Arghoslent "Galloping Through The Battle Ruins" (Wood-Nymph records 1998)

Over the years, there have been plenty of generic death metal bands, plagiarizing instead of taking influence and playing the same rehashed riffs over and over again. Arghoslent are definitely NOT one of these bands. Not only that, but they aren't overly technical - so people who do not play instruments can enjoy them just as much. From blissful, harmonized passages to frantic, power-chord rampant riffs, Arghoslent display a level of musicianship nearly unparalleled by other death metal bands.

First of all, RM's vocals are superb! He has a very distinctive rasp in his voice, and it suits all of the songs consummately. At times, you can tell that there is a distinctive black metal influence (As RM was also the vocalist for Grand Belial's Key). These moments spur the song onward and make the listening experience that much more enjoyable. The variety displayed in Arghoslent's songs is utterly amazing.

Track list are

1. Defile the Angelic 06:07  

2. The Banners of Castile 04:07  

3. The Entity 04:10   

4. Galloping Through the Battle Ruins 06:47   

5. The Imperial Clans 05:29   

6. Ten Lost Tribes 06:30  

7. Incursions 04:01   instrumental

8. Fall of the Melanic Breeds 04:48   

9. Rape of a Slave 04:34   

10. Transpolar Combat 07:42

Now there the guitars. Upon my first listen, I came to the conclusion that Pogrom and Holocausto are DEFINITELY influenced by heavy metal and NWOBHM. A lot of riffs consist of power chords, and the way they write songs make it very obvious. At times there are dual-harmonized Maiden-esque overtures and NWOBHM inspired power chord riffs. Also, their chord progressions are very similar to those that take place in heavy metal. Although there is a definite influence of heavy metal, there is a definite presence of death metal (obviously) and black metal influence. A few riffs off of the album are very dissonant and fast-paced, which reminds me of a few black metal bands. The listener, upon first listen, will be able to identify the various influences with ease.

Production-wise, this album is excellent. As an avid listener of metal, I like to hear the bass really high up in the mix, and this album does not disappoint. The bass is very closely mixed with the guitars, and listener's will be able to distinguish what Kommando is playing. For the most part, he follows along with the guitar (which there is nothing wrong with), and a few times he will go off on a little tangent. 

Then here is Alienchrist's drumming. While continuing with the theme of my review, this isn't your typical death metal drumming. You might have heard of that ever-so-popular beat that is displayed by nearly every death metal band in existence called the blastbeat. Well, there are NONE on this album. This is another attribute that sets Arghoslent away from the rest. Although there is double bass present in their songs, it isn't used in excess and leaves the listener in need of another listen. Obvious influences Alienchrist displays o nthis album are heavy metal and thrash metal. On a few instances you will hear the one-and-two-and-three-and-four thrash beat, which is one of the ones I love. Alienchrist perfectly compliments the band.

Overall, this album is relentless. Arghoslent is NOT your typical death metal band. I can guarantee you, after your first listen, that you will want to listen to it again, and it will stay in your respectable players for an extended period of time.

The Line up are:

Holocausto Guitars
Pogrom Guitars
Kommando Bass
Alienchrist Drums
Von Demonicus Vocals

Link full album