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Ceremonial Castings hails from a church in the Battle Grounds of Washington State. Playing a unique breed of Black Metal combining a mix of Symphonic, Death, & Thrash, CC describes their sound as American Deathphonic Black Metal. Ceremonial Castings one day plans to dominate the northwest with their high intensity & cold apocalyptic driven modulations. "All Hail The Bringer Of Death." Metal Cover Review: "Over the past few years, the US black metal scene has absolutely exploded, with bands like Judas Iscariot, Absu, Grand Belial’s Key, Leviathan, Xasthur and countless others bringing their interpretation of the dark art to the scene. While these bands were not a part of the original “explosion†in Norway and Sweden, they have helped push the boundaries of what black metal is or can be, and at times, have produced some really awe-inspiring music. Hailing from the dark northwest, Battle Ground Wa, Ceremonial Castings are no exception. Comprised of band members Lord Serpent and Old Nick, Ceremonial Castings have offered their take on symphonic black metal with their latest release Immortal Black Art, and I must say, without disappointment. Right from the outset, Immortal Black Art pummels the listener with a wall of sound composed of blasting drums, some really great black metal riffing, a synthy atmosphere Lord Serpent’s dual-layered blackened shrieks and death growls. Throughout the album, Ceremonial Castings uses a wicked combination of black metal tremolo picking with a healthy dose of death metal groove and as a big fan of both blackened death and symphonic black metal, I found this blending of the two sub-genres really appealing. Also notable is Old Nick’s keyboard and piano playing. There are some really beautiful piano interludes to be found here and the keyboards are used exceptionally well to create an atmosphere that blends well with the song compositions rather than appearing as a stand-alone component. Boasting some really cool artwork by renowned dark artist Kris Verwimp, Immortal Black Art is a well produced, unrelenting slab of symphonic black metal goodness that any fan of the genre will be able to appreciate. Highly recommended." Bleeding For Metal Review: "Like a boot kick to the head the brutal attack begins with the first note. But the brutality gives way and this CD offers up a variety that never bores with songs tempoed fast and slow, brutal and soft, instrumental, voices, effects, industrial sounds and lyrics that bring forth images. This is most definitely the blackest of metal and one of the finest examples there is. Unbelievably this band hails from the state of Washington…yes, that’s USA. They call their style American Deathphonic Black Metal. Even the production is top rate. While keeping a sense of that muffled quality of early garage made Black Metal, there are palpable layers that are clear to the ear and flow together seamlessly wrapping the music around you like a foggy mist. Recording and production were done at Dark Forest Studios over 6 months by Lord Serpent who also does all vocals (with the perfect snarls and roars dripping evil), guitars and drums. He is joined by Old Nick who supplied all synths and keys (including some breathtaking piano solos). A note: Since this recording the band has added a drummer, Bloodhammer, who is performing at their live outings and will be bringing his talents to their next CD due out, when else but, 6/6/6 haha The cover art is alluring depicting a cloaked goat-headed figure bathed in an eerie blue light and black. The artist credited is Kris Verwimp. I would recommend “Immortal Black Art†to anyone who loves this genre as well as those who are curious about the sound of Black Metal. Every track is great but check out – ‘Propagating the Witch’ for lyrics and great snarled vocals ‘The Miracle of Bleeding’ for overall brutal assault ‘Immortal Black Art’ for Epic Black Metal Classic with killer keyboards ‘Of Warriors Who Gather’ for Symphonic chorus interlude" 10/10 points" Check out the artist's website: http://www.ceremonialcastings.net Track List: 1. Come Forth... Damnation 2. Desecration Of Grace 3. Immortal Black Art 4. Human Slave Infantry 5. Of Warriors Who Gather 6. Reborn Through The Bestial Flame 7. The Miracle Of Bleeding 8. Propagating The Witch 9. Transilvanian Hunger 10. Post Storm Silence Other Genres:
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