Review by Jack on February 14, 2002.

“In its power, drive and sheer ambition No Fashion Records hits you with a unique twist of heavy metal. 1993 – Swedish music was going to nowhere when all of a sudden No Fashion appeared. Extreme and evil music suddenly became a reality. 3000 days later it’s payback time...” No Fashion Records taken from “Classics”.

This album is exactly what I was looking for when I was served up some of the later material from huge talents such as Marduk, Katatonia, Dissection, and Lord Belial to name but a few. Exactly as No Fashion Records has summarised “Classics” is a compilation album comprised of debut albums and early recordings from bands that in circa 2002 have exploded within the metal scene or are on the verge of doing so.

Absolutely nice cuts of prime and rare metal pickings have been arrayed upon this metal rack ready for cleaving. Not content with one CD, No Fashion Records have generously supplied “Classics” with 2 CDs, jam packed full of golden oldies. Perfect for those metal veterans wanting a trip down memory lane or those budding metal enthusiasts wanting to know what Dark Funeral or Lobotomy once sounded like.

With the absolute variety of bands on this album, there is bound to be some choice meat that sticks out above the others. Tracks from Marduk, Katatonia, Allegiance, Dark Funeral and Vinterland are all winners in my book.

One of the most favorable aspects about “Classics” is that it will no doubt introduce new listeners to some varying band’s older material. This will either prompt the listener to check out the album from which the corresponding song was taken from or it may even interest them enough to search further and locate newer albums by the respectful artist.

Bottom Line: Compilation albums are usually hard to review as there is usually a large vortex in gaps of playing styles and music abilities, but with No Fashion Records’ “Classics” I find it really hard for someone to go wrong with the sheer variety of black/doom/death metal. A winner.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Originality: 8
Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 9
Overall: 8

Rating: 8 out of 10