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Gorgoroth > Twilight of the Idols - In Conspiracy with Satan > Reviews
Gorgoroth - Twilight of the Idols - In Conspiracy with Satan

An unexpected improvement - 78%

Feast for the Damned, March 23rd, 2020

After hearing the previous album - Incipit Satan - I gave up on the band completely. "That album was rather successful despite being stupidly lame, so why would they change the formula?" It's an understatement to say I wasn't looking forward to listening to this album, but after an unhealthy amount of convincing, I gave it a try. Well, as it turned out, Gorgoroth still had an ace up their sleeve with Twilight of the Idols.

In a good Gorgoroth fashion, the lineup changed once again. Tormentor left and we got Kvitrafn replacing Sjt. Erichsen. Unlike these changes, the fact that Gaahl and King ov Hell did most of the songwriting is certainly impactful. I would like to think that this is the main reason we didn't get an Incipit Satan again with all its samples and received a blackened death metal record instead. It reminds me of Necrophobic in a way, but that being said, they are more black metal leaning than Necrophobic.

The first track hits you with a wall of sound which later turns out to be an intense wave of blast beats, Gaahl shrieking into a decently old walkie-talkie and the guitars shifting between fast tremolo and slightly slower blackened death metal sounding riffs. I like to think of Gaahl as a stage personality rather than an actual vocalist, but I must give credit where credit's due. His performance on this record isn't on the same level as Pest or Hat was, but it's definitely above average. The next two songs have a slightly slower approach which makes them a lot more mesmerizing. This mid-tempo style can also be found on Teeth Grinding but with different vocals. Not only are they cleaner, but they aren't as shrieky as the previous tracks were.

The production is much better on this one - or I guess worse - than it was on the previous album. It's rawer and it mainly shows at the vocal department, but the fact that the instruments are clean(-ish) doesn't take anything away from the album. The only part of the record I didn't particularly like is the last 4 minutes. Of Ice and Movement... was a good song right until the 4-minute mark at which point the band decided to include 3 minutes of ambient nonsense. The last track on the other hand just sounds like Infernus played way too much Castlevania.

Overall this record feels like a breath of fresh air after two rather lame full-lengths. It's not the most revolutionary album and nor is it the most well-executed one, but for what it is, it's pretty damn good.

The highlights of the album are Procreating Satan, Teeth Grinding and Proclaiming Mercy - Damaging Instinct of Man.

Grounded for better and worse. - 68%

ConorFynes, May 11th, 2016

For what it's worth, Gorgoroth's lineup hell aptly reflects the sort of conflict that black metal strives to evoke. Let's be clear: this was always (and always shall be) Infernus' project, and attempts to usurp the name from him make the perpetrators out to be a pack of corpsepainted idiot-babies. Regardless what may have happened a few years down the road following Twilight of the Idols however, I must say I'm impressed with the result of a collaboration between Infernus and (relatively) new members Gaahl and King. Here were two individuals with personalities (and egos) large enough to take a slice of the creative pie for themselves. I wouldn't say either of their contributions to Gorgoroth's legacy brought the band any closer to the greatness that so constantly eluded them. What King and Gaahl did do was even out some of Infernus' more experimental (and usually only half-successful) ambitions for a more grounded take on their style.

Twilight of the Idols has a picture of a burning church on the cover. I figure that's as uncreative a way as any to let people know that Gorgoroth were trying to fall back on their roots. Normally I can't stand it when bands fall back on an earlier sound. In this case, I'm warmer to the idea. Although Gorgoroth's desire to take after the Grand Declaration of War schtick with trip hop and industrial influences made Incipit Satan and Destroyer reasonably enjoyable records, it always felt somewhat contrived the way they would jump from blastbeaten Second Wave riffs to a mechanical interlude. While that industrial fascination hadn't left the band yet (look to the last moments of "Of Ice and Movement..." for resounding proof) the added ferocity they brought to the performance recalled the biting days of old, when bands were more interested about sounding dangerous over all else.

