Attila Csihar – The Beast Of

[Russell]

Attila Csihar – The Beast Of
Cacophonous Records – NIHIL40CD – 29th September 2003
By Russell Garwood

“The Beast Of Attila Csihar” - a retrospective of the renowned vocalist’s seventeen year career - highlights numerous vocal styles and an eclectic back-catalogue. The music varies from Mayhem’s classic black and the black/thrash of Tormentor, through the dark electronica of Plasma Pool and Professor Fate (a collaboration with Anaal Nathrakh's Irrumator), to Aborym’s cutting edge industrial/techno/black. The compilation also features rare tracks such as a jam with Limbonic Art, alternate mixes of Mayhem’s “Freezing Moon” and “Cursed In Eternity”, and an Anaal Nathrakh remix, while full track listings show more big names:
Aborym - Out Of Shell
Plasma Pool - Chanceless Religion (live)
Tormentor - Heaven
Korog - Worshiping The Current
Anaal Nathrakh - Atavism (remix)
Mayhem - Cursed In Eternity (alternate mix)
Plasma Pool - Story Of Flying
Professor Fate - Ghost Dance
Limbonic Art - Serpently Inspired (jam)
Emperor - Funeral Fog
Plasma Pool - False The Saints
Aborym - Here Is No God
Mayhem - Freezin’ Moon (alternate mix)
Tormentor - Trance
Sunn0))) - Decay (Mp3)

“The Beast Of” is an excellent introduction to the hard-working and highly influential Csihar, a seminal figure in black metal, as well as an enjoyable compilation in its own right. This release is a necessity for Attila fans for the numerous rare tracks, while black metal devotees will appreciate his significance to the genre. Those who dislike his vocals may be surprised by their diversity, but had probably better avoid the album.