Prøv å si Chton 10 ganger på rad ganske kjapt... funker dårlig ja?

Vel vel, spøk til side. Dødsmetallerne Chton fra Trondheim er ute med sin debut. Og en ting er sikkert; det brygges mye skumle greier på dystre steder. Den thrashfengende sangen Book of black earth er bare et godt eksempel. For innimellom all dødsmetallen slås det over på rene thrash riff og takter og det er på slike låter jeg synes Chton fungerer best. Samt sample/gurglesekvensen i låta Unholy Communion er jo fenomenal. En veldig mørk låt som ikke bare er brutal, men også gjør best ut av seg på grunn av stemningen. At dette er en debut vitner ikke bare om musikalsk ferdighet og teft for god atmosfære, men dette er så mye bedre enn mange andre band i samme gate. Når det spikres på plass stemmer det meste; riff, stemning, temposkifter, rå vokal og riktig dose med samples. Det er rått, dystert og nærmest muggbefengt i alt det mørke. Til tider (men ikke ofte) kan det bli litt for teknisk og inkonsist for mine ører (jeg er mest tilhenger av den gamle gode rett-fram-groovy dødsmetallen uansett), men de klarer stort sett å holde seg på veien.

En bunnsolid skive som scorer høyt på den mørke stemningen. Det er sånn at jeg ikke anbefaler denne skiva til alle og enhver selv om det er en meget sterk firer (vipper nærme på en femmer). Tror nemlig noen vil finne denne en smule vanskelig. Kanskje den ”møkkete” produksjonen og stemningen som legger seg over Chtonian Lifecode ikke vil innfri til alle slik den gjør til meg

4,5/6

Terje Larsen

Musiq © 2004

Voices from the darkside Chtonian Lifecode review

It's always a pleasure to see that Norway's underground has always something more to offer than just your standard Black / Viking or Gothic Metal band. This time it pukes out a dark brutal Death Metal squad called CHTON (pronounced K-Ton) which saw its dark light of day in the beginning of the new millenium. This horde might not be unknown to some of our Voices readers as we featured this five piece already on our site (see interview section for details) and one member is also a part of the wellknown act MANES. "Chtonian Lifecode" is the debut album after having released a split tape (their 2 track promo 2002 reissued) together with Polish Death Metal outfit SUPREME LORD in 2003 and a rehearsal entitled "First Blood" (2002). After the disc had made some rotations in my CD player it left me back first with some mixed feelings. They try to find a blend between oldschool Death Metal and the precision led extremity of today's Death Metal. The keyword for the band seems to be variation as they try to combine a lot of elements in their songs. Nothing wrong with that but I really had a very hard time to get into the stuff in the beginning as some parts are a bit cumbrous. For example the opener 'Invitation To Hell' starts with an uptempo part, changing into a twisted guitar rhythm and this made the listening to the whole thing a bit stressful. On the other hand you have some stronger songs here like 'Book Of Black Earth', 'Unholy Communion' or 'Chtonian Lifecode' where the band delivers some excellent oldschool riffs and quite well executed songs (reminding me sometimes on Morbid Angel - just as hint). Of course these 5 nordmen are excellent and competent musicians but they should not try by hook or by crook to sound technical (less is sometimes more)... just let the metal hammer rule. I do also think that their strength is in the slower / midtempo section. A positive aspect is the raw, unpolished but good production of the album which was recorded at Godt Selskap studios and supports the intented sinister / dark atmosphere. Also vocalist Terje does a good job. His raw vocal performance fits perfectly to the dark alloy of Death Metal. Summary: "Chtonian Lifecode" is a good start for a debut album (even I can not listen to it everyday). But they have to provide more ass kicking songs in the future and gather all their strengths (maybe a MCD had been better?). As I said before this band has talent and potential but they are just one of thousands at the moment on an overcrowded market and it will become hard to earn a piece of the Metal cake. I just can recommend you to have a listen and make up your own mind. So its up to our listeners. Contact: Retribute Records at www.retributerecords.com or the band at www.chton.com.

Michael Oelschlegel

Voices from the darkside © 2004

Powerplay Magazine Chtonian Lifecode review

Chton deal in sinister, brutal death metal that has viciously discordant elements and twisted time signatures mixed in with its savage blast. There's the exotic touch of Nile lurking in the shadows and the domineering arrogance of prime Morbid Angel radiating from some of the slithering riffs, but the more you listen the more you can identify a unique sound that is all Chton's own. They have absorbed the teachings of the masters but then added their own personal darkness and striven to move onwards from the lessons they have learnt. At times the relentless, smothering double-bass drum work threatens to suffocate you while the inhuman vocals roar mercilessly above and the guitars play a funeral dirge of swirling, murky death. 'Chtonian Lifecode' is never less than brutally heavy.

With some nice, quirky little guitar touches added to the mix and some interesting arrangements, Chton have produced an album with some real dark promise. There could be good things to come from this lot.

Rating: 7 / 10

Chris Kee

Powerplay Magazine © 2004

Raw Nerve Promotions Chtonian Lifecode review

Seconds out, Round 18 in the thoroughly impressive to date Retribute Records assault, and this time we have Chton, and this really is intense stuff.

"Invitation To Hell" has hints of straight forward death metal, but then as you are pulled further in, it all gets a lot more warped. Coming over like a brain melting cross of Gorguts, Decapitated and Iniquity, it is equal parts powerful, disturbing and full of the unexpected in its direction changes.

As we move through each battering track we hear Morbid Angel, Behemoth (minus the relentless pace), Grimfist (and on further inspection I see Frediablo himself is mentioned as a contributor along with Attila from Mayhem), and a more mid paced Hate Eternal, similar discordant chords thrown in, and topped off by vocals that resemble the demonic Suffocation and the theatrical Akercocke in sections too, noticeable mostly on title track in the middle, "Chtonian Lifecode".

I love the intro to "Unholy Communion". A very original swagger to it and great lead notes, and the song itself is a vicious stand out.

The only let down I hear is the pretty constant pace for the most part, but ideas wise there is a hell of a lot to approve of. "The horror, the horror" for example is a top notch batter-piece that doesn't follow as expected and "Crawling Chaos" has some purely harsh chords, mixed with huge thudding, low-end bludgeonings. Lovely stuff.

Retribute have done it again.

