“As I was making notes for this review, I caught myself using phrases like “modern” or “mainstream” black metal. These descriptors were appropriate at the time Dimmu Borgir dropped the much-maligned Abraharabra way back in 2010, but following nearly a decade’s dearth of new material, I’m not certain they still apply.” Borgir’s up!
“Whether we care to admit it or not, we are all subject to re-invention at some point or another. Ihsahn, a man made legend for his contributions to the legacy of black metal, has never shied away from re-calibrating his musical character, and his discography is the hard proof. Having blazed a trail with the mighty Emperor, his solo career has been no exception, never afraid to reflect its creator’s inherently eclectic tastes.” Seize the Throne of Eccentricity.
“Mastered by the infallible Dan Swanö. A PR email that rants about the loudness wars. A heartfelt, passionate declaration that they will NOT bow to the pressures of the industry, and dad-gummit they’re going to give us a sparkling recording with Full Dynamic Range. All this and more are promised from Monsterworks on their sixteenth (!) album, Scale and Probability.” Sound and fury signifying…monsters.
