There’s a stigma that can happen to a band that releases an album so profound that it changes the way that their entire genre is seen. For Satyticon that album was Nemesis Divina. Which is without a doubt one of the most prolific black metal releases to date. However not all Satyricon albums are Nemesis Divina and as such all their albums since have suffered from not being true to the glory that the had album afforded them.
Satyricon haven’t insulted their fans by releasing the same subservient dish that they know you’ll like. Not in the slightest. However what they have done is consistently push the limits of black metal. By exploring new territory out with the genre while understanding fully that music is an immortal art. Where many bands delude themselves into a being a factory for riffs and phat beatsies Satyricon have instead cultivated their influences and curated their yield.
These sentiments are reflected in the new album Deep Calleth Upon Deep. Where the band explore the depths of their discography and bring about a new gilded experience that effectively juxtaposes their past works with a fresh perspective. While it may not have the impact, for better or worse, than Nemesis Divina or even Rebel Extravaganza their influence is clearly heard. As with their previous releases the latest addition to the Satyricon catalogue is an adventure rich with burning heresy.
Yet Deep Calleth Upon Deep can stand on its own strengths. With hooks that are decidedly sharp and choruses that will have you grimacing while trying to capture the essence of their powerful spirit. Satyricon have produced an article of music that stands on solid foundations. Build with rock and glazed in black. With a mix as crisp as a Norwegian church in the early to mid nineties. It acts as a reminder that beauty, even in music, is manufactured with lies. Whereas Deep Calleth Upon Deep bears the marks of an ugly truth.
8/10
