Learn the Old Ways, pass them on, oral tradition was strong in the north in the old days. Throne of Katarsis carries on the tradition, continues telling the tales, songs inspired by the old masters. Can I call them that if most of them are younger than me? In the oral tradition individual storytellers adapted the stories, adding or subtracting details, but kept the core thread of narration the same, it is easier to memorize long tales that way. That is what we have here, storytellers in the great Norwegian tradition telling slightly modernized versions of traditional black metal tales in true reverence.

Bands like this, with direct ties to the older bands, understand never let the old ways die. Throne of Katarsis has mastered a half dozen long tales, around the ten minute mark each, to add the the previous masterpieces presented to the faithful as they make their rounds to various clubs and theaters, and thanks to modernity, dvd players near you.

If you have not yet ordered this disc the ritual eludes you. Casual fans of black metal can revel in the compositional mastery and superior sound quality. True adherents already know of this twosome, and count Throne of Katarsis among the elite in black ritual music. If you make it through the 18 minute title track without rekindling fond memories of Immortal, you simply are not worthy.

Once again recorded at Black Dimension Studio. Once again excellent drum sound, and excellent that the guitars do not bury the drums. Drumming is a highlight on every track. Music by Infamroth, composition by Throne of Katarsis. Logo and artwork by Christophe Szpajdel. Ritual hymns by Vardalv and Dirge Rep. Sharing a label with 1349, Sear Bliss,  Absu, Averse Sefira, Blut aus Nord, etc. you might think Throne of Katarsis might just disappear into the shadows but they more than hold their own in a killer lineup.

[Visit the band's website]

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