ENSLAVED - AXIOMA ETHICA ODINI (2010)

genre : progressive black metal

similar bands : Borknagar, Satyricon, Vreid, Ihsahn
origin : Norway
strong spot : songwriting

weak spot : some tracks could be much shorter in duration and less repetitive

Enslaved are back with an album better than its predecessor. While ''Vertebrae'' was more progressive BM oriented, ''Axioma Ethica Odini'' maintains an almost perfect balance between experimentation and old-fashioned epic black metal. Enslaved sound better when they compose things they are familiar with (with a progressive twist) and sound a bit stilted when they ignore their epic black metal roots. But as I said before, this album keeps a perfect balance between these two elements and once again carries the band's distinctive mark.

8,9 out of 10 goatheads

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Download here:

http://www.bunalti.com/?p=141253

DIMMU BORGIR - ABRAHADABRA (2010)

genre : symphonic black metal

similar bands : Dimmu Borgir
origin : Norway
strong spot : originality,arrangements, voices, vocals, loops, samples

weak spot : production could be heavier (it is still really good but we are talking for Dimmu Borgir...)

Dimmu Borgir in their ninth endeavour prove that their are not veterans. They have added new elements in their music, they explore new soundfields and they dare to experiment. It's the kind of band that denies being stale and never follows the exact same recipe. ''Abrahadabra'' seems a huge project (orchestras, choirs, brilliant artwork etc) and can stand up to Dimmu Borgir's fame. The band is maybe more symphonic than ever, bringing memories of their astonishing ''Death Cult Armaggedon'' album. The compositions are mainly based on the orchestral parts of the Nordic composer Gaute Storaas but there are also the characteristic dimmu borgir guitar riffs. The guitars could be 1 dB higher in the mix but Andy Sneap had a different opinion and this is probably my only objection for the new album so far even though I have to admit the production is very bright and clean(you can really listen clearly to every single instrument and every orchestral phrase). The compositions and orchestrations are complex and maybe need more time to grow into me but i am sure that the final verdict will be very positive. Last but not least, one of my favourite vocalists of all times, Snowy Shaw, participates in a few tracks and gives extra credits to the songs.

9,3 out of 10 goatheads

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Download here:

http://depositfiles.com/en/files/o06t3skz6

(previous link was fake, this one is the real album)

VULTURE INDUSTRIES - THE MALEFACTOR'S BLOODY REGISTER (2010)

genre : avant-garde, extreme metal

similar bands : Diablo Swing Orchestra, Unexpect, Stolen Babies
origin : Norway
strong spot : originality,arrangements

weak spot :

I have to admit that I never really liked this band's debut, even though it gained lots of good reviews. My problem was that the singer sounded like Garm's (from Arcturus) identical twin. The band probably found a way to sort this problem out and their singer Bjornan Nilsen manages to sound fresh and original in ''The Malefactor's Bloody Register'' (he is also participating in the forthcoming Transcending Bizarre? album). The compositions are also very advanced and original. They are definitely avantgarde but at the same time they are not difficult to listen to and the music is by no means complicated. I'd dare to say that they are catchy and simple without being naive. Volume up...Enjoy!

9 out of 10 goatheads

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Download here:

http://hotfile.com/dl/69831750/19413cf/Vulture_Industries-The_Malefactors_Bloody_Register-2010-BERC.rar.html

IN LINGUA MORTUA - SALON DES REFUSES (2010)

genre : avant-garde, progressive black

similar bands : A Forest of Stars, King Crimson, Angst Skvadron, Oranssi Pazuzu, Pensees Nocturnes, Shining (in ''Blackjazz'' album)
origin : Norway
strong spot : originality, clever use of brasses

weak spot : some may find it tiring but I didn't

A really original, bizarre and avant-garde album comes once again from Norway. Imagine a black metal version of King Crimson: psychedelia and darkness, creepy and chaotic soundscapes with a progressive twist. Experimental black metal at its finest.

9 out of 10 goatheads

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http://www.mediafire.com/?b88kha1r7abb6qc

WINTERHORDE - UNDERWATERMOON (2010)

genre : modern, progressive, melodic black

similar bands : Carach Angren, Hollenthon, Borknagar, Mirrorthrone, Transcending Bizarre?

origin : Israel
strong spot : songwriting, diversity, originality

weak spot : almost nothing

This is definitely one of the best releases of 2010. Simply put, these guys know the secrets of modern black metal songwriting. The music is innovative, diverse, sad, dark, versatile, passionate, technical, theatrical and lots of others...

9,1 out of 10 goatheads

Download here:

http://darkport.blogspot.com/2010/08/winterhorde-underwatermoon-2010.html

OR HERE

http://godstorment.blogspot.com/2010/09/winterhorde-2010-underwatermoon.html