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Formed in Greece in 2003, the founding duo of brothers Raudhrskal (Guitar) and Erebor (drums) have since moved to Germany where they got noticed enough to be given a deal with Black Bards. The black metal pedigree of this band is excellent featuring two members of Nargaroth and ex-Endstille frontman Iblis. However, we all know that just because a musician has been in a good band previously it doesn't mean that the new project will live up to expectation. How does Haradwaith compare to the other myriad black metal bands?
The answer is... extremely well! There are the usual Darkthrone elements on Creating Hell but also clear influence from the likes of Marduk and Satyricon and a very German undercurrent pervading the whole release, the sort of vibe you get from a Negator album or on the recently released Tauthr debut (another band with an Endstille connection). However, Haradwaith is not simply a clone of any of these bands.
Unfortunately this will more than likely be the last time we hear Iblis' rasp on record as he is leaving the music industry. Whilst this is indeed a loss for the black metal genre its at least good to know that the venerable vocalist has gone out in style! The album features eleven songs, eight of which feature Iblis. The final three are alternate versions of Open The Earth, Mephistophelian Philosophy and Seed Of Judas featuring new singer Skoll. A worthy successor? Indeed he is! Its actually quite difficult to differentiate between Iblis and Skoll!
The musicianship on this album is extremely tight with excellent guitar riffing, whether blasting at hyperspeed or crushing your skull with mid-paced brutality. The drumming is also extremely tight, as attested by Nile drummer George Kollias!
This is dirty, uncompromising black metal that fully displays the potential of Haradwaith. Its not perfect, the songs are a little too similar in parts. However its a fantastic debut from a band with, I'm sure, many more satanic litanies to spew forth in the future!
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