Twilight of the Idols is noteworthy for the fact that King took over the weight of the songwriting duties. As far more of an outsider looking into to the Second Wave sound than Infernus, it's surprising how well he manages to reflect the perennial feelings of Gorgoroth in his own way. The big difference (and arguably what makes this a superior observation over Incipit Satan) is the fact that his songwriting is tighter, more consistent than Infernus' has ever been. There's not a lot of errant jumping from song to song like there was on the previous records since Under the Sign of Hell. The songs generally sound like they were derived from the same source. Of course, this consistency has its shortfalls. Besides a tacked-on outro with "Domine In Virtute Tua Laetabitur Rex" (which sounds like a spooky-as-shit electronic redo of Bowser's castle theme) there aren't really songs here that "stand out", at least not the way Infernus managed to pull off with some past selections.

Ultimately, Twilight of the Idols is a better rounded and professional album for Gorgoroth, but a lot of its merits have that same flipside. The consistency robs it of its highpoints as well as the lowdarks. On the other hand, I don't really agree with the angered statements that King-penned Gorgoroth is ultimately generic. Sure, I endearingly associate the first half of their career with the patchwork inconsistencies that coloured their records, but the technical qualities in the riffs (not to mention a solidly menacing performance from Gaahl and the rest) make it worth coming back to.

The heaviest Gorgoroth album - 95%

Basshead1620, January 6th, 2016
Written based on this version: 2003, CD, Nuclear Blast

Gorgoroth is easily my favorite black metal band, and this is perhaps my favorite album by them. The album opener immediately hits the listener with a burst of raw energy and aggression. A first time listener might say to themselves "What the hell am I hearing?", usually an indicator of a great extreme metal album. The album changes pace after the first track into a few slower, more chugging songs before getting back to the fast pace of the opener. But thankfully it never lets up in intensity or originality. Anyone checking out this album is in for a pummeling aural assault.

The production is stellar on this release, everything just blends together perfectly into a giant wall of sound. Its difficult to decipher exactly what the guitars and bass are doing, but it serves this particular album well and adds an element of mystery to its intensity. Musically I think that everyone was on their A game with this album. The drums are powerful and fast, with Infernus and King giving us some of the most uniquely evil riffs in the bands catalog. Gaahl's performance is also stellar, as usual. His vocal approach is very interesting, and always varied. On this record he goes from all out roaring into hypnotic cleans on "Teeth Grinding".

To me, this album represents the pinnacle of the Gaahl era of the band. On "Destroyer...", he was only featured on one song, which just so happened to be the best on the album. "Incipit Satan" was very experimental, but to me came off across as disjointed, despite a handful of very strong songs. "Ad Majorem..." was a terrific album as well, but I don't think it hits quite as hard as this release, despite excellent performances by all involved. This is the album that perfectly showcases the evil heaviness that was the Gaahl era of Gorgoroth, perhaps the most vicious group on earth at the time. One needs to only watch the "Black Mass" concert in support of this album to see what this lineup was capable of. This album captures that energy: heavy, dark, and evil.

I suppose many fans didn't enjoy this album, and I can see why. If you were expecting a more traditional black metal sound like "Pentagram" or "Antichrist" you would be sorely disappointed. The way I see it, if you like that black metal sound there are countless bands and albums that provide that experience. This album provides something uncompromising, intense, and extreme, all the while doing so in a very unique and heavy way. At the end of the day, that is the spirit of black metal, and this album delivers that in spades.

After praising the album for the entire review, you might be wondering why I scored it a 95%. The reason for this is that although the album is terrific, I feel that it ends the wrong way. I like the eerie sounds at the end of "Of Ice and Movement". However, I don't understand the inclusion of the very last track, a keyboard instrumental track that is the only song composed by Infernus. It sounds pretty cheesy honestly, and it isn't particularly creepy or evil sounding. It really seems at odds with the rest of the album, and I feel that the whole thing would have been stronger without its presence. If it ended with the stuff at the end of "Of Ice..." it would have been perfect, as that would have served as both an outro to the album AND an intro for a re-listen as it plays again in your CD player.

Gorgoroth's Darkest Hour - 60%

beardovdoom, November 30th, 2013

Gorgoroth are one of those black metal bands with a mixed back catalogue, early albums regarded as some of the very best of the genre, 2 experimental albums and then a divisive period. This is the first album after the 2 experiments, an album some love and some hate. Musical influences from outside of black metal are more limited than previous releases, but there's still a strange vibe to the album. Bass player King Ov Hell wrote the majority of this album. For those that are unaware, King is regarded as a poser by many in the black metal scene (ask Darkthrone) and is seen as an attention seeker who doesn't stay true to the genre either. This doesn't automatically make him a bad songwriter, but the lack of Infernus' songwriting on this album clearly shows as it meanders away from the original core sound of black metal.

