Dark Funeral | ‘Angelus Exuro Pro Eternus’
Dark Funeral have been somewhat overlooked in the history of Black Metal. They never produced an album that helped shape, direct or even mildly influence things, it’s true. Tons of people however must own ‘Secrets Of The Black Arts’ from back in the day - and it was no slouch musically.
Fastforward a decade, and this album is a wake up call to anyone who thought mainstream black metal (now there’s a thorny phrase) was dead in the water. This blistering album delivers that wake up call with a slap in the face. Though it’s uncomplicated, it just bleeds class in it’s fierceness, speed and conviction.
Just like the similarly underappreciated Belphegor, this new album surprises instantly with the skill of its playing. The drums in particular are absolutely lethal. Amazingly fast double kick, natural enough tone and blastbeats riddling the whole dirty article.
In fact, for those who liked Dimmu Borgir for what they originally were, this may come as a welcome trip down memory lane. It’s like all of that band’s positive points and none of the sad and denigrating nonsense that came with fame. Ergo, melodies played with fiery aggression, cold vocal rasps and mountainous drumming are the order of the day.
The cover art says it all. The faster tracks on here, like opener ‘The End Of Human Race’ and especially the darkly melodic title track are nothing short of volcanic.
Dark Funeral aren’t about to reinvent anything. To their credit, they’ve stayed the course these last ten years or more, and that’s all that’s been asked of them. Compare that with Marduk, a band of comparable style and vintage, who haven’t a clue what they are these days.
Dark Funeral have gotten better and better and better at the simple, straightforward dark black metal they made in the first place. There’s no shame in that, and indeed as this zippy and insatiable album proves, it has quietly made them as good if not better than many of the rest. This is surprisingly menacing.
3.9 / 5 - Ciaran Tracey ::: 27/01/10
Metal Ireland
January 28th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Really isn’t fair to say Marduk don’t know what they are at these days. Wormwood may be a little unfocused but it was only a few years ago they delivered “Roman 5.12″ which is not only far superior to anything Dark Funeral have ever done but recent enough to not write them off completely
January 28th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Unfocused is a charitable overview - Rom 5.12 and Plague Angel excellent yes, but Wormwood is inconsistent toss while World Funeral and Danse Macabre were messy as well. My point is more that sticking to a fairly straight script neednt be a problem - as compared to Marduk, who’ve tried to introduce other elements, and just lost direction (and quality) in doing so.
January 28th, 2010 at 1:25 pm
You’re way off about ‘Wormwood’, Ciaran. Took a long time to get into it but I think it’s a fantastic album. Not as good as ‘Rom’ but excellent nonetheless. There’s no ponit in referring to the later Legion stuff as it’s a different band since the lineup changes.
January 28th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
Also Dark Funeral tend to only make an album every 5 years at this stage. Could help them to be honest. I think there are moments on Wormwood of greatness but it’s a bit unfocused. Still don’t think it’s fair to say what you said about them lately considering they have what? 11 albums or so.