Funeral Rain Press Corps

From Prophecy Productions:

“On the night of the 9th September, Jonas Bergqvist a.k.a. ‘B’, founding member, main composer, and guitarist of Lifelover, died unexpectedly. The cause of his death is still unclear and has yet to be established.

The message of Jonas’s passing came as a surprise to the Prophecy team. Hence, we lack the appropriate words for this tragic event. To us, Jonas wasn’t just a very creative artist, but also a pleasant and enthusiastic person. It is for certain that we won’t be the only ones missing his character, his passion, and his unique musical language.
In the face of this tragic loss, we would very much like to extend our heartfelt condolence towards Jonas’s family, his friends, and the remaining musicians of Lifelover.”

From Myself:

I’m a fan of Lifelover. Not a maniacal fan, or even an avid fan. But every song I’ve heard from this band has been a killer tune, with “Mental Central Dialog” being my–and many others I’m sure–favorite. So from myself I extend my own condolences to Jonas’s family and friends and to Lifelover. Rest in Peace Jonas.

Genres: Depressive Black Metal, Progressive Black Metal
Label: Prophecy Productions

This here is the re-release of Konkurs from Prophecy, and from what I can tell, there is no difference in this version from the last. It’s just simply a way to get the music to the fans before the new Lifelover comes and fucks up your ears next year.
So what is my opinion on Konkurs? It’s the most fucked up black metal album I’ve ever heard. There’s so much more than black metal here, everything from rock to goth. I can’t even properly describe this album. I can’t do it justice. I can say that I love it, and I fell in love with it when the song “Mental Central Dialogue” was on a KnuckleTracks CD or a similar magazine’s free disc. Immediately I was hooked and I needed my fix.
And now I’ve been given another shot in the arm with Prophecy’s release of it. If you like depressive black metal, avantgard music, or just want to try something different, try out Lifelover’s Konkurs.
8 out of 10.

Lifelover on MySpace.

Genre: Progressive Black Metal
Label: ATMF

Apparently their third and final full-length, Semen Datura throw down some very impressive black metal riffing, taking their black metal into far more progressive areas, areas that I have not heard explored before.
Mixing thrash and rock elements inside with traditional black metal and jazz drumming, Einsamkeit is awesome. The vocals are great, ranging from traditional blackened shrieks to spoken passages, while the guitars sway from genre to genre at the drop of a hat. Bass and drums are solid rhythm, switching up the genres as quick as the guitars.
Reminding me of Lifelover and Deathspell Omega, my favorite tracks are “Unter Bleigvanen Wolkenlasten” and the title track.
8 out of 10.

Semen Datura on MySpace.