‘Shortly after the release of “Lords Of Chaos”, here we have another publication dealing with Black Metal. Where “Lords Of Chaos” was a little biased and not really informative when it comes to the role of fascist tendencies in Black Metal, “Unheilige Allianzen” offers a detailed and critical look on what´s going on in parts of the Black Metal scene. Following the book “Ästhetische Mobilmachung”, which dealt with right- wing ideologies in Dark Wave / Neo Folk, “Unheilige Allianzen” is the perfect book for everyone who already knows quite some stuff about the origins of Black Metal (though you get a short introduction to the rise of the genre), but is specially interested in NSBM bands/ acts and the persons, fanzines and labels behind it. The book describes different topics ranging from Heathen culture, war fanaticism, Satanism towards NS bands in Germany and worldwide and their connection to other right- wing scenes like fascists Skinheads. Every chapter is packed with information and quotes, which gives you an interesting overview of what´s going on in some parts of the Black Metal scene and how they´re connected to other right- wing organizations or scenes. Partly the book created an alarming atmosphere, for example when it comes to guys like Stephen O´Malley (SunnO))), Khanate, etc.) or anti-Semitic Urgehal, who also released stuff on Southern Lord. On the other hand I really wondered about the stupidity of some of the quotes, despite their alarming content…
The only thing to complain about are some little mistakes like the origin of Saint Vitus (they´re form the USA not UK) or Xasthur. But that´s the only thing to complain about and they´re easy to neglect compared to the tons of info given.
So “Unheilige Allianzen” is definitely a must have for everyone into Black Metal (but also heavy stuff like released by Southern Lord), as it offers a detailed look on blackest (or should I say brownest…) chapter of Black Metal´s history, while remaining easy and fun to read. Another must have of UNRAST Verlag´s good books!’
jan, enoughfanzine
