PROFEZIA's 2008 release, "Black Misanthropic Elite: Moon Anthem" ("BME" from now on, because, holy fucking word salad) is the first full length from the Norwegian Black Metal band.

PROFEZIA has a unique eeriness to them, the style is ambient in it's brutality, that is, if your idea of ambiance is a haunted mental institution. I checked out some of the later releases from the group and they're quite good, so I don't understand why this album is so bad. I try so very hard to highlight the talents of a band, even if I think they are awful or have a less than impressive release but it's hard to do with "BME". Other PROFEZIA releases have a well put together sound, they are dynamic, technical and well thought out. "BME" is flat, uninspired and just plain irritating. I'm pretty sure "BME" was recorded in one drunken stupor and immediately released, by the time the band sobered up, it was too late, the damage had been done. PROFEZIA must have had a "oh shit" moment and actually took some time and effort, then produced "The Truth of Ages" three years later. "Truth of Ages" is actually pretty damn good, but I'm not here to review that, unfortunately. I did have to use that album as ear bleach after I listened to "BME" though, and I feel quite refreshed.

"Black Misanthropic Elite: Moon Anthem" barely has any redeemable qualities, though the tracks do get better as the album progresses, almost like they had a moment of clarity half way through recording. I put PROFEZIA down too much though, they are a good band, they just had one little screw-up. I mean, damn, I'm not the best musician, but I can rapidly strike the same two chords 12 times and record myself beating the shit out of chickens too.