The Classics Volume III: Live in Leipzig

Mayhem set out to be the most extreme band in existence. Taking notes from Venom and Celtic Frost they produced a 1st Wave masterpiece, 1987's 'Deathcrush.' They used this EP to take the underground by force, and soon added the final piece to 2nd Wave's inaugural puzzle, Per ' Dead' Ohlin. This new vocalist graced the band with sheer grimness including the first carnation of corpse paint and truly being kvlt. Mayhem's live set included Dead's mutilation of severed pig heads, along with his own flesh. These early shows and music caught the attention of Darkthrone and a young Varg Vikernes. Soon Euronymous (founder / guitarist) started to take the riffs into darker territory, this along with Dead's lyrics (which strayed from the bands original gore vibe), became the foundation stone of the Black Metal to come. In Leipzig, Germany on November 26th, 1990 a full set was recorded. Though it was not released until 1993 this recording is what we have to understand the magic this lineup created, along with the first true Black Metal tunes. The tracks Funeral Fog, The Freezing Moon, Buried by Time and Dust, and Pagan Fears set the standard for the rest of Norway.

Prehistoric Paradigm: Under the Sign of the Black Mark

"the quintessential black metal album" - Fenriz

These posts will indulge in the roots of Black Metal. As quoted above, by the master himself, this album is it. Bathory laid the foundations for 2nd Wave, and perfected it with their 3rd release. Building what is now considered the typical Black Metal fashion it indulges in raw production, frigid riffs, repetition in the most positive vibrations, and perfect witchy vocals. This album provides primitive riffs, furious solos, and pummeling drumming plus the addition of atmosphere with minor synth usage and a bit of clean guitar. The album's length and cover are perfection for the genre and sums up what the Norwegians aimed for.

Ale Companion: A classic album deserves a classic brew. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company has been providing quality beer since 1980. Their Stout is a personal goto that pours a luscious black (how fitting). The aroma of roasted chocolate pleases the nose, but the tongue is blessed with gorgeous maltiness, without being overly sweet like a majority of dark ales. Earthy hops provide the complexity that makes you crave for another, it's bitter without being too prominent.

http://www.sierranevada.com

Modern Masterpieces II: Hoffnungstod

If you haven't noticed, a majority of the bands I post tend to be one-man projects. I feel this is a true (not pivotal) ingredient of Black Metal, it really gives that single person the ability to convey their emotion, the world they want you to experience, and pure artistic freedom to the music.

That being said, Wigrid is no exception. Based in Saarland and headed by Ulfhednir, his first album takes a page from Burzum while putting his own soul into the music giving it a stronger depressive feeling. Atmosphere shines on this release due to repetition and solid production. The fifth track 'Das Stterben eines Traumes' (The Dying of a Dream) is the same riff for 8 minutes, that may sound tiring but it really adds to the environment the previous tracks and album cover (a compilation of Theodor Kittelsen's work) really envelopes you. The guitars are icy and vocals are pure agony, this is also one of the few albums I thoroughly enjoy that uses a drum machine. Head to the closest trail, stare at the grey winter sky and get lost in 'Hoffnugstod.'

http://www.mediafire.com/?2cmmyc6ici0v6ux

A Benediction

I give the highest gratitude to my friends at Macadoodles and Mother's Brewing Company for consistently providing great beer. If you have time stop by Mother's 'Tasting Room' located at 215 South Grant, Springfield, MO 65806. Also check out your local Macadoodles for the largest and cheapest selection of craft brew, along with majestic customer service.

Sincerely Thanks, 

'The Pauper at the Gates of Dawn'

Les Légions Noires: Vampires of Black Imperial Blood

'The Black Legions' was a collaboration of musicians who operated out of Brest, France. They took the darkness Norway had provided and gnarled it into kvlt genius. There were only a small amount of musicians involved, together they formed multiple bands, along with one man projects, and guested on each others material. The anterior album for this styling is Mutiilation's 1995 release 'Vampires of Black Imperial Blood.' Meyhna'ch (Mutiilation's single member) crafted what would become DBM (Depressive Black Metal). Through melancholic songwriting  and true low fidelity in the most artistic sense he added a new ingredient to the blackness.

Ale Companion: North Coast makes quality beer (period). Old Rasputin is a Russian Imperial Stout based on the brew that was shipped to Catherine the Great from England. This ale pours black (great for the tunes), and has the scent of dark chocolate and fruits. Based on the smell, look, and gorgeous art this brew is already triumphant. It begins with the sweet and luscious malt base, but proceeds with a prime bitterness (in the most positive way). It has the feel of a dry stout, but is not overdone. This stout will compliment the eerie tunes listed above. Let the goose pimples grow and enjoy the shiver up your spine, this pairing will leave you warmed and chilled at the same time.

http://www.northcoastbrewing.com

They have pints?!?

Clouds fill the dark sky. The rain has dampened your spirits, but the cold wind swings a sign of hope in the distance. The pub's familiar name warms your insides, but not as much as the atmosphere and brew that awaits. Strutting to the bar you order the house ale: McNelle's. This is the closest way I can describe this beer. It's been awhile since I tasted a true, traditional English Bitter. This really shines, and the price is unbelievable. Pouring a luscious copper tone, its scent gives off a grassy aroma layered with malt. The hops are defiantly present, but not as confident as the carmel solidity and biscuit overtones. 100% enjoyable (and Missouri brewed), give it a go.

http://marshallbrewing.com

kvlt Volume II: Asakku / Moonblood

This is a superb compilation released in' 98. Both of these German based bands present tenacious and raw black metal. I would not say this is a pivotal piece of Black Metal history, but it is a phenomenal split displaying true kvlt. Asakku's opening track has a alluring clean opening breaking into a ferocious beat giving one the feeling of running through the hills. Moonblood brings a very course straightforward Black Metal tune that presents Germany's creditionals in full force. Light a candle, turn off the lights and relish.

http://www.mediafire.com/?1lmmbmyytgj