Ivan Tibos.

For many years, the scene from Quebec, Canada, is blooming and shining (un)bright.

When same-minded spirits, mutually-thinking brains sort of unphysically gather…

…nope, that’s not the opening sentence I am searching for. This time, it’s quite difficult for me to start this review, because, you know, I want to do more than just expressing my appreciation for this new recording, as well as for the artist behind it. I want to have the aural effort being ‘structured’ in an embodiment of respect, gratitude, recognition and comprehension, with the creator being granted for both his expressive kindness and sonic craftsmanship…

Quite a ‘huge’ name within the Finnish Black Metal scene is Perttu Pakkanen, also acting under monikers like P. E. Packain or Vainaya, and others. The list of excellent and magnificent projects he is, or was, involved with, includes no less than acts like Sargeist, Horna, Vitsaus, Cornigr or Theriomorph, as well as one of my most beloved combos from the last decade, mighty Adaestuo.

There are several reasons why one must appreciate this given: the dedicated human being behind the label / these anthologies, the stunning releases offered by the whole USG-family, the possibility to ‘explore’ known and unknown musical territories, you know… This newest compilation / anthology just follows that adorable trend as part of the Sound Mapping Project…

This review deals with a re-issued release, so I will mainly copy-paste my initial thoughts (laziness, I guess), written down a year ago, with some small adaptations and additions here and there.

The Providence, Rhode Island based (Dark Ambient) label Slithering Black Records collects numerous known and lesser known acts that do fit into a certain hiatus; a hiatus once risen after the sad passing of the mighty CMI organization.

Thank you, dearest muse, for this after-birthday present! I adore you... -) BURZUM: 'Thulêan Mysteries' limited special edition vinyl 2-LP-) LUSTRE: 'A Glimpse Of Glory' LP-) ABHOR: 'Vehementia' digipack-CD-) WARDRUNA: 'Skald' CD-) HEILUNG: 'Drif' limited special edition vinyl-) ENDE: 'Whispers Of A Dying Earth' CD

I knew the name Archaic from the strange yet intriguing recording 116 Mycelio Tronics EP, available via Electric Music Foundation, yet apparently this duo did release another recording shortly after that EP, i.e. Into The Void. Seen the specific sonic output, it is not that strange at all that this full album got released via ZeroK, an experimental label within the permanently growing USG family.

Welcome to nekrotronic nightmare and terror of your pathetic artificial illusion of life!

The legendary sword of Turin Turambar strikes again!