Darkthrone – Astral Fortress - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Norway

Genre : Black Metal

Release : 2016

Album downloads only available to members

Album Info / Review

Intro:
Darkthrone, the Norwegian black metal titans who have perpetually defied easy categorization and expectation, return with “Astral Fortress,” a sprawling testament to their ongoing evolution. For those expecting a direct continuation of the raw, frostbitten aggression of their early works, prepare for a journey that veers into more cosmic and melancholic territories. This is not a mere rehashing of past glories; it’s a deliberate excavation of sonic landscapes, drawing from a palette that now incorporates more pronounced doom and even hints of progressive rock, all filtered through their signature, unvarnished aesthetic. The album unfurls like a forgotten astral map, charting paths through desolate sonic nebulae and echoing chambers of introspective despair.

Track Analysis:
“The Sea Within the Sky” opens the gates with a mid-tempo, almost trudging riff, imbued with a sense of weary grandeur. The drumming is deliberate, each strike resonating with a heavy, deliberate pulse. Fenriz’s vocal delivery, a guttural rasp that carries an undeniable weight of experience, feels more contemplative than outright furious. The guitar work, while not overtly technical, weaves intricate, almost serpentine melodies that possess a haunting quality, building atmosphere rather than raw power.

“Sempiternal Past” shifts gears slightly, introducing a more driving, yet still melancholic, rhythm. The bassline becomes more prominent, a thick, resonant foundation that anchors the ethereal guitar lines. There’s a distinct doom metal influence here, with a palpable sense of dread permeating the track’s seven-minute duration. The solos are not shredding displays but rather mournful cries, bending and twisting with an almost vocalistic quality.

“Suffocating’s Embrace” is where the album truly leans into its titular “astral” theme. The tempo slows to a crawl, the riffs becoming monolithic and suffocating, evoking the vast emptiness of space. The synths, subtly layered beneath the guitars, add a chilling, otherworldly texture, reminiscent of forgotten sci-fi soundtracks. Nocturno Culto’s vocals, when they appear, are spat with a venom that feels ancient and profound.

“Voyage to a Distant Star” is arguably the most progressive-leaning track. It features an expansive, atmospheric soundscape with layered guitars creating a sense of vastness. The drumming, while still grounded, exhibits more dynamic shifts, hinting at a more complex rhythmic underpinning. The track builds and recedes like cosmic tides, offering moments of fragile melody before crashing back into heavier, more brooding passages.

“The Echoes of the Soul” returns to a more direct, albeit still doom-laden, approach. The riffs are crushing, but there’s an underlying melodic sensibility that prevents them from becoming purely oppressive. The vocal performance here is particularly potent, conveying a deep sense of existential weariness. The track’s structure feels more traditional, offering a brief respite from the more experimental excursions.

“Perilous Path” is a more overtly aggressive track, but still within the album’s established sonic parameters. The blast beats are sparse, replaced by powerful, driving rhythms. The guitar tone is raw and biting, but the underlying melody remains, a glimmer of hope or perhaps a mournful lament within the storm.

“Darkness” closes the album with a truly epic and introspective feel. It’s a slow-burning behemoth, building with immense power and atmosphere. The synths are more pronounced here, creating a sense of cosmic dread and wonder. The guitar work is majestic and mournful, painting a picture of an infinite void. The track’s length allows for a full immersion into its bleak, yet strangely beautiful, sonic tapestry.

Conclusion:
“Astral Fortress” is a bold and rewarding statement from Darkthrone. It’s an album that demands patience and repeated listens, revealing its depths gradually. While it may alienate some of their more die-hard black metal purists seeking unadulterated aggression, it offers a profound and atmospheric journey for those willing to embrace their evolving sound. The band has successfully blended their inherent darkness with elements of doom and a touch of cosmic psychedelia, creating something that feels both familiar and remarkably fresh. This is an album that resonates long after the final notes fade, leaving a lingering sense of awe and melancholy.