Enhanced CD in jewelcase with 8-page booklet.
Enhanced track contains live video in avi format, recorded on 20th of May 2004 at MegaClub in Katowice, band photos and interactive CD player software.
Track 5 is "eternally dedicated to the memory of Quorthon Seth (1966-2004) for endless inspiration".
This album was recorded in December 2005 at Cyberstudio, Katowice.
The previous reviewer wrote a very descriptive review, so I'll merely touch upon things I differ with, as well as give a general overview.
First, almost every Polish band is known for their technical prowess, which often overencompasses actual song composition. This is not the case with Besatt; while still very competent musically, they seem to put more emphasis on song-writing, which is a very welcome plus. All elements of black metal are played well and audibly (nothing overpowers anything else in prowess or prominence). The vocals are very typical, neither too shrill nor too gutteral, and display a modicum of variety from time to time. I found the production to be a bit dull, though rich enough to give a "warm" sound; in other words, this isn't super-trebly or crunchy, though it is by no means muddy. It has punch, but perhaps lacks in all-out attack.
Second, the overall atmosphere of "Black Mass" is VERY run-of-the-mill black metal, with the classic-style cover, the dopey pseudonyms, and the unconvincing band-member photos(looks like at least one member had recently gotten out of the military; bristly shaved heads don't go very well with corpse paint!)---I must point out that more recent photos are less drippy looking. The lyrics/themes are all pretty satisfying, with no really ludicrous "see how EVIL we are" posturings, just centering on morbidity, death, and Ol' Nicky Satan. Many bands are less convincing, whereas many are more. Besatt remains in the middle.
Third, the songs themselves: there is a good variety on here. Many serviceable riffs can be heard, and even one or two memorable ones. The song structures never really get too boring, though there are a few tedious passages to be heard. I also heard a couple of unexpected rhythm/tempo changes incorporated that I appreciated as novel. This is not a mono-dimensional blast-fest, nor a drudging funeral dirge of an album. There is also the SEEMINGLY out-of-place departure from the rest of the album's sound, "Son of Pure Viking Blood", which listeners should immediately recognize as what it is stated as inside the booklet, even without reading the statement:"is eternally dedicated to the memory of Quorthon Seth(1966-2004) for endless inspiration". It is, whether or not it is congruous with the rest of the album, an OBVIOUS homage to Viking-era Bathory, and Fulminens's vocals fairly duplicate the non-stellar "clean" vocals that Quorthon performed. One immediately thinks "huh, Bathory!" upon hearing even the rippling water that prefaces the actual song. It doesn't really seem to fit within the album, but isn't at all "bad"; and is a noble gesture toward a fallen Master that deserves all the praise he can get.
All in all, "Black Mass" IS an extremely competent black metal album. It is NOT: nekro, boring, under-produced, lightning fast, symphonic, filthy, over-produced, sloppy, original, progressive, primitive, black 'n roll, or overly memorable. Besatt have it within them to make a more memorable release, and let's hope they do it!
Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