'Procreating Satan' starts us off, fairly fast paced drums, tremolo riffs and Gaahl's vocals being more of a roar than a traditional black metal screech. He does go to a higher pitch at times but in general his is a more mid-range style. Good luck with the lyrics, as Gorgoroth have attempted to suppress their publication, but I did hear 'satan' in there somewhere, now there's a surprise.

'Proclaiming Mercy...'is slower, to the point of almost being doom metal (only wihout the heaviness). A confusing track that immediately doesn't fit in. 'Exit-Through Carved Stones' is also a slower track but is still distinctly black metal, this track has a good atmospheric riff that slithers around your brain, only spoiled by annoying pinch harmonics.

Unfortunately, by track 4 my interest is already fading. I like various types of black metal, but with Gorgoroth I expect more ferocity than this album gives us. Weak songwriting really holds this back. 'Teeth Grinding' has an awful attempt at sort of clean vocals. No....just no! Doesn't fit the style at all. It's also another slow track but totally lacking in any mood other than putting me in a bad one.

At least 'Forces of Satan Storms' picks up the pace a little, but it's still pretty boring with more of a chugging riff that again isn't in Gorgoroth's traditional style. At least it gets better towards the end with a cool riff and some better drumming. The last 2 tracks are more traditional black metal songs, fairly fast with decent riffs but also some terrible vocals in 'Blod og Minne', whereas 'Of Ice and Movement' starts off brilliantly only to descend into some electronic experimental shite halfway through that kills it. Decent enough tracks that are spoiled by trying to be too different, and the crap on the first half of the album makes enjoying the latter half even more of an effort. Then we've got an outro track which is better left unheard.

I think the biggest problems with this album are: the songwriting is dull and disjointed, the musical performances sound forced and uninspired, and the production is lifeless. Very little atmosphere and the few good moments are soon ruined by a stylistic change that is ill-fitting. Vocal experimentation also brings this album too. Gaahl has a decent voice for black metal, but in certain places he sounds like he's trying to be Sakis Tolis from Rotting Christ! This style works for that band, not for Gorgoroth. From what I can pick out from the lyrics, it's mostly satanic cliches typical of the genre. I don't have a problem with this as I don't really expect better from black metal, but it isn't inspirational poetry either.

This album had potential, there are some great moments of black metal completely ruined by poorly chosen genre clashes, electronic parts and stupid vocals. The 2 albums before this were seen as straying from black metal and I'd throw this album in with them only much worse. Fortunately, the album after is better although still flawed. Then the band fell apart in legal battles, Infernus won the name (the fans also won with King's departure!) and Gorgoroth returned to true form after this. This album is for completists only.

Recommended tracks: 'Exit-Through Carved Stones', the first half of 'Of Ice and Movement'.

Underneath the sun, I watch the moon rise! - 90%

DomDomMCMG, April 15th, 2013

This is easily my favourite Gorgoroth album. While this may draw ire from the black metal community who live by the code that "Pentagram", "Antichrist" or "Under the Sign of Hell" are the ultimate Gorgoroth albums, but as much as I do like those albums I just don't find them as easy to get properly into compared to this one. Okay so it's pretty different from their early raw pure black metal output and at times is far more melodic and accessible, but for me that's what makes it so much better and maybe not unique, but certainly refreshing.

As I already said the album is a lot more melodic than previous Gorgoroth offerings, with Infernus mixing slow paced black metal riffs, such as those found on "Exit Through Carved Stones" mixed with faster paced songs like my personal highlight "Procreating Satan", keeping the album from becoming throughout it's 32 minute run. Some of these riffs are very memorable and easy to headbang to, especially with King ov Hell's thunderous basslines adding a bit of weight.

Kvitrafn's drumwork is exactly what one would expect from Gorgoroth. Lots of blast beats and double bass with a few fills to go with the slow parts, basically what is needed to help drive the music forward.

Sole vocalist Gaahl exhibits a very impressive range here, using the standard black metal shriek to perfection, mixing it up with some growled vocals that take songs like "Forces of Satan Storms" to an almost blackened death metal territory, as well as spoken word in "Teeth Grinding" and some very mournful cries of anguish such as before the outro to opener "Procreating Satan".

