Watain - Sworn To The Dark (2007)

     Watain bless the masses with this modern take on Swedish black metal. Sworn to the Dark came with much criticism- boring, gimmicky, and possibly too similarly "ripped off" from "De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas". The thing to appreciate about Watain is that they are able to take the core of what was early 90's black metal and boldly step where no 90's metal stepped before- cleaner production, clearer melodies, all while maintaining a raw & dark atmosphere.

     "Block not my path!
      You futile walls of flesh and blood.
      For I have seen your structure clear
                                                                     and I know where to stab."
     Sworn to the Dark is not the most talked about Watain album, and goes a little unappreciated. I'll admit, there are some dull or unimpressive qualities to the album, where songs run together or just don't leave anything to remember, especially if you're looking for the melodic characteristics found in later albums. There's also quite bit of difference when it comes to tempo from this album in comparison to Casus Luciferi. But the songs that do send forth with great intensity leave you yearning for more. The songs Stellarvore and Sworn to the Dark demand your attention. They're raw, commanding, and memorable, not only for the sake of Erik Danielsson's often hypnotic, shrill vocals, but the tone in the guitars and the lead rhythms that carry the aggressive qualities of the rest of the album.