Review by JD on December 19, 2010.

Norway is usually the home for truly wicked Black Metal, but it also put out some very biting and brutal Death Metal - although sadly, the country is not known for it. I think it is something to do with the frozen wastelands, jagged rocky peaks and a population of very tough people that have moulded the county into a extreme metal powerhouse.

Obliteration is one of those Death Metal type of onslaughts that could be mistaken for having a side order of Black Metal by some because of the force of the music. It is clear they play Death Metal at its despotic best. With strong yet ruthlessly heavy music and some gutturally insanely growling vocals, Obliteration explores the boundaries of metal and they smashe them whenever and wherever they damned well wanted to.

With lyrics that would gross out Rob Zombie and frighten the living crap out of Stephen King,Obliteration powers through each of the four tracks with sadistic pleasure. Strong and frighteningly heavy guitars and completely nasty bass lines make the whole experience a metallic rapture. This is what I would call Death Metal being at its savage zenith, where art and ferocity meets, and leaves a trail of bloody entrails in its wake.

It is so obvious, that Obliteration has become like their idols Cannibal Corpse. Like the Corpse lads, this band is now leading the pack of the new Death Metal scene to their right for world conquest. It is not far from the truth that these guys have only scratched the surface of what they can do. They have put out other albums since this one was released. I am going to find these other albums as fast as I can, because this EP only barely wets my appetite. It was a very pleasant surprise.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8
Originality: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.8 out of 10

Review by Denis on December 23, 2002.

Not being familiar with Thyrfing, I was far from knowing what to expect with their music. The information I received, including their biography, described their art as metal with a northern touch, folk and symphonic influences, epic keyboards, etc. Sounds good to me! But wait, that's not all. This album just gets better as you listen to it. You uncover the treasures hidden in the magnificent world of epic, symphonic Viking metal. Nothing is left aside to demonstrate what these Swedish musicians are all about. From the torturous cover art to the barbarian photo session inside the booklet, these guys sure have their way of showing what they are: proud Viking warriors!

Everything on this album is loud and clear mostly due to the top-notch production work of Daniel Bergstrand (Devin Townsend, Meshuggah). That doesn't necessarily mean raw and pure aggressiveness without melodies though. These warriors are intelligent enough to add strategic musical subtleties to conquer a wider range of metal starved souls. Among the strategies they use are colorful and symphonic keyboards, fiddle, sampling, choirs, clean vocal appearances and more.

For example, ‘Digerdoden’ is a song that uses those strategic elements. It presents itself in a slow pace, great black metal vocals, superb riffs, pounding drums, and a grand choir. All of this is spiced up with gorgeous keyboard parts. This song, as with most of the numbers, is sung completely in Swedish and if you have read some of my past reviews you know that to me, foreign language in music simply adds a touch of mysticism to the piece. So, as far as I'm concerned it's a plus. On the other hand, two pieces are in English and ‘The Voyager’ is one of them. It starts with fiddle to introduce some great doom guitar parts, and its royal following of symphonic parts, excellent melodic lines, clean backing vocals for the chorus, contrasting with the omnipresent ferocious singing of Thomas, all this ending on a rather thrilling way. Dear people, this is definitely one stand out track. On ‘Vansinnesvisan’ you'll be on your knees telling yourself that you're not worthy. Joining in the celebration are goodies like tribal percussions, mysterious symphonic keys, intricate rhythmic section, changes of mode, and tempo. This other great piece is pretty adventurous and progressive, thus demonstrating excellent musicianship. After an acoustic intro, the barbarian side of Thyrfing returns on the closing song before the adventure of these proud Vikings ends in a traditional Northern way.

Bottom Line: Thyrfing is bound to gather a large crowd of followers with their refreshing musical adventure.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 9.5
Originality: 9.5
Production: 10
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.6 out of 10

Review by Krys on October 16, 2002.

Even though their last album “Urkraft” didn’t make my list of the best albums of 2000, it was with incomprehensible excitement that I was awaiting Thyrfing’s 4th release, “Vansinnesvisor”, smelling something extraordinary and unique. I spied it on the record shelves, and after gleefully popping into my CD player I sit here after weeks of non-stop pounding it on my home stereo, walkman and work’s jukebox.

In one sentence, “Vansinnesvisor” (English meaning “Songs of Madness” or “Tunes of Lunacy”) is an ultimate Viking metal record that blows competition away with an impact compared to the stroke of an ancient warrior’s sword going through its victim’s throat. Nothing, I repeat, nothing on this record is short of a pure brilliance. Vocally, Thomas Vaananen deliveries performance of his life. What puts him above the horde of vocalists is not only the ease of use of different vocal styles but passion, dedication and style in which he delivers it. Even though out of 8 songs only 2 are in English I already had my throat worn to shreds until I got to ‘The Voyager’ (first track in English, 4th overall) screaming from the top of my lungs anything that I could come up with at the moment. When ‘The Voyager’ hit I just spat out the blood from my lungs and started all over again. I’m not sure if it is because for the first time I could actually scream something that I could understand; but to this day this track is my personal favorite. Right behind, equally amazing stand the rest of the songs; from most intense and aggressive track in Thyrfing discography 'Draugs Harg' through atmospheric 'Ångestens Högborg' to epic, classical guitar closing 'Kaos Återkomst' “Vansinnesvisor” amazes with diversity but still holds the mystical feeling.

