ALBUM REVIEW: War Against All – Immortal
The DNA of IMMORTAL may look particularly different in 2023 with the names of Abbath and now Horgh etched into the book of departures but founding member Demonaz is still firmly perched on his throne. War Against All will be the the tenth full-length effort under the guise of this project and considering the circumstances it feels rather fitting. Due for release on May 26th via Nuclear Blast Records, we are about to be graced with another round from one of the key originators of black metal.
War Against All picks up where IMMORTAL left off, with a furious charge of instrumentation. Thunderous waves of blast beats fill the air as caustic screams provide a potent accomplice. An impressive sequence of lead work adds the exclamation point on the impressive opening shot. Thunders Of Darkness grabs the fiery ball of momentum and sprints off into the distance. The relentless riff assault continues, refusing to provide you with a moment to catch your breath. Wargod opts for a more methodical, stomping pace. The hefty grooves and surges of energy immerse you in a captivating soundscape.
No Sun resumes the annihilation of your senses, steaming onwards with full velocity. The gnarly melodic tinges that IMMORTAL have become synonymous with rise to the forefront to amplify the unfolding aggression. Return To Cold ebbs and flows in tempo to lure you into their intriguing frostbitten web. Nordlandihr takes a solemn turn, offering up clean, melancholic tones that inevitably burst into life. The enticing, dramatic rhythms held within this sizeable instrumental piece seamlessly switch gears to ensure your gaze is firmly grasped.
If a band were ever going to choose an appropriate time to utilise their namesake for a song title, their tenth full-length release is as good as any. Immortal lives up to the high expectations with powerful rushes of adrenaline flowing freely through its veins. The commanding declarations of “I Am Immortal” ring triumphantly. Blashyrkh My Throne reprises the alluring melodies for one more serving of Northern Darkness to give this release an appropriate send off.
At this stage in the game you know what you’re going to get from IMMORTAL and let’s face it, no one wants them to change. They’ve reigned gloriously over the kingdom of black metal for countless years and War Against All displays that they have plenty left in the tank with another top tier set of tracks crammed with masterful musicianship.
Rating: 9/10
War Against All is set for release on May 26th via Nuclear Blast Records.
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