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Rating: 4 / 5
Release Year: 2006
Website: N / A |
Type:
Demo
Genre: Black Metal
Tracks:
1.Call of Ancient Blood
2.The Rising of the Flame
3.Earthrealm Plague
4.Lughnasadh (instrumental)
5.Winterspirit
6.Mindless Soulsearch |
| The two masterminds behind this demo--a certain Menelyagor and Grond-- may come from down under, but everything about their music points to Norway, more specifically the vibe and rawness of ‘Pure Holocaust’-era Immortal. Brandishing a melodic backbone contrasting the fuzzy guitars and programmed drums, Fen Hollen’s pagan Christian hating Black Metal won’t earn any points in originality. But there’s something beneath the cacophony that carries a glimmer of promise: the sense of the epic in particular; of frosty winds blowing against these grass swept hills as an army marches off to war. Come to think of it, that mental image itself wasn’t very original. Hadn’t bands as early as Thin Lizzy been doing the warrior bit since the 70’s? Anyway . . . these blokes cook up a storm for the opener ‘Call of Ancient Blood,’ take your breath away on ‘The Rising of the Flame,’ suffocate you some more with ‘Earthrealm Plague,’ and allows a moment’s respite during ‘Lugsnasadh,’ where beautiful instrumentation feels like honey in your ears. Following the title track are the whirlwind of blasts and ragged guitars that comprise the grandiose 'Mindless Soulsearch,' which finishes their demo on a loud note. A tad repetitive, unmistakably grim, and in touch with its roots, Fen Hollen is the real deal; proudly brandishing the music we all secretly make fun of. You’d be tempted to mention how much they suck and can do so without worrying they’ll ever get back at you. Besides, you might reason, they live a continent away. But in fairness, this shit slays.
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Reviewer: HailndKill
Rating:  |
Posted On: September 1, 2008 |
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