Since the early days of the Second Wave of Black Metal, side projects were extremely common. As an example, Fenriz (of DARKTHRONE) played in many different bands (as DØDHEIMSGARD) and had side projects as ISENGARD and STORM; Sakis of ROTTING CHRIST played on THOU ART LORD; Magus (of NECROMANTIA) sided with Mika Luttinen (of IMPALED NAZARENE) on DIABOLOS RISING (later known as RAISM), and many others. So to have an international act as DARVAZA isn't something unexpected, and they're coming with their first album, "Ascending Into Perdition" after a set of EPs.

The band is an effort of the Norwegian vocalist Wraath (known as Luctus of BEHEXEN and many others) and the Italian multiplayer Omega (who plays in countless bands, known for his playing on FROSTMOON ECLIPSE and for taking part on HANDFUL OF HATE for some years). On the band's music one will fine the classic approach of Black Metal from the early days of the 90's, when the genre walked side by side with many polemics. It's crude, gruesome, nasty and aggressive in the most traditional form one can think, played with a simple technique, but with personality and a personal macabre energy. Yes, it's an eroded form of music presented with personality. For such work, one can expect a sound quality deprived of all the modern and defined aesthetics. It's a classic form of Black Metal, so expect something primordial, crude and naturally darkened (but in a form that can be understood). And it fits perfectly on what the band wants to offer to the fans.

Even in such a primitive and nasty form of playing Black Metal, the duet created a set of long songs. But for a fan of the genre, it'll not hard to become in love with "Mother of Harlots" and "The Spear and the Tumult" (two gruesome songs with chilling ripping-bones riffs and massive energy, but the simple rhythmic changes are very good), "Mouth of the Dragon" (the speed decreases, so the song is filled with those old and good morbid ambiences in many moments, and what good work from bass guitar and drums), "This Hungry Triumphant Darkness" (a faster song in a traditional Black Metal way, brutal and darkened, with fine vocals), "The Second Woe" (another very good set of slower moments influenced by acts as HELLHAMMER) and "Silence in Heaven".

DARVAZA can really become a stronghold for Old School Black Metal in the near future (once some old titans are leaving the boat). And if the reader is a fan of the genre, you must get a copy of "Ascending Into Perdition".