Music: Doom / Sludge Metal
Website: http://www.btfs.net & http://negativereaction.info
Country: Sweden / USA
Duration: 53:26 (9 songs)
Cool Songs: The Wretched Of This Afterbirth, So Still, So Overwhelmingly Quiet, Shroud, Wish You Were Dead
The information I received this release describes the music as Hateful Sludge vs Dirty Blackened Doom and Id definitely agree with that. Swedish Doomsters Beneath The Frozen Soil open the split with a haunting piano piece called Preludium. If the purpose of this track was to create an intense and unnerving atmosphere then BTFS have definitely succeeded in their task. The following track, The Wretched Of This Afterbirth, is a perfect slice of Blackened Doom which reminds me of Imindain (who are also well worth checking out if you like this kind of music) and the more subtle half of the track really works a treat.
The Time Is Now begins with what I would describe as typical doom metal chords. This isnt a bad thing as it sets the tone wonderfully. The vocals lean towards Black Metal than anything else and their sharpness next to the plodding feeling of the music work amazingly well. With this release Beneath The Frozen Soil have definitely got themselves in the running for the Blackened Doom Kings title (if there was such a thing). These tracks are perfect to listen to on a overcast rainy day which, considering Im in England, gives me many opportunities to crank up this CD to its full potential.
Personally, I dont really listen to a lot of Doom, but Im willing to make an exception for these guys and bands like them. The tempo changes that litter each song manage to hold my interest and, as I mentioned earlier in the review, the vocals are fantastic. My favourite track from BTFS on this release is either The Wretched Of This Afterbirth or So Still, So Overwhelmingly Silent. (BTFS rating: 8/10)
Self-proclaimed Gods Of Sludge Negative Reaction take over the second half of the CD and they seem to have a more in-your-face attitude than BTFS. The first track we get to hear from this band is Origin Of Sin and, while it is a great piece of Sludge, I find it quite difficult to adapt to the vocals. I found that the vocals in Shroud were slightly more to my liking, even though the same style remained. I guess they just suited that track better.
The Negative Reaction song that really did it for me was Wish You Were Dead. This track begins with an almost punky intro, before slowing down to a sludgier pace. (NR rating: 7.5/10)
Overall, this is a must have CD for any doom fan. Be warned though its limited to 1000 copies to it may be difficult to pick up!
note: 8/10
Tracklist
Preludium
The Wretched Of This Afterbirth
The Time Is Now
Signs Of That Grim Malady
So Still, So Overwhelming Silent
Origin Of Hurt
Shroud
Wish You Were Dead
Origin Of Hurt Part 2
Line-up
BTFS –
Linus Pilebrand – Guitar and Vocals
Olof Holgersson – Drums
Robert Björk – Bass
Anna-Greta Larsson – Cello
NR –
Unknown – no information on website.
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