Various Artists Better Undead Than Alive
code666 code16 2003
By Russell Garwood
To quote code666 manager Emi, usually a record label compilation is not that interesting for the fans, an unfortunate truth shattered by Better Undead Than Alive. code666 have managed to produce a debut compilation with so many special features and unreleased tracks it is hard to know where to begin. A double album, CD two has a multimedia section with an exclusive Negura Bunget video, information on the labels roster, and MP3s of remixes, unreleased tracks and an entire live set from Aghora. Additionally, hidden within the section is a secret game linked to the labels past, its website and the compilations cover art. The first person to send Emi the correct solution will win all the Italian labels past, present and future releases for life.
Of course, from code666 the music is excellent, and half the songs on the two CD set are previously unreleased. The remainder are re-mastered album tracks and all serve as great introductions to the groups concerned. The labels roster includes names like Ephel Duath, Aborym, Rakoth, Enid, Atrox and Aghora, so, while much of the music is black metal based, the ground covered varies greatly. My favourite tracks include the dreamy, epic mediaeval metal of Enids unreleased Exemption, an emotional live version of Aghoras Immortal bliss, the ice-cold post black metal of thee MaldoroR Kollektives Xaos DNA Released and an unreleased Rakoth track LHonglath (Facing The Clam). These are personal favourites, however, and the high quality is maintained throughout.
For those new to code666 this compilation is essential to familiarise yourself with one of the foremost contemporary avant-garde metal labels. If you have their entire back catalogue, this compilation is still well worth having for all the exclusive extras. Truly an unusual and exceptional compilation, other record companies take note!
code666 code16 2003
By Russell Garwood
To quote code666 manager Emi, usually a record label compilation is not that interesting for the fans, an unfortunate truth shattered by Better Undead Than Alive. code666 have managed to produce a debut compilation with so many special features and unreleased tracks it is hard to know where to begin. A double album, CD two has a multimedia section with an exclusive Negura Bunget video, information on the labels roster, and MP3s of remixes, unreleased tracks and an entire live set from Aghora. Additionally, hidden within the section is a secret game linked to the labels past, its website and the compilations cover art. The first person to send Emi the correct solution will win all the Italian labels past, present and future releases for life.
Of course, from code666 the music is excellent, and half the songs on the two CD set are previously unreleased. The remainder are re-mastered album tracks and all serve as great introductions to the groups concerned. The labels roster includes names like Ephel Duath, Aborym, Rakoth, Enid, Atrox and Aghora, so, while much of the music is black metal based, the ground covered varies greatly. My favourite tracks include the dreamy, epic mediaeval metal of Enids unreleased Exemption, an emotional live version of Aghoras Immortal bliss, the ice-cold post black metal of thee MaldoroR Kollektives Xaos DNA Released and an unreleased Rakoth track LHonglath (Facing The Clam). These are personal favourites, however, and the high quality is maintained throughout.
For those new to code666 this compilation is essential to familiarise yourself with one of the foremost contemporary avant-garde metal labels. If you have their entire back catalogue, this compilation is still well worth having for all the exclusive extras. Truly an unusual and exceptional compilation, other record companies take note!
