Black metal isn't an exclusively European phenomenon, but it is a largely European phenomenon. Ask a group of
black metal enthusiasts to list their favorite bands, and chances are that a lot of European names will pop up -- mostly Scandinavian, although England (home of
Cradle of Filth), Italy, Holland, and Eastern Europe have all had their share of
black metal activity.
Goatwhore, however, is an example of an American
black metal band, and
A Haunting Curse underscores the fact that the Louisiana unit is the opposite of
symphonic black metal. In Europe,
symphonic black metal bands that emerged in the '90s or 2000s have favored a more melodic and nuanced style that owes a lot to the intricacy of
power metal and, in some cases, even
progressive rock; there are some
symphonic black metal bands that can honestly claim
Pink Floyd and
Yes as major influences. But
Goatwhore has a much nastier, harsher, more primal vision of
black metal -- one that is mindful of the rawness of early
black metal and remembers its
punk,
thrash, and
hardcore roots. Don't expect any sweet, lilting melodies on
A Haunting Curse; this is caustic stuff, and
Goatwhore takes pleasure in going for the jugular. At times, this 2006 recording detours into
death metal territory; sometimes,
Ben Galgoust's
black metal rasp turns into a
death metal growl -- and clearly, this is a band that hasn't forgotten about American
death metal (specifically, the
death metal bands that came out of Florida in the late '80s and early '90s -- before Scandinavia dominated the
death metal scene).
A Haunting Curse is neither remarkable nor groundbreaking, but it offers a decent and worthwhile dose of sensory assault to those who like their
black metal with a made-in-the-USA appeal. ~ Alex Henderson
![Beyond Hell/Above Heaven [Bonus Track]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0602537016341_p0_v1_s90x140.jpg "Beyond Hell/Above Heaven [Bonus Track]")
