- - -

DARKTHRONE :
SARDONIC WRATH

My first experience with Darkthrone came in late 1991. At the time it was Death-Metal and Grindcore that was really peaking my interests, but a cool cover, and a strong recommendation by the counter dude at the local underground music shop lead me to purchase a copy of the now highly regarded classic, "A Blaze In The Northern Sky". At this point in time, I'm not even sure if I had heard the term "Black-Metal", but I was about to find out what it was all about from one of its originators. As "Kathaarian Life Code" kicked into high gear, I was to say the least, taken aback. My thought at the time was that this was some truly outlandish shit! (and remember, this reaction was not from some mainstream wuss, but rather from someone who worshipped bands like Obituary, Napalm Death, Carcass, Dismember, and Unleashed). So, 13 years ago, they made one hell of an impression, but at the time, I wasn't totally sold on the whole Black-Metal sound. It would take a couple years before I could really get into it. Anyway, we are now something like nine albums farther into their career, and not a whole lot has changed. For a while now, the band has been down to two members; Nocturno Culto (guitars, bass and vocals) and Fenriz (drums). The sound is still raw and primitive. Instead of sounding like a revered band, 11 albums deep into their career, they sound more like a hungry demo band trying to claw their way out of the deepest bowls of the underground. (BTW, that was a compliment, not a criticism). Sound wise, I guess this disc would be closest in comparison to 1995's "Panzerfaust", as the Celtic Frost worship that was so evident then, is back in full force. Most of these songs, with the exception of maybe "Information Wants To Be Syndicated", have a nice mid-paced evil crunch, and could easily fit on Frost's "Morbid Tales" LP between "Procreation (Of The Wicked)" and "Return To The Eve" with out anyone noticing a big change in style. Now, some may not like this, but as a huge fan of the Frost myself, I love it when Darkthrone lets this aspect of their sound come forward. "Sardonic Wrath" is a true pleasure from start to finish. The band has once again proven that they are one of the true torchbearers of the old-school sound. For more info, the band's official home can be found at darkthrone.no, however, at the time of writing, the site seems to be a little barren.
RATING = 9 Black-Metal (Released 2004)

- - -

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U/V W-Z

SOUNDTRACKS TRIBUTES COMPILATIONS

GOT A PROBLEM WITH ONE OF MY CD REVIEWS?
DO YOU AGREE WITH ME?
THEN GO TO THE

- - -

"Greatest hits albums are for housewives and little girls."
 -Bruce McCulloch K.I.T.H. '91

HOME

IF YOU THINK MY CD REVIEWS SUCK, CLICK HERE!

urotsukidoji_1@yahoo.com

This page hosted by GeoCities Get your own Free Home Page