Finnish funeral procession – 78%
Felix 1666, May 10th, 2015
Written based on this version: 2010, 10″ vinyl, Primitive Reaction
The cooperation of Barathrum and Epäkristus appeared a bit strange at first glance. Barathrum possessed the experience of a high number of official releases while their colleagues had the status of absolute beginners, at least if one disregards their demos. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences on “Unholy Conspiracy” between the two Finnish hordes. Neither in terms of their musical approaches, nor in view of the quality level. Both Barathrum and Epäkristus delivered raw and vicious black metal. Due to the fact that Epäkristus presented the best track of this split, I am going to start with the assessment of their contribution.
“When the Filth Ashores” was the first track and simultaneously the aforementioned highlight. With regard to its playtime of less than two minutes, the band had no time to lose. Driven by high speed drums, the flattening guitar work tried to teach you the meaning of fear. And it goes without saying that the hostile vocals also supported that plan. Due to the bone dry approach of this metallic bullet, I was almost at risk to forget to breathe. But as soon as I was again able to have a clear thought, I wanted to become familiar with their remaining songs. The band stood knee-deep in the mucopurulent soup of black metal. Cruel guitar lines battled with devastating mid-tempo riffing. The utterly sinister aura, skilfully emphasized by the raw lead vocals, and the monolithic design of the songs led to a persuasive contribution of Epäkristus. Only the last track remained at an average level and a song title like “Virgin Mary, the Mother of All Whores” was at least questionable.
Barathrum exploited their experience. While commuting between mid-tempo and faster parts, they spat out three songs with a sulphurous smell. It was a pretty wicked demonstration of pure black metal. I possess an old album of the band which lacks of speed and power. But here they showed their full strength. “G/E/N/O/C/I/D/E” (not “Mass Destruction”) kicked off their vinyl side in a demonic manner. But the bass-driven “Mass Destruction” would also have been a suitable opener. The evil aura of the songs illustrated that Barathrum had deeply inhaled the quintessence of the genre. By the way, the atmospheric band picture – a kind of procession in the forest – underlined the black charm of their musical spirit.
Both bands convinced with a solid and typical production so that I can recommend this record. The musicians did not focus on innovation, but they provided the evidence that the ruthless black metal legions of Suomi still knew their arsenal of weapons.
rafazardly 