Forum.RttP{I'm writing for Maelstrom.nu }

My first review is up on the site. Here it is for those who don't want to search the site

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DESTROYERS FROM THE WESTERN SKIES - As Night Devours the Sun - CD - Killzone Records - 2005
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review by: Megan Leo

This collection of United States black metal, according to the booklet insert written by Nathan T. Birk, "is an ideological compiliation. One of intent, of propaganda, of dire PURPOSE." The mission here is to show that black metal, ladies and gentlemen, is not just about Norway and burning churches anymore. Sure, the roots lie in the icy Norsk lands, but the point of this comp is to show that the U.S. has achieved its share of grimness and heresy by making some pretty damned profane and unholy black metal that rips without ripping off the Scandinavians.

The most noteworthy and undeniable aspect of this collection of 17 bands (some of which contributed exclusive tracks and mixes, including Harvist, Xasthur and Leviathan) is the range of sounds and mixes incorporated into the sub-genre known as black metal. From the acoustic guitar laced blackened sound of Azrael's "Illumination" to the black death of Harvist's "Foundations," to the synth sampled collection of demonic noises of Draugar's "Running From Us," which bears little to no melody (or musicality, really), in contrast with Krieg's more standard fare of guitar / drum blasting onslaught in " Every Wound Burned." All are equally menacing.

The tracks are arranged so each songs compliments the next all the more, in their wide range of style. Sure, they're all "blackened," but Summon's "Beating of Christ" is a far cry from the droning style of chain saw hum that is Xasthur ("Maane's Natt"). This makes the comp that much more interesting, as the listener is drawn in by the sounds one hears at any given moment, but also in anticipation for what carnage the next track may hold.

Some noteworthy attributes of the various contributions on this collection include Typhus' "Satanic Goat Fuck Lust." Now, from the song title, you might expect an abrasive wall of chaotic sound, perhaps in the vein of Black Witchery. Nope. While it is raw in production style, it has a very long intro, and some gothic style melodic vocal lines, that eventually speeds up and culminates in a classical guitar outro. The next track on the comp is Leviathan's "Hissing and Sullen,", which is one of the stand out tracks. The atmospheric, moody guitar and synth intro is gradually joined by a fade in of drum sound, rising into the mix like a ton of steel and vitriol.

Upon repeated listens, this disc only becomes more compelling. The artists and their respective contributions are distinct in their own right, and this disc is one that boasts creativity and a plethora of originality. Some tracks are much more distinctive than others, but as a whole, this is a compilation vastly superior to other, weaker efforts. Never mind the fact all the artists hail from the West, there is plenty here to distinguish these Western shores from the Nordic counterparts. (8.5/10)