The Howling Wind - Pestilence & Peril [Profound Lore - 2007]Pestilence and Peril is a bit of an off kilter take on black metal. If one chooses to categorise it as such. It's got quick tremolo riffs, scary voices, and distorted, post apocalyptic, burned world sound affects, which have certainly found their way onto many metal albums. Sometimes the vocals head a bit into death metal territory, as they're delivered with a guttural growl. But where black metal is, sometimes purposefully, poorly recorded, to the point where such a sound has become somewhat generic, Pestilence and Peril is clearly and professionally recorded. I say clearly, but that's not to say there isn't a fuzzy ambience present. Bandleader, or more accurately, duo leader Killusion is responsible for the guitar, bass, vocals and noise, with Parasitus Nex on drums. Killusion pretty much bathes the entire album in a backwash of scary shit, with lyrics to match. The music spans a wide range; there's everything from slow bruisers to near speed metal riffs complete with double bass drum assaults to slow, dark ambient music which could pass for a horror movie soundtrack. The album seems to build up steam as it goes. It gets so harsh and angry toward the end that it comes across that these guys could barely contain themselves. It ain't what I'd call a fun album, but then again, that obviously isn't the intent here. Those who are into black metal may dig this, but traditionalists might find it too professional. More open minded listeners should be pleased.    Erwin Michelfelder
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