Paul

Raw Nerve Promotions © 2004

Aversionline Chtonian Lifecode review

They may hail from Norway, but despite their locale and a visual aesthetic in line with the country's reputation for black metal, this is a death metal record through and through, with but a mere smattering of obscured black metal influences at best (in the form of a few discordant tremolo picked riffs). It's not bad either. The vocals are low growls in line with the classically brutal death metal style (occasionally layered with midrange screams for added texture), but the music is much more rhythmic and creative, layering a lot of dissonant notes/chords over chunky rhythms and old school death metal riffing, throwing around lots of tempo changes and quick shifts between riffs, etc. The end result sort of comes off as a blend of mid-period Morbid Angel and the more contemporary side of a band like Immolation or something like that (though the latter angle is more tangibly delivered here). A few of the tracks run a bit long at nearly five minutes or more, at times losing focus and getting somewhat tiring, but overall the record tends to flow well and keep the total running time right about where it should be. "Book of Black Earth" is the first of the shorter songs and definitely makes a mark as a result, "The Horror the Horror" has an excellent break midway through that's much slower and drops some killer discordant textures and unusual changeups, and "Crawling Chaos" is a shorter track with lots of dissonant chords and borderline chugga styled breaks. "Unholy Communion" opens slower with some nice melodic layers and uses hard-hitting midpaced chord progressions over subtle layers of near feedback for a slightly different vibe than the other tracks – more memorable, in my opinion – while "Hammered (Down)" closes the disc on a slightly more traditional note and still makes for a standout track with great songwriting and a few intricate details (Faint acoustic guitars, perhaps?). The last track is unlisted and basically consists of five minutes of experimental noise, so… it is what it is. I think the sound quality is pretty good as well. The bass doesn't play a particularly large role, and the drums could be a bit smoother to fill in the gaps behind the guitars slightly better, but the guitar tone is thick and crunchy, and the vocals are mixed perfectly against the music. It sounds fine for the most part, with a strong sense of clarity, and only minor tweaking would be needed to clean up around the edges. The design looks great here, using very little color and minimal imagery with some stylized skulls and nice text to keep it fairly clean but eye-catching. Lyrically things are pretty over the top, as one might expect, though perhaps more stripped down than is often the case: "Crawling through masses of corpses and limbs, Covered by blood from the innocent weak, Embraced by the darkness and left all alone, In the pure fucking chaos of cruel crushing war…" I wouldn't call this the most interesting death metal release out there right now, there are indeed some minor gaps in the songwriting that can fault the album, but there are enough nuances in the musicianship to draw some interest and point to a brighter future for the band (Hammered (Down) is simply an excellent song). If they keep pushing those limits I bet they'll do something pretty intriguing at some point.

Rating: 7 / 10

Andrew

Aversionline © 2004

Terrorizer Chtonian Lifecode review

What would you expect from a Norwegian outfit? Something cold, bleak and menacing? At the risk of incurring the wrath of the PC brigade, it's noticeable that stereotypes often hold a grain of truth. And Chton's debut supports that theory. Although they play death metal rather than the black their homeland is (in)famous for, the Nordic chill is still very much in evidence; from the very first track, a dissonant, aggressive frost permeates their material.

Furthermore, the frigid nature of the quintet's death metal distinguishes them from the legions of fiery, old school thrash/death/black outfits. Don't expect swathes of atmospheric synths here, though; Chton opt for a harsh, slightly more industrial approach to their aural assault. Calculated, clinical bludgeoning with riffs like slabs of icy steel ('Invitation To Hell'), gnarled, discordant forays that snare their prey before methodically extinguishing every flicker of life ('The Horror The Horror')...'Chtonian Lifecode' is really a death code-and one spelling a chilling demise.

Rating: 7 / 10

Jo Pitches

Terrorizer © 2004

Pyromusic Chtonian Lifecode review

It’s arguable that some of the more recent Death Metal platters haven’t hit home like we may have wanted them too. Cannibal Corpse pretty much do what they do, and the album from the reformed Suffocation, whilst a pleasing and most enjoyable effort, lacked a little in the production. As I write this, I am yet to hear the new Behemoth disc – so, my opinion may change rather quickly. Yet, it is a feeling I’ve come to notice of late…where is the killer death metal? Not the technical DM wizardry of Necrophagist (which is supreme), but that real hard as fuck, cold calculating brutal death metal sound of old. Meet Norwegian quintet Chton.

Did I say Norway? You got it folks, Norway. With its reputation forged upon the plethora of Black Metal acts that we all know and worship, Norway is perhaps now starting to become recognized for other forms of music. Chton are a band that will have a big say in pushing the old school death metal sound. Having said that, its not as if they’re any sort of originators, hell the debut albums from Dark Throne and Cadaver were Death Metal. And lets not forget the current Zyklon, Bloodthorn and Aeturnus line-ups either – all Norwegian Death Metal acts.

Chton are an interesting band from the outset. Their name, their album title (which partly references a classic Dark Throne track) and their overall presentation hints of something more than straight up run of the mill death metal. From the opening strains of ‘Invitation to Hell’ to is apparent that ‘CL’ is going to be a brutal ride. Taking their musical cues from a broad range of influences like Suffocation, Morbid Angel and Immolation to Nile and Behemoth, Chton serves up a veritable cacophony of dark, brutal death metal with just a hint of Scandinavian blackness seeping through its underbelly. The most impressive aspect of this disc is its massively thick production. It is a harsh, heavy fucker indeed. It packs a mighty wallop in the bottom end percussion while the guitars convey a vicious crushing tone not unlike what you might expect from a Zyklon or Behemoth production. I’m not sure who Godt Selskap is, but his work (along with the band) on the production/mixing is most impressive.

Chton also do an excellent job in being able to construct a Death Metal album with diversity and variation. Their music is strangely old school in parts, yet at times there is a technical complexity embedded within. The variation in speed play between faster and mid-tempo rhythms combined with some twisted harmonies, ensure that none of their compositions ever become repetitive or tiresome. There is certainly much more going on here than any sort of formula driven DM act.

Retribute records would be stoked to have discovered Chton. I’m sure that the current one album deal with the band will be extended upon after they witness the many positive reviews that ‘CL’ will garner. This is a real surprising listen and one that has again strengthened my faith in this genre. Sure, it’s nothing groundbreaking, but be confident in knowing that it is miles ahead of the pack in terms of variation of ideas and musical application. Always look to Norway for the solution - Well worth investigating further

Rating: 8,5 / 10

Krozza

Pyromusic © 2004

Monster Magazine Chtonian Lifecode review

Norge begynner å få et par gode death metal-band nå, og et av de siste på stammen er Trondheimsbandet Chton. Jeg ble gledelig overrasket over demoen de gjorde for et par år siden, og videoen til "Book of Black Earth" har snurret på Metal Svisj lenge. Nå er debuten ute, og den byr på en god dose mørk og brutal death metal. Jeg får litt assosiasjoner til band som Immolation når jeg hører plata, selv om bandet ikke er av samme rang ennå. Men det er absolutt godkjent det de gjør på denne debuten, og liker du din death metal tung, mørk og brutal er dette et trygt kjøp.

Rating: 4 / 6

Martin Kvam

Monster Magazine © 2004

Live4Metal Chtonian Lifecode review

Brrrrrrr. I can feel the cold already man. It’s only mid-October, and although I’m sure that at some point this autumn there will be some sort of hot-spell, I’m already cracking out my winter collection. That music that makes you want to take a trip to a forest in the middle of the night in the hope of finding some burnt down, abandoned house that you can take pictures of. Nonetheless, the low-down on Chton (aside from the fact that their band name is unpronounceable) is this; five sick Norwegian breres, ample musical ability, venom by the bucket-load, and one aim in mind: to make one enormously depraved, and bitterly cold album.

The first review I did for this site was for a band named Man Must Die (quality band, check ‘em out) who were also on Retribute Records, so my expectations for this lot were quite high. I must say that my expectations were surpassed by Chton, and I would like to say a personal ‘nice one’ to Retribute, as this is only their eighteenth release, and they have quickly put themselves in pretty high regard as labels go with me and a number of my boys (and girls).

Anyway, to the filth! How can I say something that has been said before so many times, and probably with infinitely more intellectual gravitas, differently? I can’t, so here it is: this is the shit. Full on bleak, dark, guttural, sharp, ripping black/death metal, with guest vocals coming from none other than the mighty Attila Csihar.

