Review by Jack on June 25, 2002.

It is good to see a relatively unknown label in DVS Records really starting to make a name for themselves through the progressive fields of metal. Add this impressive debut from Sonic Debris alongside Wolverine and Ashes to Ashes, and DVS Records are compiling an impressive list of extremely competent acts.

Sonic Debris, themselves are influenced by some pretty big names: Faith No More, Dream Theatre, King Crimson, and perhaps a few of the more mellow moments from Smashing Pumpkins. Speaking of which, vocalist Rune Sorheim is clearly influenced by the aforementioned Smashing Pumpkins, in terms of renowned vocals by Billy Corgan.

However, do not be too hasty in judging this band to sound like another carbon copy of Faith No More, Dream Theatre and Smashing Pumpkins, because Sonic Debris have shown with “Velvet Thorns”, that they are way too capable to be just another shadow in the progressive scene.

“Velvet Thorns” makes the transition from harder to melodic to mellow sequences efficiently, but suffers from being a little contrived and maybe too wishy-washy. The members of Sonic Debris all play their instruments well, their song structures are solid, but unfortunately is hard to judge what they were trying to achieve with “Velvet Thorns”, seemingly there are too many musical directions incorporated at once. These guys are good musicians but malign their debut by trying to do much, maybe it was the fact that Sonic Debris have gone 5 years and 3 demos before releasing an actual album and “Velvet Thorns”, was an attempt to include all their signatures in one huge triumphant effort.

My advice to Sonic Debris is to allow the next album to have a more room to breathe and the results may turn into something astounding. That being said, “Velvet Thorns”, despite my harsh criticism is a solid progressive album and well worth a few listens to absorb the interesting directions that Sonic Debris display.

Bottom Line: Even if all the big guns were seemingly fired at once on “Velvet Thorns”, Sonic Debris are a band hard to deny. Possessing some uncanny ability at progressive art and a talent for songwriting, Sonic Debris may be worth looking out for in the future.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 7
Overall: 6

Rating: 7 out of 10

Review by Jack on June 25, 2002.

It is good to see a relatively unknown label in DVS Records really starting to make a name for themselves through the progressive fields of metal. Add this impressive debut from Sonic Debris alongside Wolverine and Ashes to Ashes, and DVS Records are compiling an impressive list of extremely competent acts.

Sonic Debris, themselves are influenced by some pretty big names: Faith No More, Dream Theatre, King Crimson, and perhaps a few of the more mellow moments from Smashing Pumpkins. Speaking of which, vocalist Rune Sorheim is clearly influenced by the aforementioned Smashing Pumpkins, in terms of renowned vocals by Billy Corgan.

However, do not be too hasty in judging this band to sound like another carbon copy of Faith No More, Dream Theatre and Smashing Pumpkins, because Sonic Debris have shown with “Velvet Thorns”, that they are way too capable to be just another shadow in the progressive scene.

“Velvet Thorns” makes the transition from harder to melodic to mellow sequences efficiently, but suffers from being a little contrived and maybe too wishy-washy. The members of Sonic Debris all play their instruments well, their song structures are solid, but unfortunately is hard to judge what they were trying to achieve with “Velvet Thorns”, seemingly there are too many musical directions incorporated at once. These guys are good musicians but malign their debut by trying to do much, maybe it was the fact that Sonic Debris have gone 5 years and 3 demos before releasing an actual album and “Velvet Thorns”, was an attempt to include all their signatures in one huge triumphant effort.

My advice to Sonic Debris is to allow the next album to have a more room to breathe and the results may turn into something astounding. That being said, “Velvet Thorns”, despite my harsh criticism is a solid progressive album and well worth a few listens to absorb the interesting directions that Sonic Debris display.

Bottom Line: Even if all the big guns were seemingly fired at once on “Velvet Thorns”, Sonic Debris are a band hard to deny. Possessing some uncanny ability at progressive art and a talent for songwriting, Sonic Debris may be worth looking out for in the future.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 5
Production: 8
Originality: 7
Overall: 6

Rating: 7 out of 10

Review by Arek on February 27, 2015.

13 years of hard work under the banner of The Stone (and in the name of the devil) was awarded with the seventh full length album-Nekroza. This is the second publishing from Folter Rec. this year already that reached my claws and I have to say that German Publisher does not need to be ashamed of it. Those five Serbs poured out ten tarry black metal compositions. Horned one rules out there on that one with slight death metal inflections or sounds rather.

All of it comes with very good realization, where instruments sound selectively and at the same time very coherent to a point where you can highlight any instrument and devour its sound. I will admit that black metal is not exactly my daily bread and butter and I'm not an expert by any means, but when an album is so good and worthy of interest, it would be a sin to omit it. One of the most uncommon things on the album is the fact that lyrics are executed in Serbian. English language has dominated metal music and one must admit that it fits in this genre best. However, you do not need to be concerned about quality of Nefas’s vocals because they don’t sound outdated nor are they funny, they rather evidently add a tinge of originality and mystery. The album is quite diverse where fast pace pieces are cut with slow breakdowns and colored with interesting melodies that intensify diabolical atmosphere. It results in ability to listen to it many times and discover new aspects of the album. It is difficult to me to choose the so-called gems on this album since pretty much on every song you can find something that makes it interesting and highlighting it from the rest.

I believe that Nekroza served by The Stone is obligatory article for the entire horde of black metal maniacs, and as for the remaining m/maniacs with an open mind, I encourage you to delve into it as the album carries the quality needed and makes a difference.

Rating: 9 out of 10