It is not that this would be a weak or plainly uninspiring album; nothing like that. It does seem a bit out of date. This notion is supported by the fact that Fenriz mostly employed lyrics that had already been used on "Under a Funeral Moon" (in spite of this, i do wish the lyrics were included!).

The playing is very complicated; technical and skillful, as on "Soulside Journey". The vocals are harsh and evil (and the female-sounding vocals rule!), which really bring out the best of the lyrics. Apart from that, the music lacks inspiration at times. It's not impossible that they were already sick of death metal while recording these songs.

This album is not a coherent whole, but rather has some astounding tracks that stand out from the rest, such as "Toward(s) the Thornfields". If Darkthrone really wanted to release this album, they should have re-recorded everything and checked whether the songs still worked for them. This could have been a masterpiece. Comments aside, i still prefer this over "Soulside Journey", thanks to the vocals.

"but there's fire / in my heart, in my eyes / in His body, in His eyes / and in His lovely kingdom!"

© 2001 rotblood