| Reviews for Satyricon's The Age of Nero |
| More of that black and 'roll - 80% |
| Written by autothrall
on November 2nd, 2009
|
| The 21st century has brought a change to Satyricon which seems to have polarized some of their original fan base, whose adoration of the band seems to end at Nemesis Divina. I, for one, have really enjoyed this direction, this simpler style. Volcano was a great record, and Now, Diabolical has grown on me. The Age of Nero is another successful outing, very similar to the last few records but with a meatier production, and a stronger death/doom metal influence beginning to show in a few of the riffs. The album opens with "Commando", and you'll notice immediately that this record share's Now, Diabolical's flair for minimal yet profound lyrics. Frost is on fire with the drums, though most of beats are simple like the songs, he unleashes some double bass fury to remind you that this IS Frost, after all. The riffs are just as groove-laden as the past few albums, but undeniably evil. They are catchy throughout the eight tracks of the album. "Black Crow on a Tombstone" is a thrasher breaking into the perfect, simple black metal riff. "Die By My Hand" is accompanied by some repressed, male chorus lines which create a haunting atmosphere. "My Skin is Cold" has some of the better riffs on the album, people may already be familiar with this tune because of the promotional EP earlier in the year. "The Sign of the Trident" has these really cool parts where some bass synth line blares just at the edge of perception, an interesting effect. "Last Man Standing" is pure old Celtic Frost worship with a Satyricon blow-dry. In the end, this is another winner for the Norse band. They seem content with this style and they do an excellent job with it. If you're expecting the more glorious, folkish black metal of their yesteryears and haven't enjoyed the last two records, you won't find much in this to admire. Otherwise, it rocks, well worth a purchase. Let's just hope they don't make any stupid videos for it like they did on the last album. -autothrall http://www.fromthedustreturned.com |
| Satyricon - The Age of Nero - 75% |
| Written by ThrashManiacAYD
on October 21st, 2009
|
| Satyricon's path to greatness embodies the searing spirit of Norway's early 1990's black metal legends by being exactly what the scene meant even back then: a middle-finger to anyone and everyone who tried to dictate how things should be done. While the likes of Darkthrone, Mayhem and Enslaved have forged their own unique paths, so too have Satyricon and it is with these desires that we should hold the progenitors of Scandinavian Black Metal in such high esteem. Any follower of extreme metal will not be unaware of the divisions caused within the scene by Satyricon's increasing 'commercialism' that begun with 2002's "Volcano", an album I still love to this day. The transition to more straightforward rock song structures allied with a curving of the visceral edges that typified early-mid Satyricon has not been universally accepted but mainman Satyr's ambivalence to such reactions can only be admired. 2006's "Now, Diabolical" perhaps signalled the peak of the move to simpler, more anthemic songs but, to me, didn't quite work even after repeated listens. Live however, the likes of "K.I.N.G." crush. "The Age Of Nero" could be said to embody elements of both its two youngest siblings. In "Die By My Hand" you have the cold essence of BM atypical of "Volcano" (and prior) and in "Commando" and "Black Crow On A Tombstone", catchy hook-laden forces of extreme metal that only the dead wouldn't nod their heads to. Not since the days of Satyricon's BM-anthem for the ages "Mother North" has speed ever been what the band are about; in drummer Frost they have the man capable of hammering intense speeds but his resolute domination of the drums even at a gentler pace on "The Age Of Nero" brings out the brilliance of some of the riffs on offer, with an absolutely superb drum sound to boot. But really Satyricon is the Satyr show. His riffs are divergent and consuming, from the doom paced "Den Siste", the neck-snapping "Commando" to nihilistic Darkthone-tinge of "My Skin Is Cold", all demanding attention and repeat listens. The pace could be viewed as a little too pedestrian for it's own good at times where the vigour of "Commando" could've been better suited and it is for this reason that "The Age Of The Nero" loses points, but the effortless confidence exuded by Satyr (and Frost) throughout these recordings are deserving of a solid mark. Through doing their own thing and releasing another quality album in the process Satyricon's name will continue to burn brightly in the gods of the black metal hall, to the derision of many out there. Long may it continue. Originally written for Rockfreaks.net |
| Appalling on every level. Fuck this band. - 10% |
| Written by Empyreal
on July 23rd, 2009
|
