CoC : Teutoburg Forest - Anti-Subhuman Scum / Chao ab Ordo / Cult of the Individual : Review

Teutoburg Forest - _Anti-Subhuman Scum_ / _Chao ab Ordo_ / _Cult of the Individual_
by: Quentin Kalis (3 out of 5)

Donn, the mastermind behind Teutoburg Forest, has released three demos simultaneously, the sole unorthodox aspect of this triad of primal black metal. The demos do not differ from each other in any significant respect, all containing a mix of mid to up-tempo songs of a constant calibre. All genre checkpoints can be ticked off, such as abrasive production, rudimentary drumming, simplistic riffs and straightforward arrangements, as well as extra-musical conventions such as the monotone covers and illegible logo. The vocal style sounds as if it has been slightly manipulated and is a tad deeper than the norm, barring occasional ear-piercing shrieks. The overall sound is Nordic, although atmosphere has been sacrificed for cacophony.

The demo trio make for an acceptable listen, but their adherence to black metal conventions and an overly abrasive approach renders them just another blip on the black metal underground radar. Black metal does not need another Aborym or Arcturus, but they could nudge the genre's narrow perimeters instead of treating the limits as an electric fence that should be stayed away from.

Contact: http://www.myspace.com/teutoburgforest

(article published 8/1/2009)