Newly signed to the new label Bindrune Recordings, this is Miserys Omen's first full-length, though a demo and a 7" EP have been floating around for a while. This is quite a short album, just under a half-hour, but that proves to be plenty of time for this band to make a huge mark. I was pleasantly surprised by just how damn good this album was. If you love raw, cult, necro, evil, suicidal black metal, but are tired of bands who just play sloppy and sound like they're recording from inside their assholes, Miserys Omen could be your dark savior. This band has written five great songs (plus a brief instrumental) and plays them skillfully.

Comparisons could be made to Bethlehem, and to a lesser extent, to Darkthrone or Burzum, but for such a young band, Miserys Omen have made impressive progress towards a sound that is their own. The dissonant chords and dismal harmonies are chosen well, nothing but the bleakest will suffice for this trio. Black metal and doom metal are consistenly blurred, as the songs change tempo quite often. The first track, "Desolate Winds of Mars," runs through some blackened blast beats, then heads into trudging doom chords, a mournful doom guitar solo, a few moments of quiet, then a wild anguished scream out of nowhere and chaos. The other full tracks show a similar blend, although they tend to stay more in slow-to-mid paced territory.

While the black metal and doom riffs are fine in themselves, some other instrumental quirks really make this stand out. There are a few guitar solos sprinkled liberally throughout, and they are exceptionally emotional, wailing like a lonesome wind and displaying an acute sense of melody. I'm a sucker for lead guitar in this vein, though it's pretty rare as only a handful of bands have made use of this style (and most who do seem to abandon it prematurely).

Very unusually for this style, the bass guitar plays a prominent role, playing distinct and relatively complex melodic lines. The only other black metal band I can think of that puts the bass this far up front is the obscure Italian band Mortuary Drape.

And then we come to the vocals. These are some of the most anguished, psychotic cries of despair I've heard from a (supposedly) human voice. This is where the Bethlehem comparison hits home, as that is one of the few bands (another one that comes to mind is Dornenreich) that have featured a vocal performance this off-the-wall. Some people might not be able to hack this, but it can't be beat for shrieking variety. It's a nice change of pace from the unvaried monotone grunt or screech employed by far too many extreme metal vocalists. And sometimes (at its calmer moments), it reminds me of Cronos from Venom.

The band employs no keyboards, female vocals or other auxiliary devices, so the pure misery is undiluted by any possible sources of light. Apparently there are some seriously dark abysses lurking in the land down under, and this band occupies one of them. You should keep the razor blades locked away while listening to this one. I can't give a higher recommendation than that.
Album Score: 10 out of 10
Reviewed by: Dave Smith

Aversionline
Here's some brilliant raw black metal from this Australian trio that's very much in line with what I love the most about the genre. This CD contains the band's four-song demo from 2000 along with their now out of print "To Worship Stone Gods" 7" from last year. It's rugged and primal, but in a tactful manner, there's plenty of speed and aggression, but there's also a great deal of dissonance, melody, and feeling... and to top it all off they experiment with some very calm passages where they utilize doom-laden riffing or clean guitars and slow, melodic solos. The vocals are great raspy snarls, occasionally venturing into lower growls or twisted high shrieks (barely hitting on "singing", but not quite). The songwriting is just awesome, though. I love the tempo variation and the diversity, and there's a lot of emotion here, which really makes a huge difference. And very few of the riffs sound "generic". Sure, there's some tremolo picking and some fast chord progressions that sound familiar, and some of the plodding midpaced rhythms aren't exactly anything new, but the way they handle things and the general mood here is definitely interesting and creative. The recording is really good. The bass tone is fucking awesome, which is nice because not only can you always hear the bass, but the bass performance is incredibly effective - accentuating the rhythms when necessary and acting as its own lead instrument elsewhere (I'm talking to a Steve Harris level here). The drums are nice and natural with a good amount of resonance, the guitars have that cold sort of distorted ring to them, and the vocals are in the center of the mix, slightly out front. The only thing I don't like is that the tracks from the 7" are mastered a lot louder than the tracks from the demo, and there's a lot of peaking to distortion involved... which is a bit bothersome. I can't really tell what's going on visually as the imagery is all very dark and abstract. It looks cool though, and I like the somewhat typical black metal looking band logo as well. The lyrics look like they might be handwritten (in strange lettering) and seem to deal with bleak, possibly apocalyptic themes as well as well as referencing "elder gods" and concepts of that nature. "Still waters ripple as distant whispers transcend into dreams, To our inner spirit calling to awaken thy lost identity, Muses sing song, versed from mythical times, To rekindle sacred inner knowledge, Arcane teachings, now for eons banished, Oh forgotten totem, though graven idols vanquished" This band needs to do a full-length immediately. This is very promising material, and they could easily become one of my favorite black metal bands ever if they continue along this path. (8/10)

Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles issue 71
Extremely twisted and mental avant-garde suicide black metal from Australia, Misery's Omen taking cue from early Bethlehem and Ved Buens Ende to create what is undoubtedly one of this year's crowning hidden gems. Six songs which plunge the listener within a hellish painful descent, pushing the envelope without remorse and showcasing a chilling nightmare vision that many bands in the scene can only wish they can attain. Misery's Omen are quite original and very striking nonetheless, and if this is a sign of things to come, I can only imagine what lies next.
Chris Bruni 9