| Let me just get one thing out of the way first. I'm reviewing this album as a fan of more traditional forms of metal, having not become familiar with Satyricon's earlier work yet. I am not a Black Metal expert, nor will I attempt to pass myself off as one here. When I first heard of this, hearing that the band in question was once a Black Metal band but now played more traditional, rocking music, I was like, "hey, it can't be that bad! I like hard rock and traditional metal and other things of that nature. If Venom and later Darkthrone can pull it off, what are the chances that this will be the one band to royally fuck it up? Right? Right?!" I guess I thought that the backlash against this band's newer material was just the result of a bunch of Black Metal purists not tolerating the change of style that band leader Satyr and his compadres had chosen to take. Well, I was wrong, and you Black Metal fans can consider this my personal apology to you. I mean really. Is this the best this VETERAN BAND can produce so far into their career? This half-baked, dullard blend of lifeless guitar plunking and half-assed croaking? It's really hard to take the music industry seriously at this point. Were the sound engineers, the record execs, the managers...were they all asleep when Satyricon was recording this? I can't think of any other excuse, unless the band snuck into the studio late at night to do it all themselves before anyone could stop them. The Age of Nero is completely bereft of any entertainment value or creativity at all, an album that is about forty minutes long but feels like it lasts eighty. This is background music of the very worst kind. The songs plod on needlessly with dumb grooves that make no effort to stand out or catch your attention, never doing much, never changing tempo or even making any attempts at atmosphere or anything. They just...exist for the sake of existing. And driving me to terrible homicidal urges along the way, can't forget that. There are some Black Metal elements in the guitar playing, but it's diluted into something too basic and stupid to carry any kind of punch, and the rest of the time the guitars do nothing but churn out stale blandness that doesn't even get a pulse going at all. It's hard to even describe how bad this is; it's just completely worthless on every level, and that's putting it as bluntly and as straightforward as possible. The music is completely sterile. It never takes any risks, it never feels proud or even like the band was having fun writing it. It's the most elementary, juvenile trash ever, the musical equivalent of two plus two equals four, a complete void of anything resembling coherent or even moderately higher thought processes. Satyr's vocals are laughable; just a faux-harsh sort of croak that seems to be trying to sound badass and coarse a la Lemmy or Cronos or something, but it just sounds more like an asshole trying to make his voice sound as tough as possible, only to end up sounding completely fake and ridiculous. There's no passion or anger or anything to this performance, it's completely enervated! Good lord, can't you give us just one iota of energy or fire in this performance at all? Is it really that much to ask for music to be filled with things that make me want to headbang or sing along or even just raise the fucking horns? This is ridiculous! This is insipid twaddle! Can this be any worse at all? I don't think it can. The worst thing about this is just the way you always think it's going to explode into a headbanging fury or just anything cool at all, but it never does. This happens several times on the album, and every time it never fails to disappoint. The only way this could be any worse is if Satyr actually put voice clips in there that shouted "GOTCHA!" every time it seems like the music is building up to a climax and ends up not. What, so it wasn't enough to deprive the music of anything enjoyable, so you had to stick in parts where it SOUNDS like it's about to get good and then end up sliding back down into an anti-climax? This record is a fucking joke. There is nothing about it that is compelling or endearing or gripping or even the least bit enjoyable. I don't even want to think about the kind of people this trash would actually appeal to. You could literally just turn on a record of nothing but two walruses having sex, and you would still have something more artistic than this. You could put on a fucking Jonas Brothers record and find something more enjoyable. You could get the same effect that this music brings out of listening to your lawnmower hum, your dishwasher rumbling, your vacuum cleaner or even the static of your television. All of those things are about on the same wavelength as The Age of Nero, and yet they are not nearly as deplorable as this, simply for the fact that no money or time went into producing them. Well, except for the Jonas Brothers. The band obviously hates their fans and anyone who would actually condescend to give them a chance, because this is just such a huge middle finger to anyone who ever liked this band in the first place. The lack of effort on here is astonishing, and it just goes to show how little this band gives a fuck. Just throw this idiotic, ass-felching garbage in the trash where it belongs; you will