Review by Adam M on September 7, 2009.

Elenium has a manner of crafting of fairly brutal approach to complement technical styles and they come across as an entity with a one of a kind sound. There’s also of note a distinct symphonic approach to be found here that elevates their thoughts to different levels of complexity. It’s not overwhelming complicated though as it seems just the number of elements contributing to the whole make for a lot going on at a time. The music doesn’t really transcend into the realm of being avant-garde either, but merely shows enough progression to fall within that genre’s mindset.

The songs go into large crescendos and build up momentum into different territories quite well as they continually progress. This never becomes pompous over-indulgence, however, as the band are able to maintain control of their style quite well. They traverse the various territories quite solidly and the guitar playing is appropriately complex and varied. The biggest problem I have with the disc is that it doesn’t sound like anything particularly special and that’s what you might hope for from a progressive band of this type. The songs lack that special something to make them appropriately catchy or to draw you into what you’re hearing so it won’t let go. This makes them at time seems like sort of superficial progressive music, but there is enough good stuff to derive from the songs that they’re worth listening to.

The jaded rhythms Elenium maintain have some merit in their wares, but they don’t transcend the levels of being overly interesting at any point. This work has a unique flair and can be quite entertaining, but just doesn’t raise the bar enough to be truly involving.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 6.5
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 6.5
Originality: 8
Overall:7.1

Rating:7.2 out of 10

Review by Tobias on March 26, 2001.

I’d have to say that the prospect of two primary vocalists for a metal band always sounds great, and this certainly piqued my interest enough to check out this disk. After a good listen however, I realized that I spent more time trying to classify Haste than giving it a really close listen to list the pros and cons.

Strangely enough, Century Media has billed Haste as "hard rock"… or, more accurately, they have stated that Haste have "raised the bar that hard rock albums must face in 2001." Well, considering that this music is more along the lines of semi-melodic death metal forged with low-density distortion, giving it a much more raw punk/hardcore sound, I suppose you could say the statement is true if can possibly even consider Haste as part of the hard rock scale.

Once I decided that Haste most definitely is a much more obnoxious beast than a "hard rock" labeling would allow, I gave it another listen. Compared to most death metal, the drums were seriously toned down, more along the lines of punk bands like Shiner or Quicksand. The guitar also had that same kind of raw punkish feel, but it was a strangely depressing sound. While I will gladly applaud Haste for their somewhat radical approach to metal vocals, exhibiting the raucous and maniacal raw style of Fred Durst on Limp Bizkit’s debut Three Dollar Bill Y’all, I have to say it got really boring and monotonous. Haste must’ve figured that might be a problem, so they threw in an occasional clean melody. Unfortunately, their cure for monotony flops quicker than Sylvester Stallone film festivals.

I have to say that there wasn’t a single piece of this album that grabbed me. I think that Haste has a decent concept going, but the vision for making something great out of it seems to be lacking.

Bottom Line: If repeatedly running head on into a wall while some animated jackals slap together a death/punk/hardcore/I-wish-I-had-a-melody sandwich, by all means grab this disc. For my own ears, I need a little more skill and a little less monotony.

Rating: 3 of 10

Review by Alex on May 5, 2019.

One-man band, Intimidating Mage tears down the walls of ignorance mankind has housed himself in for so long, in so exposing him to the punishment that has been long overdue by the hands of fate. Touching on topics such as religious neediness, foolishness and what I interpret as being Earth's revenge on humanity, Intimidating Mage does a fine job of playing theme songs that very well project the hostile atmosphere that leans weightily against the carelessness and arrogance of mankind's teachings and workings. Plainsman is a record that boldly stands in the face of the pest race, angrily listing his transgressions and the suffering it is accompanied by. 

The sound on Plainsman can be described as ominous yet dismal; dire tones come as a result of entwined musical styles such as death/doom metal, and black metal (instrumentally). The chaos, melancholy and anger retained in the tracks are truly something I admire considering this is Intimidating Mage’s first outing. As can be heard on the notes of the opening song “Plainsman”, this one- man effort does a fantastic job of sculpting diverse melodies and harmonies to reflect the meaning behind the lyrics. Though very cryptic and poetic the text to the songs may be, one can still get an idea of what is being poked at via the small hints given. The effect generated when the lyrical content is in unison with the musicianship shines brightly. 

“Plainsman” sets the tempo with no introduction track preceding it; heading full-speed into the material, it shows off a late 1st - early 2nd wave black metal influence in its composition direction. However, other styles are brought into the greater image of “Plainsman”, some groove metal is keyed in and built upon using an acoustic guitar and spoken poetry that suddenly launches into a furious drum, guitar and vocal attack. 

“Transcendence (A Vision)” is like a melodic avalanche that sweeps the disastrous debris into one great pile and sends it tumbling down with a glorious force. This track takes the music from its opening sound of contemplation to its acted-outrage that is in turn complemented by a regretful sense when the power chords and double bass clash against each other. You truly feel as though the end is nigh as a result of denying the one thing that has sustained your life alongside that of millions. This melodic approach is proudly followed-up on “Slit”, which is (for me) the best song on Plainsman. It’s melodic hooks and rhythm paints a desolate image, somewhat matching the artwork and gives mankind a view of the land he has butchered in-considerably. 

