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Track Listing: Those Treasures Will Never Befall You Running for Borders I am the Graves of the 80s Stylized Corpse Circle the Wagons Black Mountain Totem I am the Working Class Eyes Burst at Dawn Brann Inte Slottet

Darkthrone has always been a band of interest for me in the black metal realms. They are a perfect example of an underground black metal band that has withstood the test of time, remaining loyal to their roots. Darkthrone got their start in the local black metal scene in Norway back in 1987. They are strongly opposed to performing in a live setting and Fenriz states "the whole bonding thing is quite disgusting". The two members that make up Darkthrone for the most part keep to themselves, not welcoming much publicity. Darkthrones' musical style is a well-balanced mix between black metal and crust punk, a very interesting and diverse combination of styles that set them apart from most.

The first thing that I noticed during my initial listen of Circle the Wagons is that the music had a very unique and original feel to it. When I tried to think what bands Darkthrone sounded most similar to, not many comparisons came to mind. The recording is very raw, and that sets the feel of the album. I tend to enjoy raw recordings, but occasionally, the raw recording on the CD can just make Darkthrone sound sloppy. I am sure that is the intent, but sometimes it can get just a tad annoying. That being said, compared to most underground black metal acts, the recording on Circle the Wagons is excusable.

If you enjoy black metal and crust punk, this is what you've been looking for. I haven't heard many others do it quite the way they do, and their music is very inventive in comparison to a lot of their peers. Circle the Wagons is the type of album that, at least for me, took a few listens to truly understand and appreciate musically. Songs like "I am the Working Class" and "Running for Borders" are two songs that have grown on me a lot over several listens. A couple of tracks that showcase their inventiveness are "Circle the Wagons" and "Braenn Inte Slottet". Each and every song on the album has an aspect of it that is very original, which is something that I think makes a great album. I think that for an album to be justly great, every song needs to have its own originality and something that sets it apart from the rest of the songs.

Over the years, Darkthrone has perfected and alternated their sound, and has taken a bunch of styles and influences and transformed it into their own sound. They are undoubtedly a band that has always stayed true to their underground roots. It is quite clear that they have no intentions to "make it big," and that is one of the big reasons why I really like them and their music. It's the same reason why I tend to like the majority of underground music. Their style comes off as really authentic and unadulterated. They are not the band for everyone. If you are not willing to take the time to appreciate unique and experimental approaches towards metal music, this album is not for you. If you have an open mind and a lust for hearing something innovative and unusual, Darkthrone's Circle the Wagons is most likely a recording that you will learn to appreciate!

To buy the CD and for more information, please visit the band's official website.