From the label that released Absurd's Facta Luquuntur LP and the split with Heldentum 7" comes a rather strange release between a German NS band and another cult Japanese black/thrash project in the vein of Abigail, Terror Squad, and of course the almighty Sabbat. I'm not going to try explaining the reason these bands appear together because A) I really don't know the answer, and B) even if I did it probably wouldn't make sense anyway. Wolfsburg obviously have a good deal of respect for the Japanese scene and this is a black metal review, not an analysis of international politics between heathen and Asian groups, so let's fuck the adverse ideology and get into the music.

Wolfsburg - The composition here sounds somewhat like Burzum except the German duo doesn't have the talent or the vision to pull off the atmosphere and emotions correctly, and it comes across feeling rather dark and cold but not with that sublime absorbing "larger than life" feeling. Drums are programmed straightforward and unimpressively, the riffs are moderately decent, and the German-sung vocals have that "gutteral but still shrieking" quality to them with very heavy distortion. Overall this is respectable but I'm not exactly feeling richer for having heard it.

Barbatos - Pure unbridled thrashing black fury from the country that does it better than any other. Vocals are more fuzzy than the traditional sound and the riffs are absolutely classic with pulsating energy and vigor, making this truly a pleasure to hear. The drumming is strong and vivacious and the overall production has a raw and crushing resonance. Definitely the better side of the split.

© 2001 hando