Dark Medieval Times
Satyricon · 1993
43 min · 7 tracks · black metal
A haunting blend of atmospheric melodies and relentless black metal energy evokes the eerie essence of dark fantasy realms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Walk the Path of Sorrow Start here — This track opens with an atmospheric intro that sets the tone for the entire album, blending melancholic melodies with powerful riffs that embody the essence of black metal.
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Dark Medieval Times — The title track encapsulates the album's themes with its majestic yet foreboding soundscapes, highlighting the band's ability to merge melody and aggression seamlessly.
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Into the Mighty Forest — This track features intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts, illustrating Satyricon's capacity for creating immersive sonic landscapes that transport listeners to mythical realms.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends atmospheric elements with black metal aggression, establishing a unique sound within the genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric introduction that builds tension before launching into faster, aggressive riffs.
- Melodic guitar lines frequently intertwine with blast beat drumming, creating a contrast between melody and intensity.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for atmospheric development, often fading out rather than concluding abruptly.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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 progression with haunting melodies
- immersive journey through dark landscapes
- evocative soundscapes for deep reflection
- for solitary evening listening
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer upbeat, energetic tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Debut album that established Satyricon in the black metal scene.
- Career context
- Upon its release in 1993, 'Dark Medieval Times' was Satyricon's debut album, marking their entry into the Norwegian black metal scene. The album came at a time when the genre was rapidly evolving, following the early works of bands like Mayhem and Burzum, and positioned Satyricon as pivotal figures in this burgeoning movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Darkthrone· Emperor· Immortal
Tracklist
- 1 Walk the Path of Sorrow Start here 8:18
- 2 Dark Medieval Times 8:11
- 3 Skyggedans 3:55
- 4 Min hyllest til vinterland 4:29
- 5 Into the Mighty Forest 6:18
- 6 The Dark Castle in the Deep Forest 6:22
- 7 Taakeslottet 5:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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