The history of Aura Noir dates back to 1994, when the Norwegian Black Metal band was founded by Apollyon and Aggressor. Their latest offering "Deep Dreams of Hell" is a collection of previously released & unreleased material. The first ten tracks have been taken from "Deep Tracts of Hell", the following six tracks are from "Dreams Like Deserts" and the four last songs are rare, unreleased tracks.

The music is quite ordinary black metal with occasionally fortuitous riffs. It's basically a mixture of black metal and thrash metal. However, at times the material flows effortlessly with hard-hitting groove. Nonetheless, especially the guitar solos need improvement. Overall, the material on this album isn't special in any way.

Already from the beginning it comes apparent that the sounds on this album could be better. Occasionally the sounds are too boomy and the mix suffers from muddiness. In addition, the rhythm guitar tone is muffled. The recordings also contain some background distortion every now and then.

For fans of Aura Noir and the like, this collection might prove to be a real treat. However, listening before buying is definitely recommended if not obligatory.


- MAGE (March 24th, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Aggressor: Strings, Vocals & Drums Apollyon: Drums, Vocals, Bass & Strings Dæhli, Sverre: Guitar
Producer:	Unavailable
Mixing by:	Jester Studios
Mastering by:	Strype Audio

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Deep Tracts of Hell 02. Released Damnation 03. Swarm of Vultures 04. Blood Unity 05. Slasher 06. Purification of Hell 07. The Spiral Scar 08. The Beautiful, Darkest Path 09. Broth of Oblivion 10. To Wear the Mark 11. The Rape 12. Forlorn Blessings to the Dreamking 13. Dreams Like Deserts 14. Angel Ripper 15. Snake 16. Mirage 17. Released Damnation (Early Version) 18. Broth of Oblivion (Early Version) 19. Tower of Limbs and Fevers 20. Mirage (Fenriz on Vocals Version) Length: 72:11