These Belgian doomsters don't do anything by the book. They rely on low tech production, sometimes breathtakingly beautiful interludes punctuated by some of the harshest noise you'll ever hear. It's kind of like a mashup of Tiamat demos and Disembowelment. Except much weirder.

Svarthart Awaiting the Return (self-released)

I'm afraid my references are dated, but I do hope you get the point. Svarthart wrings an astonishing range of sound out of its three members, and it seems to have done so simply with abounding creativity. There are no tricks, and at times this album sounds like it was recorded in a toilet bowl (which actually works, believe it or not). But the burning ambition of these songs is undeniable.

Another note on those references: I think these boys are quite familiar with the doom and death metal of the early 90s. This could easily have been an early Century Media release, though I have a feeling that even back then a label would have wanted to clean things up a bit.

Not me, though. The pureness of the bludgeon is almost achingly gorgeous. Each song brings the listener further and further into this world. A world of beauty and pain, fear and wonder. And yes, it sounds better when turned up to 11. Or even 12. Probably best on vinyl, though I don't think that's even an option. I would love to see the needle jump when the shit really starts cooking. One can always dream, and this album is perfect for dark rumination. Spectacular.

Jon Worley