satanic warmaster, opferblut

‘Transylvanian Hunger’ may be one of the most imitated black metal albums of all time, and Satanic Warmaster are probably more responsible for the dumbing down of this style with endless repetition of the techniques it exemplified. But on ‘Opferblut’ we see a more measured and patient release that certainly takes influence from Darkthrone’s classic, but inserts a melodic and emotional core to the style that has something of its own character. What results is an enjoyable and relaxing listen for those well versed with black metal, one that drives forward with intuitive transitions and shifts in key, the predictability of which is one of this album’s chief pleasures.