RAW and uncompromising. This is the first Immortal release that I took a liking too. Even though the production is the way it is doesn't make it a bad release. The music is outstanding. Demonaz when he was still on the guitars was simply amazing. His tremolo picking is like no other, especially on 'Mountains of Might'. He takes tremolo picking into a new level. Amazing guitarist, it's a shame that he got that tendonitis and couldn't play anymore. But he still contributes to the songwriting.

This album is short, under 30 minutes, but all of the songs are good. The intensity factor is high up there. Plus Abbath's unique vocals destroys. I'm glad that they've been able to switch him to main guitars because he has a lot to contribute. That's evident in proceeding albums that came. But this one is still musically grim and amazing. Probably one of their darker releases, though most of them are pretty dark except 'Damned in Black' and 'Sons of Northern Darkness' (released in 2000 and 2002 respectively).

The lyrics are well written and the intro is perfect to start off the album. I really can't get enough of this album. It truly amazes me the songwriting i.e. the guitars. Even though the production is the way it is, flat and the drums weren't well mixed in. But they were just getting started in the black metal scene. It doesn't take away as I say from the magic that the album has to offer. It's really for people that are way into black metal though they're one of the few bands of that genre that I like.

Their aren't really any leads on the album which is good because I like the fact that the focus was mostly rhythm guitar. It makes it a little heavier. Their music on here is so technical I don't know how Abbath keeps up on bass (he's only bass for a short time before switching to main guitar). So yeah, there are clean elements to the songs but only for short amounts of time. It's a lot of fast tempos and blast beating drums. Then there are milder bits but most fast guitar the whole album.

If you like raw black metal releases that are grim, this album is for you. Their lyrics reflect that of the music. Even some synthesizers on here but not many. It's enough to make the band sound more diverse. But overall, the songs are brutal. Abbath has one of the most unique vocals in black metal to me in this whole black metal arena. He really is a great musician. Even though Immortal has gone through lineup changes, they never fell short of being an amazing band on all albums too!!

Rating: 9 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Death8699
01/01/2017 20:22