Old Man’s Child – Slaves Of The World - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Norway

Genre : Symphonic / Melodic Black Metal

Release : 2009

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The Norwegian black metal scene, a crucible of frost-bitten riffs and infernal narratives, has long been a fertile ground for sonic extremism. Within this frigid landscape, Old Man’s Child, the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Galder, has carved a distinct niche. “Slaves Of The World,” released in 2009, represents a mature, albeit still unyielding, iteration of their symphonic black metal assault. This album eschews the more overt theatricality of some of their earlier works, opting for a more focused, aggressive, and yet still undeniably melodic approach. It’s a testament to Galder’s evolving songwriting prowess, showcasing a refined blend of raw aggression and intricate, almost baroque, melodicism that seeps into the very fabric of the compositions.

Track Analysis:
“Hatred Embrace” ignites the album with a relentless barrage of blast beats and a searing, dissonant guitar riff that immediately establishes a sense of urgency. The keyboards, rather than acting as a mere atmospheric layer, are woven intricately into the riff structure, creating a sense of grand, almost martial, procession. The vocals are a guttural snarl, devoid of melodrama, delivering lyrics that speak of subjugation and defiance.

“Slaves Of The World” itself is a mid-tempo behemoth, driven by a powerful, chugging riff that is both menacing and surprisingly catchy. The bassline is thick and prominent, anchoring the chaotic guitar work. Galder’s guitar solos are sharp and virtuosic, cutting through the sonic density with a clarity that belies the album’s overall ferocity.

“The Antichrist Within” shifts gears with a more overtly symphonic introduction, featuring soaring string arrangements that contrast starkly with the ensuing blast-beat fury. This track exemplifies the album’s strength in balancing brutality with a sense of epic scope. The vocal delivery here is particularly varied, incorporating moments of spoken word and layered harsh vocals.

“On The Prowl” showcases a more traditional black metal structure, with galloping riffs and tremolo-picked melodies that evoke images of nocturnal hunts. The drumming is precise and impactful, each cymbal crash and snare hit contributing to the relentless momentum.

“The Serpent’s Kiss” introduces a slightly more melodic sensibility, with a hook-laden chorus that is surprisingly memorable. The keyboards here are more delicate, adding a subtle layer of melancholy that complements the aggressive instrumentation.

“Born Of The Flickering Light” is a darker, more atmospheric piece. The tempo slows considerably, allowing for a more brooding and introspective mood. The guitars are heavy and sludgy, and the keyboards create a chilling, ethereal backdrop.

“Demons Of The Mind” returns to a more aggressive stance, with rapid-fire riffing and a relentless vocal onslaught. The solos on this track are particularly shredding, demonstrating Galder’s technical proficiency.

“The Gods Of War” is an instrumental interlude, a brief respite that builds tension with atmospheric synths and a haunting guitar melody before launching back into the album’s sonic maelstrom.

“The Twilight Of The Gods” closes the album with a sprawling, epic track. It features a multitude of tempo changes, intricate guitar work, and a powerful, anthemic chorus. The symphonic elements are at their most prominent here, creating a sense of grand finale, a final, defiant roar against the encroaching darkness.

Conclusion:
“Slaves Of The World” is a meticulously crafted piece of symphonic black metal that showcases Old Man’s Child at a point of considerable artistic maturity. It’s an album that demands attention, rewarding repeated listens with its intricate layers of aggression, melody, and atmosphere. Galder has managed to distill the essence of his sound, delivering a potent and enduring statement that stands tall within the genre. It’s a testament to the enduring power of well-executed extreme metal, a journey through darkness that is as exhilarating as it is unforgiving.