I'm sure that when Gorgoroth recorded this album, they were aware that it would turn a few heads. Although not a total departure from their previous works, "Incipit Satan" presents a few elements new to the Gorgoroth formula.

Opening track "Incipit Satan" is a prime example of blistering, merciless black metal that manages to set the tone for the remainder of the album quite well. Directly following is the bombastic "A World to Win", with its fist-pumping 'marching into glory' riffs and rolling double bass. Also buried deep beneath the bouncy guitarwork are keyboards, almost inaudible but definitely essential to the piece. The next cut, "Litani til Satan", is one of the few outright disappointments, with vocalist Gaahl repeatedly chanting incomprehensibly over a background of monotonous and boring, dirgy riffage. You may find yourself using the skip button on this one.

Next comes the album's best track, "Unchain My Heart", beginning with a wily keyboard intro and then rushing headlong into speed-laden mayhem. Packed with plenty of hooks and bludgeoning drumwork, this one's a keeper. Can't say the same for the next two cuts, the first being an exercise in noisy, blasting oblivion which would've fit well on the overtly chaotic "Destroyer" album but really isn't effective here. The other is an ambient electronic piece, which is very strange and even a tad scary but sitting through its entirety may prove bothersome.

This brings us to the final track 'When Love Rages Wild in my Heart', stretching the boundaries of the Gorgoroth sound to new limits. Clean vocals have been used in previous albums, but none resembled the bluesy, almost Danzig-esque crooning found here. Definitely unusual, but they make it work as only Gorgoroth can.

Add to all this madness an excellent production, interesting cover art and compelling (maybe slightly cheesy) photos of the band members, and you've got one of the best recordings of the year 2000. Sadly absent, however, are the printed lyrics, one of my biggest pet peeves. Gorgoroth fans may initially be taken aback upon first listens, but with time and a little patience will come to appreciate the masterpiece presented here.

This review is credited to:
incipitsatan