Sorrow 03:36
8. The Giddy Edge Of Light 05:07
9. Ku Ku Ku 01:52
10. This Is Not Paradise 05:27
11. Hollows Of Devotion 03:29
12. But, What Ends When The Symbols Shatter? 03:15

In this album, the early more industrial influences of Death In June are gone 

and have been replaced with a more acoustic-neofolk sound.

With the participation,among the others, of David Tibet and Michael Cashmore.
A genre-defining album that sets the standard for todays neofolk bands.

Memory

Tatir – Dark Autumn Nights (Demo 1995)

Country: Greece

Tracklist

1. Katavasia 02:53
2. Long Lost Woods 02:10
3. Vast Land Of The Eternal Torments 04:03

Great Greek Black Metal demo in the style of early Thou Art Lord, Rotting Christ.

Recorded at the well known Storm Studios.
Magus Wampyr Daoloth (Necromantia, Thou Art Lord etc.) participated in the demo handling the synths.
Too bad they never released a full length album.

Memory

Ulf Söderberg – Tidvatten (1998)

Country: Sweden

Tracklist

1. Hennes Vingars Skugga 03:43
2. I Vargmanens Tid 05:58
3. Ecuatoria 04:44
4. Tidvatten Part 1 05:35
5. Nattstaden 06:04
6. Nordvinterögon 03:10
7. Järtecken 04:05
8. Ammons Hav 03:22
9. Tempel Och Katedral Reser Sig Ur Djupen 07:10
10. Tidvatten Part 2 (Landmärken Och Väktare, I Mittens Rike, ...Och Världen Skapas Ständigt...) 13:23

Dark eerie soundscapes and ritualistic tribal drums from Ulf Söderberg, more known from his other project, Sephiroth.

Memory

Enslaved – Frost (1994)

Country: Norway

Tracklist

1. Frost 02:52
2. Loke 04:21
3. Fenris 07:16
4. Svarte Vidder 08:43
5. Yggdrasil 05:23
6. Jotunblod 04:07
7. Gylfaginning 05:31
8. Wotan 04:12
9. Isöders Dronning 07:45

 Enslaved set the standards in Viking-Black metal with this release.

Blast beats, Ivar Bjørnson's brilliant riffs, atmospheric keyboards, some folk-ish parts here and there,
Nordic mythical lyrics, Grutle Kjellson's impressive vocals and a "crazy" Trym Torson behind the drum-kit.

All these under the production of the mighty Grieghallen Studio.
What else can you ask for?!?
...Instant classic.

Memory 

Necromass – Mysteria Mystica Zofiriana (1994)

Country: Italy

Tracklist

1. Night (Madness...Knowledge...Evil...) 02:59
2. Necrobaratrum 03:03
3. Mysteria Mystica Zothyriana 666 04:30
4. Exterior Circle 01:22
5. Sodomatic Orgy Of Hate 05:36
6. Black Mass Intuition (Atto 1:Introibo Ad Altare,Atto 2:Silver Reign) 07:02
7. Sadomasochist Tallow Doll 05:15
8. Into An Image of Left 02:11

With “Mysteria Mystica Zofiriana” Necromass created a masterpiece of pure hate and evil.
The influence of the album on the international Black Metal movement was crucial.
Although Necromass style is different from the typical Scandinavian Black Metal,

they created an album that is still considered a milestone in the genre.
Black arts, great compositions without missing some melodic parts,dark atmosphere and hellish vocals.
Occult Black Metal at its best.

Memory

Ildfrost – Natanael (1997)

Country: Norway

Tracklist:

1. Tatjana 01:57
2. Violetta 11:16
3. Alcides 03:00
4. Theseus 03:35
5. Cato 02:36
6. Maria 01:09
7. Abel 02:07
8. Kathinka 04:03
9. Enna Iram 03:18
10. Tratchaan 04:36
11. Hazrahm 01:30
12. Alexander 00:59
13. Tricia 05:34
14. Ariadne 11:24

Ildfrost were the first non-Swedish group on Cold Meat Industry label. 

Their music can be described as dark, frightening, but also challenging.
Never very active, and containing mainly subtleties, the music, while very soft and approachable,
is geared primarily towards a shift in your state of awareness, one of dreariness or oblivious withdrawal.
"Natanael consist of 13 names.Each and every name bears a secret life within itself, a story.
This story is not something permanent or concluded, the story is not ended when the person dies.
It's rather there it begins.Names are understood differently.

And when time changes the comprehension of a specific name,
only in that process does the name become a secret,and the secret a story."
A calm and relaxing album, with very dark atmosphere,
majestic recitatives and insane screams.
 
Memory 

Troll – Trollstorm Over Nidingjuv (MCD 1996)

Country: Norway

Tracklist

1. Naar Natten Endelig Er Her 04:36

2. Trollstorm Over Nidingjuv 03:49

3. Over Daudens Kolde Mark 03:39

4. I Et Hedensk Land 04:14

Norway's Troll offers this MCD containing their demo 

plus one bonus track ("I Et Hedensk Land" - a tribute to their countrymen Darkthrone? ...maybe).
Excellent cold Black Metal from Nagash, with fuzzy production and razor-sharp guitars.

Just listen how the beautiful intro in the beginning slowly leads you to the opening track...fucking amazing!

Memory