Review by UnhinderedbyTalent for Bethlehem - Dark Metal (1994)

Having heard the delirious display of Dictus te necare many times before now, the album that comes before it has been quite a turn up for the books by way of comparison.  Depending on your view of Bethlehem's sophomore release you will find the vocal performance on their debut effort much more controlled whilst still retaining the ghastly edge that goes into overdrive on the follow up record.  Going into Dark Metal I was not expecting a predominantly death doom orientated record.  The progression from this death march-paced release to the demented, depressive black metal of Dictus te necare in just two years is more obvious than your may at first think.  Musically and often stylistically as well it is certainly structured differently, however Dark Metal is laden with a sense of the futility and despondency that spewed forth with such vitriol on the follow up album.

Feeling much more measured and balanced than its successor, Dark Metal feels more inviting a prospect to listen to.  It is well constructed and thoughtfully produced death doom metal in the main that has an undeniable black metal aesthetic to it.  This bm influence is undeniably in the vocals of Andreas Classen, however he does have variety in his kit bag to be able to pull off some great death metal vocals also.  The latter part of his skillset certainly serves the direction of the album better overall.  The riffs are simple yet effective and the drumming is perfectly serviceable if not all that remarkable overall.  It is the daunting atmospheres however that really carry the album home.  Combining these simple structures with a solid use of pacing really does create some density to proceedings and there is a constant sense of dread throughout Dark Metal. 

For me, it takes a bit too long to truly get going and I would argue that for the first three tracks at least, the band are clearly finding their feet.  I would say that the latter half of the record therefore is much stronger than the early track listing.  Although not searching for an identity as such, the band are definitely unable to settle on a permanent direction at first.  From 3rd Nocturnal Prayer onwards however the record is virtually a flawless experience.  Colour me impressed though as I had always assumed Bethlehem to be an out and out bm band so their debut release is a neat find.