Reviewed by David Cranson

YEEeeess...(said in a Paxman-esque manner). Schaliach, Groms, Antestor and Extol are the four bands on offer here. All from Norway and all of them LOUD. Norwegian metal has not been what your average Christian metalhead would listen to. a lot of it Satanic/death metal with a very evil message toward the Church - seriously dangerous stuff. With the Hells Angels gangs in the news as well recently, it is refreshing to hear a positive message coming from our northern cousins. Musically, nothing is unexpected. Doom/grind/thrash - shredding in the main. It does seem the norm in Norway to open up a 'song' with a (very) low, guttural growl - a bit of originality here would be good. The 12 songs themselves do incorporate the various styles that extreme metal is exploring these days. There is also a liberal sprinkling of acoustic guitar and keyboard throughout. The standout tracks are "Coming Of The Dawn" by Schaliach, a building instrumental growing from a piano opening to a full-blown climax - about the Second Comings; "True Wisdom" by Groms - "Whatever wisdom may be/Too deep for us, too hard to understand"; "Mercy Lord" by Antestor -slow and monstrous, brilliant church organ sound, unbelievable vocals (like a demented Skeezix(!)), a prayer about sin and wanting purity and renewal; well wroth a listen just for the ending, if nothing else; "Vicious Intent" by Extol - about Satan, his aims, bondage to evil and God's ability. Overall, very good stuff from the Steve Rowe stable (some surprisingly good guitar leads); worth looking into if you can afford the postage.

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