Reviews : Albums : Nargaroth, "Black Metal Ist Krieg"

Not many can boast Nargaroth's stupendous discography. From their first demo and up to their last full length release, Nargaroth has established itself as one of the front runners of black metal masters. And whoever has heard "Black Metal Ist Krieg" can argue that it's probably Kanwulf's best effort in the long 15 years of existance.

This third Nargaroth delivery is a musical masterpiece. Right from the start (if you don't count the rather forgettable intro) the listener is greeted with a full frontal assault on the senses with the remarkable title track, "Black Metal Ist Krieg", in which the same lyrics are repeated over and over again with such intensity and aggression that it becomes just how seriously Kanwulf takes the message of black metal being a war. The music and the vocals create an incomparable atmosphere, of such coldness, aversion, abhorrence and contempt that it's truly amazing how he achieves to summon these sentiments into his music. The guitar work is really good here, especially the riff by the end, gives me chills whenever I hear it. It is one of the best songs of the album.

The next song is a cover of "Far Beyond the Stars", by Azhubham Hani. There are four covers in fact here, besides that one, there's Lord Foul's "I Burn for You", Root's "Pisen Pro Satana" and Kanwulf's countrymen, "Gates of Eternity" by Moonblood. In total, there are 6 original songs and 4 excellent covers. The 6 original tracks that we are presented here are some of the best black metal songs ever concieved. However all the covers are astounding, in particular the covers of Moonblood and Lord Foul are, in my humble opinion, even better than the originals. Not to dissrespect the original creators of the songs, but Kanwulf added something more vivid in the covers and they sound better than ever.

Nargaroth is proudly wearing the influences on their sleeve, as they are paying homage to the original black metallers with songs such as "The Day Burzm Killed Mayhem" or "Erik May You Rape the Angels". The song about Burzum and Mayhem starts very originally, as it's a tv news commentator recording of the events that unfolded on August 15, 1993. The other tribute song is dedicated to Erik, aka Grim, the ex Immortal/Borknagar/Gorgoroth drummer, who died in 1999.

The eighth track, "Amarok III", is my favorite song out of the entire album. It's an incredibly emotional piece, evoking feelings of anguish, loneliness, sadness and depression. I will go as far as saying that it's probably the best Nargaroth song ever. Or at least my favorite. Whenever I hear it, it sends shivers down my spine. The drumming, while very simplistic works wonders here. Its worthy to mention that there were 2 guest drummers on "Black Metal ist Krieg", Butcher from the Czech black metal band "Maniac Butcher" and "Moonblood"-s Occulta Mors (RIP both). While both performed very well, I think Occulta Mors did a slightly better job. And ending this album is the last song "Possessed by Black Fucking Metal", which is quite catchy with its melodic guitarwork, it's a very fitting end to the instant classic in the genre that "Black Metal Ist Krieg" became.

If you can find this CD, buy it without any second thoughts. It's all that and more. Hail black fucking metal, for it is indeed, a war.

Standout Tracks    Black Metal Ist Krieg    I Burn For You    Amarok III    Possessed by Black Fucking Metal

Dima.B