Amidst seas of mindless music fans shunning black metal as a genre of satanic noise and worthless musicianship, 1349 comes to remedy the ailment of the people.
Liberation and
Beyond the Apocalypse were lessons in the art of true, necro black metal, but
Hellfire is a volatile concoction poised to put them all to shame. With 1349’s newest released to the inhabitants, black metal has again been taken to the next level. Dark atmospheres are prevalent throughout the album while unique melodies intertwine with bizarre vocals. One can only wonder where in hell music such as this may have spawned. I myself was surprised at how much 1349 has grown musically, and
Hellfire is living proof of that.
This album flourishes with a newfound style that 1349 did not utilize on their past two albums. While
Liberation and
Beyond the Apocalypse seemed to bear a wall of noise with every song sounding similar,
Hellfire has improved greatly. Each song has unique traits that make it stand out from the others. Songs have a display of styles ranging from the epic title track
Hellfire to the aggressive
Sculptor of Flesh. This album is eight completely different songs, something that many black metal bands fall victim to. The atmosphere featured on this album is outstanding, partly thanks to the vocals of Ravn. His scream is unlike any I’ve ever heard in black metal. Instead of a high shriek, Ravn sounds partway between traditional black metal screams and forceful thrash shouting. It is quite peculiar and is in no way forgettable. The production is also a valuable asset, aiding in the dark sound of the album. The raw, abrasive, necro sound has a very bleak and somber feel without sounding as though it was recorded on an answering machine in a Norse forest. Instances such as the intro of
From the Deeps sounds very grave, yet harmonious.
Frost is an important influence in the band, and not just for his drumming. Much of
Hellfire sounds like old Satyricon. The melodic and atmospheric sound of the tremolo picking riffs of
Nathicana are strongly reminiscent of
Nemesis Devina, something all black metal fans can appreciate.
I Am Abomination sounds as though Satyricon and the past works of 1349 were combined into an impulsive mixture, and the end product is delicious. The sounds all come together in a well-played record, with instrumental work that tops most black metal bands.
From the Deeps features and addictive guitar solo thirty seconds into the song. The aforementioned title track
Hellfire is an epic black metal composition worthy of praise for its shadowy melodies and solemn atmosphere and manages to stay completely entrancing for the entire 13:49 duration.
Hellfire is a release that will excel in its own ground for some time. I have yet to hear a black metal band that executed such a memorable combination of melodic and atmospheric metal. Fans of black metal will love this, and fans of metal in general will have nothing but respect for such a record.
Recommended tracks:
Nathicana
From the Deeps
Hellfire
Pros:
- Excellent atmosphere
- Melodic and heavy sounds combined perfectly
- Commendable musicianship
- Great variation among songs
Cons:
- Production may be a turnoff to some
- I predict much negativity over Ravn’s voice
This Message Edited On 11.01.05
