Very few metal bands have achieved the same level of reverence and mystique as the legendary Immortal. With a career spanning over three decades, the Norwegian act have continuously pushed the boundaries of the genre and now return with their latest opus, ‘War Against All’, Is this the cataclysmic onslaught that reaffirms Immortal’s position as masters (well, now only master) of the frozen wastelands, or now that Demonaz stands sole as member, will he struggle to carry the frost?

From the very first moments of the opening title track, it becomes clear that the band has not lost an ounce of their potency. The raw riffs, thunderous drumming, and Demonaz’s rasp all intertwine to create an atmosphere that is as chilling as an icy gale in the Norwegian wilderness. The band’s signature sound, characterized by its brutal and relentless nature, is ever present throughout the album, yet there are some notable moments where the now one-man band explores new sonic territories.

Tracks like “Blashyrkh My Throne” and “Return to Cold” showcase Immortal’s characteristic way to craft intricate and haunting melodies amidst the chaos. These compositions have an otherworldly aura, drawing the listener deeper into the shivering realm of its creation. The guitar work is nothing short of mesmerizing, with intricate tremolo-picked passages and dissonant chords that might transport you to the darkest corners of the frozen hell.

The overall pacing is relentless, rarely letting up on its destruction. However, there are a few moments of respite that provide a necessary contrast. The amazing instrumental “Nordlandihr” serves as an ethereal interlude, with its haunting melodies and layered textures painting a vivid picture of a desolate wasteland frozen in time. It’s a moment of morbid beauty amongst the darkness, allowing you to catch your breath before being plunged back into the abyss.

Now, let me take a moment to appreciate Demonaz, which like I said above is the sole remaining member of Immortal. Despite losing Abbath in what was one of the most legendary battle of bandmates in modern times, the Norwegian multi-instrumentalist has carried the torch with pride. His guitar skills are on full display throughout ‘War Against All’ as he unleashes a relentless barrage of vicious riffs that would make even the most seasoned axemen shiver in their corpse paint. It’s clear that Demonaz has stepped up to the challenge, proving that Immortal’s icy legacy is in capable hands even if the purest fans might have sided with Abbath’s solo continuation.

Don’t get me wrong, Abbath’s departure from the band did leave a void, but let’s not dwell on the past. Immortal has soldiered on, and Demonaz has not missed a beat since 2015. Obviously, the guy has also taken over vocal duties with an impressive blend of fury and conviction, growling and snarling his way through the album with the might of a demonic blizzard. His dedication to the black metal craft is evident and his determination is unwavering.

While the output is indeed a formidable black metal offering, one aspect that might disappoint some listeners is the lack of significant experimentation or departure from Immortal’s established sound. While Demonaz’s evident dedication to the band’s signature style is commendable, it could leave some craving for a touch of innovation or unexpected twists. While there are glimpses of exploration, these moments are relatively brief and don’t fully transcend the familiar ground. Experimentation is something that I often don’t condone in black metal albums, but in this particular case, it would serve him well if he had created something of his own in terms of musical personality.

In conclusion, though, the record is a triumph. Demonaz, has once again struck gold by creating a chilling and immersive listening experience. The album captures the essence of what Immortal is, with its raw aggression and haunting melodies. ‘War Against All’ is not only Demonaz’s declaration of battle against (well, all) his enemies and critics, but a furious statement that classic black metal is alive and well. If you find yourself wandering through a snow-covered Norwegian forest at night, don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of the Doom Occulta himself, shredding his guitar under the pale moonlight. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.