Sons of Northern Darkness

Immortal | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 5, 2002)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Nuclear Blast America
• ASIN: B00005V6QB
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (103 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,941 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I don't like Black Metal - But this album kills!, March 26, 2002

By 

R. Norton (Somewhere in Georgia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sons of Northern Darkness (Audio CD)

I am a huge fan of a wide range of metal styles, but never liked anything referred to as "black metal". I happened to read an article on Immortal, thought they looked a little silly with the makeup, but decided to check out a few sound clips to see what the big deal was. I ended up buying the CD and was surprised at how much I love it! No keyboards and a great mix of fast and slow tempos give these songs just the right kick that should satisfy any death metal fan (not limited to "black metal" fans!). Abbath's growl and unbelievably fast and tight guitar playing make this CD a must-have for anyone who loves real metal (The drumming is amazing as well - I gotta see this guy!). I have since bought 3 other Immortal CD's and look forward to seeing them live here in North America. This will probably go down as my surprise favorite of 2002!

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As good as it (dark metal) gets, July 11, 2006

By 

A. Stutheit "Teyad" (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sons of Northern Darkness (Audio CD)

With their seventh album proving to be their last, Immortal definitely went out on top. 2002's "Sons Of Northern Darkness" is probably the finest dark metal release this side of the year 2000. Like Venom's "Black Metal," Bathory's self-titled release, and Mayhem's "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas," this is a classic black metal album, and it should be considered one of the genre's milestones.

There are a few melodic, ambient moments sprinkled on here and there ("Antarctica" begins with chilling wind whooshes, and "Beyond The North Waves" is a peaceful and ornate album closer, featuring aquatic sounds and a fairly majestic string arrangement.) But most of this album is very brutal, and jam-packed with the stuff that you look for in great black metal: scorching guitars, lightning fast double kick drums, and raspy vocals. The thunderous power chords and blinding drums on the first track, "One By One," is one prime example of how brutal the album can be. And the title track (featuring a bouncy drum beat, searing riffs, and even a careening solo), the onslaught of surging, machine gun guitars and all-out, crazy drumming on "Demonium," and "In My Kingdom Cold," which is composed of thick, churning riffs and a constantly pounding rhythm, are a few of the album's other biggest highpoints.

Even though Immortal have been split up for some time now, their greatness and influentialness will always live on through today's dark metal bands (like Dimmu Borgir). But even if it weren't a standard-bearing, landmark release, "Sons Of Northern Darkness" is an excellent album all the same. There isn't much else to say except that no self-respecting black metal fan can be without this C.D.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ones that know no fear..., September 23, 2003

By 

Lord "Master-T" (Central, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sons of Northern Darkness (Audio CD)

I had a chance to see them in Chicago with Halford and I failed to go...Little did I know that it would be my last chance to see one of my most highly revered bands! Curse me to hell!!!

Anyway...The CD...Yes, an awesome sounding finale to their repertoire of music. As already stated, the guitars really stand out and sound very good. Excellent production all around. This is my favorite Immortal album, although they are ALL worth having in your collection. Is it black metal? Who cares??? We get so damn tied up into labels and categories that it becomes a detriment...Just listen and decide: Do I like it? If so, then let it be! It truly is a very heavy CD and if you like Immortal, you should love this one!

So sad they are gone. Nothing in this world ever lasts...Abbath shares some vocals on the new Dimmu Borgir (Death Cult Armageddon - get it) CD though.