Naglfar
PARIAH

October 2005
Released: 2005, Century Media
Rating: 4.0/5
Reviewer: Evil Rocker

Let's be clear up front: NAGLFAR is basically a slightly more aggressive version of DIMMU BORGIR. So, if you don't like DIMMU, you won’t like NAGLFAR, and vice-versa. Simple enough? This is modern, atmospheric, so called "black metal" that uses plenty of gimmicks and has no innovation whatsoever. Yet, I find this to be a very good album, especially after the first three tracks pass by.



Once "The Murder Manifesto" track 4 is reached this album seems to kick into a faster, more aggressive pace. Lots of double bass, little in the way of guitar solos, a consistent background "hum" throughout and lots of trying to be ultra-evil. This is all rather amusing.



Yes, I would like to hear some actual BLACK METAL be put out one of these days by one of these trend bands. But what NAGLFAR have put out here is some very listenable material, atmospheric, almost cinematic at times. Nothing remotely traditionally black metal about it, but I quite like it nonetheless.