This week, I'm giving you all a quick double shot of metal. Here we go!

Behemoth
Ezkaton EP

It seems that Behemoth mastermind, Nergal, doesn't stop. Not only has he and his band toured relentlessly, they're busy writing the new record, put together a new live CD (which I still can't find anywhere on the net for a reasonable price), but they also released the Ezkaton EP in mid November.

This EP features a new track entitled, “Quadosh,” a rerecorded and live track of the classic “Chant for Ezkaton 2000 e.v.” and live versions of “From the Pagan Vastlands” and “Decade of Therion.” There are also two cover songs from The Ramones and Master's Hammer (who I'm unfamiliar with).

For less than $10, this is a great little EP that's really worth the money. If you're a fan of metal but haven't checked this band out yet, here's a great opportunity.

Rating: 4 stars

Darkthrone
Frostland Tapes

I haven't seen this available anywhere in London yet so thank goodness for eBay. Darkthrone (who never seem to stop working, just like Behemoth) released this compilation of very rare and live tracks at the end of 2008.

This compilation features the demo tapes that were recorded before the cult classic Soulside Journey. You can really hear the band progress throughout the demos even if the sound quality isn't the best.

Although the band released Goatlord many years ago, it's finally available in its true, unrleased music form here. For those of you who are unfamililar, Goatlord was supposed to be the successor to Soulside before the band turned its nose up at death metal and went the black metal route (which they abandoned a couple years ago).

To top this off, the package is made complete with live tracks recorded during the touring of Soulside, as well as an excellent digibook package with some great liner notes.

If you're a Darkthrone fan, go searching and spend the money on this one.

Rating: 4 1/2 stars

* Rating for nostalgic and historical purposes — not sound quality.