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    HM Magazine #81/Extol
    Extol — Mesmerized cover

    Extol

    Mesmerized

    (1999)

    Reviewed by David Bixler

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    Label Solid State RecordsHM Magazine #81January 2000
    black metaldeath metalindustrialprogressive metal

    After the tremendous success of Burial, the mighty Extol has released a very interesting EP. This version by Solid State is basically just a repackaging and U.S. release of the European version that has been available since June. What's cool is that Solid State didn't skimp on the packaging or anything, keeping the fancy digipak and great artwork. So, if you don't have the European release, you are getting essentially the same thing. The first song on the CD, "Enthralled," is a brand new track, and it is nothing short of terrific. For those of you who were unable to obtain the Japanese pressing of Burial containing the bonus track "The Prodigal Son," this has been included as the second track. I always remember wondering if the bonus track was as good as I had been told. Well, I think that it is, as it displays some amazing black metal. The third track, which also happens to be my favorite, is a leftover from the Burial recording sessions. It kind of reminds me of a cross between the heavier Extol sound and the melodic sound of Schaliach. The diversity between the lush singing and the harsh black metal vocals makes for an awesome song. I can't understand why this wasn't included on Burial. The next three tracks are what truly make this CD "interesting." They are industrial remixes of three Extol songs, but not metal-influenced industrial like you might think. Instead, two tracks are remixed by Sanctum, giving forth a noise industrial black metal mix that you will have to hear to believe. If you are a fan of either Sanctum or Mental Destruction as well as the mighty Extol, you will appreciate the fourth and fifth song. I don't particularly care for the last song, which is a remix done by Raison D'etre. To me, it sounds like noise with near muted Extol underneath. If you weren't told it was an Extol song being remixed, I don't think you'd ever be able to tell. Overall, I love this CD. It is always nice to get new tracks, and the industrial remixes provide a very unique twist. You're missing out big if you don't buy this disc - plain and simple. I mean, they are the mighty Extol, are they not?

    Other coverage for this album

    The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Joe RockstrohWith some bands, you get the feeling that if you had a $10,000 stereo it would sound that much better. With Extol, there's so much in the beats, the riffs, the growls, that you really feel as if you can't get it loud enough. Considering the current glut of sub-par metal and hardcore bands that are filling the Christian market, Extol seem all the more brilliant. While the excellent Burial broke…Bandoppler 1999Reviewed by James FlorenceHoly cow! I just used the term "mind-blowing" in another review for the band Sick of Change. But I have suddenly gained a completely new perspective on that term, now that Norway's Extol has completely redefined its meaning for me. Extol turns all music to mush, as they will turn your brain into mush. Your opinion has now ceased to have any significance. Extol is truly mind-blowing in the truest…Art for the Ears 1999Reviewed by Marco PovervestThis EP must be kind of a snack before they dish up a new album. There are six songs on this disc of which only one is really new, recorded in 1999. This song, Enthralled, shows Extol's at the top of their strength. They play technical deathmetal but in this song they are closer to blackmetal than ever with shrieking vocals and some faster than fast passages. The second song (The Prodigal Son)…

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