This mini-CD is bloody grim! Ultra-raw and echoing sound (produced and mixed in a few hours...) and short, brutal attacking songs. Sometimes it gets a tad noisy, but only at a few points. Hell yeah, prepare to be sodomized in the caves of eternal ice and then sacrificed on the altar of primitive madness.

'Apokalypse' was recorded a few months before their fourth album, 'Supreme Immortal Art' (1997). It is interesting how different this is from previous record, 'Nachthymnen' (1995) and the next one 'Supreme Immortal Art' (1998). They are both much more "symphonic" compared to this mini-CD. 'Apokalypse' is way more primitive experience, the way they trod towards not before than on 1999 album 'Channeling the Quintessence of Satan'. This release, too, includes lyrical themes about Satan.

The easily recognisable, twisted Abigor riffs, that knot evilness ans melancholy together, are of course present, as well as Norsecore tremolo riffing. Insane lead guitar work makes Abigor even more recognisable, even though Norway certainly can be heard at some point (e.g. 'Hyperwelt'). Abigor owe a lot to Emperor and Mayhem, and intensity can be compared with Zyklon-B. Morbid vocals are varying: There are multiple kinds of clearer vocals, from spoken to shouted, and more orc-like rattling. The drums are powerful, with tight snare and punchy kick drums, with hissing and tinkling cymbal work. A lot of blast beats are abound, and more mid-paced parts feature double kick drummming. The bass guitar is definitely left in shadows... I'm not sure if it's featured in every part, to tell the truth.

6 brutal, fast and ultra-grim tracks for every black metal maniac out there, with enough, actually quite a bit, of variety! Cover artwork is quite unoriginal: Search for a black cover with white pentagram and demonic skull over it, ha!

Rating: 8 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
06/13/2001 12:11