Artist: Eternal Ice / Spiralen
Country: Japan / Germany
Label: Menschenfeind Propaganda
Formats: Split Cassette
Year: 2025
Only a couple of weeks ago I reviewed Eternal Ice’s ‘Curse In The Sky’ EP, released by Elff Eggs, an EP that followed shortly after the band’s debut demo. That already showed the Japanese Black Metal band was not really planning to waste too much time, but they have already returned with no less than three more tapes. Two of them are simultaneously released split tapes through the Germany true underground label Menschenfeind Propaganda. First up is the split tape with Spiralen, a German band that released their debut demo tape through the same label in summer last year.
Eternal Ice kicks off with their two tracks. And frankly, they sound almost like a completely different band compared to the previously ‘Curse The Sky’-EP that I liked very much. It was mostly the oppressing atmosphere and authentic sound of the turn of the millennium that I couldn’t resist. Although that same feeling is still largely there, in fact these two new tracks could easily be recorded and released some 25 years ago, the overall sound is much “better”. Clearer at least. The louder and more balanced mix and the stronger production gives the music a slightly more mature character, while on the other hand still holds the powerful propulsive nature. In this new guise of sorts, Eternal Ice sounds much more like a European band from those bygone years. Rather fast and with some great compelling melodies, the music feels very organic as if it weaves itself through its rather dynamic structures. Although I loved ‘Curse In The Sky’, this is a pleasant surprise of old-style and no-nonsense Black Metal that should appeal to those who like their Black Metal regressive yet melodic.
Spiralen, on the other side of this neon-green tape, is an entirely different sort of Black Metal band. With a much thinner sound and its repetitive character, it takes some getting used to after the more in-your-face old school Black Metal bonanza of Eternal Ice. But, after a couple of spins, Spiralen definitely shows its potential. Resemblances with Burzum and Forgotten Woods are hard or even the eeriness of early Candelabrum are hard to deny, but the rather quirky howling vocals might also make you think of a band like the otherworldly Woods Of Infinity. It might not be everyone’s cup of (black) tea, but those who like to go beyond the usual suspects and do not shy away from trying to wrap their heads around something that is slight uncommon might find something of their liking here.
This is a great example of the current day underground Black Metal scene still being able to pull off something exciting. Both bands offer interesting music that is able to entertain those willing to dig a little deeper and a label like Menschenfeind Propaganda proves that the old school DIY-ways are far from dead. Those interested should act fast though, this tape was released in 20 hand-numbered copies (not 15 as on the digital cover scan), so they can’t be expected to be there very long.
