I - Between Two Worlds Review
by billy d. gamble
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Members from Immortal, Enslaved, and Gorgoroth come together to make one super black metal band
Need I say more?
Somewhere between their string of recent releases, members from the bands listed above have come together and teamed up with lyricist Demonaz (Immortal, Amputation) to create the side-project I. Between Two Worlds is a similar yet dramatically different sound from its member's main projects. Overall the album is slow, simple, and brilliant. The Viking metal sound and pace is somewhere between Immortal and a touch of newer Enslaved that leans towards rock power chords and typical structuring.
In Between Two Worlds a subtle and constant tribute to Bathory is present, especially in such songs like "Far Beyond Quiet" and the album's title track. Though attempted, the album is more of a head nod as opposed to a headbang, which is moderately disappointing, though in the tracks 'Warrior' and 'Cursed We Are' I do believe a bang or two would be considered appropriate. In 'Battalions' T.C. King (Gorgoroth, Sahg, Jotunspor) decides to deliver heavy bass walk outbursts standing out from the power chord set up, the likes of which resemble Gorgoroth's 2000 release Incipit Satan. Abbath Doom Occulta's (Immortal, Old Funeral, Bombers) buzzsaw vocals on the album switch back and forth from song to song. From sounding out of breath and disappointing [See the title track] to extremely powerful like on "Mountains" where the guitars stops and he rolls his tongue epically. The drum delivery from Armageda (Immortal) is constantly simple and sounds like old-school Dimmu Borgir but MUCH slower. Arve "Ice Dale" Isdal's (Enslaved) solos start out with simple, extremely slow tempos and later become moderately complex harmonizing solos that aren't heard enough from Enslaved but vented constantly with I.
Most of the members have changed their typical images for this album, which for me is like seeing KISS without their makeup---different and uncomfortable. You will not be seeing Abbath with his chain mail or T.C. King with face paint surrounded by dead, decapitated livestock. But the album has a very old style with clear, crisp delivery. The sound is all there own and it is clear how each member contributed insights and influence from their bigger name counterparts. The album is short and different
Track listing
1. The Storm I Ride
2. Warrior
3. Between Two Worlds
4. Battalions
5. Mountains
6. Days of the North Winds
7. Far Beyond Quiet
8. Cursed We AreSamples can be found at www.myspace.com/abbathi
CD Info and Links
I - Between Two Worlds Label:Nuclear Blast
Rating:8.5
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