Sludgelord Review

By: Dominic Walsh
April 30th 2013

VON - Dark Gods: Seven Billion Slaves Album Review

Dark Gods is only VON’s second, official, full length album. Their previous discography is a collection of live albums/tracks, demos and EP’s dating back to the late ‘80’s. All of these recordings harnessed a cult following in the black metal world. The catalyst for the band beginning to record more prolifically after they reformed, was a one off show in 2010.The latest long player opens up with the ominously titled “They Have Come.” This is essentially an album introduction which sets the tone for the album and the darkness that waits. As the track fades, “Ancient Flesh of the Dark Gods" follows. This is a ten minute onslaught of hellish proportions. The same, slower tempo of the introduction is upheld before some of the most guttural vocals I have ever experienced are unleashed. The track moves along at a very doomy pace. Slow drums that fail to resemble a recognizable beat at some points are backed with a repetitive guitar sound. Around the mid point of this opening, the band flexes their black metal muscles. The same repetitive guitar sound is retained; however the blast beat drums completely dominate the sound. This is an unbelievably good track.

As Dark Gods progresses, the album flits between traditional black metal and a more doom style (see: Hands of Black Death, RawRot) however the title track and “MONSTER!" are as black as it can get. The vocals sound alien like and yet again the drums are punishing. "MONSTER!" is completely unrelenting aside from a couple of ‘breathers’ during its 5 minute duration. "DevilWhore" has no such breaks in it. This is a track that is ferocious and pummeling throughout.

The aforementioned “RawRot" is a monster of a track. I imagine that if getting smashed in the face with a set of knuckle dusters, this should be the sound track to it. From the mid point of the track to the end, the hypnotic guitars and hammering drums are bludgeoning and savage.

Album closer, “Black Eyes" is a slower and calmer affair, however the haunting and sometimes depraved mood is still prevalent. The album fades out to hushed piano tones that just let you take stock of the assault that your ears have just taken (should you listen to the album!)

Overall, the album is a triumph. It is relentlessly heavy and demands your attention through its ferocity. Dark Gods is music for a dark, dark room. Be warned!

(Source: thesludgelord.blogspot.com)

VON - Dark Gods: Seven Billion Slaves (Open Edition) (Digital Album)

vVurMzflessshhh Publishing

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Cat/Sku#: VR D0009 Artist: VON Title: Dark Gods: Seven Billion Slaves (Open Edition) (Digital Album) Volume: Dark Gods Vol.I Audio Format: Digital Publisher/Distributor: Von Records (USA) Digital Release Date: 2013 Read more

1

They Have Come (Digital Edition) 3:23

0:00/3:23
2

Ancient Flesh of The Dark Gods Feat. D & C (Coffinworm) (Digital Edition) 10:09

0:00/10:09
3

Hands of Black Death (Digital Edition) 6:14

0:00/6:14
4

Dark Gods (Digital Edition) 2:59

0:00/2:59
5

MONSTER! (Digital Edition) 5:32

0:00/5:32
6

RawRot (Digital Edition) 7:40

0:00/7:40
7

DevilWhore (Digital Edition) 6:02

0:00/6:02
8

iAmInHuman (Digital Edition) 6:03

0:00/6:03
9

Black Eyes (Digital Edition) 6:07

0:00/6:07

vvurmzflessshhh publishing

VON - Dark Gods: Seven Billion Slaves (Open Edition) (Digital Album)

vVurMzflessshhh Publishing