Search - DarkThrone :: Ravishing Grimness

Second chance pays off...

Craig Allen Moore | Austin, TX United States | 07/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've owned the particular Darkthrone record for a few years now and haven't been able to fully "get" them since I bought and quickly sold "Transylvanian Hunger," the album widely hailed as their masterpiece. I made THAT purchase alongside such intense and technical classics as "Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk" by the incomparable Emperor and "Dusk and Her Embrace" by the early Cradle of Filth. In comparison, "Transylvanian Hunger" didn't stand a chance since both of the aforementioned albums were incredibly fast, dissonant, and classically-inspired in the case of Emperor and catchy, slick, and melodic in the case of Cradle of Filth. Those were two albums that got me into the genre, but appreciation for the mighty Darkthrone would not come until just recently. Darkthrone isn't very fast. Darkthrone isn't very heavy. Darkthrone has, however, the largest amount of intangibles aiding their sound and legacy in probably all of the legendary Norwegian black metal scene. The presentation and atmosphere they've always espoused doesn't sink in as easily as some other bands' attempts. To me, they are the essence of black metal, to apply the most literal meaning to the word "essence." This is not to say that these two men aren't talented musicians. They are currently working on album number twelve, if I have that correct, and have long-since perfected their rock influenced brand of horribly misanthropic metal. I think that at first, I may have balked at the rock element of Darkthrone, and now this is what I most cherish. I detect a small tinge of Motorhead sometimes, and that's always great. The songwriting is all pretty much mid-tempo for black metal, but very memorable and resists becoming dull after repeated listens. It takes a little while for the slower melodies and chord structure to fully unfold, but the delivery is awesome on "Ravishing Grimness." My favorite tracks are "Lifless," and "The Claws of Time." The epic-feeling first riff on this song is maybe the best on the record, and the frozen vocals of Nocturno Culto rival Satyr's for my favorite in black metal. Worthy of mention are the lyrics of Fenriz, who plays the drums in addition to writing all the poetry. His angle on hatred and satanism is unique and completely free of cliche. There is quite a bit of the greats reflected(Crowley, Lovecraft, LaVey, etc.)without approaching plaigiarism remotely. Simple guitar playing, interesting time signatures, rhythmic and hypnotic percussion, and insanely vengeful vocals all team up to chew away at your soul. I would like to hear a beefier bass mixed in, but aside from that, the sound is exactly what is should be without forsaking their code of recording. The recording is not as "necro" as earlier Darkthrone, and therefore a little more accessible. I'm glad I gave them a second chance. This is incredible metal still being played by some of the founders of their style."

Revenge of Old School Black Metal.

Bradley J. Smith | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma United States | 10/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Darkthrone constantly recalls a nostalgia for the past while looking to the future. Constantly referencing bathory and Hellhammer and imbuing it with Darkthrone's own special Grimness.This album has a more laid back but ominous tempo. Allowing the music to breathe and the Nostalgia of those long walks in the woods to shelter you in its freezing arms. I can't help but feel like this is the black metal embodiment of nature as opposed to the music of mankind that so many other bands evoke. The haunting woods call to me.Must Buy"

Not as good as their older stuff, but still amazing!

en norsk kis | Ottestad, Norway | 03/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Darkthrone are still giving us what we want! This album is not as great as "Panzerfaust" or "Transilvanian Hunger" , but it's still great old school black metal. The title-track and "Claws of Time" are the most outstanding tracks on the record. They have slowed down a bit on this release, but they've maintained the brutality. Nocturno Culto writes amazing riffs and Fenriz still writes excellent satanic poetry.
If you don't own any Darkthrone albums, I would rather go with "Panzerfaust" or "Transilvanian Hunger". Compared to those releases, this cd lacks a little bit of aggresion and hatred, but I'll rate it 4 stars without a doubt... BRILLIANT STUFF!!!"