Review by Felix on May 1, 2019.

Metal is not immune against trends. From this follows that shit like grunge grew out of its miserable nursery. But there was also a time when thrash bands were shooting up like mushrooms and black metal had its heydays some years later. But the special mix of both styles has existed in the underground right from the beginning and it has never seen the bright side of life. People who like music that celebrates hellish vileness will agree that this is not fair. In a world full of bad music both within and outside the metal scene (but especially outside), black thrash metal is completely underrepresented. Bastardizer alone cannot rearrange the balance of power, but Dawn of Domination definitely points in the right direction. Well, it is probably not pure black thrash, but I doubt that a bastard genre can bring pure albums to life at all. Thus, the marginal Motörhead references can be neglected, even though I don't want to hide that "Whiskey 'til Death", the stormy tribute to Mr. Kilmister, enriches the album. This driving main riff has a lot of exciting vibes. However, Bastardizer mainly wallow in simple (but not primitive), filthy (but not stinky) and straight (but not mindless) blackened thrash and they do it in an authentic way. Having that said, let's dive into some more details.

The band knows the importance of high velocity and focuses on fast rhythms after the rather hymnal intro. The songs come and go in swift succession, but this is not to say that they fail to leave a powerful and mangy impression. Stomping parts also show up and in combination with the rapid sequences, they lend the pieces an extra dose of dynamic. I recommend checking out "Crimson Trenches" in this respect, even though it cannot compete with its direct successor. "Death Cult" is powered by an excellently flowing guitar work which is based on a brilliant riff. Here we have the glorious moment of a perfect fit between the hellish riff, the slightly boozy yet robust vocals and the unscrupulous drumming which commutes between mid-tempo and blast beats. In particular the outstanding verses with its merciless straightness and the apocalyptic chorus destroy everything that dares to cross their way. This is a song Satan could not have done better.

Followers of bands such as Aura Noir, Deathhammer or Condor will have fun when listening to this album, but one does not need to originate from Norway in order to understand the greatness of sonic attacks such as Dawn of Domination. Bill Morgan, guitar player and main composer of the quartet, has forged so many diamonds that I only can express my surprise. Of course, the lack of plurality reflects his distinct narrow-mindedness in terms of music. But when it comes to the here presented style, his mentality is rather a quality feature than a disadvantage - and those who do not share this point of view probably have absolutely no affinity for black thrash. So, keep on farting into your silk pillows and be sure that you cannot hinder me from going wild to razor-sharp outbursts like "Up the Ante". This piece is nothing less than a raging beast that seeks its prey. And so, it's time to quote from Darkthrone's lyrical art: "Victims do your job - die". 

Talking of our most beloved Norwegian duo, Bastardizer do not follow the strange philosophy of these two dudes in terms of technical implementation. I know that Fenriz and Nocturno Culto have released many well sounding albums in the meantime, but I still do not understand the ideology that ruined the production of "Under a Funeral Moon". Fortunately, the here presented eleven tracks are based on a more than solid production which underlines the meanness of the compositions. Indeed, most songs have the menacing undertone of further Australian hell fighters such as Deströyer 666 or Assaulter and this feels very good. So, come on, non-owner of silk pillows, get in touch with this output that offers everything but a peaceful environment. Even the fantastic outro sequence of the closer promises’ danger. I am impressed. As mentioned before, metal is not immune against trends, but hopefully at least these four ruffians will remain steadfast.

Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Review by Felix on May 1, 2019.

Metal is not immune against trends. From this follows that shit like grunge grew out of its miserable nursery. But there was also a time when thrash bands were shooting up like mushrooms and black metal had its heydays some years later. But the special mix of both styles has existed in the underground right from the beginning and it has never seen the bright side of life. People who like music that celebrates hellish vileness will agree that this is not fair. In a world full of bad music both within and outside the metal scene (but especially outside), black thrash metal is completely underrepresented. Bastardizer alone cannot rearrange the balance of power, but Dawn of Domination definitely points in the right direction. Well, it is probably not pure black thrash, but I doubt that a bastard genre can bring pure albums to life at all. Thus, the marginal Motörhead references can be neglected, even though I don't want to hide that "Whiskey 'til Death", the stormy tribute to Mr. Kilmister, enriches the album. This driving main riff has a lot of exciting vibes. However, Bastardizer mainly wallow in simple (but not primitive), filthy (but not stinky) and straight (but not mindless) blackened thrash and they do it in an authentic way. Having that said, let's dive into some more details.

The band knows the importance of high velocity and focuses on fast rhythms after the rather hymnal intro. The songs come and go in swift succession, but this is not to say that they fail to leave a powerful and mangy impression. Stomping parts also show up and in combination with the rapid sequences, they lend the pieces an extra dose of dynamic. I recommend checking out "Crimson Trenches" in this respect, even though it cannot compete with its direct successor. "Death Cult" is powered by an excellently flowing guitar work which is based on a brilliant riff. Here we have the glorious moment of a perfect fit between the hellish riff, the slightly boozy yet robust vocals and the unscrupulous drumming which commutes between mid-tempo and blast beats. In particular the outstanding verses with its merciless straightness and the apocalyptic chorus destroy everything that dares to cross their way. This is a song Satan could not have done better.