Metal Nitemare webzine
The best comparison I can make would be that MISERY'S OMEN sounds like an angrier BURZUM. But then, that anger doesn't come as a surprise. The band is from Australia after all. And of course that anger comes through in the vocals. They run from angry to ungodly at times, and also remind me of those of Daniel Corchado from THE CHASM. The songs are definitely not straightforward, taking all kinds of twists and turns. You never really know where you are with MISERY'S OMEN, and that's a good chunk of their appeal. If you're looking for something a little different, this is the place to look. Hopefully we'll hear more from them soon. - Tom Wren

MAELSTROM WEB MAG
review by: Roberto Martinelli
The sophomore jinx is in fact quite the opposite for Bindrune Recordings and its second release, Misery's Omen's eponymous album. This Australian band mixes elements of Bethlehem and more blazing black metal chaos. The vocals in particular are very much like an overview of the Bethlehem discography, complete with orcish grunts, wails, and anything else that comes to mind that would sound even remotely depraved. In any other kind of music, it would be talentless. Full stop. But here, it's sick. And that's what's so cool about good extreme metal: It's not cool.

The tracks on <Misery's Omen> separate themselves to the listener quite well after two or three listens. Miasmatic washes of black metal buzzing make way for sporadic bursts of melodic flourishes, to good effect. The only real complaint with this CD is that it ends abruptly and far too soon. Let's hope for more. Definitely for fans of Bethlehem and Silencer.

VISIONS FROM THE DARKSIDE
Blackened sounds from the land downunder – namely Australia is what we have here but wait – this is not the known War Metal out to conquer at raging pace, this time it is something different. "Abysmal Progressive Black Metal" is what this three piece consisting of Malificunt Pope Choker (Arachnid Time Keeper Weaving Webs of Syncopated Horror), D. E. M. O. N. (Deeply Drawn Thunderous Harping Strings & Hacking Vocalls) and Arganoth Doom (Despairingly Woeful Strings of Twisted Insomnia & Salted Wound Vocalls) labels its creations... and indeed, this material is definitely not your usual necro–snack between some arson and a black mass! This six - song CD features all previous recordings on one disc, namely all four songs of their self titled demo from 2000 as well as two compositions released by Hellflame Productions as the "To Worship Stone Gods" EP. Musically they are rooted in Black Metal for sure but their songs branch out into the realms of Death and Doom as well, containing a unique vibe, perhaps roughly comparable to FLEURITY ("Min Tid" era) . Handling of the instruments is clearly given and surely above average - sorrowful and melancholic guitar melodies are accompanied by independent bass lines and and well - thought drum patterns. The compositions range from very calm and moody passages (some accoustic guitar is to be heard) to twisted, rhythmically diverse structures leading into fast parts and back again. One thing that might deter some listeners may be the exalted, sometimes dramatic and hysteric vocalls (fitting adjective somehow) that sometimes fall into high pitched moaning apart from coarse almost spoken bits, screams and deep grunts... like the instumentation the vocal delivery is very varied. Definitely no chance for boredom here! So if any of the above mentioned bands (add ABSU, BETHLEHEM and VED BUENS ENDE for the sake of uniqueness and vague orientation) is your favourite sacrificial chalice or if you are simply openminded I recommend you to have a listen and check the mp3 on their homepage. After a while I got accustomed to the whole mixture and I even think I would have bought this one but as tastes vary a great time... An new album called "Hope Dies" is on its way, also to be released on Bindrune Recordings that head for unique and expressive artists solely. Ulrich Kreienbrink

SNAKENET RADIO
A dictionary definition of the phrase "Misery's Omen" would look something like this: A prophetic sign of emotional distress or despair. Though depending on your philosophical outlook you may not believe in prophecy, but the name of this band definitely tells you what to expect with the music. With this collection of previously released, but extremely limited material Misery's Omen takes you on a journey of pure misery and pain.

The music is what I can only term as dark metal, a combination of some doom, death and black metal. Very similar to German tormentors Bethlehem's earlier work say their first 3 at least (I've only heard those 3 except for newer more industrial work) Misery's Omen take the reigns as the fore runners in this style with their very intelligent and unique , yet simple, memorable riffing, solid baselines and tastefully mixed drumming. If you are expecting a non-stop barrage of blast beats in this you aren't going to get it. The solos seem to be intended as contrast to the vocals, which I will get to momentarily, and are very melodic and overall slow to mid-paced. The music varies from real slow, melodic and atmospheric to a faster mid speed that still keeps the melody and atmosphere, but adds a harshness not there in the slower parts.

The vocals sound extremely tormented. I once heard early Bethlehem vocals described as "sounding as if the guy was on fire;" I wish I would have coined that phrase, but I definitely have to at least use it here. Though sometimes his growls are a little more standard overall these vocals are anything but. I would have to compare them to early Bethlehem or Lord Imperial of Krieg, but even more tormented than either of those masters. Arganoth Doom's vocals have the capabilities of giving even some of the most twisted minds nightmares (check out "Desolate Winds of Mars" around 4:10). The production on this CD is very crisp, which helps the music really portray the beleaguered atmosphere intended by the band.

