Gorgoroth - True Norwegian Black Metal: Live in Grieghallen Review
by Matt Hensch
.
Gaahl: Why is this live CD out, Infernus? Why must you and Regain Records still bring back those memories you, King, and I all shared when things were good? Do you not understand how hard these changes have been?
Infernus: Well, I thought the fans would enjoy it. My emotions have driven me crazy, but releasing True Norwegian Black Metal gave Uncle Infernus a little closure from your difficult departure.
Gaahl: This is why I cry myself to sleep since we split. This is why King has been sitting in his room with a teddy bear one of his students gave him, fuming about the time we spent together. Why do you conjure these memories like a group of cultists summoning Satan?
Infernus: You b*tch! How dare you! This is what Gorgoroth was, and you killed it!Gaahl: No! It was your fault! Infernus: Was not!
Ladies and gentlemen, you were just given a special sneak-peak at the return of Gorgoroth's gripping soap opera after a steamy season of power, betrayal, dishonestly, and more lawsuits than Kobe Bryant's forced exile from a whorehouse! Believe it or not, the series' original season left all black metal fans with a stunning cliffhanger nobody saw coming: Gaahl and King tried taking Gorgoroth for themselves, while Infernus and Regain Records quickly joined forces in hopes of saving the guitarist's moniker! But after anxiously awaiting another saga of juvenile bulls***, True Norwegian Black Metal: Live in Grieghallen has revitalized those good times (and bitter judgments) rather impressively. This live album has caused yet ANOTHER lawsuit filed by Gaahl and King, but one thing remains certain: it is a great way to piss off those cretins. The three stooges definitely had a great chemistry together, and hearing them playing as one can warm any heart, regardless of how frostbitten one is. That is the magic of this final hurrah.
The original synopsis I occupied has been my only one: Live in Grieghallen is outstanding. There's no doubting Gorgoroth was unified under black metal's flag for our entertainment, and these sensational performances each have their own perks, both good and evil. Gaahl, however, unquestionably reigns like Odin; his distinct shrieks are exquisite throughout. Taking his insane tone intact, this eminent vocalist slurs twisted notes and deafening barks like it was nothing, yet it all looks good towards his direction. Gorgoroth's remaining member also contribute wondrous plug-ins likewise, clearly feeding black metal cannibalism with Infernus' rapid riffs and erupting percussion, adjoining classic tunes like "Revelation of Doom" on an unflawed foundation, even for ones that were previously poor. For instance, I hated "Antichrist" based on several grounds, yet I can't resist expressing how awesome "Bergtrollets Hevn" and "Possessed (By Satan)" are with Gaahl yelping alongside that raw atmosphere. You can certainly contemplate this live recording's quality when a rabid hater faces another direction shortly thereafter.
Regain Records: Are you sure this live CD we're doing is legit?
Infernus: Of course. Uncle Infernus does not make mistakes.
Regain Records: You know we shall always stand by the rightful owner of Gorgoroth, right?
Infernus: Yes. Uncle Infernus knows you have made the right decision.
Regain Records: Why do you always talk in the third-person?
Infernus: Uncle Infernus cannot comprehend this loss of Gaahl and King. They make Uncle Infernus happy!
Regain Records: Sh*t! Someone tell Lord Belial to get tissues ASAP! He's like a pregnant woman losing water!
But when dancing around enjoyable showmanship, Live in Grieghallen heaves a dirty ambience right in your face without concern of external damage. Gaahl's vocals are obviously placed above everything else, while Infernus' guitar playing is evenly equated with Gorgoroth's percussion effort; proper distribution is shown clearly, alongside great balance of cacophony. Overall, those riffs feel heavier than ever (see that genital chomping on "Destroyer") from captured distortion, and the other members each burn violently into the mayhem with their separate contributions, crafting a storming record worth hours of fun. Filthy and raw, it's exactly how I like my black metal cooked on stage.
You know, I really find this release quite pleasing, mainly because the group is warmly based around a consistent style, causing them to revolve nicely during these selected tunes; not just that, but whoever produced and mixed it deserves a damn crown. The feud behind this CD makes me wonder whether or not Gorgoroth can settle a little dispute without hurling legal conflicts of vomit and piss at their separate antagonists, but children will always play like children; best not disrupt the universe's flow, right? However, Live in Grieghallen is a very good release, and Gorgoroth followers should definitely start riots until they have obtained a copy of this drama magnet.
CD Info and Links
Gorgoroth - True Norwegian Black Metal: Live in Grieghallen Rating:8.5
Preview and Purchase This CD Online
Visit the official homepage
More articles for this artist
tell a friend about this review
.
...end |