BLACKNASA (10/10)

You would probably want to sit this one out, believe what I say, I'm talking about the juggernaut band DARKTHRONE, a veteran in Metal and a massive old war machine in Black Metal. If you don't know DARKTHRONE you probably should dig your way out from the hole you lived in for the last 20 years or so.

I have never before reviewed a band that had such immense style variations, started in Death metal, embraced the Black Metal style and became quite a relic within Norwegian Black Metal. However, 7 years ago there was another change in style to the elusive Black Metal with the addition of Crust / Punk. Just for a remainder, Crust punk (often simply called Crust) is a form of music influenced by Anarcho-Punk, Hardcore Punk and Extreme Metal. To lay it down easier, think about MOTORHEAD meets IMMORTAL meets VENOM and CELTIC FROST. Ohh my god what a meeting, will be happy to know what Lucifer thinks about a gathering like that.

The album consists from 6 songs but wait it's not the number the counts, it's the quality. Each song is a juggernaut of Pure Black Crust Metal. The first songs "Dead Early", starts with a slow doom like riff that mutates into classic bone chilling Black Metal riff, what a treat, and then it hits you with the immense vocals alongside the drums and bass. Like any Crust style the songs have a speedy riffing later on with an ambient atmosphere, no doubt a masterpiece.

"Valkyrie" maybe the most amazing song that start with an acoustic, southern like, strumming followed by Heavy Metal riffing that diverts to Speed and Black metal mash alongside clean, depth, vocals, the song reminded me of the classic VENOM and even MERCYFUL FATE, I got goose bumps.

Listening  to the intro of "Lesser Men" sent me to the internet to find out where have I heard it before. Found it. It took me 5 seconds to find it. "A Dangerous Meeting" by MERCYFUL FATE, such a classic. "Lesser Men" is pure black with awesome vocals.

"The Ones You Left Behind" is by far one of the best songs I have heard in the last two years, such classic twin vocals with high pitched riffing, epic songs in the making, will be there alongside songs like "Curse of the Pharaohs" and a "Corpse Without A Soul".

No need to talk about "Come Warfare, The Entire Doom" and "Leave No Cross Unturned" I will leave you to wonder, believe me you will be amazed.

Bands like DARKTHRONE are the reason I love Metal for years and albums like "The Underground Resistance" is the reason I will probably listen to Metal for the rest of my life. Masterpiece, that's the only word that I'm going to write to summarize.

DRAGO (9/10)

What can be said about DARKTHRONE that hasn't already been said? As one of the key bands, along with MAYHEM to usher in the second wave of black metal they are legends in the metal world. When your resume includes "Transylvania Hunger", "A Blaze in the Northern Sky", and "Under a Funeral Moon" you have a band that has personally created the blueprint for every black metal release that has existed since. With 2006s "The Cult Is Alive" the band shifted its sound and embraced more influences from CELTIC FROST, MOTORHEAD and added undeniable punk elements. To the dismay of some, the band has not looked back since and have left their black metal beginnings behind.

DARKTHRONE's latest opus, "The Underground Resistance" released through Britain's Peaceville Records is a step further away from their original sound. Adapting even more influences from CELTIC FROST and now bringing in some early speed Metal leanings like early AGENT STEEL. The Hardcore fans of their early material that are holding out a return to the glory days can look elsewhere as DARKTHRONE are remaining true to themselves and are playing a style of metal that they prefer and what a glorious style it is.

"The Underground Resistance" is an epic release. Containing only six songs the material is long, layered and complex as the running time is over 41 minutes.  Founders Nocturno Culto and Fenriz are playing at their highest level. Alternating between songs as vocalists every song here is majestic. The driving opener "Dead Early" contains that classic MOTORHEAD feel where a Punk influenced riff fills the middle of the song as it is sandwiched between a classic thick as tar Metal riff that will have you banging your head through a wall. The magnificent "The Ones You Left Behind" is classic modern day DARKTHRONE with its blend of Speed Metal, Punk and operatic vocals that Fenriz loves to accentuate. Halfway through the song a melodic grandiose instrumental break is the best musical moment on this release. One feels like this would be the soundtrack as they were riding a horse into an epic final battle. As amazing as the first five songs are the best is yet to come.

That brings us to the epic closer "Leave No Cross Unturned", the crowning achievement of DARKTHRONE's career. This song is so strong that it clearly overshadows the other songs on the record. At a staggering 13:50 this is one larger-than-life tune. The first 3 minutes is a Speed Metal anthem capturing the essence of early AGENT STEEL in everything from the classic fast picked riffs to the over the top vocals. If you aren't pounding your fist along with the chorus you just aren't Metal. For the next five minutes we are then treated to the best CELTIC FROST song released since "To Mega Therion". Sludgy simple riffs crush your skull relentlessly. Simple riffs have not been this effective since the heyday of Metal. When the vocals kick in, the reincarnation of Tom Warrior is complete. The first time I heard the melody I had to do a double take because I thought it was actually the man himself. I had the biggest idiot grin on my face as it brought me right back to 1984 discovering "Morbid Tales" again for the first time. For a song that is so long it never gets old. The riffs bouncing back and forth and the differences in speed between the two parts really help break up the monotony. Easily the best song I have heard so far in 2013 and I can't imagine hearing a song this year that will top it.