One drawback of this album is it feels very short. While there are 8 tracks clocking in at around 32 minutes, there's really only about 7 and a half songs. 6 minute closer "Of Ice and Movement" is actually only around 4 minutes long, with the remaining 2 minutes being an extended outro, which closes into another 8 bit instrumental outro called "Domine in Virtute Tua Laetabitur Rex" which didn't really need to be there at all. Nonetheless, the songs that are actually songs are more than enjoyable enough to make up for this.

If you're looking to get into Gorgoroth this may be a good starting point due to its accessible nature. After you've gotten used to listening to this a few times it is recommended to move onto "Pentagram" and "Antichrist".

Highlights: Procreating Satan, Exit Through Carved Stones, Teeth Grinding, Forces of Satan Storms, Of Ice and Movement

Kill the King - 30%

doomknocker, March 12th, 2011

There has been much ado about this here Gorgoroth entity...much more than originally perceived (or wanted, for all I know). Not that it's not well deserved; after all, it's not every day that a second-generation act could burst from their anonymity and obscurity through a sense of originality and be able to rub elbows with some of their genre's most aristocratic lords. And, the way I see it, Gorgoroth did so, pushing forth through their influence-clad sleeves ("A Sorcery Written in Blood", "Pentagram") with acts of impure wickedness ("Antichrist") and near-perfect evil ("Under the Sign of Hell"). And when Nuclear Blast came a'callin', they came at us both confused ("Destroyer") and confusING ("Incipit Satan") before taking a small, 3 year hiatus to unleash their latest opus to our battered and bruised ear drums

And what a let down it was...

At first glance, it would appear that "Twilight of the Idols" is a bit of a tease; it opens so well with the excellently devastating "Procreating Satan", but then descends into a mediocrity that doesn't let up until the very last minute or so, to which I place the majority of the blame firmly on the lack of Infernus' compositional craft. It's pretty obvious that King (or King of Hell, or King ov Hell, or whatever), he of the Shagrath-like attention addiction, is nowhere near Infernus' songwriting echelon, and instead gives us the main bulk of the album as plodding, chunky, sextet-laden go-nowhere doom riffs and tripping-over-one's-own-feet drum work that does not hold the attention as well as I'm sure he would've wanted. Not quite as abysmally bad as "Ad Majorem Satanas Gloriem," his attempts to bludgeon us only mildly smacks us in the head and make us long for something else to happen before changing to the next track in frustration. And it doesn't get any better for the foreseeable future until the very end, the sole Infernus composition, which astonishes in its complex simplicity (strange how a guitar-only track has more moxie and ideas than the majority of the whole-band-made songs the rest of the album has). But perhaps I'm being a bit unfair...it's not entirely King's fault this album is such a mess, as other problems persist; the production is blurry, making it hard to decipher instrumentation and vocal work, Gaahl's screaming, growling, hollering, and overall vocal nonsensery seems barely in conjunction with the rest of the band (and replete with mistimings and errors), and the whole performance seems rushed and sloppily thrown together, as if the band wanted to get this over with before the impending prison sentences pushed the group into a forced sabbatical, giving us a less-than-stellar product that only serves to blight the mighty Gorgoroth name rather than make us aware of their continued presence. What few good songs are present, the aforementioned "Procreating Satan" and "Domine in Virtute tua Laebitur Rex", are still fine examples that warrant extra listens from time to time, but the rest of the songs, like "Proclaiming Mercy - Damaging Instinct of Man" and "Forces of Satan Storms", fall flat on their face so hard and so fast that they're not even worth repeated looks and listens.

So in the end, I've not heard an album so bland and slapped together in quite some time. It's a shame that a mighty band like Gorgoroth would excrete such a mess, but that may or may not have been their real intentions. Maybe if they put more effort into the arrangements and production values this could have been a fine album, but as it stands, this is a disgrace. Avoid and fall back on what made the band great in the first place.

Few standouts, nothing amazing. - 56%

MutatisMutandis, August 9th, 2008

Before it crosses your mind, the "6" I tacked on the rating is borderline arbitrary. A "57" or "55" would showcase my same sentiments, but such is the spawn of "guestimation" in most of your cases. I'm parodying other metal reviewers, get it? OH LAWD, I'm a basket of laughs. And ironic claims.

