| ZINE REVIEWS OF AN ANCIENT WORD | LIVE REVIEWS | FROM MISERY...COMES DARKNESS |
| UNRESTRAINED ZINE, Issue #13 | FARRNORTH | GRAVEMUSIC.COM |
| METAL MANIACS, June 2000 | GRAVEMUSIC.COM | DANE BERGMAN |
| Splattergod's Dark Domain | MENTAL FUNERAL | |
| ChaoticCritiques | BLIZZARD BEAST | |
| Metalprovider.com | BRAVE WORDS & BLOODY KNUCKLES | |
| Attitude Webzine |
ZINE REVIEWS OF AN ANCIENT WORD
UNRESTRAINED
ZINE, Issue #13
: In the beginning, a dark tranquil eerieness floods into your ear, then
the music plummets into a harrowing echo of harsh black metal bellows,
and you're grabbed by your ankle into this inferno. No one will hear you
scream (if you turn your stereo loud enough anyway). The atmosphere is
really grim, thick, and extreme. A perfect album for the dehydrated black
metal ear. Some very fucking talented musicians here. -10- [ menu ]
METAL
MANIACS, June
2000 : Another band bearing no semblance to its geographical region is
Seattle?s In Memorium, a five-piece band that revels in cold, hateful
black metal on the four-song An Ancient Word demo-CD. The recording quality
isn?t superior, with thin, trebly guitars and a splashy drum sound, but
with this sort of music that?s usually the goal. Thankfully the vocals
aren?t annoying Dani Filth high-pitched shrieks, but rather have enough
depth to render them tolerable. The band is also adept enough to know when
to slow things down for the sake of a good song, and there?s a strong old-school
European feel to the songwriting and performing, something that should
please fans whose LP or CD collection begins with Bathory and ends with
Darkthrone. There?s a keyboard within the five-piece lineup, but she?s
relatively buried in the mix and usually just enhances the start and finish
of most tracks, so it?s not as if you have to suffer from the dreaded Dimmu
Borgir synth overload. As I mentioned earlier, I think the audience for
this sort of thing is thinning faster than Saxon?s hairlines, but the purists
out there should find In Memorium a welcome new band. [ menu ]
Splattergod's
Dark Domain :
Not to be confused with "Immemorial" or "In Memorial",
In Memorium hail from Seattle Washington and are intent on obliterating
whatever remains of grunge, right off the map. This 4 song demo CD is comprised
of some very brutal stuff. Combining elements of black metal and death
metal, they definitely stand above many of the bands out there. This demo
contains four tracks of blistering fury, each varied from the previous,
thus they escape the monotonous confines that seem to haunt many bands
today. The vokills are excellent, and full of range (and rage!) and the
guitar work is tight. The drums are will leave your ears throbbing.The
keyboard work accents, instead of detracting or overshadowing, the music
like many of the newer black metal bands seem to fall prey to. the mix
is a little thin in areas, but this is to be expected in a self financed
demo, and does not hinder them in the least. I would rather have a weaker
mixed release from a talented band than 100 "well mixed" releases
from a crappy one. The band is comprised of: Caleb Duerr on guitar, Lee
Pollard on bass, keyboardist Susanna Seppa, Mike Krutsinger on guitar and
Danny Clarke on drums. Having seen this group open for the legendary Death,
I can tell you that they definitely can deliver the goods live and Lee
is as insane on stage as he sounds on this demo. Word is that they are
presently working on their full length debut and they promise that it will
be "faster and darker"! You are forwarned. In Memorium stand
one the brink of something big, and this demo will serve as an introduction
into their dark, sinister world. So, if you breathe black metal ala' Bathory,
Dark Funeral or Mayhem, then pick this up now! [ menu ]
ChaoticCritiques :
IN MEMORIUM - An Ancient Word (c/o Caleb Duerr, 4220 Eastern Ave. N., Seattle,
WA 98103) While not every aspect of this band works for me, I gotta give
credit to the guitarist for concocting some truly lethal riffs that are
saturated in violent energy. While not overly complex musically, In Memorium's
raw black metal assault offers a nice mixture of tempo changes, flourishes
of keyboard-accentuated melody, and an acceptable production, despite allowing
the cymbals and vocals to overpower the mix. Riffmeister Caleb Duerr really
lets 'er fly on "Shadows of the Past," where a frenetic guitar
line is repeated in an absolutely maniacal fashion. The vocalist possesses
the standard black metal curled lip demonic snarl, thankfully not engaging
in excessive screechiness, but a little too overdramatic for my tastes.
