(Metal Coven) Total Time: 15:02
This is a new (vinyl only) split single by Finnish doomsters REVEREND BIZARRE and German epic metalers RITUAL STEEL. Releases such as limited split singles often give bands the opportunity to experiment, or in general try something different that they would not easily include in their “official” albums. This 7” is one of those cases as both bands deviate from their usual metal style. The song that REVEREND BIZARRE contribute is called “Blood On Satan’s Claw” and those of you that expect a pure ultra doom composition based on their very impressive 2002 debut “In the Rectory of…” will be surprised. In “Blood On Satan’s Claw” REVEREND BIZARRE decide to shift gear and increase their usual riffing speed, thus offering as a early 80’s heavy metal composition. The result a slightly doomier version of “Melissa” period MERCYFUL FATE. In fact, this song is a tribute to MERCYFUL FATE as the similarities are not confined to the music. Vocalist/bassist Magister Albert does a King Diamond imitation (as well as he can) and the lyrical content of the song is also in total accordance with that of early MERCYFUL FATE. Keeping in mind that “Blood On Satan’s Claw” is in essence a tribute song, the result is very successful as the composition is great, the band manages to recreate a haunting early 80’s atmosphere, and the 8:26 minutes of its duration are very pleasant ones. On the other hand, RITUAL STEEL go in the opposite direction and reduce a lot their normal tempos. Thus, instead of the expected up-tempo metal composition they offer us a very interesting doom metal song titled “Death in Spring”. The only things that link this song with the usual RITUAL STEEL compositions are the stereotyped and unimaginative epic lyrics and the power metal style vocals. However, “Death in Spring” was a pleasant surprise for me as, to be honest, I like it much more than their usual stuff, which I consider mediocre. The production in both songs is average, but this adds to the raw 80’s feeling of the release and the same goes for the cover artwork. Those of you who are interested in buying this split 7” are advised to hurry as it is limited to only 525 copies worldwide.
