DARKTHRONE – “TOTAL DEATH”
PEACEVILLE (2011 Re-issue)
Darkthrone is one of those bands for which I have total respect, not only in terms of musical output but, most importantly, with regards to their general attitude towards the Metal scene. Though leading figures in the early 90s Black Metal scene, the duet Leif Gylve Nagell (Fenriz)/Ted Skjellum (Nocturno Culto) stayed cleverly distant from all the church burnings and murderous activities that some of their fellow-musicians became notorious for back in the early 90s and somehow still managed to stay relevant. More so, while other ‘fellow musicians’ were way too preoccupied building up their ‘unearthly’ image and planning a life-long career on the strength of a single badly-performed riff stolen by bands like them, Darkthrone’s focus was in pushing the musical boundaries further with every release. That is, in my humble opinion, the main reason why the very diverse and truly challenging “Total Death” which first saw the light of day back in 1996 is being given a second chance by Peaceville records – this time, as a two disc release with some quite interesting additions which I will soon present to you.
First, let us put this album in context! During the early 90s Darkthrone had forged the reputation of a fierce Black Metal outfit and even though elements of a groovier Celtic Frost influence had started to become much more dominant in 1995s “Panzerfaust”, there were no real signs on the horizon that the Oslo based duet was contemplating being anything other than a fast-paced Black Metal band. That is probably the reason why when it was first released, “Total Death” caught quite a few people by surprise. Sure, the ‘necro’ sound that this band because famous for was still dominant, but the incorporation of some Punk riffs and the band’s decision to even invest in a Thrash Metal composition was deemed worthy of a few raised eyebrows. In retrospect, we can all see 1996 as a very transitional period for Darkthrone, a period that will find them evolving into a slower but much heavier sounding outfit prior to embracing what its leaders describe as their “own brand of Heavy Metal/Speed Metal-Punk”.
If there is one band that can appropriate a Celtic Frost riff to its own purposes, then that band is definitely Darkthrone and proof of that can be found in the main theme of the five minute opus “Earth’s Last Picture” – one of the highlights of the album. Though much faster in pace, “Blackwinged” operates with a similar principle in mind but scores slightly less on my appreciation board when compared with its predecessor, while having much more in common with the epic-titled “Gather For Attack On The Pearly Gates”. So far, the music on offer would undoubtedly appeal to fans of the band’s early 90s era, however dark clouds would start to gather the moment the first Punk infused riffs of “Black Victory Of Death” fill the air. Having thoroughly enjoyed this four minute teaser, I was somewhat disappointed by the fake drum sound of the otherwise interesting mid tempo “Majestic Desolate Eye” and was totally caught off guard by the Destruction-influenced Thrasher “Blasphemer” which I believe is one of the most daring com positions ever recorded by this band. The follow up “Ravnajuv” is quite conventional in its approach to Black Metal and so not of much interest, especially when compared to the groovy slow paced riffs of “The Serpent’s Harvest” which I consider to be the second highlight of the album. If you choose to invest in this 2011 reissue you will not only be granted a bonus track, namely “God Of Disturbance & Friction” but also an additional CD which features some weird but also at times totally hilarious commentary by the duet Fenriz/Nocturno Culto – their first ever attempt in that medium of musical promotion.
Looking back at the band’s twenty year old recording career, and being the proud owner of every single album ever released by this band, I am quite honest in saying that “Total Death” is indeed one of their lowest scoring albums. That, of course, doesn’t mean that the band’s sixth studio release is a bad album. Those of you who loved the grooves of “A Blaze In The Northern Sky” and the heavy output of “Panzerfaust” will totally fall for this release, plus it will explain how from the fast paced Black Metal monster of the early 90s, Darkthrone came to mainly concentrate on slow paced compositions like those featured in “Hate Them” (2003) and “Sardonic Wrath” (2004). Is this an album worth having? I, for one, tend to think so.
John Stefanis
Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)
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