A former colonial power (The Netherlands) and a former colony (Indonesia) work together on this split effort. Is this leading to chaos or to warfare? Probably both as this is a black metal attack. Indonesia's Kekal is the first with its four tracks, one from their latest album. The Skull is a cover from the now defunct band Trouble. The new songs are The Only Sound Of Rain, which would have fitted on the latest album perfectly, and A Stranger So Close. This last song has some perfect riff ideas but it's also rather progressive with weird changes. The recording leaves something to wish for. The guitars could be more prominent. They should ring the grease out of your ears! The rendition of The Skull is a highlight though. Slechtvalk from The Netherlands also did four tracks. The first, Whispers In The Dark, was recorded in 2000, probably during the Falconry sessions as it's much in that vein. The other songs were recorded in April 2002 with the new band line-up. On one hand there's the primitive The Dragon's Children which varies fast and furious parts with midtempo passages. On the other hand there's Storms, which starts with ethereal piano and keyboard playing, the prelude to an atmospheric song, still with faster than fast parts. And Slechtvalk covered Kongblod, originally from the Norwegian formation Antestor. Slechtvalk stays close to the original yet disappoints. In an attempt to sound identical, weaknesses become all too clear.
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #98Reviewed by Matt MorrowKekal opens this split CD with three songs that are hit-and-miss. "Mean Attraction" is the best song off their last album. "The Only Sound of Rain" and "A Stranger So Close" are both songs that start slow, but finish intense — saving these songs from being skip button material. Lastly, they do an awesome and emotional cover of "The Skull" by Trouble. I often find myself hitting repeat on this…
