ALBUM REVIEW: The Infernal Pathway – 1349

Oslo’s 1349 may have missed the initial stages of the famous second wave of black metal that struck Norway in the late 80s/early 90s, but that hasn’t stopped the quartet from rising to the top of the international black metal scene. 20 years on from their formation, and a full five years since their last full length record, 1349 return with their seventh album, The Infernal Pathway – courtesy of Season Of Mist. Does the newest addition to their musical arsenal hold up with their impressive back-catalogue, or does The Infernal Pathway mark the end of 1349‘s successful run of records? 

Black metal was born as the bastard child of thrash and speed metal – the likes of VENOM and BATHORY took these genres and injected them with a level of darkness and theatrics. It’s clear right from the offset of The Infernal Pathway that 1349 are true to these roots. Abyssos Antithesis and Through Eyes Of Stone both kick off with furious, early black metal leanings, going at breakneck pace – however, much to the album’s immediate benefit, things are not so one dimensional. Abyssos Antithesis takes a few progressive twists and turns amid the fury, while Through Eyes Of Stone serves as an immediate highlight with it’s dose of groove and bursts of melodic black metal frostiness. So far, so grim.

Unfortunately, the momentum of this opening duo comes crashing to a halt with The Infernal Pathway‘s most puzzling addition. Scattered throughout the record, we see a return to the Tunnel Of Set interludes that cluttered the otherwise incredible Demonoir. Sounding like brief clips from a horror movie’s soundtrack cutting room floor, it’s puzzling as to what purpose 1349 think these interludes serve. Offering little in the way of music, and breaking the momentum of the record, Tunnel Of Set VIII, IX and X are the only real missteps on The Infernal Pathway, but missteps none the less.

Enter Cold Void Dreaming makes two strong statements in it’s relatively short run time. It doubles down on the notion that black metal can be brutal and sonically eviscerating, while still keeping a healthy level of hooks, creating an immediate sense of memorability. It also reinforces the fact that Frost is one of the best drummers in the game, in or out of black metal – just in case anyone needed a reminder. His signature drum tone drives the track onward at breakneck pace, though its the subtle little flourishes that make it. Another stand out moment. Vocalist Ravn makes his presence felt with an incredible vocal performance on Towers Upon Towers, his voice dripping with pure hatred with every syllable.

Deeper Still bursts in with melo-black leanings, a wonderful change of pace from the more traditional black metal stylings of much of The Infernal Pathway. Huge hooks come amid the blitzkrieg riffing, while Frost goes some way towards breaking the land speed record with his double bass and blast work. Meanwhile, Striding The Chasms doubles down on the blistering pace, offering one of the most high-octane moments on the record.

The second to last full song, as Tunnel of Set X follows before album closer Stand Tall In Fire, Dødskamp is a revamped version of the title track from 1349‘s 7” release earlier this year (read our review here), and, in the greater context of the album, sounds massive. Every second is oozing with vitriol. The lead guitar work towards the end, in particular, is a stunning display from Archaon. Stand Tall In Fire couldn’t be anything but the closing offering – here we see 1349 at their most grandiose and epic. Ravn‘s vocals are again particularly worthy of note, and, again, the lead guitar work and soloing is a highlight moment from the entire record. Taking progressive twists amid the melodic black metal fury, Stand Tall In Fire ends The Infernal Pathway on an incredibly strong note.

On the whole, there is very little to bemoan with The Infernal Pathway. The interludial Tunnel Of Set tracks clutter the run time, and break the flow of the record, however this aside, The Infernal Pathway may be the strongest offering from 1349 in over a decade. Each of the full tracks here sees the band at their best. If a bit more fat had been trimmed, this would be one of the strongest black metal albums of 2019.

Rating: 8/10

The Infernal Pathway is set for release October 18th via Season Of Mist. 

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