Daniel Bergstrand’s first class production blends all instruments into an immense wall of sound where heavy guitars play the first role perfectly accompanied by subtle keyboards, orchestral arrangements, keyed fiddle and all kinds of additional samplings. Darker and a lot more aggressive than Thyrfing previous efforts “Vansinnesvisor” stands tall above not only anything they’ve done in the past but everything that this genre had to offer.

Bottom Line: This one is for the ages. If one day you don’t want to wake up nursing an axe in your back I suggest an immediate visit in your local record store. You don’t want to piss off the mighty gods after all, do you?

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 10
Originality: 10
Overall: 10

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review by Denis on December 23, 2002.

Not being familiar with Thyrfing, I was far from knowing what to expect with their music. The information I received, including their biography, described their art as metal with a northern touch, folk and symphonic influences, epic keyboards, etc. Sounds good to me! But wait, that's not all. This album just gets better as you listen to it. You uncover the treasures hidden in the magnificent world of epic, symphonic Viking metal. Nothing is left aside to demonstrate what these Swedish musicians are all about. From the torturous cover art to the barbarian photo session inside the booklet, these guys sure have their way of showing what they are: proud Viking warriors!

Everything on this album is loud and clear mostly due to the top-notch production work of Daniel Bergstrand (Devin Townsend, Meshuggah). That doesn't necessarily mean raw and pure aggressiveness without melodies though. These warriors are intelligent enough to add strategic musical subtleties to conquer a wider range of metal starved souls. Among the strategies they use are colorful and symphonic keyboards, fiddle, sampling, choirs, clean vocal appearances and more.

For example, ‘Digerdoden’ is a song that uses those strategic elements. It presents itself in a slow pace, great black metal vocals, superb riffs, pounding drums, and a grand choir. All of this is spiced up with gorgeous keyboard parts. This song, as with most of the numbers, is sung completely in Swedish and if you have read some of my past reviews you know that to me, foreign language in music simply adds a touch of mysticism to the piece. So, as far as I'm concerned it's a plus. On the other hand, two pieces are in English and ‘The Voyager’ is one of them. It starts with fiddle to introduce some great doom guitar parts, and its royal following of symphonic parts, excellent melodic lines, clean backing vocals for the chorus, contrasting with the omnipresent ferocious singing of Thomas, all this ending on a rather thrilling way. Dear people, this is definitely one stand out track. On ‘Vansinnesvisan’ you'll be on your knees telling yourself that you're not worthy. Joining in the celebration are goodies like tribal percussions, mysterious symphonic keys, intricate rhythmic section, changes of mode, and tempo. This other great piece is pretty adventurous and progressive, thus demonstrating excellent musicianship. After an acoustic intro, the barbarian side of Thyrfing returns on the closing song before the adventure of these proud Vikings ends in a traditional Northern way.

Bottom Line: Thyrfing is bound to gather a large crowd of followers with their refreshing musical adventure.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 9.5
Originality: 9.5
Production: 10
Overall: 9

Rating: 9.6 out of 10

Review by Krys on October 16, 2002.

Even though their last album “Urkraft” didn’t make my list of the best albums of 2000, it was with incomprehensible excitement that I was awaiting Thyrfing’s 4th release, “Vansinnesvisor”, smelling something extraordinary and unique. I spied it on the record shelves, and after gleefully popping into my CD player I sit here after weeks of non-stop pounding it on my home stereo, walkman and work’s jukebox.

In one sentence, “Vansinnesvisor” (English meaning “Songs of Madness” or “Tunes of Lunacy”) is an ultimate Viking metal record that blows competition away with an impact compared to the stroke of an ancient warrior’s sword going through its victim’s throat. Nothing, I repeat, nothing on this record is short of a pure brilliance. Vocally, Thomas Vaananen deliveries performance of his life. What puts him above the horde of vocalists is not only the ease of use of different vocal styles but passion, dedication and style in which he delivers it. Even though out of 8 songs only 2 are in English I already had my throat worn to shreds until I got to ‘The Voyager’ (first track in English, 4th overall) screaming from the top of my lungs anything that I could come up with at the moment. When ‘The Voyager’ hit I just spat out the blood from my lungs and started all over again. I’m not sure if it is because for the first time I could actually scream something that I could understand; but to this day this track is my personal favorite. Right behind, equally amazing stand the rest of the songs; from most intense and aggressive track in Thyrfing discography 'Draugs Harg' through atmospheric 'Ångestens Högborg' to epic, classical guitar closing 'Kaos Återkomst' “Vansinnesvisor” amazes with diversity but still holds the mystical feeling.