Now that we got that cleared up, Gorgoroth is the first black metal band I ever really got into, and while this certainly won't pull in any acclaim, my first exposure to the group of grumpy Norsemen came in the form of 2000's Incipit Satan. Looking back, that album was a steaming diaperload of spastic songwriting, shitty vocals, and overall inconsistency on the parts of all participants. Fortunately, I was young and impressionable enough at the time to misnomer it as "fucking true blue" and began a pilgrimage back to the band's earliest output.

Twilight Of The Idols carries on the tradition established with Destroyer (aka Gorgoroth twists it's impractically thin heel into enjoyable music's nads) and kicks off with the most brutal and repetitive track of the recording session. Fortunately, while the title track of Destroyer blew donkey schlong and Incipit Satan's was only a little bit better, Procreating Satan fucking bulldozes through the hymens of all naysayers and christfags. No ambient bullshit, no build up, just instant anthemic domination. For the first time since Gaahl was introduced to the fold, his heavily distorted style aids the band's approach.

The followup, Proclaiming Mercy is a slower, more methodical track with a relatively elementary vocal pattern that somehow hits home despite it's simplicity. Exit Through Carved Stones is held together by a bleak melody that ends up being the highlight of the release. SUDDENLY: the rest of the band realizes something fishy is going on and immediately rectifies the situation by conducting the derailment-prone Teeth Grinding train to lunge into the remainder of the album and explode. The next memorable track happens to be the completely misplaced and ridiculous outro with the analog organ jam. Of Ice And Movement, for example, is about as engaging as watching dust settle.

Bottom line: Gaahl should get lymphoma.
*ahem*
Bottom line: if you're an established post-Under The Sign Of Hell fan, by all means, pick this up. If your loyalties lie with the gnat orchestrated catchiness of Antichrist or Pentagram, you're better off avoiding this altogether. If you're new to the band, I strongly suggest starting at the beginning.

Familiar, yet Too Familiar - 76%

PaganWinter_44, February 19th, 2006

This album was the second black metal album I purchased. I owe a lot of respect to Gorgoroth for always achieving multiple musical stlyes within their albums. This album is average, at best.

The very beginning of this album makes you want to jump back in your seat. Normally, a band would use a two-minute ambient intro to their albums or a quote from a movie. Gorgoroth, however, usually decides to go in blasting and never look back. In other albums, like Destroyer, they have started out this way. "Procreating Satan" is an all-out blast fest. They go in and immediately manage to plow away as if their lives depended on it. A few minutes into the song, they go into a half-time feel and just keep repeating "Praise Satan" over and over again. Since when did Gorgoroth become Dark Funeral?

After their initial blasting, they begin to move into a darker and more melodic stage. The biggest surprise is the song "Teeth Grinding". The vocals in this song are actually understandable, and the guitars have a sense of melody and harmony, or as much harmony as can be found in metal. This is a surprise because Gorgoroth doesn't usually play in this style. It's an improvement, if you ask me.

This album's structure is nothing new. If you want an idea of how this album is, then just listen to Destroyer or any other album, then you'll have a sense. Gorogoroth is a band that feels the need to repeat themselves with their styles in the albums. For once, can someone change the usual? It is much appreciated when it comes, but rarely seen.

I only recommend this album to the ones who have never heard Gorgoroth. If you are a fan of them already, then it will not do much good to listen to this album, eventhough it is a decent album. The only problem is it is nothing new. If you're looking for originality, then you will not find it here.

One of the best examples of modern Black Metal - 98%

queen_cyanide, July 14th, 2005

This has to be one of the best albums of 2003.

Compared to their older material, Gorgoroth's "Twilight of the Idol's" has remarkably clear production - so if you're one of those people who will immediately dismiss a Black Metal release if you can actually hear what's going on, you may want to miss this one.

What captivated me with this album particularly is the vocal work done by Gaahl. There is a great deal of range and emotion portrayed here, and thanks to excellent production, is clearly brought out.

The album starts with "Procreating Satan" - introduced with crushing speed and haste, finalizing with the chant of "Praise Satan". It's a pretty quick song, but it's an instant anthem and excellent build-up to what the album has in store for the listener.

