Darkthrone's influence in the shaping of black metal post 1990 is more than obvious. Probably the most influential band to ever emerge from norway, even though they were never the best one. I have been following them since their demo days as they were trying to find their way by becoming a more and more technical death metal force with a strong occult foundation. The Soulside Journey debut is one of the best death metal records ever made. Then came the transformation that was sealed with the famous and unfortunately overhyped 'trilogy' of A Blaze in the Northern Sky, Under a Funeral Moon and Transilvanian Hunger. Important records for sure, that triggered the instant flow of dozens of imbecile copycats that had completely mistaken Darkthrone's lo fi primitiveness with musical incompetency.
I have to admit that the present incarnation of the band still leaves me indecisive. Of course everyone is willing to give them credit for doing whatever the fuck they want. For me this is not a big deal as this should be the norm and I'm not into congratulating anyone for doing what he is supposed to do. Their new record is fun to listen to. It's metal, it's punk, it has memorable songs. A pity that I don't listen to music for fun.
Seriously damaged by...
Merciless - The Awakening
Phlegethon - Drifting In The Crypt
Black Hole - Land Of Mystery
Cathedral - The Guessing Game
Orcivus - Est Deus in Nobis
AMSG
