Necrophobic – The Third Antichrist

 Posted in Black Death Metal

Band Origin: Stockholm, Sweden
Genre: Black Death Metal
Release Date: 2000

Album Info / Review

Intro:
From the frigid depths of Swedish black metal, Necrophobic emerges with “The Third Antichrist,” a 2000 opus that solidified their reputation as purveyors of raw, unadulterated darkness. This album eschews the polished production of some of their contemporaries, opting instead for a gritty, visceral sound that mirrors the lyrical themes of blasphemy and existential dread. It’s an unyielding sonic assault, a testament to the enduring power of traditionalist black metal executed with ferocious intent.

Track Analysis:
“The Third Antichrist” opens with the title track, a relentless barrage of tremolo-picked guitars and blast beats that immediately establishes the album’s aggressive stance. The riffs are sharp, dissonant, and delivered with a cold, venomous precision. “The Burning Soul of Eden” follows, showcasing a more mid-paced, almost doomy approach, allowing the guttural vocals of Tobias Sidegård to fully inhabit the oppressive atmosphere. The guitar solos here are not flashy displays of technicality but rather jagged shards of noise, adding to the overall chaos. “The Arrival of the Third Antichrist” is a brief, atmospheric interlude, employing chilling spoken word and a sparse, unsettling guitar melody before plunging back into the sonic maelstrom. “The Third Exaltation” returns to blistering speed, with a relentless double bass attack and razor-sharp riffing that feels like being flayed alive. “The Serpent’s Cult” introduces a more melodic, albeit still menacing, element with a memorable, albeit dark, guitar hook that anchors its otherwise chaotic structure. “The Serpent’s Seal” is a crushing, mid-tempo track that emphasizes the band’s ability to create a sense of impending doom through sheer sonic weight. The drumming is particularly noteworthy, a constant, driving force that never falters. “The Serpent’s Throne” is a return to the blistering pace of earlier tracks, with intricate yet brutal guitar work that weaves a tapestry of sonic destruction. The vocals are particularly savage on this track, a guttural roar that speaks of primal rage. “The Serpent’s Kiss” is the album’s closing statement, a sprawling, epic track that builds in intensity, incorporating elements of dissonance and melodicism to create a truly cathartic and terrifying conclusion. The guitar solos are particularly effective here, spiraling into madness.

Conclusion:
“The Third Antichrist” is not an album for the faint of heart. It is a raw, uncompromising dive into the abyss, a meticulously crafted sonic weapon designed to instill fear and despair. Necrophobic masterfully blends traditional black metal elements with a unique sense of aggression and atmosphere, resulting in an album that is both timeless and utterly devastating. The production, while raw, perfectly complements the band’s intent, allowing the sheer ferocity of the performances to shine through. It’s a landmark release that continues to resonate within the black metal scene.

Rating: 4.5/5

Highlight Track: The Serpent’s Cult