It is hard to believe DARKTHRONE was formed all the way back in 1987.  Since then, the band has evolved substantially.  Beginning with a sound firmly rooted in Death Metal, they progressed to Black Metal, and afterwards through myriad realms including elements of Crust, Thrash, Doom, and NWOBHM.  It has been a long two years since "Old Star" came out and their fans have been rabidly craving new material.  Thankfully, though, "Eternal Hails" just released via Peaceville Records.

"His Master's Voice" kicks things off.  It is a tune that blends the hatred piling up below the surface with a determined approach.  In fact, of the tracks on the album, this has the most pronounced Doom feel. "Hate Cloak," the first single, follows.  For those who have not yet heard it, there is a significant Crust vibe on this track.  It should also be mentioned that these are by no means short songs.  The combined time for both is just over sixteen minutes and thirty seconds, about the length of a typical EP.

DARKTHRONE has added value not only in song length here but also in production quality. Stepping away from the comfort of their (in)famous home studio, the band actually recorded at CHAKA KHAN's studio in Oslo, Norway.  Do not worry, though, because it is still definitely DARKTRONE for theirs is a sound that will transcend any equipment or technology.

Perhaps the most interesting moment on the album was the fourth track, "Voyage to a Northpole Adrift".  The longest song by far at just over ten minutes, it is unsurprisingly chocked full of peaks and valleys.  Truly, one feels as if on a North-pole voyage while listening. While this is by no means the best DARKTHRONE album, it is a solid addition to their discography.  Five tracks, the shortest at just seven minutes, provide a wealth of material.  Overall, it is a gift to have a new DARKTHRONE album in every sense of the word.