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KARLOFF "Revered By Death"
KARLOFF "Revered By Death"
By Dr. Abner Mality
Pretty sure I've run into this German creep cabal before. You can certainly get on my good side by naming your band after the King of Horror!
And horror vibes are what KARLOFF is all about. I think these guys got started as a MISFITS style horrorpunk band, but they've mutated and added new influences to that basic style. As much as I love ghoul bands, this is an uneven record that fails to leave a lasting impression. "A Pessimistic Soaring" centers around a sludgy groove that's pretty basic stuff, although the heaviness is not in doubt. "Die Wiederkehr der Dunkelei" has some black metal touches and almost CELTIC FROST riffing...good stuff. "When the Flames Devour You All" is slow and plodding, trying for an ominous vibe but lacking excitement. KARLOFF then really drops the ball with a long and extremely boring ambient/Hammer horror soundscape "On Weathered Altar" that does nothing but waste four minutes and kill momentum.
"Prince of Parasites" is nothing too exciting, but "Regicide" is the pick of the album with its powerful riffing and memorable vocal hooks. Things wrap up with the above average "Crown Cult Fate" and the long, uneventful "Elisabetha's Revenge".
As the last scream fades in the distance, one wishes KARLOFF tried for more drama and energy. "Revered by Death" is not terrible but not terribly interesting, either.
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