AZURE
‘King of Stars – Bearer of Dark’
Deathgasm Records

Review by Shane

Back when I was doing my ‘zine in the late 90′s, Emperor was widely regarded as the best black metal band by most. I was one of the few who thought they were overrated. I can’t deny the talent of the band, but the wispy, levitating nature of the music mixed with dry production didn’t do shit for me for some reason. I still try to spin ‘Anthems…’ every so often but I become bored rather quickly. This band, AZURE, remind me of Emperor, but in the forty minute span of this album they appeal to me much more, due to the organic, human qualities of this blackened whore of an album. This two man band from Sweden, Robban Kanto – Guitars & Vocals, and Mattias Holmgren – Drums, keys and additional vocals (with assorted guest musicians) have created a very accomplished piece of work here. All of you out there instantly buying what the ‘major’ underground labels are presenting need to look very hard at labels like Deathgasm and Razorback (the best right now in my opinion) for the new revolution of underground Metal.

I’ll break this disc down this way: Songs- classic, epic, classy compositions based in the black metal structure, but steering all over the place when it comes to tempo, atmosphere, and overall vision of the songs. Melody is a big part of these tunes in the riffing and solos, many of which will give you the fucking shivers. Vocals- based again in the black metal style but with a much more stern and varied delivery…these vocals don’t sound like a witch getting gang-raped, like so many other shrieking black metal bands. Production- very good. Albums that sounded this good from an independent minded band/label ten, and even more so, fifteen or twenty years ago was rare, but is now becoming more common in this age. Layout/Packaging- a double gatefold digipak with a 16 page book. nice. To sum it up, this a very worthwhile addition to any Heavy Metal library. Forward and unique sounding, but with a firm hold on early/genre defining Metal makes this album a triumph.

Azure’s My Space

Read all of Shane’s Music Reviews in our Music section.