Genre: Death Metal
Country: Norway
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Year: 2021
With over 23 years (started in 1998 when Død and Tchort previously of Satyricon, Emperor & Carpathian Forest and while playing in Satyricon at that time, decided to form their own band and show their passion for death metal. In 2000 released “Deathmix 2000” the band’s first demo , before recording their first full length “Monument of Death” in 2001) and 10 full length albums under their belt, Blood Red Throne is dedicated to the continual delivery of straight forward, exceptional death metal with “Imperial Congregation” their last effort, being no exception. With the ferocious growls of Yngve “Bolt” Christiansen and the guitar duo of Daniel “Død” Olaisen and Ivan “Meathook” Gujic acting like aces on the band’s sleeves the Norwegians keep the quality of their album once again pretty high. There’s no room for more experimentation, only in the 7 minutes closer song “Zarathustra” we can find an epic suspicion of trying new things, but I say it in a good way and that when you push play you know what to expect from Blood Red Throne, as since their last 2 studio albums and their more melodic approaching yet definitely more traditional Death Metal too, BRT somehow felt that they found their new sound and now focused on writing good songs rather than exploring some new direction. “Imperial Congregation” has some very interesting rhythmic parts; eerie lead guitar lines full of groove and pummeling drumming (they have actually their classic groove & rhythm that they have all over these 23 years) that are enriched with some packing riff after riff characteristic sound that manage to capture a much more old school feeling without sounding dated. Songs like “Transparent Existence”, “We All Bleed”, “6-7”, the title track, “Hero-Antics” and “Zarathurstra” will keep your interest for a long time.
Blood Red Throne achieved to survive the numerous line-up and label changes. They even signed to Nuclear Blast Records for “Imperial Congregation”, but unfortunately they won’t become bigger with this album. But I can’t remember any statement from any member that has been to the band in the past or now speaking about commercial success or number sales. In their own words “Imperial Congregation” delivers quality, old school sound while reflecting in part upon the self-righteous nature of humanity and its incessant need to destroy itself through power, ignorance and religion. “We live outside this system,” explains the only remaining founding member Olaisen. “We don’t join in on the sheep mentality. Create your own possibilities; be responsible for your own misery or success!”
I say that Blood Red Throne is about pure Death Metal and guts. And “Imperial Congregation” offers tons of them both.