VALBORG - BARBARIAN

genre : black metal

similar bands : Darkestrah, Dornenreich, Todtgelicher

origin : Germany

strong spot : vocals

weak spot :boring at parts

I have to admit that I was never a fan of Valborg but I saw a lot of potential in their previous work ''Crown of Sorrow''. Sadly, I was wrong. Valborg present a somewhat boring album that lacks energy, passion, continuity and originality. I would not label it as progressive since it is very flat and predictable. In any case, it has 2 or 3 tracks that show potential and talent. I will have to expect their next endeavour again...

6,9  out of 10 goatheads 

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PESTE NOIRE - L'Ordure à l'état Pur (2011)

genre : experimental black metal

similar bands : Pensees nocturnes, Deathspell Omega, Armagedda

origin : France

strong spot : originality

weak spot : some ideas are too weird while some others sound ridiculous

France is a country that has pushed the boundaries of almost every kind of art and Peste Noire could not deviate from this tradition. They present modernized old school black metal with touches of experimentalism and large doses of insanity. I guess this is again a love it or hate it album. So far, I enjoy it and I am not annoyed by the rooster that is featured on the first track :) It definitely sounds like sth new and refreshing but I guess it needs time to grow into the listener.

8,5  out of 10 goatheads 

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