More true metal from the kings not only of Norway, but of metal at the moment. Fenriz, just like me, losing himself in the shadows of '80s metal. Darkthrone stick to their rusty guns and once again treat us to a clattering, thorny metal fest, combining the grunting chaos of Celtic Frost, the oily rumble of Motorhead, and every quality of just about every '80s metal act you've known. They wear their black hearts on their tatty sleeves, fists in the air, studded wrist bands at the ready. Moving further away from the black metal evil of their second and third album, Darkthrone now play their very own brand of black heavy metal. And it's great.
Anthemic, grim, punky, rough, and as dark as anything they've ever done in reality, especially if you understand what metal is all about. Darkthrone bridge the gap between bands such as Sodom, Destruction, Bathory, Agent Steel, and old school Maiden, Motorhead etc.
'I Am The Grave Of The '80s' pretty much sums up what Darkthrone are about. If anyone else wrote a song like this it would sound corny, but when Darkthrone venture into their Necro Hell studio, they churn out sincere heavy metal. Imagine playing Warhammer in the dark and you might get some idea of this leathery noise. The title cut sees Fenriz opting for a clear vocal, and the album closer, 'Brann...' is a mystical chant, but you can hear where Darkthrone's influences lie, especially on the bone-rattling 'Eyes Burnt...' and 'Running For...' with its NWOBHM slant.
As expected, the drums are trashy and clattering, the guitars a dirty fuzz, and Darkthrone once again rule the roost with another quality heavy metal album. And blessed once again with another cool cover.
8/10
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