What makes Bloodhymns by Necrophobic notable?

Bloodhymns received critical acclaim for its cohesive blend of black and death metal elements, leading to a resurgence of interest in Necrophobic. The album was notable for its exploration of darker themes and contributed to the band's lasting influence on contemporary black metal artists. Released in 2002, Bloodhymns marked Necrophobic's fifth studio album, showcasing a mature sound following their 1999 release, Blood and Iron. The band was solidifying their position within the black metal scene, pushing the boundaries of their musical style while navigating lineup changes that had impacted earlier records.

Who is Bloodhymns for?

Bloodhymns works well if you're into steady mid-tempo progression, dark melodies for intense focus and aggressive rhythms for workout motivation.

How many songs are on Bloodhymns?

Bloodhymns has 10 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Bloodhymns

Necrophobic · 2002

46 min · 10 tracks · black metal

A relentless barrage of aggressive riffs and haunting melodies that encapsulate the darkness of existential dread.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Art of Rebellion — This track stands out with its intricate guitar work and intense energy, reflecting the album's thematic exploration of defiance against societal norms.
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Cult of Blood — With its eerie atmosphere and powerful chorus, this song exemplifies the band's ability to merge melody with ferocity, making it a highlight on the album.
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Blood Anthem — The title track encapsulates the album's essence, intertwining brutal instrumentation with evocative lyrics about sacrifice and devotion to darker powers.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive riffs with haunting melodies, showcasing technical skill and thematic depth.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a relentless tempo, which is maintained through the first half before slowing down in the latter tracks.
Riffs often alternate between aggressive tremolo picking and melodic passages, creating a contrast that enhances the emotional weight of the music.
The use of layered vocals, combining harsh growls with higher-pitched screams, creates a dense vocal texture that complements the instrumental aggression.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo progression
dark melodies for intense focus
aggressive rhythms for workout motivation
immersive listening on long drives

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
seek lighthearted, cheerful tunes

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2002, Bloodhymns marked Necrophobic's fifth studio album, showcasing a mature sound following their 1999 release, Blood and Iron. The band was solidifying their position within the black metal scene, pushing the boundaries of their musical style while navigating lineup changes that had impacted earlier records.
Stylistic neighbors: Dissection· Dark Funeral· Behemoth