Chton fulfil pretty much every criterion I have for creating a good album. It’s not a ten-out-of-ten album, and the songs aren’t exactly the sort which you could hum, but that isn’t the album’s purpose. It’s a scarring experience. A full-on Satan worshipping, pictures-with-no-leaves-on-trees, distorted, blast-beat punctuated experience. Quality. As the lyrics to the title track go; ‘This is for glory/ This is for malice/ This one’s for Him/ Crowned in thorns/ Show your hatred/ UP THE HORNS!’. This album is quite possibly what Satan listens to when he’s pumping iron. Do you need anything else to be said?

Baulky

Live4Metal © 2004

Gutfucked Chtonian Lifecode review

These guys are a mystery to me, lots of bands spring to mind as influences, but then they fuck you up by changing the structures. Heavy death metal but chilling, experimental and brutal, Its death metal in principle but theres a little black metal edge underneath. Being from Norway its sort of expected I guess. The vocals are in the vein of “Domination” era Dave Vincent, the riffs are like a bastard death metal offspring of Emperor and very cool. Definitely a very interesting cd,not my type of shit but by no means bad, quite the opposite, it’s a grower and theres something in it for everyone, a breath of fresh air in the now stagnant Norwegian scene.

Rating: 8 / 10

Jason

Gutfucked © 2004

Metalireland Chtonian Lifecode review

Its obvious from the very outset that Chton are moving sideways to the pack. Their thick, murky and bilious blackened death metal bears more of the lo-fi yet brutally honest characteristics of a latter day Cadaver than the polished genericism of their contemporary peers. "Enemie" for example showcases both the band's equal capability for brutish caveman bludgeon and, strangely, a sort of magickal chordal savvy that one could find as quickly on the later and more willfully obtuse Enslaved albums. Chton compromise to noone in the sheer bloody mindedness of their attack. Thick, pummelling, murky and cavernous, they are the norse equivalent to Immolation on occasions, with the monotone vocal emulating Ross Dolan in its persistent and void-of-life drawl. The unrelenting midpace of this album is also a lesson in exactly how it should be done. Whereas most of the time that phrase is more of a criticism than a praise, Chton have it down in terms of both weight and a bleakly oppressive atmosphere. There's no escape when playing this one, and the listener is almost hemmed in by the treacle thickness of the sound that gets pumped out - and check the up tempo blasting title track for a reminder of just why you like Hate Forest so much as well. Paradoxically this band will appeal equally to those into both real black and real death metal - its no nonsense, uncompromising and utterly hateful sound guarantees it a conviction and steadfastness that is all too much of a rarity, and with the naked sincerity of the tones on display here the leftfield quality is only magnified. If you like your metal filthy, raw and thick as mince, get this. Pure grimnity, albeit at an ogre's pace.

Rating: 4.3/5

Ciaran Tracey

Metalireland © 2004

Pahardcore Chtonian Lifecode review

Jesus this band is whacko, for lack of a better word. They take death metal by the balls and make it spit blood. Their precision meets their brutality head on, and they add elements that I've never heard in death metal before all mixed into a lustrous mix of insanity.

The vocals are deep and scathing, the music technical and destructive at the same time. The best part about this is that they change it up constantly, never allowing the usual death metal boredom and repetition to kick in. The tuned down guitars add for a total crushing effect.

I'm really at a loss as to what band to compare them to... all i know is that this is quite a good release, and if you enjoy death metal and wish to hear death metal that isn't run of the mill and ordinary, check this out.

Overall Score: 91/100

Technicality: 95/100

Originality: 92/100

Vocals: 87/100

cbrickhouse

Pahardcore © 2004

Catdam Chtonian Lifecode review

Chton are one of the newest signings to the mighty Retribute label and before you even play this you know its going to be brutal, the artwork coupled with the name and the label reputation should give this away to the initiated. From the closing of the spoken intro this kicks into some furious death metal, monstrous guitar tones razoring above the battery of percussion and the growling, hate filled vocals. The style here is primarily brutal with overtones of evil and malice, almost remniscent of how a cross breeding between Suffocation, Morbid Angel and Deicide, but heavier than even these most hallowed of death bands. Chton utilise a variety of elements to make their metal interesting while still being brutal, especially the use of tempo, sometimes charging along at a furious, blast ridden rate, other times slowing to a monstrous crawl that is as brutal as the speed parts. And interspersed are subtle elements of atmosphere, these give the whole thing a very bizarre feel at times. And therefore I can only say this, if you are into brutal death metal this is for you, no question about it, and if you are looking for something new to subdue your brutality fix then this is the thing for you. Recommended!

Catdam © 2004

Possessed Chtonian Lifecode review

Das muss ärgerlich sein. Man hat tonnen von Riffs, die man mittlerweile zu geilen Songs zusammengebastelt hat und kann nicht live auftreten, da man keinen passenden Sänger findet. Nun ja, mittlerweile hat man das Problem gelöst und die Norweger Chton sind komplett und bringen dieses Album via Retribution Records auf dem Markt und das ist seht kalt und trotzdem emotionsvoll. Death Metal aus Norwegen ist angesagt und das hört man ja auch nicht so oft, denn ansonsten ist der Black Metal dort besiedelt. Die schwarze und dunkle Seite der Macht kann man dort wohl nie ganz ablegen, aber sie geben ihr bestes und das ist gar nicht mal so übel. Man kann sagen, dass sie eher von den alten Helden wie Celtic Frost, Dismember, Death, Morbid Angel oder Entombed beeinflusst wurden und das lassen sie auch gut raus, aber dieses Stil vermischen sie mit Stielen "neumodischer Bands" wie Hate Eternal oder Nile. Ja,ja, diese Mischung ist wirklich interessant und höchstexplosiv, obwohl nicht ganz überragend, denn das Album knallt nicht durchgehen. Man merkt aber immer die düstere Seele in den Songs und das zweite Stück namens:"Enemie" kann ich echt empfehlen, ein wirklicher starker Death Metal zu. Schon, kalte Produktion hinzu. Retribution Rec. haben wieder mal auf das richtige Pferd gesetzt, wie so oft.

Possessed © 2004

Silentstagnation Chtonian Lifecode review

With the two new releases Chton & Strangulation Retribute acclaim the death metal throne for the label! After the extreme "Atrocious Retribution" by Swedish Strangulation, Chton is the Norwegian answer! "Chtonian Lifecode" is their debut record after a few demos and the split with Supreme Lord on Time Before Time Records. I have to confess that "Chtonian Lifecode" is a true devastating death metal record with a few black metal influences. These black metal influences is audible at the guitar riffing, at the vocals as well as a general dark mood. "Invitation To Hell" is a great death metal smasher with razor-sharp guitars and stomping parts but with a dark touch! At the beginning of "Enemie" they offer a vocal battle between the usual deep grunts and high-pitched screams but generally the song is another brutal death metal track with a few black metallic riffs. I'm really surprised by their unrelenting brutality and an extraordinary production, just think of brutal mid-tempo and fast death metal with a slightly black metal touch but through the thick production they always have a stunning sound! As I mentioned a lot death metal albums are released in these days and although a lot great stuff is coming out it's always hard to find really outstanding bands and in Chton Retribute Records picked such a band, they unite many opposed components and formed an unique experience. For example: their production is very good and brutal all the way but they also saved a rough touch and the album doesn't sound too clean, instead it lives and you can feel it! On the one hand the guitars have a dirty touch but otherwise you can hear every riff... I really hope to hear more records in the vein of "Chtonian Lifecode", true annihilating death metal with an own special note. Go and buy this!