The band's songs generally progress in a logical manner and tend to be
of considerable length, which the band packs with plenty of musical substance
to sink your teeth into, despite some awkward transitions from passage
to passage. Of the four tunes, the only cut that I would consider weak
is "Death The Gift," which is marred by an overlong and pointless
intro, while the song itself meanders and lacks the same level of musicianship
as its brethren on An Ancient Word. While In Memorium's execution is not
perfect, it is manifestly obvious that black metal has poisoned the hearts
of each member, and I am very interested to hear where the band will take
its sound in the future. [ menu ]
Metalprovider.com :
In Memorium is a new band coming from Seattle Washington USA. The bands
sound is at times brutal black/death metal, and at other times much more
melodic sounding. Plus the band throws in some keyboards in the background
to create a dark atmosphere to the music. The vocals are your basic black
metal vocals. Nothing to extreme, and nothing I haven't heard before from
a dozen similar bands. Still dispite the fact that the band is not exactly
doing the most original thing I got to admit the four songs here are really
catchy. Each song has some interesting guitar work, fast/brutal drumming,
and dark symphonic sounding keyboards. One of the things that could be
looked upon as both a bad and good thing is the fact that the keyboards
are pushed back in the production. When some bands use keyboards the keys
tend to overlap the other instruments and you can't hear whats going on.
That's not the case with In Memorium, and everything is easily heard. The
reason why I say it could be both a bad and good thing is just because
I like a lot of the symphonic black metal bands, and I enjoy hearing the
keys. Again the guitars are really nice sounding, and there are some really
killer riffs within these four songs. I especially like the guitar work
on the first and third songs. Well not a whole lot more can be said other
than I urge you to go and check this band out. Fans of Dissection, melodic
or symphonic black/death metal will enjoy this band. The band is still
currently looking for a record deal so if any labels are interested get
in contact with them. I'll be looking forward to hearing more from this
band in the future. Listen to three of the four songs from this demo at
their mp3.com web site Here. July 1, 2002 By Blackwinged 8 of 10 [ menu ]
Attitude
Webzine : An Ancient Word is a four track Black Metal EP, with none
of the songs being shy of 6 minutes. Thankfully, there is quite a variety
within the songs - starting off slow and atmospheric, moving through
to the full on barrage you might expect. Despite all the songs basically
sticking to this structure, they carry it off quite well and manage to
make it listenable all the way through. I dare say there might even be
bits I wouldn't mind listening to again! Production is fairly good, though
at times the vocals sound reminiscent of Sepultura's Bestial Devastation
EP - which as anyone who has heard it will tell you, is not exactly top
notch! It doesn't ever sink quite that low though, and overall works
with the rest of the sound quite well. Subtle keyboards deepen the sound
well, and the competent if quiet drumming can't be complained about too
much. Verdict: Good effort, and time should improve the band. [ menu ]
LIVE REVIEWS
Review
from the AGALLOCH, VIRGIN BLACK, ANTIMATTER show - by FARRNORTH
...Finally, local headliners for the evening, IN MEMORIUM hit
the stage for what was inarguably the most energetically 'TROO' performance
of the event in a display of bullet-belted, spike-gauntleted fury reminiscent
of DISSECTION, DARK FUNERAL, and NAGLFAR. And I mean that comparison in
it's most powerful, literal sense. They were Swedish as Fuck for a bunch
of Americans. Tight as Fuck as well. Precision-tight. In fact they were
pretty mind-blowingly impressive if that kind of furious, Christ-despoiling
BM is your thing. I can easily see them getting signed as they are a very,
VERY professional band. To be (regrettably) honest, they put most of our
local acts to shame with the sheer blade-sharpness of their playing and
delivery. [ menu ]
Gravemusic.com - Review from the
AGALLOCH, VIRGIN BLACK, ANTIMATTER show
...Seattle's own In Memorium closed off the night with an impressive, albeit
too short, set of their European flavored extreme black metal. I've seen
In Memorium a number of times over the years and this show has got to be
their best performance ever. For those who aren't in the know, In Memorium
plays an almost Swedish style of black metal not unlike bands such as Dark
Funeral and Marduk, but with more melody to the compositions. They were
as tight as anything on this night, professional as all get out and intense
as hell. Vocalist Nihilist took full advantage of the Catwalk's stage and
