Customer Reviews

Blaze in the Northern Sky (Dig)

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Classic black metal. That's what this is. What more can be said? If you like black metal you probably have this album. If you don't have it, I would recommend it. This was my first "true" black metal album. I had some Dimmu Borgir before this and I'd probably consider them black metal. Instrumentally, they're possibly a little too complex for the genre, but the overall atmosphere and the lyrical content is pretty in line. I also had some Venom, but this is the first album I got that was really black metal in it's mature form. Anywho, this album is cold as hell. You can tell that it was recorded more cleanly than later albums, but they still manage to capture that heartless, misanthropic spirit. And that is the essence of black metal for me. Get this album if you like this kind of music.

Changing from technical death metal to raw black metal, Darkthrone unleashed their first black metal album in 1992, which has become the classic known as "A Blaze in the Northern Sky". This is one of the milestone releases of the 2nd wave of BM in the 90's, and influenced hordes of bands to emulate the same sound of dirty, raw, and old-school BM with huge influences of Bathory, Hellhammer, and Celtic Frost.

The band's technical skills have simplified to straight-forward grooves and blasts, but there is little sloppiness to be found. The pounding drumwork of Fenriz is outstanding, and his instinctive grooves highlight a dash of a punk influence, especially on the twisting title track and the larger-than-life opener "Kathaarian Life Code", undoubtedly the longest song Darkthrone has ever composed. (Some argue this as Darkthrone's best song ever.) Nocturno Culto's and Zephyrous's guitars are simple but resonate of older Bathory records and the headbanging sludgefests of Celtic Frost, and the slower parts will have any real metalhead raising the horns with a twisted smile of grimness from ear to ear. Nocturno Culto spews forth his hateful screams of Fenriz's strangely amazing lyrics, and his voice is one of the most terrifying screams in BM, often emulated by others aiming for the same amount of misanthropy through their music.

Every song is varied in structure and holds enough focused qualities to keep the listener engaged throughout the album. Some moments, such as the relentless blasting of "Where Cold Winds Blow" focus on a disharmonic and uncomfortable atmosphere, while the closing BM anthem "The Pagan Winter" grabs the listener by the throat with its battering grooves and savage riffs. The production suits the music perfectly, having a raw aesthetic to the guitars and vocals, but not being too overwhelming or noisy.

"A Blaze in the Northern Sky" is by far one of Darkthrone's finest hours, and is highly reccommended to those looking for an impeccable piece of old-school, groove-laden, and and grim black metal. A highly recommended release, not a bad song to be found.

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!

What can i saw that hasn't already been said about this totally amazing album? This is the album that pretty much started the new wave of BM back then. This is my 2nd fave Darkthrone album, 'Under a funeral..' being the 1st, but anyway this is a 'a blaze.' review, back to the musik. It's sick and vile, BM played the way it's suppose to be.. w/ utter hatred! Influences range from Bathory to Hellhammer/Celtic Frost. There's a total of 6 tracks, and the highlights, well.. to be honest, this whole album is pretty much a highlight, there is no stand out tracks, just throw this in and listen! Vocals are sick, they aren't high pitched at all, so they sound really grim and evil! Nocturno Culto is definitely one of my all time fave BM vocalists. The drums are probably the best Fenriz has done, they never get boring. Guitars.. are distorted to hell, and sound pretty technical at times, there's at least 100 riffs in here.. (heh, i'm kidding) it isn't as primite as their other releases, but it's still amazing! Why are you still reading this? Go pick up 'a blaze..' immediately!! This is quite possibly the best BM album ever recorded!! Trust me, you will definitely be getting your moneys worth w/ this album.

Their first attempts in black metal, Darkthrone was a death metal band prior to this release. They put out a solid effort with this and a hint of what was to come. Nowhere near as good as Transylvanian Hunger though, but hey, how could it be?! Completely brutal and deliberately low-fi produced like TH, but lacking the musical sophistication, atmosphere and perfection of songwriting that makes TH the BM album of all time. What makes this album interesting though is that the bands' influences can still be clearly heard. Still a lot of death metal on this record, as well as hardcore punk and first generation black metal, but the guys melt it into something highly original. Most other black metal acts never reached the level of this record, and even if they would, it would be their crowning achievement. For Darkthrone this was merely a fitting introduction of the great works that were to come. Though not one of my favourite albums, I still recommend it. No black metal collection is really complete without it. Great songs are Kathaarian Life Code, In The Shadow Of The Horns, Paragon Belial and The Pagan Winter. A highly influental classic.

If you're a Black Metal fan and you don't have this album, shame on you! This is definately the real deal when it comes to Black Metal, and set the standard for the new wave of Blakc Metal. Really, probably every single Black Metal band that has formed since 1991 have been inspired by this album, unless I suppose they're some wimps who have just heard the new Mayhem. Hehheh. Anyway, I cannot stress more that you must pick this one up, and while you're at it why not check out "Morbid Tales" by Celtic Frost or "The Return" by Bathory in case you don't have those masterpieces either!

First of all, if you are new to black metal, I would not suggest this. Try the newer Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, Old Man's Child, or Cradle of Filth (not really BM, but very good nonetheless). Darkthrone has a much rawer, noiser sound than those bands, and may be a little hard to listen to at first. After you have become accustomed to the lo-fi production, however, you will find a truly grim piece of early Black Metal. This album was very heavily influenced by the first three Bathory records (also very good) and Hellhammer. In addition, "A Blaze..." is probably the most influential of all the early 90's Norweigian black metal albums. The blistering speed of the guitar and drum riff is very intense. Here you will find no keyboards, classical interludes, or female vocalists. Nor will you find a clear, "professional" quality recording. Instead, you will find cold, raw, harsh black metal fury. Any fan of the scene would do well to check this one out.