The German one-man black metal outfit named Suffering Souls unleashed this eleven-track compilation via Schwarzdorn Production a few days ago and the cursed thing consists of mastermind Lord Esgaroth’s demo offerings from 1998-2000 as well as a previously unreleased tune from 1996 and an exclusive (and utterly dreadful) live track.

Musically and stylistically speaking, these compositions are as raw as a bleeding wound and will transport you back to the mid-to-late nineties black metal scene – both in terms of their vibe and presentation – and their symphonic undertones also recall those blackened days of old.

One cannot deny that there is a sense of passion and emotional charge to the song material here, but the majority of tunes lack staying power and haunting qualities. Many of them appear one-dimensional and rather predictable. Having said that, a number of wicked ideas and strong melodies do present themselves now and again; pieces ala the impenetrably dark ”Queen of the Night” the wildly intense ”Cries of Silence”, the majestic-sounding ”I’m the Essence of Sin”, and the borderline frantic “The Throne Unite Dimensions” do offer something worthwhile and interesting, but for the most part this lo-fi collection merely comes across as a good overview and summary of Suffering Souls’ early years rather than superb song material as such. Simply put, this one is neither an essential listen nor a memorable output as such, but if you are a huge fan of harsh underground black metal from the days of old then this might be right up your alley. Just a tad too forgettable in the overall perspective, really.

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