Darkthrone: The Interview - Chapter 2 [Enhanced CD-ROM] - Darkthrone,
2003 reissue of the Scandinavian dark metal act's 1992 album features six tracks plus an exclusive multimedia enhanced interview with the band (Chapter 2), packaged in a digipak. Peaceville.
2003 reissue of the Scandinavian dark metal act's 1992 album features six tracks plus an exclusive multimedia enhanced interview with the band (Chapter 2), packaged in a digipak. Peaceville.
CD Reviews
(Perfect) True Norwegian Black Metal
Andrew S | Chesterfield, MI United States | 01/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What can be said about this monumental release? Even though there are some Death Metal traces (according to drummer/lyricist Fenriz) this album is one of the most important albums in Black Metal history. Not only did it basically define True Norwegian Black Metal, it also holds up to be one of the strongest albums to date. Starting off with haunting chants and whispers, Kathaarian Life Code opens up A Blaze In The Northern Sky as a true Black Metal opus. Although some may disagree, I think this is one of the most majestic Black Metal songs to appear on record. The atmosphere of Kathaarian Life Code is very cold yet comforting, bringing you to a very relaxed state. It's a difficult experience to describe but anyone who enjoys quality Black Metal will know what I speak of ... it's surreal and Darkthrone certainly delivers. The entire album is a testament to True Black Metal. From the mid-paced epic In The Shadow Of The Horns to the blasting Where Cold Winds Blow, this album is flawless in terms of Black Metal. I cannot go without mentioning The Pagan Winter or the fantastic title-cut since both tracks truly define the now over-crowded genre. To sum this review up, this album is a perfect album in all aspects. It defined a genre, it spawned hundreds upon hundreds of Black Metal acts as well as living up to be one of the genre's best albums. Your collection is not complete without this album."
Thank you, "Listmania!"
D. Knouse | vancouver, washington United States | 03/18/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"4.5 stars. I was at [website] many months back looking for Black Metal and Darkthrone popped up. At the time, that website offered up suggestions for which particular album to buy for each particular artist. They suggested Darkthrone's "Soulside Journey" as a first purchase. I got it in the mail and I was enthusiastic after so many glowing fan reviews here for all the Darkthrone albums. I was summarily disappointed with the album. It sounded like generic Death Metal with Thrash tendencies and muddy production. In a phrase, "It was boring." Recently, I decided to give these guys a second chance and bought one of their albums based on what I've seen here on so many Listmania lists. The album I chose was "A Blaze in the Northern Sky." Now I know what all the fans have been screaming about. I read a review here calling this album Punk Black Metal, and I think that fits magnificently. They have all the darkness of true Black Metal mixed with Punk attitude, and the amalgamation is excellent. This is incredibly sinister and grim, with memorable riffs and eerie atmoshpere. What these guys lack in complexity they make up for with crushing riffs and visceral attitude. My favorite songs include "Paragon Belial," which sounds plain evil, and the title track. I want to say one last thing before ending my review. I just want to thank all the Black Metal fans here for supporting this band so vehemently via "Listmania." If you hadn't I may never have given the mighty Darkthrone a second chance. Thank you."
A Blaze In The Northern Sky
Rebecca Lyle | Garland, Texas United States | 04/11/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Words cannot express the chilling, unsafe feeling you get when listening to this album. "This is the true face of evil!!!" I've had this one for a couple years now and I've listened to it extensively. What I like most about this album is the variety of influences. You'll find various punk influences as you will with all Darkthrone albums. That's definately a plus. What's also cool is their ability to break down into these evil grooves. They'll slow it down every once in a while, then speed back up into an onslaught of cold, evil, blast beat ridden Black metal. There is also some randomness to there art. For instance, their guitar solos are indecipherable. They are picked so fast that you can't tell what they're doing or if they're even in key. That matters very little, however, due to the fact that you'll find yourself in a very dark and evil place while listening to this stuff. Cold, dark and unrelentless, that's Black metal for you!"
Unholy Black Metal
Gorgasmic Misanthrope | Wichita, KS USA | 02/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Classic black metal. That's what this is. What more can be said? If you like black metal you probably have this album. If you don't have it, I would recommend it. This was my first "true" black metal album. I had some Dimmu Borgir before this and I'd probably consider them black metal. Instrumentally, they're possibly a little too complex for the genre, but the overall atmosphere and the lyrical content is pretty in line. I also had some Venom, but this is the first album I got that was really black metal in it's mature form. Anywho, this album is cold as hell. You can tell that it was recorded more cleanly than later albums, but they still manage to capture that heartless, misanthropic spirit. And that is the essence of black metal for me. Get this album if you like this kind of music."
The Next Thousand Years Are OURS!!
p_drl | 05/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Changing from technical death metal to raw black metal, Darkthrone unleashed their first black metal album in 1992, which has become the classic known as "A Blaze in the Northern Sky". This is one of the milestone releases of the 2nd wave of BM in the 90's, and influenced hordes of bands to emulate the same sound of dirty, raw, and old-school BM with huge influences of Bathory, Hellhammer, and Celtic Frost.
The band's technical skills have simplified to straight-forward grooves and blasts, but there is little sloppiness to be found. The pounding drumwork of Fenriz is outstanding, and his instinctive grooves highlight a dash of a punk influence, especially on the twisting title track and the larger-than-life opener "Kathaarian Life Code", undoubtedly the longest song Darkthrone has ever composed. (Some argue this as Darkthrone's best song ever.) Nocturno Culto's and Zephyrous's guitars are simple but resonate of older Bathory records and the headbanging sludgefests of Celtic Frost, and the slower parts will have any real metalhead raising the horns with a twisted smile of grimness from ear to ear. Nocturno Culto spews forth his hateful screams of Fenriz's strangely amazing lyrics, and his voice is one of the most terrifying screams in BM, often emulated by others aiming for the same amount of misanthropy through their music.
Every song is varied in structure and holds enough focused qualities to keep the listener engaged throughout the album. Some moments, such as the relentless blasting of "Where Cold Winds Blow" focus on a disharmonic and uncomfortable atmosphere, while the closing BM anthem "The Pagan Winter" grabs the listener by the throat with its battering grooves and savage riffs. The production suits the music perfectly, having a raw aesthetic to the guitars and vocals, but not being too overwhelming or noisy.
"A Blaze in the Northern Sky" is by far one of Darkthrone's finest hours, and is highly reccommended to those looking for an impeccable piece of old-school, groove-laden, and and grim black metal. A highly recommended release, not a bad song to be found."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1