777 - THE DESANCTIFICATION

Blut Aus Nord essentially eschews melody for atonal barrages of sound. Loaded with industrial black metal demonstrations, the album uses growling in a way that supplements the rhythm, hissing and sneering underneath the barrage of drums and distorted guitars. Despite the aggression, the music overall bores this listener. With a few exceptions, the individual tracks are much too repetitive, as the band lingers with the same set of chords and atmospheres to the point of tedium. That said, Blut Aus Nord has crafted some very interesting rhythms and sonic environments.

"Epitome VII" A steady repetitive rhythm provides the framework for grim vocals. Halfway through, it adopts some mild Eastern influences. The third section takes an interesting twist, adopting a slightly symphonic power metal visage. Finally, the music degenerates into avant-metal mayhem.

"Epitome VIII" Thundering drums and muttering guitars provide a dark current over which floats harsh voices. The distant guitar solo at the midway point reflects post-rock tendencies and is the highlight of the piece.

"Epitome IX" Toning things down a great deal, this third track has mysterious Eastern guitar sounds, like a swamp in the middle of a desert at night.

"Epitome X" Returning to the moderately paced harsh rock, the vocals snarl under layers of steady metal tones. Following an apt guitar solo, the rhythm shifts several times, warping into many different ugly roars of noise.

"Epitome XI" A more plodding piece of music, somewhat haunting with its discomfiting tones and whispers swirling around the low rhythms.

"Epitome XII" Disconcerting ringing opens the penultimate track, ushering thick drums and two guitars, one hammering out low chords and the other weaving through higher-pitched notes like an angry wasp prepared to sting.

"Epitome XIII" Dissonant guitars lead into one final monstrous opus. Exploding chords charge through the entire seven minutes. Halfway through, however, the band does settle into a more melodic passage for a time. Eventually, it whines like a swarm of insects.