Circle the Wagons
S. Zoller | New York, USA | 04/06/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The mighty Darkthrone once again deliver the metal goods in spades. No compromise, no mercy--100% METAL.
From the onset of the album opener 'Those Treasures Will Never Befall You,' it is evident that Darkthrone have all but shed the trappings of 'black' metal. Instead, the album brandishes a variety of traditional metal stylings, which pay homage to the metal greats of yore, while at the same time retaining the signature Darkthrone attitude and sound.
Fenriz has employed even more clean vocals this time around, most evident on the title track and 'Those Treasures Will Never Befall You.' They are used sparingly and tastefully though--they add to the epic feel of said tracks and reference the approach of Manilla Road. The few solos throughout C.T.W. are among the finest Darkthrone have ever recorded, especially on the brilliant 'Running For Borders,' played over a monstrous Sabbathian riff. And speaking of riffs, C.T.W. is a guaranteed head-banger.
The production is also top notch, and very much the same as it has been on F.O.A.D. and Dark Thrones & Black Flags; a very organic, live sound which balances all instruments/vocals in the mix while maintaining a raw edge. C.T.W. also demonstrates an important lesson which many metal bands have forgotten, which is how to write metal songs which actually rock. For those looking for familiar, orthodox black metal--look elsewhere. Darkthrone are operating on a level above and beyond any scene or stylistic pigeonhole.
Also, bravo to Dennis Dread for the awesome album artwork.
Highlights: Running For Borders, Stylized Corpse, Black Mountain Totem"
THIS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST ALBUMN OF 2010!!!
MessyT | USA | 05/21/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is such a perfect album! It's sooo different than anything else... Fenriz is def one of the best drummers of all times... He just knows how to make awesome, memorable songs... I have nothing bad to say about anything he does or anything Darkthrone does for that matter... (Red Planet is great!) IF you Don't Have Circle the Wagons you're gay... I can't stop listening to it... It stomps stuff like Mastodon into the ground(of course)... It's true metal 1000% I just wish i got the frickin shirt before it sold out!!! Every Darkthrone Album is different than the next. It never gets old... Thank you Darkthrone!!! I focus and learn from Fenriz's drumming and i've become a better musician that way!!! Seriously buy this album!!! You won't be dissapointed... there's no way! If you're into good true metal this one takes you back to the days of great records that you will play far into the future!!!"
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1