Band: Abruptum Album: Evil Genius Label: Black Lodge Rating: 7.5/10 Website: - BUY NOW!

This is a re-release of the "Evil Genius" that originally came out around '95, but now includes the bonus track "De Profundis Mors Vas Cousumet". "Evil Genius" consists of the bands very early recordings. Included are the "Hextum Galæm Zeloq" and "The Satanist Tunes" Demo's as well as the "Evil" 7" E.P. Of all the terms I could use to describe Abruptum, I think Euronymous hit the nail on the head when he said, "Abruptum is the audial essence of Pure Black Evil". It is also said that former member Ext was so afraid at what was lurking behind the scenes, he promptly quit the band and joined the nearest church. The album runs in chronological order, starting with "Hextum Galæm Zeloq" and finishing with the "Evil" E.P., and despite the whole album being an unnerving listen, it does get slightly easier to bear towards the end where we approach the more classic Abruptum sound. We've all heard of the alleged self-mutilation that went on whilst recording this resulting in probably the most inhuman groans and wails I've ever heard. I'm not sure whether it actually happened or not, but whatever they did, they have produced some of the most evil and unsettling music ever to be recorded. No melody whatsoever, very little song structures and some of the the most evil and eerie atmospheres I've ever come across. The term Lo-Fi is somewhat of an understatement on here. Included is a very interesting booklet with notes by founding member IT, providing an insight into Abruptum, the meaning behind it all and what exactly was going through his head at the time. This sort of music is most effective enjoyed (and I use the term "enjoyed" very lightly here) on your own and in the dark. Chris Rogers Back to Reviews