ASHEN RELIC, Ashen Relic (2004, demo)
The skull:
I almost feel sorry for these skulls that inhabit the 600-something depths of the Skullection. Had this one been Skull11 or so, we might have been able to muster a few clever words about it, but really, this one offers nothing that we haven’t seen before. Which is next to nothing. But I guess that none-too-crafty symbol stamped on its forehead is a little more than nothing. But just barely. Then the cred of this image tumbles into the negative number zone, points lost due to the generic font the band are hoping to pass off as a logo. As for the “ashen relic,” perhaps this is the skull right before cremation, a soon-to-be relic of ashes. Amazing.
The music:
Well heck, I had some trouble finding this demo for review. It doesn’t happen often here at BDS, because not only are we terrific Unearthers of the Skull, we are superior Heavy Metal Hunters (Thanks Metalucifer). But, see, it’s late as hell, I’ve got way too much on my plate right now, and I cannot be bothered with some bullshit Myspace message telling me I can’t play this band’s music (two of the demos four songs are there, taunting me). Then I go to their Facebook page and learn that I can have free downloads of their music, but only if I “share” their page. But what if I don’t like their music? I wouldn’t want to share something I don’t like. Would you? And what’s this stuff with “sharing”? That’s not very metal. So…I have not listened to this demo at this time. The Council of the Elders of the Skull have told me that it’s okay, and have granted me a pass on this one. I will, however, to be fair, quote the band’s own bio, so that they can personally tell you what it’s all about: “From Slayer to Poison Idea. From Mercyful Fate to Black Flag. From early Metallica to Fates Warning, and from Pantera to Stormtroopers of Death (SOD). While old school inspired, we thrive in the eternal now! Our music appeals to the primal wildness of youth, but channels that into purposeful social commentary couched in an adrenaline-infused frenzy of attitude and strength.”
Best band ever, I say. (Fates Warning, not Ashen Relic.)
— Friar Wagner