Review by Felix on November 4, 2021.

Black thrash metal is probably the shortest definition of the combination of hostility, repulsiveness, aggression and ugliness. In short, a wonderful style. The unfriendly gentlemen of Aura Noir have decoded the enigma of this combination. They express all the essential attributes of the bastard genre in an admirable manner. And yes, they see no reason to make any compromises. As a consequence, Out To Die fails to deliver any surprising features. But it provides you with more of the same without being at risk to bore you. Who the hell said that development is a value in itself? Aura Noir loves stagnation and the guys are proud of it. Ignorance is bliss.

The best tracks are positioned in the first half of the album. Already the opener shines with an extra dose of destructive fury. But the rapid 'Fed To The Flames' outperforms its predecessor. I cannot get rid of its whipping and belligerent main riff. It develops its full effect (at 2.20) after a relatively calm part and glitters with its mercilessness. The archaic 'The Grin From The Gallows' is differently structured. It does not focus on high speed while leaving room for the guitar work to show its high quality. The malignant riffing matches almost perfectly with the rasping vocals that express desperation and hatred. These tunes leave no doubt that Aura Noir has an unmistakable talent for highly effective riffs. Admittedly, this is not a new discovery after four more or less well executed albums. But it is good to know that they are still able to confirm once again their strength. Of course, the way how they maltreat their guitars marks no unique selling point. The competition never sleeps. Nevertheless, it cannot be ignored that the suspenseful riffs and the omnipresent nastiness shape the character of Out To Die.

Not each and every tune of the suitably produced full-length leaves a long-term effect. Some are just pretty ugly. Do not get me wrong - I think this is a positive attribute in terms of black thrash metal. But albeit these outbursts of anger cannot be blamed for being mediocre or even bad, they lack a bit of sustainability. However, the title track does not belong to these tunes. Its riff bombardment creates a wasteland that reeks of death and decay. But even better, its last section is a clear reminiscence to the ending of "Hardening Of The Arteries", the final track on "Hell Awaits", the second album of this American thrash band whose name I have forgotten. The howling guitars, supported by a dense sound and stomping drums, prove the good taste of the Norwegian musicians as well as their tradition-conscious awareness. This also applies vice versa. Aesthetes should not waste their time with the here presented kind of music. Those who like a certain amount of progressive elements are also knocking at the wrong door. And it goes without saying that the band does not offer acoustic guitars, keyboards or female vocals. Aura Noir is reliable. The almost stubborn guys are calling from a remorseless realm of pain and they see no reason for a relocation. That´s the cause why we love them.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10