GOATLORD „Distorted Birth: The Demos”

Goatlord have been around from 1985 until 1991. Despite only having released two demos, a promo and a single full length they managed to garner a sizable following in the contemporary extreme metal scene. They are still relatively well known today for having created an unusual mix of black, doom and death metal, which they themselves called Voodoo Black Doom. Their 'fame ' is in large part owed to the fact that they have impressed an unmistakable stamp of authority on early releases by bands such as Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride and to a lesser extent Barathrum and Hades. It is therefore not at all surprising that a release of their early material: Demo I: 1987, Demo II “Sodomize The Goat”: 1988 and the 1991 promo actually took place.

The relevance of the recording is unquestionable. The poor recording quality may be a stumbling block for many. If you have heard any early demos from these years; think Darkthrone, Old Funeral or Mayhem, you can easily guess what this will sound like. If you are not familiar with such recordings you may have trouble listening through the poor quality, personally I find the quality to have a certain charm. Certainly more so than many of today's bands that make poor quality recordings on purpose. The old feeling cannot be duplicated and Distorted Birth: The Demos is a good example of this.

It is worth mentioning that the double CD is furnished with an interesting bio, obscure artwork and contains a full lyric sheet. Vinyl fans will be pleased to hear that this will also be released as 3-LP package limited to 500 pieces.

Well if you are a fan of early Doom and Black metal you maybe interested in getting this record. It is a cult recording that will certainly not disappoint you. If you, however are not into the 'oldies' you better let this one go by. In general appeal I would rate this record a 6/10. For the cult fans it is a definite 8.

note: 7/10