Satyricon – Now, Diabolical - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Norway

Genre : Black Metal

Release : 2006

Album downloads only available to members

Album Info / Review

Intro:
The icy winds of Oslo have long whispered tales of the infernal, and from those frigid depths, Satyricon has consistently carved a path of dark, uncompromising sonic extremity. “Now, Diabolical,” released in 2006, marked a significant evolutionary leap for the Norwegian black metal titans. Shedding some of the raw, primal ferocity of their earlier works, this album embraced a more refined, almost operatic darkness, a calculated descent into a realm of ritualistic grandeur and chilling atmosphere. Gone are the overtly Satanic pronouncements of youth, replaced by a more mature, introspective, and ultimately, more insidious malevolence. The production is sharper, the songwriting more intricate, revealing a band at the zenith of its creative powers, capable of crafting anthems that are both brutal and strangely elegant.

Track Analysis:
“Now, Diabolical” opens with the title track, a thunderous declaration of intent. The riff is immense, a coiled serpent of distorted aggression that immediately ensnares the listener. Satyr’s vocal delivery is a masterful blend of guttural snarls and a chillingly clear baritone, conveying a sense of regal disdain. The drumming is precise and punishing, anchoring the song with an unyielding rhythmic foundation. “Betrayal – North of Hell” follows, a more mid-tempo beast that builds with a palpable sense of dread. The guitar work here is particularly noteworthy, weaving intricate melodic lines through the heavy distortion, creating a disorienting yet captivating soundscape. The bridge section is a moment of pure, unadulterated darkness, a descent into a sonic abyss.

“Born for Burning” is a more direct assault, its relentless pace and aggressive vocalizations reminiscent of Satyricon’s earlier output, but with a newfound polish. The guitar solo is a searing, chaotic burst of energy, a controlled explosion of sound. “Our Darkest Day” introduces a more experimental element, with a haunting clean guitar melody that contrasts starkly with the crushing riffs that eventually emerge. This track showcases the band’s willingness to explore dynamic shifts, creating a palpable tension that erupts into a cathartic fury.

“Mother of Iniquity” is a prime example of the album’s refined brutality. The riff is undeniably heavy, yet possesses a certain swagger, an almost vampiric allure. Satyr’s vocals are venomous, spitting out lyrics with a theatrical flair that elevates the song beyond mere aggression. The interplay between the guitars is exceptional, with Frost’s drumming providing a relentless, almost tribal backbone. “The Sign of the Dying God” is a sprawling epic, a journey through a desolate landscape of despair. The tempo shifts are expertly handled, moving from crushing slow passages to moments of blistering speed. The atmospheric elements are particularly potent here, with layers of subtle synths adding a spectral dimension to the already oppressive sound.

“Primeval Holocaust” is a return to a more straightforward, aggressive attack. The riffs are sharp and incisive, cutting through the listener with surgical precision. The vocal performance is raw and powerful, conveying a primal rage. “Letis (The Dark Angel)” is a hauntingly beautiful, yet ultimately sinister track. The clean guitars create an ethereal atmosphere, which is then systematically dismantled by the crushing weight of the distorted sections. This track exemplifies the album’s ability to balance light and shadow, beauty and brutality.

The album concludes with “The Wolfpack,” a track that embodies the album’s overarching themes of primal instinct and dark camaraderie. The riff is anthemic, a war cry that resonates with a sense of defiant power. The vocal delivery is commanding, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of unease and exhilaration.

Conclusion:
“Now, Diabolical” stands as a testament to Satyricon’s maturity as musicians and songwriters. It’s an album that eschews the simplistic aggression of some black metal for a more nuanced, sophisticated darkness. The band has honed their craft, producing a collection of songs that are both intellectually stimulating and viscerally impactful. The production is crystal clear, allowing each instrument to breathe and contribute to the overall sonic tapestry. This is not an album for the faint of heart, nor for those seeking easy answers. It is a meticulously crafted descent into the abyss, a chillingly beautiful exploration of the diabolical within.