The birth of northern Europe's Christian extreme metal scene can be attributed to one main act, Antestor. Appropriately meaning "witness" in Latin, the band began its crusade using this name back in 1992. However, then they had already released a demo, using the moniker Crush Evil. Crush Evil started out in 1990. Producing their groundbreaking brand of black sorrow metal, they led the hordes of light to penetrate the darkness and hatred of the then prevalent Norwegian black metal inner circle. The intrusion was not taken kindly, standing up for their faith in Life and Hope, Antestor received serious death threats during this time from some of the major bands and key players in the scene. Their first official album was put out on Cacophonous Records, famed for spawning such names as Cradle Of Filth and Dimmu Borgir to the masses. But when the owners of this label figured out what Antestor sing about, and what they stand for, the band got fired, later ending up on the Swedish label Endtime Production.

THE RETURN OF THE BLACK DEATH (1998) CACOPHONOUS

As this CD is hard to find, I was very pleased to find a promo version on an auction web-site. The bidding started at measly $2, so I thought I made a killer bargain! A few days before the auction ended, another buyer showed interest. Finally I won the auction, paying over $10 for it. Then I saw that this site had 2 of these promos, and the other went for about $6. Had I seen this other disc before raising the bids on the first one, maybe we both could have gotten a copy for $2! Well, turns out the disc was worth what I gave for it. Originally named "Kongsblod", this album was Antestor's first official release. And this is excellent black metal. Slow, atmospheric and melodic and with some folk-music inspirations. I can see why they chose to call it sorrow metal. This band deserve much more attention than they have gotten so far. The only thing I don't see the point of, is why have some songs in English, and others in Norwegian? Choose a language, won't you. Other than that, this album is recommended!

I finally gained an original copy of this release, to replace my cardboard-promo. It's the original Cacophonous release. Thanks for the trade, Eli!

Killer tracks: A Sovereign Fortress, Svartedaudens Gjenkomst, The Bridge Of Death, Kongsblod

THE DEFEAT OF SATAN (2003) MOMENTUM SCANDINAVIA (#348/999)

This release marks the start of the new label Momentum Scandinavia. What you get is Antestor's 2 first demos, remastered, and released on CD for the first time. And I must say they've done a great job with this release. The sound is very good, and the music is awesome. The oldest material (put last on the CD) was more death metal oriented. But considering this was recorded in 1991, it holds up very well in my opinion. The second demo sees the band moving more into their trademark sorrow metal. Slow, atmospheric and with hints of black metal. I grew to like this CD a lot, and for a while I could not stop listening to it. It also opened my ears to get a taste for more of the brutal music. "Jesus, Jesus Ver Du Hjå Meg" is a traditional Norwegian funeral hymn that they gave a metal make-over.  This CD is a limited release, only 999 copies have been pressed. My CD is #348.

Killer tracks: They are all quite good

DET TAPTE LIV (2004) ENDTIME (EP)

'Det Tapte Liv' is meant to be a teaser before Antestor's upcoming release. But since the first track, called "Rites Of Death", is the only track that also will be on the album, then in a different mix, this EP contains all exclusive material. Of the 5 tracks included, only 2 are full songs. The rest of them are somber tunes without the heavy black metal this band is known for. "Grief" and "Det Tapte Liv" contains narrative lyrics, rather then shrieks and screams. But on the 2 songs that are heavy, we get to hear a "grown up" Antestor, playing excellent black metal music. Also noticeable is the guest appearance of drummer extraordinaire, Axel von Blomberg (aka Hellhammer (Mayhem, ex-Covenant, Arcturus, ex-Jorn etc.)). I can't wait to hear the complete new album!

The first 1000x limited edition is presented in a black matte heavy paper box, with a special heat-debossed black Antestor logo on top. The exclusive box is designed to also house the upcoming full-length digi-pak, thus completing the set.

THE FORSAKEN (2005) ENDTIME

The copyright on this album says 2005, but some versions of it was already available in November of 2004. But since I had to get the Limited Edition digi-pack version, that will fit into the box set purchased together with the 'Det Tapte Liv' EP, I waited until December. Finally we get to hear what we all were waiting for. And the finished result was worth the wait! Antestor have delivered a much more consistent release this time around. While I have liked all other album by them also, it is like the 2004 version of Antestor is almost a different band. The production is leaps and bounds better, the band sounds tighter, and the structure of the songs are better written. Add to this the ingenious drumming from Hellhammer, and you've got a winning team! I'm sure some people will say that they are trying to be like a Christian version of Dimmu Borgir. But I don't think that is the case at all. If I have to liken them to any other band, it would be the 'Nexus Polaris' era of Covenant, but even that would be sort of wrong. I think Antestor have created their own sound, in blending black metal with more straight forward heavy metal, traditional Norwegian folk-music, and their own trademark slower sorrow metal. The finished product is a fine listen, and I hope people can put away any preconceived notions, and listen to how good this really is. This will certainly become a returnee in my silver-disc spinner.

Killer tracks: Old Times Cruelty, Via Dolorosa, Vale Of Tears

Related artists:

Vaakevandring, Stronghold