In all honesty, I’ve never really listened to black metal much before hearing the third Blackened compilation from Metal Blade Records’ bm sub-label Blackend Records. After listening to all twenty-four tracks on the double CD, I’m very much interested in checking out other material in the genre. The first CD is the best of the two discs which contained five tracks which immediately caught my attention, tracks such as Amsvartner’s "Behind The 100 Years Gate", which surprised me by having strong, captivating vocals, a drummer who can actually play, rather than just blast beating perpetually, although the track clocks in at around seven minutes in length, there is not a single moment of boredom to be found. Conversely, the highly acclaimed Emperor did nothing to impress with their annoying vocals, irritating synths and pathetic drumming. The lesser-known acts makes the album quite listenable; Enthroned’s savage attack is sure to please fans of brutal death metal, Fatal Embrace’s "Drowned In The Crossway Waters" is one of the few tracks with a good intro and strong male and female vocals. Rotting Christ’s slow, heavy aural assault with deep throaty vocals and good use synths/keyboards is not at all boring, and Usurper’s hateful, grinding "Slavehammer" is a must-hear for fans of extreme music. The poorer tracks on the two CDs are from the better known acts. Mayhem’s overly cheesy ‘evil atmosphere’ and constipated vocals is laughable, Borknagar’s poor intro, guitaring and weak vocals is shameful, Dimmu Borgir’s terrible keyboarding ruins an otherwise decent track, as does the drumming, keyboarding and vocals of ragnarok, whereas the only thing decent with Tartaros is the keyboarding. Of the two bands with a song on each CD, Hecate Enthroned has a huge contrast between their two songs, the first "Danse Macabre" is just boring, typical black metal, whereas "The Spell Of The Winter Forest" is, in my opinion, the best track of the double-CD combining great atmosphere, drumming, rhythm and vocals. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye and ear open for Amsvartner, Enthroned, Fatal Embrace, Hecate Enthroned, Rotting Christ and Usurper while avoiding Emperor, In The Woods, Cultus Sanguine, Borknagar, Lord Belial, Limbonic Art and Old Man’s Child at all costs. There’s a bit of something for everyone and for a very reasonable price, pick it up if you’re interested in getting into black metal! Written By: Teufel