Rating: 5.5/6

marcel Silentstagnation © 2004

Daredevil Chtonian Lifecode review

Norwegian Death-Metal how it should be. In the info they said Death-Metal, but I also hear a lot of Grind elemnets in Chton´s music, but these guys perfectly hide their Grind in the Death-Metal and I haven´t heard such a brutal voice for a long time...ok...Pig Destroyer was pretty extreme, but Terje sounds like f**ing Bulldozer...no shit...it´s that "You all gonna die" voice. "Chtonian Lifecode" is an attack and with their original mixture out of old school Death like Morbid Angel and new school Death like Nile and Hate Eternal etc. Chton made an outstanding debut. You like extreme music...damn...you better check out these guys.

Rating: 7/7

RB Daredevil © 2004

Eternal Terror Chtonian Lifecode review

Chton begynner vel å bli et navn de fleste innenfor metallmiljøet har hørt om men ikke hørt så veldig mye av. Dette burde det nå bli en slutt på, da bandet endelig har fått sluppet sin etterlengtede debutskive. Og det var verdt ventetiden. Dette er kanskje årets beste debutskive så langt.

Chton spiller en form for brutal deathmetal av den amerikanske sorten, og Immolation-inflytelsen er allestedsnærværende. Misforstå meg rett, Chton er ingen kopister, men det er lett å høre hvor inspirasjonen(e) kommer fra.

Det er skikkelig knusende saker dette her. Enormt groovy og suggerende gitarriff med et trøkk som river tak i deg og nekter å slippe taket før du føler deg både slengt og dengt. Basstrommene dundrer av gårde som et maskingevær i bakgrunnen, oppbrutt av taktskifter både her og der. Låtene veksler mellom kjappe, harde og kontante riff og mer midtempo takter, og det jobbes virkelig hardt på gitarer og rytmeseksjoner her, det kan jeg love deg. At dette kanskje blir litt for brutalt for mange kan jeg (kanskje) skjønne. Det tar sin tid før låtene sitter som de skal, men når de først gjør det, da… Triggerhatere kan puste lettet ut, det finnes ikke snev av det på skiva, i alle fall ikke det jeg kan høre. Chton er i tillegg så heldige å være i beherskelse av en vokalist som behersker de fleste vokalformer av den mer brutale sorten; deathmetalgrowling, blackmetalskrik, psykedeliske hyl. You name it – they’ve got it. Kan jo også nevne at Frediablo og Attila Csihar deltar på en låt hver.

Ikke alt er like bra her, det skal jeg innrømme. Enkelte låter er svake sett opp mot andre som igjen er knallbra. Låta ”Unholy Communion” for eksempel, er vel noe av det sterkeste jeg har hørt på lenge. Denne låta kan man også laste ned fra bandets hjemmeside. Bandet har også foretatt nye innspillinger av de to låtene som var å finne på demoen. Og ja, Metall-Svisj favoritten ”Book Of Black Earth” er en av disse, men videoen er dessverre ikke med (den burde dere strengt tatt ha hatt med gutter!). Personlig mener jeg at dette kanskje er skivas svakeste låt, men smaken er som baken. I tillegg, sånn at sytingen blir komplett, er booklet’n heller tam og kjedelig.

Produksjonen er ved Godt Selskap og er ganske skitten og rett på sak, men dette betyr ikke at lyden er dårlig! Resultatet kunne kanskje blitt bedre med krystallklar lyd, men det er et spørsmål hver og en som kjøper skiva får bedømme. Selv synes jeg at lyden er helt perfekt for denne typen musikk, det skal være litt skittent og ”sleazy” i mine ører.

Til slutt må jeg bare si at får du sjansen til å se bandet live, så gå ikke glipp av det. Chton er et av disse bandene som er bedre live enn på skive.

Rating: 5/6

Vidar Eternal Terror © 2004

Adressa Chtonian Lifecode review

Apokalyptisk daumetall

CD: Rødglødende og blodtight debut fra unge metallhoder.

Trondheim har et stort og yrende metall-milø, som kanskje ikke er like synlig på byens scener. Men det bærer frukter - noe Chton et godt eksempel på. Med en skråsikker tilnærming til deathmetal gir bandet oss et hardt og brutalt slag midt i trynet. Samspillet er blodtight med smarte tema som avløser hverandre på en spissfindig måte. Låtene holder et jevnt over høyt nivå, og takket være utstrakt bruk av dynamikk blir plata også variert.

Den majestetiske og melodiøse «Unholy Communion» er utvilsomt platas beste spor. Kombinasjonen nynnbare riff, et litt mer bedagelig tempo og samplinger gir klare assosiasjoner til Ministry - selv om Chton er hakket hardere.

et debutalbum det står respekt av.

Høydepunkter: «Unholy Communion» og «Invitation to Hell»

Rating: 4/6

Kai Kristiansen Adressa © 2004

Metal-Norge Chtonian Lifecode review

Så etter mye om og men greide jeg også å få tak i en kopi av debutskiva til Chton. Trødnerbandet skrev seg godt inn i deathmetalfansens hjerte med en ultrasolid demo for ei stund siden. Der fikk vi de to låtene ”Book of Black Earth” og ”Crawling Chaos”. Begge spilt inn på nytt på debuten her. For å ta opp denne saken gikk de i godt selskap. Et ganske naturlig valg for et såpass brutalt deathmetal-band vil jeg si. Godt selskap står for feit og fin lyd, og det sitter også Chton igjen med. Ektefølt, massiv og organisk. Midt i blinken. Skiva har vært under arbeid ganske lenge, og når jeg var i studi med dem for ei stund tilbake fikk jeg solide forhåpninger til ei massiv skive.

Etter å ha levd med plata deres ei stund nå kan jeg konstantere et par ting: Chton bringer veldig lite nytt til deathmetal-scenen. Er du lei av deathmetalen som den er fra før, finner du ikke særlig mye nytt hos Chton, men derimot – er du på utkikk etter et veldig kvalitetsfullt band som spiller deathmetal, kan Chton være noe for deg. Personlig har jeg fordøyd denne plata ganske bra nå, og selv synes jeg kanskje den savner den ekstra piffen både her og der. Enkelte låter bare buldrer avgårde uten at jeg greier å sette meg helt inn i de, mens andre igjen virkelig har tatt essensen av grom deathmetal på kornet. Blant de må vel kanskje ”Book of Black Earth” og ”Unholy Communion” nevnes. Førstnevnte fikk vi jo i demoversjon, og i de første gangene jeg snurra plata synes jeg akkurat denne og ”Crawling Chaos” framstod som de kjedligste sporene på plata, men hvis du lytter på detaljene som er balsamert inn i denne godsaken så skal det jaggu meg ikke mye til før du har bakoversveis. Vokalist Terje synger og growler så det jomer, det er utrolig tøft å høre at noen ikke holder tilbake for å eksperimentere litt med stemmen, og det har betalt seg. Den mannen har talent! Ellers må ”Unholy Communion” nevnes som det store høydepunktet. Riffing og variasjon på et totalt klimaks. Helt upåklagelig låt i grunnen – enormt! ”Flies to Faeces” og ”The Horror The Horror” må vel heller ikke forbigås, men resten kan fortone seg en smule intetsigende for mitt vedkommende. Kan være det rett og slett blir for standard.

