Gorgoroth

Antichrist (1996)

Whilst the violent intensity of it's predecessor 'Pentagram' has been somewhat reduced (although see Possessed by Satan), 'Anti-Christ' displays more of the narrative melodic ability of the band. It's also a lot more subtle in what it does, and completely driven by a mood of despair and longing, and a melancholic desire to destory the New World (Christianity) so that the Old World (Paganism) can rise from its fiery ashes. Therefore it sounds like a more sorrowful and reflective version of Pentagram, with the same evil, 'possessed by the night' attitude. 

The mini-album format gives it scope for narrative, and here it is presented in five parts (one per song). 

(i) The mind getting in the dark mood, the brooding despair of the modern condition, and the Will pushing to break free of its shackles. 

(ii) The mind continuing to be drawn to the dark powers of the night, wearing down the shackles of Modernity by mourning the lost past. 

(iii) Utterly Possessed by the Night, the dark force escapes, spreading destruction and malice, destroying Christian symbols (the church & the cross) with fiery wrath. 

(iv) The chapter of flickering fire, the appeasing of desire, the flames dance with the night, the shadows of the past begin to emerge. 

(v) The reflection period, the beginning of a new future and sorrow for a past now lost. 

Whether you take this literally (as a representation of a church burning and the mindset) or a metaphor for a spiritual embodiment of Pagan thinking, this remains a strong work in the Norse Black Metal canon.