Review by Felix on August 13, 2023.

What do we know about the metallic underground? One thing is for sure: its monumental dimension is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because its seize mirrors the global fascination of metal. A curse, because none of us will ever be able to discover all the good music in only one life. It is therefore all the more important to have friends that can recommend an underground jewel from time to time. Welcome to the sonic domain of Valenta.

The band’s moniker is the mastermind’s name at the same time. Miroslav Valenta played drums on two of the best East European albums of all times, “Ritual” and “The Jilemnice Occultist”. This guy swung the Master’s Hammer, so to say. But he is competent enough to do much more - without hiding his roots. And although the tracks of Queen Alexandres do not copy the approach of these classics, the music carries a similarly strange and eerie aroma. Other influences show up as well. The keyboards at the beginning of the closer seem to originate from a Graveland recording. Or take a look at the great guitar lines of 'Tajemství Skryté Za Rouchem Pověr'. They seem to be inspired by some traditional yet slightly eccentric metal formations. The mother language of the artist underlines the impression that an oddball seems to be at work here – not too mention the psychopathic touch his voice conveys.

No doubt, this demo has a very individual flair. Mister Valenta does only what he wants to do and this alone results in a varied offering. Okay, the spoken intro is not as demonic as it intends to be, but much too long. Anyway, the four regular songs have something to say. 'Ukážu Ti Svět' combines a sacral beginning (with cleverly integrated bells and celestial keyboard sounds) and fatalistic guitar lines. As soon as the hoarse voice sets in, one realizes that each and every component adds value to the song which is as fantastic as 'Tajemstvĺ…'. It's really fine to experience that the entire material is simultaneously weird yet smooth. Cult of Fire salute.

The production of the demo supports the vibes of the music in a very good way. The guitars have a metallic yet individual sound and all instruments have enough space to come into their own. Usually I like a massive wall of sound, but the here preferred approach has a lot of charm as well. So what do we know about the metallic underground? It’s a merciless, Darwinian and unjust area. Sometimes it eats its children, although they would have deserved to live and to see the light of day. Back in 1991, Valenta was one of them.

Rating: 8 out of 10