be doing the whole world a favor. Let me just leave you with one more thought, just one more thing: There are demo bands striving in the underground, hopeful and good-natured kids who are trying real hard to get record deals and share their music with the world. There are some really talented up-and-coming bands who would give anything to have the level of popularity that this band has, and have access to the studios they use to produce and write their music, and yet Satyricon are apparently content with producing horse manure like The Age of Nero, sucking up money and time into a great void of fecal matter from which nothing can ever return. That is a shame. Here's a tip for all of you reading this. The next time Satyr decides it's time for him to push out another one of these festering abortions, just run fast in the opposite direction, because nothing good can come from it. |
| Pop music for pussies - 5% |
| Written by Dweller_Of_Darkness
on June 30th, 2009
|
| Satyricon. Once was a great name among black metallers, but now just a name for the shame. It is totally sold out by it's second famous user (after Petronius). After the classic first 3 albums' greatness, they are started to change their style and make new things. This wasn't the problem. OK, go and try some new stuff, it's just natural evolution. At first it really seemed that they're trying to create new things. Rebel was something interesting, even if I don't like that album. Volcano was again something new, and I liked it much better than Rebel. And then came Now, Diabolical. Quite stupid name for anything. But what was worst, the music was started to go straight down on the quality line. Right, there were some 'top hits' on that album, which could work very well on a loud concert, and on some hit lists. Here comes the real problem: Satyricon became a money making machine for teenage girls and boys, and nothing else. Teens around the world become 'great' Satyricon fans (after knowing one or two albums from them), because Satyr gave them a very simple, listenable, headbanging music, which they can shout it's simple lyrics upon a concert. ) And the teenage youth started to think that they will be very cool listening to 'real' 'black metal'. Quite the same situation as with Dimmu Borgir, but at least they're trying to make a little bit less boring music with symphonics and pseudo-concepts etc., and they're at least have ICS Vortex. But Satyr just made hit-like songs which are easy to play on concerts and even the dumbest teenagers can hear the themes in them, so they can enjoy it. And here we are with Age of Nero. What can I say about this? It's totally fucking monotonous, repetitive and just boring. There is absolutely nothing here, what we haven't heard before under the name of Satyricon. Standard riffs, neutral lyrics shouted on Satyr's still good voice (but because of the refrain repetitions, it fastly becomes boring). And that's all. I don't say that all of the riffs are a complete waste, but earlier he made MUCH better themes. The sound is professional and lifeless, focuses on the rithym, trying to sound really hard, but it's too sterile for me. There isn't any song on the album, what I can truly call a 'highlight'. All of the songs sounds the same, flat and tired, just the refrains and the main riffs changes moderately. So what can I remember from this album when the playback finally stops? A few words from the refrains and one or two better riffs, nothing else. This is where real metal music ends, and pop music begins. As AbigorInFlames earlier wrote in his review, the 'sing-along with Satyr' feeling is overall the album, and it makes the serious listeners feel like a droid or zombee, as if they are trying to carve the refrains into their brains, and the situation is the same with the repetitive riffs. This album is so utterly boring, that it even tires me to death to listen to it once again while I write this review. Usually I'm not from that kind of reviewers whom dragging down an album totally because they don't like it. But now I had to write this out from myself, because I'm terribly disillusioned by this piece of crap. Until now I considered myself as a Satyricon fan (and I will still listen to the early albums of course), but this crappy thing was the last drop in my glass. I just move on and not interested in any new stuff from Satyr, unless he makes a new Wongraven album, which I highly doubt. The 5% is just simbolical. I just can't give zero for a band which once was so great even if they are now totally sold themselves out. |
| The Age of Now, Extravolcanobolical - 75% |
| Written by nibblemark
on March 4th, 2009
|
