Darkthrone Album: “A Blaze in the Northern Sky [Digipak] [Remaster]”

What can be said about this monumental release? Even though there are some Death Metal traces (according to drummer/lyricist Fenriz) this album is one of the most important albums in Black Metal history. Not only did it basically define True Norwegian Black Metal, it also holds up to be one of the strongest albums to date.

Starting off with haunting chants and whispers, Kathaarian Life Code opens up A Blaze In The Northern Sky as a true Black Metal opus. Although some may disagree, I think this is one of the most majestic Black Metal songs to appear on record. The atmosphere of Kathaarian Life Code is very cold yet comforting, bringing you to a very relaxed state. It's a difficult experience to describe but anyone who enjoys quality Black Metal will know what I speak of ... it's surreal and Darkthrone certainly delivers.

The entire album is a testament to True Black Metal. From the mid-paced epic In The Shadow Of The Horns to the blasting Where Cold Winds Blow, this album is flawless in terms of Black Metal. I cannot go without mentioning The Pagan Winter or the fantastic title-cut since both tracks truly define the now over-crowded genre.

To sum this review up, this album is a perfect album in all aspects. It defined a genre, it spawned hundreds upon hundreds of Black Metal acts as well as living up to be one of the genre's best albums. Your collection is not complete without this album.

What can i saw that hasn't already been said about this totally amazing album? This is the album that pretty much started the new wave of BM back then. This is my 2nd fave Darkthrone album, 'Under a funeral..' being the 1st, but anyway this is a 'a blaze.' review, back to the musik. It's sick and vile, BM played the way it's suppose to be.. w/ utter hatred! Influences range from Bathory to Hellhammer/Celtic Frost. There's a total of 6 tracks, and the highlights, well.. to be honest, this whole album is pretty much a highlight, there is no stand out tracks, just throw this in and listen! Vocals are sick, they aren't high pitched at all, so they sound really grim and evil! Nocturno Culto is definitely one of my all time fave BM vocalists. The drums are probably the best Fenriz has done, they never get boring. Guitars.. are distorted to hell, and sound pretty technical at times, there's at least 100 riffs in here.. (heh, i'm kidding) it isn't as primite as their other releases, but it's still amazing! Why are you still reading this? Go pick up 'a blaze..' immediately!! This is quite possibly the best BM album ever recorded!! Trust me, you will definitely be getting your moneys worth w/ this album.

Words cannot express the chilling, unsafe feeling you get when listening to this album. "This is the true face of evil!!!" I've had this one for a couple years now and I've listened to it extensively. What I like most about this album is the variety of influences. You'll find various punk influences as you will with all Darkthrone albums. That's definately a plus. What's also cool is their ability to break down into these evil grooves. They'll slow it down every once in a while, then speed back up into an onslaught of cold, evil, blast beat ridden Black metal. There is also some randomness to there art. For instance, their guitar solos are indecipherable. They are picked so fast that you can't tell what they're doing or if they're even in key. That matters very little, however, due to the fact that you'll find yourself in a very dark and evil place while listening to this stuff. Cold, dark and unrelentless, that's Black metal for you!

First of all, if you are new to black metal, I would not suggest this. Try the newer Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Old Man's Child, or Cradle of Filth (not really BM, but very good nonetheless). Darkthrone has a much rawer, noiser sound than those bands, and may be a little hard to listen to at first. After you have become accustomed to the lo-fi production, however, you will find a truly grim piece of early Black Metal. This album was very heavily influenced by the first three Bathory records (also very good) and Hellhammer. In addition, "A Blaze..." is probably the most influential of all the early 90's Norweigian black metal albums. The blistering speed of the guitar and drum riff is very intense. Here you will find no keyboards, classical interludes, or female vocalists. Nor will you find a clear, "professional" quality recording. Instead, you will find cold, raw, harsh black metal fury. Any fan of the scene would do well to check this one out.

If you're a Black Metal fan and you don't have this album, shame on you! This is definately the real deal when it comes to Black Metal, and set the standard for the new wave of Blakc Metal. Really, probably every single Black Metal band that has formed since 1991 have been inspired by this album, unless I suppose they're some wimps who have just heard the new Mayhem. Hehheh. Anyway, I cannot stress more that you must pick this one up, and while you're at it why not check out "Morbid Tales" by Celtic Frost or "The Return" by Bathory in case you don't have those masterpieces either!