Creator's Sorcery

In 2006 Usud come up with a developed sound of their own, and present a release that combines a wide range of musical styles in the extreme metal; Immolation, Incantation, Immortal. The turn to Dark/Black Metal makes this release even more special then the previous one, which was a revelation in dark extreme music, and Usud drive deeper into the abysses of bands like Immolation. The opening track "Morning Light" is condemned to make you get sraight into the album, as tempos change very often here, from slow, mid tempo to blast beats. The guitars are drenched with a bunch of effects, that make the first song marvellous. All in all, the songs and melodies are very catchy, and will leave a trace in your mind.

"Arkay, the Enemy" is a song that reminds of the first, self-titled release USUD - dark guitars that are full of monstrous sounds and frenzied furious drum work. In any case, a release you should have and listen to all the time, as it's a perfect soundtrack for the upcoming dark days and the winter. On CREATOR'S SORCERY Usud payed more attention to the production of the sound, and now you can distinct every instrument. "Death Coil" is an example for a great production in this musical genre - the fabulous sound reminds of Immortal's AT THE HEART OF WINTER, which had one of the best Black Metal productions ever, and succeeded to evolve from the "necro true kult" sound of Norwegian Black Metal to a reknown band in the genre. So do Usud - they keep their sound, but still they evolve and ascend to a higher grade of perfection.

CREATOR'S SORCERY is a record you can play a hundred times, and still find new interesting chords, arrangements, and new views of one and the same song. The release and music will never stop to amaze you. "Burning Angel" is one of my major fav's. The lead chord is as taken from Immortal's AT THE HEART OF WINTER; powerfull and crushing at once. Usud tend to create perfect ambients for their arrangements, as they mix slow, down-tuned riffings with up-tempo leads. As mentioned, the release has very catchy melodies. The best about this release is that every song stands for himself. And like I said, there is a lot of Immolation's influence, espacially of the ealier releases, that you can hear on "Darkened Room", completed with Usud's own flavour.

If it wasn't to their own addings and creations, this would have been just a try to copy some extreme bands. But due to their mixing of their own previous generated sound with some ideas from those aforementioned bands, this becomes one of the best releases this year. There is no less good song, no chord that won't maqke you nod your head, and no atmosphere that Usud can't create. And with "Unholy Crusade" they end this album, giving it an Incantation-like sound - fast, dark and furious. You can only hope for more Usud releases like this one. They have just begun to become what is a great and unique band, and they won't stop with making great music. A perfect 10 for this release.