When it comes to American Black Metal or Black Metal of the most depraved kind, Profanatica is a band to be reckoned with. Ever since their first inception in 1990, Paul Ledney (then recently departed from Incantation and previously also from Revenant) led the band through some of the foulest of recordings in the history of American (Black Metal) music. To that very tradition we can now add another chapter, in the form of this latest ‘Pale Fuck’-EP, released by long-term companions Hells Headbangers Records.
While nothing really changed in the musical recipe that Profanactica breeds from, it seems like the band sound a little less raw and crude. Which is quite relative in the world of Profanatica though, but this new 6-track EP has an even more Punk-tinged sound and a remarkably clearer sound as well. This doesn’t mean the music is more refined and, just for the record, that even more palpable Punk-vibe throughout these tracks harkens back to the old British Punk bands from the early 80’s, so obviously no Ramones or whatsoever. Apart from that subtle change in sound and approach, Profanatica is still very much Profanatica, in all its ugly and appealing beauty. If the band got you moving before and you’re not averse to a little abrasive Punk sound, you should definitely give this sick 7″ EP a chance.
At least… This sick 7″ EP has one huge downside. And that is the outrageously sick price at which it sells. Now, we already live in a world where we have to get used to ridiculously expensive vinyl prices, but a barely 11-minute 7″ EP that has to cost $33.99 is beyond the pale (fuck!). Even for Profanatica or the much revered Hells Headbangers Records, this smells like a $ellout on all fronts.
