NECROPHOBIC - DARKSIDE - BLACK MARK
Some four years after the release of Necrophobic's acclaimed debut The Nocturnal Silence, and only interrupted by a stop-gap EP from last year, Sweden's Necrophobic is back with a shuffled line up and a slightly more basic sound. Having lost guitarist/composer David Parland to his project Dark Funeral, the band has fulfilled its promise to mix its death further with black metal and offer a rawer sound than was previously the case. Yet, the story remains that the gang is still highly fast and heavy, while having become more explicit in the proclamation of its Satanic beliefs. Phrases like "Satan take my soul" are surely cliched, but if stemming from a true belief, then the band has every right to write as it pleases. Musically, there are less solos and tempo changes and an attempt for a rawer, more simplified assault. I, for one, miss the classy solos that only Necrophobic delivered, but there remain a couple to savour. It is also funny how similar to albums by countrymen Entombed, Dismember, etc. the band leaves no gap between the first two songs. Finally then this album is not up to the standard set by the debut, but on its own is a good metal album. Play tip: Nailing The Holy One featuring a massive vocal contribution by Dissection's Jon Nodtveidt. - Ali "The Metallian"