This is definitely not music for the weak hearted and probably most metalheads who are content with the extremely popular metal of today (In Flames, Hammerfall, etc), but if you are one of those adventurous souls who will submit themselves to the extreme underground or one who just loves music that can instantly change the atmosphere of a room for the darker than this CD and band is for you.

Misery's Omen - Misery's Omen is released on Bindrune Records a divison of Wormgear and Crionic Mind. Available at either mail order (Wormgear: http://crionicmind.org/wormdistro/news.htm (Free Shipping!!!) or Crionic Mind: http://www.crionicmind.org/Crionic/pages/index2.html) as well as many other distributors world wide. Limited to 1000 copies.
Written by Bear

Tragenda Webzine
Misery's Omen is an Australian band and this is Mcd running for about 28 min. is their the debut album featuring their 4 songs 2000 demo plus the songs of the 2002's "To Worship Stone Gods" 7 inch. Their music is something between death and black metal, it is straight forward without any keyboards or such stuff and with nice rhythms and riffs and variated vocals exploring both death and black styles. The music is not technical, and it's quite simple but furtunately these guys manage to create something good. Listening to Misery's Omen you'll find an album similar to tens other albums around, an album with nothing to differentiate it from the rest of extreme metal bands, but some good songs are here and the band is yet worthy enough to satisfy fans of extreme metal.

Ancient Spirit Webzine
MISERY´S OMEN stammen aus Australien und bieten auf der vorliegenden Mini-CD eine Compilation ihrer bisherigen Aufnahmen. Die ersten vier Tracks stammen vom 2000er Demo und die letzten zwei von einer 2002 durch Hellflame Productions erschienenen 7" EP namens 'To Worship Stone Gods'. Gut, dass dies im Info dabeistand, denn die beiden Releases unterscheiden sich doch deutlich voneinander. Das Demo klingt noch wesentlich roher und holpriger. Auch wenn die Musik ganz OK ist, den Hörer aber nicht gerade in Verzückung bringen kann, so ist es vor allem die coole, düstere Atmosphäre, welche Positiv auffällt. Bei der EP geht man schon viel vertrackter, progressiver und experimenteller zu Werke. Doch es fehlt einfach noch der richtige Rahmen, denn so klingt alles doch durcheinander. Zumal der Sound auch noisig und unklar rüberkommt. Scheint zwar gewollt zu sein, gefallen tut mir die Produktion aber nicht wirklich. Das Demo würde ich also jederzeit vorziehen.

METALCOVEN.COM
From the depths of hell (via Australia) comes Misery's Omen, a black metal act with (surprise!) something new to offer the metal world. They have crafted a surprisingly unique and mature style that, unlike most bands of the genre, manages to be both chillingly evil and beautiful at the same time.

Misery's Omen play a sort of atmospheric and epic brand of doom-laden black metal, with crushing rhythm guitars, hauntingly melodic lead guitars, soothing acoustics, and tortured and wailing lead vocals. It gets progressive-sounding at times, spiralling chaotically out of control, but in a good way (Check out the end of "Burning Reign" to see what I mean"). This is one of the first black metal albums I've heard that actually sounds as evil as its creators meant it to be.

What sets Misery's Omen apart from any other black metal bands are two things: the vocals and the bass guitar. Arganoth's vocals are absolutely some of the most tortured and painful screams/wails/bellows you'll ever hear. He uses several deliveries to great effect, resulting in a genuinely creepy and imposing presence. In the crowded field of black metal, he manages to create an identity. There is much more use of bass guitar in Misery's Omen. It is almost used as a lead instrument at times, playing melodically as well as in its traditional supporting role.

The production leaves a bit to be desired, although it is a good demo-quality recording. The bass is mixed rather high, but the rhythm guitars are somewhat buried. There is a bit of a compressed quality to the sound, as well. Although the recording isn't perfect, one can tell that a lot of care was put into it. Atmosphere is the key here, and there is plenty of it.

I have been looking for something new in the black metal genre, and I think I have found it. I can't wait until they release a full-length album. Misery's Omen are quite different from anything I have heard before. The songs are dark and well-crafted, and the blood-curdling vocals sound like someone cutting off Satan's testicles with a dull butter knife. Deliciously evil stuff from the land down under.

MIDWEST METAL #27 winter 2003/2004
The first thing I noticed upon receiving this for review is the place of origin, Australia. Now any metalhead worth his/her weight in salt knows of the rich metallic history in that land and Misery’s Omen do not tarnish their reputation. Combining black/death/doom as well as various other well presented influences, we’re treated to 6 distinct tracks of pure abyss metal. Of the six tracks we get 4 demo songs and one 7” (2 tracks) of material and all I need to say is if progressive (Not artsy!!) blackened hymns with aggressive, not guttural (aka shitty) vocals, this is a find and a half! - Jeff
(grammatical fuckups left intact LOL - Marty)