Necromoon – War And Obedience [Compilation]

Within the course of two month Polish Necromoon has released their debut album, an EP and a split. Whether they are going to keep up this insane work rate remains to be seen, but within these few weeks they have been able to pull off quite something interesting. While these first three releases are still widely available through their respective labels the band thought it was a good idea to compile some tracks on this tape that is to be released through the Spain-based Profaner Records.

As the title might already have suggested, this tape compiles the album ‘War With Tyranny’ that was released on CD and cassette tape by Putrid Cult and Rex Diaboli respectively and the ‘Obedience’ EP which was materialized on cassette tape by Anti-Human Productions from Canada. For a more thorough and in-depth analysis on both releases I would suggest to read the separate reviews, as the only difference is that from ‘War With Tyranny’, the nearly 15-minute closing track has been omitted, giving this tape a considerably shorter playing time.

For this particular tape, it should suffice that you get a clear picture of what Necromoon stands for. Profaner Records states that it is suitable for fans of Black Witchery. However, that is only partly true, or at least it does not describe the full audial spectrum of this illustrious Polish act. Besides a slightly chaotic base with indeed a certain Black Metal edge that might be linkable to Black Witchery, it is mostly associated with the sound we previously heard from Barathrum, Beherit, Goatlord and, for instance, Sperm Of Antichrist/Void Meditation Cult. Heavy, unwieldy, doomy, frightening, crushing…

The actual value of this tape at this very moment in time, so quickly after the initial releases of the original recordings, is perhaps up for debate, its musical content certainly is not. Despite both releases having already been reviewed separately, it is that unique blend of authenticity and atmosphere of Necromoon that is the main reason to highlight this tape on these pages as well. Anyone who is remotely interested in the low-rumblings of Barathrum, Beherit and the likes, all wrapped up in a raw and almost spacey package, should pay attention.