Satyricon Now, Diabolical
Century Media Records 8320-2 June 13, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Whether one likes it or not, the diabolical duo collectively known as Satyricon are getting big. With Century Media and Roadrunner Records sharing joint custody of Now, Diabolical and said band gracing covers of well-known magazines such as Terrorizer, recent developments lend more ammo to those who have and will continue to bemoan everything Satyrs done since 1999s Rebel Extravaganza. The good news is that Now, Diabolical isnt bad. Its not great, either, but its not bad.
Naturally, the latest full-length from the Norwegians doesnt veer too far from the 2002 effort Volcano. As icy and cold as this particular record is, theres something indescribably compelling about it. Whereas a large portion of black metal is not immediately accessible often relying on drawn-out passages to induce trances, or conversely blastbeating the listener to death Now, Diabolical contains an unbelievable amount of groove, which begs the listener to move in some way, any way. The opening number and title track is a prime example, as well as the first single/video K.I.N.G. To the Mountains is another notable track due to the epic qualities spawned by introductory, galloping double-bass and horns galore. Furthermore, bonus add-on Storm (of the Destroyer) ends the album on a fierce, fast note, and the all-around tempo variation is a nice touch. Still, despite the caustic vocal performance of frontman Satyr and the spectacular drumming of Frost (1349, Gehenna, ex-Gorgoroth), 50 minutes of present-day Satyricon eventually becomes tedious, leaving one no choice but to lose interest until the last couple songs regain control of wavering attention spans. Whats baffling, though, is the production of Now, Diabolical feels inadequate. There is a sharp, razor-like aura surrounding the disc itself, yet the production manages to sound flat and weak.
In the case of Satyricons sixth outing, the appeal lies in the songwriting and instrumentation only, rather than the auxiliary elements no matter how crucial they appear to be. I doubt anybody expected this to resemble their purported masterpiece Dark Medieval Times or worthy follow-up The Shadowthrone, but contrary to many other second-wave groups that have faded away into obscurity, broken up, or reunited with no promise of future studio releases, the deadly combination of Satyr and Frost continues to halfway impress.
7/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Satyricon Website
Official Century Media Records Website
Century Media Records 8320-2 June 13, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Whether one likes it or not, the diabolical duo collectively known as Satyricon are getting big. With Century Media and Roadrunner Records sharing joint custody of Now, Diabolical and said band gracing covers of well-known magazines such as Terrorizer, recent developments lend more ammo to those who have and will continue to bemoan everything Satyrs done since 1999s Rebel Extravaganza. The good news is that Now, Diabolical isnt bad. Its not great, either, but its not bad.
Naturally, the latest full-length from the Norwegians doesnt veer too far from the 2002 effort Volcano. As icy and cold as this particular record is, theres something indescribably compelling about it. Whereas a large portion of black metal is not immediately accessible often relying on drawn-out passages to induce trances, or conversely blastbeating the listener to death Now, Diabolical contains an unbelievable amount of groove, which begs the listener to move in some way, any way. The opening number and title track is a prime example, as well as the first single/video K.I.N.G. To the Mountains is another notable track due to the epic qualities spawned by introductory, galloping double-bass and horns galore. Furthermore, bonus add-on Storm (of the Destroyer) ends the album on a fierce, fast note, and the all-around tempo variation is a nice touch. Still, despite the caustic vocal performance of frontman Satyr and the spectacular drumming of Frost (1349, Gehenna, ex-Gorgoroth), 50 minutes of present-day Satyricon eventually becomes tedious, leaving one no choice but to lose interest until the last couple songs regain control of wavering attention spans. Whats baffling, though, is the production of Now, Diabolical feels inadequate. There is a sharp, razor-like aura surrounding the disc itself, yet the production manages to sound flat and weak.
In the case of Satyricons sixth outing, the appeal lies in the songwriting and instrumentation only, rather than the auxiliary elements no matter how crucial they appear to be. I doubt anybody expected this to resemble their purported masterpiece Dark Medieval Times or worthy follow-up The Shadowthrone, but contrary to many other second-wave groups that have faded away into obscurity, broken up, or reunited with no promise of future studio releases, the deadly combination of Satyr and Frost continues to halfway impress.
7/10
UMs Review Rating Scale
Official Satyricon Website
Official Century Media Records Website
