| Reissue of Enthroned’s blistering sophomore album, Towards the Skullthrone of Satan. Even faster and more vicious than its predecessor, this 1997 onslaught is a relentless storm of raw aggression, dark melodies, and unholy atmosphere. This revamped edition features brand-new artwork and comes in a limited Digipak CD with a booklet.
With their sophomore full-length, Towards the Skullthrone of Satan, Enthroned cemented their place in the pantheon of 90s black metal, delivering an onslaught of pure malevolence that remains one of their defining works. If Prophecies of Pagan Fire introduced their razor-sharp approach to the genre, this album sharpened the blade even further, carving out a relentless, unholy storm of blast beats, venomous riffs, and diabolical atmosphere.
From the moment "The Ultimate Horde Fights" erupts, it's clear that Enthroned had no intention of slowing down. The band takes the listener on a violent, blasphemous rampage through track after track of unrelenting black metal fury. The drumming, originally written by the late Cernunnos and performed here by a session musician, is an absolute highlight, full of relentless blast beats and wickedly placed cymbal crashes that add texture to the storming chaos.
Yet, what sets Towards the Skullthrone of Satan apart from countless other second-wave black metal releases is its impeccable sense of melody amid the savagery. Tracks like "Evil Church" and "Ha Shaitan" demonstrate Enthroned’s ability to balance raw aggression with eerie, almost hypnotic guitar lines that seep into the subconscious. The way these melodic leads emerge from the maelstrom, only to be swallowed again by a furious whirlwind of tremolo-picked riffs, creates an atmosphere that is both punishing and hauntingly memorable.
Lord Sabathan’s vocal performance is another element that elevates this record. His piercing shrieks exude a genuine sense of malice, adding an extra layer of viciousness to the already seething instrumentation. His delivery on tracks like "The Antichrist Summons the Black Flame" feels like an invocation of the abyss itself—ferocious, commanding, and utterly wicked.
While the production is rawer compared to its predecessor, it works in the album's favor, emphasizing the frenetic energy rather than dulling it with excessive polish. The guitars are cold and razor-sharp, while the drums remain clear enough to appreciate the sheer technical prowess behind them. This raw edge further enhances the album’s feral, untamed spirit.
Clocking in at 45 minutes with no fillers, Towards the Skullthrone of Satan is a testament to Enthroned’s ability to conjure an unrelenting black metal experience while maintaining a distinct identity. This album marked the last time the band fully embraced the melodic yet utterly savage approach before shifting towards a more straightforward black metal attack in later years. For those who seek an album that encapsulates the raw energy, melodic malevolence, and relentless speed of 90s black metal at its peak, Towards the Skullthrone of Satan remains an essential listen.
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