| Satyricon’s latest is their best in over a decade. No, they haven’t gone back to their black metal roots; hardcore fans of the band must face reality and accept the fact that those days are long over. Yes I know, it was hard for me too… my impulse purchase of Nemesis Divina injected Norwegian blood in my veins. That being said, I’m more accepting than most of Satyricon’s evolution. More accepting, but less interested. It’s all good, but I prefer the icy cold north winds and dark forests of old. Now they’re pursuing the same sound and style set by their three previous recordings. At first listen, it might be hard to tell this apart from everything else the morose ones have done over the past ten years, and of course the similarities are there. The production is slick and almost industrial, harsh dissonant riffs and themes have replaced those folk influences, and everything is played with tremendous precision. But this recording differs in one very important way, namely it has a lot less... well… groovy rock’n’roll tunes (Hey, if you have a better description for something like Fuel for Hatred let me know). The opening track, Commando, hits you in the face with machine gun speed, and makes you growl with its slow steady tempo over the chorus. The Wolfpack is somewhat less interesting, with a more straightforward riff and industrial-like passages, but it’s ok. Black Crow on a Tombstone has a simple but cool main riff, if uninspired lyrics. Die By My Hand is my favourite track. This is the selling point right here, over seven minutes, fast and aggressive, with an awesome riff. It transitions into a slower section with subtle choral passages in the background. Great stuff. My Skin Is Cold tries to be ultra-creepy, and actually succeeds to some extent, at least a lot more than any song from their recent works. The Sign of the Trident is a righteous mid-tempo headbanger, with a daringly odd, arpeggiated riff over the verses. Last Man Standing is the one track on this disc that could most easily fit on Now’ Diabolical. It’s ok, but doesn’t seem to meld with the rest. The album ends with Den Siste, Satyricon’s version of death/doom metal. Yes, it’s very good. The Age of Nero has nothing terrible original, but plenty of speed, tempo changes, doom-like influences and dark melodic passages that actually succeed in creating a definite atmosphere and metal aesthetic that was not present in their recent work. |
| Satyricrap - 12% |
| Written by AbigorInFlames
on February 22nd, 2009
|
| This is Satyricon's worst album. It offers absolutely nothing new, innovative, or even remotely memorable to their withering discography. Rebel Extravaganza and subsequently Volcano were the beginnings of this shitty path of "less epic, more metal" Satyricon, but at least those albums were unique and distinguishable from each other. When I listen to The Age of Nero, I feel like I am listening to songs that weren't good enough to be on Now, Diabolical, which I already loathed. There is an obvious deficit in focus on songwriting, and much more emphasis is put on grooves and catchy rhythms; there's so many parts that scream 'sing-along with Satyr'. Its boring and monotonous, and this is underlined by the fantastic, polished production which leaves nothing sounding even remotely human or organic. His voice is sounding much like Shagrath lately, aged and bored, raspy and straining for that same intensity from earlier albums. And like Shagrath, Satyr's past two albums have been mostly ego-masturbation bandwagon jumping. Everyone uses punk riffs and nu-metal grooves in black metal now. Sad face. The instrumentation is fine. Nothing spectacular or worthwhile, just adequate. I seriously have nothing to say about the actual songwriting because every riff is virtually the same on this album. Being a guitar player myself, I can tell you that I think some of these songs might actually be much more entertaining live. I'm sure a lot of bands were in a studio, rehearsing songs and thinking "Man this is totally rockin'!" but then transliterated to CD, its just lacks the same feeling. As I listened to the CD, I was beyond unimpressed. I was dreading the length of the songs and I just wanted it to be over not even two songs in. Some of the songs sort of drag out in a way that I think would be more effective if I was on some drugs, like maybe if it was "stoner black metal"? Den Siste seems like the only track worth mentioning, and also why I gave this album a 12%, because there is a riff that is actually decent but doesn't appear long. Overall this album bored me the fuck to tears, and it will for you also. |
| The Age Of Nero - 90% |
| Written by gojko88
on February 19th, 2009
|
| Satyricon... If there's any band generating the lot of controversy in the black metal scene, well there you have it. Their evolution since the 1996's “Nemesis Divina” is almost indescribable – from a rather stereotypical (though not lacking in quality) black metal band, they became a sort of a black metal “rockstar” band – well, with Satyr and Frost as the principal constituents of the band, you couldn't really expect anything else. Their new album, “The Age Of Nero”, became a hope of sorts for the otherwise rather mediocre 2008 (at least as far as black metal is concerned). And it delivers! Expect no “evolution of sound” here again – unlike their previous efforts, which all brought a significant step – well, aside, if not forward – this album is in general the perfected formula of 2006's “Now, Diabolical”. And there is not a single bad aspect of