Bal Sagoth

Self proclaimed Barbarian Metal kings with that rare trait of having a totally unique sound. The bands debut album on Cacophonous Records 'A Black Moon Broods over Lemuria' was released in 1995 and displays the band writhing in rampant energy and pagan barbarism. The following year 'Starfire Burning' was released and with this album the band had formulated the extravagant keyboard orchestration that has distinguished their style to this day. With even more bombastic and epic albums to follow, Battle Magic [the last to be released on Cacophonous] and the more astral lyrically bound 'The Power Cosmic' [on current label Nuclear Blast] the band have since released the equally over the top 'Atlantis Ascendant' opus. The track featured here is 'Dreaming of Atlantean Spires' from the debut album and such is the genius of song craft and overwhelming passion set into the arrangements one can only admire the uniqueness of the band.
The current line up is: Byron [vocals], Johny Maulding [keyboards], Chris Maulding [lead guitar], Dave Makintosh [drums] and Mark Greenwall [bass].

Bal Sagoth byronroberts@lycosmail.com  | www.bal-sagoth.co.uk

Discography
A Full Moon Broods Over Lemuris 1994
Starfire Burning 1996
Battle Magic 1998
Power Cosmic 1999
Atlantis Ascendant 2001

December Moon

Formed in 1992 by the oddly named Was [ Blood Divine] and Rob [Cradle of Filth]. The band were to release a demo but Finnish label Spinefarm were eager to sign the band from which the album 'Source of Origin' appeared in '96. The raw guitar and desolate atmosphere created by the duo oozed everything Norwegian, which was at the time synonymous with the very soul of Black Metal. As individuals the band members were only creating a Black Metal sound and never projected a Black Metal image of corpse painted lunatics wielding home made axes. The sue of snarling and shrill vocals added to the many moods captured on the album of which a track appears on this compilation. 
December Moon www.spinefarm.fi  | Info@spinefarm.fi 

Ewigkeit

Like Bal Sagoth and Enslaved, Ewigkiet were never blatantly Satanic but musically evolved from the Black Metal sewers. The one man project which is Mr Fog, formed Ewigkiet in 1995 and after harnessing a unique musical style focused on heavy use of keyboards released the 'Dwellers on the Threshold' demo in '96. On the strength of this tape Neat Records signed the band and the debut album 'Battle Furies' appeared in 1997. The more refined use of melody and atmosphere gives the Ewigkiet sound a more polished edge as opposed to the ragged and harsher styles exhibited from the majority of bands in the scene. The second album 'Starscape' released in '99 was a darker and more experimental affair. The previous pagan influences now replaced with cosmic agencies and electronic over lays. At present the band has drifted into more subtle plains with an emphasis on stoned rhythms and a far more relaxed and spiritual set of songs. 

The track featured here is a re-recorded version of 'Wonder of the Cosmos' first aired on the 'Battle Furies' Album.
Ewigkeit ewigkeit@freezone.co.uk  | www.mrfog.com 
8 Newport Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 3HL, England