The Pitch: Coming in hot after their previous short release, Burial Ground Trance, Finnish black metal band, Celestial Grave, return with Iron Bonehead for another two songs on 7". FFO: Death Karma, Cult of Fire, Mgla, Cultes des Ghoules
What I Like: This is an absolutely perfect union of the putrid and the prepossessing. The raw feedback and grim vocals explode like an atom bomb right out of the gate. But this unholy aggression is offset perfectly by stunning tremolo melodies not unlike the other bands listed above. Furthermore, Celestial Grave possess a similar handle of dynamics as their peers, knowing when to dip into quieter territory for just the right amount of time. This approach allows each subsequent eruption of thunderous drumming and rebellious guitarwork to pop that much more.
What I Don't Like: I dig me some raw production on my black metal albums, but it needs to be done right. This recording strikes me as overly loud in general, and the drums and guitars sound like they are fighting for enough space to be heard. The end result can be a bit muddled, though it still fits the aggressive, nihilist ethos of the genre.
The Verdict: While in need of a little more finesse in the studio (or whatever dark hole this was created in), Pvtrefactio still serves as a fine example of everything good melodic black metal should be if it is to remain true to the kvlt. Stream it HERE.
Flight's Fav's: Deteriorating Angel