Alt i alt har vi med ei solid deathmetal-plate å gjøre, liker du deathmetal ala Morbid Angel, Deicide, Belphegor, Behemoth og den slags er det fare for at Chton kommer til å falle i smak. Dessuten besitter de en vokalist med helt syk stemme, bare det gjør vel denne plata verdt å sjekke ut.

Rating: 7/10

Crenshaw Metal-Norge © 2004

Supreme Brutality Chtonian Lifecode review

Norwegian brutal death metallers Chton are a band that draws on a wide range of influences. Ranging from the likes of old veterans such as Immolation and Morbid Angel over to black metal icons like Darkthrone and Immortal but this without ever sounding like a clone. Once in a while a few hints to modern noise-like metal pop up in the soundscape. At first I found this very annoying but the more I listen to the album the more it fits in and actually adds quite a bit to the coldness of the music.

Their debut Chtonian Lifecode is a dark and hateful album that pushes the listener over the edge and into the cold and emotionless shadow filled pits. This is as the opener rightfully indicates an "Invitation to Hell" and the band doesn't at any time let the listener escape their dim confine in the deep. The music is diverse and organic without ever becoming totally breathtaking. But still it lies a good deal above the average and this is mainly due to the diversity of the songs which is packed with odd breaks, tempo shifts, obscure riffs and twisted harmonies.

The album may not contribute with anything unheard but still it seems slightly out of the ordinary and one thing is certain Chtonian Lifecode doesn't sound like the average death metal album so if you like something a little different than the usual then Chton is a band worth checking out.

Rating: 4/6

PSL Supreme Brutality © 2004





PROMO 2002

The Metal Review Archive demo review

Alright! 5 minutes of material to judge a band by. Chton is a Norwegian Death Metal band. They started in 2000, so this is quite new stuff, and it's great to see there will be quality Extreme Metal bands from Norway to continue the legacy after our early Black Metal scene! "Chton" is their second demo CD, but the band is now signed to Retribute Records, so watch out for the coming album!

So, what do Chton present on this short 2 track demo? Crushing brutal and precise Death Metal, glowing of self esteem and professionality! The sound is clear and heavy, yet brutal. This production would be an album worthy! The music is performed to its perfection. No clumsy mistakes or sloppy playing here! Many of the riffs sound quite simple, but they are very effective. Terje's vocals are deep, dark and massive, although he throws in some higher screams occasionaly for good measure. The first time I put this demo on, I for some reason thought of Immortal. The precise, heavy riffing of their 'Damned In Black' album was the point of reminiscence. Immortal are no more now, but if you want to hear a band that shows the same self esteem and aggressive catchyness, -no further comparison, -you could do a lot worse than to check out Chton!

The Metal Review Archive © 2004

Mordor Magazine demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Die Band aus Trondheim in Norwegen. Lediglich zwei Songs befinden sich auf dieser CD welche im 2003 als Vinyl-7" erscheinen. Wer wenn er Norwegen hört gleich an Black Metal denkt irrt hier, den CHTON spielen Death Metal und dieser ist erst noch US orientiert. Der Sound klingt ziemlich dreckig und morbide. Die Norweger legen scheinbar nicht so viel Wert auf möglichst technische Songs. Sie versuchen eher eine verdammt finsteren Atmosphäre entstehen zu lassen. Allerdings dürften Fans der früheren MORBID ANGEL Tage grosse Freude an der Band haben. CHTON rocken auf diesen zwei Songs alles in schönster Old school Manier zu Boden. Der Sänger röchelt das sich die Balken biegen, so das man Part weise glaubt er stirbt. Die Nackenmuskeln werden bei den zwei Songs immer wieder stark beansprucht und bieten sie bieten viel Hörspass! Jetzt hoffe ich das die Herren bald eine neue, ?längere? CD produzieren und die Death Metal Welt damit erfreuen.


Fazit: Freunde von IMMOLATION, MORBID ANGEL und Co. sollten mal ein Besuch auf der Homepage der Band machen und sich ein paar MP3 runderladen. 8 von 10 Punkte

Mordor Magazine © 2004

The Street Web Zine demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Chton from Trondheim Norway, plays dark brutal death metal and they do it on a very high technical level. The promo contains only two tunes (”book of black earth” and ” crawling chaos”) but they have been replayed quite a few times since I got a hold of it. The tunes are dominated by heavy guitar riffs and a beautiful deep growl vocal. I recommend everyone who likes aggressive technical death metal, to visit www.chton.com and download the tunes there. Chton has closed a record deal with Retribute records and says that the record will be in stores during spring 2004. I guarantee that the record will be in my record collection. 8/10 Points

Sten Jensen

The Street Web Zine © 2003

Ancient Spirit demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Bei CHTON (seltsamer Name) handelt es sich um eine relativ neue Band (gegründet Ende 1999) aus Norwegen, in der sich Mitglieder von MANES und ETERNAL SILENCE tummeln. Zwar denken die meisten bei dieser Zusammensetzung an eine weitere Black Metal-Combo, aber nix da! Hier wird vielmehr Death Metal der alten Schule gezockt, den man grob mit INCANTATION oder IMMOLATION vergleichen könnte. Hinsichtlich der Geschwindigkeit fühlen sich CHTON meist in Midtempo-Gefilden heimisch und geben sich mehr Mühe eine düstere Atmosphäre zu kreieren, als einfach nur stumpf draufloszuprügeln. Auch der Gesang und die Produktion tragen ihren Part dazu bei. Spieltechnisch ist eigentlich alles im Lot, lediglich die Drums klingen zu Beginn des ersten Songs etwas zu einfallslos. Aber auf der anderen Seite präsentieren die beiden Gitarristen einige interessante Ideen, die durchaus mit zur Eigenständigkeit beitragen. Im Infoblatt wird noch erwähnt, dass die beiden Songs lediglich zu Promozwecken aufgenommen wurden, da man noch auf der Suche nach einem Deal für den ersten Longplayer ist. Allerdings wäre die Band auch an einer Veröffentlichung als 7'' interessiert. Drücken wir mal die Daumen, dass es bald mit einem Vertrag klappt, denn "Book Of The Black Earth" und "Crawling Chaos" machen definitiv Appetit auf mehr, auch wenn nichts aufregend neues geboten wird. 8,5/12 Punkte

Jan

Ancient Spirit © 2003

Metal-Norge demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Må si jeg har hørt igjennom denne demoen et utall ganger nå, og dette faller i smak, så absolutt, meget smakfult. Dette er deathmetal slik jeg liker det; velprodusert, deilig vokal, fete og fine riff. Vokalist Terje Olsen gjør også det orale arbeidet i Eternal Silence, så vel som i Chton, og den er totalt upåklagelig, en av de bedre. Det eneste som er litt trist, er at det er bare to låter her, men det gjør i grunnen ingenting, siden Crawling Chaos og Book of Black Earth river knallhardt. Hvis disse ikke får en platekontrakt snart, så spiser jeg av meg høyrehånda, for det fortjener de!

