Abruptum formed on the notion that they were too evil even to have names (the leader of the group? His name is "It"), and if the theatrics of other black metal artists sacrifice some of that dark credibility to those over the age of 15, Evil Genius is a testament to the notion that evil — at least in the musical sense — doesn't need a theatrical foundation (even though there are some theatrics on Evil Genius — "De Profundis Mors Vas Cousumet" for example, but even that falls prey to what can only be described as a black cloud of cacophony), when a full-on sonic pummeling will do so much more damage. Evil Genius is one of those records that is hard to sit through and listen to, but it never escapes one's memory, almost like a bad dream. That said, for anyone who appreciates what the really heavy and dark characters and artists in the black metal genre have to offer, Abruptum's Evil Genius is an essential piece of work to own. - AMG

1. Honores Vultus Mutares Cx Aeris Campi
2. Aerge Facere Alci
3. Icendio Fulminis Telis
4. Calibus Frontem Tumeo Acibus Abcessus
5. Corpus In As Trahere Abincere
6. Vis Semina Dies Hora Dea Membra Corpora
7. Feci Factum Sanguine Gladios Mabe Fieri Factus
8. Tortus Torquero Colla Tumentes
9. Turannam Bellux Eventus Alci Exeo Sivium Vitae Carhaginis Integra
10. Hostes Orco Hostium Legiones Dis Manibus Pacis Ruptores Altioni
11. Animum, Mentem Alcis Iubentutem Largitionibus, Hostes Ad Dimicandum,Commotis Exita Saccis Thyias
12. De Profundis Mors Vas Cousumet