Overall, the riffs on this album are perfect - grim (for lack of a better word), dark, emotional, aggressive, melancholy and interesting. I expect many "tr00" BM fans may find the guitar work a little too catchy (or Death Metal inspired), but if you're open to dark sounding music then you'll definitely enjoy this.

For me personally, standout tracks include; "Procreating Satan", "Exit Through Carved Stones", "Teethgrinding", and "Of Ice and Movement".

The only reason I didn't give this album 100% was because of the instrumental. What the..?

Death metal meets gorgoroth - 60%

judasiscariot, October 23rd, 2004

Let me start by saying the first song is excellant, along with the 4th song. Other then that this album is pretty average. Heaps of palm muting riffs that sound like death metal along the lines of deicide (not really death metal but that's another story). The recording is pretty good considering its of a high production. Its pretty noisy/heaps of guitar distortion, which gives the impression of rawness yet the production is clear. The material is what lets this album down terribly. The riffs are boring, slow, sometimes heavy (goes against black metal). This album is one of those useless ones in my collection. I put it on the hear the two tracks I like and then put it away for a couple of months. If you really like Gorgoroth check it but beware it might not be what you expect. If you are not into black metal that much and want variety you may find this to be for you (espiecially if you like new darkthrone from panzerfaust onwards.
The picture on the front cover is good, but the music does not do it any justice. If you are interested in listening to the two good songs off this album I suggest you download them. Who buys an album for two good songs? I expect Gorgoroth to release a single to increase sales.

Surprisingly good! - 90%

BloodyPhalluses, October 7th, 2004

I found this album used in my local record shop, so I figured I'd give it a try. I've heard a lot about Gorgoroth lately, especially because of the whole trial surrounding Gaahl.

The blast beats start right from the beginning. No silly intros, no stalling, no slow starts... we're talkin mach 100 right off the bat. The guitars sound awesome, and Infernus is definitely one of the most talented black metal guitarists around. There are some really awesome dark melodies throughout this album. "Twilight of the Idols" is pure Norwegian black metal with pounding fast drums, and a nice thumping bass tone. Which leads me to my next point: the production. The production here is really well done. It's not overproduced like many black metal bands today, and you can hear each and all the instruments quite well.

Gaahls vocals are pure and hateful. He has a lot of variety in vocal syle. Sometimes there are effects, other times there aren't, sometimes its shrieking, sometimes growling, other times a sort of chant like sounding vocal style. Lots of variety to keep things interesting here on Gaahls part.

My favorite song is "blod og minne" which is a great fast song with some awesome guitar melodies at work. It's a great song to headbang to. In my opinion, the best on the album.

My only complaint here is that it is just way too short. I usually listen to it 3 times in a row simply because 30 minutes of black metal just isn't long enough. Then there is a 50 second outro song which sounds a lot like classical music being played on a really distorted synth set on a strange voicing.

Other than the short length of the album, I definitely recommend this CD to anyone who listens to Black Metal, and wants something that sounds great, but doesn't over-do it.

True Black Metal. Period. - 89%

MHITO, September 14th, 2003

It is of course unnecessary to stress the fact that the Black Metal scene has always brought forth violent and hateful individuals. But like so many others I thought that these things belonged to the murky depths of the 1990s. I was proven wrong when reports of “torture like violence” and “attempted manslaughter” reached me from (the now defunct) www.gorgoroth.com and other sources. Ghaal, the new vocalist, who had so brilliantly pushed Gorgoroth into the right direction music wise on the milestone “Destroyer”, had been arrested for acts of blind and furious violence. Knowing that a new album was under construction for several months and not wanting to wait too long for a follow up to the admirable “Incipit Satan” I kept my fingers crossed (upside down of course!). Hoping for a glitch in the Justice Department’s paperwork or some other technicality that could send this undoubtedly guilty demon back to the studio to finish what was started prior to his arrest.

And Lo and Behold! My prayers were answered!

And so it came to pass that the mighty Gorgoroth shat its latest piece of unholy excrement onto an ever unsuspecting world. And, oh fucking hell, what a caustic and spiteful piece of work it has become! Musically speaking you pretty much know what to expect and I won’t waste time by explaining to the ignorant the merits and prowess of TRUE NORGEWIAN BLACK METAL. From the fast opener “Procreating Satan” through the blindingly hypnotic “Teethgrinding” to the haunting outro “Domine in Virtute tua Laetabitur Rex” you’re being treated on the un-holiest of the unholy, the pinnacle of irreverence and absolute Darkness and Hate.

