Immortal
Battles In The North

THE REVIEW

The 1993 saw the death of Euronymous at the hands of Varg Vikernes, ending his life, the mind behind the one-man band Burzum.

This tragic event marked the rapid rise of black metal, which within a few years would become a widespread phenomenon. 1993 also marked the rise to success for Immortal, with the punishing 'Pure Holocaust' released just as the mass media had their focus on the Norwegian scene. Aware of the situation, Abbath and Demonaz participated in the 'Fucking Christ Tour' in December of the same year.

This series of concerts alongside Rotting Christ and Blasphemy proved to be a critical success and earned Immortal a good reputation. The audience's response boosted the musicians' confidence; Abbath and Demonaz experienced a moment of great euphoria. Many new bands drew their inspiration from Immortal. The violence and relentless speeds of 'Pure Holocaust' pushed them to step on the accelerator. Immortal feared no rivals; Demonaz mentioned in an interview that his next album would be called 'Battles in the North' and it would be even faster. The album, he said, was a mix between the massacre of 'Pure Holocaust' and the acoustic parts of 'Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism' that were absent on 'Pure Holocaust'.

The album opens with the title track; finally, Immortal uses this title, and the third album contains music forged in blood and snow; the title track leaves no doubt about it. As fast and violent as the fury of the elements; Immortal wanted to push the intentions of 'Pure Holocaust', the sounds are carried like the wind and snow in December. With their music, Immortal evoke battles on snow-covered mountains, the snowy sky lashes the faces of the fighters with bands of icy snow. Immortal have never been so hostile. The second track is driven by a darker rhythm than the opener, the riffs are simple but the charge is unbearable, the lyrics are an invitation to night paths that do not exist. "Descents into Eminem of Silence" has a melodic appeal although it does not yield to compromises. The riff in the middle of the song is very beautiful; hidden by the battering of the drums and the distortion. The lyrics speak of an ancient knowledge that leads to becoming custodians of something unknown. I won’t list all the tracks, let's get to the last track of the CD, "Blashyrkh (Mighty Ravendark)", which boasts an immediate riffing and in the opening presents a very atmospheric guitar riff; if the tension has reached the peak by the end of the CD, Immortal catch their breath, surprisingly a keyboard arrives, and finally the main riff is taken up and repeated until the end.

"Battles in the North" is Immortal's masterpiece, a great display of talent, creativity, inspiration for a band that has always evolved.

Hail Immortal

Hail Sons of Northern Darkness