was all over the place as the rest of the band (even keyboardist Susanna,
which isn't very typical) headbanged furiously. While the crowd did thin
out considerably after the first song (it was near midnight), In Memorium
had those who remained headbanging madly along with the band, something
that simply wasn't happening with the rest of the bands. Check the band
out next time you get the chance, I have a feeling that they'll be signed
shortly after releasing their new CD in the next few months. [ menu ]
FROM MISERY...COMES DARKNESS REVIEWS
GRAVEMUSIC.COM, Seattle's
In Memorium was founded in 1997 by Caleb Duerr and Lee Pollard with the
goal of bringing metal back to the Northwest, something which was sorely
lacking at that time. They released one demo/EP in 2000 titled "An
Ancient Word." It was a decent black/death metal recording but the
production was so thin that it seriously impaired what could have been
a great listen. After a few lineup changes 2001 brought about the final
musical core of Caleb Duerr on lead guitar, Mike Krutsinger (ex-Darkenwood)
on rhythm guitar (and bass on the new album), Steve Fournier on drums,
and Susanna Seppa on keyboards. Nihilist (ex-Wraithen and Lord Gore) was
brought into the fold in 2002 to fill the vocal spot left by Lee Pollard.
It's
truly amazing what 3 years, a consistent lineup, and some solid production
(the album was engineered by Curran Murphy of Nevermore/ Annihilator fame
and produced by Todd Hooper at Trillium Lane Studios on Bainbridge Island)
can do for a band. The new album, "From Misery Comes Darkness" is
hands down the best black metal album to come from the Pacific Northwest
and one of the best US black metal releases of all time. The CD features
solid melodic riffs, thundering drums, haunting keyboards, shrill blackened
vocals and leads (yes, leads) that show off Caleb's technical abilities
that never sound too "wheedly" but instead complement the rhythm
guitar. To best describe the style of music on "From Misery Comes
Darkness" one should mix the intensity of bands like Dark Funeral
and Marduk in the faster parts, the melody of Dissection in much of the
harmonies, some of the keyboard feel of Shadowthrone era Satyricon, and
Nico McBrain-style drums in much of the slower parts. Don't get me wrong
though, while the influences may be apparent In Memorium manages to blend
everything into a style that is uniquely their own. I find it hard to compare
Nihilist's vocals to anyone else's, let's just say they're very Scandinavian
in style. The production is clear and everything is balanced well: both
guitars are audible, the drums and bass are placed slightly in the background
and the tasteful keyboards never overwhelm the rest of the instruments.
The highly polished (but not overproduced) sound is a breath of fresh air
in today's black metal scene where the majority of bands seem to think
that a "grim and frostbitten" sound made via a 4 track analog
recorder is the only way to go.
Even though I"ve been familiar with the band for a while and know
they are from the Seattle area, I still find it hard to believe they are
an American band as they are so European in style. I recommend this album
to anyone who enjoys bands like Dark Funeral, Marduk, Dissection, Immortal
and (older) Satyricon, you people will eat this stuff up. Traditional metalheads
are urged to at least check out some of the mp3s from the bands site; while
they might not be able to get into the vocals they should at least be able
to appreciate the melodies and composition of the music. The year is only
halfway done but as of now "From Misery Comes Darkness" definitely
owns a slot in the years 10 best metal albums. Once this album is pressed
and shopped I fully expect In Memorium to be signed, any metal label would
be foolish not to at least consider adding the band to their roster. -
Chris Slack 10/10 [ menu ]
Review by Dane Bergman, Seattle
Metal Online IN MEMORIUM - FROM MISERY COMES DARKNESS - SELF RELEASED
Seattle's In Memorium has been around a number of years now sticking it
out through line up changes. Over the years this band has grown, becoming
the raging metal machine found on this disc. Record labels take notice,
this band has talent. Contained on this CD is 7 (44 mins 10 sec) songs
that cover a lot of ground. Should I call this Black Metal, maybe Death
Metal. I don't know, but the blazing riffs, pounding drums and hate fueled
vocals speak for its self. If you like your music dark, fast, and brutal
with moments of haunting beauty get this CD. Thy Hourless Season and Resurrection
are my picks for best songs on the album. 4 out of 5 stars. [ menu ]
Mental Funeral Zine, Issue #5 IN MEMORIUM-"From
Misery Comes Darkness"-advanced cdr
IN MEMORIUM is the best kept secret in the US black/death underground right
now. Not only that, they are some of the most talented musicians to boot.