Followers of bands such as Aura Noir, Deathhammer or Condor will have fun when listening to this album, but one does not need to originate from Norway in order to understand the greatness of sonic attacks such as Dawn of Domination. Bill Morgan, guitar player and main composer of the quartet, has forged so many diamonds that I only can express my surprise. Of course, the lack of plurality reflects his distinct narrow-mindedness in terms of music. But when it comes to the here presented style, his mentality is rather a quality feature than a disadvantage - and those who do not share this point of view probably have absolutely no affinity for black thrash. So, keep on farting into your silk pillows and be sure that you cannot hinder me from going wild to razor-sharp outbursts like "Up the Ante". This piece is nothing less than a raging beast that seeks its prey. And so, it's time to quote from Darkthrone's lyrical art: "Victims do your job - die". 

Talking of our most beloved Norwegian duo, Bastardizer do not follow the strange philosophy of these two dudes in terms of technical implementation. I know that Fenriz and Nocturno Culto have released many well sounding albums in the meantime, but I still do not understand the ideology that ruined the production of "Under a Funeral Moon". Fortunately, the here presented eleven tracks are based on a more than solid production which underlines the meanness of the compositions. Indeed, most songs have the menacing undertone of further Australian hell fighters such as Deströyer 666 or Assaulter and this feels very good. So, come on, non-owner of silk pillows, get in touch with this output that offers everything but a peaceful environment. Even the fantastic outro sequence of the closer promises’ danger. I am impressed. As mentioned before, metal is not immune against trends, but hopefully at least these four ruffians will remain steadfast.

Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Review by Felix on May 2, 2019.

Black thrash metal is one of the filthiest species in the entire metalized cosmos and Nifelheim demonstrate their dirt with pride. The production sounds somewhat flat? So what! This sub-genre bastard has never been interested in high fidelity. Fools like me wish that the mix would hold a little bit more depth, but we take it as it comes. Great albums have always entered the throne due to their song material and not (only) in view of an outstanding production. But that's definitely the crux of the matter. I have to admit that Servants of Darkness will never be a pretender to the throne, albeit this is not to say that the full-length sucks.

Nifelheim possess a certain dose of meanness and perfidy and they don't hesitate to take these features as the main pillars of their musical offering. On the one hand, this reflects the remarkable integrity of the musicians who seem to play the style they really prioritize. On the other hand, the unspoken question is: and what about the riffs? Well, Nifelheim show a solid performance, but there are not many sequences that urge me to press the repeat button. "Black Evil" creates a violent maelstrom and many further tracks have some good moments, although their riffing lies sometimes in close proximity to each other. However, the outstanding hit does not show up. The staccato of "The Bestial Avenger", to mention another example, has a certain charm, but all in all it's just a good track whose single parts do not always go hand in hand. The title track marks another very acceptable tune. Nonetheless, even a deaf man will realize that its introduction and the guitar work are heavily inspired by Venom's "Lady Lust", the lead vocals, equipped with a lot of reverb on it, sound during the verses like Quorthon (R.I.P.) in "Hades". These influences are neither a unique selling point nor a shame, I just want to make clear that the last bit of creativity is mostly missing.

On a positive note, no song lacks violence or vehemence. Every now and then, a crooked guitar solo appears, and it seems as if it wants to revitalize the dead on the local cemetery. The entire full-length has a slightly dissonant touch and I guess that the Swedish gang shares Darkthrone's (former) point of view: black metal must be ugly. In alignment with this motto, the vocalist adds a proper quantum of insanity, not only in the chorus of the closer, and therefore I am not speaking about a mediocre or even bad output. I just cannot ignore the feeling that Nifelheim could have done it much better, because all conditions had been fulfilled when it came to the crunch: competent and pretty experienced musicians, a promising style, the right attitude. Be that as it may, Servants of Darkness is a stable work and filthy enough to be worshipped by some maniacs. And filth, I have mentioned it in the first paragraph, is truly an important detail in terms of black thrash.

Rating: 7.2 out of 10

Review by Denis on April 29, 2003.

Third album from a band that was formed in 1990 by Tyrant, Demon and Hellbutcher (original and scary names...) who did some rehearsals when not doing hellish orgies of drunken debauchery and deviant behavior... This is from the band bio. Is this a joke or what? Look at these guys; are they some kind of heavy metal puppet or something? I don't have much respect for a band that just send 'Fuck Off' as a message to everyone out there.

What's on this CD? Infernal death vomit vocals with necrodevestation bass and violent drum disaster! (This is the actual description found in the booklet). The perfect mixture for all frustrated pimpled teenagers out there. I'm too old for this kind of shit... Fast, repetitive songs, usually simple and short and mostly very similar. The only thing interesting is the lead guitar, not really for its originality but it sounds good and is being pretty well played. A couple of songs are worth mentioning and it is 'Bestial Avenger' and 'War of Doom' for not being as trashy as the rest and showing some writing abilities. The rest is mostly the same kind of fast crap redone slightly differently with lyrics sang by a pig being slaughtered that nobody understands anyway so what the fuck! You must be in this type of thing I guess to appreciate it but for me, this is just a joke.

Bottom Line: Have a good look at the band site before getting involved!

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 5
Atmosphere: 2
Originality: 3
Production: 6
Overall: 2

Rating: 3.6 out of 10