Review by JD on November 30, 2011.

France has been going through a metal renaissance of sorts. So many amazing acts are coming out to surprise the metal world - and their own version of Black Metal is so unique and powerful to even rival the more known Scandinavian BM. One of the more impressive ones is France’s oddly Germanically named Blut Aus Nord (Bad German Grammar meaning ‘Blood from North’) to appease the dark Lord.

Combining an Avant-guarde twist to some very brutal Black Metal, Blut Aus Nord stands a brilliantly executed and demonically driven force. With pummeling guitars and very off beat yet infectious style for their harmonies, this band shocks and excited every BM fan with their own brand of malevolent music.

The whole album is just incredible, putting the ‘o’ back in the term original. Each track is a bloodthirsty calamity set in heaven scaring heaviness tnhat stabs at the very heart of God. Not one song stands out, as they all seem to weave together into a hellish tapestry that had been woven using the skin of the unborn as the fabric. Intense and powerful, this is Black Metal at its most blasphemous best. Amazing as this album is, it is the second concept in a three album long hell-tale.

Set the black candles and make the star of Satan, this album will be the musical backdrop to all of your black masses for years to come. Blut Aus Nord has become my favorite Black Metal band behind the great Venom. They have redefined the genre for me, and has added in a little more to scare away any angels that have the foolishness to hang around.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:9
Atmosphere: 9.5
Production: 9
Originality: 10
Overall: 9.5

Rating: 9.4 out of 10