Description

French 2004 pressing on Drakkar Productions with one bonus track

Black metal outfit Watain emerged from Uppsala, Sweden, in 1998, quickly gaining underground credibility with an uncompromising 7’ release entitled ‘The Essence Of Black Purity’ then solidifying their commitment to the dark metal arts via 2000s thematically shocking but instrumentally accomplished, ‘Rabid Death’s Curse’ album. Imagine a cross between early Bathory and Dissection’s ‘The Somberlain’ album. Throw in a production value reminiscent of ‘A Blaze In the Northern Sky’ and you should get a general idea of what this sounds like. Does anyone remember when you could hear the bass guitar in black metal? No? Well I don’t really either, I’m just trying to make a point here. You can hear it on this album, and it wouldn’t be half as good as it is if you couldn’t. An entirely new dimension is opened up, particularly when the melodic leads are playing. This is probably because in most parts there’s only one guitar, so there’s usually no backing guitar riff to go along with the melodies. But rest assured, the music wouldn’t be as dark if the bass was replaced with another guitar…like in every other black metal band…ever (maybe they’re on to something here). As for the vocals, they’re quite similar to Jon from Dissection, though they’re a bit hoarser and much darker. And the riffs, well I already explained that they were old Bathory influenced with creepy leads throughout, what I didn’t say was that not a single one is bad. Every single riff and melody is absolutely perfect, and I can safely say that if I had to listen to this every day for the next ten years I would not get bored. Ever. Basically what I’m saying is that this is black metal perfection.

Track listing:
1. The Limb Crucifix
2. Rabid Death’s Curse
3. On Horns Impaled
4. Life Dethroned
5. Walls of Life Ruptured
6. Agony Fires
7. Angelrape
8. Mortem Sibi Consciscere
9. When Heavens End-Dodheimsgard cover