Plainsman is not without faults, as there are some aspects exhibited that could have been implemented and executed to better avail. The track arrangement being one of those; “The Last Song of the Seraphim” would have better served as an introduction to the music to follow, as its placing as the second track showed a minuscule to non-existent effect. Or, it could have been placed just before “Slit”, because of the gloomy tone of the narration, this would have been a strong reinforcing agent of the themes explored on Plainsman. 

As mentioned “Slit” is (for me) the best track on the record, because it manages to flux from one type of musical style to another all the while offering the best and most memorable passages. In addition, it has a noticeable climax, one that is better than that of the final original song “Indifference”. Therefore, having “Slit” replace “Indifference” as the closing moments on Plainsman would have seen the music establish a heightened musing effect, something that I look for especially in conceptual records. Also, the scope of its epic sounding instrumentation invokes a feeling of shock and awe that matches the catastrophic and at times mournful tones of Plainsman. Meanwhile “Indifference” sounds like a track fitting to be an opener as its doomy groove mixed with both black and death metal vocals capture the essence of the multiple emotions demonstrated by the music. 

The Bathory cover “Equimanthorn” was relatively well done, however I found this track as being unnecessary, or should not have been a part of the original recordings as it somewhat ruined the atmosphere created throughout the record. In addition, the cover could have been placed on a different cd perhaps, as to avoid tampering with the scenery engendered on Plainsman. 

Production-wise, the material as a whole can be heard with enough clarity, thus said, the drumming could have been tightened-up a bit as it sounded a bit loose on Plainsman when tackling the faster sections of any particular song. It’s not relatively damaging but was noticeable enough to point-out. In total Plainsman is a worthwhile album, definitely worthy of multiple listens and for a 1st entry, it speaks greatly of what is to come from this project. 

Rating: 7.3 out of 10

Review by Yener on May 25, 2019.

Benighted are one of those bands who I had heard of before, yet due to being obsessed with other bands and albums, never really gave them much of a chance. I remember hearing a song or two a few years ago and just shrugging it off, deciding that whatever I was listening to at the time was better or more suitable for my mood. Thus, Benighted got shelved.

Fast forward a few years and I am now obsessed with this band, kicking myself for not being more attentive earlier. Benighted is special because they don't really fall into any sub-genre. They have elements of death metal, hardcore, progressive and just about anything you can think of - even electronic - and they blend it all together expertly. The first time I sat down and listened to this album from start to finish I was blown away - and it's hard to blow away someone who's been listening to metal for 25 years. 

A few things I love about this band. First off, the vocals. Benighted aren't shy to use a wide variety of vocal styles in their onslaught. From the deep growls, screams and pig squeals, they pretty much have it all. And they are all done incredibly well and tastefully. Second, the drumming. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Kevin Paradis was the drummer on this album. A wonderful surprise, because I have been following him on YouTube for years.

Lastly, and this is very important - the riffs. A lot of bands these days forget that the most important part in metal is having great riffs that you can remember and bang your head to. Thunderous motherfuckers, riffs that can move mountains. And Benighted has that, which is one of the reasons I've been so drawn to them. 

Another aspect is the excellent arranging on this album. The drum parts are fantastic and arranged near perfectly. It's not all blast beats and double bass laid underneath everything, which is just a lazy way of writing drum parts. They are expertly crafted and arranged and compliment the riffs perfectly. 

I don't think I need to go over individual tracks, though I will say that "Experience Your Flesh" is probably my favorite offering on this album. The whole disc is just beast. 

Hard, brutal, fast, experimental, these guys really have it all. They are like the perfect metal band for me, and I will be watching them like a hawk from now on. Can't wait for the new one which should be coming out in a few weeks. This stuff is fantastic.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Review by Yener on May 25, 2019.

Benighted are one of those bands who I had heard of before, yet due to being obsessed with other bands and albums, never really gave them much of a chance. I remember hearing a song or two a few years ago and just shrugging it off, deciding that whatever I was listening to at the time was better or more suitable for my mood. Thus, Benighted got shelved.

Fast forward a few years and I am now obsessed with this band, kicking myself for not being more attentive earlier. Benighted is special because they don't really fall into any sub-genre. They have elements of death metal, hardcore, progressive and just about anything you can think of - even electronic - and they blend it all together expertly. The first time I sat down and listened to this album from start to finish I was blown away - and it's hard to blow away someone who's been listening to metal for 25 years. 

A few things I love about this band. First off, the vocals. Benighted aren't shy to use a wide variety of vocal styles in their onslaught. From the deep growls, screams and pig squeals, they pretty much have it all. And they are all done incredibly well and tastefully. Second, the drumming. Imagine my surprise when I learned that Kevin Paradis was the drummer on this album. A wonderful surprise, because I have been following him on YouTube for years.

Lastly, and this is very important - the riffs. A lot of bands these days forget that the most important part in metal is having great riffs that you can remember and bang your head to. Thunderous motherfuckers, riffs that can move mountains. And Benighted has that, which is one of the reasons I've been so drawn to them. 

Another aspect is the excellent arranging on this album. The drum parts are fantastic and arranged near perfectly. It's not all blast beats and double bass laid underneath everything, which is just a lazy way of writing drum parts. They are expertly crafted and arranged and compliment the riffs perfectly. 

I don't think I need to go over individual tracks, though I will say that "Experience Your Flesh" is probably my favorite offering on this album. The whole disc is just beast. 

Hard, brutal, fast, experimental, these guys really have it all. They are like the perfect metal band for me, and I will be watching them like a hawk from now on. Can't wait for the new one which should be coming out in a few weeks. This stuff is fantastic.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10