Back after some seven years since their last album (2007’s ‘Fields of Rot’), these Norwegians show no sign at all of slowing down. Featuring present and past members of Dimmu Borgir, Satyricon, Aeternus, and Gehenna, original guitarist I.Maztor has returned and joined forces with new member V.Fineideath (guitars). Somethiung that is going to get many metalheads interested is the guest appearance by Nocturno Culto (Darkthrone) on vocals (“Krigshisser D.N.K”) and backing vocals (“Speedkrieg”, “The Bitch Of Buchenwald” and “Thrashiac”) while A.E. Rattlehead (Crest Of Darkness/ex-Nocturnal Breed) also helps out on solo guitar (“Thrashiac” and “Under The Whip”). This is only their fifth album since 1997, and one wonders what might have happened with these guys if the output had been a little more prolific as this is really very good indeed.
While their basis in in thrash, with some black metal elements, there is plenty of rock ‘n’ roll at their core which means that at times they come across as being heavily influenced by Motorhead. The production is strangely thin, and I wonder if that was deliberate to give a sense of the underground but for me it doesn’t do them any favours and is the one thing that lets the album down as even playing at extreme volume there is a feeling that the bottom end just isn’t there. That aside, there is a great deal here to enjoy and lets hope that the appearance of Nocturno will get more people listening as this is definitely worth discovering.
www.agoniarecords.com
