The Eternal Eclipse - 15 Years of Satanic Black Metal

I'm not usually a big fan of anniversary compilation releases, especially if all they have to offer are "the best of" kind of shit. But if the CD/LP program is based on exclusive or rare recordings, then this is usually a must to have. "The Eternal Eclipse" by Urgehal is a great example for such worthy compilation. As the subtitle "15 Years of Satanic Black Metal" says, it's been released because of the 15th year of Urgehal existence, back in 2007. And well, for me this is a great addition to "Goatcraft Torment" LP from 2006. And equally good listen.

So, what do we have here? Three unreleased songs from "Goatcraft..." session are first. And they're very much in the same vein as the album songs. They also have pretty much the same quality, so I have no idea what made Urgehal leave them behind. I guess it was just difficult decision and the album already had 50 minutes of material. Anyway, prepare yourself for some malicious, grim black metal played in mostly fast tempo. It's very powerful and hateful sounding satanic black metal at its best. For me "Guds fortapelse - Apenbaring av dommedag" is definitely the best song and one, which is the most worthy. But such "The Moors of Death" is also truly fuckin awesome... and for me these two tracks are better than half of the songs, which actually ended up on "Goatcraft Torment". The first one is insanely fast, while the second is slower, more hypnotic and colder, very grim. It's even slightly melodic, but so bloody good!

Next up there are two songs, which were released on the infamous "Demonrape" 7"EP. Which I happen to already have in my collection. But this is a great EP, very Darkthrone'ish. Arrggghhh, just check the title song, what a killer black metal. These songs are from 2002, from "Through Thick Fog Till Death" session, by the way. I have to say that I like their production a little bit more than the "Goatcraft...".

Side B starts with four rehearsal recordings from different years... First there's song from "Satanisk Norsk Black Metal" split with Beastcraft from 2007. It's followed by brilliant Von cover "Veadtuck", which was featured on "Tribute to Von" 7" and "The Eternal Eclipse" recorded in 2007 (originally this song was on the first album). These are all great tracks and I have to say that even though they're rehearsal recordings, they sound damn great. Only the very last song "Bloodhunt" has much rawer and filthier sound, truly primitive quality. But who cares. Side B may not be as good as side A, but it's still killer black metal. And that cover of Von wins for me this side of the record!

So... We have here a great compilation LP. I love the music, but also the whole packaging of the vinyl is superb. A lot of archive photographs, which I have never seen before, some lyrics, good layout... Truly a worthy and recommended piece of black wax, in my opinion!

Standout tracks: "The Moors of Death", "Guds fortapelse - Apenbaring av dommedag", "Demonrape", "Veadtuck"
Final rate: 80/100

General information about Urgehal is available in other reviews here, so I'll go straight to the music. My aim is to help you decide whether this so-called compilation album is worth opening your wallet.

First, the facts about the songs on The Eternal Eclipse - 15 Years of Satanic Black Metal. Tracks 1-3 are unreleased songs recorded from Goatcraft Torment session; 4 and 5 were previously released on the Demonrape EP; 6 and 7 were previously released on the split album with Beastcraft and the VON Tribute split album; and 8 and 9 are rehearsal versions of songs released on Arma Christi. This album is marketed as a Best Of Compilation album. In fact, I don't think it is.

It's not a compilation album in the usual sense (best songs selected from a band's entire discography), rather I consider this release as mainly targeted for those who don't own a record player so had to miss out the EP and the 2 splits' exclusive-vinyl releases. This is the chance for them to complete their collection on CD. The other songs were thrown into the mix to fill out the length. So it's far from the Best Of moniker, as it doesn't include any killer songs, such as Atomkinder or The Sodomizer, from its expansive discography.

On the one hand I applaud Urgehal for being so thoughtful; on the other hand, the end result of 36 minutes of music seems pretty skimpy. If this release was intended to celebrate its 15-year anniversary, why not include additional materials to truly make it truly collection worthy? I would've died for another disc containing choice songs from each of its 5 full-lengths, some rare tracks from its early demo years, or a live concert recording, or a DVD containing concert footage, etc. Too bad this wasn't to be, thus a big letdown for me.

As far as the music goes, it's not bad at all. Production has a perfect balance of clarity and atmosphere; there is no need to crank the volume knob just to make out what's going on. Urgehal has been around for years so you know the overall musicianship will be top notch. There are no real fillers here, and you will appreciate all the songs which are composed with individuality and creativity. Technical and melodious riffage permeates throughout this album, making this a great album to check out excellent black metal guitar work. The thick and punchy guitar sound is complemented by Uruz's inventive and ground shattering drumming. Unfortunately I have a hard time picking out Sregroth's bass either sonically or structurally. I don't think Sregroth stood out on the 2 latest full-lengths either, so let's hope Mannevond, the new bassist, gets more to do on future recordings.

Guds Fortapelse, Demonrape, and The Eternal Eclipse are outstanding songs. Guds Fortapelse opens energetically and maintains high intensity till the very end. There are numerous catchy guitar riffs that work together beautifully on this song with a fast powerful solo in the middle. It's a highlight of this album, why it didn't make the cut on Goatcraft Torment is a mystery. The rehearsal version of The Eternal Eclipse is similar than the released version on Arma Christi right down to polished production, but it's a killer song so I don't mind its inclusion here to give new listeners the chance to hear it.

In my opinion, Demonrape is the pinnacle of this album in terms of composition, instrumentality, and overall evil atmosphere, I also think it's the best Urgehal song, ever. It opens with a mid-paced swinging 6/8 beat, introducing the setting of the story that's about to unfold, then switches to a fast galloping 2/4 in the middle section at the climax of the story, and returns to an agonizing doomy 6/8 for the story's tragic conclusion. It’s a great piece of metal songwriting. If you want to maximize your enjoyment, read the lyrics and check out the Demonrape EP cover. I won't go into it but it's sinister to the bone. Mind you I normally don't read lyrics but this one is special; it's very, very shocking.

The remaining songs are somewhat average. The Moors of Death is a dark, lyrical track. We are Unholy is fast and grinding, short but impactful. You'll hear strong rock n' roll vibe in Nekromisantrop. Veadtuck is a simple, slow instrumental track that I find kind of boring. I am still unsure about Serpent Messiah, as nothing sticks even after multiple listens. Lastly the rehearsal version of Bloodhunt, other than the raw production, it's no different than the one on Arma Christi.

The thick booklet contains photos of members since the band's beginning, including session players, Ulv/Chiron the founding bassist and a rare photo of Aradia who played keys way back in the band's beginning and on its 2 demos. I read that she was kicked out just before Arma Christi when the band began pursuing old school style of playing. There are also photos of Enzifer before he "grew" spikes, haha.

So is this new Urgehal release worth getting? Well, if you already own ALL its releases including the EP and splits, then you are only getting 3 new songs (1 excellent, 2 average). Not a good investment. Personally I need this album because I get to own the 4 songs previously only available on the limited vinyl releases. But if you like Urgehal, by all means get it. You will get to read a nice booklet when you have breakfast. On the other hand, if you just want to casually check out Urgehal, I recommend getting any of its 5 full-lengths instead.

I am giving it a solid B, because I know they could have done better putting this thing together.

My mission now is to find its 2 demos, Ferd and Rise of the Monument, to see just how cheesy Aradia’s keyboard was, hehe.