Black Hole - Land of Mystery (1985)

Creepy, creaky stuff from the mid '80s that disappeared into some coffin and then got a reissue seemingly centuries later. This is oaken doom metal from the darkest corners of Italy. It's a record that exudes mystery and sends more chills than an open church door! Vocally it's rather inept, a track like 'Demoniac City' has a tinge of King Diamond/Mercyful Fate about it although a more watered down version. There's nothing ultra heavy about it, but it does have a mournful and vintage feel, and a track like 'Bells of Death' is far more authentic in its occult tradition than say Ghost. Although the drummer is rather out of the mix the whole reeks of foreboding and gives off a musty smeel better suited to a graveyard in 1970s London! The eight-minute 'Spectral World' is also malevolent, conjured like some ritualistic dirge perfect for a mass under the gowing moon. The organ adds to the spooky effect of this record, leaving the brilliantly titled 'Blind Men & Occult Forces' to shudder the spine with its dense riff. I'm surprised not many have experienced the coffin creak of Black Hole, but it's great that it was re-issued and fans of Pentagram in particular will find this perfect Halloween fodder. 7/10