More than 30 years later, we can now say that when Darkthrone's debut album Soulside Journey was recorded at the end of 1990, it was primarily the Swedish death metal sound that was the blueprint also for this Norwegian Black Metal band. Perhaps more because of the recording environment (Sunlight Studio) than direct inspiration from the Swedish bands Nihilist and Carnage. But at least in hindsight, we dare to say that even then we could have heard a glimpse of what was to come.
Since the debut had followed the template for how death metal would sound and look during the early 1990s, it´s easy to understand Peaceville's reaction when the follow-up A Blaze in the Northern Sky was presented to the record label. To completely abandon a tried and tested successful pattern in the genre with a heavy, dynamic sound image and comparatively intricate arrangements in favor of treble, monotonous guitars driven by an equally monotonous drum kit, was probably also perceived by many fans as a way of digging their own grave (pun intended). Despite warnings from the record company, Darkthrone (at that time still a quartet) refused to alter the sound and in turn threatened to break their contract with Peaceville in favor of the Norwegian company Deathlike Silence Productions (which you can read more about in a future story). What ultimately decided in Peaceville's favor I don't know, but the production was at least kept intact and in retrospect we can see that even A Blaze in the Northern Sky itself is part of the blueprint for Norwegian black metal that characterized at least the first half of the 1990s.
What about Transilvanian Hunger then? These days we often criticize young musicians for isolating themselves in their music, we can see that Darkthrone was also in the forefront here. Gylve Nagell (Fenriz) was 22 years old when he composed, wrote half of the lyrics (the other half were written down by Varg Vikernes, now Louis Cachet) and recorded all 8 songs on the album by himself in Necrohell Studios in his bedroom. The vocals were later added by Ted Skjellum (Nocturno Culto). Since then, a duo, Darkthrone has made sure to remove absolutely everything that could be perceived as a dynamic soundscape. To consciously abandon Sunlight Studio (the Swedish Mecca of death metal) in favor of Creative Studios (the same studio where Mayhem had recorded their classic EP Deathcrush a decade earlier) and ultimately find themselves back home, is often perceived by many as a step back rather than what was actually a crucial development step for Darkthrone. When you listen to Transilvanian Hunger for the first time, you will most likely actively remind yourself that "this is how it SHOULD sound".
The album, which as mentioned contains 8 songs and stretches to almost 40 minutes, must be perceived as the historical highlight of Norwegian Black Metal. If not in terms of sales, then at least in terms of production and expression. Anyone who has heard any of the Swedish Bathory's first four albums will immediately discover where Darkthrone's greatest musical inspiration lies. Add the small splash of Swiss Hellhammer/Celtic Frost and in Transilvanian Hunger we have the optimal tribute to the first wave of black metal.
Transilvanian Hunger was released on February 17, 1994 and was the band's last on the Peaceville record label, before they reunited almost exactly 12 years later with the release of The Cult Is Alive. An album that highlights the crustpunk elements that can probably be discerned throughout the band's entire career.
Genre: Norwegian black metal
Rating: 5.0 / 7