It's been a while since I last reviewed a Black Metal release (ALLFADER can't be described as 100% Black Metal). DAMNATION ARMY is a band I didn't know shit about but this didn't bother me enjoying the album and writing this review at all! Since it was more than obvious that I would have to face a Black Metal band, my only query was whether this band played old school stuff or had a more modern sound.
DAMNATION ARMY is a one-man band that its only member is Thomas Nyholm (BLASPHEMINATOR, NIGHT SPAWN, ROTTEN MINDS). Formed in 2002, DAMNATION ARMY has already released one EP and two or three full-length albums (including this one). Impressive, huh? Hailing from Sweden - the second hometown of Black Metal after Norway - this Black Metal outfit is releasing its second (or third) album via Mascot Records. Let's see what this band has to offer.
From the first time I listened to Tyrant, I immediately sensed the groovy melodies of SATYRICON surrounding me. You got it right. This band is incredibly influenced from the Black Metal titans SATYRICON! Take some melodies from the Nemesis Divina (1996) era and add the groovy tunes of albums like Volcano (2002) and Now Diabolical (2006) and you have DAMNATION ARMY. Oh, don't imagine that this guy has the production SATYRICON had at Volcano! No fucking way! He wishes he could have a production like that one! Anyway, even though the songs are pretty good and solid, there is nothing in this album that can keep you listening until the end. I admit I got bored from the fourth track! It is not that it is shitty, but it is just a copy/paste band.
Not bad, but nothing more than a mediocre release. If you are a die-hard fan of SATYRICON, you may find this album interesting. As for the others, better stay away from it.