it. Simply put, every component that made “Now, Diabolical” such a good album has been turned up one notch. First of all – the production. This is the first time since 1999's “Rebel Extravaganza” that the production of a Satyricon album really has 100% balls. It was always good, if not great, but this time around, it really seems like every single knob was set to exactly the right value in the studio. The rockish black metal sound now finally got the chance to express itself to the fullest. Talking about the sound, I already named it “rockish black metal”, but not in the Darkthrone way, for example. No, not at all – we're talking about simplified black metal riffs (if they ever were complicated in the first place) with all the catchiness of a rock anthem. If you don't believe it, well, just listen to “Black Crow On A Tombstone”. Pure anthemic black metal which just begs to be played in your car, for instance. The riffs in general on this album were composed in such a way that they are not overly complicated or anything, but are damn sure to stick in your head for days. Each. One aspect that many found lacking on the previous album was Frost's drumming. Not that it was bad, it was perfectly precise and strong, but over the years, people got weary of that and wanted that trademark speed they knew Frost could deliver. Well, it's finally back. Of course, one cannot expect the 250 bpm blast beats you can hear in 1349, but still, your heart will be skipping when you hear “Die By My Hand” for the first time. The drumming is still very disciplined in nature, but this time, Frost seems to have extended the chain of his inner beast just that little more. This album in general works so well that it's hard not to love it exactly as it has been created. What one might bring out, however, is the originality of the riffs. They are not a direct rip-off or anything, it's just that they might seem familiar. As I stated already, even besides the seeming perfection of the album itself, it could seem you've already heard all that after a few plays. The sheer catchiness of the songs will certainly keep you interested in this material for months, but, used to the progressiveness of Satyricon with each album as we are, it might eventually pose a problem. Not because you will grow tired of this album, but because you will probably grow tired of waiting for the next one. That, however, is neither the problem of this album or this particular moment, so all it remains for me is to recommend you to enjoy this one. Excellent work. |
| Solid, but not overly inspiring - 70% |
| Written by Maarghul
on December 12th, 2008
|
| As I sit here listening to the latest Satyricon album “The Age Of Nero”, I am trying to put a gauge on exactly how much the band has changed, progressed and/or evolved throughout their career. They were once a fairly extreme band, in terms of speed and blasting – and even their song writing was more complex. Their 3rd full length, 1996’s “Nemesis Divina” is one of my favourite Black Metal albums – and more importantly, is one of a handful of BM albums that really pulled me out of my (at the time) death metal headspace. I simply couldn’t not like the album, it is/was so well written and contained many emotions and a spirit not often found in death metal. So, I hold if quite responsible for further expanding my musical horizon – so, thanks Satyricon haha. Anyhow, since the early – mid 90’s they put out the punishing “Rebel Extravaganza”, but following that they scaled things back a bit. 2002’s “Volcano” saw the group incorporate a more easy listening approach in many songs, by utilising some slower, drawn out and more “rocky” type arrangements and riffs. The largest evidence of this was their single “Fuel For Hatred”, which coupled with a film clip turned many new fans to the band as it had far more marketability than anything the band had done previously. Unfortunately, I was personally not a huge fan of this direction and lost interest in the band basically. 2006’s Now, Diabolical did prick up my ears a bit, as it was a little more extreme – but still didn’t excite me overtly. So here we are, in 2008 – and The Age Of Nero has just hit shelves basically. The blasting is still a rarity on the album (in fact, there’s only a partial blast in 1 section I think), it seems the band are more about atmosphere these days than ferocity. And I guess, it’s not a huge issue – the songs are well structured, and not as long as some of tunes on previous albums. The guitar work is very tight on this album, and the drum work is so solid it almost sounds like a drum machine at times. I find the drums a little minimalist actually, there’s nothing particularly exciting about them besides their tightness. The songs are quite simple, but certainly aren’t boring. Satyr (guit/vox/songwriting) is very good at making his songs and the riffs within them flow quite well, and his riffs themselves have an energy and purpose which makes so many rather infectious. Vocally, it’s nothing new for the band. Satyr’s growl/scream/rasp thing has been pretty much the same for quite some time