KV split review - Asgard Root Magazine

This, the inaugural release on Temple of Torturous is something of a lost gem. Initially released back in 2006 on a very limited vinyl pressing on Ashen Productions, Blitzkrieg Productions and Raging Bloodlust, here we have a rather special split release of two underground black metal bands from Germany. The track listing is extended here by two tracks (one per band) and is highly recommended by me. The first band, Kältetod (Colddeath in English) would undoubtedly be classified by some (disparagingly) as depressive black metal, but to me they are much more. Incorporatinginfluences as disparate as Horna, Black Witchery and Godspeed You Black Emperor  (whether they know of the latter or not – listen to Without Mortal Agony  and you’ll get my reference) I was mightily impressed by the three lengthy tracks on offer hear and was soon lost in a world inspired in equal measures by the striking grey artwork and the hypnotic, atmospheric black metal oozing from my Mordaunt-Short speakers. Veineliis, from Brandenburg blast like a cross between Veles in the epoch of their Mussorgsky-inspired A Night on the Bare Mountain and the harsh, emotional tones of some of the Pest bands - most notably Be Persecuted and Dark Fount. Their part of this fascinating split includes 5 tracks, less lengthy than those of their counterparts but equally enthralling. One for cold frosty, nature walks – preferably through blizzard winds!!!!!!!