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One of 2002's finest metal albums for sure. A dark close-up photo of a snake's head plus the somewhat fascist-looking eagles printed on the disc promise the listener bombardment that won't end before the album is over. And the promise is fulfilled. Listening to this is a total experience. This is music about which the survivors will tell to their grandchildren with a trembling voice. Never mind categories, never mind being "true black metal", they mean very little to me. The only thing I understand is that this is careless breath-taking heavy metal. And that's enough. When compared to its precedessor Rebel Extravaganza this album is less raw and ear ache causing. The production is rich and the full low sounds kick and tremble the guts. The songs roam typically at different mid-tempo levels. A heavy, full, battering sound as a whole. Some cold-sounding synths and noises are added with a good sense of style here and there. But generally this album is played with basic instruments, and as such it succeeds to be very varied. As mentioned, mid-tempo reigns, but some fast bursts and slowly killing parts create variety. The guitars are playing hypnotic-sounding patterns, barking and wailing in the embrace of the excellent production, sometimes going high, but actual solos are practically non-existent. My favourite track is probably Repined Bastard Nation. Excellent guitar work, and in the end of the song is probably the fastest part of the whole album. The lyrics seem to be pretty dark. As a whole the lyrics have incredible crooked talent in them. They're cold and carnal, creating incredible visions. Little you / Still like a claw in my eye / Pulsating organic rage / I sould have let you off the hook
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Neon Nights / May 2003 |
