The Pitch: Classic Swedish black metal sounds from Astrophobos via Triumvirate Records . FFO: Dissection, Skeletonwitch, In Twilight's Embrace
What I Like: Any time you bring me a vocalist who sounds like he's constantly coughing up phlegm a la Chance Garnette, for some reason I'm already on board. And the Skeletonwitch comparisons don't end there; with their melodic guitars and raging drums, Astrophobos know just how to butter my bread. Being of Swedish origin, further connections with Dissection seem unavoidable. Again, the majestic and sometimes folky riffs and tremolo lines share more than a passing resemblance to one of the most famous black metal bands to ever come out of the region. Needless to say, that's a good thing. If you're going to be compared to other bands, they may as well be the best of the best. But give credit where it's due; Astrophobos have been at this for a decade now, and Malice of Antiquity is a more than serviceable celebration of the genre in its own rite.
Critiques: These guys are at their best when they go for the throat with faster, thrashier tunes. In my humble opinion, there are too many slower-paced tracks that come off as dull and uninteresting in comparison. Stick to your strengths is all I'm saying.
The Verdict: While I'd like to here Astrophobos spend more time with ragers like opening track "Fire of Catharsis" than gloomy mood music like "Imperator Noctis," Malice Of Antiquity is still a great celebration of a band 10 years into the Swedish black metal scene. Give it a listen this friday.
Flight's Fav's: Fire of Catharsis, Begotten in Black, The Wolves Between the Stars
- Review by FlightOfIcarus
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