Satyricon - The Age of Nero (2008)

The 21st century has brought a change to Satyricon which seems to have polarized some of their original fan base, whose adoration of the band seems to end at Nemesis Divina. I, for one, have really enjoyed this direction, this simpler style. Volcano was a great record, and Now, Diabolical has grown on me. The Age of Nero is another successful outing, very similar to the last few records but with a meatier production, and a stronger death/doom metal influence beginning to show in a few of the riffs.

The album opens with "Commando", and you'll notice immediately that this record share's Now, Diabolical's flair for minimal yet profound lyrics. Frost is on fire with the drums, though most of beats are simple like the songs, he unleashes some double bass fury to remind you that this IS Frost, after all. The riffs are just as groove-laden as the past few albums, but undeniably evil. They are catchy throughout the eight tracks of the album. "Black Crow on a Tombstone" is a thrasher breaking into the perfect, simple black metal riff. "Die By My Hand" is accompanied by some repressed, male chorus lines which create a haunting atmosphere. "My Skin is Cold" has some of the better riffs on the album, people may already be familiar with this tune because of the promotional EP earlier in the year. "The Sign of the Trident" has these really cool parts where some bass synth line blares just at the edge of perception, an interesting effect. "Last Man Standing" is pure old Celtic Frost worship with a Satyricon blow-dry.

In the end, this is another winner for the Norse band. They seem content with this style and they do an excellent job with it. If you're expecting the more glorious, folkish black metal of their yesteryears and haven't enjoyed the last two records, you won't find much in this to admire. Otherwise, it rocks, well worth a purchase. Let's just hope they don't make any stupid videos for it like they did on the last album.

Verdict: Win [8/10]

http://www.satyricon.no/