Strid - End of Life/Strid

Before depressive black metal became about taking your promo pictures with slit wrists and making your vocals sound like a crying owl there was Strid. From the vast snow covered lands of Norway Strid are often considered the first "depressive" black metal band, using simple guitar playing and audible bass melodies Strid were able to create somber and superb black metal. In this download you will get the 2 song self titled Strid EP and the one song End of Life Demo. Although both releases are slightly different in style they both convey the same emotions quite effectively.

1. Det Hviskes Blant Sorte Vinder
2. Nattevandring
3. End of Life

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Jaaportit - Kauan Koskematon

Jaaportit are one of the best little known ambient bands out there. Hailing from Finland Jaaportit's music is wonderful ambient music that gives off the exact kind of wintery atmosphere shown on the cover. Built on synths that don't sound cheesy or terribly fake in the least Kauan Koskematon is a collection of wonderful ambient songs constructed simply but masterfully by one man. Kauan Koskematon doesn't have any lame wind noises or high ammounts of sampleing in order to become a wonderful ambient release, just the nice synth soundscapes.

1. Askeleet valottomuuteen
2. Kauan koskematon
3. Unohdetut lumouksen unelmat
4. Kauas
5. Tulensinisen hohto
6. Talvenkaltainen
7. Hänen jäätävä katseensa
8. Kohtalon sinetti

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Death in June - Rose Clouds of Holocaust

Death in June despite all their controversy and silliness have essentially become the premier neofolk band. And it's not hard to see why. Death in June's music is simply put, beautiful. Usually never consisting of more than a handful of acoustic guitar chords each and every Death in June song manages to captivate the listener with pure emotion. Often enhanced by stunning string synths and other instruments Rose Clouds of Holocaust is a wonderful album that manages to be digestable without sacrificing beauty or individuality. This album is simply for anyone who likes simple yet magnificent music, the title track will without doubt send shivers down your spine.

1. Lord Winter
2. God's Golden Sperm
3. This Omen Filled Season
4. Symbols of the Sun
5. Jerusalem the Black
6. Luthers Army
7. 13 Years of Carrion
8. The Accidental Protege
9. Rose Clouds of Holocaust
10. Lifebooks

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Carpathian Forest - Journey Through the Cold Moors of Svarttjern

Alright let's face it, everyone knows that Carpathian Forest suck. But what everyone may not know is that they have in fact released something worthwhile, yes this one little demo is the single best and only good thing Carpathian Forest have released. This demo is not like their new stuff at all, it focuses much more on creating a somber black metal atmosphere with well placed keyboards and excellent instrumentation. Nattefrost's vocals actually sound good on this release, and nothing like later Carpathian Forest. Overall this is a definite must for black metal fans, and although it may only be 3 songs long it is most definitely worth hearing.

1. Journey Through the Cold Moors of Svarttjern
2. The Eclipse/The Raven
3. The Last Sigh of Nostalgia


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Raison d'Etre - Requiem for Abandoned Souls

For me Raison d'Etre are the peak dark ambient act, Peter Anderson uses so many interesting elements within his music. From gorgeous Gregorian chanting to organic and lush sounding synthesizers Requiem for Abandoned Souls proves to be one of the highest achievments in the dark ambient world. Overall Requiem for Abandoned Souls manages to stay captivating throughout, not exactly music to listen to on a jog but perfect for just sitting alone in the dark on a high volume. Highly recommended for anyone looking for some ambiance.

1. In Abandoned Places
2. The Shadow of the Soul
3. Disintegrates from Within
4. Towards Desolation
5. Becoming the Void of Nothingness

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