Norway’s Aura Noir was formed in 1993 by Aggressor & Apollyon in pursuit of a more thrash-based form of black metal than much of what was coming out at the time - particularly in their homeland - citing bands such as Slayer, Sodom & Kreator as inspirations along with purveyors of the scene such as Venom, for a dirtier, stripped down, violent black/thrash metal sound. Their first official release was the ‘Dreams Like Deserts’ EP on Hot Records in 1995, followed by the timeless genre classic, Black Thrash Attack'.

 

‘Dreams Like Deserts’ was a fresh revelation upon release, launching the band amid the fever of the second wave of black metal sweeping the globe at the time. The result was a ferocious assault of dirty blackened thrash constructed & executed by the then-duo of Apollyon & Aggressor, immediately gaining Aura Noir cult acclaim in the process, which has continued to this day.

 

All members of Aura Noir have had illustrious careers to date, with Carl-Michael Eide (Aggressor) having featured in prominent bands such as Satyricon, Ulver, Dodheimsgard & Ved Buens Ende. Apollyon is known for his time in Lamented Souls, Cadaver, Immortal & Dodheimsgard as well as being active in current Heavy Doom act Coffin Storm. Being Mayhem’s guitarist & main writer for a long period, Blasphemer launched his new venture into black metal with RUÏM in recent years, as well as playing in Vltimas with former Morbid Angel mainman David Vincent. Aura Noir is considered the top black/thrash act in the scene.

 

This 30th anniversary edition of ‘Dreams Like Deserts’ is presented on CD format, with the original cover artwork & layout from the 1995 release. Also features audio which had previously been re-mastered at Strype studios in Oslo.

 

Tracklist:

1. The Rape (03:26)

2. Forlorn Blessings To The Dreamking (03:26)

3. Dreams Like Deserts (04:59)

4. Angel Ripper (03:47)

5. Snake (01:48)

6. Mirage (02:57)