--Crenshaw

Metal-Norge © 2003

Pull The Chain demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

In search for a record deal, this Trondheim based five piece emerged with a first promo featuring some six minutes of United States orientated death metal. Eventually, Chton have quite an original interpretation of the death metal genre that requires several listenings as their music is far too different from what we have the use to listen to with most of the nowadays releases. As their landmates of Zyklon (B), Myrkskog or Manes (just listen to the very good «Vilosophe»), Chton stay as far as possible from the usual death metal borders and immediately create their own musical universe. The two tracks recorded are dominated by the mobile guitar riffage that is way too technical to provide catchiness and accessibility. Chton’s music is compact mainly midpaced and accelerated to a fast pace when the drums' most violent structures come in. Growled vocals (Terje from Eternal Silence) are regular toned and nicely compliment the ice-cold nature of the music. Without any doubt, the quality of the songwriting and execution make Chton stand out from the death metal crowd.

Georges

Pull The Chain © 2003

Unholy Terror demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Hugh, Norway a new breeding place for Death Metal? I guess so, especially since more and more Black Metal musicians discover Death Metal as a new way to express themselves. AETURNUS, BLOOD RED THRONE, MAELSTRÖM… and now CHTON (featuring members of Manes and Eternal Silence), all these bands (or some of their members) were formerly active in the “wearing make up and running through the dark woods” kinda business. Time will tell how true and ambitious they are rooted in the DM scene. Anyway, it’s the music that counts and all those aforementioned bands nowadays deliver good and remarkable music. Same goes for the two songs on this demo CD-R. CHTON plays mid paced Death Metal with an old feeling, far away from any US style hyperfast extreme brutal frog-noise stuff. It’s genuine and absolutely trend-free DM with a technical approach which is rooted in the early 90’s. “Book of Black Earth” and “Crawling Chaos” are two awsome dark and unholy anthems which should be quite listenable for fans of MORTEM, DIABOLIC and early MORBID ANGEL. Don’t worry about the short playing time, there’s a repeat button at your CD player, isn’t it? Believe me CHTON really shreds and you shouldn’t miss them … Definitely the best Death Metal I’ve heard from Norway since mighty MOLESTED were laid to rest. Get in touch NOW!!!

5.5 points (of 6.66)

HACKER – Unholy Terror Magazine #4

Unholy Terror © 2003

UltimateMetal demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

It's a kind of privilege to get a demo from an unknown/unsigned band. Why? Because you can witness their birth, what's more, your words might help them to get famous later. Of course, half of these demos are average or under average level, but the other half discloses promising bands, real surprises or even better. The Norwegian Chton belongs to this second group. While Norway is still better known for its black metal bands, they seem to have a healthy, strong death metal scene. Just think about bands like Thorns, Zyklon, Myrkskog, and who knows how many other underground bands who never get out of the country. Chton is arising from the Trondheim underground, so it just makes me wonder what other rarities might be found there.

I got a 2-track demo from Norway and unfortunately it only consists of two songs but it gives a correct picture of the band. Six minute long brutal death metal. Tight rhythms, half-complex, heavy songs are rolling over you in the vein of Immolation, Morbid Angel or Thorns - especially the start of 'Crawling Chaos' reminds me of Thorns. I know there are many bands out there who are doing similar things, but not many have such original riffings and such a dark, sinister atmosphere as Chton. To keep it short, it's quality death metal, on the level of the bands mentioned above. I hope to see them signed to a record company soon.... because I have to push the repeat button to listen to them for a while, trying to create the illusion of a full length Chton album.

1. Book Of Black Earth

2. Crawling Chaos

Perkele - UltimateMetal - June 18th, 2003

UltimateMetal © 2003

Musicextreme demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Brutal death metal with a really modern sound in the guitars that play riffs that are not typical of the style preferring to create original riffs instead of doing the typical one note runs that many bands do. Here the guitars combine brutal low tuned guitar riffs with pincha harmonics with more opwn chords and with guitar phrases that add originality to the tunes here. The vocals are extremely guttural and they give all the death metal feeling to the compositions. Plus the vocals have a lot of different shades and variations thata re essential to the feeling of the two songs contained here. The sound of the recording is really good specially in the fat sounding guitars that are designed to crush your brain. This is ear melting music with aggressiona dn brutality and also originality.

Musicextreme © 2003

HeavyMetal demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Forestill deg tradisjonell deathmetal ispedd en dose oppfinnsomme elementer med en særegen vri, og du befinner deg Chton sitt musikalske landskap.

Denne 2-spors promoen er ment som en ærlig bestrebelse etter kontrakt; i form av en fullengde eller sjutommer. Om Chton sin sjarmoffensiv vil innfri deres mål vites ikke, men det skal sies at de leverer et meget godt forsøk.

Musikken befinner seg med bena godt planta innenfor death metallen, noe old school preget sådan. Det er mørk og blytungt, og gitarriffene fenger fett; til tider tekniske, til tider brutale. Sangene durer av gårde i et skiftende tempo, her finnes både raske og mer seige og groovy riff. Låtene byr dessuten på flere uforutsigbare vendinger, følgelig unngår bandet å kjøre seg inn i en ensformig bane som, etter undertegnedes mening, ofte kjennetegner mange death metal band. Betegnelsen intelligent deathmetal er ikke urimelig.

Growlevokalen fungerer fett, men jeg savner litt mer variasjon i stemmebruken; og da helst i form av lyse skrik. For all del; vokalen er variert men jeg hadde gjerne sett at vokalisten i blant gikk litt opp i tonene når han skriker. Hey; jeg er fullt klar over at death metal ikke skal ha black vokal, men til tider kan det fungere meget bra som en avlastning fra growlinga. Variasjon skader ikke, uansett sjanger. Men dette er nå bare min mening, og få band klarer å tilfredstille mine utopiske idealer. Nå var jeg kanskje uklar, men misforstå meg ikke; Terje skriker fett!

I ulikhet med mange andre promoer og demoer er produksjonen oppløftende god, ja jeg vil faktisk betegne den som meget tilfredstillende. Det er ingen hemmelighet at det hjelper betraktelig med god lyd når en sender rundt en promo, i motsetning til grumsete og uryddig produksjon som ofte karakteriserer mange bands demoer.

Promoen inneholder kun to sanger, men er resten av Chton sine låter av lignende kvalitet skal en ikke se bort i fra at en kontrakt er innen rekkevidde. Jeg gleder meg til å høre mer fra disse gutta!

JH - Heavymetal © 2003

Bast-Magazine demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Unfortunately, there are only two songs on this mini-CD. This highly technical and talented death metal band deserves a full album. The two songs align themselves with such greats as Immolation and Nile. The two pieces are tight and well formed. The guitars pierce out, almost like machines, and the vocals are low and cold. This is the sound of our automated future. Although it’s difficult to get the gist of a band from just two songs, if the rest of a full-length album is as good as these two tracks, then I can’t wait to hear it.

