Review by Jeger on July 15, 2024.

From the bitterest strife springs the splendor of one’s greatest accomplishment. Steadfastly from within his war-torn homeland of Ukraine, Myrd'raal Bergrizen has, over the course of the past two years, faced seemingly insurmountable adversity in regard to the realization of Bergrizen’s latest LP, Die Falle. 

Bergrizen: "Believe me, it's very difficult to write music when the missiles are flying over your head and smashing buildings on the streets. It's very difficult when you are sitting without electricity 12 hours per day or sometimes even more than 24 hours. Also, Myrd'raal was in a hospital - he had some problems with his lungs - and the way to record the vocal was uncertain. Other band members were spending all their money, energy and time for the volunteering; trying every day to help soldiers and their friends who were on the frontline. We weren't sure that we would be able to finish Die Falle, but we wanted to say something about the situation in our country through music." 

In what was intended to be a bleak record to begin with, only compounded by the reality of war. Presently, as the hazy summer dew glistens the panzers and as the boots of brave Ukrainians trudge onward into the scourge, Bergrizen have brought to fruition their magnum opus... Die Falle was released on December 21, 2023 via Purity Through Fire. 

They do get released but not too often: an album of this magnificence, of this level of genuineness and of such heart & soul. Poetry in every sense of the word and a sonic feast of all things blackened/sorrowful is Die Falle. This grande-in-stature yet modestly produced specimen of what true black metal should sound like unfolds into five epic album cuts that soar the most majestic heights and dive the most somber depths. And as the future hangs in the balance of uncertainty during these arduous days, there’s comfort to be found here within these poems; a silver lining that edges the grey of each desperate passage. 'Ich Vergesse Nicht', like the soundtrack to a lucid dream, a concerto for the broken, unfolds to the majesty of divine tremolo melodies that contrast the mourning of better days, all the while as impassioned cries echo off into an atmosphere overcast by despair. Everything that makes for unforgettable black metal right here and the experience has only just begun. 

Die Falle is an album to be taken in by candlelight or the warmth of hearth; in solitary and in reflection of precious memories. Black metal for the nostalgic soul who longs for the sanctuary of ways now admonished and forlorn under the misery of today. True black metal comes from the heart! It’s the product of passion, heritage, pride, courage and hardship. Die Falle encapsulates all these things and with much beauty to behold. Even the lengthiest tracks on the LP: the aforementioned opener, the following cut, 'Ich Vergebe Nicht' and the titular track demand your undivided attention throughout their duration. To miss a second of this meaningful experience would be a sin, and not like it matters because the drama and the epic of it all will no doubt keep you ensnared: helpless, vulnerable… weightless. 

Lend the entirety of yourself over now and prepare to experience black metal in its most meaningful form. The heartache of today has got nothing on this I can assure you. The uncertainty of the future? Forgotten if only for the time allotted as you slip into what I can only describe as a warm spring for the soul. I fell in love with black metal because of records like this one. Chills, goosebumps and perhaps even a tear or two to be shed. On a purely musical level, Die Falle is a work of wisdom and the product of one who is not only in tune with the spirit of black metal but also possessing of the ability to really feel the music and capture all those emotions that we keep mostly hidden. A truly cathartic experience and a perfect black metal album from top to bottom. 

As you read this, a bitter war rages and it’s the courageous sacrifices that are being made by great men of valor and of country who are keeping hope alive. The world we once knew lost so quickly once again to the power-hungry aspirations of evil men and the cowardice of weak leaders who’ve either forgotten or have simply never known the meaning of what it is to fight the good fight. And so it’s through the voice of true black metal - the voice of the adversary - that Bergrizen have chosen to carry their message of despair and hope for a better tomorrow. I for one, would dare not have it any other way. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review by Jeger on July 15, 2024.

From the bitterest strife springs the splendor of one’s greatest accomplishment. Steadfastly from within his war-torn homeland of Ukraine, Myrd'raal Bergrizen has, over the course of the past two years, faced seemingly insurmountable adversity in regard to the realization of Bergrizen’s latest LP, Die Falle. 

