### Aura Noir: Deep tracts of hell

#### 20/05/08 || Kampfar

Released: 1998

Introduction: I’m currently in the midst of watching an extensive documentary covering what we (read: BBC) know about the ocean, namely tapping in on their brilliant “The Blue Planet” series. All for free. While immersed a friend of me commented that it looked like hell living in the deep. I agreed, still do, looks very shitty indeed – though of course fascinating to witness, but what’s important is that his mention gave me a notion to review this here fine, fine disc of black thrash attack.

Songwriting: 9,5. I would need a hefty weapon and lots of ammunition to keep the truth hidden if claiming my knowledge in black metal to be vast as the Pacific Ocean, an even bigger regarding thrash, but my ears are fucking reliant, still, so do pay attention.

“Deep tracts of hell” is without weaklings, whatsoever, not good for seconds at most, never near manure territory, and, just as important, it doesn’t fiddle about with mediocrity. All songs are mended in likewise molds but the tempo varies, keeping, with great help from factors yet to be elaborated upon, staleness and boredom so far away you’d need Hubble v2 to discover any trace. As you can see from the score, it lacking half a point, I already got it. Keyline: variety within context I don’t know for a fact, but nonetheless assume (great) parts of the vibrant and ever hungry feel captured herein, a lower dimension of hell, was due to Apollyon and Aggressor switching instruments, different approaches alone steering their effort clear of the Medocroitian tide. This coupled with talent, of course. And by the sound of it, as reflected by the score, perhaps more idiots should try fucking around like this? Then again, I’m sure a lack of talent can’t be compensated by this alone, so most musicians (read:bands) should consider quitting altogether instead.

Production: 9,5. Gritty, in your face and fucking dirty, but, most importantly, ever fitting to the endeavors of the musicians; as this is not a static production, courtesy of a bunch of cuntheads.

Guitars: 9. Can you spell beehive? If not, do thank me for helping out. Retards aside, this is a creative hive, infuriated and full of bile, not honey, its excellence churning and exploding into your ear channels, triggering a near mental orgasm if you are very grim and got hell written all over you.

Vocals: 9,5. Excellent sneers all the way, supplying a coveted dimension oh so many, would say most, bands are devoid of. I wouldn’t be surprised if both performers experienced headaches as a result of their committed performance, not to forget their bleeding throats.

Bass: 7. I should probably have scored this instrument 1 point lower, it’s not like I’m able to pick out its lines, but due to the album being so fucking good, with bottom and all, I vehemently refuse to do so. Yeah, I’m a hero, as you can’t take the hero out of heroine

Drums: 9. Again, a joint effort, and also again, excellent at it, as this album is through and through a showcase of how to nail your black/thrash.

Dealing this much praise has made me a bit dizzy, so to avoid fainting like an emo does when seeing blood, I will sum the drum job(s) up: energetic, robust and so very present, though never overly so.

Lyrics: 9. Yeah, Satanism is very, very retarded, plainly childish even, like humanity itself, me insanely included. So kudos to Aura Noir for somehow not sounding cheesy and idiotic while singing about Satan, hell and all that, most likely, utter nonsense.

Cover art: 8. I’ve spent way too many years of my life trotting industrial sites, and, from the experience gathered working as a scaffolder, for 3 years, I can very much confirm it to be a depressing way of earning ones livelihood, hellish even.

I’m not able to pinpoint what object is depicted but it sure is man-made and part of something industrial; and, as your eyes most likely already told you, it’s presented in a very green fashion.

Logo: 7. Plain and simple, easy to read .

Booklet: ?. I’m a sloth and will probably be reborn as translucent shrimp. Yep, the booklet, in fact the whole shebang, is long gone.

Overall and end ranting: 9,5. If you are in for a visceral attack of extreme metal with enough dirt to infect wounds, then you better start downloading already. But you, please consider buying it if you really like it; you know, I’ve heard rumors saying that Aggressor wants a new, turbo-charged wheelchair. Let’s hope this excellent musician still got some albums left to do.