"Well, I wrote a review for this a few years ago, but have sinced changed opinions. This is some very raw black metal, and the sound quality is really poor. However, if you can stand to listen to it loud enough, this album sky rockets in its worth. At a higher volume, you can hear a much more complicated guitar line, and even some hints of a keyboard, but the keyboard is absoluty buried, if I wasn't imagining it. The most problematic aspect of this album is that at a more usual volume, many of this songs a) sound horrible, and b) sound the same. For fans of the genre, it's going to be a worthwhile listen, but if you're just getting into black metal, you may want to put off purchasing this one."
Not Very Interesting...That Is Musically.
Jboogie | 07/01/2006
(1 out of 5 stars)
"All the elements appear to be in place on this one: a spooky midnight procession of demonic acolytes on the front cover, grimacing corpse painted wraiths (ie, the band members) on the back, plenty of inverted pentagrams and crosses, somewhat cool song titles. However, musically there is nothing interesting or entertaining going on here; It's just sheer Emperor worship and mindless blast-beating. Definately for the Cradle of Crap, Dimmu Booger, and Marsuk crowd. Lame, lame, lame! This stuff is a dime a dozen and has been done at least 10,000 times. Oh well, on to something else, something good that is."
Bad sound???????????
SpacegrassMan | Insane Land of Words & Music | 11/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I noticed a lot of people complaining about the sound on this CD. ?? It sounds killer on my stereo. I even crank this on a little sony shelf system that's in my living room and it still sounds fine to me. Emperor's Nightside lp is one that pretty much everyone admits could do with better sound. I think Emperor wanted it to sound that way. That cold, evil sound that's all over that one. Dark Funeral have taken that black metal sound even further. Secrets of The Black Arts is one hell of an album. Every track is black metal perfection. If you love black metal bands that not only sound truely evil, but can actually play, don't let this not be in your collection. A classic right up there with all of Darkthrone, early Emperor and Burzum.
Unholy Black and Death Metal Forever!
"
Old School Feel
T. Gore | Neu Joisy | 04/27/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
""Secrets of the Black Arts" might already be considered old school, since it is 10yrs old, yet it has a feel of older black metal that was recorded in the late 80's/early 90's. Even though its a bit simplistic, and over repetitive, it has some great breaks in some of the songs, and its an enjoyable listen for those looking for some simple, not technical black metal."