Review by Krys on July 19, 2002.

Council of the Fallen is a black/death metal project involving well known members of the U.S. death metal scene. The lineup consists of bassist Sean Baxter (Broken Hope, Em Simfonia), drummer Derek Roddy (Malevolent Creation, Hate Eternal, Divine Empire, Nile), and guitarist Kevin Quirion (Aurora Borealis). Given the members impressive resumes, it’s reasonable to assume high quality death metal but don’t be fooled, “Revealing Damnation” is as much a black metal album as it is a death metal album and more importantly it’s top notch quality.

After the initial surprise of this not being a pure death onslaught, I realized that I’ve just heard one of the best mixtures of death and black metal in years. Given the state of the US black metal scene, it’s even more satisfying hearing not only something that tops everything in the States, but also stands a head and shoulders above most of the albums coming from the rest of the world. The balance between those two styles is so impeccable that I’m not sure if “Revealing Damnation” is a death metal with a black touch or the other way around.

Twelve tracks of devastating aggression were composed with such precision and intelligence that not a single note feels like being wasted or unnecessary. All songs are based on memorable riffs, careful arrangements, tempo changes and limitless skills of respective musicians; this material can’t leave you bored. Tracks like ‘Search for Purpose’ or ‘Shadowed Horizon’ can make pure black metal acts look like pansies and countless moments of outstanding gut-spilling death metal riffs overshadows most of each member’s alma mater band’s material.

While most of the time Council of the Fallen goes through “Revealing Damnation” with a blazing speed, the musicians’ experience doesn’t let the songs slip out of control. Every time you get to the point that a section might feel monotonous they’ll change the tempo, style, riff, vocal; and they’ll do at the exact, perfect moment. ‘Lying in Wait’ or ‘Remnants of Existence’ are perfect examples of COTF going from blast beats to mid tempos laying monstrous riffs, crushing your skull. This album doesn’t have weak tracks, only good ones and outstanding ones; that makes Council of the Fallen “Revealing Damnation” an album that will never see the dust gathering section of my collection.

Bottom Line: “Revealing Damnation” is not only a debut of the year contestant, but a future standard on how death and black hybrid metal is going to be played. I only hope that their heavy involvement with other projects won’t stop them from evolving as a band and delivering even more mind-blowing albums.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 9
Originality: 7
Overall: 9

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Tobias on May 9, 2004.

This year of 2004 may soon be remembered for the mighty return of classic thrash led by two of the all time greatest innovators of the genre: Exodus and Death Angel. The reunion release of The Art of Dying is a guitar shredding wildfire thrasher that will grow on you faster than a hard-on.

It’s been fourteen long years since Death Angel rocked the metal world with the now classic Act III. Old fans are being reborn and new ones are coming to shape. There are times in our lives when we think about how cool it would’ve been to know about and understand the gravity of something big happening in metal as it happens. Now is that time. Soon you will see tribute bands beating each other bloody over which one gets to keep the name “The Ultra-Violence.”

The Art of Dying sports some of the best guitar work in the entire thrash universe, inciting window smashing and the like. I got so excited I broke a coffee mug against my kitchen wall… but then my wife made me clean it up and promise not to listen to Death Angel in the kitchen anymore. Riffs and solos and more riffs and licks and blazing solos and – gaaaa, it’s so metal!

In a true thrash vocal attack completely devoid of the worn out death growls or high-pitched Halford imitations, Mark Osegueda can make you act like a total idiot in public if you’ve got your earphones donned, on and cranked to eleven. There is no stopping the diversity he brings to the songs or the intensity of his thrashdom. With the variance in vocal performance from tracks with the classic edge of “Thrown to the Wolves” to the deeper register of “Land of Blood” there is one testament to Osegueda’s range (and Death Angel’s diversity) after another.

I really can’t complain about this album; it is rocking thrash fury that keeps you jumping. Sure there may be some parts that could use some refinement but this is Death Angel, a king among metal bands, and to me the flaws make it finer.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7
Originality: 9
Overall: 10

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Review by Tobias on May 9, 2004.

This year of 2004 may soon be remembered for the mighty return of classic thrash led by two of the all time greatest innovators of the genre: Exodus and Death Angel. The reunion release of The Art of Dying is a guitar shredding wildfire thrasher that will grow on you faster than a hard-on.

It’s been fourteen long years since Death Angel rocked the metal world with the now classic Act III. Old fans are being reborn and new ones are coming to shape. There are times in our lives when we think about how cool it would’ve been to know about and understand the gravity of something big happening in metal as it happens. Now is that time. Soon you will see tribute bands beating each other bloody over which one gets to keep the name “The Ultra-Violence.”

The Art of Dying sports some of the best guitar work in the entire thrash universe, inciting window smashing and the like. I got so excited I broke a coffee mug against my kitchen wall… but then my wife made me clean it up and promise not to listen to Death Angel in the kitchen anymore. Riffs and solos and more riffs and licks and blazing solos and – gaaaa, it’s so metal!

