Belching forth with raucous fury, RAGNAROK re-engage the black metal masses two years after the blistering Collectors of the King release. The Norwegian unit's strength still lies in their ability to mesh high velocities with subtle melodic guitar refrains. They are heavy enough to placate the hardcore while welcoming those who aren't normally drawn to this type of violence. Hans Fryste's vocals are also a highlight, his throaty gargling evoking images of an insane man's bitter, suicidal cries as he charges headlong towards a police barrier brandishing a weapon. It could certainly be argued that this is one dimensional and doesn't wander outside the traditional BM boundaries, but there's no denying that Ragnarok know and meet their audience's expectations. The overall effect places this somewhere between THY PRIMORDIAL's song craft and CARPATHIAN FOREST's carnality.
