Band:	Beherit
Album:	Drawing Down The Moon
Style:	Black metal
Release date:	November 13, 1993
Guest review by:	Zombie, M.D.

01. Intro (Tireheb)
02. Solomon's Gate
03. Nocturnal Evil
04. Sodomatic Rites
05. Black Arts
06. The Gate Of Nanna
07. Nuclear Girl
08. Unholy Pagan Fire
09. Down There...
10. Summerlands
11. Werewolf, Semen And Blood
12. Thou Angels Of The Gods
13. Lord Of Shadows And Goldenwood

1993 was a big year for black metal, seeing such releases as Det Som en Gang Var by Burzum, Pure Holocaust by Immortal, and Dark Midievil Times by Satryicon. However, among these more popular releases there is a very odd and amazingly original album, that album is Drawing Down the Moon by Beherit. This album was so far ahead of its time, little did these three men from Finland know it would later attain legendary status.

At a time when black metal bands were only meddling lightly with ambience and electronics, Beherit pushed the envelope. The atmospheric ambience on this album contradicts the intense and simplistic guitar and drum work, making this album incredibly unique and quite the experience to listen to. This isn't really black metal like many people would imagine it to be, it is thick and bone crushing, surely inspired by the likes of Sarcofago, Von, and of course, Bathory. The line between death metal and black metal is a fine one on this release.

One thing which sets this album apart from other black metal releases of the time is the vocal effects. At a time where it was taboo to tamper with vocals, Beherit did just that. Adding distortion, reverb and god knows what other effects to the vocals. Beherit broke the mold. Another thing which stands out is the variation of the music. It can go from being very death metallish and chunky, to speedy chainsaw black metal guitars, all the way to tracks which are just pure ritualistic ambience. The beauty of this album is in the simplicity of it. Like their influences, Beherit creates a very dark and ritualistic feel to the music with the monotony and repetition. The guitar riffs drone right into your head, while the relentless drumming transforms your brain into pudding. The more than subtle ambience only add to the incredible dark atmosphere. Its not easy to make such a minimalist album which can be listened to repeatedly and not become boring.

Overall, front to back, this album is flawless. Beherit have always been about experimenting (no two official releases are the same) and they do just that. I rate it 10/10. If you are a fan of black metal, this album is essential.