Trident. Wolf. Eclipse. What comes to your mind when you think of these three words? I figure the album art comes pretty close to whatever that may be, and so does the music. Indeed, frontman Erik Danielsson cites these three words as the three main concepts that fuel the band’s creative output. I have to say that’s quite a unique combination of influences.
It never ceases to amaze me how thrash bands continue to innovate by bashing the same few chords over and over again. In this case, Watain even takes a conservative approach to doing so, using conventional harmonies and instrumentation. If you’re looking for innovation here, then, one can only point to their relentless energy. At points it’s as aggresive and violent as grindcore, but somehow they are able to maintain these jams for several minutes at a time. Amazingly, the music carries on for so long at such an intense dynamic that it can seem both chaotic and contemplative at the same time.
Mike Frasier Music 