ENTHRONED

I have never hidden my rather cool attitude toward black metal, (rightfully) considering it an overly ideologized style. In music, I have always been more interested in the music itself rather than the underlying message. However, despite this coolness in my relationship with black metal, I have also never hidden my great love for some of its practitioners. For example, I was quite drawn to late-era Immortal, with their form of black metal heavied up almost to death metal standards. It's not that our Belgians astound with the heaviness of their musical material, but they certainly have that department covered. And when it comes to other departments, there isn't much to criticize either. Material heavier than standard black metal, filled with a harsh guitar sound, a mighty scream that regularly descends into a ferocious growl, ultra-speed drum battery, and a magnificently mixed overall sound that prevents this instrumental-sonic abundance from blending into an indistinguishable mush — giving the listener, should they have the desire (and sturdy ears), the ability to discern the finest nuances in this blood-black maelstrom. A stunning album filled with icy cold and fiery heat, blood and darkness, occultism and mysticism. It is beautiful and terrifying, and after repeated listens may cause persistent addiction — so please, be vigilant.