MH - Bast Magazine 2003

Bast Magazine © 2003

Legacy-Magazine demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2003"

Eine neue Band aus Trondheim. Die Norweger haben lediglich zwei Songs auf diese CD gebrannt, werden irgendwann dieses Jahr als Vinyl-7" erscheinen. Wer an Black Metal denkt, irrt gewaltig, denn wenn bei CHTON Vergleiche sein müssen, dann würde ich als erstes Immolation in die Runde werfen. Wirklich finsteres Death Metal-Gezuppel, von der gesamten Stimmung wirklich sehr düster und morbide. Der Sound ist etwas verwaschen, erinnert nicht von ungefähr an Wurdulak oder Gorelord, denn die Scheibe wurde im selben Studio eingemetzelt.

Wer seine Side-Projekt-Liste auf dem neuesten Stand halten will, dem sei gesagt, daß Mastermind Torstein früher bei Manes gezockt und Sänger Terje auch schon Eternal Silence den Marsch geblasen hat.

Zwei Songs lassen natürlich keine fundierte Analyse zu, aber das vorliegende Material ist für Death Metal-Puristen, die weniger auf glattpolierte, technische Bands a la God Dethroned, Dying Fetus stehen, sondern es richtig dunkel und rumpelig mögen, bestens geeignet.

Insofern du zu Rottrevore (RIP), Incantation oder Entety das Haupthaar schüttelst, this band is made for you, my friend. www.chton.com. (VW)

10/15 Punkte

[Transtalion from German, thanks to Christian Kolf of Valborg for the translation:]

CHTON "Promo 2003"

A new band from Trondheim. The norwegians have only put two songs on the cd and they will appear as Vinyl-7" sometime this year. The ones who think Black Metal are incorrect.

If you have to compare CHTON with another band, I will choose Immolation. Really gloom Death Metal, the whole mood is really dark and morbid. The sound is a little bit washed out, reminds not by chance on Wurdulak or Gorelord, because the CD was recorded in the same studio.

For the ones who want to have their sideproject list up to date... Mastermind Torstein has played in Manes and Vocalist Terje is known from Enternal Silence.

Two song admit no established analysis. The material is successfully good for death metal purists, who like less smoothly polished technical bands like god dethroned, dying fetus and more the dark and rough style.

If you bang your head to Rottrevore (RIP), Incantation oder Entety... this band is made for you. my friend. www.chton.com (VW)

10/15 Points

Legacy Magazine © 2003

Scream Magazine demo review, norwegian and english translation

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Anders J. Blisten vs Leif Kringen

Norske CHTON har sendt oss en demo bestående av to korte låter. Samlet spilletid på denne er ikke mer en knappe seks minutter, og det er jo ikke all verden å forholde seg til. Bandet, som har medlemmer som også er involverte i konstellasjoner som Manes og Eternal Silence, spiller death metal med kontrollerte riff. Paraleller kan trekkes til den amerikanske nittitallsscenen, og på høyt volum trøkker og river dette bra. Vokalen er sedvanlig buldrende, og riffene har et litt teknisk uttrykk som jeg verdetter. Bandets mål her i livet, i hvert fall for øyeblikket, er å få disse to låtene ut på singel. Er det forresten det man kaller singelliv? (LK)

[Transtalion from Norwegian:]

Norwegian CHTON has sent us a demo consisting of two short songs. Total playingtime on this isn't more than barely six minutes, and that isn't much to review really. The band, who has members involved in constellations like Manes and Eternal Silence, play death metal with controlled riffs. Parallels can be drawn to the american scene of the 90ies, and on high volume this really rocks and shreds. The vocals are growly, and the riffs has a rather technical approach which I appriciate. The bands goal in life, at least at the moment, is to release these two songs as a 7" single. Is that what you would call single-living? (LK)

Trønderne i CHTON har vært sparsommelige med antall musikkstykker på demoen vi har fått fra dem. Det betyr på ingen måte at vi ignorer dem eller avskriver dem. Dødsmetal-låtene deres holder nemlig høy og ikke minst interessant standard. Disse gutta signaliserer at de våger å gå litt nye veier i enkelte låtpartier uten å sette stilarten i fare. Dette bandet viser såpass mye bra takter i musikken sin at det gir glimt av håp om å oppdage nye og spennende ting innen death metal-genren. Og da mener jeg den brutale amerikanske typen. Heia Trøndelag! (AJB)

[Translation from Norwegian:]

The trønders [translators note: Trondheim, the hometown of CHTON lies in the part of Norway known as Trøndelag. Thus, if you're from Trøndelag - you're a trønder] in CHTON has been sparse with pieces of music on the demo we've recieved from them. That does not mean, however, that we ignore them or write them off. Their deathmetal-tunes holds a high and, not least, interesting standard. These guys signal that they dare to somewhat thread new paths in parts of their songs without endangering the genre. This band show such promise in their music that it gives a glimpse of hope for exploring new and exiting things within the death metal-genre. And we're talking the brutal american style. Go Trøndelag! (AJB)

Scream Magazine #X/2003 (Nor)

Scream Magazine © 2003

Vampire-Magazine demo review

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

A short review for a short demo. Not many words are needed anyway. This Norwegian based deathmetal band Chton was founded around amongst others Torstein (Manes) and Terje (Eternal Silence). Chton is merging their backgrounds of blackmetal, thrash/speedmetal and brutal deathmetal to create their own mayhemic slaughter and unleash this upon mankind!

And well, did they succeed? What we hear in two songs are real good deathmetal songs in the vein of early Morbid Angel. It's nice to hear some of this old school deathmetal again in these times where bands just want to knock each other out with begin the fastest, most brutal and the band with the most blastbeats. After all, this is at least as heavy! Good and decent old school deathmetal is what Chton brings you with this promo! This demo has a good sound quality too, considering that it was recorded and mixed in two days.

Let's see what this brings in the future, I'm sure this band will have a record deal in no-time!

Vampire Magazine 2003

Vampire Magazine © 2003

Trondheim Metal Forum demo review, norwegian and english translation

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Denne demoen består av hele to låter, som ikke er så skrekkelig lange heller, men du verden så fett dette låter. Første låt ut er "Book of Black Earth". Dette kan ikke umiddelbart sammenliknes med noe annet jeg har hørt tidligere. Lydbildet er liksom et annerledes et, og bruken av snedige melodier og akkorder gjør at dette fenger noe helt jævlig, og det er nærmest umulig å holde hodet sitt i ro når man hører låta. Neste låt ut er "Crawling Chaos". Denne starter med en jazz-aktig akkord med masse vreng og maks trøkk. Vokalist Terje får utnyttet stemmen sin til det ytterste i denne låta, og det høres for det er faen så bra! Dette bandet må man overvære en konsert med, for det er en sann opplevelse som tar fullstendig knekken på nakkemuskelen. Særlig når de durer i gang "Book of..". Jeg gratulerer Chton med en strålende demo som falt i smak ved aller første gjennomhøring. Kjøper du deg ikke denne blir jeg sinna.

Ole Markus - Trondheim Metal Forum/Enslavedbymetal.com

[Translation from Norwegian:]

This demo consists of just two songs, and they're really not that long either, but damn - this is great stuff. First off there's "Book of Black Earth". This can't immidiately be compared to anything I've heard earlier. The sound just seems different, and the use of weird melodies and chords makes this rock like hell, and it's almost impossible to hold your head still when you hear the track. The next song out is "Crawling Chaos". This one starts with a jazz-ish chord with lots of fuzz and max power. The vocalist Terje gets to push his voice to the limits in this song, and you can really hear that 'cause it's fucking great! You really should catch this band live, for it's truly an experience which will totally fuck up your neckmuscles. Especially when they pull "Book of...". I congratulate Chton with a superb demo which appealed to me at the first listen. If you don't buy this I'll get pissed off.

