Anthems of Sorrow

An opener with a length of ten minutes, a tranquil instrumental track which needs no guitars or drums and some harsh Scandinavian outbursts - do not dare to say that Diaboli´s third work lacks of diversity. But the crucial question is whether everything fits together. From my point of view, this is exactly the case. That does not mean that all things work properly. Nevertheless, these "Anthems of Sorrow" have a lot to offer. Every once a while I still pick out the album from the shelves.

The epic opener "Longing to Die" cannot hide its inspiration. Heavily influenced by "Det som en gang var", Diaboli presents a Burzum-esque title with stoical and hypnotizing guitar lines. The song appears as the little brother of Greifi Grishnackh´s breathtaking opener of "Hvis lyset tar oss". It seems as if the band feels the urge to showcase its favourite band. This strategy of Diaboli is questionable, but we must not forget that legions of death metal bands, to give just one example, also act in close proximity to their role models. Besides this fact, Diaboli´s further tracks show a broader range of influences. The band combines the typical Nordic black metal elements without copying a specific group. You are confronted with icy guitars, rabid drums and a rasping voice which consists at equal shares of restless nagging and hysteric screaming. These elements merge into each other and create suspenseful tunes. Without needing a great amount of breaks, Diaboli scores with vivid pieces. It might sound strange, but especially the calm "The Stream of Time" proves that the group has internalized the spirit of black metal. The keyboard generates an eerie mood and the song works as an antithesis to the hateful tracks. But it goes without saying that the album is mainly characterised by the more hateful tracks.

The fast-paced and straight "Majestic Midwinter Night" belongs to these vehement pieces. The song blows over a frozen surface and hits the listener with full force. Diaboli knows the formula for the mixture of effective melodies with minimalist riffing. No doubt, this track represents a genuine Scandinavian black metal jewel. The elegiac and woeful final track, an instrumental, contrasts with this metallic blizzard in a convincing manner. "As I Walk Through the Shadows" offers both atmospheric and powerful sequences so that it almost embodies the symbiosis of the two aforementioned tunes. Honestly, I do not think that Diaboli suffers from the "Status Quo"-syndrome. Instead of varying one tune a thousand times, their songs cover the whole spectrum of the genre.

"Anthems of Sorrow" marks a clearly arranged full-length which will not disappoint fans of Northern black metal. It does not offer any throwaway track. The framework conditions are also right. Only sound fetishists will complain about the production. Despite the fact that it is not flawless, it offers the necessary pressure and coldness. Density beats transparency and I guess that this is the right approach.

We all know the influence of the media on today's society, so it's no wonder black metal has such a poor reputation amongst society's 'normal' folk. Bands like Diaboli have been giving black metal it's unwanted, and perhaps unwarranted reputation for many years. Band members who have been in and out of prison for violent crimes and just about everything under the sun. Of course, if the band members themselves are as 'evil' as the music, well, the fans must be too. It's something you've got to laugh at, otherwise you'll drive yourself insane. Dislike by association. It's human nature. The members, both past and present of Diaboli have led coloured lives. Prison, attempted murder and even suicide. This is beginning to sound like the story of Burzum and Mayhem repeating itself in modern day black metal. Diaboli's past is much more intriguing than their name, that is for sure.


'Anthems Of Sorrow' is one of those records that says what it does on the tin, as the expression goes. It's very much a black metal record leaning towards the old school repetitive style and the more modern day emergence of depressive black metal. Put those two together and 'Anthems Of Sorrow' is what you're left with. For many, the prospect of a repetitive record riddled with raw emotion isn't the ideal black metal day-out, but to others, this will appeal on so many levels. Surprisingly, even with it's reputation, Finland isn't the first place i'd look to to find a depressive black metal band. The likes of Germany and the United States have taken hold of the scene and have a death grip over it. In order to sways it's fans over to Finland, Diaboli would need to produce something spectacular. We're here to discover whether they have.


As I say, 'Anthems Of Sorrow' is pretty much what you're going to get. This record isn't exactly typical of depressive releases. It doesn't consist of slow guitars, which is usually a trademark of depressive bands, instead, it's of a faster nature. There are the occasional moments when Diaboli take it down a notch. The instrumental track, 'The Stream Of Time' for instance. When I hear this song, I cannot help but think of Burzum's ambient material. This reminds me of something you'd hear on 'Dauði Baldrs'. Consisting of synths only, it's a break from the quick tempo. Whether it is welcomed or not is another case. In terms of the overall soundscapes, it offers something a little varied where the music might become too repetitive. In that case, it's welcomed. However, it doesn't consist of the same emotion carried over from the other songs. Instead it's fairly out of place. However, it's only one song. Though, when you take into account songs like 'Eternal Bath Of Depression', it makes a synth only song rather redundant. The electric acoustic opening is something Diaboli could incorporate more, instead of filler tracks. The use of electric acoustics in this manner gives the record a fresh touch and is more appealing on a grander scale.


Instrumental tracks, although they can be effective if used in the right way, at the right time, don't do much good on albums of this nature. Whilst these offered a more relaxed look into the mind of Diaboli, the soundscapes created by the other songs don't match the instrumentals. The repetitive style of the fast tempo of the drums and guitars doesn't allow room for slower songs. Slower sections within the non-filler tracks are fine, but otherwise there is no need for it. Whilst repetition is flavour of the month, the riffs are catchy enough to have any black metal fan nodding along. Variation and an avant-gardé approach aren't what Diaboli are all about. One man for the vocals, which are of your typical rasping nature and one man for your instruments, which are fairly standard of black metal. Despite all of the above, Diaboli create enough to keep any listener content. The short length of the album is probably a good thing in this instance too.


At times, 'Anthems Of Sorrow' reminds me of the first Beatrik album. So if you like your Beatrik, you'll probably enjoy this.