Rough Edge: Old Man's Child CD Reviews

OLD MAN'S CHILD

"Slaves of the World" (Century Media; 2009)

Reviewed by Mike SOS

After a four-year slumber, Dimmu Borgir guitarist Galder resumes his prolific solo project Old Man’s Child with the release of "Slaves of the World."

This Norwegian’s nine-track aural assault contains an obligatory dose of symphonic metal complete with keyboard flourishes and dastardly vocal growls, yet there’s also strong elements of death and thrash metal (“Unholy Foreign Crusade”), allowing songs like “On The Devil’s Throne” and “Saviours of Doom” to delve into more sadistic and sinister territories.

Maintaining a grandiose vibe that simultaneously spews epic and evil visions (“Ferden Mot Fienden's Land”), those who despise high-end production will shun this disc immediately, but for those who don’t mind some cracks of light seeping through black walls of despair, Old Man’s Child steadfastly delivers another well-manicured collection of black metal blasphemies.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/officialoldmanschild.

"Revelation 666" (Century Media; 2000)

Reviewed by TBJ

How does one tell between a good black metal band, and a bad one?

Certain aspects come to mind when determining this: Production values, musicianship, vocals, themes, etc. By these criteria, Old Man’s Child falls into that gray area between good and bad.

The production is good, there’s no denying the musicianship, and the vocals aren’t bad. What bothers me is the over-used satanic imagery. There’s nothing wrong with metaphors or with expressing your beliefs. But it’s just plain boring not to sing about anything else.

The band's corpse paint looks cool, and the CD artwork is well done, but it’s all been done before. Some people argue the whole point of black metal is to express the dark side of things. Well, sure. But there are many ways to do it with some originality (take Cradle of Filth for example).

This album is for black metal fans who don’t care much about change. If that's you, cool! Buy this CD. If not, try something else - In Flames perhaps!

Old Man’s Child are: Galder - vocals, lead guitar, synths; Jardar - guitar; Punisher - bass; Sarke - drums; Lupus - synths.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/officialoldmanschild.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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