Blaze in the Northern Sky

Darkthrone | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 24, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 1992
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Peaceville UK
• ASIN: B000056AQW
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,661 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A review from somebody who isn't a Black Metaller, December 30, 2001

By 

Muddy Moe (Plano, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blaze in the Northern Sky (Audio CD)

First of all, this is a classic Black Metal release and if you're offended by the four star ranking, then read on. My intention is to give a review for the non-initiated.

As a metalhead, but not really a Black Metaller, I bought this release along with Mayhem's "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas" based virtually 100% on reputation alone. Most reviews are from Black Metallers, who cite this as a groundbreaking release of the genre. That's all well and good, but what does it sound like to somebody new to Black Metal?

Well, to start with, if you're not already a fan of some variety of extreme metal then proceed with caution. Darkthrone started as death metal and then incorporated the punk/black elemements of Venom and Mayhem to create what many consider the finest expression of black metal. This means the music is very raw and extreme, with largely unintelligible vocals and sometimes almost atonal riffing. So it can be a shock if you haven't already been exposed to extreme metal. The vocals and overall delivery lack the brutality of good death metal, but convey a different sense of darkness.

Much has been made of the poor production. In truth, it's not really that bad. The guitars have a bit of a buzzsaw sound to them, but the drums are actually recorded quite well. The mix is simplistic, but the production is actually quite appropriate for the music and doesn't sound as "amateurish" as some reviews may suggest.

The songwriting will grow on you quickly as will the overall effect of the album. Not something you will probably play casually, the music is best enjoyed when you can really pay attention to it, like on a solitary night time drive. Darkthrone have taken extreme metal and really done something interesting with it. I'm not sure I'll ever be a die hard Black Metaller, but I do admit this album grabs me and retains my interest far longer than a lot of extreme metal can.

Not sure it's "essential," and hence the four stars. But if you've got an interest in Black Metal, you could do far, far worse.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars (Perfect) True Norwegian Black Metal, January 7, 2004

By 

Andrew S (Chesterfield, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blaze in the Northern Sky (Dig) (Audio CD)

What can be said about this monumental release? Even though there are some Death Metal traces (according to drummer/lyricist Fenriz) this album is one of the most important albums in Black Metal history. Not only did it basically define True Norwegian Black Metal, it also holds up to be one of the strongest albums to date.

Starting off with haunting chants and whispers, Kathaarian Life Code opens up A Blaze In The Northern Sky as a true Black Metal opus. Although some may disagree, I think this is one of the most majestic Black Metal songs to appear on record. The atmosphere of Kathaarian Life Code is very cold yet comforting, bringing you to a very relaxed state. It's a difficult experience to describe but anyone who enjoys quality Black Metal will know what I speak of ... it's surreal and Darkthrone certainly delivers.

The entire album is a testament to True Black Metal. From the mid-paced epic In The Shadow Of The Horns to the blasting Where Cold Winds Blow, this album is flawless in terms of Black Metal. I cannot go without mentioning The Pagan Winter or the fantastic title-cut since both tracks truly define the now over-crowded genre.

To sum this review up, this album is a perfect album in all aspects. It defined a genre, it spawned hundreds upon hundreds of Black Metal acts as well as living up to be one of the genre's best albums. Your collection is not complete without this album.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, "Listmania!", March 18, 2004

By 

D. Knouse (vancouver, washington United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blaze in the Northern Sky (Dig) (Audio CD)

4.5 stars. I was at [website] many months back looking for Black Metal and Darkthrone popped up. At the time, that website offered up suggestions for which particular album to buy for each particular artist. They suggested Darkthrone's "Soulside Journey" as a first purchase. I got it in the mail and I was enthusiastic after so many glowing fan reviews here for all the Darkthrone albums. I was summarily disappointed with the album. It sounded like generic Death Metal with Thrash tendencies and muddy production. In a phrase, "It was boring." Recently, I decided to give these guys a second chance and bought one of their albums based on what I've seen here on so many Listmania lists. The album I chose was "A Blaze in the Northern Sky." Now I know what all the fans have been screaming about. I read a review here calling this album Punk Black Metal, and I think that fits magnificently. They have all the darkness of true Black Metal mixed with Punk attitude, and the amalgamation is excellent. This is incredibly sinister and grim, with memorable riffs and eerie atmoshpere. What these guys lack in complexity they make up for with crushing riffs and visceral attitude. My favorite songs include "Paragon Belial," which sounds plain evil, and the title track. I want to say one last thing before ending my review. I just want to thank all the Black Metal fans here for supporting this band so vehemently via "Listmania." If you hadn't I may never have given the mighty Darkthrone a second chance. Thank you.