There is no secret what we are getting with the new DARKTHRONE release.  They have settled into their new sound and have perfected it on this release. Anytime DARKTHRONE releases a new record it is a huge event. "The Underground Resistance" has lived up to the hype and sees one of the most important bands in metal staying true to themselves and carrying the torch for Metal. Keeping the old school sound alive better than anyone on the scene today this is a must have and a sure contender for album of the year.

SALVADOR AGUINAGA II (7/10)

Here's a band that needs no introduction. Well into their 16^th album, "The Underground Resistance" once again under the fabled Peaceville Records, DARKTHRONE continue with indefinite experimentation. If adding Punk wasn't enough but also with traditional Metal, DARKTHRONE take pleasure in peeling the skin off of your eyes. Branching further and further and letting the venom take root for it will take you for a fantasy ride.

All the riffs are catchy and memorial. "Dead Early" blends a good brew of traditional and black metal with excellent punk riffing. From there we go into one of the most beautiful songs, "Valkyrie". This is definitely my favorite for many reasons. In its unique way there's a combination of Punk and Atmospheric Black Metal successfully accompanied by beautiful warm-felt vocals. These vocals soar into skies as you ride the heavenly steed.  I'd like to call them folk vocals because they sound foreign to the mainland. Clean vocals that glide you to victory. I don't know if you've seen the movie, "Remember the Titans" but this reminds me of that song they sing when someone departs. That scene where they are all sad and mournful but together. Just listen to the main rhythm of this song and see if you can fit the chanting "Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Hey Goodbye". Soulful and in unison, kind of the vibe "Valkyrie" had.

Now we discover "Lesser Men" things start to get a bit sludgy along with the same catchy riffing. I immediately start to think about the likes of MOTORHEAD and HIGH ON FIRE. The solo sounds interesting, it's fast but scatterbrained. Just imagine James Murphy playing an ambient solo and underneath it's layered with a great riff assertively charging. Things start to get interesting in "The Ones You Left Behind". Try visualizing a mental image of Fenriz and Nocturno Culto in fancy get-ups singing duets up onstage in elegant velvet clothing to a bunch of rich people. That's exactly what it seems like but this isn't Hollywood instead let's serenade nature's creatures out in the Norwegian plains.

"Come Warfare, the Entire Doom" just as the title suggests it start to explore doom metal. They did a rather good job with it as well. Finally comes the killer and longest song, "Leave No Cross Unturned". The title is a testament to signify that if the previous five songs have not worked for you this one will definitely convert you. Right from the get-go you are slapped in the face with high soaring vocals, Rob Halford style. If this doesn't indent your eyes backwards then I don't know what will. The vocals are magnificent in its variance. He has this nice accent as he rolls his letters. He shows a varying degree of execution as his voice drops a few octaves and disperses into a few new realms. This song continues its effort with doom metal but also speed metal.

Going through "The Underground Resistance" once isn't good enough. You're probably struck silent and baffled that it's going to take at least another listen to fully appreciate what you just heard. It's an acceptable release; you have to admire musicians willing to try different routes with a grand understanding of music. What's excellent about it is its approachability. I've already mentioned it before but the riffs are catchy and fun. It's definitely one I see myself playing over and over.

DORY KHAWAND (9/10)

The insane Norwegian duo just doesn't want to give up. From their 80's Death Metal efforts, to their 90's occult influenced Black Metal to the most recent Black Punk Metal (or whatever I'm supposed to call it). It's just one original idea after the other, and on "The Underground Resistance" their drones are heading towards Valhalla to bomb the whole place and spread sheer Norwegian brutality.

What makes this album so different than their previous efforts is the unique atmosphere within each and every song. "Dead Early" starts off as a very fast Thrash influenced Black Metal song and is really varied with its guitars and vocal delivery. "Valkyrie" turns what you've heard 180 degrees and showcases a very Viking background with very catchy melodies, and the trademark Viking Metal feel directly influenced by the late Quorthon.

The other tracks on this LP continue to impress, and what will blow your mind the most is "Come Warfare, the Entire Doom", which is probably the heaviest and most unique song on "The Underground Resistance".

More highlights to be found on this musical endeavor are the vocals, where you'll be either greeted with lo-fi chants, or assaulted with the trademark screams done by the band members. The drumming is excellent and leaves you begging Fenriz to go faster (a request which he will probably accept), and everything else is tad excellent and doesn't need any criticism whatsoever.

To sum thing up, I didn't find one bad element on this EP. DARKTHRONE continue to deliver what the fans want and never did the exact same thing twice. "The Underground Resistance" is a must for DARKTHRONE and Black Metal fans, and of course, for anyone wanting a refreshing Metal sound. This LP is a highly recommended and anticipated release which will never disappoint you whatsoever. Get this shit as soon as it hits the stores.