Search - Naglfar :: Pariah

Good, but still declining....

M. Weir | Denver, CO | 07/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After a blistering Diabolical and a kind of blistering Sheol, Naglfar is back sans their original vocalist Jens Ryden (If my memory serves me that's his name). Stepping up to take over the vocalist position is long time band member, bass player, and all around really unattractive person, Kristoffer Olivius. No offense Kristoffer - the ability to make small children cry when they look at you has to have it's merits.



Almost immediately after throwing in this disk for the first time I came to the realization that the the new vocals sound nearly identical to Galder's vocals on newer Old Man's Child albums! The vocals have the same distorted sound as Galders and I felt the need to make sure I put in the new naglfar disk instead of one of my OMC discs! The music itself is still Naglfar but I have to say it doesn't seem as brutal and creative as before. Then again, they cranked this one out compared to the gap between Diabolical and Sheol.



The album really starts to pick up at track 5 and in my opinion the second half of the disk contains the most interesting listens, not that anything groundbreaking is going on here.



My favorite track of the disk would have to be track 6 "None shall be spared". The album packaging itself features pretty good artwork and band photographs giving it a very high budget feel. A very nice package I'd have to say.



All in all I'm going to recommend this black metal fans, especially if you're a naglfar fan and you collect all their releases. It may not be anything new or groundbreaking but it's still naglfar. With a new vocalist of course. Diabolical is still their best album in my opinion. If you've never experienced Naglfar check that one out and if you like it be sure to pick up the others, including the harder to find and very awesome Vittra.



"

Naglfar finally gets the mix they deserve!

JK2 | Boise, ID USA | 09/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having been a big fan of this band since Vittra, I was very excited to see they had a new album out. I was then double-excited as the disc kicked on and I heard that Naglfar finally got a discernable drum mix. I loved the music on Shoel, but was thoroughly disappointed as the drums turned into a wash during the blast beats - just like Diabolical and Vittra.



But I Digress, with a decent mix behind them, Naglfar is finally able to shine and it is obvious to see what they have been so capable of all of these years. Pariah starts in classic fashion with SWARM OF PLAGUES which establishes immediately that have not shied away from their hardcore black metal attack. Stand out on this album for me is THE PERPETUAL HORRORS which repeatedly jumps to a medium tempo slide groove that begs anyone to bang their head, or at least shove up the horns.



Writing wise you can expect the direction they were headed on Shoel, they continue to use the dual guitars to their full potential as Pariah is covered in those luscious minor 5th harmonies. So if you are a fan, this is definately worth the $ as I've said, it has the production they have so sorely needed."

666 Black Metal Salutes To Naglfar.

SpacegrassMan | Insane Land of Words & Music | 12/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These guys deserve a lot more credit than they get on the reviews being written on here. I don't hear the Dissection and Dark Funeral comparisons being talked about. I think Naglfar has enough solid sound of their own making that would exclude them from any critics using a rip off vibe on them. The vocals on here are killer. Kristoffer Olivius's vocals on this thing sound like he was in a very dark state of mind while hammering out his vocal chords. The drumming is very solid, nothing massively technical, but still right in the pocket with the rest of the band. All the tracks on this are exceptional. Standouts are: None Shall be Spared, Revelations Carved In Flesh, The Murder Manifesto and every other one. I thought this had the same feel as The masterpiece, Chimera, from the legendary Mayhem. And I thought that one was one of the best ever. I'll be cranking these guys a lot. Easy 5 stars for Pariah."