Bergrizen: "Believe me, it's very difficult to write music when the missiles are flying over your head and smashing buildings on the streets. It's very difficult when you are sitting without electricity 12 hours per day or sometimes even more than 24 hours. Also, Myrd'raal was in a hospital - he had some problems with his lungs - and the way to record the vocal was uncertain. Other band members were spending all their money, energy and time for the volunteering; trying every day to help soldiers and their friends who were on the frontline. We weren't sure that we would be able to finish Die Falle, but we wanted to say something about the situation in our country through music." 

In what was intended to be a bleak record to begin with, only compounded by the reality of war. Presently, as the hazy summer dew glistens the panzers and as the boots of brave Ukrainians trudge onward into the scourge, Bergrizen have brought to fruition their magnum opus... Die Falle was released on December 21, 2023 via Purity Through Fire. 

They do get released but not too often: an album of this magnificence, of this level of genuineness and of such heart & soul. Poetry in every sense of the word and a sonic feast of all things blackened/sorrowful is Die Falle. This grande-in-stature yet modestly produced specimen of what true black metal should sound like unfolds into five epic album cuts that soar the most majestic heights and dive the most somber depths. And as the future hangs in the balance of uncertainty during these arduous days, there’s comfort to be found here within these poems; a silver lining that edges the grey of each desperate passage. 'Ich Vergesse Nicht', like the soundtrack to a lucid dream, a concerto for the broken, unfolds to the majesty of divine tremolo melodies that contrast the mourning of better days, all the while as impassioned cries echo off into an atmosphere overcast by despair. Everything that makes for unforgettable black metal right here and the experience has only just begun. 

Die Falle is an album to be taken in by candlelight or the warmth of hearth; in solitary and in reflection of precious memories. Black metal for the nostalgic soul who longs for the sanctuary of ways now admonished and forlorn under the misery of today. True black metal comes from the heart! It’s the product of passion, heritage, pride, courage and hardship. Die Falle encapsulates all these things and with much beauty to behold. Even the lengthiest tracks on the LP: the aforementioned opener, the following cut, 'Ich Vergebe Nicht' and the titular track demand your undivided attention throughout their duration. To miss a second of this meaningful experience would be a sin, and not like it matters because the drama and the epic of it all will no doubt keep you ensnared: helpless, vulnerable… weightless. 

Lend the entirety of yourself over now and prepare to experience black metal in its most meaningful form. The heartache of today has got nothing on this I can assure you. The uncertainty of the future? Forgotten if only for the time allotted as you slip into what I can only describe as a warm spring for the soul. I fell in love with black metal because of records like this one. Chills, goosebumps and perhaps even a tear or two to be shed. On a purely musical level, Die Falle is a work of wisdom and the product of one who is not only in tune with the spirit of black metal but also possessing of the ability to really feel the music and capture all those emotions that we keep mostly hidden. A truly cathartic experience and a perfect black metal album from top to bottom. 

As you read this, a bitter war rages and it’s the courageous sacrifices that are being made by great men of valor and of country who are keeping hope alive. The world we once knew lost so quickly once again to the power-hungry aspirations of evil men and the cowardice of weak leaders who’ve either forgotten or have simply never known the meaning of what it is to fight the good fight. And so it’s through the voice of true black metal - the voice of the adversary - that Bergrizen have chosen to carry their message of despair and hope for a better tomorrow. I for one, would dare not have it any other way. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review by Jeger on July 15, 2024.

From the bitterest strife springs the splendor of one’s greatest accomplishment. Steadfastly from within his war-torn homeland of Ukraine, Myrd'raal Bergrizen has, over the course of the past two years, faced seemingly insurmountable adversity in regard to the realization of Bergrizen’s latest LP, Die Falle. 

Bergrizen: "Believe me, it's very difficult to write music when the missiles are flying over your head and smashing buildings on the streets. It's very difficult when you are sitting without electricity 12 hours per day or sometimes even more than 24 hours. Also, Myrd'raal was in a hospital - he had some problems with his lungs - and the way to record the vocal was uncertain. Other band members were spending all their money, energy and time for the volunteering; trying every day to help soldiers and their friends who were on the frontline. We weren't sure that we would be able to finish Die Falle, but we wanted to say something about the situation in our country through music." 

