There is one thing that to me will always feel distinctive for Darkthrone, or at the very least distinguishing for Scandinavian death/black metal bands, no matter how much people complain about the change; and that is the way they write the guitar riffs.
Many bands from the north have a very specific guitar sound that makes them uneasy even when melodic. It is difficult to explain but they sound so utterly cold and frostbitten, which to me typifies bands from countries where cold weather signifies everything.
The accompanying booklet is, as was the case with the previous record, in a league of its own. If you still value the complete experience of reading the lyrics, liner notes, and studying the pictures then you will find plenty to enjoy here.
All you need to do now is get a copy of Dark Thrones and Black Flags and enjoy metal history filtered through the world of two record collecting Norwegian weirdos. A new album from these guys will always be more of a pleasure to listen to than most.
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