Limited Edition Digipak Cd with 12 page booklet.
Reissue of the second full length album by the British band Hecate Enthroned. Amazing, powerful Symphonic/Melodic Black Metal
Official reissue of the 1998 sophomore album from UK Symphonic Black Metal band Hecate Enthroned. "Dark Requiems... and Unsilent Massacre" is a dark, majestic journey into symphonic fury and gothic atmospheres. Limited Digipak Cd edition with 12 page booklet.
Nowadays, the genre of symphonic black metal is often viewed with scorn and derision,. However, if one can look past the mediocrity of post 90's material by bands such as Cradle of Filth and Dimmu Borgir, one will realize that this genre is capable of producing dark and atmospheric works of greatness. One album that definitely brings out the best that symphonic black has to offer is Dark Requiems...and Unsilent Massacre by Hecate Enthroned. It's almost tragic how such a perfect album could also be so underrated and unrecognized throughout the black metal scene.
One of Dark Requiems' strongest characteristics is its perfect symmetry between the riffs and the symphonic elements. Both aspects are of the highest caliber, and both play a strong role in the music. The riffs do not stray into failed attempts to be catchy or groovy; there are no Iron Maiden solos to be found here. Instead, fast and heavy black metal riffs maintain a menacingly dark vibe throughout the album, and assist the synths effortlessly in establishing a haunting atmosphere that is up to par with the likes of Nightside Eclipse.
The drumming and vocals on this album are just as outstanding as the riffs and synths. The drumming delivers some of the most pounding, kick ass blast beats ever to grace a black metal album. As far as the vocals go, yes, it is true that they sound very similar to Dani Filth's vocals on early COF albums. However, they are of a higher quality, and are executed far more effectively. The high pitched shrieks are downright evil and cold, and the occasional low pitched vocals are very creepy, and complement the shrieks perfectly. In short, the vocals are some of the most wicked vocals in the genre.
Any black metal fan who doesn't own this album is missing out on a true masterpiece. Once you hear this, I assure you that you will wonder how your collection was deprived of it for so long.
Sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byyA_tKQ400
