From the ashes of the new defunct HELLKULT rises “The collection” (ok, so WYRD also came out of the ashes, but that’s a different story), a, well, collection of all their demos.

Comprised of twenty tracks of Heathen Black Metal, “The Collection” boasts an extremely raw production that makes the likes of DARKTHRONE et al seem like well produced pop bands. The guitars have a static-fused tone, coupled with echoing drums and hellish screeches, and at times, prominent bass, combining together for some great, raw Black Metal. Tracks like “Darkness” and “Satanic Warmetal” are prime examples of what HELLKULT can achieve, and are well worth investigating.

The only tracks that put me off on this disc are the ones that make a prominent use of a flute (maybe a recorder?) Either way, I don’t feel the desired effect wasn’t achieved on those tracks, as they mostly come off as amateurish. Such tracks are more of a rarity though, and do little to hinder the overall feeling of the disc. HELLKULT’s strengths definitely shine through when they’re at their most savage. (Online June 11, 2004)