Satyricon - Dark Medieval Times
When thinking about it, this is probably my favourite black metal release EVER. I've always said that I prefer "Vikingligr Veldi" and "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas", but I've now come to the conclusion that "Dark Medieval Times" is actually even better. It's FANTASTIC. There is not a single weak moment to be found on this absolute GEM. It's the epitome of "grim, but still national romantic" Norwegian metal. Get it or perish in flames. 11/10.
Arcturus - Aspera Hiems Symfonia
Mandatory. Superb. Beautiful. Honest. Melodic. Almost as good as "Dark Medieval Times". Get the remastered 2 CD set (with the Constellation EP and My Angel EP) for the price of one CD.
Also;
Nile - Amongst The Catacombs Of Nephren-Ka
Razor-sharp riffs, double bass that creates sounds and beats not unlike those of a Howitzer gone wild, and Egyptian elements implemented in a GREAT way. Wonderful acoustic/trad-Egyptian interludes between the hyperblasting DM tracks. This could very well be your gateway into the brutal parts of death metal. The best Nile record by far.
Suffocation - Effigy Of The Forgotten
Groovy, yet rather technical. Brutal, but not overly so. 1991's "Effigy Of The Forgotten" spawned dozens of copycat bands, but none of these managed to touch the genius that is to be found on this album.
Gehenna - Seen Through The Veil Of Darkness (Second Spell)
A flawless piece of majestic art. The theme of an insane, evil medieval circus that is both frightening and beautiful at the very same time. This gives me goosebumps on every listen. Keyboard-driven, somber, mid-paced black metal from one of Norway's finest. A gateway into a parallel universe.
