Calvarium – The Skull of Golgotha

Once again Finland offers us a great Black Metal band which is Calvarium. Calvarium was formed by Veilroth (whom now also plays in Behexen) and Lord Sargofagian (ex-Satanic Warmaster). In the beginning of 2002 Molestor Kadotus joined as main vocalist. Two rehearsal tapes have been released and one professionally recorded promo tape was released to get a record deal. Five songs have been recorded for this promo and because of this promo Dynamic Arts got interested in the band. A record deal for a full-length was offered and so Calvarium recorded three additional songs. All five older songs were re-mixed and these 8 tracks together became Calvarium’s first album ‘The Skull of Golgotha’. So far the history up ‘till now.

Now about the album itself. After a boring intro typical Finnish melodic Black Metal can be heard. All tracks seperately sound interesting with a clear and powerfull production. Great melodic guitarlines can be heard throughout the album with ‘Jumalviha’ as one of the highlights.

Another highlight is ‘Horns of Hate’ in which some keyboards have been used to set an eerie mood. Don’t expect some gay keyboards here but expect well chosen synths which make the song all the more interesting. Actually all other songs on this record are of a high level as well. No weaknesses on this record besides the intro.

One can hear straight away Calvarium hails from Finland because most Finnish Black Metal bands sound similar yet completely different at the same time. And that is why ‘The Skull of Golgotha’ is an album all Black Metal fans should definately have heard at least once.

Looking forward to new Calvarium material because the biggest part of the album is a couple of years old already and with an album like ‘The Skull of Golgotha’ out the expectations are set very high this time!