In what was intended to be a bleak record to begin with, only compounded by the reality of war. Presently, as the hazy summer dew glistens the panzers and as the boots of brave Ukrainians trudge onward into the scourge, Bergrizen have brought to fruition their magnum opus... Die Falle was released on December 21, 2023 via Purity Through Fire. 

They do get released but not too often: an album of this magnificence, of this level of genuineness and of such heart & soul. Poetry in every sense of the word and a sonic feast of all things blackened/sorrowful is Die Falle. This grande-in-stature yet modestly produced specimen of what true black metal should sound like unfolds into five epic album cuts that soar the most majestic heights and dive the most somber depths. And as the future hangs in the balance of uncertainty during these arduous days, there’s comfort to be found here within these poems; a silver lining that edges the grey of each desperate passage. 'Ich Vergesse Nicht', like the soundtrack to a lucid dream, a concerto for the broken, unfolds to the majesty of divine tremolo melodies that contrast the mourning of better days, all the while as impassioned cries echo off into an atmosphere overcast by despair. Everything that makes for unforgettable black metal right here and the experience has only just begun. 

Die Falle is an album to be taken in by candlelight or the warmth of hearth; in solitary and in reflection of precious memories. Black metal for the nostalgic soul who longs for the sanctuary of ways now admonished and forlorn under the misery of today. True black metal comes from the heart! It’s the product of passion, heritage, pride, courage and hardship. Die Falle encapsulates all these things and with much beauty to behold. Even the lengthiest tracks on the LP: the aforementioned opener, the following cut, 'Ich Vergebe Nicht' and the titular track demand your undivided attention throughout their duration. To miss a second of this meaningful experience would be a sin, and not like it matters because the drama and the epic of it all will no doubt keep you ensnared: helpless, vulnerable… weightless. 

Lend the entirety of yourself over now and prepare to experience black metal in its most meaningful form. The heartache of today has got nothing on this I can assure you. The uncertainty of the future? Forgotten if only for the time allotted as you slip into what I can only describe as a warm spring for the soul. I fell in love with black metal because of records like this one. Chills, goosebumps and perhaps even a tear or two to be shed. On a purely musical level, Die Falle is a work of wisdom and the product of one who is not only in tune with the spirit of black metal but also possessing of the ability to really feel the music and capture all those emotions that we keep mostly hidden. A truly cathartic experience and a perfect black metal album from top to bottom. 

As you read this, a bitter war rages and it’s the courageous sacrifices that are being made by great men of valor and of country who are keeping hope alive. The world we once knew lost so quickly once again to the power-hungry aspirations of evil men and the cowardice of weak leaders who’ve either forgotten or have simply never known the meaning of what it is to fight the good fight. And so it’s through the voice of true black metal - the voice of the adversary - that Bergrizen have chosen to carry their message of despair and hope for a better tomorrow. I for one, would dare not have it any other way. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review by Chris Pratl on December 12, 2016.

Cardiac Arrest is a Chicago quartet that seems bent on making every horror film nightmare you hold dear come to life. Coming off the brilliance of their last full-length, And Death Shall Set Your Free, the band issues a three-song promo / demo simply titled Promo 2016, but there's really nothing simplistic about this slab of ugliness. It's three songs of pure, unadulterated death metal from the very bowels of rancor and brutality, and that's exactly why these guys are one of my favorite metal acts of the modern era.

I can throw out a plethora of adjectives to describe Cardiac Arrest's overall sound: filthy, dirty, foggy, brutal, battering...and all would be viable assessments, albeit repetitive. Nevertheless, the band possesses a sound that is nothing short of a furious arsenal of volatility and strife that comes across perfectly in the music. I implore you to check out their other albums, as there isn't a bad collective in the bunch. These guys are the real deal through and through, devoid of pretense and phoned-in complacency.

