Satyricon
Now, Diabolical

THE REVIEW

The Satyricon return after almost four years since the best seller "Volcano", and it is a truly sensational come-back. Of course, the detractors of the band's new direction will certainly disagree, but personally, I consider this "Now, Diabolical" the natural continuation of the previous masterpiece elevated to the utmost power. The dance opens with the title track featuring a truly engaging black-trash riff, supported by Sigurd's infernal voice, a true trademark of the Norwegians. The groove intensifies further in the following "K. I. N. G.", where Satyricon blend typically rock-like riffs with the fury and power of black. The reference to "Fuel for Hatred" is inevitable, but thanks to the better production, the power is tripled.

"The Pentagram Burns" is one of the tracks most comparable to early nineties Norwegian black, with devastating intermediate riffs where we find the classic malignant outbursts typical of Darkthrone (and certainly the Oslo combo plays an important role in the melodies of this work). The fourth track proves to be very original in the initial notes and develops into a devastating progression where Kjetil "Frost" showcases his usual enviable technique behind the drums, and the guitars paint truly apocalyptic atmospheres. "The rite of our cross" and "That darkness shall be eternal" don't stray far from the formula of their latest works, masterfully blending the evocative force of black with a lethal impact closely reminiscent of the evolved thrash of Celtic Frost and typically death riffs. Truly gloomy orchestrations and acoustic parts generating icy atmospheres and a sense of deep solitude. It is precisely solitude, hatred, and raging sadness that dominate the last two chapters of this masterpiece: in fact, "Delirium" and especially "To the mountains" slow down the pace, the riffs become catacombal and envelop the listener in an icy embrace where melancholic litanies reign, supported by an incredibly malignant vocal delivery.

Ultimately, "Now, Diabolical" represents the perfect evolution of a band that has been able to alter themselves with consistency while maintaining the impact and coldness typical of black. A must-have!