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Tracklist
1. I Am Abominadion
2. Nathicana
3. Sculptor or Flesh
4. Celestial Deconstrution
5. To Rottendam
6. From the Deeps
7. Slaves to Slaughter
8. Hellfire
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A wicked black metal cacophony ensues with the all-consuming 'Hellfire', a furious detonation of grim aural blasphemy that extends the limits of black metal, extracting a sound that is as cold as the edge of a blade and accentuating it with a none-too-subtle bludgeoning barrage of powerful blasting.
Corpsepaint and thematic content takes a backseat on this record to the music, which is vituperative, harsh and revealing of amazing technical ability, as well as being embellished by a knack for combining the best sounds of all types of extreme cult metal.
'Sculptor Of Flesh' is beholden to bands like Venom and early Bathory as well as Emperor and 1349 combine the sensations in a manner in which few can. Other influences such as Immortal crop up during the dark hymn 'Celestial Deconstruction', but the track also incorporates a stream-of-consciousness verse section that turns the style in a new direction. Vocally, Ravn can do a lot of contrasting styles without losing the distinct, overall tone of the track. From impained lashing to abrasive growls, the singer does much to give the band's sound an ominous underpinning.
It might be said that a black metal album of this magnitude has not come along since the days when Emperor and Immortal reigned, but 1349 are blazing their own trail with this album, where they most certainly do bring the listener the musical equivalent of 'Hellfire.' This album is nothing less than a new benchmark for black metal bands to strive toward.
Review by: Erin Fox
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