Pentagram (1994)
1. Begravelsesnatt
2. Crushing the Scepter (Regaining a Lost Dominion) 3. Ritual
4. Drømmer om Død
5. Katharinas Bortgang
6. Huldrelokk
7. (Under) The Pagan Megalith
8. Måneskyggens Slave
Antichrist (1996)
1. En Stram Lukt av kristent Blod
2. Bergtollets Hevn
3. Gorgoroth
4. Possessed (by Satan)
5. Heavens Fall
6. Sorg
Under the Sign of Hell (1997)
1. Revelation of Doom
2. Krig
3. Funeral Procession
4. Profetens Åpenbaring
5. Postludium
6. Ødeleggelse og Undergang
7. Blood Stains the Circle
8. The Rite of Infernal Invocation
9. The Devil Is Calling
Getting reacquainted with Gorgoroth
Regain Records dusts off some "true Norwegian black metal" classics, as the legal battle for the Gorgoroth name wages on.
By JEFF MAKI
Black metal trivia: What does Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth have in common with early '90s glam rockers L.A. Guns?
Answer: Well, besides the fact that both bands wear makeup and tight leather pants, in a strange turn of events there are currently two versions of each band. What? Yes, it's true. See below for the explanation.
Labeled as “true Norwegian black metal,” Gorgoroth's popularity and name in recent years is arguably at its peak. Unfortunately, the music doesn't have as much to do with it as the band's legal problems, their now infamous and controversial Satanic show in Kraków, Poland (now available on DVD as Black Mass In Krakow), the imprisonment of vocalist Gaahl (for beating a man at an afterparty and threatening to drink his blood) and the ongoing band-split controversy. Founding member Infernus is in a legal war with his ex-bandmates over the rights to the Gorgoroth name and things eventually could get even uglier. (Those crazy Norwegians). As rock and metal fans are seeing more and more of today (see L.A. Guns), there are two versions of Gorgoroth. The band's label, Regain Records has stated they recognize Infernus's version as the true Gorgoroth, but Norwegian courts have said otherwise. Infernus has since appealed the matter.
Capitalizing on the off-stage drama, Regain Records has remastered and reissued the first three Gorgoroth albums. (Hmmm, remastering a black metal album; that has to be a tall order for anyone to do.) Other than the remastering which was done at Cutting Room, each disc is accompanied with a small fold-out poster. All featuring different lineups, the reissues are a history lesson, as well as an introduction to those exploring the band. For collectors, there's nothing special here, but for the avid black metal die-hard, these albums are must-haves.
If you're wondering what Gorgoroth is all about, an interview Live-Metal.net conducted with Infernus pretty much says it all. (Check it out here) Conducted in July 2006, the interview is still the third most viewed page on the web site. Also, if you haven't yet seen, the interview with Gaahl in Metal: A Headbanger's Journey is must-see TV.
Sure, Gorgoroth is not as familiar name as other black metal bands that emerged from Norway in the early '90s such as Burzum, Darkthrone, Mayhem and Immortal, but they have played an important role in the genre, since forming in 1992.
The first album, Pentagram (1994), is stripped-down, raw, Satanic black metal. What else did you expect? Indecipherable vocals are split by Hat (Hat departed Gorgoroth in 1995) and Pest (Pest preceded current vocalist Gaahl). Raw production and hair-raising riffs make this album sound as if it is the entrance music to the very gates of hell or like it was recorded in an abandoned shed. It's prime evil at its best. But it's not all blistering and manic blast beats. There are some more thrashier moments intertwined, sounding almost like Bay-area thrash bands. The vocals are basically pointless, as it's more for atmosphere than anything else, with each and every line a blood-curdling, high-pitched wail. The EP, Antichrist (1996), clocking in at a mere 25 minutes, is the best of the trio. Gorgoroth sounds its most serious and the song “Gorgoroth” is one of their best. The musicianship is better here, as is the overall songwriting, varied vocals and arrangements. It's still absolutely extreme but is a much more interesting listen than the other two. Tempos vary and it's more dynamic. Under the Sign of Hell's (1997) overall production, or lack thereof, is even more raw and primal. Again, the vocals, now performed mostly by Pest, are a window-shattering screech on 90 percent of the recording. The lone song that doesn't solely feature black metal vocals is “Profetens Åpenbaring," on which there are operatic vocal parts. The album is muffled and distorted. I'm not sure if this was the intent of the original recording or a result of remastering.
Bottom line: Nothing here will change your mind about Gorgoroth or the black metal genre. Let's face it, to the untrained ear these albums are absolutely ridiculous. But to devoted followers of the band, black metal and all things Satanic, these remasterings are must-haves. Find them if you can and be sure to catch one of the Gorgoroths live when or if they come to your city.
