The debut album of Norwegian black metal band Darkthrone is a beast in its own right.This was the one and only death metal album that they released though some people will argue that this is not death metal.It has the twisted riffs and instrumental virtuosity of death metal bands of that era like Entombed (even the guitar tone is a version of the famous "buzzsaw" sound) and it has something else that makes it special - atmosphere.This album has a feeling of darkness permeating throughout ; not unlike the bleak,windswept and chilly fjords of Norway.
The production is surprisingly good considering that all the other Darkthrone albums sound like they were recorded in a bathroom.The bass is audible and there are some wonderful bass lines.The guitar creates a tapestry of sound with slow doomy power chords as well Bathory inspired tremolo picked riffs.The lead playing is superb as Nocturno does not try to overplay and ruin the atmosphere.Fenriz is great behind the drums.The vocals are more raspy and do not sound like the other death metal acts of that time who were trying to go as low and guttural as possible.In a way I can see how Darkthrone would progress to a black metal sound from here (or is it regress??) .Don't get me wrong, I enjoy listening to black metal but Darkthrone should have continued what they did on this album.They could have carved a niche for themselves playing "dark atmospheric" death metal.
The album is best heard in one sitting as the songs smoothly transition into each other , meshing and creating a miasma of riffs and darkness.The use of keys is justified in creating the melancholic and yet haunting sound.The greatest thing about this album is nothing is overdone to the point where it becomes stale.The lyrics are very good and unlike other death metal bands singing about gore and violence they have cryptic philosophical and metaphorical undertones.
I have found only one flaw so far in this album and that is the vocals.They emerge when least expected and are drenched some sort of reverb/echo effect but that is just a minor flaw and does not detract the listener from enjoying the album.
Even though I enjoy the black metal releases Darkthrone did after this, Soulside Journey will remain my favourite Darkthrone album.And all those people who think Fenriz and Nocturno cannot play their instruments and don't understand sonic dynamics should check out this album.They will be pleasantly surprised.
"I have had this Vision
of a voyage in mind and soul
Through silent Somniferous scenes
within the enclosed chambers of my
untouched spiritual experiences
Soaring through damp air, Seeing
faces, twisting, plunging through my colour
Cosmic Fear arrives, I hold a dead one,
Surrounded by my many candles
(I burn to cleanse the air)
Rotten Unclean Sacrifice Nightmares
Unreal Psychedelic Journey
Ride The Darkside
Search The Soulside"
- Soulside journey (Darkthrone)
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