now. It is a very apt vocal for the style, works really well – but I wish he would do a few other sounds, would really spice up certain sections. The album is 8 tracks, of which there is no real standout. All the songs are pretty on par with one another, and I guess are fairly similar to one another. One main qualm I have is production – it sounds kinda thin at times. It’s a very smooth sound, but the bass isn’t really utilised as well as it could be. I know that isn’t the black metal way really, but these guys are barely playing BM these days – and due to the almost rock riffage at times, and the grooving riffs – some more body to the sound would really benefit them in my opinion. So basically what we have is a quite catchy, solid album. If you liked the last 2 Saytricon albums, you shouldn’t be disappointed. Personally, whilst not disliking it – I find it a bit safe, and lacking in “special” moments. Cool album cover though… |
| Reclaiming the blackened Throne - 90% |
| Written by MrLapinKulta
on December 5th, 2008
|
| Black Rock would be quite a fitting description of what Satyricon has turned into over the course of their last few records. The rock factor doesn't have much to do with what would generally be perceived as rock n' roll but it comes into play when considering the hit-potential and general catchiness of the songs. Whatever the haters say though this is still black metal, no doubt about that. It is however NOT Norwegian black metal as it sounded back in the early 90's, far from it in fact. This album, as well as both Vulcano and Now, Diabolical!, is derived purely from old masters like Venom and Celtic Frost. The grinding riffs and the thundering drums hark back to the days when heavy metal was all about the power and glory of the riff and less about playing two million notes per minute over triggered blastbeats. Satyricon's trump card is definitely the sheer catchiness of the songs themselves. There's not a song on here that's not instantly hummable. Again, here's a huge similarity with both Venom and Frost. Immediate favorites include Die by my Hand, which is just insanely catchy, and the pulverizing beast that is Commando! I have no idea why black metallers these days seem to loathe Satyricon. Perhaps it's Satyr's pompous persona or just the fact that they've made the leap from the underground to metal stardom. If it's about them not being black metal enough I just don't get it. Listen to the old grand masters of the genre and fuck everything this side of the 80's. This is a kick ass album that black metal puritans will probably hate and that old-school metallers like myself will enjoy immensely. |
| Black clown on a tombstone - 80% |
| Written by TheTrueMaverick
on November 18th, 2008
|
| As Norwegian black metal falls into destruction these days, Satyricon is here, back again with a new album. I myself have been a huge fan of the band since the early days when I first started to listen to extreme music. Regardless of the path they took, regardless of the music no longer technically being black metal or not, but as an extreme metal band, I was always there to appreciate their work. Rather an important existence, influence of my musical career. What is so special about Satyricon, you may wonder. The band has been a huge part of second wave black metal origination, and yes, we all know that. But that’s not the important part here. This band is not like the other ordinary bands. The band likes to break the boundaries – do more than what’s expected in the genre. Also, the continuous evolvement over the albums differs from others. Once it reaches the limit of greatness, Satyricon (or Satyr even) changes the structure, moves on to try something new instead of repeatedly releasing re-types. The band’s music has changed paths over the years and this seems to be a problem for some. Due to the huge success in the 90’s, some still expect to hear the old sound. Whether the sound of the first three classic albums, or the legendary ground-breaking “Rebel Extravaganza” – people seem not to be fond of the change they brought. “Black ‘n’ roll” is what Satyricon has been playing since then, basically rock with black metal vibes, hugely influenced by the first wave rather than second wave – you can say it no longer is black metal if you wish. It may be too easy on ears and commercial for the tr00 kvlt elitists, but people seem to forget and misunderstand what Satyricon is all about. “The Age of Nero” is simply a good album. First impression was positive, and was definitely better than the last two black ‘n’ roll. It’s almost like taking the positivity of the past, but on a completely different level. Darker, stronger, and the music is straight-forward as usual. Unfortunately, the lyrical structure seemed to be rather weaker than in the past. Perhaps it’s because Satyr tried to fit his visions into the shell of Nero (the Roman Empire for who did not know). Satyricon’s anti-Christian theme and Nero’s past actions, beliefs may fit in quite well together but it may have been better if Satyr described it in his own terms. In the production, Snorre