DARKTHRONE · The Cult Is Alive | BLACK LP

Black vinyl in gatefold cover.

Background information about 'The Cult Is Alive'

Darkthrone's "The Cult Is Alive" stands as a pivotal moment in the Norwegian legends' evolution, marking their continued departure from pure black metal orthodoxy into more punk-infused territories. Released in 2006, this album showcases Fenriz and Nocturno Culto's willingness to experiment while maintaining their signature raw production and uncompromising attitude. The opening track "The Cult Of Goliath" immediately sets the tone with its driving rhythms and memorable hooks, while tracks like "Too Old Too Cold" and "Atomic Coming" demonstrate the duo's ability to craft anthemic yet abrasive compositions that feel both familiar and refreshingly different.

The album's second half continues this momentum with standout tracks like "Whisky Funeral" and the Norwegian-language "De Underjordiske (Ælia Capitolina)", proving that Darkthrone's songwriting prowess transcends language barriers. What makes this record particularly compelling is how it bridges the gap between their black metal roots and their growing fascination with crust punk and traditional heavy metal, creating something that feels authentically Darkthrone while pushing their sound into new directions. The production maintains that beloved lo-fi aesthetic that has become synonymous with the band, ensuring that despite the stylistic shifts, the essence of what makes Darkthrone special remains intact.

For fans of:
Celtic Frost, Bathory, Venom, Discharge, and Amebix

Track listing

A1. The Cult Of Goliath
A2. Too Old Too Cold
A3. Atomic Coming
A4. Graveyard Slut
A5. Underdogs And Overlords
B1. Whisky Funeral
B2. De Underjordiske (Ælia Capitolina)
B3. Tyster På Gud
B4. Shut Up
B5. Forebyggende Krig

Manufacturer: Edel Music & Entertainment GmbH, Neumühlen 17, 22763 Hamburg, Germany, Contact: www.edel.com