Immortal Rites - Beyond The Gates Of Pain

Originally self released in 1999, ‘Beyond The Gates Of pain' was Germany’s Immortal Rites’ first demo release. Now having been remastered (albeit in 2007), these recordings get a fresh stab at the scene. Previously these tracks were available also on the digipack Khaosmaster release of their last recording ‘For Tyrants Sake’. ‘The Shadowsouls’, the very first track to be heard, and what an entrance to the metal field. Thundering double bass, early Swedish blackened death styles chord progressions when the verse comes in and the rasp from their original vocalist Philipp Frick is quite haunting, but managing to give some clarity to the overall recording. When the track progresses the melodic death comes to the forefront, riff orientated groove, but never forgetting the fast paced intensity from both the guitars and drums as the remainder of the track batters you from pillar to post. ‘Beyond the Gates of Pain’ initialises with all the intensity of early Swedish Black Metal, but that glorious groove comes back to the front. The band are pretty much going at breakneck speed, helped by the consistent bass line back up courtesy of Ralf Hauber. In fact the remastering has brought out the beast in the bass and drums, traditionally these were elements that suffered in the album mixes in times gone by (pre-overproduced pro tools rubbish that is). ‘Omen Overture’ does not sit well, it’s a wasted opportunity to add an additional track to the release, but does serve as a interval to what is to come. ‘Weeping Tears’ and the CD closer ‘The Script of Sadness’ are two tracks that encompass the melodic death guitar riff sound that would become Immortal Rites’ trademark tone in latter releases. These songs have less aggression but more maturity and quality to their sound, and it makes you think that ‘Beyond The Gates Of Pain’ is actually a chronological release as time goes by; the band develops their sound and recording techniques as each track progresses.

Compared to this bands most recent release, this remastered demo shows much more power and aggression and has a youthful exuberance of the shape of things to come. If you track down this re-release, you will not be disappointed.

1. The Shadowsouls
2. Tormenting Emotions
3. Omen Overture
4. Beyond The Gates Of Pain
5. Weeping Tears
6. The Script Of Sadness


Bloodline Productions
Reviewer: twansibon
Sep 19, 2010

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