Black Crucifixion - Promethean Gift

Ye olde goth-metal exhumed

“Finland’s black metal pioneers!” froths the press release, incorrectly, about this newly-unearthed four-track EP from 1993, boosted with bonus tracks and a load of hype. The standard criteria of any cult metal release over a decade old are in place: necro production, unidentified bandmembers and self-consciously “evil” vibes. But what we have here is mid-tempo, Celtic Frost-style dark metal with almost nothing in common with the ferocity and malevolence of second-wave black metal. If you liked mid-period Frost or their comeback album Monotheist, then Serpent Of Your Holy Garden and Flowing Downwards will be worth your time, while there’s a touch of underground violence about the Suomi Finland Saatana demo track. Make no mistake, though, there’s nothing extreme about this album – it’s for the most devoted collector of gothic metal only.

Soulseller | tbc

Reviewed by Joel McIver
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