UMUR
"The Age of Nero" is the 7th full-length studio album by Norwegian black metal act Satyricon. The album was released through Roadrunner Records in November 2008.
"The Age of Nero" further explores the heavy and groove based black metal sound of "Volcano (2002)" and "Now, Diabolical (2006)". It´s not an album that develops much on that sound, but it´s a convincing, powerful and extremely well executed. While "Now, Diabolical (2006)" at times felt slightly uninspired, "The Age of Nero" is the kind of album that will eat you alive. Satyr is his usual caustic sneering self that in addition to delivering his unmistakable snarl also plays those ungodly heavy riffs. The tempo is actually predominantly slow- to mid paced and heavy on the album allthough there are faster paced parts present too. Frost delivers another stunning and varied drum performance. There´s seemingly no end to the man´s creativity. Paired with a powerful and effective sound production this album is simply killer. Tracks like the opener "Commando", "The Wolfpack" and "Black Crow on a Tombstone" pack so much punch and catchy hooks that it´s impossible not to bang your head. A return to Norwegian lyrics on the closing track "Den Siste" ("The Last") is also a good idea that works well.
"The Age of Nero" is what I´d call a return to form after the relatively forgettable "Now, Diabolical (2006)". It´s inspired and delivered with fierce conviction and a 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.