Füneral Rain Press Cörps

Genres: Black Metal, Black ‘n’ Roll
Label: Indie Recordings

True Norwegian black metal combined with the progressive mindset of Opeth and the straight forward approach of good old rock results in the great combination that is V (vee, not five).

Strong riffs that evoke black metal as well as some elements of death, thrash, and punk form the basis of the songs. There are even some forays into a folk metal territory, which is just fine by me. I love that stuff.

The songs themselves, unlike Opeth’s epics, rarely make it much past the five minute mark, with only “The Other And The Look” reaching the 10:31 mark. All of them are well crafted, thoughtfully arranged to lead you from beginning to end, rather then start you on a journey and then just drop you off somewhere lame, and all of them follow a great progression through the album as well, meaning listening from beginning to end gives you the impression of something larger in scope, while still having distinct individual songs to listen to. Plus, no riff overstays its welcome, no drum beat is unnecessary, no bassline a third wheel, the keys are always a nice coloring to the music, and Sture’s vocals are always a good overlay. In other words, it’s full of wonderful songcraft. These men know their shit.

If you’re a fan of Immortal, I, Ritual, Morgul, Black River, and their like, then V is right for you.

9 out of 10.

Vreid on Facebook.

Genres: Death Metal, Progressive Metal, Symphonic Metal
Label: Candlelight

Well holy shit. Honestly I figured I’d be throwing on some thrash when I played this but that is a big resounding no. This is some bonecrushing proggy stuff that’s part Meshuggah and part Dimmu Borgir, who Xerath name drop as influences. Thunderclaps and beautiful keyboards drop off into a maelstrom of brimstone scented riffs and you’re tossed around like a rag doll in a tornado, unable to stop banging your head. Until “Interlude” comes in, at least. It’s a gorgeous keyboard tune that really fits with their “chug-score” style of playing.
If you’re into metal that makes you think, you should check out Xerath. And if you just prefer metal that you can beat the shit out of people in the pit to, Xerath fits that bill too. They’re fucking good.
Favorite tracks are “Nocturnum”, “Interlude”, “False History” (watch for a video of this song sometime soon), and “Abiogenesis”.
7.5 out of 10.