GORGOROTH „“Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam””

Music: Black Metal
Country: Norway
Web Site: www.gorgoroth.org
Cool Songs: God Seed (Twilight of the Idols), Wound Upon Wound

The last couple of years have been difficult for Norway’s GORGOROTH. Members of the group have been accused in a court of law for such unsightly acts as rape, illegal weapons charges, and the most heinous crime of Inflicting forty-one hours of torture upon a man. Judging by the acts mentioned above, this is one group filled with negativity. Every album in the band’s long career has reflected their grim existence. Their latest effort “Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam” is no exception. Considering their legal troubles, it comes as no surprise that the said album is arguably the group’s blackest.

“Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam” is in many ways a step backwards for the band. Sometimes it is frowned upon when a group retraces its steps, but not GORGOROTH. Early albums like “Anti-Christ” and “Under the Sign of Hell” are seen as classic Black Metal albums. The decrepit bass lines, gray-toned recording, hellish shrieks, diabolic rhythms, and nightmarish effects all combine to create one nightmare of an album. While the last two albums “Incipit Satan” and “Twilight of the Idols” retained some of the characteristics of their older material, the group took on more of a Death Metal stance, which led to the group losing a bit of its malevolence. “Ad Majorem Sathanas Gloriam” has stripped away the chopping Death Metal guitars, and re-introducing the traits found on their earlier efforts.

GORGOROTH has always begun each album with one of its strongest tracks. “Ad Majorem…” is no exception. Like watching a nuclear bomb explode, you simply cannot prepare for the fiery blast of speed that GORGOROTH hits you with on the opening track “Wound upon Wound.” Perhaps it is the amazing speed put forth from sessions drummer and SATYRICON mainstay, Frost. No matter what tempo the group settles on, Frost's drums are explosive, chaotic, and complex. The guitar's trademark devilish quick string bends are perfectly supported by Frost’s maniacal snare pounding. The chugging guitar parts show Frost displaying fancy foot work on the double bass pedals. This part sounds like a marauding band of Satanic warriors storming Heaven’s gates.

“God Seed” is another track worth noting. This track features busy guitar fret work with Infernus expediently climbing and descending his guitar’s neck. This riff has that dark intensity that makes Black Metal riffs like this so memorable. The said riff is bridged masterfully into a bleak toned tremolo riff that hovers like The Reaper waiting for the precise moment to take a spirit away. This riff gives off a feeling of uneasiness and sadness. Classic!

Many bands of today seek that necro sound that if you hear their music, it will make you feel on uncomfortable or on edge. Some of the bands feel that a poor production and constant tremolo riffing will accomplish this, but their music just does not impress upon the listener the feeling that GOROGOTH does. GOROGOROTH has been doing it for a long time, so they know what ingredients they need to mix into their boiling cauldron to get the right potion. The group’s unflinching personal relationship to Satan has undeniably shown them a path few have treaded or are willing to tread. GORGOROTH does not just write and sing about the occult, they live it. That seems to be the ingredients other bands cannot obtain.

note: 8.5/10

Tracklist

1. Wound Upon Wound
2. Carving A Giant
3. God Seed (Twilight of The Idols)
4. Sign of An Open Eye
5. White Seed
6. Exit
7. Untamed Forces
8. Prosperity And Beauty
Total playing time: 31:51

Line-up

Gaahl – Vocals
Infernus – Guitars
King – Bass
Frost – Drums (session)