sinister

Cross the Styx: Diabolical Summoning
$8.99
It is such a shame these albums are out of print through Nuclear Blast records; but more than 15 years after I first purchased the import CDs and these albums crushed my speakers, the MP3 format still continues to bring the beast that is Sinister to my computer speakers. Both these albums are classic examples of what made Sinister sucn a force to be reckoned with...heavy guitar sound, guttural vocals from somewhere in the lower intestines, and explosive blast beats and double bass drumming that never relent. Diabolical Summoning is one of my alltime favorite death metal albums, and from the crushing bass lines of Sadistic Intent to the final blasts of Mystical Illusions, it leaves me with a huge smile on my face. All the tracks on this release are my favorites. This is death metal at its best. Clocking in at just over 34 minutes, this album always leaves me wanting more. Thankfully, Cross the Styx is also included.

Their debut is nothing short of being absolutely magnificent. One can feel their body cracking as if being stretched on the rack during the opening Carneficina Scelesta. From the blast beats and heaviness that defied their sound takes over in Perennial Mourning. The production on this album is top flight, courtesy of Alex Krull of Atrocity who also offers some backing shrieks on the title track. My personal favorites are Perennial Mourning, Spiritual Immolation, and Perpetual Damnation. Their debut was nothing short of breathtaking, and never left my stereo or Cwalkman. Diabolical Summoning is still a little more mature sounding than Cross the Styx; but nonetheless is a worthy sophomore effort. Cross the Styx is still an awesome debut and illustrates all the Sinister hallmarks that made them a brutal force to be reckoned with. Best of all, both albums on one release makes it a real value for the wallet. These are mandatory listening for any death metal fan who loves brutal, explosive music. Awesome debut and followup.

Diabolical Summoning
$17.95
Recorded in March of 1993, "Diabolical Summoning," the second LP from Holland's Sinister, came just as death metal had begun to die out in popularity with the record-buying public, with several labels jumping ship and moving away from the sound altogether.

Sinister were never the most jaw-droppingly original band of the pack but you could always count on them to deliver the goods that your average death metal listener looks for in this kind of music. In that respect "Diabolical Summoning" always makes for a good listen. If anything the band may be even faster, heavier and tighter than on the 1992 debut "Cross the Styx." On that release, the group came off as a melange of contemporary death metal influences, most notably Cannibal Corpse and Terrorizer. Not bad bands to recall if you ask me, and on "Diabolical Summoning" Sinister proved they had staying power and sound most like simply Sinister. In keeping with the spirit of the debut (which I probably still favor slightly over this one for nostalgia value if nothing else), the drums of Aad still blast and click along at hyperspeed tempos and Mike's vocals remain as, well, sinister as before. There is not a terrible amount of variation between songs but there doesn't have to be if brutal and aggressive death metal of the highest order is your thing.

I had inexplicably parted with my copy of the CD from the original pressing back in the day but the album has thankfully been reissued recently in a lush digipak format on Poland's always reliable and trustworthy mainstays Metal Mind Records. You now won't have to shell out $30+ dollars for an out of print CD and I'm happy to report that as in the past, Metal Mind proves they know how to reissue an album right, as this one includes all artwork and photos that were in the original pressing, lyrics and even the original thank list, a nice touch if you ask me. Last but not least is the awesome Wes Benscoter cover art, which I've always loved.

Hearing this one again after all these years brought back some memories of both my and death metal's younger days and should for you too. Act quick though, as this edition is again limited to 2000 numbered copies.

Prophecies Denied
$19.95
First, to be honest, the bassist, is the son of my brother...
and i have never been to one of his performances, since he plays in Sinister,
shame on me...
and not being a real hardcore Metal fan, of this genre, i hereby give you an objective review,
First, sound is excelent,video also, (watched this dvd also on my pc) shots and editing are also very well done,
if you're a Metal fan of this genre, you'll play this one over and over again...

ADULT Curse of Mayhem Mansion Sinister Costume Wig
$19.99
Evil Mischief, Anyone? Tap Into Your Dark Side With This Wicked Wig! (vest, jewelry not included)