Darkthrone - “Astral Fortress” (Peaceville, 2022)

                                                

It is hard to define what each new release means by those who are, in my opinion, the biggest Black Metal band of today (and many years ago). Possible that we will enter into debates about the legitimacy of this statement, but I could not care less, honestly. Their place in the history of Heavy Metal in general, and Black Metal in particular, the fact that they have always lived based on a very Punk motto, and that turns out to be quite Black Metal too, which is "my things, in my own way", have always given them this creative power, which in turn led to this very own aura and easily recognizable sound.

Darkthrone is Darkthrone, yesterday, today, and forever. Whether when they decide to go for a more Punk line, or when they decide to pay homage to the Heavy Metal legends of the 80s, in any of these incarnations they proved to be masters. We can, in a way, put a new Darkthrone release at the same level we put Metallica’s (whenever that comes about). Maiden, we already know that it will come out more of the same, so they do not even enter the equation. However, when it comes to Metallica... all the excitement, waiting to know what the hell is coming, how it's going to be, what it's going to sound like and the whatnot, all this is very relatable with a Darkthrone release.

Of course, a new release from the Norwegians greatly outplants any new work from the San Francisco 4. Flame on, bitches! But that's actually the way it is. Each new Darkthrone album brings with it a new artistic aspect of the duo to which it is impossible to remain indifferent. For many, any post-"Sardonic Wrath" change can be seen as heresy, an attack on the legacy and yadda yadda. What people forget, is that for a long time ago these two freaks decided to set fire to labels and genres and move on creatively. Still, I can understand that the Trinity that made the band what it is today has a more than special place in the pantheon of Black Metal, but it must be understood that replicating the same formula for eternity (let us leave it for other Norwegian legends) is not their scene. Darkthone is, for me, one of the few Black Metal bands that has managed to devise a flawless discography; some weaker, some stronger, but not a single bad release. It's amazing. It's hard for me to see how others are praised as A and B, but these two always end up being the "guys that release those 3 albums”. Too unfair.

Fuck, check "The Sea Beneath the Seas of the Sea” and tell me if that final riff is not beautiful?! Those drums, from Boss Fenriz, may be as simple as possible, but there are few drummers as effective as him. A bit like Ringo, which is much less limited than what the audience says LOL let's go back to "Astral Fortress", the duo's new album after the immense "Eternal Hails", 2021. That start is Bathory’s high, from my favorite stage, and it's a tremendous tribute to one of the greatest, by one of the greatest. Full circle, Gs. This new work is another parade of beautiful tracks. I am aware that the next few weeks will be full of misplaced and angry comments, but they will also be full of cheers and shows of worship.

The band has reached a point where they are Loved or Hated. Okay, maybe it's not that extreme, but it's close. A delicious detail are the Nocturno’s vocals, that are more and more Tom G. Warrior. I read, somewhere, that one day he will become Tom G. Warrior, such is the approach to his vocal work. But there are resemblances. Even the instrumental has enough of Celtic Hammer, but without losing the Darkthrone identity. One more fantastic detail: all those who will listen to this album will realize that it is Darkthrone, even if they can identify a number of other bands. Well, it's not that they identify other bands, but we can understand where that riif, that beat, etc., came from.

I've never seen Darkthrone as a band that appropriates of A or B; I've always seen them as a duo that pays homage - in their superb way - to musicians they admire. Well, their career wasn't built on these foundations, but it's admirable to see these two showing where they come from. Admirable. It's hard to point out a favorite track, as in my opinion they work immensely well with each other. There is a connection between each of the songs that makes this album very balanced and harmonious. More Black Metal Moments, More Heavy Metal Moments, Doom details, Immensity of Epicness. I'm a suspect to talk since I consider myself quite a fan of these two and their madness. Yes, because editing works like those they have edited since 2006 is not for everyone. The album only came out today, but I've read a lot of negative reviews. I accept that personal taste shape personal opinion, but I don't understand all the hate. I, personally, was happy with this new album, and I’ve listened to it a lot of times, earning a spot in this year's Top 5, easy. Again, I am suspicious, but the truth is, the album's good. Is it Black Metal? I'm yet to understand where to fit the band these days, but in fact those more necro, primitive, more Black Metal roots have been almost completely eliminated. Hey, life goes on, and we've been shown there's life beyond those albums. As a conclusion: "The Sea Beneath the Seas of the Sea" arrives in October but runs the risk of being the Heavy Fucking Metal track of 2022. Fanboy mode on, bitches!

Peaceville Official Bandcamp