Review by Daniel for Darkthrone - Circle the Wagons (2010)

After my first listen to "Circle The Wagons" I am left wondering whether I am capable of writing an unbiased review. You see, I was one of the many people who were deeply affected by Darkthrone in the early 1990s. They're raw darkness was so appealing to a teenage kid that didn't fit in. So to hear this release saddened me deeply. It seems totally disposable to me. I feel like they have chosen the regression route for regressions sake. What is the point of making an album that sounds like Motorhead or Venom in today's musical climate? If I want to hear this outdated & simplistic style then surely I would simply pull out my old classic (& more authentic) stuff. I'm sure the band had fun making this record but why taint the name of Darkthrone? This album could easily have been released under another moniker & have kept the bands reputation in tact. Having gotten that off my chest I can admit that I can still recognise some of the elements of the Darkthrone I love in this release but if you are a true Darkthrone fan then I suggest you skip this release & read the reviews of future releases before risking a listen.