Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult - Saldorian Spell (2009)

   Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult became a cultic band with time as they kept going with their traditional style of black metal. Meanwhile other alternative experiments showed up in the scene (like in mostly all styles, after they've reached their final borders and can't show anything new, they getting mixed with other styles, turning more technical, progressive ect), but the band stayed at their compromiseless old school way. 
   Previously the band balanced between the traditional Norwegian style and the raw sound of black metal, and that's not different on "Saldorian Spell" either, that was already their 4th full-lenght album. The mix of the 2 directions is probably the most balanced on this album by switching between merciless hammering and catchy leading themes. The role of the atmosphere increased in their music after the first album and that kept back from the effectiveness of the unfriendly sound. On "Saldorian Spell" the atmosphere also cooperates on moderate level. That means there's no lack of rawness, but the album sounds kind of softer than "Follow the Calls for Battle" and still it sounds the most similar to the full-lenght debut. The most enjoyable part in the sound is probably the drums, that reminds to the intense style of old Mayhem. However, it's a style that hardly can disappoint, such as Darkened Nocturn Slaughtercult.