Origin : Norway
Genre : Black Metal
Release : 2019
Album downloads only available to members
Album Info / Review
Intro:
Darkthrone, the Norwegian black metal monoliths, have consistently defied expectations and genre boundaries throughout their storied career. From their raw, primitive beginnings to their more recent forays into crust punk and even doom, their commitment to an unvarnished, authentic sound remains unwavering. “Old Star,” released in 2019, sees the duo of Fenriz and Nocturno Culto delving deeper into a mid-paced, almost hypnotic brand of heavy metal, a sonic landscape that feels both familiar and refreshingly unburdened by contemporary trends. This is not the blast-beat fury of their formative years, nor the experimental meanderings of later efforts; “Old Star” is a deliberate, grinding, and ultimately compelling descent into a realm of ancient, heavy riffs and a palpable sense of grim grandeur.
Track Analysis:
“I Muffled Therefore I Am” opens the album with a slow, deliberate stomp, Fenriz’s drumming a steady, almost tribal heartbeat beneath Nocturno Culto’s gruff, guttural pronouncements. The guitar riff is colossal, a thick, distorted slab of pure, unadulterated heaviness that evokes images of frostbitten mountains and forgotten rituals. The track builds with a suffocating intensity, never rushing, allowing each note to resonate with crushing weight.
“The Hardship of the Wretched” maintains this momentum, introducing a slightly more melodic, yet still undeniably bleak, guitar line that weaves through the dense rhythm section. Nocturno Culto’s vocals, a signature blend of rasp and growl, convey a profound sense of despair and resignation, perfectly complementing the song’s somber atmosphere. The bass work here is particularly noteworthy, a rumbling, oppressive foundation that anchors the entire sonic edifice.
“Old Star” itself, the title track, is an epic in miniature. It’s a slow-burning inferno, characterized by extended passages of monolithic riffing that feel like the slow march of time itself. There’s a distinct sense of atmosphere here, a palpable chill that creeps into the listener’s bones. The guitar solos, when they arrive, are not flashy displays of technicality but rather raw, searing bursts of emotion, adding to the track’s primal energy.
“Alpaca” offers a slight shift in tempo, leaning into a more driving, almost doomy groove. The riff is infectious, a headbanging anthem that still retains Darkthrone’s signature grimness. Fenriz’s drumming is more intricate here, showcasing a subtle mastery of rhythm and dynamics that elevates the track beyond a simple heavy metal excursion.
“De underjordiske” (The Underground Ones) returns to a more deliberate pace, its riffing akin to the grinding gears of some infernal machine. The vocal delivery on this track is particularly potent, a raw, untamed roar that speaks of ancient, subterranean forces. The song feels inherently ritualistic, a sonic invocation of forgotten deities.
“Doom Ignite” is perhaps the most overtly doom-laden track, living up to its title with crushing, sludgy riffs and a suffocating sense of dread. The tempo is glacial, each chord ringing out with immense power. Nocturno Culto’s vocals are at their most venomous here, spitting out lyrics with a palpable hatred.
“Hate Sparking Fire” injects a touch of aggression back into the proceedings, with a more urgent tempo and a driving, anthemic chorus. However, this aggression is tempered by the album’s overall tone, preventing it from becoming a mere thrash metal imitation. The guitar work is sharp and biting, while the rhythm section provides a relentless, pounding force.
“The Key to the Subway” closes the album with a final, crushing statement. It’s a slow, deliberate descent into darkness, its riffing echoing the album’s opening tracks. The atmosphere is thick and suffocating, leaving the listener with a profound sense of having traversed a vast and ancient landscape of sonic despair. The final fade-out is not an escape, but a lingering echo of the oppressive weight.
Conclusion:
“Old Star” is not an album that seeks to reinvent the wheel, nor does it pander to fleeting trends. Instead, Darkthrone deliver a masterclass in crafting potent, atmospheric heavy metal. The album is a testament to their enduring vision, a collection of songs that feel forged in the fires of antiquity. It’s a powerful, unyielding statement from a band that continues to carve its own path, their sound as vital and uncompromising as ever. For those who appreciate heavy, riff-driven metal with a profound sense of atmosphere and a complete disregard for modern niceties, “Old Star” is an essential listen.
Rating: 9/10
Highlight Track: Old Star
