Artist: Throne Of Katarsis
Title: Ved Graven
Type: Album
Label: Candlelight Records

Chilly, chilly stuff here from this uncompromising Norwegian troupe. We all know that black metal has spent the last 15 years or so meandering through various guises, melding and then un-melding with various other hitherto unrelated genres seemingly at whim. Yet throughout this trajectory of continual evolution/mutation/experimentation (call it what you will), there have always some hardy souls determined to walk the monochromatic paths laid down over two decades ago - and Throne of Katarsis are undoubtedly in this camp. Corpsepaint, spikes, grimaces, fuzzed-out ‘wall of distortion’ production, gargling screams, distended minor-key melodies – it’s an incredibly familiar cocktail but when blended with the deftness demonstrated by these veterans (their latest bassist is none other than Gehenna mainman Sanrabb), it can be an intoxicating experience.

Sonically, the details are spot-on. The production is filthy but perfect - guitars slither and hiss like a pack of snakes, drums echo cavernously, vocals akin to a man gargling with a broken pint glass. And by and large, the songs match this. For all the retrogressive stylings, there’s a definite nod to the orthodox old school on ‘Ved Graven’ – ‘Profetens Sifte Vandring’ doffs the cap to the sinewy discordance of Deathspell Omega at points, whilst ‘The Holy Remains the Weak’ is an invigorating blast seemingly combining early Emperor with Watain’s more recent offerings. Yep, this is as black as they come, rooted in 90s Scandinavia (check out the Opthalmia-referencing single-note lines that close out the opener) yet poking a spindly, inquisitive finger into the murky depths of more contemporary soundscapes. That a coherent balance is not only achieved but is also delivered with songwriting aplomb means that moments of sag (obligatory slow number ‘Helvete Kaller’ is 2-3 minutes too long whilst its hard to shake of the feeling that the instrumental ‘Apne Alle Sar’ is there to fill up CD space) can by and large be forgiven. Its not going to shake the foundations of the extreme metal world but ‘Ved Graven’ is, quite simply, a damn good black metal record.

http://www.myspace.com/throneofkatarsis

Frank Allain

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