If you haven't heard Megiddo, your existence is sorely lacking. This is doubtless one of the best black metal releases this year. Megiddo is a one-man band, the evil genius himself, ChorazaiM, creator of LARM. This CD is Megiddo's last two demos on one disc. The first five tracks are taken from the newest material, "The Heretic" demo, which is my favorite material as it's the most advanced. The remaining tracks make up the prior demo, "Hymns to the Apocalypse". Megiddo's style could be described as a mixture of old Bathory with Darkthrone, but far from a rip-off. "Demonomancy" is a perfect choice for the opening track. Starting off with some blazing blast, it then segues into one of the bitchin'-est music on the CD. "Sacrifice (The Blood Rites)" is a most catchy ditty that will have one filled with rage, donning the spikes and smashing in a random human's face. The twisting lead riff is just amazing in it's infectious memorability. A fucking awesome cover of Darkthrone's "Earth's Last Picture" wraps up "The Heretic" end of things. Following that are the six tracks from the original "Hymns to the Apocalypse" demo, which is somewhat less polished, but just as destructive in its intensity. The opening track rules with it's slow march-like cadence, reveling in anthemic, anti-human doctrine (which is on the back of the booklet, so you can rasp along with ChorazaiM). "Blackened" begins with a rather tasty bassline, leading into a mid-paced pummeling--and I mean pummeling 'cause it's damn heavy. This half of the album also includes a ripping cover of Sodom's "Burst Command 'Til War". Lest ye forget, this is BRUTAL, unlike many bands that claim to be black metal nowadays. Who needs (or even fucking wants) flutes and other non-traditional metal instruments in black metal? Yes, it can sometimes make for a nice addition, but I will always live for the harsh, cold way of black metal and it's good to know others do as well. This CDR is the only release that contains all the songs from both demos and it's strictly limited to 113 copies, so get your ass in gear. As the booklet reads, "Evil is its own reward". You better believe it. HAILS!!

© 2000 goden