IMMORTAL „Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism”

Immortal is a band that you either love or hate. Some people love their consistent and unwavering support of the original raw, grim black metal sound. Others hate them because of their slightly corny image and weapon waving. No matter what way you look at Immortal though, there is no way around their influence on the scene.

Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism is their first full length offering and features the two founding members Demonaz and Abbath as well as Armegedda beating the skins. The record is the band's first journey into the mythical realm of Blashyrkh. The record invokes images of icy mountains, and windswept plains where forces unknown to man still reign supreme. It is clear that the main goal of this record was creating an atmospheric and cold record very much in the vein of Bathory and the likes of Celtic Frost. The atmosphere is highlighted by the use of acoustic sections and other atmospheric interludes often vaguely reminiscent of later era Emperor and the melodic Black Metal uprising. Do not be mistaken though, these interludes are just that and do not form the core of the sound, unlike the melodic Black Metal offerings of later years. The track that exemplifies this the most is the album's closing track: 'A Perfect Vision Of The Rising Northland'.

The drumming is used quite effectively to highlight the music and ranges from death-metal rhythms to an occasional foray into a very rock'n roll kind of sound. The traditional black metal blast beats make a careful entry on this record but are certainly not as prevalent as on later Immortal records. The guitar sound is not quite the wailing, hypnotic shriek that many of the old school Black Metal bands enthralled us with, rather it is more of a Death Metal sound, which is not at all surprising considering that the band members' first steps in music were in the Death Metal genre.

The production is surprisingly crisp and clear for what was then quite an underground release. All of the instruments are clearly discernible although they do seem to be a bit overpowered by the vocals on occasion. This does not detract from the overall experience though.

Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism is a classic release, which should be a part of any serious metal collection. It lays a thick foundation for Immortal's exploration of the realm of Blashyrkh and manages to create a cold and grim atmosphere without overdoing it and with seemingly natural ease. It is not as fast as ferocious as the later releases but as I said before this is more than made up for by the sheer coldness of the sound.

note: 9/10