Azgarath’s first EP and debut album were released by France d’Oil Productions, a label run by Dunkel, an active figure in the French Black Metal underground, known among others for Sale Freux, Drakonhail and formerly for Saatkrähe. That collaboration seems to have ceased, as this new EP, ‘Old’, is being released through Chaoscibel.
Although the band has chosen to switch labels, it has remained true to the musical direction it previously chose. The biggest change, however, is the duration, where the album had to be released on a double CD, with a total playing time of 120 minutes, this latest work, with about 20 minutes, is a lot more manageable. In case the band is still unfamiliar to you, the title gives you a subtle hint. Everything about ‘Old’ is reminiscent of the more straightforward bands from the Norwegian scene. Think Darkthrone (‘Ablaze In The Northern Sky’), Gorgoroth’s first trilogy and Taake’s ‘Nattestid’. It also comes inclusive of some acoustic passages which certainly adds to the dynamics. Nor will it be by accident that the opening track sings about a shadow of the horns. Due to a somewhat brighter sound, ‘Old’, compared to the bulky previous work does have a little less atmosphere. Perhaps not very uplifting but what these Frenchmen show on this latest EP is definitely worth listening to.
