Darkthrone - Panzerfaust (1995)

The fifth album from the seminal black metal/punk band Darkthrone, features raw production, heavy vocal effects, and lyrics which summon pangs of despondency within the listener.  It also features lyrics from the dreaded Varg Vikernes of murderous Burzum fame.  While I've listened to Darkthrone's earlier works more extensively, this one was a relatively recent discovery and has quickly become one of my favorite Darkthrone albums.  The Norwegian mastermind behind Darkthrone, Freniz, is a self-described atheist, somewhat of a rarity within the pseudo-cult black metal scene, in which musicians often embrace left-hand path religions such as satanism or Odinism.  While I was initially concerned that their association with Varg Vikerness might also include an association with racism, Darkthrone have maintained an apolitical stance throughout their career – although Fenriz claimed he was once arrested while participating in an anti-apartheid demonstration [1].

Panzerfaust

1. "En vind av sorg" (A Wind of Sorrow)
2. "Triumphant Gleam"
3. "The Hordes of Nebulah"
4. "Hans siste vinter" (His Last Winter)
5. "Beholding the Throne of Might"
6. "Quintessence"
7. "Snø og granskog (Utferd)" (Snow and Spruce Forest (Outro))