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Mounds Of Ash is the full-length debut from Brooklyn, New York's Castevet. Their style of black metal tinged with progressive and hardcore influences is unique enough to make them stand out above their black metal brethren. Their musical pedigree coupled with a label known for finding the best the underground has to offer has them poised for success.

Produced by Krallice's Colin Marston, Mounds Of Ash both steamrolls and floats.


Harsh, dissonant guitars and lightning-fast drumming along with an ominous atmosphere create an oppressive environment. On tracks like “Red Star Sans Chastity,” that oppression gives way to progressive instrumental sections that are much lighter, but still have bite.

“Grey Matter” has a more regal bearing, although the ragged harsh vocals strip away some of that dignified vibe. “Red Aura” even has a hook or two amongst the extremity. “Wreathed In Smoke” is a dramatic instrumental, and a good change of pace. However, it might have been even more effective toward the middle of the album instead of the second to last track.

I have a feeling Castevet is a band we'll be hearing a lot more about. They are off to a rousing start and have set the bar high with Mounds Of Ash. If they can keep the momentum going, they'll have no problem quickly ascending the ranks of American black metal bands.

(released May 25, 2010 on Profound Lore Records)

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