KAOTEON is an extreme metal band with origins in the devastated Middle East, with a sound blending a brutally dark atmosphere with riffs that range from anthemic post-rock to oriental/Middle Eastern folklore and incendiary lyrics driven by the band's background in turbulent Beirut, Lebanon. Began as a one-man project in 1998/1999 created by Anthony Kaoteon under the name Chaotaeon (from the merger of Chaotic and Aeon). They were forced to change their name after an incident with the authorities in which they were arrested. The police though that Chaotaeon was the translation of devils from Arabic, which led to false accusations that the band is satanic.

On 20 December 2003 while the band was playing live, a handful of undercover police entered the club with automatic rifles. Cops took the band hostage, locked them in the trunks of unmarked cars, and interrogated them for days, shuttling them from one location to another. A dozen others were arrested at the gig, including fans and bar managers. They were accused of backing music that Lebanese leaders believe is a front for Satanism.

"Damnatio Memoriae" is brutal from the off. The bombardment of hard-hitting vocals, is coordinated by the fast pace of the Blackened Death Metal instrumentalists, there are a few smooth bends thrown in around for great effect. Walid holds his own on the mic well enough also; the raw supremacy of these clear, yet raged-felt vocals makes the passion stick out immensely during this song. It is a great way to start off any album.

"Barren Lands" kicks off faster ad harder, similar to the work of latter BEHEMOTH, to true effect, it works very well. This has more emphasis on the vocals rather than the melody of the instruments themselves. The overall sound is brilliant, taking the album down a darker path than the opening song may have let on to. The entire song is heavier with an infused feeling from all aspects. The passion is oozing out once more. These guys love what they do and what they stand for, regardless what government may say.

"Venom of Exalt" starts like marching into battle. Walid holds his vocal strengths even better in here. The stretches are held even longer than though possible, the effect of which is amazing. The melody is allowed to build up a few times until Walid releases his fury upon. The balance is kept well together. Further BEHEMOTH influences are here. Blackened Death Metal is a growing populous, and KAOTEON can hold their own in this group.