Insomnia - The End of the Beginning (1994)

Note: Artwork unavailable

Genre: Experimental Doom/Death Metal
Country: Poland
Year: 1994

1. In the Beginning
2. In my Craft or Sullen Art
3. 24 Years
4. All, All and All the Dry Worlds Lever

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Continuing our trend of bizarre Death Metal, today's feature is Poland's Insomnia! I've found that Poland makes some of the best Doom/Death Metal and this is no exception. As an added bonus, let's throw in some keyboards and inventive guitar solos, as well as some fancy bass-work, and you've got yourself awesomeness in music form.

The first song starts off as purely Death Metal, pretty raw and speedy, not to experimental, but as the demo progresses and ends with the fourth track, you're starting to wonder where the hell these guys get off playing such an obscure brand of music. Good thing they took the plunge, and a shame they only recorded a couple more demos. Half of the bands that only make it to the demo stage are better than all those big name bigshot asshole bands out there. Goddamn.

Candle Serenade - Nosferatu's Passion (1995)

Genre: Melodic Black/Doom/Death Metal
Country: Portugal
Year: 1995

1. Overture
2. Balakian Rider
3. Chama Iberica
4. Celtic Lir's Sons (Sad Erin's Legend)
5. Interlude For Gothic Kings
6. Spell Of Carpathian Winter
7. Transylvanic Mistress
8. Last Vampire Dance (Finale)

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Nosferatu's Passion is one of those albums that grows on you. But here's the thing, it's not like after the first listen, you won't recognize the beauty and talent behind it. I was awestruck after first listening, and even more so with each subsequent listen.

The main vocalist is female, and does her death growls in a damn fine manner, indistinguishable from a male! And here's the kicker--she's got a gorgeous operatic voice, which she employs whenever she gets the chance! A true treat for the ears and just a privilege to listen to.

Gothic undertones permeate this release, and we're often subject to melodic instruments like piano and flute, as well as creative guitar riffing, building off of and perfecting the style they founded in their demo. The production is much cleaner and sharper, highlighting every riff and vocal trick.

Very doom-oriented, with some ridiculously catchy and engaging song structures, this is one that should be remembered for ages.

Candle Serenade - Tales From Walpurgis (1994)

Genre: Melodic Black/Doom/Death Metal
Country: Portugal
Year: 1994

1. Tales From Walpurgis

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Formed in 1993, Candle Serenade released their first demo, Tales from Walpurgis a year later. This should be called a single or whatever, considering there's only one song, but hey! Who gives a shit! It's music, and I know that's all that matters.

This is basically a mini preview of what's to come in their masterpiece album, Nosferatu's Passion. The production is a bit lacking, but it has all the fundamental elements present, in a raw, stripped-down form. There are female vocals, and a standard death rasp, bordering on Black Metal monotony. There is slight melody (you'll see more in the full-length). Consider this a sampler!

Beyond Dawn - Heaven's Dark Reflection (1991)

Genre: Old School Doom/Death Metal
Country: Norway
Year: 1991

1. The Underworld (Intro)
2. The Mourner
3. Baphomet's Refuge
4. Epitaph
5. God
6. Second Nature
7. The Sound of Wings
8. The Tempest

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Beyond Dawn's second effort, and it does sound like they're settling into a sound, and picking a direction to go. Much more cleaned up from their last demo, they chose the melodic, faster-paced Death Metal route, with traces of technicality. Heavy use of bass is incorporated, along with the guitarists showing off their skill.

The vocals range from the dark rasp we heard on the first demo, to a squealing, hissing growl, upping the evil-magnitude a few notches. The vocals even have melody to them, and seem to rock with the music, which doesn't happen much in Death Metal! This is especially noticeable on "Epitaph".

As previously mentioned, the demo is sped up as a whole, although the occasional doom element is still tastefully employed. It seems that the band is moving towards a more groove-oriented, jamming sound (the beginnings of their electronic career). However, this makes the demo a very enjoyable listen, and easy to get into!

Recommended because this is unique!

Beyond Dawn - Tales From an Extinguished World (1990)

Genre: Old School Doom/Death Metal
Country: Norway
Year: 1990

1. Beyond Dawn
2. Blind In Ritual
3. Nemosis Symphosis

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Beyond Dawn were (are) a Norwegian band whose earlier works comprised of a doomy, plodding death metal sound, and later evolved into electronic (?). Not sure where and how that change was inspired, but hey, let's ignore the Beyond Dawn of today, and instead highlight the Beyond Dawn of yesterday.

Straight up Doom/Death, often with a melodic tinge, like in the first song. Powerful guitar leads erupt out of nowhere, loud and contrasting with the muffled doooooom. These guys obviously haven't settled on their sound, and you can tell just by listening to the music speed up to grindcore status, then slow down to painfully slow chugging, which the occasional guitar solo and creative riffing thrown in here and there.

Beware, this tape rip sucks, but it's the best I could find... probably a generation 3 or 4 rip by the sound of it. Still, production has never bothered me, and if you're reading this blog, there's a good chance you're into old school DM, so it shouldn't bother you, either!