by Lord Randall
When a band’s lineup changes, by and large something’s going to happen to the sonic framework of said band…something in my experience that has a high chance of sucking. Now let’s say that this aforementioned band changes ¾ of their lineup, leaving only the drummer of 16 years as the last original member. And to complete the trifecta, let’s just throw in the fact that the band’s previous album was on the verge of breaking the band through to a larger audience based on their new label’s promotional engine and the album (in this case 2004’s Blackdoor Miracle) kicking severe ass. Almost guaranteed, this band will fail like the US’s healthcare system.
I’ll confess, I’d forgotten the dedication and power of one Jontho, skinsman for Norwegian horde Ragnarok. Straight up, I could do without the overused Insert-Blasphemous-Movie-Sample-Here intro, but after “Stabbed By The Horns” has exacted its (un)holy vengeance by blasting rhythms and string-fired strafings, there’s nothing left to do but let “Burning The Earth” continue its aural assault, vocalist HansFyrste not biting on longtime vocalist (and Taake mastermind) Hoest, yet revealing himself to be every bit as lividly raw in his delivery. The title track recalls Venom in its hailing of blown-out speed over technical proficiency, but you can’t manufacture this kind of hatred, kiddies. A militantly triumphant chorus that’ll pound against the inside of your skull for hours doesn’t hurt. “May Madness Hunt You Down” rolls forward like an M-1 Abrams tank, guitarist Brigge and the bass of Decepticon (“More than meets the eye!” – Sorry, couldn’t resist) beckoning rolling thunder.
Instead of curling up in the fetal position, Ragnarok has leapt out like a cornered wolf with Collectors Of The King, teeth bared and ready to dine on the hearts, drink from the spurting jugulars of the unsuspecting.
