As well as I know, Azmael is the only black metal band that come from Brunei that have record à demo at this time, and my contacts in Malaysia and Brunei told me that too (and for those who don't know where Brunei is, it's a little country on the north-est of the principal Indonesia's island [Borneo]). "The Legends Of Eastern Lands" is the only demo of the band, and will always been there only demo, since Azmael no more existe (what is regrettable).

"The Legends Of The Eastern Lands" is a very short demo of only 2 songs (what is the worst thing of this album : I think that all demo most have at least 3 songs). Azmael play primitif raw black metal. But what is interesting in there sound, it's that they don't sound like the hundred of europeen band that play raw primitif black metal : Azmael have a unique sound that give a very south-asiatic side (in fact, I don't really know how to describe the impression that give me there music, but the importante thing to know is that there sound is mostly unique). The music isn't really speed, mostly simplystic, but with some interesting rythmic, and non monotonous in spite of there simplicity. The vocal is a little bite strange, but interesting : in fact, I think that the effect of the vocal come from of a mix a the asiatic accent and of the bad recording. I don't know to what band I can compared Azmael, possibly to a mix of Absurd (in the time of "Asgardsrei") and of Occultus (the good parts of this band, else if they are mostly rare).

In conclusion, "The Legends Of Eastern Lands" is a very good demo, but unfortunly, really too short. It is principaly for people who like primitif black metal with a kind of originality. But, this album is very hard to find, and I didn't get myself an original copy of it. So for people who are interesting in that, you'll surly have to get an unoriginal copy of it…

"The Legends Of Eastern Lands" = 8/10

© 2001 trépas