NETHERBIRD -

NETHERBIRD - THE GHOST COLLECTOR - PULVERISED  
It is on Pulverised Records. It, therefore, has to be good, right? Wrong. There were so many clues in place too that were right in plain view, but the label’s track record had a blinding effect apparently. Whoever hatched this idea must be a birdbrain. Netherbird is from Sweden and fancies itself black metal, but instead the group’s approach is everything and the kitchen sink except black metal. Starting off with a Classical intro and some horrific effects the album proceeds to go from pomp to pompous with its renditions of unpopular, but trendy, goth, Gothenburg sounds, new age and Mickey Mouse screeching a la Cradle Of Filth. With keyboards and the odd appearance of female vocals in place, the band’s diminished returns were obvious, but the insertion of oddball sounds and offbeat singing makes the damn thing ever so dumber. The songs’ construction is also confusing often sounding disorderly and annoying. By the time track thirteen, Boulevard Black, with its special effects rolls around one is completely jealous of the CD player. It can rewind, whereas the listener cannot get his life back. - Ali “The Metallian”