In just three short years, it's amazing to hear the progress they've made
from previous outings. What In Memorium have accomplished on "From
Misery." usually takes a band at least three albums to create, that
is, something truly great. In Memorium have done that just with their first
full-length. Solid, well thought out riffs, pounding drums with just the
right amount of blast's, haunting and mystical keyboards, aggressive and
commanding blackened vocals, solos (holy fuck!), completed with a production
a good many would kill. In Memorium's music is the kind of black/death
metal I was so in awe of in the early to mid 90's. Dissection, Satyricon,
Immortal, At The Gates. Think of the earliest, not to mention the best
material from those acts. Track #5 entitled "Legend Of The Wellfiend" has
officially been added to my top ten lists of "Best Metal Songs" of
all time. One of the darkest and atmospherically haunting openings I've
heard and that aura is amazingly enough maintained throughout the whole
track. Yes, In Memorium and from "From Misery Comes Darkness" is
that good. Huh, who needs Dissection back together, let's see em' top this.
I'm not too sure if the band is signed at the moment or is going to go
ahead and release this album themselves? Whatever the outcome you owe it
as a true "metalhead" to get this no matter.(Bill) [ menu ]
BlizzardBeast.com I
have known of this band since their early 1997 incarnation. And I have
seen them dozens of times live, and know the core members pretty well.
This past year has been good to In Memorium. In 2002, they hired legendary
?Nihilist? on vokills, and wasted no time playing several shows locally
in Seattle. Ironic that I am reviewing this album on December 26th, as
?From Misery?Comes Darkness was recorded between December 22nd and December
31st, 2002. They used Trillium Lane Studio and had Curran Murphy Nevermore/Annihilator
handle the engineering. What we have here is a well-produced and well-written
black metal album. Right from the start with ?Ravenslaughter? it is a non-stop
black metal assault. The second track is my favorite on the album; I guess
it is the title track titled ?From Misery?. This fucking song is awesome!!
Axe wielding madness from Caleb and Mike. Steve?s insane pounding and Nihilists
screams from hell all combined into one force of evil!! Also present or
last but not least we have the lovely Susanna on keyboards. I love the
keys on ?From Misery?Comes Darkness, they are not over used, as are a lot
on other black metal bands in the scene. Track number three ?Thy Hourless
Season? begins with this beautiful piano/keyboard piece, and rips into
a frenzied mayhem. There is not a bad track on ?From Misery?.Comes Darkness.
If you?re a fan of black metal like Marduk and Dark Funeral, then In Memorium
will appeal to you. There are only very few decent black metal bands from
the Pacific Northwest. In Memorium are the owners of the number one spot
on that list. ?From Misery?Comes Darkness? is very highly recommended by
yours truly. It?s a fucking great album. My sincere goes out to all the
members of In Memorium for being such a slow ass on reviewing this instant
black metal classic!! Thanks for delivering the goods and making a great
Ancient and Evil opus! Hails! -Scott Cameron 5 out of 5 stars [ menu ]
BRAVE WORDS AND BLODDY KNUCKLES issue #77 IN
MEMORIUM-"From Misery...Comes Darkness"
Raising a chalice of blood drawn from their almighty black metal sword,IN
MEMORIUM offer a toast in honour of the spirit of utter darkness. Descending
into "the stygian bowels of sheerest morbidity", this 5 piece
ritualize purest sonic misanthropy. From the haunting, melodic keyboards
of S. Seppa to the shrieking vocals of Nihilist (formerly of THY INFERNAL)
sanctity is defiled. Guitarist C Duerr and bass player M. Krutsinger along
with drummer S. Fournier follow the vicious paths initially tread by C.O.F. & DISSECTION.
Unarguable technicality in savage yet remarkable songs perfectly crafted
causes a devilish grin across the face belonging to the ears blessed with
this blasphemous musical beauty....................9/10 [ menu ]