As I took it from the information sheet that Lhükkmer'thz from Zarach Baal Tharagh is taking part I was unwell with the matter, too bad, too horrible one of his elder demos is conjuring up. Next to Lhükkmer'thz are also taking part Lord Naggaroth and Cypher from La Division Mentale, whose debut record was entirely respectable.

Wolok celebrates in each case raw Black Metal, however, in a (fortunately) completely other way as Zarach Baal Tharagh. Servum Pecus isn't just raw but also extremely cold, obscure and in certain manners also oppressive. The basic for this dismayed journey is laid not rather than in Memento Finis, which begins immediately after a short but peculiar arranged intro echoing sombre and calamitous. Memento Finis is prefacing by a swelling and slightly grinding getting into, before the metallic adversity assumes its bizarre form - and this just in various respects. Firstly is this rhythm being very striking, because it's underlain a constant alternation. The drums swing permanently between very fast, catching and calm, slow passages. The highly distorted guitars are doing their best with bizarre and weirdo melodies, which reminds in points with their dismal and slightly disharmonic arrangements of their compatriots of Blut Aus Nord. Therewith not enough the vocals are likewise distracted. They're extremely distorted, thereby intoned rather calm than screamed energetic. This cold as rough playing is getting finished by single electronic created noises, which perfectly fitting in the cold sterile atmosphere.

Asphex of Mockery is initially structured fast and aggressive. The vocals are suited thereto likewise more harsh and energetic as the guitars get punished strongly, because fast alternating riffs are getting dashed, effecting here and there right complex, so they're not only fast and and alternating but also not being well sounding harmonic. Rather at the middle of Asphex of Mockery it changes towards a sluggish passage, wherein depressing harmonies and spherical, extended melodies being responsible. But also dark worded and unobtrusively getting in keyboard sounds as macabre laughing in the background complete the bizarre and distorted sentiment, which Wolok is masterly arranging.

The remaining songs of Servum Pecus aren't impairing this and suggest on the contrary the impression of a sound-got insanity, which represents a subordinated element and this absolutely life hostile sound construct merely emphasizes than creates. Another interesting aspect is the following, that the bass line occasionally has a surprising warm and loud sound, what so far is remarkable, because the sound otherwise is just raw, cold and sterile. Usually you do merely notice the bass guitar on such productions.

Servum Pecus is, for me, a true pearl of dark, harsh and bizarre Black Metal. It's raw, cold, aggressive, dark, sporadically atmospheric and always morbidly insane. Nothing more I need!


Aceust

(Translation by: G.P.)

01. Mesmerize (Absurd introduction)
02. Memento finis
03. Aphex of mockery
04. Phallus absconditus
05. Mankind euthanasia
06. Wormz
07. Voice of god (Futile conclusion)


WOLOK
EERIE ART RECORDS
INSIDIOUS POISONING RECORDS