Search - DarkThrone :: Cult Is Alive

Indeed, The Cult is Alive!

p_drl | 06/13/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The clues have been there all along... Did we not catch on? For years, Darkthrone's music has echoed a rock 'n' roll/punk influence; Whether it be the gritty production of "Under A Funeral Moon", the somewhat self-satirical lyrics from early material, or the straight-up hearkening to old days on "Panzerfaust", Darkthrone always had a bit of a smirk on their face about something. People are saying, "This isn't black metal, it's crust punk with BM vocals!" Listen, the punk influence has been there for years. The last few albums have gotten more old-school oriented in their approach, and had a more remotely punk influence. Even an older song, like "In the Shadow of the Horns" openly puts punk influence out in the air.



"The Cult is Alive" is Darkthrone's full realization of what they've been nudging you about all these years. This album does contain a lot of sleazy swagger and punk rock attitude, but it's still pure black metal. You know why? Because Darkthrone is doing it the way they see fit, with the same middle finger mentality they've always had. They're having fun what they're doing, and they don't care who's looking on. THAT is the great thing about this release. Whether it be the blunt, insulting lyrics of "Too Old, Too Cold" or "Shut Up", or the drunken swinging of "The Cult of Goliath", Darkthrone have proved that they are still very much the masters of BM, and still have the ability to shape it in their vision. Nocturno Culto's vocals still croak, Fenriz's drumming is just as simple and savage, and the production is still old-school.



If you're expecting a Marduk or Dark Funeral album, don't listen to this. But if you're looking for BM with a touch of irony and humor, give this a try."

Douglas Hernandez | 06/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The best black metal band of all time continues to be consistent in releasing black metal records that are true in its pure meaning. Contrary to popular, misguided opinion, every Darkthrone record sounds different from each other. While in my opinion this one reminds me a bit of the atmosphere conveyed in Total Death, The Cult is Alive sounds more developed. The harshness of the riffs is haunting; its simplicity is its main ingredient. Every song succeeds in achieving a primal purpose, and ultimately, the end product is a black metal record that knows how to rock, pure and simple. This is one of the best Darkthrone records, and the best black metal records this year."