Kaeck – Het Zwarte Dictaat
Folter Records (CD) / Hessian Firm (Cassette)
The Dutch trio Kaeck strikes again with their second album "Het Zwarte Dictaat" featuring two members from the mighty Sammath. Those with a penchant for second wave black metal will undoubtedly find solace in the hellish overtones of "Het Zwarte Dictaat" as the band churns out a series of hefty riffs and scornful vocals. The atmosphere conjured on this album brings to mind something profane and utterly malevolent, coupled with a simplicity that is true to black metal. There is nothing overly technical on this album, though everything is executed exceptionally well as the band shows their knack as songwriters. Keyboards are used sporadically throughout the album to add an extra layer of ambiance, giving it a rather sinister twang. At its best, "Het Zwarte Dictaat" is primarily a black metal album, somewhat reminiscent of war metal with its volatile and crushing atmosphere. The music manages to incorporate a variety of dynamic tempos while maintaining a good balance. The bass is prominent and adds to the heaviness of the album, while the drums are mostly mid-tempo but well executed. I have always been of the opinion that music sounds better (and more expressive) when performed in one's native tongue, and that's exactly the case here, as the vocals are performed in Dutch. If you are a fan of good black metal, then you should listen to Kaeck! (HT)