Review by Ben for Satyricon - Dark Medieval Times (1994)

Hugely atmospheric and majestic black metal from a time when Satyricon were truly great.

Satyr and Frost may be writing catchy, crunchy metal these days that works well live, but they are not even remotely as interesting or creative as they were when Dark Medieval Times was recorded. This album has so many dimensions thanks to Satyr's genius ability to create thick atmosphere and Frost's drumming virtuoso. The production is suitably raw and full, yet each instrument gets plenty of room to breathe. The riffs are cold and dark, yet epic and majestic. The acoustic interludes, keyboards and samplings are beautifully performed and chosen. Frost's drumming is never anything but perfect (as I can personally attest after witnessing them live recently) and Satyr's vocals fit the mood impeccably with a combination of venom and grace. It's a simple case of two kindred spirits working together to create a monumental whole.

Album opener Walk the Path of Sorrow is probably the band's finest moment along with Mother North off Nemesis Divina. The title track, Into the Mighty Forest and Taakeslottet are almost as good, and Min Hyllest til Vinterland is a beautiful instrumental piece filled to the brim with wintry atmosphere. It's very difficult for me to find fault within this work, but I guess some of the song structures don't fit as neatly together as they could, breaking from black metal riffs to acoustic passages and back without really transitioning in a pleasing way. But after a couple of listens, you come to accept these flaws as part of the unique, fascinating experience that is early Satyricon. An underrated album for sure!