Skaldic Curse

World Suicide Machine

Karisma/Dark Essence Records 2009

With Skaldic Curse England has laid claim to their rightful place amongst other experimental and breathtaking black metal bands.  Pest Against Pest begins with an almost Enslaved feel to it though without the Viking rhetoric and accompanying musical connotations that comparison might imply.  Strange textures caught somewhere between Voivod and Ved Buens Ende with feverish drumming patterns.  Voivod-esque quirkiness continues to surface on the title-track as the guitars transform from stunning beauty to blasting black metal coldness.  High intensity leads contrast with dreamlike and calm passages.  Whereas on Worm we are treated initially to some Katatonia inspired rhythmic sorrow though eventually these impressions are absorbed by speedier flames of searing violence.  Heavier and aggressive Mayhem-like black metal chords and disharmonic riffs spray out of the acidic ooze that is Genocide Storm.  Even Woundz' vocals take on a more Attila styled approach as his throat becomes deeper and more demented.  The song warps itself and picks and authoritative groove as the drums pound like bricks to the listener's skull.  Invoking Mal-being finishes the album on a somewhat   Slumbering bass guitar lines linger as a backdrop for shimmering and bitter guitar notes.  Strange distorted riffs erupt like the bastard brood of DHG and Mayhem before slicing at full speed like the scythes of a thousand grim reapers.  Skaldic Curse create a subconscious world of nightmarish proportions.  World Suicide Machine is dark, scathing, and violent yet somehow the music also transcends these roots for a pensive and dreamlike quality.  This album is highly recommended for all lovers of terrifying and creative music.