IMMORTAL – ‘Northern Chaos Gods’ (2018)

24 July 2018

It is of course a bit awkward listening to new tracks by the most wintry of all Norwegian black metal bands in the summer heat. And yet, we would be the last to complain about it. Surprising as it is, the July release date of this album is pretty much the only awkward thing about it – the new IMMORTAL output rages, rumbles and croaks in the best traditions of ABBATH and DEMONAZ. And if we didn’t know any better, we could have easily taken it for stuff the duo recorded back in the day – let’s say1998.

Maybe we should also be surprised that ABBATH’s departure left virtually no trace on the new material’s extremely in-your-face nature. Actually, we’re not surprised one bit. Not only because during all these years DEMONAZ has been contributing both lyrics and music to the band’s extensive catalogue but also because his solo albums (either as I, or as DEMONAZ) were just a step away from the classic IMMORTAL sound. But a mere step.

‘Northern Chaos Gods’ not only reminds one of ‘Battles in the North’ and ‘At the Heart of Winter’ but is a very, very clear continuation in the same direction as tracks ‘Where Mountains Rise’ and ‘Mighty Ravendark’ loudly boast. These two are among the album’s finest, proving yet again that IMMORTAL are most efficient when delivering long, epic tracks that combine slow BATHORY-esque riffing with ABBATH and DEMONAZ’ very own black metal/fantasy atmosphere.

Of course, sharper and speedier thrash/black cuts like ‘Into Battle Ride’ and ‘Called to Ice’ are fine as well but they’re more business as usual and much less outstanding. All in all, ‘Northern Chaos Gods’ comes packed with decent riffs, splendidly clear production (done by the band’s old co-conspirator Peter Tägtgren who also handles bass here) and all the uncompromising straightforwardness that fans were craving for during the last 9 long years.

Source: RadioTangra.com

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