Anatomia NOR: Darkthrone IX (of IX)

 

 

SIXTH ERA – EONS AND RIDING THE WAVE
2022-20??

20.Astral Fortress (2022) Running time: 40:03, 7 tracks After their solid predecessors, it would seem the band is back on track. But from what's been released, there's a distinct lack of breath. I don't know why the band chose such cover, seemingly to spite the orthodox. I don't recall any conflict between the band and the fans, especially since the reactions so far have been overwhelmingly positive, as people have learned to take Fenriz's antics with a pinch of salt. Despite the appealing concept of a sequel to "Eon," unfortunately there's still no connection to Darkthrone's early days. The band, however, strives for a relatively diverse sound, both in terms of song length, subject matter, and atmosphere. There's also a small instrumental before the end, with synthesizers, and some acoustic interludes. Overall, I'd compare the style to Celtic Frost. That seems to be their main source of inspiration. However, it doesn't generate the same enthusiasm as before, and it feels like the band went a bit sideways, creating a transitional album as a prelude for better works. Only time will tell.

21.It Beckons Us All... (2024) Running time: 43:29, 7 tracks As you can see, the band has really hit its stride, and every year they release something related to the band—an album, a compilation, an unreleased session. The music itself suffers somewhat, as we get a continuation of the mindless copying of old Celtic Frost works. But this time, besides the traditional Doom Metal, there's also more... (modern) Death? There are still good ideas and diverse audial palettes (some even surprising), but it's clear that the band is playing it safe and has figured out how to extend the song's duration without overdoing it. We also get the third part of "Eon," and here, one wonders more, if these are gradual attempts at playing Death Metal, or just an odd idea. One thing is certain: if the band doesn't try to redefine their style, they'll face a second crisis. It's still good, but another album like this will feel stale. 22.Pre-Historic Metal (2026) Running time: 41:07, 8 tracks Before I've heard the album, I was wondering whether it's going to be a continuation of this Era, or maybe something brand new? In the end, what we got is something in-between. 4th part of Eon and Darkthrone still plays like Celtic Frost, but with more Mercyful Fate accented, albeit it sounds more like a primitive parody, than a proper tribute.  There's also some additional "space" inserts for flavor. I would compare it to winos, with mental deficiency, who are so drunked that instead of guitar, they see a bottle that they are unable to open. If the guys want to keep regressing, I do expect to hear next time some Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple. Or Jimi Hendrix. I kinda suspect that for a while, it's Fenriz who pulls the main strings, behind the composing, instead of Nocturno - a parental hunch. In spite of my breaking their collective balls, the album is actually quite fine. While the previous one was slightly better, this one has an advantage of inspiration and creativity. One can wonder what's going to be next, but it certainly is another end of an era... CONSIDERING THAT THIS PERIOD IS STILL IN PROGRESS, ALLOW ME TO UPGRADE THIS POST IN THE FUTURE (WHICH I WILL PROBABLY INFORM YOU ABOUT AT ANOTHER TIME). HOWEVER, IF THE NEXT DARKTHRONE ALBUM OPENS A NEW CHAPTER, YOU WILL HAVE TO WAIT A LITTLE.