Legends Dark Funeral have been putting out crushing black metal since 1996 beginning with the seminal debut “Secrets Of The Black Arts” – which happens to be the album that hooked me to the black metal genre. With many line-up changes through-out their career, Lord Ahriman being the only remaining founding member; despite this Dark Funeral have remained consistent, never really having a “dud” in their catalogue. “We Are The Apocalypse” is their 7th full length released on March 18th, 2022 on Century Media Records.
Let The Devil In
As I mentioned, Dark Funeral have had their share of line-up changes, so I’ll bring you up to speed: Heljarmadr returns to vocal duties. Guitar’s handled by Chaq Mol and Lord Ahriman. More recent members Adra-Melek and Jalomaah are on bass and drums respectively.
My first impression of “We Are The Apocalypse” is that this album will be a direct continuation from the last album “Where Shadows Forever Reign”, similar in tone and song structure. So I expect similar quality from the rest of this album.
Dark Funeral has always used melodic elements, in Lord Ahriman’s guitar leads and solos, vocal deliveries, etc. The track “When I’m Gone” takes these elements to a new level; the rest of the album is “typical Dark Funeral affair”, but this track stands out as being particularly melodic, even melancholic. The tempo is slowed way down and the guitar leads are even more melodic. It’s not bad track by any means, I quite like it, but someone who prefers non-stop blast beats may find this track distracting. It’s placed right in the middle and serves as a break between both sides of the album.
Burn Their Shrines, Make Them Fear The Night
After a thorough listen, I properly enjoyed it. “We Are The Apocalypse” is in fact an improvement over the last album both in the production (mixing and mastering) and the quality of the songs. The songs are catchy (not in a kitschy way) making them a memorable experience. This album will be on my playlist for some time.
- Standout track: “Beyond The Grave”
- For fans of: Marduk, Immortal, Watain, Ragnarok
My rating scale:
1 Star: STAY AWAY. Far away.
2 Stars: Major flaws but you gave it a chance. Destined for the bargain bin.
3 Stars: Overall, it’s ok despite some obvious flaws. Fanboys can get enjoyment out of it it but someone who is more critical may have an issue with it. Buy at a discount or while on sale.
4 Stars: Nearly perfect. A must listen and well suited to add to your collection.
5 Stars: BUY IT NOW, no questions asked. I don’t care if you don’t like [insert genre].
…In Other News…
- SLIPKNOT on Friday the 13th in Los Angeles
- Rebel Noise Market at Black Plague Brewing
- Israel’s trip to WACKEN OPEN AIR 2024
- Metal Monday at The Tower Bar San Diego
- Top Metal Albums of 2024 So Far
You can find me on Twitter @TheIbexmoon where I occasionally hang out and discuss music, video games and anything else I find interesting.
-Eric Reeder 3/19/22