Blood Red Throne – Nonagon

26 years into their career, the kings of Norwegian death metal, Blood Red Throne celebrate with the release of their eleventh studio album entitled Nonagon. It arrives three years after this hard-hitting Norwegian quintet released a behemoth in the form of Imperial Congregation.

They have been playing around for so many years, although in different formations, and it clearly shows. Throughout their 26 years in the scene, Blood Red Throne has always been a combination of groove and brutality. Nonagon is no exception as my first impression, while giving it an initial spin, is that it feels fresh and new.

The lyrical content on Nonagon is loosely based on the nine concentric circles of torment described in ‘Inferno’ by Dante. Thus, the album and it’s nine songs, I find it quite fitting that it’s been conceptualized around that. That being said, every lyric is up for interpretation, and I think it’s the biggest credit you can give to a band when it comes to writing the lyrics.

The album opener is a mean track called “Epitaph Inscribed” and is definitely one of the better songs on the album. It begins with an eerie introduction that erupts into a rasping screams of Sindre Johnsen and killer riff by Daniel Olaisen (the only remaining founding member in the band). Of other stand-out tracks I’ll briefly just mention two, namely a self-titled “Nonagon” being a slow-paced and straight-forward piece, with many interesting moments reminiscent of the likes of At the Gates. Next of the album highlights is “Blade Eulogy” (listen to the track below) as it contains numerous & various riff changes, yet nicely blended into a memorable and catchy song.

There’s no doubt that Nonagon is a well produced album, perfectly enabling each element to be audible in the mix. Mixed and mastered by Ronnie Björnström, the cover artwork is created by Giannis Nakos & Remedy Art Design, Nonagon is a solid & destructive record, just not at the same level as its 2021 predecessor, Imperial Congregation. Meanwhile, make no mistake, as Nonagon is still a quick and ferocious blast of aggressive metal that leaves no doubt that the band are playing at the top of their game.

For additional info on this particular come-back nine-tracker album from Blood Red Throne go to https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/nonagon