February 27, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Black metal has crossed many seas, permeated many cultures and broken down barriers once unheard of in music. This is what makes metal music leaps and bounds above the rest of the musical styles. Aside from opera or classical, it is the only music that can claim total and complete worship by anyone no matter what limitations are in place, be they linguistic or cultural. Brazil has recently become a breeding ground for metal, with everything from thrash to black metal rising from the quiet. Dark Celebration is Brazil’s latest export to wreak havoc on the underground scene.

The band’s third release, Phlegeton: The Transcendence of Demon Lords, is an effort worthy of attention, without a doubt. From the crisp, seemingly flawless production values to an overly-competent band creating some pretty good music, this CD escapes triviality and nestles somewhere between amazing and flawless. While not exactly flawless, the CD is one of the better black metal releases I’ve heard in some time. It’s black/thrash that has moments of prog/thrash inserted oh-so-evenly within. I’m serious in saying this CD should not be missed if you desire true black metal with a thrash background. In fact, one of the flaws it suffers from is the same flaw that Slayer’s Reign in Blood has: it’s too damn short! At just under the half-hour mark, this CD might have been longer, but good things in small packages and all….

“Ocularis Infernum,” “Reversed Creation” and “Infra Dark” are just three of the standouts on this effort. Especially good is the drumming, which provides a seemingly effortless backdrop for some inherently evil music. Fans of Dissection might really enjoy Dark Celebration, for the tunes are built along similar lines of delivery and composition. Void of face-paint (thankfully!) and silly shtick, the band offers itself based solely on its musical prowess, and a fine prowess it is! Vocalist Daniel Goldenberg is one of the better vocalists I’ve heard in a black metal band simply because he’s understandable, talented and can “rasp” properly and without seemingly blowing out his throat on the first track. “Legacy of Fire” especially has a nice clean/rasp delivery in the first stanza that raises an eyebrow upon hearing it. I think Paragon Records hit pay-dirt signing this band - they’re enjoyable and talented and should be brought to more attention spans in the months to come.   

All in all, a superb effort that needs to garner more buzz if for no other reason than to showcase that Brazil is not only on the map, but they’re doing it right when many others have lost the touch or desire to make solid music without compromise. This is one of the prizes in my collection as of late, so make it yours by checking them out soon!

Release Date: July, 2009
Label: Paragon Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Reversed Creation
2.  Sulphur
3.  Ocularis Infernum
4.  Infra Dark
5.  Legacy of Fire
6.  Razors Dance
7.  Souls Harvester Machine

Total playing time: 29:33

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Dark Celebration - Phlegeton: The Transcendence of Demon Lords