Darkthrone - It Beckons Us All.......
• album review •

It Beckons Us All opens with "Howling Primitive Colonies," immediately immersing listeners in a dense, doom-laden atmosphere. The track, after a modern-sounding introduction, settles into a slow, hypnotic rhythm marked by raw, dissonant tones and Fenriz’s raspy vocals, which verge on clean singing. This blend of styles sets the stage for the rest of the album, balancing the band’s traditional black metal roots with new sonic explorations.

"Eon 3" transports fans back to Darkthrone’s early days, with martial rhythms and piercing harmonics reminiscent of their classic sound. Midway through, the track introduces more melodic elements, creating a striking contrast before transitioning into the chaotic "Black Dawn Affiliation." Here, the album revisits a heavier, more traditional black metal aesthetic, infused with dark, heavy influences. The song’s midpoint shifts into a mystical realm, complete with haunting choirs, before giving way to the eerie instrumental "And In That Moment I Knew The Answer," a brief yet impactful piece that evokes a sense of disturbed tranquility.

"The Bird People Of Nordland" stands out as a significant return to pure black metal, with long, epic passages that blend sinister undertones with captivating speed bursts. The oppressive "The Heavy Hand" follows, characterized by lethargic, sludgy tones and Nocturno Culto’s echoing, foggy screams, creating a suffocating atmosphere.

The album's climax, "The Lone Pines Of The Lost Planet," reveals a cold, desolate landscape painted with raw, aerial notes that gradually evolve into a surprisingly welcoming finale, enriched with unexpected effects. This final track encapsulates the essence of It Beckons Us All, blending bleakness with subtle warmth and innovation.

With It Beckons Us All, Darkthrone continues their tradition of defying expectations. Fenriz and Nocturno Culto skillfully integrate influences from doom, heavy metal, and hard rock, crafting an album that, while divergent from their classic works, remains deeply inspired and creatively rich. Darkthrone’s ability to surprise and captivate their audience proves once again that they are masters of their craft, perpetually evolving while staying true to their dark roots.