Year: 2022
Total Time: 36.52
Label: Werewolf Records
SATANIC WARMASTER veterans are one of the most characteristic and famous bands of Finnish Black Metal scene. Child of controversial figure Werwolf, have builted through the years a well respected name and discography with the great album “Carelian Satanist Madness” being a point of reference. It’s been eight years since their previous album “Fimbulwinter”, and the Finns returned just before the end of 2021 year with their new album “Aamongandr”. Werwolf during last years had put SATANIC WARMASTER aside, as he was involved in several projects.
Along with the announcement of the new album, Werwolf had released the first single “Bafomet”, which did not raise in me high expectations, as it was a typical Finnish Black Metal composition. The truth is that I had no illusions that I could hear from SATANIC WARMASTER, something very impressive but after an absence of eight years I expected something better musicaly. Fortunately, the single was not fully representative of the rest of the album, as the band delivers us six quality Black Metal compositions delineated within the familiar musical boundaries of the band with the classic frozen Finnish riffs with rurious rythms.
Overall, the album sounds quite pleasant, with songs such as “Duke’s Ride” and “Beserk Death” standing out as the usage of keyboard creates a majestic atmosphere. “Aamongandr” is characterized by the well-known ‘familiar’ scratching tremolo on guitars and the combination of aggression, Black Metal brutality and melody, a band’s musical characteristic since their beginnings. Werwolf’s vocals also remain furious and aggresive.The song that encompasses all these elements and could be described as the highlight of the album is “Barbas X Aamon” which closes the record. Excruciating mide tempo rhythm, with influences by BURZUM being quite obvious, and an icy melody enchanting.
With “Aamongandr” SATANIC WARMASTER, continue where they left off with their previous album “Fimbulwinter”, with the only difference being the production. On the new album it is more direct and oldschool and not as modern as it was on “Fimbulwinter”, something that die hard fans of the band did not like. So let’s be honest, we don’t expect the Finns to release another “Carelian Satanist Madness” and “Aamongandr” stands decently in their discography keep us satisfied as that they continue on quality impetuous musical paths, enjoying the cold and traditional Scandinavian Black Metal they offer us.
Rating: 7/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: SATANIC WARMASTER -Facebook Page
