Great with its diversity – 84%
HviteGuden, January 5th, 2022
What a legendary band Celtic Frost was. It emerged among the originators of extreme metal, yet it quickly became a one of the first experimental bands in the metal circles. “Into the Pandemonium” is rightfully considered by many as a one of the earliest avant-garde metal records. Of course, it’s not that avant-garde by the modern standards, but back in 1987 it demonstrated the extremely specific eclectics. Interestingly, many conservative metal enthusiasts fail to understand “Into the Pandemonium” even today.
The album starts straightly with a “shocker”, a metalized cover of the new wave composition “Mexican Radio” by Wall of Voodoo. Still, it’s possible to recognize Tom Warrior’s voice and riffing approach. There are more features of the traditional Celtic Frost. The likes of “Inner Sanctum” and “Babylon Fell” could have been easily put on “To Mega Therion”, as they don’t cross the thrash metal borders. However, those are the only tracks, which majorly remain to be traditional Celtic Frost.
“Mesmerized” and “Sorrows of the Moon” are psychedelic and depressive, influenced by gothic rock/post-punk. Fischer performs vocals in a mournful and ethereal style, which is also a quite gothic feature. The role of an acoustic guitar is important there. “Caress into Oblivion” resembles “Inner Sanctum” and “Babylon Fell” in terms of style and structure, but there are a lot of ethereal vocals like on “Mesmerized” and “Sorrows of the Moon”.
The experimental nature of the album goes beyond the gothic vibes. “One in their Pride” is a post-industrial interlude with an awkward urban atmosphere. “I Won’t Dance” is so catchy and energetic, that it should have been called “I Will Dance” instead. Then the album concludes with “Rex Irae (Requiem)” and “Oriental Masquerade”, where Celtic Frost presents symphonic metal. The orchestral style of these compositions settles epic and tragic mood.
Thus, “Into the Pandemonium” mixed thrash metal with gothic rock, post-punk, symphonic and orchestral music. Today people would have labeled the album as thrash / gothic / symphonic metal, but obviously it couldn’t be perceived this way in 1987. “Into the Pandemonium” deserved the avant-garde status with its extremely innovative eclectics by the standards of 1987. Apart from innovation, influence and other stuff, “Into the Pandemonium” is just a genuinely interesting work to listen to, memorable without a doubt.
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