Bloodhymns

I suppose one reason why criticism doesn’t go viral with positivity is because its difficult to describe how brilliant something is when its straightforward black metal. No it doesn’t do anything to separate itself from the pack, but with music being in the constant state of poor signal to noise ratio its been in since about 1996, its important to consider somebody executing something correctly a legitimate point of view. Its true black metal. It’s good. Get it. The entire band executes each song like a remorseless pack of rabid werewolves ripping apart a rape victim as violently as possible with its teeth in a cold mountain forest.

The highlight of the whole thing has to be Acts of Rebellion, particularly with the line “I punch my fist right through your flesh, and tear out your fucking spine.” The only thing better than that lyric is Tobias Sidegard’s deliciously revolting delivery. He doesn’t let up the assault on the whole album (neither does the rest of the band), but if I have to pick out one standout moment, it’s that track.

I suppose if there is any complaint, its that I notice that most of the cleaner moments of the album sound a tad like Tool, but that’s more of a tonality similarity than anything else. I don’t think any casual listener is thinking Necrophobic into Sober anytime soon.

As for the newcomer, Johan Bergeback, and what new blood he brings to the table, there isn’t really a noticeable difference in his rhythm playing versus Martin’s playing on Third Antichrist. I’m not a guitar player, so I can’t really go into depth on his strengths and weakness, but considering how fast a lot of these riffs and rhythms are, (and yes they are blinding), and considering he was with the band for 10 years, he couldn’t have been any slouch (his work on Helfire and Taste of Black seems to stand out the most).

The production continues the trend of hi-fi black metal starting with Dissection and carried on by Sacramentum, Immortal, Watain, etc., It’s a perfect fit, as fans of those bands would be who I would recommend this to the most. Thankfully the production isn’t too modern as the double bass drums are not clicky or loud enough to the point where they subtract from everything else.

2002 had plenty of high profile classic releases, but for some sad reason this one gets overlooked. If not for Sons of Northern Darkness I would call this the best black metal album of that year. Still, if that album was bit too “traditional metal” for you (and if it was, you really need to get the torch splinter out of your bunghole), this would make a fine alternative, without sacrificing anything of what makes black metal great to begin with.

This wouldn’t quite be my first Necrophobic purchase before the legendary Nocturnal Silence or Darkside, but if you love the latter, or Dissection, Sacramentum, Watain, you’ll absolutely love this. Now punch your fist right through that flesh!

Recommended tracks:

Acts of Rebellion
Taste of Black
Blood Anthem