Description

2012 double vinyl release with two bonus demo tracks

The first full length release from the most mysterious of Norwegian bands by Snorre Ruch and associates of various caliber such as Faust (Emperor), Hellhammer (Mayhem) and Satyr of Satyricon amongst others in the bands long and unknown history, released the (in)famous demo tape, Grymyrk, which many say influenced their music. Snorre himself was (alleged to be) involved in the murder of Euronymus when he was (supposed to be) the driver of the car that took Varg Vikernes to Euronymus flat. Since signing to Moonfog records, Snorre has revived Thorns and has since made a split album with Black Metal legends Emperor and this album. Thorns have a lot of history behind them and does this album live up to history? The answer to this question is yes, this album does rise to the challenge. The album is Black Metal with splices of Industrial in it, while Aboryms With No Human Intervention Industrial sections are mainly dance based at times and likely to turn people away, Thorns is a more calculated, colder machine of an album with the timed, constant beating of anvils over slow, funeral doom/black riffs in the third song Shifting Channels showcasing the industrial side of Thorns while Interface to God and Stellar Master Elite show the more Black Metal face of the band. Each of the songs has its own individual character, thanks to Snorres guitar riffs and use of samples and synths. The Guitar is downtuned to near distortion, sounding like static though one can hear the riffs underneath the distortion while having an ambient feel. The bass is a shower of static which is created through synths. The drumming is by Hellhammer, who keeps in time with the riffs, provided by Snorre Ruch himself with the two guest vocalists, Satyr and Aldrahn from another Black/Industrial Metal band: Dodheimsgard taking turns as vocalists during the album. There is also usage of sample and other sounds in each of the songs, Aldrahns vocals are goblin-like and rough and Satyrs are similar yet different. This is a rollercoaster of Black Metal majesty from a man whose importance to Black metal is more than anyone, even the most observant of observers, can recognize though it isnt a thrash bar two songs, this is a really an album to travel to a plane of fantasy and the soul of those who create it. Hail Snorre Ruch, an underrated herald of black metal, in my opinion.

Track listing:
1. Existence
2. World Playground Deceit
3. Shifting Channels
4. Stellar Master Elite
5. Underneath The Universe I
6. Underneath The Universe II
7. Interface To God
8. Vortex
9. Tsos-demo 2000
10. Existence-demo 2000