Atomkinder

After Massive Terrestial Strike Urgehal returned with this album entitled Atomkinder, which featured a different type of production yet again, and some more songs of unholy evil.

Some of the inconsistent aspects of the last release are polished here, like the vocals are given a more fitting production. The music gives a live performance feeling on here, and the bass is much heavier in the mix then ever before. In fact these songs feel very bass driven, with the bass mixing with a basic guitar that is very mixed with a low end equalization. This gives the album an almost sludge like sound that still hits hard.

Just above this behemoth of a bass sound are the treble guitar riffs which often move off into different spectrums from the base. The drumming is organic and thick sounding, though the snare drum may be a bit too high pitched, it cuts through the sound but doesn't hit very hard. It works for the sound, but it stands out sometimes a bit too much. Maybe though with a lower tuned snare it would have sounded more mushy with the thick wall of sludge sound.

The vocals are given a better presence here, but sometimes may be mixed too low, regardless, it works. Urgehal aren't really a vocal oriented band, the vocals add to the mood of the music and carry the themes they present, but don't stand out overly much.

My feeling about this album is that it is over all a more solid and consistent release from Urgehal then the last album, though it doesn't have the intense aggressive sound of that one, this album is pointing into the future of the band to a certain extenet, and shows them starting to shed the more completely old school sounds of their first two albums, and modernising their sound a bit. Don't worry this album (and this band) aren't likely to ever pussy out or anything, and the old school base is still there, but we find the band moving towards a more elegant ugliness then before.

I do enjoy the thick bass heavy sound, though the equalization of the instruments always somehow throws me off at first (as its rather lacking in mids), but once I get used to sound I find this to be a great offering of Satanic black metal, and like all Urgehal albums is highly recommended by myself.

Urgehal is a familiar name in the black metal underground scene. This Norwegian horde burst onto the scene a decade ago with the classic debut Arma Christi and the equally potent sophomore effort Massive Terrestrial Strike. There is no synthesizer, keyboard, or symphonic stuff, just straight ahead satanic attitude and mayhem created with drums and guitars. As of late they got quite a name for themselves with a couple of recent releases Through the Thick Fog Till Death and Goatcraft Torment, a duo of terrific albums. Unfortunately, Atomkinder, their third album, is a little musical gem that's missed by many, for no apparent reason than bad luck.

Urgehal puked out this album when the band was in a state of transition. At that time they had just signed with a new record label and was experiencing some turnovers of membership. Chiron (aka Ulv) the founding bassist had left, leaving Trondr Nefas to handle the bass duty on this album, and Uruz the drummer who played session drums on Massive Terrestrial Strike had been promoted to permanent status. The result of these changes is the nucleus trio of Trondr Nefas, Enzifer, and Uruz, who remain to this day. So looking at it this way, Atomkinder is an important album that's proven pivotal to the band's dedication, continuity, and success. Had this album not seen the light of day (or darkness of night), Urgehal might have taken a very different path musically and existence-wise.

Out of total seven tracks there are two covers. Many will frown upon this high ratio of covers versus original songs. To it worse, the album clocks in under 30 minutes, this is EP territory, it does seem Urgehal is slacking off on this release doesn't it? Well let me reassure you that your money and time won't be wasted. This album is a musical gem. Small in size but immense in its impact. First the covers, the Kreator and Sepultura songs are excellent candidates to receive the Urgehal treatment, considering their vital contribution to black metal development. The covers are a worthy tribute to these trailblazers. Many of you will always swear by the originals but these covers turned out no worse. The guitar solo in the Sepultura cover is especially amazing.

But how are the original songs? Well if you see my score there is no denying of my appreciation here. There isn't a poor track and the music just flows. At the risk of offending the purists, the songs have a great sense of "rockability" to them; they got terrific melodic hooks that not only make you headbang uncontrollably, but also make you want to get up, jump around, and (gulp!) sing along! There is a sense of enthusiasm and excitement when you listen to the songs that is very rare in black metal, yet this is black metal through and through. High quality composition, always energetic and aggressive to no end. Title track Atomkinder in particular stands out for the immensely powerful guitar work, which also permeates the entire album.

Uruz's drumming is exemplary, utilizing every piece of skin and metal in his disposal to create a wide variety of sensational patterns and fills. They aren't just there to keep beats, they are highly integral to the songs' direction and momentum. Don't expect truckloads of blast beats here, there is lot more variety here to satisfy your higher expectations. Trondr Nefas and Enzifer shared the guitar duties here. The album reeks of sinister devastating riffs that only double guitars can create, the riffs will pommel your ears till they bleed, yet you love every minute of it, because they are so MUSICAL, not just senseless wankery that goes nowhere. There is at least one extended solo on each song that showcase (showoff?) their musicianship, giving a somewhat thrashy feel.

Trondr Nefas did a very decent job on the bass tracks, he plucked the hell of that 4-string. Bassline mainly providing solid sonic foundation to the guitars and drums, and it can be heard clearly for those who like to delve in the bottom end of the sonic spectrum. Vocal is solid, nothing wrong or out of the ordinary, it fits the music and lyrics, which touches on self-destruction of mankind through war and of earth's devastation .

Production-wise it's solid and balanced. Nothing is mixed too loud or low. All instruments can be clearly heard and cleanly distinguished. Great for those who like to pick out certain instrument and follow it through the songs. Those looking for low-fi productions should steer clear of this. Urgehal's black metal may be raw, their production style certainly isn't and it suits their music perfectly.

This album gets better with each repeated listen. No small feat.

To conclude, if you want to get into Urgehal, there is no reason to overlook this album. It's compact, concise, and concentrated with killer tracks. Lastly, the cover art is a killer, I can't help but staring at it. What the hell is it?