Origin : Norway
Genre : Black Metal
Release : 2010
Album downloads only available to members
Album Info / Review
Intro:
The year is 2010. The Norwegian black metal titans, Darkthrone, a band long past the need for introductions, had already navigated the treacherous waters of genre evolution. Having shed the raw, frostbitten skin of their early classics, they were now firmly entrenched in a more mid-paced, rock-infused, and undeniably groovy iteration of their sound. “Circle the Wagons,” released on Peaceville Records, stands as a pivotal, if somewhat divisive, testament to this new era. It’s an album that doesn’t apologize for its sonic detours, instead swaggering with a defiant, almost defiant, punk-metal swagger. Gone are the atmospheric soundscapes and tremolo-picked barrages of “Transilvanian Hunger” or “A Blaze in the Northern Sky.” In their place, a more direct, riff-centric approach emerges, laced with Fenriz’s idiosyncratic drumming and Nocturno Culto’s guttural, yet strangely melodic, vocal delivery. This isn’t the Darkthrone of old, but it is undeniably *Darkthrone*, a band forging its own path with unwavering conviction.
Track Analysis:
“Those Treacherous Hills” kicks off the album with a mid-tempo stomp, immediately establishing the album’s rhythmic core. Nocturno’s vocals are a gravelly snarl, a familiar comfort, while Fenriz lays down a steady, almost motorik beat. The guitar riffs are chunky and repetitive, evoking a sense of primal urgency. “Raise the Battle Hell” injects a slightly more aggressive tempo, its main riff possessing a distinctly NWOBHM flavor, albeit filtered through Darkthrone’s grime. There’s a palpable sense of impending doom, not of the cosmic, eldritch variety, but of a more grounded, earthly struggle. “Perish the Thought” is a masterclass in Darkthrone’s mid-period groove. The bassline is particularly prominent, weaving a hypnotic, almost danceable pattern beneath the driving guitars. This track showcases their newfound penchant for infectious, albeit dark, hooks.
“The Scimitar” shifts gears again, leaning into a more punk-influenced aggression. The drumming becomes more frantic, the guitars more raw and distorted. It feels like a sonic middle finger to anyone expecting a return to their black metal roots. “The Winds of Hell” brings back the mid-paced, almost doom-laden feel. The riff is heavy and monolithic, building a suffocating atmosphere. This is where the “black metal” tag, while increasingly tenuous, still finds some purchase, albeit in a heavily diluted form. “Triumphant Gleam” is another standout, its main riff possessing a surprisingly anthemic quality. It’s a track that could easily have been found on a more obscure, proto-thrash record, showcasing their diverse influences.
“I Am the Working Class” is a bold statement, its title and lyrical themes reflecting a more grounded, societal commentary. Musically, it’s a more straightforward, almost bluesy rock song, albeit delivered with Darkthrone’s signature sonic grit. The solo is surprisingly melodic, a brief moment of clarity amidst the sonic murk. “The Dead” returns to a more traditional Darkthrone sound, albeit still within the confines of their current style. The riff is memorable and driving, and the vocals are particularly potent. “Archagathus” is a short, sharp shock, a blast of pure, unadulterated aggression that feels like a throwback to their earlier, more chaotic moments, albeit with a cleaner production. Finally, “Goatflesh” closes the album with a swaggering, mid-tempo rock anthem. It’s a fittingly defiant and somewhat humorous conclusion, leaving the listener with a sense of Darkthrone’s unwavering artistic autonomy.
Conclusion:
“Circle the Wagons” is not an album for the purist. It is an album that demands an open mind and a willingness to embrace Darkthrone’s evolving identity. While it may alienate some of their original fanbase, it rewards those who appreciate their commitment to sonic exploration and their unique brand of gritty, riff-driven metal. It’s an album that feels both familiar and alien, a testament to a band that refuses to be pigeonholed. The production is cleaner than their earlier works, allowing the riffs and rhythms to shine, and Nocturno’s vocals are clearer, adding a new dimension to their delivery. This is Darkthrone at their most confident and self-assured, a band comfortable in their own skin, regardless of what the metal world might expect.
Rating: 8/10
Highlight Track: Perish the Thought
