Customer Reviews

Diabolical

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

 

 

There is a Hell-bent quality to Naglfar that is very appealing to those interested in Black Metal fused with Thrash. I first bought their album "Sheol" and was immediately impressed, while my second purchase from them, "Vittra," just doesn't have the overall cohesion of this CD or "Sheol." However, Naglfar come through here with machine-gun riffs and insane blastbeats that invoke fury and sinister soundscapes that are both memorable and impressive. I read a critical review about this album that said these guys really don't set themselves apart from the Black Metal scene. I agree, but then I don't agree. They build the sound-wall of traditional Emperor-influenced bands, but at the same time they add elements of melodic thrash that destroy most bands of the genre through shear force of will. I, for one, am overwhelmed with head-banging bliss each time I play this CD. While it's not quite awe-inspiring to the point of being groundbreaking, it is otherwise powerful and unrelenting. I highly recommend this CD and "Sheol" for the discerning Black Metal collector.

One I first listened to this album I was completely blown away by the speed and agression of Naglfars constant double-bass pounding and carniverous riffs. The album is such an intense experience that you'll start to sweat when you listen to it.

My favroute track is 12'th rising which starts with a incredible pace and some really amazing guitar and bass techniques.

The penultemet track A departure in solitude, is a piano solo which is so completly different from the rest of the album, that the 2 min track fits in very nicely.

I can't fault this album at all, second only to COF's Cruelty and the Beast.

I don't really remember how I became a Naglfar fan, but to say the least, they ROCK!
I'm a fan of In Flames, Amon Amarth, Thyrfing, Soilwork, EverEve, etc... and if you like any of those bands, you'll love Naglfar.
The raw, yet flowingly smooth guitars & the raspy, growly & echoey vocals all add up to the dark atmosphere that Naglfar will pull you in to.
The only thing I don't like about this disc is the fact that it's only 45 minutes long... I NEED MORE!

This is an excellent album but it sounds almost exactly like The Somberlain by DISSECTION and rips them off and it is very obvious, but it is good that the sound of DISSECTION is being played by other bands all other bands should sound like this

There are no words to describe the greatness of Naglfar. This CD has some similarity with Satyricon. It's a must have for advanced black metal worshipers.

EXCELLENT BLACK METAL - KILLER VOICE - THE BEST FROM VIKINGLAND!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ALL!!!

The only difference between this CD and the 9-track US version are two tracks from a previously released EP that included the songs "When Autumn Storms Come" and "The Brimstone Gate" which are both just early versions later recorded for the LP. While they are distinctly different from the ones available on the much-less-expensive version, if I had to buy this or the US release, from the very beginning, I would not buy this one. It is just too expensive! For the record, I did fork out a wad of cash to get this CD after sampling tracks at CircuityCity.com. But at the time the other version was not available, and I was enamored with their album "Sheol" to the point of not caring about the extra cash. But there is simply no reason to get the Import. Anyway, "Diabolical" is a fine addition to any Black Metal collection. The music here is furious and sinister, a great mixture of Thrash and Emperor-influenced Black Metal. If you liked "Nemesis Divina" by Satyricon then you should like this CD as well. But buy the US version, for the Import simply isn't worth the money. Later.

This is one of the very best black metal albums of all time. It is uncompromising and brutal from start to finish, and does more to rev up your adrenaline than a pot of coffee. If you have heard Dawn's "Slaughtersun," and liked it- "Diabolical" is just as good and very much in the same vein.

This isn't a bad record, just not a terribly original or moving one. It reminds me of Gorgorth and Dark Funeral (among others) without the furious intensity of either band. Minimal keyboards add a cold, almost majestic atmosphere to some of the songs. The guitars have a nice trebly yet powerful bite to them, but many of the riffs aren't memorable or original. The drums are clear and well played but are in general unexciting. The vokills are typically impassioned but somewhat generic in sound. Overall the album sounds as a black metal album should: cold, powerful and atmospheric and that makes "Diabolical" a good, but not a stand-out release. It's unoriginality and lack of emotion don't let me rate "Diabolical" any higher than 3 stars.

....though not as passionate as their international debut "Vittra". The production is flawless but takes away from the raw aggression of Naglfar. The songwriting is excellent, but not as memorable as those found on "Vittra". Naglfar stands heads and shoulders along with Dark Tranquillity and In Flames as the premier Swedish black/death metal acts. Their upcoming third release should set the stage for international recognition.