Striborg
Mysterious Semblance ()
Wydane przez Displeased RecordsRok wydania Kraj AustraliaNapisał Wouter7
Originally released in 2004 on tape through Total Holocaust Records and limited to 500 copies "Mysterious Semblance" was later released on Striborg's own Finsternis Productions with two bonus tracks. The record itself is comprised of Striborg's typical misanthropic minimal lo-fi forest black metal, complete with nonexistent production job and lengthy instrumental synthesizer pieces. It is those atmospheric interludes that take the forefront on "Mysterious Semblance", which is a good thing by all means. The riffing is fairly one-dimensional and repetitive adding to the hallucinotic and harrowing effect Striborg aims for. Compared to the band's earlier releases the drumming has improved in leaps and bounds. As noted the production is absolutely minimal, grating and horrible to say the least. The guitar tone is nothing but distant fuzz, the bass is surprisingly audible yet the vocals sound weird, almost as if they were treated in the studio afterward. The drum sound is however good, very much reminiscent of Enthroned's "Regie Sathanas" EP. As with any Striborg release this is very much a "love it or hate it" affair and this record is no different. Displeased Records has once again done an admirable job unearthing these out-of-print recordings and re-releasing them with new, improved artwork and packaging. Fans of Xasthur, Mütiilation and Ildjarn will find much to like here.
www.displeasedrecords.com
