RuneFire Records, 2009

Bound By Entrails was formed during the winter of 2004. Judging from its name, and prior to listening to their music, one would expect Bound By Entrails to play some hardcore/death metal. Meanwhile, the fact is that Bounds By Entrails are playing unique, cold and misanthropic black metal.

The Oath… The Burden… is the second full-length album by this Alaska (USA) based five-piece. They claim to be inspired by ‘natural order and the cycles of life’ where, it is believed, eventually sets itself right, even if it means the destruction of humanity and all that we know. Maybe not the most positive message, but who the fuck ever said that black metal should be happy music after all?!

“Voices of the Past” is the opening track and I must say it is not one of my favourites. It is a grim track leaving a bad taste esp. because of some voice-over sounds etc. But what is coming next is the song called “The Furious Host” which somehow counter-balances the poor execution of the opening song. It is a roaring black metal with a typical mixture of fast instruments and some deep black metal screams and keyboards that are pushed into the background, while providing a great atmosphere. Of other interesting tracks I would just briefly mention the following two: a slow-down “Tides of Perdition” and “Inno a Satana” which is the Emperor cover performed here perfectly but a bit shortened compared to the original.

All in all, I would say that The Oath to Forbear and the Burden of Inheritance is a great release with great symphonic and atmospheric parts. I see a lot of potential in their music, while there’s still some space for the improvement. Furthermore; I like the fact that Bound By Entrails is not a typical ‘over-crowded copy-paste semi-Satanic’ band from the northern Europe. BBE incorporates new sounds, new ideas and ideology bringing some freshness and uniqueness into the over-crowded and repetitive black metal scene, and they should be complemented for that.

This is a ‘must listen’ record to any fans of Emperor, Nagelfar, Ulver & Enslaved. For additional info on this quite interesting band/album please visit www.RuneFireRecords.com