Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
(Perfect) True Norwegian Black Metal, January 7, 2004
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.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Thank you, "Listmania!", March 18, 2004
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.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Blaze In The Northern Sky, April 10, 2007
Words cannot express the chilling, unsafe feeling you get when listening to this album. "This is the true face of evil!!!" I've had this one for a couple years now and I've listened to it extensively. What I like most about this album is the variety of influences. You'll find various punk influences as you will with all Darkthrone albums. That's definately a plus. What's also cool is their ability to break down into these evil grooves. They'll slow it down every once in a while, then speed back up into an onslaught of cold, evil, blast beat ridden Black metal. There is also some randomness to there art. For instance, their guitar solos are indecipherable. They are picked so fast that you can't tell what they're doing or if they're even in key. That matters very little, however, due to the fact that you'll find yourself in a very dark and evil place while listening to this stuff. Cold, dark and unrelentless, that's Black metal for you!
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