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Rating: The year was 1993, and it was the golden era of Norwegian black metal from Bergen. It's also the year that this demo-tape was released (later reissued as a mini-CD), representing its most epic and melodic essence.
Permanently relegated to the role of underground cult band, Hades Almighty produced a brief yet absolute masterpiece of black-doom metal infused with fabulous and inspired acoustic arrangements. The three tracks included settle on rather slow but relentless and atmospheric rhythms. It starts with the solemn "Unholy congregation", introduced by fine classical guitars followed by a maelstrom of roaring riffs and seismic rhythms. Folk-inspired harmonies are supported by the demonic voice of singer Janto, a true highlight of this work.
In my opinion, the next track is the best of their entire brief career. In fact, "Alone walking" reaches the compositional peak of this subgenre (viking-black) with heart-wrenching melancholy, melodies laden with loneliness and blind rage. Acoustic interludes temper its negative charge and make us imagine distant landscapes, towards the solitary and deep fjords of their homeland, Norway.
"Hecate (Queen of Hades)" closes this short work and does not differ from the previous tracks, except for a more up-tempo rhythm section and less epic but dark, typically black riffing. Again, the terrible screams of the singer stand out, alone in his hatred for irretrievably lost traditions (Janto is one of the best screamers ever in the black scene!).
Ultimately, an unmissable demo for worshippers of Nordic black metal, full of references to the eighties (still Bathory from the "Hammerheart" period) but also a pioneer in the inclusion of Scandinavian folk melodies in extreme settings. The production is extremely raw but perfectly suits the proposal of the quartet and aligns with their more famous compatriots like Darkthrone, and Immortal. The curiosity is that the founder of this band turns out to be that Jörn, already famous for having been part of the historic 'Old Funeral' and the first lineup of 'Immortal'.
If you adore true black, make this gem of pure Nordic art yours!
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