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When a CD's booklet says "grim ancient Black Metal", it doesn't really tell you anything these days. Neither does "troo and kvlt Norwegian influenced Black Metal," does it?

A trio going by the name of Gravespawn have spawned in Los Angeles, California. They use "grim ancient Black Metal" as a descriptor for their music. How is it even possible that such a sunny and warm place that LA is known for, can give birth to Black Metal so ancient and grim? Well, of course, anything's possible. Much to my surprise, Gravespawn have tons of grimness and coldness in their sound, much like many Black Metal bands hailing from the northern hemisphere.

However, that does not automatically mean that you can do your grim and frosty Black Metal in the most enjoyable fashion nor that you are any good at it. Gravespawn surely have tried their very best at copycatting something special, which such Nordic Black Metal forces as Immortal and Marduk became largely known for when they were catapulting their first releases out from the underground circles for a bunch of extreme music lovers around the world. But to be sincerely honest with all of you, nothing impresses in their cheap, 2-cent Black Metal. I have heard numerous similar sounding bands in my lifetime that simply do their stuff in a much more enjoyable and convincing way and just better than what Gravespawn did here. 1 point is given for trying out something grim and special under a funeral moon tough. Better luck next time, guys.