The sound reminds me of “Destroyer” in the sense of distortion and harmonic effects, but it’s certainly a bit “cleaner”. Still way to rough for the average “Dimmu Burger” fan though... The greatest improvement as opposed to other albums is the diversity of the vocals and the use of effects on them.
My only lament with this piece of art is the fact that it’s only 32 minutes short and with Ghaal probably heading for probation or perhaps jail there’s no saying how long it will take for the next album to see the light of day.

With Gorgoroth being one of the very few bands to actually still be playing Black Metal in this manner I’d say that it’s rightly time for someone to pronounce them the Kings of Black Metal! Let it be me!

(This review was originally written for http://www.lordsofmetal.nl and is republished with kind permission of the webmaster)

The Black Flame burns on... - 85%

Lord_Jotun, September 14th, 2003

Black Metal is dead, long live Black Metal!
This is all that can be said about this unique musical phenomenon. Black Metal is an undead genre which is continuosly reurrected into new and ever different forms not only by promising newcomers, but by the original creators of the scene itself. Albums like "666 International", "Grand Declaration Of War" or "Volcano" explain it better than a million words.
There are artists, however, who prefer to dig deeper in search of the musical roots of it all rather than climbing up to newly sprouting limbs. This is how albums like "Morbid Fascinations Of Death" and this "Twilight Of The Idols" are born.

Since their early manifestations in 1993, Gorgoroth have always incarnated an unique force among the angry underground metal scene in Norway. Combining simple but effective riffs, primitive arrangements and quite a high dose of brutality, their discography is really a journey through the multiple shapes of hatred. "Twilight Of The Idols", subtitled "In Conspiracy With Satan" as if to underline where the inspiration comes from, is the new chapter in this black book. Once again, the same old Black Metal, which is never the same and thus never old.

Musically the album is the logical fllow up to the band's previous output, "Incipit Satan", and the step forward is obvious, as the sound is much more cohesive and self-confident. The album kicks off with the bonecrushing speed of "Procreating Satan", a malevolent storm of infernal darkness to reassure any doubtful listener that Gorgoroth haven't forgotten where their quintessence lies. Yet, as the track proceeds, slower and more plodding tempos enter the soundscape, and so the nature of this new album is unveiled.

No, the faster assaults aren't definitely lacking - tracks like "Forces of Satan Storms", "Blod og Minne" and the vaguely Darkthronish "Of Ice and Movement" are there to satisfy your lust for pure aggression. The real surprise of "Twilight Of The Idols" is the abundance of mid tempos, which create a very sombre, malignant atmosphere without sacrificing power and drive. This is the spirit of a song like "Exit - Through Carved Stone", a masterpiece of heaviness and fury in slow motion, or the disquieting "Teeth Grinding". Yes, variety is the band's wild card this time around. With "Incipit Satan" Gorgoroth began to experiment, now they know and understand perfectly what they are doing. And they do it well.

Musically, the new line-up, once again a four piece, works extremely well; actually, the contribution of the newcomers is fundamental in creating this balance of classic and innovation which makes the new Gorgoroth sound so interesting. The production is also more appropriate and fits the music a lot better: I am used to harsh sounds but I still believe that parts of the previous album had been downright ruined by the "grim at all costs" sound.
No more room for taht here, luckily. King's bass is now clearly audible and even Infernus's axes have a more palatable distortion, making it easier to discern how interesting and varied those riffs are. Kvitrafn's drumming is more than appropriate, although some patterns could have been more developed - still, it's Gorgoroth we're talking about, a band whose music has always been known for its essential approach.
The real surprise comes from Gaahl's vocals. The band's latest vocalist simply shines here, showing an amazing range of expression which varies from song to song - from the classic ferocious screaming of the album opener to the murmuring narration on "Teeth Grinding" - , contributing to make the variety of the material even more apparent.

All in all, "Twilight Of The Idols's" is my favourite Gorgoroth release since "Under The Sign Of Hell", and I am sure it will be looked back upon as one of the band's most interesting offerings as time goes on. Definitely a great piece of Black Metal art. Recommended.