Darkthrone – Transilvanian Hunger

Review

Darkthrone's "Transilvanian Hunger" stands as an iconic piece of black metal history, unleashed in 1994. This album represents a transformative chapter for the band, being their first recording as a duo, with Fenriz handling all the instrumental chaos and Nocturno Culto delivering the haunting vocals. The raw, lo-fi production achieved with a humble 4-track in Fenriz's bedroom—a.k.a. "Necrohell Studios"—intensifies the album's dark, visceral atmosphere. With lyrical contributions from Varg Vikernes, the mastermind behind Burzum, the record delves into depths that are both eerie and potent.

Kicking off with the potent title track, "Transilvanian Hunger," the album channels themes of loss and darkness, notably referencing Per 'Dead' Yngve Ohlin of Mayhem. Musically, it’s relentless: fast-paced, aggressive, and drenched in distorted guitars and relentless drumming. Across eight tracks, the band showcases a brutal blend of short bursts of intensity and sprawling, atmospheric compositions. It's no surprise this record found itself on Rolling Stone's list of "The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time" in 2017. For any black metal devotee, "Transilvanian Hunger" remains an unmissable classic, encapsulating the raw power and primordial spirit of the genre’s early days. - Thane