This is Satanic Black Metal!
The above quote is loudly proclaimed on the opening strains of the title track to Goatcraft Torment (and all over the CD's booklet in case you were not convinced), but honestly folks, despite the evil looking goat head on the cover, lurid band photos, and blasphemous lyrics, this is pretty groove laden and melodic stuff for a traditional sounding black metal band who have been around since the glory days of the early 90's. These guys have a lot in common with current Satyricon as well as vintage Immortal, Mayhem, Emperor, Gorgorth, or even some of the newer bands on the scene like 1349, but truth be told, if you like any of these that I just mentioned, chances are you will totally dig this album. Yes, the music is pummeling, yes it's evil, but there's a catchiness to the songs, a deep sense of groove, that gives the music on Goatcraft Torment an almost accessible feel. Let's not kid ourselves though, songs like "Antireligios" and "Sentiment of Chaos", withtheir scary vocals, brutal blast beats, and raging guitar riffs, will never ever be heard on any mainstream media outlet, but damn if there's not something addicting floating beneath the surface of these pulverizing and evil songs that just pulls you in and grabs a permanent hold. The band steamrolls through song after song in true Norwegian Black Metal fashion, giving off a feeling of coldness and desolation. The best tune here, and it's a killer, is the brutal "Satanic Black Metal in Hell", complete with chilling lyrics, forceful shrieks, bone crunching riffs and a virtuoso guitar solo. Presentation-wise, the booklet is your standard black and white with lyrics and and info that is really hard to read, and you won't be sure which of the charming looking lads plays what, but in the end it doesn't really matter, as this is one lean, mean, fighting machine of a Satanic black metal rekkid (yes, we've said it again) that sounds great and delivers on many levels. Check it out, if you dare.
Track Listing
- Goatcraft Torment
- Risus Sardonius
- Antireligios
- Dodsmarsi til Helveti
- Satanic Black Metal in Hell
- Nefastus Nex Necis
- Gathered Under the Horns
- Selvinordssalme
- Sentiment of Chaos
- Et steg naermere Lucifer
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