Ελληνικά
Darkthrone’s Circle the Wagons, released on April 5, 2010, marks a pivotal moment in the band’s storied career. As their fourteenth studio album, it showcases their continued evolution from black metal pioneers to purveyors of a unique blend of heavy metal, speed metal, punk, and thrash. This shift in sound is not merely a stylistic experiment but a deliberate statement that redefines their legacy while paying homage to the roots of metal.
As for the album’s title: “Circle the Wagons” is an English language idiom which may refer to a group of people uniting for a common purpose. Historically the term was used to describe a defensive maneuver which was employed by Americans in the 19th century. The term has evolved colloquially to mean people defending each other.
Back to the album… Fenriz and Nocturno Culto split songwriting duties evenly, with Fenriz describing the album as Darkthrone’s “own brand of heavy metal/speed metal-punk”—a departure from their earlier black metal dominance. The tracks are imbued with raw energy and simplicity, reminiscent of early thrash and punk bands from the ’70s and ’80s. Songs like “I Am the Graves of the 80s” and “Circle the Wagons” feature straightforward riffs, gravelly proto-death vocals, and anthemic choruses that invite listeners to sing along. While some critics felt the album lacked compositional brilliance compared to earlier works like Transilvanian Hunger, others praised its infectious energy and nostalgic appeal.
The album received mixed reviews. Some fans appreciated its tight songwriting and memorable tracks like “I Am the Working Class” and “Those Treasures Will Never Befall You,” while others criticized its lack of standout moments or depth compared to previous releases. Despite these critiques, Circle the Wagons was lauded for its consistency and ability to evoke a bygone era of metal without feeling derivative.
Songs like “I Am the Graves of the 80s” criticize modern metal trends, celebrating the raw energy and ethos of 1980s heavy metal. Lyrics such as “Destroy their modern metal and bang your fucking head!” emphasize this disdain for contemporary metal styles. “I Am the Working Class” is an anthem of blue-collar resilience, reflecting on manual labor, economic hardships, and personal perseverance. The lyrics resonate with themes of discipline and pride in hard work: “Each day I bust my bones to get paid”. Tracks like “Running for Borders” delve into abstract themes such as chaos, the universe, and existential struggles. The lyrics are poetic and introspective, exploring humanity’s place in a vast and indifferent cosmos. The title track “Circle the Wagons” evokes imagery of pioneers and defiance, symbolizing standing one’s ground against adversity or external threats. It ties into the album’s overall rebellious tone. Songs like “Stylized Corpse” mix macabre imagery with biting humor, showcasing Darkthrone’s ability to balance grim themes with a tongue-in-cheek attitude.
The lyrics complement the album’s musical style, which blends elements of blackened punk with traditional heavy metal riffs. Fenriz and Nocturno Culto use their songwriting to channel influences from bands like Motörhead, Slayer, and early thrash metal acts. The vocal delivery alternates between gravelly chants and raw screams, adding to the album’s gritty aesthetic.
My favorites songs are:
“Those Treasures Will Never Befall You”: A critique of self-centered pursuits with vivid dungeon-like imagery.
“I Am the Graves of the 80s”: A rallying cry for old-school metalheads.
“I Am the Working Class”: A heartfelt anthem about resilience in the face of economic struggles.
“Circle the Wagons”: A defiant call to arms against external challenges.
In summary, Circle the Wagons is a lyrical homage to heavy metal’s roots while addressing personal struggles and societal critiques with a rebellious edge. It reflects Darkthrone’s evolution into a band that defies genre conventions while staying true to their raw, unfiltered ethos.
Circle the Wagons represents an important chapter in Darkthrone’s evolution. By embracing elements of punk and traditional heavy metal, the band distanced itself from the rigid expectations of black metal purists. This album solidified their reputation as artists unafraid to challenge conventions and explore new sonic territories. It also served as a precursor to their subsequent shift toward more traditional heavy metal with albums like The Underground Resistance.
For longtime fans, Circle the Wagons may not eclipse classics like A Blaze in the Northern Sky, but it underscores Darkthrone’s commitment to authenticity and innovation. The album stands as a defiant “middle finger” to modern trends in metal, championing simplicity and raw power over technical precision or commercial appeal. In doing so, it reinforces Darkthrone’s legacy as one of metal’s most uncompromising bands.
While Circle the Wagons may not be universally regarded as one of Darkthrone’s greatest albums, its importance lies in its affirmation of their artistic independence. It bridges their black metal roots with their later punk-infused sound, ensuring their legacy remains dynamic and relevant. For fans willing to embrace this evolution, it offers an enjoyable exploration of heavy music’s rebellious spirit.
