Countdown to MDF X: (8) Sargeist

Sargeist is another musical endeavor of Shatraug of Horna and Behexen. According to the Encyclopaedia Metallum, the term "Sargeist" is derived from two German words, "Sarg" (coffin) and "Geist" (spirit).

Unlike Horna, which I find more melodic and meditative, Sargeist seems to be a more traditional and much thrashier type of black metal. The production of Sargeist is also dirtier that Horna. Shatraug just seems to be a super busy musician who likes to keep a lot of irons in the fire. This band is just another expression of a deep well of talent and possibly a type A personality.

It is hard to tell which project Shatraug is emphasizing more at this point since both bands play the 2012 Maryland Deathfest. Sargeist performs late Sunday, May 27, while Horna plays on Saturday evening. Horna is touring, however. Stick around and watch them both for comparison.

Other members of Sargeist include  Hoath Torog - Vocals and Horns - Drums.

Countdown to MDF X: (26) Horna

I would like to think that Horna is the music that would have been created, had early pagan cultures had access to electrified instruments.  The roots of this Finnish group's music certainly dates back to bygone centuries and old "country" ways.

Formed in 1993, this highly melodic black metal group stays true by singing in their native language and sticking to themes like paganism, the occult and satanic philosophy. Their music has evolved over the years. I particularly like this quote in their Facebook bio, which sums it up well: "Throughout the years the lyrics of Horna ventured from harsh anti-christian hatred, paganism and fairy tales to severe exultations of the occult, the mysteries of the dark side of mankind and Satanism - from youthful outbursts of anger to ever more maturing inner enlightenment."

Horna plays "trve" black metal in the traditional sense. The vocals are harsh, the guitar picking fast, the drumming relentless. But they write thoughtful, contemplative melodies that are accessible and memorable, too. It's not all about blast beats and growling, but much more complex. And somehow, the music is meditative and comforting. Another thought, I think this black metal must be how all rock music sounds to the infant in the womb: filtered and distorted by the mother's own heartbeat and breathing. I know, weird, but I am funny like that.

The current lineup for Horna (which means abyss or hell, by the way) includes founding member guitarist Shatraug with vocalist Spellgoth, drummer Vainaja, guitarist Infection, and bassist Qraken. Their "ritual" will be performed Saturday night, May 26, at the 2012 Maryland Deathfest. If some of the early satanic acts have chased you away, Horna should invite you back in.

Countdown to MDF X: (29) Archgoat

The satanic black metal band, Archgoat, hails from Finland and has been performing their blasphemous rituals since about 1989. They will perform Saturday evening, May 26, at the 2012 Maryland Deathfest.

The trio that is Archgoat plays fairly straightforward, traditional black metal, but with more death metal vocals and certainly better recording techniques. Expect serious blastbeats from their drummer Sinisterror and distorted, rapid riffs from their guitarist Ritual Butcherer. Bassist Lord Angelslayer provides the death growl.

Extremely "trve kvlt" and definitely underground, Archgoat disbanded briefly from 1993 until 2004, or as they put it on their website, "decided to vanish from (the) now so commercial Black metal scene." They certainly don't participate in Facebook although it looks like they or someone close to the band maintains a MySpace.

Prior to their break up, the group had only released a few demos and EPs. Since their reunion, however, Archgoat has produced two full-length albums and an EP and appeared on a split with the like-minded group, Black Witchery.

UPDATE: I reached Ritual Butcherer via email and he said they will be playing music from all their recordings and will "bring merchandise that is pretty hard to find in the US" to MDF.  He added that no other shows are planned in the US before or after Deathfest.

Here's a song from their 2011 EP and a live performance from last summer.

Countdown to MDF X: (49) Demigod

Demigod's Friday appearance at the Maryland Deathfest reportedly will be their second to last show ever, EVER. (Their last show will be in June in their home country of Finland at the Tuska Festival in Helsinki.) But who knows for sure? Demigod has a record for breaking up and reuniting over their 22 year history. Why should we believe them?

Assuming that this actually will be one of their last shows, then, according to the band's website, attendees at MDF should prepare to be treated to a nostalgic retrospective of music from Demigod's most acclaimed recordings: Slumber of Sullen Eyes and Unholy Domain. "Slumber" made Terrorizer magazine's list of 40 death metal albums you must hear. Once you hear it, you will agree.

The group's current members include Tuomas Ala-Nissilä - Vocals, Jussi Kiiski - Guitars, Tuomas Karppinen - Guitars, Sami Vesanto - Bass and Tuomo Latvala - Drums. I am not going to bore you with descriptions. Just listen to this shit--it kicks so much ass on so many levels. Go to MDF! Heck, go to Tuska and see Demigod before they go away forever (or not)!