Review done by Noose (USBMS) 

SEARING SKULL DEMO REVIEW

SEARING SKULL - " INLANDSIS" (demo tape)
Track Listing

1. Inlandsis
2. Mysteries Behind the Hills
3. Sadness, Hate, Misanthropy
4. Strong, Proud and Elitist
5. Sous Les Ailes Du Dragon (Under the Wings of the Dragon)
6. Dark Years

There are certain bands that once heard, you are immediately hooked…such is the case with this band Searing skull. The one man project consist of Legolas Landvoettir (All Instruments & Vocals) and they hail from Alsace/Vosges France. I was very lucky to receive a tape copy of his newest promo release sent to me by mail. (Searing Skull is currently searching for a label to release their music on CD format). For being only a tape demo the sleeve layout and artwork were put together well. The cover has what looks to be burning brush and pictures of some misty mountain sides don the inside of the sleeve . It's the Searing Skull logo that really stands out and make u interested in hearing this band. But that's only the outside packaging, whats inside "INLANDSIS" is nothing less then shear cold Black Metal madness. If u have never heard Sering Skull then you are in for treat.

The first track off the tape titled "INLANDSIS" is full on speed from the start, instantly you get an atmospheric vibe from the chaos that's attacking your ears. You can feel that Legolas puts great energy's in creating his music.
Track two "Mysteries Behind The Hills" slows things down a bit and melds legolas's cold vocals and crunching guitar riffs perfectly. This second song also keeps the listener interested with catchy aggression.

If you have ever visited Searing Skull's Myspace page you might have heard the next track "Sadness, Hate, Misanthropy" This by far is the strongest song on the tape. Once again Legolas shreds the guitar and his drum machine work is full speed all the way through. For fans of fast Black Metal, this band is for you. Next up were the tracks "Strong, Proud and Elitist" and the French titled Sous Les Ailes Du Dragon" both of these songs are of equal strength they are fast paced with hyperspeed drum, catchy hooks and blazing guitar.

The latter "Sous Les Ailes Du Dragon" has some excellent guitar work as it slows down a bit midway through the track. But on this ride there is no stopping as legolas plays this unholy riff that just cuts into your soul like a knife through butter. This combined with the hyper speed drums makes for a almost trance induced experience.

As i approached the end of the demo tape I was hoping for a strong finish with the last track that would only have me wanting to hear more. As the song " Dark Years" began you are quickly treated to some slow atmospheric guitar work. As it slows to almost a snail paced boil with acoustics and wind sounds, suddenly Legolas's menacing cold vocals pierce your ears again and you quickly get an over whelming chill from the thick atmospheric sound that is Black Metal coming from your speakers. This last track did not let down, it did exactly the right thing and had me wanting to hear more. I definitely would recommend to any one about picking up this release. This would be a great addition to your BM arsenal. For new fans who would like to hear more, legolas offers some free downloads on his official website. These early tracks are know different. From this release. In other words they are pure Black Metal mastery.

Tape Available through Infernal Kommando Records
http://perso.orange.fr/infernal.kommando

For band contact visit these site
http://www.myspace.com/searingskull
searingskull[@]hotmail.fr