The Summary Judgment Reviews:
Title: Strange Old Brew
Artist: Carpathian Forest
Label: World War III Records
Release Date: 11/6/2001

Rating: 4 Skulls
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    • Reviewed by Behemoth (8/14/02):
    Welcome to Norwegian black metal: Carpathian Forest has been on the scene for over a decade, their longevity is amazing unto itself. Progressing well since release of their first demo Bloodlust & Perversion, the band has been a top seller for Avant-garde Music. The supposed black metal genre has become so crowded over the years with plenty of posers arriving at the gate. However, Carpathian Forest follows a path of obscurity with morbidity and darkness for which I embrace. This twisted masterpiece brims with twelve tracks of evil madness, in the face of non-believers. Nattefrost leads with the voice of evil and Tchort (ex-Emperor/Satyricon) shreds the strings. Their obsession with morbidity and grimness are keys to the cold path to Hell. A gloomy and hateful record, the insanity oozes, entering into uncharted territory at times with atmospheric and glacial orchestrations, leaving one to scratch thy brain.

    The depressive melodies at times tilt the wheel towards the doom vein, but the band sticks to musical influences while creating twisted metal, which sounds close to no other! A powerful release with plenty of energy the songs are well structured, but a tad monotonous. Intense speed, technical riffing, relevant keyboards, synthesized programming, tormented screams and fiery drumbeats are well pronounced. Embrace the "The Suicide Song" and feel the power of "Cloak of Midnight."

    Corpse paint and inverted crosses are everywhere, do you still believe? Carpathian Forest has approached the black metal throne but still a few hurdles to climb. While not masters of metal, they do produce a competent, diverse and balanced disc. This is not an essential or earth shattering disc, however would be a good edition to the collection. The demented madness will leave the mind slightly tortured. Blessed be the evil music from which stirs the darkened soul.
    4 out of 5

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