Vlad Tepes
Celtic Poetry
[Independent]
Vlad Tepes, as many of you may well know, stand as the epitomy of what
black metal once was, and should ever be in the years to come. Although
perhaps somewhat constained by their uncompromising choices of horrid
production means (four track recorders), I am nevertheless fascinated at how
they can evoke a series of mental images within the mind's eye of the
beholder.
Celtic Poetry, the second release of Vlad Tepes as a band, was released back in 94' within the French scene. Being members of the Legions, the material is vile, disgusting, nihilistic, hateful, and yet ultimately... unsurpassed in it's emotional/expressive side. It reminds me of darkthrone; fusing an indenyable and incomprehensible hate for the world with an utter, utter depression. Albums like these wrench at one's consciousness, pulling your feelings one way, and then the next.
Strictly speaking for material, this demo is a release not unlike Veles, Galgenberg, War88, and the (NS) like. There is an inmistakeable appreciation for Sodom, shown clearly in the more melodic sections of the demo, as well as in the vocals to a very limited extent. I quite like it, as it adds a new dimension of variety to the material which sets it apart.
"Under the Carpathian Yoke," one of the better songs I have heard from Vlad Tepes, is much in the metal vein that I mentioned previously. Starting out with a heavier riff, and working into a very structured and well thought out composition.
"Drink the Poetry of Celtic People" starts down more of a black metal avenue, with faster guitar parts, and blast beats. The overall tune is fairly straightforward and in fact, quite boring for myself in particular. The second half of the song is much better.
"Diabolical Reaps." Very metal sounding beginning. Reminds me of Sign of Evil. Vocals are situated far in the backround, and kind of merge with the overall fuzz of the production. In fact, this is really more of a "wall of sound" production than any particular instrument leading the way, or distinguishing itself in any way. Good song.
"Misery Fear Storm Hunger." The last song on the demo, and a good one at that. More Pagan sounding to myself, but one must be the judge of that.
Altogether an excellent demo. The Black Legions have shown again and again that they are truly the last of a dying breed. Support the black face of French cult metal.
© 2002 orodruin
Celtic Poetry, the second release of Vlad Tepes as a band, was released back in 94' within the French scene. Being members of the Legions, the material is vile, disgusting, nihilistic, hateful, and yet ultimately... unsurpassed in it's emotional/expressive side. It reminds me of darkthrone; fusing an indenyable and incomprehensible hate for the world with an utter, utter depression. Albums like these wrench at one's consciousness, pulling your feelings one way, and then the next.
Strictly speaking for material, this demo is a release not unlike Veles, Galgenberg, War88, and the (NS) like. There is an inmistakeable appreciation for Sodom, shown clearly in the more melodic sections of the demo, as well as in the vocals to a very limited extent. I quite like it, as it adds a new dimension of variety to the material which sets it apart.
"Under the Carpathian Yoke," one of the better songs I have heard from Vlad Tepes, is much in the metal vein that I mentioned previously. Starting out with a heavier riff, and working into a very structured and well thought out composition.
"Drink the Poetry of Celtic People" starts down more of a black metal avenue, with faster guitar parts, and blast beats. The overall tune is fairly straightforward and in fact, quite boring for myself in particular. The second half of the song is much better.
"Diabolical Reaps." Very metal sounding beginning. Reminds me of Sign of Evil. Vocals are situated far in the backround, and kind of merge with the overall fuzz of the production. In fact, this is really more of a "wall of sound" production than any particular instrument leading the way, or distinguishing itself in any way. Good song.
"Misery Fear Storm Hunger." The last song on the demo, and a good one at that. More Pagan sounding to myself, but one must be the judge of that.
Altogether an excellent demo. The Black Legions have shown again and again that they are truly the last of a dying breed. Support the black face of French cult metal.
© 2002 orodruin