Karmageddon Media has decided to re-release the second Occult album 'The Enemy Within', which was originally released in 1996 by Foundation 2000. In case you don't know, the Dutch Occult plays a mixture of black and death metal with some thrash elements mixed in. Occasionally Occult has a bit more innovative approach to guitar riffs and solos compared to an average death metal band, which makes its albums more appealing to listen.

Despite of the thrash elements, Occult still plays black/death metal in the traditional vein - meaning they haven't got any keyboard sections. Nonetheless, they've got two vocalists: namely Maurice and Rachel. Both of them growl for the most part, but on 'Twisted Words (My Darkest Emotions)' Rachel sings with a clean voice as well. What's laudable about Occult is that the lyrics and the music go hand in hand. For example, on 'Delusions' they have used some dynamics in their music to suit the sinister story.

The Enemy Within was recorded and mixed at Music Lab Studio, Berlin. The sounds are rather balanced and the recordings are clean. However, the mix could have been improved in some ways - for example, the toms lacked power. Overall, 'The Enemy Within' is a moderate death metal release. It has its moments, but mostly it hasn't got anything special to offer. For some listeners of death metal it's more than enough to justify the purchase.

There's a sample of "Souls" on the official Hammerheart/Karmageddon Media website for you to listen.

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- MAGE (April 3rd, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Richard: Guitars Rachel: Vocals Maurice: Vocals Sjors: Bass Leon: Guitars Erik: Drums
Producer:	Johns, Harris
Mixing by:	Johns, Harris & Erfurt, Martin
Mastering by:	Unavailable

	TRACKLIST:
	01. Souls 02. Inquisition of the Holy 03. Crossing the Boundaries (of Life and Death) 04. Selfbetrayal 05. Twisted Words (My Darkest Emotions) 06. Through Dark and Light I Dwell 07. One Way Out 08. Passive Relations 09. Eyes of Blood 10. Until the Battle 11. Delusions Length: 39:08