RAGNAROK — Psychopathology (review)

RAGNAROK — Psychopathology album cover Album · 2016 · Black Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Kev Rowland
2016’s ‘Psychopathology’ was the first album from Norewegian Black Metal act Ragnarok after they parted ways with Hans Fyrste. Fyrste, who had been with the band since 2005, performing on 2010′s ‘Collectors of the King’ and 2012’s ‘Malediction’ left as he was unable to commit to the touring. This led to a decision needing to be made by founding member Jontho (drums), DezeptiCunt (bass) and Bolverk (guitars) as to what to do next. The solution they came up with was for Jontho to vacate the drum seat for new member Malignant (Dauden) and for him to become the frontman. He had provided backing vocals as long ago as their very first demo, ‘Et vinterland i nord’ all the way back in 1994, so perhaps it is not a huge leap but still somewhat unusual.

This album contains all the menace one expects from Norwegian Black Metal, but it must be said that the weakest element of the album are the vocals. The music is fast and furious, with Malignant having no problem in taking over from someone who had sat on the seat for 20 years and was still in the band! The bass is strong, mostly staying right behind the guitar in heavy frenetic riffing and lots of single notes, but Jontho is still coming to terms with his new role. He can sing low enough, and has plenty of passion and emotion, with his intonation much clearer than many of the genre which makes a pleasant change, but there are instances where he is detracting from what is going on as opposed to being a real force. This is more with his growls and screams as opposed to “singing”, as he does appear at times to be in a different key to the others and struggles a little to stay true. That being put to one side it is still a very good example of the genre, with strong production from Marduk's bassist Devo who of course really understands what the band are trying to achieve.
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