REV 16:8-ASHLANDS

AFM Records
2011

Revelation 16:8 reads as follows- "The fourth angel poured his bowl on the sun, which then was allowed to burn people with fire". Not your typical AFM signing, REV 16:8 (formerly known to the world as Scythe and then Bloodshed) play raw black metal. With vocalist Themgoroth departing before the band's 1st album was even released (at which point former guitarist Talon took over the mic) you still can hear some of the Dark Funeral influence. While the album also features guest vocals by Acerbus of Ondskapt this is Talon's show. Bleak and dreary the cryptic black noise is on display here that at times recalls Marduk and other similar death dealers. Some makings of actual death metal shows up as well as thrash. Overall this is black. While it is nothing new under the (blood red) sun it still shines a light towards the better end of the black death movement. More so for the fact that there are modern touches throughout it will remain more memorable and perhaps relevant in today's metal scene. Maybe not worthy of the "super group" tag I've heard associated with the band but a move towards making REV 16:8 stand the test of time.