Arcturus (NOR) – La Masquerade Infernale LP
€32.88
Black Metal
On their sophomore full-length “La Masquerade Infernale” (1997), ARCTURUS took their musical experimenting three ambitious steps further. The Norwegians succeeded in wedding a devilish concept loosely based on the characters of Faust and Mephistopheles with an eclectic range of surreal sound elements into an album that is rightfully considered a prime example of what later came to be known as avant-garde metal. From quoting Edgar Allan Poe in operatic paraphrases by frontman Garm (ULVER) or the additional high notes from the unmistakable I.C.S. Vortex (BORKNAGAR) via the spaced-out electronic samples, classical instrumentation, and an even increased use of psychedelic guitar riffage alongside more “traditional” black and death metal elements. Brilliant guitarist Knut Magne Valle replaced Carl August Tideman, which brought stability to this position of the band’s line-up. ARCTURUS aimed dangerously high with “La Masquerade Infernale” – but remarkably pulled off the extremely difficult feat of forging such widely differing elements into a wildly fascinating, over the top listening experience that has stood the test of time and surely deserves to be labelled a “masterpiece”.
Gatefold LP (black vinyl) incl. poster, padded inner sleeve and protection sleeve.
| Weight | 0.5 kg |
|---|
Brand
Prophecy
Related Products
In stock
Experimental Black Metal
The early nineties Norwegian black metal demo “Those who caress the pale” (originally released 1994 on cassette format) has had a cult status for many years. After a few re-issues in the distant past now is the time to honor this pioneering material by making it available again on cd and vinyl including bonus tracks and liner notes by all 3 members!
In stock
Black Metal
The awaited return of the United States Raw Black Metal entity VAMPIRSKA is spearheaded by the unveiling of “Torturous Omens of Blood and Candlewax” re-issued for the first time by INFERNA PROFUNDUS RECORDS.
“Torturous Omens of Blood and Candlewax” is the debut LP of Raw Black Metal entity VAMPIRSKA, who has established itself as a titan among the scene of this Lo-Fi and enchanting style of black metal. Originally released in Autumn 2020, “Torturous Omens of Blood and Candlewax” pushed VAMPIRSKA into the eyes of many after a large release on CS, CD and LP format. Six tracks with a consistent blend of furious, depressive, and elegant melodies carried into existence with punishing drumming.
In stock
Black Metal
2022 version released by Darker than Black, new layout and gatefold.
In stock
Black Metal
2022 version by Darker than Black, new layout.
In stock
Black Metal
Building upon that grand fortress is a four-song/22-minute mini-album likewise truly titled: The Oath of the Black Wolf. Here, ORGREL have gone a-hunting, their ’90s black metal classicism stalking and striking with a hunger only hinted at previously. Still, fueled by this fire they may be, the Italians across this mini manage to maximize their epic side, with the predecessor’s flat-yet-full soundfield now becoming slightly more chromatic in the process. Lead lines portend dark truths, ever building in tension and then grandeur, but the record’s swift-yet-satisfying runtime reveals the darkest, most intrinsic truth: black metal doesn’t need to “become” anything when it already IS. Hail The Oath of the Black Wolf!
In stock
Black Metal
Consisting of the entirety of this band’s output to present this two track demo is a scathing opening manifesto in metal ferocity. Each track sprawls itself out into movements that span various metal styles seamlessly. Without feeling like separate tracks the opening tracks “Seeking Our Monolith in the Night” defies tempo and characteristic limitations while creating a luminous meditative twenty minute opus. As if that wasn’t quite enough “At Last, the Moongate” closes the release by exploring these auditory realms even further and brings in other elements to round out the release in an even further hypnotic fashion. Enveloping, engaging, and slightly terrifying.
This mysterious band released this album originally on tape in 2018 and have remained silence since. They’ve been likened to Sanguine Eagle and Paysage d’Hiver, though such statements don’t do this justice. Avoid to your own detriment.
Edition of 150 on black vinyl
In stock
Black Metal
The first full-length from 2017 available again on LP
In stock
Black Metal
RUTTOKOSMOS are one of the great “what if?”s of Finnish black metal. The band formed sometime in 2003 and released the five-song Ja minä näin kuoleman demo in 2006 and then the six-song Kärsimys demo a year later. Afterward, nothing was heard from RUTTOKOSMOS ever again. Only one member concurrently played in Divina Inferis, and the other two members either disappeared and played pseudonymously in other bands.
In stock
Black Metal
Alias for Finnish black metal band Beherit.
The 1991 EP available again on LP.
In stock