Review by Jack on July 25, 2003.

Citing themselves to being pure and true to the ancient art of black metal, Underlord have no problems in knocking a few of their elder contemporaries, no doubt responsible for their inception. "This is pure Canadian black metal from the true frozen North. Fuck the Vikings!" If ever there was to be a more insightful comment I am yet to come across it.

Bathed in the cold and grim attire that made the Norwegian black metal scene such a luminary in the early 1990s fashion scene, it comes across pretty cleanly that Underlord have put together "Rise of the Ancient Kings" to provide the missing link for Canada when it comes to menacing black metal.

From the opening riff there is no way you can mistake this record to be anything BUT cold and raw black metal. The production of "Rise of the Ancient Kings" has the fuzzy and uncooked sound that was made famous by acts such as Hellhammer and Darkthrone. Musically Underlord play as if they were around 10 years ago and lived a few countries further north. Nice, simple drumming, chugging guitar riffs and a slow menacing black growl – not in black metal rasp, but the black growl more typically associated with black metal in many years gone by.

Despite the plethora of clichés Underlord's pure Canadian black metal is pretty decent and will surely appeal to those who enjoyed the bands of the scene. Celtic Frost, Venom etc, etc...

Bottom Line: I am sure many a metal fan can find some comfort in Underlord despite the almost instantaneous reaction to chuckle as soon as you open the booklet or hear the opening track on "Rise of the Ancient Kings."

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 6
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 5.5
Originality: 6
Overall: 7

Rating: 6.1 out of 10