This release can only be described as bizarre. I've always been sure that CARPATHIAN FOREST is a band not for everyone, but "Skjend Hans Lik" is meant exclusively for those few who decorated pink nursery curtains with inverted crosses from kindergarten on and disrupted nap time with belch-like screaming.
So, in fulfillment of their multi-album obligations to Season Of Mist, the Norwegian "foresters" release yet another batch of pre-production demo refuse, bolstered for good measure with live recordings, a wild music video, and pumping dance remixes of their greatest hits (the last one is a joke! I hope all pig-black fans read this disclaimer...).
The most dubious moment on "Skjend Hans Lik" is the final few tracks, taken from the demo "Bloodlust & Perversion" (1992). It's not that the material is derivative (though it certainly is) or uninteresting (I already mentioned the target audience for these sonic perversions above) — it's that this demo was already reissued back when CARPATHIAN FOREST was on the Italian label Avantgarde Records, from which they were, to put it mildly, shown the door after releasing the pig-conformist "Strange Old Brew" (2000). At the time, anyone who wished could enjoy this anachronism on cassettes from the legendary Studio No. 1. Incidentally, I still believe the cassette-reel format suits the cold atmosphere of young Norwegian underground far better...
In a word — pointless. The rest of the material also inspires rather moderate feelings: a new version of "Skjend Hans Lik" from the latest studio album "Defending The Throne Of Evil," the keyboard interlude "Humiliation Chant" (sounding like it came straight from "Strange Old Brew"), a cakewalk version of "Spill The Blood Of The Lamb," and finally a live performance — "Martyr / Sacrificulum." The bonus video, taken from the band's DVD — "We're Going To Hollywood For This" — is recommended viewing for aspiring directors. Watch it, marvel at it, and take note: "This is how NOT to shoot a video!" With that — I rest my case.