Ruch was involved. It’s good to see someone like him getting involved, as he is no doubt one of the last hopes of the Norwegian scene. There are eight songs in the albums, from the speedy ones to slower ones. You may miss the fast-ass blast beasts of Frost by now but it is sort of back. Check out songs like “Commando” or “Die by my hand”. And what you’ve got to love about Satyricon is their typical unique riffs, especially in songs as “Black crow on a tombstone” – catchy as fuck for sure. Speaking of the catchiness, the song “My skin is cold” which was previously revealed in their EP is back. But the song is modified as an album version, and the way the piece ends is a lot stronger and better – worth another shot for those who did not like it. Lastly, I need to warn you that the mid-tempo songs as “The sign of the trident” may be boring at first but they are one of the songs that grow on you as you listen more. (Matter or fact, even good first impression songs grow even more as well). I could waste my time going through each track and give you a rough idea of what each sounds like, but hell, it’d be just better if you go check it out yourself. Each song’s elements are strong, thus give it a few spins and let it grow within you (or you may not understand it at all). Norwegian black metal may be dying, and this may not be a good “black metal” album, but it definitely is a good dark/black rock album. My personal favorite goes to “The wolfpack” and especially “Den siste” – it’s almost like going on a slow, dark journey. Originally written for http://www.globaldomination.se |
| The Age Of Decay - 50% |
| Written by Dario_CF
on November 6th, 2008
|
| I've never been a diehard fan of the band, and maybe this is one of the reasons why I really liked their late productions, with their more mechanical, dry and industrial sounds. I also started dancing on one of their most involving rhythms, imagining to attend one of their sadomasochistic parties. But they exaggerated, and what could be considered attitude, introspection or sinister wickedness today is enlightened by a different sun. "The Age Of Nero" makes us ponder that those huge qualities have turned into writing sterility, lack of inspiration, repetitiveness, mortal boredom. The chocking sound and the vague industrial influence (Ministry?) need an even small writing support to produce their main effect, contrarily – as it happens now – they risk to cook an appetizer without the main dish. Substantially and foreseen "The Age Of Nero" develops along a row of sleepy rhythmical songs that look for groove without finding it and try to squeeze the metal without too much juice to come out. And even when we're in front of some remarkable accelerations ("Die By My Hand") the emotional involvement is so low that we remain steady as in a picture. In the past I had to defend them from the accusations of old ferocious fans, but now I raise the white flag: they've to look for another lawyer. Originally written for Silent Scream http://www.silentscreamzine.com/Home.asp?Lang=ENG |
| The Age of Zero - 30% |
| Written by mindcrime42
on November 5th, 2008
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| Unlike most fans of Satyricon's early music, I did not grudge their sound changing to a more accessible black-n-roll at all. All good bands evolve, and I considered 'Volcano' and 'Now, Diabolical' as crucial steps in the band's evolution. But the biggest peril of accesible music and airplay is that you stop being 'kvlt' and start becoming 'popular'. Which is not bad in itself, but when the musicians take too much of a liking to their new found popularity, they end up wanting more of it. And when this happens, the result is predictable. They pick some of the elements that gave them this new-found popular appeal, and try to do more and more of the same. And in doing so, they just shut their creativity faucets and become slaves to formulas. Formulas that need not necessarily work every time. And the formula does not work this time around. All the songs in this album sound like watered down versions of either 'To the Mountains', the doomy closing track on their previous album or like 'Fuel for Hatred', arguably their biggest commercial success in their long career. Satyr sounds jaded and bored on all the songs. The guitaring is a whole lot of chugga-chugga-chugga and little else, and the drumming is perfunctory at best. Of course, the album does not sound terribly bad or anything. But there is nothing that would make you want to give it more than a couple of spins. Also for some vague reason the songs seem to be roughly sorted in a descending order of its tempo. So, we start off with the fairly upbeat 'Commando' and by the time we reach 'Den Siste' the music has petered down into sounding like it's all playing in slow motion. It pretty much reflects how my enjoyment of the album proceeded - starts on a fairly high note, and hits rock bottom by the time the album ends. I think it's time for another genre shift for these old time rockers. This album is only for those looking to complete their collection. |