As with everyone inside the black metal circle, I have, from time to time, encountered an album that has changed the way I live, and the way I think about life. An album so influential and barbaric, that it simply cannot be surpassed in its quality. A few such pieces that have had this meaning to me are possibly early Darkthrone albums, such as Under a Funeral Moon, or in particular, Transylvanian Hunger. Black Sabbath's Born Again. And of course, the numerous outputs of Abruptum, and any other noise core band who follows in that suit. However, I am trying to make the point that these works of art do not come by all the time. They are special, and in a class all of their own. The way it will always be. Another such album that fits into this category of superiority was produced by the little known band Lord Belial, hailing from Sweden. Now mostly, as I am sure most of you do, I could give two shits about the pathetic copy cat Swedish scene, which feeds indefinitely off itself, and breeds nothing even close to creativity. And to a certain extent, Lord Belial is really no exception to this judgement. In fact, I believe the only worthwhile album they have produced is this that I am about to describe.

To the Fucking point already!

What I am trying to say here is that this album is different. There is really nothing else like it in the scene. Here are a few of the standout tracks that I think particularly make the album what it is. The first song, entitled enter the moonlight gate, starts out at ball- breaker speed, immediately after the screamed intro of Dark. The drums plodd violently in the backround, as if surrounded in a black layer of midnight fog. Quickly the guitars guide it towards a climaxical ending, where Dark is then joined in by an accompanying female voice, lifting the music high into the etherial sky. The vocalist actually happens to be his girlfriend, but do you really give a shit anyways?

Lamia, another excellent track, starts out with the harmonious sounds of two complimenting classical guitars, layered slightly by a distant violin. It then breaks into a catchy, and somewhat sing-along type riff which builds up the base of the song. About halfway through the tune, all the instruments abruptly halt, and make way for a lone guitar interlude, which is briefly allowed to permiate the atmosphere. Then again, there are female vocal accompanyments which really brings the song a new level of emotion. I would like to add here that these vocalls are very genuine and heartfelt. This is NOT some 300 pound Cradle Bitch eating a Snickers Bar and drooling on the microphone. They are very sincere.

Possibly the best song on the album, and the best song I have personally ever heard for that matter, is the ten or so minute ender which closes the album. The Realm of A thousand Burning Souls starts out with one of the coolest riffs I have ever heard on a black metal album. Kind of a mix between old slayer, and faster Sodom I suppose. Anyways, it quickly makes way into a lengthy run of well thought out riffs, which are nicely harmonized and appealing, played over a fuckin intense barrage of blast beats. This stuff is full speed ahead. To close it off, the female vocalls come in once again, sang over the crying whelps of Dark, which slowly fade away into the blackness.

Let me state here that these are just a few of the standout cuts on the album!

All the songs are very good, and well thought out, and its definitely not the type of pussy shit that we have come to expect from the Swedes. I would reccomend picking it up, and the good thing is that for once, the album was well distributed and shouldn't prove hard to track down.

© 2001 orodruin