One thing must be said, much respect to these Swedes for being true to themselves and keeping the bloody flag of melodic epic black metal from North alive and high. After immense void left by the demise of Dissection there was a long time no successor, who would take the fallen sword and lead the charge. When Watain started their fight, I knew there was something special about them. Now, sixth opus is upon us. Ten songs of aggressive black metal with some thrash undertones, but done in that Swedish way, with melodic epic guitar work, blast beats mixing with more slower atmospheric parts and Erik Danielsson´s trademark vocals that are snarling yet understandable, not dissimilar to late great Jon Nodtveidt. But, although Watain reminds of that legendary band, they are black metal for the new dark millenia. Besides more aggressive songs like excellent The howling, there is also some slower, but so strong songs like Serimosa, one of my personal favorites on this record. Its rolling melody sounds like thunder on the dark mountain. Black cunt is another lovely song I must mention, very technical with lots of rhythm change and bringing kind of darkened sensuality from the other worlds. The sheer ferocity of Leper´s grace reminded me of early Immortal, Battles in the north era of songwriting, no holds barred black metal attack. After an instrumental intermezzo Not sun, nor man, nor god, there is a second chapter and this brings out the heavy artillery or the best this album has to offer. Songs like Before the cataclysm or We remain with its haunting clean vocal melody, are lesson in darkness. This is for sure one of the best black metal releases this year.

9/10