CoC : Blakk Market - Hateful Affection : Review

Blakk Market - _Hateful Affection_
by: Quentin Kalis (3 out of 5)

This is easily the shortest demo I've ever reviewed, with a playing time that barely staggers past the 10:30 mark! (They do make use of the space provided to incorporate a multimedia section.) I would never have expected this band to have originated from Brazil -- given the similarities with In Flames and Shadows Fall, I would have guessed their homeland to be much further north. "Twisted Broadcast" opens the demo and is easily the weaker of the two songs. It borders on the repetitive, with insufficient variety to sustain the average listener's attention. Although neither of the songs go above mid-paced, this one was just crying out for a change in tempo. "The Wheel Keeps Turning" is markedly better; apart from a bit more variety, it is noticeably more melodic and thus more interesting. Both songs possess excellent production for a demo -- and better than many of the more underground acts on smaller labels. The band are clearly competent with their instruments and the production is excellent for a demo -- Blakk Market are miles ahead of "basement black metal". However, _Hateful Affection_ -- more so than many other demos -- indicates a band with potential rather than fulfilling it.

Contact: http://www.blakkmarket.com.br

(article published 2/4/2005)