This is a Megiddo/Rampage split CD, in which the two bands take turns covering the songs from Hellhammer's "Apocalyptic Raids 1990 A.D." release (i.e. the four tracks from the original Apocalyptic Raids EP, and two from a sampler CD). Megiddo have covered "Third of the Storms/Evoked Damnation", "Triumph of Death", and "Revelations of Doom", with Rampage taking "Massacra", "Whorus/Aggressor", and "Messiah".

Here we have two of my favorite current Black Metal bands, taking on one of the founding classics of the genre. The result is dripping with pure old-school spirit - the way such cover songs should be. Both bands have opted for a fuzzy, raw production. This suits the material well, and gives the album a unified feel which is further enhanced by the way the songs are arranged. Instead of the usual split-CD song order, where all songs from each band are together, the two bands alternate songs. As for the individual bands, I would say that Rampage comes closest to the original, but I slightly preferred Megiddo's interpretation, mostly due to the hateful vocals... Even so, Megiddo and Rampage each put forth an excellent performance here.

Any fan of Hellhammer, Megiddo, or Rampage should own this. Available from the label for $5, on CDR.

Standout tracks: "Triumph of Death", "Whorus/Aggressor"

© 2001 vorfeed