After its inception in 2002 (actual formation of the band in 1998 under the name DEAD ROSE GARDEN), this band has stood out with its unique and dark sound. Many people have compared them to their fellow Norsemen ARCTURUS, and I would be a liar if I didn't, too, since their sound is reminiscent of the "La Masquerade Infernale" era. With "The Malefactor's Bloody Register" being their sophomore full-length work, VULTURE INDUSTRIES capture you and drive you straight into your inner, darker self.

The Norwegian act that features members from bands like BLACK HOLE GENERATOR and SULPHUR creates its own world with bizarre patterns and dark prog touches, where vaudevillian and freak shows are reaching for your hand. The Norwegian quintet has worked a lot on its compositions this time, offering this schizophrenic Avant Garde Black Metal nightmare where Nilsen (his vocals are almost the same with ICS Vortex's) casts a curse on you, haunting you with his depressive and lunatic screams. "The Malefactor's Bloody Register" is a lunatic asylum full of Avant Garde, Black, Doom, Progressive, Jazz, even Trip Hop mental patients that somehow remind you of something. Each one of them has a "piece" that seems too familiar.

I will not fall into the trap of saying that VULTURE INDUSTRIES are the new ARCTURUS and stuff like that. ARCTURUS were unique and no one can reach their gloriousness. The fact though, is that VULTURE INDUSTRIES is also a really unique and talented band totally worth your attention. It would be unfair calling them rip-offs and selling them short, since "The Malefactor's Bloody Register" may not be a perfect sample of art, but it is surely a fine piece that will accompany your darkest hours making you slowly fall in love with it.