Urgehal – Aeons of Sodom

Our partners from Necroeucharist Productions have been kind to provide us once again with a lot of their latest releases. One of these is of a Norwegian black metal legends Urgehal, and their latest album Aeons in Sodom. For the first time it’s been released on cassette, and in a limited edition of 200 copies!

Aeons in Sodom is their final album, recorded in honor of deceased band leader, Trondr Nefas (May 28th, 1977 – May 13th, 2012). On this new 12-tracker cassette the band assembled his final material into one last misanthropic blast from the Nordic abyss. Official recording line-up was; Trondr Nefas (guitar solos), Enzifer (guitars, bass) and Uruz (drums). Nefas’ masochistic screams are too unique to replace, so the band have enlisted the services of venerable Scandinavian metal scene icons to contribute vocals. while Aeons in Sodom features additional vocals by: Nocturno Culto (Darkthrone), Hoest (Taake), Mannevond (Koldbrann), Niklas Kvarforth (Shining), Sorath Northgrove (Beastcraft), Nattefrost (Carpathian Forest, Nattefrost), Nag (Tsjuder), Bay (Sadistic Intent) and R.M (Angst Skvadron). Thus, Aeons in Sodom is a fitting testament to Nefas’ legacy and monument to the origins and purity of true Norwegian black metal.

Following tracks appear as my favourites; “Norwegian Blood and Crystal Lakes”, a mid-paced track that fits Kvarforth’s voice perfectly. “Psychedelic Evil” due to Nag’s (Tsjuder) stellar performance, then a brilliantly executed Sepultura cover “Funeral Rites” (it’s cool and refreshing to listen to this classic song given the modern treatment) and finally the cover of Autopsy’s “Twisted Mass of Burnt Decay” makes this release even more interesting and memorable.

The guys introduced this final album as “We are Urgehal, and We are Here to Fucking Destroy You!. Well, after three spins in my tape-player I can say ‘mission accomplished’! In other words; there’s plenty of darkness, blast-beats and rage in Aeons in Sodom, but not a lot of atmosphere. Oddly enough it’s not necessary, as Aeons in Sodom is first and foremost the destruction of all senses and emotions. It definitely showcases all the skill by the remaining members of Urgehal, and all the contributors from Norwegian black metal community. Minor flaws aside (like slick production), Aeons of Sodom is just wonderful album to lay this iconic band to rest.

Recommended for all fans of the band, but also those into the likes of Behexen, Immortal, Goatwhore, Marduk, Darkthrone and similar Nordic black metal acts. https://necroeucharistproductions.bandcamp.com/album/aeons-in-sodom