The three tracks on this current promo are everything you could possibly want in a modern day death metal band. The vocals are throaty bellows that are clear enough to hold your interest, yet obstinate enough to blow the dirt right off the cherry-wood sarcophagus in a 100-year-old mausoleum. Musically the band employs amazing time changes and riffs that call upon the forgotten years of early forerunners like Grave, Autopsy or Incantation. There is also an underlying density to the tone without giving way to muddy production or lackadaisical effort. The mood throughout shape-shifts evenly between a dismal b-movie horror score and tempestuous soundtrack to a dimly-lit mansion on the outskirts of town, an imaginative process that is sorely missing in many bands today that rely too heavily on just the lyrics to carry the listener through the story. What a good number of death metal bands fall prey to is the one caustic sound throughout a track or album that seems so good and feels so “dark” that any deviation might lose something in elongated translation. It makes for stale, uninspired sounds and kills any album for me. Cardiac Arrest not only challenges that notion that less is more, they take it to levels of genuine fright and horror, and it never gets old or repetitive. All three tracks on this promo are just amazing, but it's the last track, 'Voices From the Tomb' that will be the classic tune in the band's repertoire. Simply stated, this is one the greatest death metal tracks I've heard in the last five years or so, it's that impressive. If this is what's to come for the next album, it is one of the most anticipated releases for this old fart.

Chicago has a long, if often undermined history in metal's expansive underground. We may not always get the credit we deserve for producing memorable, heavyweight metal bands, but not only are they out there waiting to be heard, they're lead by Cardiac Arrest's unapologetic cult of death-worshipers and grave-dwellers. Give these guys a good, hard listen!

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Review by Chris Pratl on December 12, 2016.

Cardiac Arrest is a Chicago quartet that seems bent on making every horror film nightmare you hold dear come to life. Coming off the brilliance of their last full-length, And Death Shall Set Your Free, the band issues a three-song promo / demo simply titled Promo 2016, but there's really nothing simplistic about this slab of ugliness. It's three songs of pure, unadulterated death metal from the very bowels of rancor and brutality, and that's exactly why these guys are one of my favorite metal acts of the modern era.

I can throw out a plethora of adjectives to describe Cardiac Arrest's overall sound: filthy, dirty, foggy, brutal, battering...and all would be viable assessments, albeit repetitive. Nevertheless, the band possesses a sound that is nothing short of a furious arsenal of volatility and strife that comes across perfectly in the music. I implore you to check out their other albums, as there isn't a bad collective in the bunch. These guys are the real deal through and through, devoid of pretense and phoned-in complacency.

The three tracks on this current promo are everything you could possibly want in a modern day death metal band. The vocals are throaty bellows that are clear enough to hold your interest, yet obstinate enough to blow the dirt right off the cherry-wood sarcophagus in a 100-year-old mausoleum. Musically the band employs amazing time changes and riffs that call upon the forgotten years of early forerunners like Grave, Autopsy or Incantation. There is also an underlying density to the tone without giving way to muddy production or lackadaisical effort. The mood throughout shape-shifts evenly between a dismal b-movie horror score and tempestuous soundtrack to a dimly-lit mansion on the outskirts of town, an imaginative process that is sorely missing in many bands today that rely too heavily on just the lyrics to carry the listener through the story. What a good number of death metal bands fall prey to is the one caustic sound throughout a track or album that seems so good and feels so “dark” that any deviation might lose something in elongated translation. It makes for stale, uninspired sounds and kills any album for me. Cardiac Arrest not only challenges that notion that less is more, they take it to levels of genuine fright and horror, and it never gets old or repetitive. All three tracks on this promo are just amazing, but it's the last track, 'Voices From the Tomb' that will be the classic tune in the band's repertoire. Simply stated, this is one the greatest death metal tracks I've heard in the last five years or so, it's that impressive. If this is what's to come for the next album, it is one of the most anticipated releases for this old fart.

Chicago has a long, if often undermined history in metal's expansive underground. We may not always get the credit we deserve for producing memorable, heavyweight metal bands, but not only are they out there waiting to be heard, they're lead by Cardiac Arrest's unapologetic cult of death-worshipers and grave-dwellers. Give these guys a good, hard listen!

Rating: 9.5 out of 10