Origin : Norway
Genre : Black Metal
Release : 2017
Album downloads only available to members
Album Info / Review
Intro:
Satyricon, a name etched in the black metal pantheon, returns with *Deep Calleth Upon Deep*, a sprawling sonic tapestry woven from the darkest threads of their career. This is not the raw, venomous thrash of their early days, nor the more accessible, albeit still dark, experimentation of albums like *Volcano*. Instead, Satyricon here delves into a primal, almost ritualistic exploration of atmosphere, aggression, and a profound sense of ancient malevolence. The production is cavernous, allowing each instrument to breathe within its own suffocating space, creating a palpable sense of dread that permeates every second of the album. This is a journey into the abyss, a testament to Satyr’s unwavering commitment to forging a sound that is both deeply personal and universally terrifying.
Track Analysis:
“Deep Calleth Upon Deep” – The title track immediately plunges the listener into a maelstrom of distorted guitars and thunderous percussion. The riff is a slow, crushing descent, punctuated by Satyr’s guttural snarls that feel less like vocals and more like incantations. The tempo shifts are deliberate and impactful, building tension before unleashing waves of blast beats and frantic tremolo picking. The atmosphere is thick with a sense of impending doom, amplified by dissonant guitar harmonies that scrape against the sanity.
“The Sign of the Death” – This track leans into a more mid-tempo, grinding aggression. The drumming is relentless, a percussive assault that drives the song forward with brutal efficiency. The guitar work is sharp and incisive, carving out jagged melodies that are both memorable and unsettling. Satyr’s vocal delivery is venomous, spitting out lyrics with a cold fury that is chilling. There’s a palpable sense of nihilism here, a bleak acceptance of mortality.
“The Pentagram Burns” – A more overtly aggressive track, “The Pentagram Burns” showcases Satyricon’s ability to craft powerful, anthemic black metal. The riff is driving and memorable, built upon a foundation of relentless double bass. The vocal performance is a potent blend of harsh shrieks and deeper growls, conveying a sense of unholy power. The guitar solos are not overtly technical but serve to enhance the chaotic energy of the song, weaving in and out of the main riff like serpents.
“Blackened Sky” – Here, the band explores a more atmospheric and brooding side. The guitars are layered with reverb and delay, creating a vast, desolate soundscape. The tempo is significantly slower, allowing the mood to fully sink in. The bassline is a deep, resonant throb, anchoring the ethereal guitars. Satyr’s vocals are more restrained, almost mournful, adding a layer of melancholy to the overall darkness.
“The Eclipse” – This track returns to a more aggressive stance, but with a subtle shift in dynamics. The opening is a flurry of blast beats and dissonant riffing, but it soon gives way to a more structured, almost march-like rhythm. The interplay between the guitars is intricate, creating a complex sonic texture. The vocal performance is powerful and commanding, a declaration of dark intent.
“The Awakening” – A more experimental piece, “The Awakening” features unusual rhythmic patterns and unsettling ambient passages. The guitars shift between crushing riffs and dissonant, almost atonal textures. The drumming is erratic and unpredictable, adding to the sense of disorientation. This track feels like a descent into madness, a sonic representation of a fractured psyche.
“The Serpent” – This is perhaps the most straightforwardly aggressive track on the album, a pure blast of black metal fury. The riffs are sharp and relentless, driven by a furious drum performance. Satyr’s vocals are at their most venomous, a torrent of hatred and despair. The song builds to a cathartic climax, a final outburst of primal rage.
Conclusion:
*Deep Calleth Upon Deep* is a mature and uncompromising statement from Satyricon. It eschews trends and focuses on the core elements of their sound: primal aggression, crushing atmosphere, and a deep-seated darkness. This is not an album for casual listening; it demands attention and rewards those who are willing to immerse themselves in its bleak and unforgiving world. It’s a testament to Satyricon’s enduring power and their ability to consistently deliver albums that push the boundaries of their own sonic territory. The album feels less like a collection of songs and more like a singular, terrifying entity.
Rating: 9/10
Highlight Track: “The Sign of the Death”
