March 21, 2010

Reviewer: Chris

Post-Quorthon black metal music is without question some of the most beautifully violent music ever created when done with both the proper mindset and the proper talent. Any band can crank out album after album of mediocre drivel and claim it to be the grandest opus to Satan, but usually fall flat on their collective corpse-painted-faces. However, now and then a band manages to convey the very feel and atmosphere of what the original second wave was all about. Melodic and violent, unrelenting and brazen, black metal’s nature is that of a wolf: you just don’t know what to expect past the initial charm and majesty. What exactly will it do?

Ragnarok hits once again with its sixth full-length album, Collectors of the King, a much-anticipated offering that does everything a black metal album is designed to do. It creates an atmosphere of both intrigue and fear within speedy chord changes and vocals straight from The Exorcist. For as many black metal bands out there vying to be the most evil or the most volatile, Ragnarok is what the black metal scene needs more of, and that is bands that know what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and how to make you want more. The album is enjoyable from beginning to end and never seems to run stagnant or veer off the intended course. With a production value far exceeding the typical black metal expectations, the album leaves no viable reason for you not to feel the majesty therein. 

Tracks like “In Honour of Satan”, “Stabbed by the Horns”, and “Burning the Earth” give one impressive start to the album, leaving nothing to the fragile imagination. Vocalist HansFyrste (fresh from duties in Svarttjern) takes up the singing mantle without missing a beat, creating a feel of evil and foreboding that is essential to the music. As a matter of fact, guitarist Brigge and bassist Decepticon are now helping to create the sound these days, while longtime member Jontho is still manhandling the drum kits. Don’t let the lineup changes befuddle or otherwise deter you from what is a great CD completely in line with Arising Realm or Nattferd. Sometimes change is good, and Ragnarok is still good.

As black metal music goes, Collectors of the King is a prime black metal example of what is sorely lacking in the current trend of “black-goth” ineptitude. Leave it to the Norwegians to create the cold, horrible picture of what evil can become if given the right amount of dark surroundings.

Release Date: March 22, 2010
Record Label: Regain Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Resurrection
2.  Stabbed by the Horns
3.  Burning the Earth
4.  In Honour of Satan
5.  Collectors of the King
6.  Eternal Damnation
7.  The Ancient Crown of Glory
8.  May Madness Hunt You Down
9.  Wisdom of Perfection

Total playing time:  38:40

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Ragnarok - Collectors of the King