review by: Roberto Martinelli

Dark Fortress’ debut album (review here) was a tepid success as it borrowed largely from the established formula of Dissection. On the sophomore album, this German black metal band has relaxed its delivery and gone in a more original direction.

The stylistic changes aren’t necessarily better, though. Some are, like memorable riffs and constructions in “In Morte Aeternitas,” and a mid-paced energy throughout the record that works reasonably well. Others, like the goofy keyboards or glaringly out of place, mediocre female vocals on “Passage to Extinction,” do not. Overall, Profane Genocidal Creations feels quite long-winded, and not necessarily because the album is 70+ minutes. Getting through the whole thing more than once is unlikely.

So originality loses the battle on this day. Profane Genocidal Creations is a decent record. Dark Fortress is clearly in the second tier of German black metal, which of course isn’t too shabby. (6/10)