So, Countess, you have returned. And the rite can begin...
I really don't like much black metal. You see, kids, when (Norwegian [i.e. 2nd generation]) black metal started it was about bringing metal back to a time of rawness, spikes, leather and total over-the-topness that existed in metal in the early 80's. I had already been exposed to Bathory, Venom and Hellhammer among others. By the early 90's thrash was waning and death metal was becoming "normal". Black metal was a breath of fresh air in this quagmire and that's how I discovered it.
In the last 10 years, this has changed. Now, every black metal band just rips off Burzum or Darkthrone while occasionally adding some "progressive" elements so they can claim they are "pushing boundaries". That is clear bullshit to anyone with brain who chooses to look. Countess is an example of stalwart and cantankerous integrity as well as an ability to adopt and add different ideas and yet still remain true to a complete vision
"Ancient lies..." is Countess at its most epic and its most influenced by Early American metal. Oh, the Manilla Road and Manowar influences were there hiding underneath the pallid demon voice and the raw as hell production. All of that is still there. The production is earthy and still raw. Orlok shrieks with wild abandon over the proceedings. But this is the most METAL record Countess has ever released. Every track drips with heavy metal goodness and headbanging glory! This is heavy metal influenced by Manilla Road, early Manowar and Bathory!
If you didn't like Orlok's voice before, you won't like it now. I personally love it. Every track on here is amazing and this should be a modern classic. Ah, well, I'll just spin it a few thousand times myself! Stand out tracks: By Hammer and Blood, Confessions of a Polytheist and Burn the Throne.
Go check 'em out:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Countess/115228541872165
https://www.facebook.com/BarbarianWrath666
Hey, guys also remember that its distributed by Witches Brew! Go give these labels a look!
http://www.witchesbrewthrashes.eu/
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