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Rating:
A raw and powerfully self-referential album, that doesn’t neglect the haunting melodic background that made "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant" great. Shagrath's vocal performance is truly exhilarating in the heavy, cruel, violent opener "Moonchild Domain". Sung entirely in a deep, hoarse, fierce growl, with no interruptions from the barely hinted scream characteristic of the singer, it has an obsessive, booming and haunting rhythm. Probably the best gem of the album. Directly vomited from the abyss, the lengthy "Chaos Without Prophecy" focuses on an exquisite work by Nagash, possessing a feverish and brutal strength. Shagrath re-experiments with the vocal technique that a year before led to the success of "Enthrone Darkness Triumphant". Excellent also are the guitar solos from three minutes and ten seconds into the track for the next twenty seconds. Perhaps too technical, but nonetheless beautiful.
Dug up from the dust and time (a hidden reference for my friend Hatemoornet: let’s see if you get it) terrifying in its new shade, the unforgettable "Hunnerkongen"...one of the few cases where the lesser crudeness of the recording does not alter the devastating charm of the ancient fury. A Black masterpiece of yesteryear. The fourth position breaks the oppressive atmosphere with the keyboard-driven, dreaming of Nordic nightmares, re-adaptation of "Raabjorn Speiler Draugheimens Skodde"...the icy shiver that the unforgettable "For All Tid" had transmitted runs down the spine with renewed vigor. Shagrath performs a proper scream in the splendid fading finale. A piercing arpeggio opens the fifth track...is it possible? yet...guessed it: it’s "Metal Heart", masterpiece by Accept...sung in a special scream, inflamed by growl peaks, and above all a guitar virtuosity. Unforgettable is the rising solo. And finally, three exquisite live performances: "Stormblast", "Master of Disharmony" and "In Death's Embrace". The group does not miss a beat on stage. Particularly unforgettable "Stormblast" where Shagrath incites the crowd, yelling "Sons of Satan, gather for Attack!". Beautiful also "In Death’s Embrace"...Nordic chill, oppressive atmospheres and black violence make the album a must for every devotee of the group...
"...we're the black-hearted Angels, fallen from grace..."
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