For a brief period in the late 1990’s, Texas black metal band Of The Fallen set about terrorizing the territory. Along with Bloodstorm, Demonic Christ and Darkmoon, they helped make up what was becoming a deeply rooted USBM scene. Guitarist Scythe (aka Steve Perez), drummer Scott Palmer, vocalist/keyboardist Crom (aka Jon Quick) and bassist Ogre (aka Daniel Turner) got together in the beginning of 1997 and immediately commenced writing the material for what eventually become two releases, a self-titled 1997 debut and the 1999 follow-up Ancient Gods Of Battles Past.

Fast forward ten years and the band, after going through several line up changes and playing shows in their native Texas as well as in Mexico, as well as an appearance at Milwaukee Metal Fest in 2000, that is Steve Perez, has changed the moniker to Demontuary and Heaven & Hell Records have released the two Of The Fallen releases here under that new band name as part of their Lost Relics series.

OK, what does it sound like? All in all, it’s well executed USBM. It’s black enough for the purists, epic enough for the new school, and loaded with bleak attitude. The songs are bursting with furious double kick passages, machine gun riffing, and cool keyboard textures. The production isn’t slick, but each instrument can be heard clearly with a good amount of punch (though you can tell the two separate recordings apart). The solos are melodic and tasty, hinting at a classic heavy metal influence. Vocally I’m reminded of Immortal at times, but it’s not overbearing. Tracks like “Days Of Infernal Insanity”, “Writhe In Vengeance” (great stacatto riffing), “Thou Art The Flame” and “Ancient Gods Of Battles Past” are prime, epic black metal. The 7-minute “Desolation And War” has a cool, calm build before diving into sweeping, grandiose riffing.

I found myself digging this record, spinning it multiple times back to back. Fans of Dissection, early Dimmu Borgir, or just black metal in general should give this a chance. The feel is definitely black metal, but the time changes and musicianship give it a progressive vibe to me as well. It’s not going to turn you on your ear, but it’s a good, solid listen and a glimpse of hopefully things to come for Demontuary. Kudos to Heaven & Hell for getting this out there.

[Visit the band's website]

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