Indie Recordings (2010)

I wonder, would someone ever be able to write a review ov this album without mentioning a name from the world ov Tolkien? Will I be the only one? Well, one thing is for sure, the cover ov “The Underworld Regime” is something that would instantly make me loose attention if I saw the CD or vinyl in Sound Ov Noise (Norway’s best metal shop) in Oslo. And even if I recognized King and Shagrath I would look for something better, in example Slagmaur’s “Von Rov Shelter” (2009’s best cover artwork). Ah, advantages with getting a promo-download without the cover…

The music on this album is probably what you could expect from the mind ov King. The difference from track to track is obvious and King’s black metal style is recognizable, from the staccato rhythm in opener “Devil’s Harlot” to the more bombastic approach on “Post Modern Sadist”. I wonder though, how inspired did King become when he worked on the “I” album together with Abbath? Yes, this track is reminiscent ov that album. The highlight, “Ghosting”, brings my mind to some Deathspell Omega “Kenôsé”-era the first minute before the track turns into the slower moments from Bathory’s excellent “Under The Sign..” album. Hah, it’s like I’m disappointed when there’s obviously no guest vocals by Quorthon (r.i.p.).

With the aid from Teloch, Frost and Ice Dale, there’s no lack ov quality coming to the musicianship. It’s always refreshing to hear Frost speeding up a bit since Satyricon has dwelled within the realms ov midtempo while 1349 basically went a tad too ambient on their latest revelation… Musicianship aside, I’m curious on why they placed the two Norwegian tracks at the closers ov the album? In my opinion the album becomes less dynamic and I think they would’ve fit more as song 3 and 7 with the said “Ghosting” as the major closer.

I guess quite many will try to imagine-listen to Gaahl’s vocal on this album, as were originally the intention. And personally I think it would do the album well, even better than Shagrath does. Mind you, Shagrath does a good job, with variation and his recognizable grimness. But on this album the overall impression becomes warmer than it would with Gaahl. In a way I think Shagrath softens the music a bit. And in the end “The Underworld Regime” becomes a black metal album, but not a black metal album supreme, if you see what I mean. Bear in mind, Shagrath does a good job. His voice is filled with strength, and his voice is varied yet still within the same atmosphere.

I also think the sound is too thick, making this album sounding better than it should’ve. I know, I must appear as some kind ov retard saying that, but having King’s songs in his former black metal band in mind, I simply lack the chilling feel ov coldness.

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Composed by Roy Kristensen