Monstrous is the only way to describe this. VON (rumored to stand for ""Violence Orgasm Nazis" although there appears to be zero foundation for this) epitomize the word "cult" in every sense of the word. Almost nothing is known about them, and the only document left behind of their existence is this short 20 minute demo. The sound quality is abysmal, but nothing else would suit the material (mind you, we're not talking abysmal in a "The Dawn of the Black Hearts" sort of way...more like a rehearsal dumped onto a 4 track). Drums are mid to fast paced, and "plodding" in sound, with very little variation in pattern, giving the entire demo and almost surreal trance/mantra feel. Vocals are spewed forth like puke from the mouth of the almighty Satan himself. Guitar is saturated and quite heavy, especially when you consider when this (might have) originally come out (the same can be said for the bass). Song wise, the material falls into two categories : fast plodding that bludgeons you with repetitiveness, and the slower, eerie, haunting variety. Both work equally well, and the contrast between the two really gives the demo a lot of atmosphere and texture. Lyrically, ultra simplistic broken sentences are the basis, and the content is pure unadulterated evil (but then again, what would you expect from such titles as "Devil Pig", "Satanic Blood", and "Christ Fire").

It's actually pretty hard to describe VON and do them justice - this has to be heard to be understood, and words just can't express the aura this gives off. Lots of bands have been given "cult" status, but rarely do they deserve it - VON is an exception. There's a *reason* for the reverence shown to them, and I urge you to seek out this (now on CD) recording and find out *why* for yourself...

© 1999 chorazaim