Jewel-case CD, 8-page booklet. The third album from 1999 from the Swedish black metal veterans SETHERIAL.
Setherial?s "Hell Eternal" is a defining moment in Swedish black metal, an album that captures the fury and relentless energy of the genre at its most extreme. Released in 1999, the band?s ferocious approach to both composition and production sets it apart as a work of raw aggression and meticulously crafted chaos. With blistering speed and intensity, Setherial evokes a sense of Armageddon, creating an all-consuming soundscape where blast beats and razor-sharp riffs dominate, while the vocals pierce through the wall of sound with an unyielding ferocity.
The production, courtesy of Tommy Tagtgren at Abyss Studio, balances clarity with overwhelming force. The drums, notably precise and punishing, drive the relentless pace, while the guitars layer melody and brutality, giving the album a sense of grandiosity despite its chaotic nature. Tracks like "Towards Thy Realm" and "Shadows of the Throne" showcase Setherial?s ability to blend speed with memorable moments, where the rapid-fire riffs are punctuated by moments of clarity, creating an unforgettable listening experience. The title track, "Hell Eternal", stands out as particularly brutal, with the guitar work following the screams in a way that feels as if the flames are being conjured directly into the listener?s space.
Despite the album?s unrelenting aggression, there are moments of dark beauty within the chaos. The melodies, though buried beneath layers of fury, reveal themselves upon repeated listens, offering a glimpse into Setherial?s ability to craft not just noise but structured, compelling compositions. "The Aeschma Deava" slows things down momentarily, only to build back into an overwhelming crescendo of black metal madness, while "The Nightwinds" provides a more straightforward, yet equally crushing, take on the band?s sound.
Setherial's "Hell Eternal" is not an album for the faint-hearted. Its relentless nature and focus on creating a sonic assault that leaves little room for respite make it a standout in the world of black metal. While comparisons to peers like Marduk and Dark Funeral are inevitable, Setherial carved their own path with this release, one that remains a cornerstone of Swedish black metal?s most ferocious offerings. Fans of the genre will find themselves returning to this album for years, its brutality and brilliance making it a true classic.
