Profane Order – One Nightmare Unto Another

Hailing from the frozen wastelands of Montreal, Quebec, black/death metal duo Profane Order returns from the crypt with their sophomore album, “One Nightmare Unto Another.” Originally written in 1992 but left unreleased, this album offers a potent blend of old-school death metal aggression and a touch of the cavernous atmosphere characteristic of black metal. Let’s delve into this sonic nightmare track by track and see if Profane Order drags us kicking and screaming into a vortex of aural oblivion.

Track-by-Track Descent into Aural Hell:

• In the Shadows of the Past: The album explodes with a haunting intro. Distant, tremolo-picked guitars and chilling screams set the stage for the sonic assault to come. This intro seamlessly bleeds into the title track.
• One Nightmare Unto Another: The title track throws the listener headfirst into the abyss. Blast beats, pummeling drums, and guttural vocals by Adrian (A.A.) Guay create a relentless assault on the senses. Discernible yet twisted riffs pulsate at an infernal tempo, a nightmarish dance macabre.
• A Somber Passage: A brief moment of respite emerges here. The tempo slows slightly, but the atmosphere remains oppressive. Distorted guitars create a sense of dread, while A.A.’s tortured screams paint a picture of utter despair.
• Suppression: The album returns to a more aggressive approach. This track is a relentless onslaught of blast beats and down-tuned riffs that wouldn’t sound out of place on a classic Morbid Angel record. The breakdown in the middle of the song is particularly brutal, a guaranteed neck-snapper for the most devoted headbangers.
• Pernicious Scum: This track throws in a touch of melody. A galloping riff emerges from the sonic chaos, adding a touch of grim memorability to the proceedings. The lyrics, presumably a scathing indictment of humanity, are delivered with a raw and visceral intensity.
• Seething: A return to pure sonic violence. This track is a fast-paced whirlwind of blast beats, tremolo-picked guitars, and A.A.’s inhuman growls. The guitar solos are a highlight, a flurry of notes that add a touch of chaotic beauty to the relentless brutality.
• Of Bile and Malice: The album closes with a monstrous finale. This track is a slow-burning behemoth, showcasing the band’s ability to create a crushing soundscape without relying solely on speed. Layered guitars and guttural vocals weave a tapestry of pure evil, leaving the listener feeling utterly drained and defeated.

Verdict: 4 out of 5

“One Nightmare Unto Another” is a triumph for Profane Order. The album sounds fresh despite its age, a testament to the timeless quality of well-written extreme metal. The production, while raw and lo-fi, perfectly captures the band’s aggression and intensity. Fans of early death metal and black metal will find much to love here, and those who appreciate bands that stay true to their roots will be impressed by Profane Order’s unwavering commitment to aural brutality.

A minor caveat: Listeners accustomed to the more polished production and technical acrobatics of modern extreme metal might find “One Nightmare Unto Another” a bit rough around the edges.

However, for those seeking a pure and unadulterated dose of sonic violence, “One Nightmare Unto Another” delivers in spades. Profane Order has unearthed a nightmarish gem from the past, and this album is a must-listen for fans of the genre. Just be prepared to descend into the abyss and confront the horrors that lurk within.