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The main reason I parted with my hard-earned cash was to get a listen to the Goatmoon tracks on this split album, as their contribution to the Winterforest split album with Dead Reptile Shrine pretty much blew me away, but I’m pleasantly surprised to report that Azazel actually steals the show on this release. That’s not to say Goatmoon doesn’t deliver because we are served up some wonderful true Nordic black metal done in the ancient style. After the disappointing opener Black Metal Winter, which is cornier than an old hag’s foot and cheesier than a scrap in Pizza Hut, Black Goat and co. get into their stride in irresistible manner, fashioning some stellar Black Metal magick, no more so than on the super Black Goat Worship – an exhibit of prime underground black majesty – and the stunning closing track Fourth Reich. These Goatmoon tracks were recorded last summer and there’s enough on here to whet my appetite for the just-released full-length, Varjot. On the flip side of the record come four tracks from the Finnish black metal act Azazel, which were recorded three years ago. Praise Hail Satan is all murky noise and evil feedback, while Rebellious Angels is a grimy, filthy slab of coarse, ugly, raw and primitive Black Metal – like a black metal version of Napalm Death, maybe. Evil Spells From The Black Gods is a bold title but it walks the walk – a thundering piece of unprocessed, uncomplicated Black Metal spewed out with utter contempt – before Werewolf Howling completes Azazel’s magnificent contribution in soaring, barrel-chested fashion. Brilliant stuff. You’d be mad not to hunt this down. Track listing: 1. Azazel – Praise Hail Satan 2. Azazel – Rebellious Angels 3. Azazel – Evil Spells From the Black Gods 4. Azazel – Werewolf Howling 5. Goatmoon – Blackmetal Winter 6. Goatmoon – Kunnia Armageddon 7. Goatmoon – Pure Blood 8. Goatmoon – Blackgoatworship 9. Goatmoon – Fourth Reich