Ole Markus - Trondheim Metal Forum/Enslavedbymetal.com

Trondheim Metal Forum 2003 (Nor)

Trondheim Metal Forum © 2003

Monster Magazine demo review, norwegian and english translation

- CHTON - "Promo 2002"

Med Torstein fra Manes og Terje fra Eternal Silence i besetningen, leverer Trondheimsbandet Chton to bekmørke og brutale death metal låter på denne promoen. De håper å få utgitt dette på en 7", og det syns jeg da de fortjener for dette var bra saker. Både med tanke på mørk atmosfære, brutalitet og originale riff, så ligger dette i samme gata som Immolation, og jeg tror også at Thorns har inspirert noe på riffene. Det er godt å høre såpass mørk og brutal death metal fra Norge, og jeg håper at bandet får ut noe mer om ikke så lenge. Bloodthorn har i hvert fall en sterk utfordrer i Chton. Mer info finner du på www.chton.com eller skriv til chton@chton.com

Martin/Monster Magazine #2/2003 (Nor/Swe/Den)

Translation from Norwegian - Monster Magazine:

With Torstein from Manes and Terje from Eternal Silence in their line-up, the Trondheim-based band Chton delivers two pitch-black and brutal death metal tracks on this promo. They hope to release this on a 7", and I really think they deserve that because this was good stuff. With their dark atmosphere, their brutallity and their original riffs this belongs down the same alley as Immolation, and I also think Thorns has inspired some when it comes to the riffing. It's good to hear such dark and brutal death metal from Norway, and I hope the band will release something more in the not too distant future. At least Bloodtorn has a strong contender in Chton. You'll find more info on www.chton.com or write to chton@chton.com

Martin/Monster Magazine #2/2003 (Nor/Swe/Den)

Monster Magazine © 2003

Gate of Horror demo review

- CHTON Demo CD (5:51 min)

Track list

1.Book of Black Earth

2.Crawling Chaos

Just 2 songs, but we can notice the proposal of this band: Death Metal in a very dark direction, with some touches of Morbid Angel. It was recorded at Skansen Studios (3rd and the Mortal, Gorelord, etc). This band features members of Manes and Eternal Silence, I think that the future of Chton would be more than surprising.

Gate of Horror © 2003

Svartedauden demo review, Norwegian only

- CHTON - demo

Chton stammer fra Trondheim og består av 5 unge ( vel, eldre enn meg ) menn. Musikken de spiller vil de selv beskrive som Dark and Deadly Metal og jeg ser ikke at dette kan være helt feil. Det er mørkt, det skal være sant. Men om det er dødelig, det kan vel for så vidt diskuteres. Selv ville jeg vel kanskje best beskrevet det hele som Amerikansk/Norsk Death Metal.

Men, nok om det.

Her skal det prates om demoen deres, som har fått tittelen etter navnet på bandet. Nemlig Chton. Og her skal det nevnes at dette er jævlig bra musikk som jeg godt kunne tenkt meg å hørt mye mer av. Det hele er en bra produsert demo med kun to låter på. Men disse to sparker som bare det.

Vokalisten mestrer stemmebruken ganske bra, og jeg vil si at vokalisten mestrer veldig bra bruken av death metal growlingen , noe som passer lydbildet deres jævlig bra. Egentlig så kan det vel sies at hele lyden generelt kan minne litt om death metal, men det er jo veldig godt mulig at det er slik Dark & Deadly Metal skal være. Det skal ikke jeg bedømme...for meg er Chton death metal. Gitar riffa er jævlig fete og da vil jeg med tanke på det, nevne spesielt åpnings riffa til track nr.02: Crawling Chaos. Da dette høres meget bra ut...

Alt i alt er dette jævlig bra, og dette kan etter min mening gi Norge et sterkere innspill i Norsk Death Metal. Om de fikk sjansen da. ...................................Så med det sagt så spør jeg norske plateselskap: " Tar dere hintet??? "

Svartedauden © 2003

Metallum Atmosphere demo review

- CHTON - demo

Chton; a fairly new name in the Norwegian realm of extreme metal: but NOT a disappointing one! This demo contains two tracks of devaststating and brutal Death Metal!! Chton is somewhat technical, but remain rooted in brutality; luckily! This demo was recorded in late 2002 and is (by obvious reasons) quite new! I like the feeling on this demo - raw and grinding! Oh yeah; I have to complement the drummer for his work on the demo! Not bad! Well, this is basicly it! Not so much more to say! I give this demo the feeling of relief: someone in this stupid country manage to play BRUTAL music! Up the horns!!

Metallum Atmosphere © 2003

The Metal Directory demo review

- CHTON - 2-song demo

This black death band hails from Trondheim, Norway. At the 26th of October 2002 Chton entered Skansen Studios to record the two songs "Book Of Black Earth" and "Crawling Chaos" which display the massive potential CHTON possesses. I'm sure this isn't the last we hear from CHTON

The Metal Directory © 2003

Repugnancia Webzine demo review

- CHTON (Demo)

I finish listening both we give of this band of Death Metal. To tell the truth it is the first time that I listen to them and is not necessary to be wise to see them with a great future. They have a voice, guitar and bateria that breaks it; when falling for reference to the mórbido angel and Immolation it has been with which they have taken care, Chton, they themselves and are damn.

Repugnancia Webzine © 2003

From Beyond Zine demo review - Issue 7

- CHTON - Chton EP/Demo 2002

I'm proud to say that these guys come from my hometown as this 2 song promo seriously shreds! Heavy and viciously dark US style Death Metal, dropping hints to Morbid Angel and Immolation is what Chton has occupied themselves with and they're damn good at it. Blessed with an ungodly voice, gutripping guitars and with a production at whole that would put many albums to shame, Chton will grind you down and tear chasms in your mind!

From Beyond Zine © 2002

Eternal Terror demo review

- CHTON - Chton EP/Demo 2002

Dette er en 2 spors EP eller demo fra Trondheimsbandet Chton. Chton er et spennende band som spiller amerikansk-innspirert death metal a la bl.a. Morbid Angel. Låtene er tunge og seige med enkelte raskere partier. Riffene er fete, mens vokalen er glimrende. Live er de enda bedre, bare for å ha sagt det. Begge låtene på denne demoen beviser at Chton bør ha en fremtid innen norsk death metal. Nå er vel ikke death metal Norge er kjent for innen extrem metal, men Chton har potensiale til å hjelpe den sjangeren til å vokse. Forsetter de slik tror jeg at en platekontrakt ikke er langt unna.

Translation from Norwegian - Eternal-Terror.com:

This is a 2-track EP or demo from the Trondheim-based band Chton. Chton is an exiting band who play american-inspired death metal like a.o. Morbid Angel. The songs are heavy and slow with some faster parts. The riffs are great, while the vocals are brilliant. They're even better live, just to have said that. Both songs on this demo proves that Chton should have a future in Norwegian death metal. I guess death metal isn’t what Norway is most known for whitin extreme metal, but Chton has the potential to help that genre grow. If they continue like this I think a record-contract won't be far away.

Rune - 28.12.02

Eternal Terror © 2002