My introduction to the music of the Norwegian Black Metal outfit Carpathian Forest started with my receiving the reissues of the band's first three albums by Peaceville Records, and my fascination with their peculiar and quite extreme work was both direct and decisive. What I found to be unique about the music of Nattefrost's outfit is their ability to present the listener with some inspiring experimental moments, including performances of instruments such as the piano and saxophone, while at the same time obeying with religious zeal all the basic rules that give Black Metal the uniquely extreme character that it is renowned for throughout the world.

With that in mind, you understand why I was more than happy to receive a copy of yet another reissue from Peaceville Records - that of the eighteen-track compilation album "We're Going To Hell For This, Over A Decade Of Perversions".

The one thing that I hate about most compilation albums that I have personally come across is their choice of compositions. Most labels tend to believe that it only takes the addition of a few extra songs to an otherwise predictable track list, one consisting of compositions that people normally have access to through studio releases, in order to provide music lovers with enough motivation in order to invest in them. Dear label executives, I have news for you: that is simply not acceptable anymore! I would consider a compilation album to be successful only if it provides access to rare and good quality material - one that I would always feel keen on hearing.

In "We're Going To Hell For This, Over A Decade Of Perversions" I found a compilation album that meets all the above important criteria. First of all, it features not one, not two, but eighteen different compositions, none of which can be found in any of the band's previous releases. The first four tracks are new studio compositions, from which I singled out "The Angel And The Sodomizer" and "Bloodlust And Perversion" - the former being an up-tempo Sodom-influenced Rock N'Roller whereas the latter moves in more classical forms, sounding close to both Celtic Frost and Candlemass!

I remember having been really impressed by the band's cover of Mayhem's classic "Ghoul" in the past, so the fact that both covers of "In The Shadow Of The Horns"(Darkthrone) and "In League With Satan" (Venom) that are featured here are of similar quality certainly portrays Carpathian Forest as both intelligent and self aware as an outfit. The band's music also comes across as very strong in a live environment, based on the quality of the nine live tracks that are featured here. Even though the crowd's appreciation can only be heard during the band's performance of the classic opus "Carpathian Forest", the live versions of "Knokkelmann" and "Doomed To Walk The Earth As Slaves Of The Living Dead" are very impressive - both in terms of performance and sound quality.

Finally, there is a very interesting ten and a half minute demo version of "Death Triumphant" on offer - one that I suggest that you do not listen to on loud speakers, for reasons that only the ones that are already introduced to the music of this band will be aware of (you have been warned).

Some of you may be surprised by the high rating that I decided to provide to this compilation but believe me when I say that I would not have done so, had I not felt that the content of this release is of such quality that could potentially be pleasing to both fans of Carpathian Forest and music lovers alike. Had I not already owned the band's first three studio albums, I would have no problem relying on "We're Going To Hell For This, Over A Decade Of Perversions" in order to introduce me to the music of this great band, and that should be enough of a motivation to convince you to do the same.

****½

Review by John Stefanis