In a true thrash vocal attack completely devoid of the worn out death growls or high-pitched Halford imitations, Mark Osegueda can make you act like a total idiot in public if you’ve got your earphones donned, on and cranked to eleven. There is no stopping the diversity he brings to the songs or the intensity of his thrashdom. With the variance in vocal performance from tracks with the classic edge of “Thrown to the Wolves” to the deeper register of “Land of Blood” there is one testament to Osegueda’s range (and Death Angel’s diversity) after another.

I really can’t complain about this album; it is rocking thrash fury that keeps you jumping. Sure there may be some parts that could use some refinement but this is Death Angel, a king among metal bands, and to me the flaws make it finer.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7
Originality: 9
Overall: 10

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Review by Alexi on November 29, 2004.

Not only has Lamb of God again reinvented themselves, they have also crafted one of the most revolutionary “American Metal” records. Over the last few years, Lamb of God has been categorized with Cleveland’s Chimaira and Boston’s Killswitch Engage in the New Wave of American Metal movement. On Ashes of the Wake, Lamb of God have shown that they are far more musically mature then their contemporaries, and have the ability to make amazing music accessible to all headbangers. The album combines many styles of metal to form one cohesive, unique breed.

Two main forms heavily influence Ashes of the Wake. The first, a European influence from Sweden – At The Gates. You can also hear hints of modern Swede thrash bands such as The Crown, The Haunted and The Forsaken on this record.

The second, an American influence, comes primarily to compliment the aforementioned counterpart. One can hear the power of Pantera and the aggression of Slayer. The hyper speed of the Swedish sound is slowed down, creating a unique sound when drums are added. Riff building is also becoming very popular in American metal, and Lamb of God has embraced this idea on the record. The opening track, “Laid to Rest,” is a perfect example of the two styles of music merged. This fusion is the most evident and exciting feature of this album.

The musicianship on Ashes of the Wake clearly sets the band apart from other American releases this year. Drummer, Chris Adler (who at one point played bass for the band), accentuates the relentless guitar chops with his abilities behind the kit. Guitarists, Mark Morton and Will Adler do a great job writing an assortment of riffs and unrelenting gallops reminiscent of the bands thrashy roots, combining them together on each track and building excellent transitions. Vocalist Randy Blythe has shown a fair amount of growth since their last album, As the Palaces Burn. He is now able to scream comfortably both high and low, and is able to make great vocal transitions within a single song. Bassist John Campbell never disrupts the chemistry between the guitars and drums.

Ashes of the Wake is one of the best releases of this year, and for the first time, Lamb of God has a professionally-produced record. Standout tracks include, “Laid To Rest,” the heavily-Slayer influenced, “Blood of the Scribe” and the final track, “Remorse is for the Dead,” which features Chris Poland (Megadeth) and Alex Skolnik (ex-Testament) on lead guitars.

If you wish to hear a new wave of music and be part of a metal revolution that will go down in history, get off your ass and buy Ashes of the Wake.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

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

Rating: 8 out of 10

Review by Alexi on November 29, 2004.

Not only has Lamb of God again reinvented themselves, they have also crafted one of the most revolutionary “American Metal” records. Over the last few years, Lamb of God has been categorized with Cleveland’s Chimaira and Boston’s Killswitch Engage in the New Wave of American Metal movement. On Ashes of the Wake, Lamb of God have shown that they are far more musically mature then their contemporaries, and have the ability to make amazing music accessible to all headbangers. The album combines many styles of metal to form one cohesive, unique breed.

Two main forms heavily influence Ashes of the Wake. The first, a European influence from Sweden – At The Gates. You can also hear hints of modern Swede thrash bands such as The Crown, The Haunted and The Forsaken on this record.

The second, an American influence, comes primarily to compliment the aforementioned counterpart. One can hear the power of Pantera and the aggression of Slayer. The hyper speed of the Swedish sound is slowed down, creating a unique sound when drums are added. Riff building is also becoming very popular in American metal, and Lamb of God has embraced this idea on the record. The opening track, “Laid to Rest,” is a perfect example of the two styles of music merged. This fusion is the most evident and exciting feature of this album.

The musicianship on Ashes of the Wake clearly sets the band apart from other American releases this year. Drummer, Chris Adler (who at one point played bass for the band), accentuates the relentless guitar chops with his abilities behind the kit. Guitarists, Mark Morton and Will Adler do a great job writing an assortment of riffs and unrelenting gallops reminiscent of the bands thrashy roots, combining them together on each track and building excellent transitions. Vocalist Randy Blythe has shown a fair amount of growth since their last album, As the Palaces Burn. He is now able to scream comfortably both high and low, and is able to make great vocal transitions within a single song. Bassist John Campbell never disrupts the chemistry between the guitars and drums.

Ashes of the Wake is one of the best releases of this year, and for the first time, Lamb of God has a professionally-produced record. Standout tracks include, “Laid To Rest,” the heavily-Slayer influenced, “Blood of the Scribe” and the final track, “Remorse is for the Dead,” which features Chris Poland (Megadeth) and Alex Skolnik (ex-Testament) on lead guitars.

If you wish to hear a new wave of music and be part of a metal revolution that will go down in history, get off your ass and buy Ashes of the Wake.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

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

Rating: 8 out of 10