France’s Deathspell Omega have acquired a reputation as one of black metal’s most innovative and talented bands, and after hearing any of their last 3 releases, it’s easy to see why. 2004’s “Si Monumentum Reqvires, Circvmspice” the 2005 EP “Kenose” showcased the band’s sudden evolution into one of the most creative bands in the scene. The highly anticipated 2007 release “Fas - Ite, Maledicti, in Ignem Aeternum” cemented their reputation, taking the sound of previous releases to even greater heights of sophistication and technicality.

Sandwiched between these releases were two highly sought-after compilations featuring some of Deathspell Omega’s finest work. For the compilation “From the Entrails to the Dirt,” the band contributed a 19-minute track titled ‘Mass Grave Aesthetics.’ While the album also contains songs from Mutiilation, Antaeus and Malicious Secrets, Deathspell Omega’s work is easily the highlight.

The band also recorded the track ‘Diabolus Absconditus’ for “Crushing the Holy Trinity,” a massive, 3CD compilation also featuring excellent songs from Clandestine Blaze, Exordium, Stabat Mater, and others. Some fans point to ‘Diabolus Absconditus’ as Deathspell Omega’s finest work, and they may have a point - the 22 minute opus features blasts of harsh black metal, lengthy brooding acoustic passages, brilliant dynamic contrast, thoughtful lyrics, and another excellent vocal performance by Mikko Aspa.

San Francisco’s Aquarius Records currently has copies of both “From the Entrails to the Dirt” and “Crushing the Holy Trinity” in stock. Unfortunately, most stores have sold out of these by now. It may also pay to check Seattle’s Zion’s Gate for copies. You can also listen to samples from both compilations at the Aquarius site.