Review by Rick Eaglestone for MPM
Frozen atmospheres and fearless innovation in the order of business as Norway’s despicable duo Darkthrone return with new album It Beckons Us All
Never afraid to venture beyond the confines of the extreme metal template the album opener Howling Primitive Colonies has some spacey elements slightly reminiscent of A Clockwork Orange with largely clean vocals – I will be honest I’m not sure how I feel about it, fortunately I am not afforded much time to dwell on as it there is a thunderous gallop and vocal change on Eon 3 which I particularly enjoyed with menacing doom undertones.
A whirlpool noise erupts for third track Black Dawn Affiliation where I fell the album really settles into an even keel with familiar trademark elements, there is a ominous bleakness that I particular enjoy and with the colder weather creeping in this is a particular highlight through some noise cancelling headphones, it also has a subtle tinge of 90’s death metal on a small section of the guitar part which was enjoyable, overall this is biggest sounding track of the album in terms of production and presentation. Following this is the instrumental And In That Moment I knew The Answer which I must admit I was not expecting but enjoyed it and through it flowed really nicely.
The bleaker elements return with The Bird People Of Nordland and incorporated on this track is a delay effect on the some of the vocals which strike up a nice balance with the guitar sections. This album is a real dual cauldron of ideas, both members sharing equal instrument and vocal duties, which is really highlighted on track and overall, this track really nails the overall aesthetic and dynamic.
The two final tracks are in stark contrast to one another while The Heavy Hand is short and punchy the final track really experimental in places but then at just over ten minutes in length it has the space to do, it varies from a serene beginning, a slow purposeful mid-section which tails off near the end into almost prog elements.
In all honesty its album that I do think needs a few good playthroughs to fully appreciate the release as there is a lot to acknowledge and breakdown. I also think it’s not an album you can dip in out of and really needs the time to played in it’s entirety
“I am having difficulties putting into words my personal feelings around the existential title It Beckons Us All, I can only hope others out there can feel the darkness that encompasses it,” muses Fenriz.
“It Beckons Us All” Track listing.
1. Howling Primitive Colonies
2. Eon 3
3. Black Dawn Affiliation
4. And In That Moment I Knew The Answer
5. The Bird People Of Nordland
6. The Heavy Hand
7. The Lone Pines Of The Lost Planet
Line-up:
Fenriz – Vocals, Drums, Bass Guitar
Nocturno – Vocals, Guitar Bass
Follow Darkthrone:
7/10