Daniel Bergstrand’s first class production blends all instruments into an immense wall of sound where heavy guitars play the first role perfectly accompanied by subtle keyboards, orchestral arrangements, keyed fiddle and all kinds of additional samplings. Darker and a lot more aggressive than Thyrfing previous efforts “Vansinnesvisor” stands tall above not only anything they’ve done in the past but everything that this genre had to offer.

Bottom Line: This one is for the ages. If one day you don’t want to wake up nursing an axe in your back I suggest an immediate visit in your local record store. You don’t want to piss off the mighty gods after all, do you?

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 10
Atmosphere: 10
Production: 10
Originality: 10
Overall: 10

Rating: 10 out of 10

Review by Felix on January 20, 2024.

The smallest neighbour of my homeland Germany, Luxembourg, offers an idyllic aura and is attractive to tourists. But as far as I know, it used to be a blank area on the metal map of Europe for a long time. Today, however, some aggressive guys are resident in the well protected Grand Duchy. The five ruffians of Scarlet Anger belong to this species. "Dark Reign" is the fairly ordinary name of their first full-length. It gives witness to the skills of the group in terms of songwriting and musicianship as well. The five-man-army has good ideas without overstepping the borders of their genre. That´s the correct attitude in view of the fortunate circumstance that I am talking about almost flawless thrash metal - the only genre which gives me the pleasant feeling of eternal youth. An illusory placebo, of course, but I like it...

Scarlet Anger´s musical forefathers definitely did not originate from Europe. The band is aligned to the glorious sound of the old Bay Area heroes. The musicians transport the original approach of more or less legendary bands such as Testament or Forbidden into the now and here. And the good thing is that the band successfully avoids rancid song structures. The guitar work convinces from start to finish and the drums make your head bang and your feet tapping. Another positive note is the fact that the band has no problems finding the right balance between melody and rawness. The well designed interplay of fast parts and more harmonic sounds works in an almost brilliant manner. As a result, the album´s flow is impressing.

This full-length has been recorded during two sessions in 2011 and 2012, marked as "Chapter 1" and "Chapter 2". But this does not mean that the record offers two different faces of the band. Scarlet Anger score with a homogeneous appearance. Maybe the second "Chapter" follows a slightly rougher direction. However, there exists no significant difference. More importantly, the high level of "Chapter 1" does not decrease during the album´s second half. This leads to the fact that I am not able to identify a throwaway track. In contrary to the songwriting, the clean production does not build a bridge to the past. The sound can be described as modern, transparent and powerful. Due to the domination of the guitars, the producers obviously knew exactly what is important.

Although thrash metal is undoubtlessly the musical home country of my European neighbours, the band also got a little hardcore injection. The often used back vocals and the aggressive shouting of the lead singer point in this direction. Finally, the album is mastered by Annihilator´s Jeff Waters. This is actually not worth mentioning. But if you still like to listen from time to time to the debut of these Canadians, you surely will enjoy "Dark Reign", too. The target group of the album is clearly defined, now it´s up to you.

Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Review by JD on August 7, 2012.

I see by the bio of this band Scarlet Anger, I have my second Luxembourg based metal band in barely a few weeks. I am thinking that the Metal Gods are trying to tel me something. Sleepers Guilt was my first band I reviewed from this very small country (Rating was 7.4) and I liked that one to a point, then I was handed Scarlet Anger. I put it on, and then my smile could not be quelled.

As straight forward as the music of Scarlet Anger is the explanation of what this band is will be easier still. This is without a doubt old school, balls fucking out, anger fed full out headbanging Thrash Metal played the way it was back when the Big Four were all not-so-well known and were hungry to Thrash our asses off and wanted it really badly to take over the hair spray shit that was calling itself metal. With this Luxembourgian band, you get all that Old Thrash goodness with a fresh set of balls driving it to greater levels that ever before.

Intense riffs, vocals that are a perfect balancing act between shouted and growled and a rhythm section that keeps the Scarlet Anger engine running on all cylinders. Good examples of their prowess are 'New God Rising' with its galloping guitars and thunder bass to the vocal explosive chaos of 'Face Of Evil'. These guys are the poster boys for the return of perfect old styled Thrash. Dispite at time repeating a riff a time or two in another song, this album flat out hits ever note like it was its last.

If there could be better production values, a little more experience and getting a major label’s push, Scarlet Anger just may get very damned close to being in the same league as the Big Four of Thrash. Nobody now could ever ignore these facts any longer: Thrash is not at all close to being dead, it is very much alive and growing stronger to take its place at the head of metaldom - as it should be.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship:8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Production: 7
Originality: 8
Overall: 8

Rating: 8.0 out of 10